A Conversation With Myself

Nothing like packing up all your belongings and moving to a new location to make you evaluate your life. Last week, after four months living out of a suitcase and in small accommodations, Scott and I have finally moved into our home here at Camp of the Woods.

Just to be clear from this point forward, anything I write will NOT be a complaint. No one wanted to move and start over more than I. My heart is happy and filled with gratitude.

But friends, moving is hard (insert whining). Oh my back, my feet! Not to mention my emotions. Just under four years ago we engaged in what I then referred to as the big move because we packed up our home of fourteen years. At that time, Drew was home from college and at my side as my lovely assistant while Scott finished one job and started another. Ben and Ally were in school.

In case I've never said it here, Drew is a good son. He's the only person on the planet I know who never complains, about anything! I have no idea where he got it from. Oh wait, maybe his Dad. Come to think of it, Ben doesn't complain much either. (Burtis women need some help in this area.)


Anyway, between he and I, we moved twenty one years of life ninety minutes down the road and had it unpacked and settled in less than three days. I would empty boxes and throw them down the stairs. The kid made all the boxes and packing material disappear while I decorated for Christmas. Don't judge me - we moved on December 16, I had no choice! It ain't easy being Type A. It ain't easy being the child of one either. He does it well. For being Scott's clone, he does seem to have a little of me in him. I know, you'll pray for him.

This time around, it was just me and Scott. Same scenario except now we are both juggling jobs and have no slaves, I mean kids here to do all the things we don't want to do, I mean help us. Ahem. The empty nest is great for some things, not so much for others.

I'd like to tell you it was smooth sailing, but in my heart there was a war going on. Believing by faith for the past year that God would be moving us upon Ally's graduation, I was weeding out unnecessary items for months. You know, the things that don't need to follow us to our next place. I thought I was making a significant dent. Well, as I saw the boxes pile up and the space on the trucks (yes, plural - don't get me started - I'm not even going to tell you we also filled two vans, a trailer and Scott has to go back for one more trip) shrink, I grew more and more agitated. What are we doing with all this stuff?

I may or may not have even muttered, "You know the kids are just going to throw all this out when we die anyway, what are we keeping it for?" I was near meltdown stage for two days, the day we packed the trucks and the day we unpacked them.

I may or may not have wailed things like, "Why do we have all these clothes?" or "Where did we get all these reusable bags? and hangers?" or "Are we ever going to drink out of all these mugs?" or "Who is going to read all these books?" "Under no circumstances are you to allow me to buy another throw blanket or pair of colored tights!" and the biggie... "I declare NO ONE is getting clothes for Christmas this year! Not one item! Not even Christmas jammies!" It's bad here, folks.

In an effort to feel better, I left a pile of garbage at the place we left and I created a whole new one upon arrival (significantly bigger!).

Don't tell Scott, he'll never know what he's missing. I even donated 55 books from my own personal library. That's big!

As good as that purge felt, even it didn't make the problem go away.

I inherently knew it was time to take a step back from my life and evaluate its course. I needed to have a conversation with myself. I don't want to be tied down by stuff. But I love my things. But I don't need all this. But I want it all (...and more if I'm brutally honest). See the war?

Ultimately, I do want to live leaner physically, materially, and spiritually so I can serve the Lord without distraction. Kind of like what the writer of Hebrews suggests in 12:1

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Speaking of a great cloud of witnesses, very recently, in an effort to learn the history of Camp of the Woods, I read a document written by the founder called "Pop Tibbitts' Personal Resolve" formulated in 1907.

I was quite moved by it and sought permission to share it here. This text motivates me to live a more well-ordered and purposeful second half of my life. I hope after you read it, you are inspired too.
I love that it was written in 1907 and yet is timeless and valuable to all generations. See for yourself.


"Whereas my earthly career must be but a few short years and realizing the necessity of a zealous, concentrated and intelligent service for my Maker:

1.  That with God’s help I will live a true life, with one supreme ambition, namely, to do His will and spend my life in unselfish endeavor to present the Gospel of salvation to mankind.

2.  That I will live a quiet, restful life, not anxious nor restless, knowing that “it is not by might nor by power, but by My spirit” that victory and success is won.

3.  That I shall spend a portion of every day in devotional Bible study and communion with Him.

4.  That I will abide in Him so that His presence and power may be revealed through me. 

5.  That my vision of the work and its need shall be as broad as humanity and the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. 

6.  That I shall be stable in my belief, tactful, a living sacrifice, but not fanatical.

7.  That my ambition will not be greater than my judgment in caring for my body, so that I will be able to do the work to which He assigns me.  That I will live, at stated periods, close to nature that my body may be re-created and my soul refreshed.

8.  That I shall endeavor to introduce at least one person to Jesus Christ each day and teach that one to know Him as a personal Savior.  Where a conversation is either inadvisable or impossible, other means to the same end shall be employed, such as tracts and other religious literature.

9.  That I will prize every individual, making no difference as to condition, education or position, knowing that the soul is of more value than the whole world, and that Jesus Christ came to save every sinner, “not willing that any should perish.”

10.  That I shall have true sympathy and compassion for all men, patient with those who are thoughtless, ungrateful and critical; and ever seek to do for others as I believe Christ would do for them and for me.

11.  That I will rely completely upon the Holy Spirit for guidance, instruction and power for service. 

12.  That these simple fundamentals shall be read at least once each week to the end that I may be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 

See what I mean? That's good stuff! I highlighted phrases that could use attention in my life. Yes, I know it's nearly all of them. I plan to take some time these next weeks as we head toward a new calendar year, to consider these and possibly create my own Personal Resolve, then endeavor to live it with gusto. I have a feeling I may be stealing some of Pop Tibbits' ideas.

In the meantime, we are almost all unpacked. Nothing left to do but decorate for Christmas.

Happy Last Day of September

Is it really only Wednesday? Feels like Friday to me. We've been going, going, going for a while now and I'm feeling a little whipped in an I'm-so-happy-I'm-annoying-kind-of-way.

Today the staff was treated to a lunch cruise on Racquette Lake as a thank you for a hard-working summer. Figures this would be the day it rained and was cloudy all day, but still, the Adirondacks in September are gorgeous.

This was our vessel.

The food and company was terrific.

And need I say more about the scenery? Breathtaking.

We were back in Speculator by about 3pm and were given the rest of the day off. This is where I headed. I'm a little ashamed to say it's taken me a month since coming here on full time staff to come here (look, it's getting bigger!)....

and get one of these, but today is the day!

You'll never guess what I found around a corner....I may or may not have jumped up and down inside. Inside my head, not inside the room.

For all the years we have camped in the Adirondacks, I've always taken note of the books in gift shops written about its history, geography and biographies telling the old stories. I've never read one, but late in the summer declared a new now-that-we-live-in-the-mountains empty nest goal to begin reading these books.

And here they are!  In the Adirondack Room of the Lake Pleasant Public Library no less. Have I died and gone to heaven? Not really, but I certainly have found a new happy place. This should keep me busy all winter. For a few winters most likely.

We had a blast last weekend with my NSBC ladies here at Camp of the Woods. It felt like we had invited them all to our place for a few days. Waiting on them and serving them was an absolute pleasure. It was so wonderful to hug, kiss and catch up with as many as I could spend time with. Some of them even gave me gifts. They know me. I am thankful for longtime friends who give the gift of understanding.

My favorite thing was hearing over and over again, "It's good to see you and Scott so happy." And the way they hugged him and fussed over him was the best.

Friday night I was ready to turn in by 10:45pm (late for me). As I started walking back toward where we live Scott zoomed up, tossed me a set of golf cart keys and said, "Let's go! The 300 Spanish ladies just arrived." Yep, twice in one month.

For the next hour and a half or so Scott, our buddy Paul and I carted these women and their luggage all over camp. For these NYC ladies, it was not only disorienting to arrive in the dark but very cold too. They didn't bring warm enough clothes for our mountain nights and mornings. I especially enjoyed the way they packed like sardines into my cart and when I asked, "Where am I taking you ladies?", they just smiled. No Ingles (accent over e). Woohoo!

The rest of the weekend was a blur, a very happy blur.

However, I was able to sit in on the last two sessions with a special missionary speaker. A few of the things she taught are still rattling around in my head and heart.

In regard to the humility Paul teaches us to emulate in Philippians:

Do nothing out of vain conceit, but in humility 

consider others better than yourselves. 

Each of you should look not only to 

your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature

of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself

and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!  2:5-8*

Jesus became likes those beneath Him. To serve them. With no regard for His obvious high standing. We should do likewise. Do I ever do that?

She later asked this question, "Are you willing to follow Jesus anywhere? Into unpleasant circumstances? Into loneliness?"

Jesus walked a lonely road. He started out with multitudes, then tightened His circle to less and less until He had 12, then 3 and then it was just He and God, His Father.

He taught and led us by example. We don't need to be afraid of where He may invite or require us to go. Even unpleasant circumstances. Even loneliness.

Just like God was always with Jesus, they both along with the Holy Spirit, will be with us.

Don't be afraid. If you are in a relationship with God, you will never be alone. It's a promise you can count on.

*bold mine 

Fall is Here

Well, good morning! Today, Timberline, the coffee shop I ate in last week on my morning off (Adirondack latte to jog your memory), is closed but Common Grounds, my favorite is open. Go figure! I hope I learn this rhythm soon. I guess as long as one of them is open I'll survive.

Anyway, as you know, the First Day of Fall has come which seems to be most everyone's favorite season. I've even been known to declare it the 'First Day of the Most Wonderful Time of the Year'. Because it is. From now until about mid-February, every day is delightful.

I'm pleased to disclose that decorating the lobby here at Camp falls into my job description. I can hardly stand it. If ever there was a doubt that God prepared a place for us and called us here (which there isn't), this fact would dispel that notion.

Because we are in this together (aka #emptynestadventure) Scott and I grabbed a van and drove south until we found a farm stand. There are not many farm stands in the Adirondacks.

Maybe a larger vehicle would have been prudent.

We crammed mums and pumpkins into every nook and cranny.

Conversation on the way back was limited.  And our arms were scratchy. He didn't complain at all. This man is a good sport.

The next day things started lining up nicely....

And before you know it....

It all came together.

Just a little aside for those of you who see lights and think Christmas....I am a firm believer that white lights in the Adirondacks are accepted year round. Accepted and expected. Can I get an amen?!

All done! Well, until I move my stuff up here and unpack some more goodies.

I was eager to get this done by mid-week because today is a BIG day. We are expecting more than 500 ladies this weekend and 107 of them are very special to me. The NSBC group will be arriving. Our beloved church of 17 years. The women I lived life, served God, and raised kids with will be here. I am so excited. Scott, formerly known as Mr. MOPS and later Mr. Women's Ministry, is too.

Just like old times, he and I get to serve these ladies every day they are here. Well, let's be honest, Scott will do most of the work while I sit with these favorites and talk, talk, talk. I'm sure there will be many pics to come.

For all those asking, and there have been many, yes the leaves are starting to change. 

 In other big news at camp. Ok maybe that's a slight exaggeration.  I took this picture the other night. I showed it to our marketing guy, Brandon, who promptly put it up on the Camp of the Woods Facebook page. The next day he told me it's the most popular picture ever posted! Over 900 likes and 100+shares.

When God shows off people dig it!

It really was spectacular. You should come for a visit. Rest is a requirement here.

Come to me (Jesus), all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take 

my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you 

will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  

Matthew 11:28-30

Rest is important, my friends, it restores the soul. I pray you enjoy some this weekend.

Would You Like An Adirondack Latte?

It's been another beautiful week here on Lake Pleasant. I wonder if it's ever going to rain. Perhaps God is planning to give us a record breaking season of snow to replenish the lakes and streams. That would be ok with me. The leaves are just starting to change colors. I'll keep you posted on their progress.

Ally, of course, has been gone to Word of Life for ten days now, but only in a temporary dorm as she was there early to try out for the volleyball team (which she made - yay!). So we loaded up her stuff and got her all settled in the room she'll be in until June. It was fun and I was chuckling when she gave Scott this job. She is her mother's daughter. 

It's been another fun week of new discoveries. We finally had an opportunity to go to church here in town. After which, our young co-workers invited us to brunch at none other than my favorite coffee shop. We had a good time hanging out with them.

One day the Director of Housekeeping asked me to come to one of the rooms in the building I work in (picture hotel rooms). When I arrived, two of his staff were also there trying to choose a pattern for new bedspreads and asked my opinion. How fun! Have I mentioned how much I love my job?

Later in the week as work was winding down our new friends asked, "Are you coming to Taco Thursday tonight?" Which of course begs the question, "What's Taco Thursday?"

So I guess all the cool kids go to Oak Mountain, a ski lodge here in town for $1.29 tacos. Since I still haven't moved my kitchen here, it sounded good to us. In an effort to make good on my empty nest pledge that Scott and I become more active, I suggested we walk. Some of the girls said it was probably about a mile and a half. I think that's a reasonable distance for a yummy dinner. So four of us headed out on a beautiful trail I had not seen yet and plan to visit as the foliage turns and later when it's a snowy trail.

Here's the stats: 1.38 miles up, 2 miles down when you choose the path through town. The tacos were pretty good too. Except, note to self, they are small and three are not going to cut it for an entire meal for hungry hikers, especially after walking uphill to get there. But, still, we walked UP A MOUNTAIN for our supper. How cool is that? The company was enjoyable too. It's so nice of these kids to feel sorry for us old folks and ask us to join them.

Just last night this little message was on Scott's board in his office.

Aren't they adorable thinking we stay up that late? I wonder how fun it was.

One of us had a brilliant idea this week. I'm not going to say who. But I will say it resulted in a bit of a schedule change for me. On Fridays, the day groups come, instead of me working 8am-4pm while Scott works 8am-10pm, I am starting to work 12pm-8pm. This way I can be here when they all start to arrive in late afternoon and early evening, because this is when the fun starts. Not to mention that I get to work more with Scott and not hang back in our room by myself all night.

Did you notice the other awesome treat? I get Friday mornings off! Since I don't sleep past 6am ever - that's a long time! Yesterday was Friday. I found another coffee shop to hang out in. My first favorite has moved to "winter hours" which basically means, "We open when we feel like it. Try and figure it out." This will take some time, I think.

Anyway, as I perused the menu, which is delightful to understate it. I asked my server for her recommendation. "Have you tried our Adirondack latte?"
A what? Sounded like something I need to have. "What makes it Adirondack?"
"We make it with real maple syrup."
"Oh my word. Yes. Yes, I'll have one."
Far be it from me not to fully engage in my new surroundings.

I was not disappointed. Next, I learned all the foods and baked goods are homemade. Uh-oh.

ham and pineapple quiche

cranberry almond scone

If all this wasn't marvelous enough, while I was enjoying my breakfast, I could swear I heard the sweet sound of Karen Carpenter's voice, then Barry Manilow. What is this place? A gift, a new place I want to spend time at, that's what it is.

And the best part - it wasn't long before a woman came up to my table and introduced herself. She said, "You must be the new Registrar at Camp of the Woods. I've heard about you and your husband and am so pleased to meet you." Small town, baby. How charming.

When I finally dragged myself out of there so some tourists could have a seat, I discovered the dense fog had burned off and it was a gorgeous morning. So I quickly got my Bible and journal and headed to the empty beach.

I sat there with God for two hours. That's right - two hours. It was glorious. Will I ever tire of this sight?


I tell you, I am a slave to the long quiet time. The more time the better. It's not as easy to come by now that I work full time but I'm not giving up! I really need that slow, unhurried block of time to wholeheartedly listen and pray.

Creativity starts flowing the longer I am still. I get new ideas. I want to try stuff out. Usually on my kids. Some of that is coming their way soon.

More time, means more people come to mind to pray for. Especially the ones who are really hurting or sick. As I thumbed through my Bible, something fell out.

A while ago, on an index card, I had written out the very familiar Psalm 23 and plunked my name and the Lord's in every time there was a personal pronoun. It looked something like this.

The Lord is Angela's shepherd; Angela shall not want.

The Lord makes Angela lie down in green pastures.

The Lord leads Angela beside still waters.

The Lord restores Angela's soul.

The Lord leads Angela in paths of righteousness for the Lord's name's sake.

Even though Angela walks through the valley of the shadow of death, Angela will fear no evil, for the Lord is with Angela; The Lord's rod and the Lord's staff, they comfort Angela.

The Lord prepares a table before Angela in the presence of Angela's enemies; The Lord anoints Angela's head with oil; Angela's cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and mercy will follow Angela all the days of Angela's life, and Angela shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I read it aloud many times, until it stuck and comforted me. I'm glad I kept it and know I need to pass it on. I typed it all out for a friend of mine today with her name inserted and sent it to her. She responded that she loved seeing her name in that comforting passage. Maybe you would too.

And that's how I will leave you today. With homework! I want you to get out your own Psalm 23 and put your name in every slot. Read it until it works. Be sure and read it out loud. It makes a difference. I promise it will.

I'll make it easy for you. 

The Lord is ________'s shepherd; ________ shall not want.
The Lord makes _________ lie down in green pastures.
The Lord leads _________ beside still waters.
The Lord restores _________'s soul.
The Lord leads _________ in paths of righteousness for the Lord's name's sake.

Even though _________ walks through the valley of the shadow of death, ________ will fear no evil, for the Lord is with _______; The Lord's rod and the Lord's staff, they comfort ________.

The Lord prepares a table before _______ in the presence of ________'s enemies; The Lord anoints _______'s head with oil; ________'s cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow ________ all the days of ______'s life, and _______ shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Now exhale and believe it. Repeat often. Know you are so loved.

Do You Think I'm Ready?

It's Friday night and we're back to empty nesting it. Just the original two. Promise you won't tell our kids how much we love it. I couldn't be more surprised and delighted. Best kept secret in parenting. Well, it's not really a secret, we were told by many it would be more than good. I just didn't believe it. I'm a believer now.

Life here at camp has changed drastically since Labor Day. No guests here all week. It's so quiet. The phones don't ring much and I've cleaned just about everything in the office. The full time staffers love it. They are exhaling from a long, busy summer. I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet.

One thing I know for sure is that  I'm beginning to think I was born to live here. Almost no humidity, cool mountain nights and mornings. And the winter yet to come makes me practically giddy! This is the view about 50 steps from our current housing. Not a bad place to start and finish the day.

And this is the view from where I'm sitting right now (just outside my office, the Front Desk). Why? Because the wifi doesn't reach the beachfront.

Have you ever seen such a beautiful, Adirondack room? I've loved it for many years but now get to look at it every day. What a gift!

While the sad news is that Summer Season is over, the good news is that Conference Season has begun. 400+ Spanish women have descended upon us this weekend. Word on the street is that most of them don't speak any English and they are tons of fun. Guess who's the (new) guy in charge of keeping them happy? They are sure keeping my husband busy. Good thing he's had lots of experience being Mr. Women's Ministry for many years. Nothing rattles him.

After

I finished up my last craft project of the summer. Crafts aren't offered in conference season. I miss it already. Want to see what I made?

Before

It will require these little lights, of course, but since I don't like to rush Christmas (ahem), I won't even put them on to demonstrate. It is too early. But I bet you can imagine the finished project.

Tuesday we took Ally to college. The drop off was so good and comforting. There's no place I'd rather her be. It was also painless. Not sad at all. Probably because we are only living 45 minutes away from her and we expect plenty of "Can you come up and bring me ______?" or "Can I borrow the van to take some friends somewhere?" calls. Still, she's flown out of the nest and will be exercising even more independence. We are all ready.

One of the nights before she left, we were enduring, I mean, enjoying her bedtime shenanigans when she rolled over, sat up, looked me in the eyes and said, "Do you think I'm ready, mom?"

"Yes. Do you?"
"I don't know. I need some of your confidence."

I keep going over that last sentence, wondering how many times in my life I could have said that. For as long as I can remember, even up to recent days, when a well-meaning friend says, "You can do this, why don't you try?", I'm not inclined to believe I can.

I am always attracted to someone else's confidence. Truth be told and no disrespect intended, I grew up hearing things like "Well, no one ever accused you of being a genius." and "You've never been the sharpest tool in the shed."  I'm sure those words were spoken in jest, but it didn't feel like it at the time. They still made a mark. You see how they are still with me?  That's the thing about our words.

No wonder the Bible addresses our speech so often. Words can hurt. They can steal life.  

 Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. Prov. 18:21

Gracious speech is like clover honey— good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body. Prov. 16:24

 The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it. 

Prov. 10:32

The words of the wicked kill; the speech of the upright saves. Prov. 12:6

Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Prov. 18:20  (I just love that!)

With the Spirit's help and a heart that beats for others' best interest, our words can also give life! And they always should.

You guessed it. We sent her off with a solid dose of our confidence (see it on her face?) but a little something else too. After my initial answer of yes to her question, I added, "But you still need to ______ and _____ and _____ to achieve success in college. I know you've got it in you." Realism. Not going too far in my giving of confidence that might set her up for failure.

Maybe you think it's not possible to do just that, but I disagree. Because we love, we want so much to encourage and sometimes we inadvertently say things that really aren't true. When I hear a parent say to a child, "You can do anything if you put your mind to it", I kind of shudder. That's not realistic. Think about it. Not everything is possible for everyone, no matter how badly you want it or how hard you work for it.

It's like when I watch American Idol. A contestant steps up to the microphone and clearly cannot carry a tune in a bucket (much like myself). Naturally, this hopeful person gets slaughtered by the judges. I often think at this point, "Who told him he could sing? Who encouraged her to go for it?", and "How's he feeling now?".

We really need to avoid the practice of false flattery. This is neither kind or helpful. There's so much room to be kind and generous with our words without crossing that line.

Can someone accomplish more than they think they can? Absolutely! And that's where our resounding confidence should be given generously.

Our words must be measured, well-placed, and delivered with grace and truth. One without the other doesn't work. All truth with no grace is harmful. All grace without truth is dishonest. Hearers need both. I need both. When I know a compliment is coming from a person committed to this type of speech, I will more readily believe it. I won't worry that they said it just because they love me.

Every word matters. I for one, know I need to be more careful with how I sling mine around. (Don't even get me started on the subject of sarcasm.) 

God's Words, graciously recorded for us in the Bible are the ones we should be giving to others in the correct context the most often, which means we need to be familiar with them ourselves. Below is my all-time favorite parenting verse, but it suits this conversation as well. I think it's as good a place as any if you need a fresh start with your words.

Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you’ll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth. 
Deut. 11:18-21

That's what I'm talking about! I hope you have a special weekend filled with all the things you love and that many kind, life-giving words come your way.

All Bible references from The Message