Scrapbooking at Amigo

Here are a few pictures and comments from past participants. I asked them what was most meaningful to you?

Spending time with a friend I don't often see

Relaxation and Time

Flexible Scrapbooking hours, no assigned seating

Freedom from "should"

just spending time with friends and family and being able to reflect on my family while working on pictures of them

the relaxing time, the beautiful setting-I love this place!

Our next one is December 4-6, in which we will also have a quilt retreat happening as well with bible studies on Sisters of the Bible. This next spring we have two, March 19-21 and the Mother/Daughter crop, May 7-8.

grace&peace

Jason

Wildflowers

In this week's staff devotion, Cheryl shared an article about hours in the day and never having enough time to get everything done that we want to get done. Then she shared this passage from Matthew 6:30-33 from the Message

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.
Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

After hearing that passage, I went looking for some pictures that help remind how God takes care of us and no matter how hard I work, I can never create anything that compares to these. But that doesn't mean that I don't try, instead I strive to enjoy the creative process learning from my mistakes and shortcomings. I take solice in knowing that the Creator loves all of Creation even me.

grace&peace

Birds!

Pictures by Cheryl Mast

Introducing Ben Rheinheimer

Well some of you know that this is not a picture of Ben, but I thought we could use it for now. Besides I just like this picture.

Seriously, though we are excited to have Ben speaking at the February Senior High Retreat. I first met him at a winter retreat in PA, but I know that he is one of our favorites here at Amigo. And while many of you might know him, here is some more information that Ben provided.

A renowned slacker with a passion for life, Ben Rheinheimer currently resides in Goshen, Indiana. When he is not lost in his own thoughts, Ben enjoys watching football, taking long walks on the beach, and playing video games. In reality, only two of those three are true. Ben's previous jobs have included sewer maintenance, pastoring, and stay-at-home fathering. These jobs have given him a wealth of experiences that he still uses on a daily basis. Currently Ben works with students at Middlebury Community Schools which allows him to fulfill one of his many interests; working with youth. If you would ask Ben what his favorite color is, he would probably say Gamboge. It’s a real color, Google it. Outside of work Ben tries to spend time with his family, his friends, and his faith. However he is constantly reminded that he still has room to grow in all three areas. Ben is looking forward to this weekend of fun, faith, and friends.

Theme: Stepping Stone or Stumbling Block: You Choose

I am looking forward to having Ben at camp along with our other speakers. Tina, Marc and Jeff. Each of them have their bios up on the blog.

Energy Savers

I came out of my office today and saw this pile of stuff out by the pavilion, so I thought I should investigate.

In this blurry photo, Ross is feeding insulation in and up in the attic Bob is blowing it into the walls. This is a great way to conserve energy, don't use as much to begin with.

Then I looked closer and found out that this insulation is made up of recycled newspaper. In fact, you can still see some of the words in it. Ross told me it was a collection of short, short stories.

I am amazed at all the little things they do around here to be sustainable and aware of the environment. They do them quietly and because they are the right thing to do. While we are not perfect, it is great to be at a place that works to live in harmony with creation.

grace&peace

Jason