Each year at Gull Lake Ministries, they have theme night dinners, and shamefully this year I didn't get many pictures of them. Dinner time is so busy trying to feed four little ones that the super hero night, and stars and stripes are missing altogether, but here are a few to remember 2018 by.
Nacho Fiesta night found these two amigos wearing sombreros and mustaches!
Pac Man Arcade 80's night was enjoyed by all to...
It was 5:00, and I stood on the shores of the beach at Gull Lake as I had done many, many summers before, but this time was different. This time, I was standing anticipating the baptism of my incredible, Jesus loving seven year old daughter. I don't have the words to adequately describe what is like to watch this once orphan, turned daughter, publicly testifying that she loves Jesus and longs to serve Him with her life. I sat there watching, pondering all that has transpired in her seven short years of life that has led her to this moment. I sifted through the ashes these years have left her, and the beauty that God has generated from them. Then, I thanked God for his sovereignty, His protection of her, and I praised Him even more abundantly that He has given me a chance to have a small part in her life. What an overwhelming privilege to be her momma, and lead her to Jesus! Her little heart loves the Lord, and, while she struggles with so many emotional demons, this little girl is going to do much for His Kingdom because she gets it in a way that I couldn't at her age because of all that God has allowed her to experience. While it breaks my heart to think of all the ways that Satan has done his best to destroy her, watching her gain victory through Jesus is just so amazing, and He is so real to her.
Her counselor, Miss Bridle, praying for her.
Anna Mei and Miss Bridle
Daddy, Momma, and Anna Mei after her baptism.
Though watching her commit to following Jesus brought me such JOY, I shed a tear for the millions of orphans this very minute who will never know the arms of a Godly father baptizing them. Go get these babies! Be Jesus' hand and feet to love the fatherless as He commands. Don't let Satan claim this generation of children whose potential is unlimited, and who could do great things for Him!
There are a million things to do at Gull Lake Ministries, but through the years, the beach is our absolute favorite! It was special to have this new little beauty here with us.
The little girls can't get enough.
They are getting older and so we could take a shorter nap this year.
That meant we could spend more time in the water.
Anna Mei was big enough to go out to the blob by herself without Daddy this year. She was very, very proud of that.
Paddle boats with momma is always a highlight.
Jilly just loves her some water and sand.
These girls are so precious swimming every day away.
How I love, love to watch them enjoying this week each year.
Here is where I overload you with memories of our annual week at Gull Lake Ministries. If you are looking for an amazing, God centered place to spend your family vacation, you couldn't do better than this place. We have been going for nine years, and it never disappoints. We love it!
The first night was a baseball theme. My little girls were darling in their gear.
The theme night dinners are always a memory maker for my girls.
Love that my big girl is able to participate so fully as the dining hall used to scare her out of her wits. She has come such a long way, and loves everything about Gull Lake Ministries.
Our little baseball tolerated the noise and action pretty well too.
The best part of the week is spending it with our dear friends. There is much more to come as I can't resist publishing these memories.
One of our favorite parts of Gull Lake Ministries are the theme nights. Four of the nights are family dinner nights where we all dress up, and enjoy themed entertainment. The girls love it! In fact each year in the spring when the theme nights are released for the coming summer, we begin to anticipate the fun of it all!
This year there was Olympic night.
We wore our USA gear, Olympic medals, and ring glasses.
Our very special girl has never eaten with a metal spoon. Because of her oral defensiveness, even eating with a plastic spoon has been a big challenge at times. Well this week the first night at dinner, this girl picked up a metal spoon, and ate with it! Miracles never cease here in this special place!
Western Boot Scootin, Belt Buckle Ball was also a theme this year.
We were cows.
There was a fun filled Safari night too.
Anna Mei wanted to be a lion.
They weren't too fierce though.
The last night was the annual Stars and Stripes carnival.
There are always so many fun activities like face painting, snow cones, carnival games, and patriot games. It is always the girls favorite night. This year, they opened a new activity. This giant jumping pillow! The girls LOVED it!
Jilly loved it so much that she and Daddy spent nearly two hours jumping here on the last night. If you are looking for an amazing family vacation that is centered in the Lord, I can't encourage you enough to check out Gull Lake Ministries. For eight years, we have been enjoying amazing weeks here each summer, and it never disappoints. Our kids can't wait to go back!
I am a Christ follower, wife of 20 years to my best friend, and a stay at home momma to five amazing daughters. I am currently waiting for one precious special needs treasure to come home from China. I am passionate about the orphan and special needs adoption. I love to teach God's word, am involved in youth ministry alongside my dh, and love,love, love cooking. Above all, I desire to serve God and surrender my life to His call.
