The Lake

If I pretend like I haven't blogged in a week and a half, will people notice?

That big event that I haven't had the energy to tackle on the blog was the Lake Carroll retreat with my Sunday School class a couple weekends ago. Ryan's family owns a lake house in northern Illinois and graciously offered to let a couple dozen of us stay for the weekend.

Like most retreats, we had the great opportunity to relax in the morning and enjoy God's Word along with His creation.

Some guys had the right idea and slept under the stars on a gorgeous night.


There were jet skis, which I was broken into by one of the craziest drivers alive...and I wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks Ben!

There was tubing in the Big Mable thanks to Ryan's Dad who pulled us around all day!!

And there was home base on the pontoon boat. Ryan, you're so awesome and sensitive, at least that's what I heard.

Speaking of Mr. sensitive, here he tries to document Saturday morning's Birthday celebration, with the camera phone pointed in the wrong direction.

There ya go. Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday TO you.

Happy Birthday dear Peter.

Happy Birthday to youuuuuuu.

Not mentioned or pictured were the folks who helped with all the meals and the time we enjoyed worshiping over a camp fire and sharing thoughts in the afternoon. Thanks guys! Oh, and thanks to Hobbsy and Timmy for letting me steal several of their pictures without knowing it.

Next Time on "What's Goin' On"...Peter makes friends in his apartment complex with some soothing night time music on the didgeridoo.

CLEAR!!

You gotta clear out pics from the previous weekend's activities before posting the current! Last weekend was a purposeful time fellowshiping with our single friends from Bloomington at Comlara Park.

Water balloon volleyball.

Ryan looking for attention.

On Wednesday the Bethany Baptist choir had the chance to sing before the Chiefs game again for Bethany night. Nate and Butch belted the national anthem with pride.

And Ryan looking for attention.

Tonight the boys of Bible study checked out another aspect of the Rescue mission. A few got to serve food for the men staying the mission and everyone helped clean/set up.
Afterward, a couple Bethany faves lead worship in the chapel service with a surprise on piano!



Alright, ready for lake fun pics....later.

Ketchup

It's time to dangle some pics in front of you to satisfy those loyal fans who have been asking where the posts are, and to get Ryan off back!

Ryan constantly asks me where his brotherly love pictures went from Emily's outdoor bray party. Here they are.


The motivation usually just isn't there for home projects at my place. I'm more likely to get something done at the parent's place. A couple weeks ago, a plumbing job took three times as long as it should have, as usual. I was talking to a buddy shortly after about what it's like working on home projects with your father. It always reveals the impatience of the son and the experience of the father. And if you're smart the learning opportunity for the younger. Stupid faucet!


Things at the new land are going splendidly. I was long over due for some work out there and got myself on the parking lot sealing team. Bad idea for the lower back but rewarding since it's something I can see results from for years to come.


We found out for Butch's bday that in the absence of proper candles, Doritos work almost too well.


I didn't have the heart to put the hose away without satisfying Tilly's burning desire to attack the water.


Will someone please invent candles made of frosting? It would have made Butch's other cake much easier to eat. :-)


Last week was too hot and busy for Sunday volleyball. But the week before it, Ben and Jon played a serious game while some spectators we didn't know gladly joined us. It could be a great opportunity for the future if they haven't given up after we ditched them last week.


Joe (left) and I had the pain pleasure of being thrust out into the local mission field a couple years ago by our discipleship leader, Danny. I've never gotten to hear Joe speak there until this month though. On my favorite verse as well...he's so thoughtful. Psalm 37:4