Emotional Sundays and Summer.

So, I should probably clarify that I don't plan on writing a new blog everyday, only when there are things that are "blog-worthy". I don't know what those things are, but you'll find out when I do.

Today, at my church (Reidsville Bible Chapel :), we had some people get baptized. Maybe I should get into that a little bit...

I've been told and believe that baptism is an "outward profession of an inward faith". So, if you believe in your heart that Jesus died to save you from your sins, why not show it through obedience to Him on the "outside"? In Matthew 20, Jesus says "You shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with". This is a command from God that we, as followers of Jesus are meant to obey.

Ok. Years ago, when Morgan, Joshua, Jenna, and I were baptized people were tearing up and some, some were just flat out crying. I never understood why..until today when I watched Caleb and Lily get baptized. Yes, I am a pretty emotional person and Morgan and Caroline won't let me forget how weird I am for it! But there was something about watching them take another step in their walk with the Lord that just got me. I've also known them since they were both about 4 years old, so it's really crazy watching them grow so fast. I can hear Morgan now..yelling "you goof!" at the computer screen and that's perfectly ok. Like I said, I'll cry enough tears for the both of us!

Tomorrow the "public school" kids in my county (Rockingham) start back. I can't say I'm really sad that summer's over though. I've had a summer that most people would call amazing and I'm not gonna complain that's it's over. "To everything there is a season."

My summer started in May with homeschool camp. It's basically four days of Reidsville homeschoolers and Greensboro homeschoolers hanging out (with a few people from Conway, Winston, and Raleigh in the mix). It's pretty cool. And yes, Jake we love our homemade pizza more than just about anything. And I know how Rach loves that cookie dessert ;) Generally, we do whatever. We play just about anything. Basketball, Ultimate, Frisbee golf (for the smart people), Soccer, Volleyball, Scramble (epic dodgeball)--you name it we've probably played it. It's sorta like living in a small town--everyone knows everyone else and if there's someone you don't know...chances are you haven't been before! Yep..homeschool camp is great.

During June, I chilled at home. A movie with friends here and there, a drive to Burlington every now and then and of course..eating complete junk. Yeah, June was pretty legit. At the end of June, we celebrated my brother's entrance into the "teenage zone". That party was amazing! Imagine all the nerds I told you about in my last blog playing badminton, volleyball, and football. Do you know what it's like having nerds handle rackets?! Pretty scary stuff ;) We ate...yep..more junk. That was definitely one of my favorite times this summer..

July saw me off to Old Fort, North Carolina. Also known as, the middle of nowhere. So, for the past 4 years I've worked at a special needs camp..Camp Jubilee. It's an amazing outreach and, every time I've gone, I always feel like I walk away learning so much. This is one of those things I wrote about, that Mani and I experienced together. We've both been going for the past four years but, we both totally agreed that this time was the best! Getting to know the campers and learning more about who they are is so incredible. It was also here that I learned the legit rules for four square and put those rules to practice almost every night ;) This wasn't vacation or anything but it was my favorite week of the summer.

CAROWINDS! Holy cow! So Morgan and I had been talking about planning an amazing trip to this "world of wonder" for maybe a year and everything finally just worked itself out. Thanks to Neal and Shari Jones! :) This was my favorite day of 2011. Period. I can't even begin to describe how much fun it was. The picture I have shows some pretty gross, sticky, nasty, sweaty people but we seriously couldn't be happier! From conquering the Intimidator, to getting lost with Mani for nearly two hours, to the amazingly sweaty car ride on the way back. Everything was awesome! B.O included! Haha! If you haven't been to Carowinds..get there! That is all.

So, my family went to chill in Williamsburg for a week with my aunt's family. That's probably what I needed after running around North Carolina for the better part of 3 weeks. Busch Gardens. Amazing amusement park..but chalk-full of creepers. So beware! Water Country USA. Really not for the faint of heart. Bring plenty of water and sun tan lotion or you'll end up looking like a cherry! This trip was really relaxing and really fun and I can't wait to do it again!

Last trip of summer! Senior teens at Mountain Top. This is the same place we have homeschool camp at.. only this week is specifically made for high school students and early college students. It was an awesome way to end my summer!

So here we are. Senior teens ended 2 weeks ago and I started sophomore year last week. But no worries, I'll have plenty of adventures during sophomore year too..you have "met" my nerds right?? ;)