Partial Mid-September Update

What have I been busy with?  Well, mostly with 'vention.  The first weekend in September I went to three days of my "home" 'vention in this state, and last weekend I went to my "home" 'vention back in ND.  Both of them were excellent of course.

Nothing against the people here in this state, but because I'm newer to this state (kinda-sorta - more than 11 years is still new sometimes), live in the very corner of the state, don't have any other relatives in the state, and am not a big talker, I'm not well-known in these parts so 'vention can be a bit lonely.  But, I do have to say that this year was the least lonely, and not because I met any "nice boys".  Maybe because I had already had some 'vention the week before and my heart was already somewhat soft.

I also decided to do some social experimenting.  I decided that if I was feeling awkward or bored while standing in the food line or eating at the table that I would try to make conversation with someone nearby even if I didn't know them well or didn't know them at all.  And it was fairly successful.  You meet a lot of nice people standing in line as the song says.  And maybe a lot of them are just as shy as you, which is why they aren't talking either.  And of course we had lots of spiritual food.  Some gems from there:

1. We trust God by letting Him do his work in us and change us, and the blessing of change comes when we obey.
2. Are we making a good choice, or are we making God's choice?
3. At the beginning of the day, it's more important to get our spirit presentable than it is to get our physical body presentable.
4. Sowing in the place God has given us is never a loss.  And whatever our place is, be willing for it.
5. We all have the privilege of showing kindness.
6. Little things:  Nehemiah worked on fixing the little things first.  Sometimes fixing the little things gives us courage for the big things.  If we learn to be faithful in little things, we can be faithful in big things.
7. Being a light isn't just saying nice things, it's also living it.  God loves to use the living testimony of His people to be a light.
8. Praying for the kingdom and for our brother is being faithful in our place.
9. God has need of you - keep your heart and purpose true.
10. A fire easily goes out by neglect.

The view from my tent around breakfast time.  Sometimes you see turkeys out there eating breakfast in the morning too.

I guess I was feeling radiant that day.  ;-)