I haven't written in a long time, and there are such treasures I want to share.  Too many.  I'm sitting on the swing hanging from the porch at my father-in-law's log cabin in the mountains of Tennessee.  Fall is in the air & leaves are just starting to turn.  All I hear are birds singing & wind rustling through the trees, along with the faint laughter of children playing with their cousins in the woods.  There is such peace here. 

I'm picking one summer memory to share, and maybe I'll get to the rest someday.  We spent about 5 weeks at our church camp on the most beautiful lake in the south.  I was privaleged to be camp nurse & work with some amazing young people.  My kids had the pleasure of being "camp brats."  They rode horses, swam, did archery, skiied, hiked, studied nature, did crafts, and learned about Jesus every day.  It was incredible.  There was definitely some hard work involved, but totally worth it.  I didn't have nearly the free time I thought I would.  I was so hoping to have some amazing one on one spiritual time with the Lord, but being one of the few adults over age 22 lends itself to becoming a MOTHER for children & staff alike.  That's not a bad thing, just not exactly what I had planned. 

However, 2 of my precious friends, Sonya & Kelly, waited up for me one night until all the babes had been put to bed.  Then they took me out for a late night swim!  The lake water was so cool & refreshing.  The moon & stars were bright over head, and there was the same peace that I have right now.  Then I heard God speak, "This is My grace for you." 

You see, as a teenager, I had been an employee at this same camp one summer - very briefly.  Because I made some very poor choices, I was asked to leave.  It really was one of the moments I hit rock bottom, though there were several others.  It was an embarrassing, hated memory.  Now, almost 25 years later, He brought me back to this VERY SAME SPOT, where I brought Him such shame, and allowed me to work for Him, alongside Him , to heal & care for others,  while showing His love to campers & staff.

But it gets even better.  Yes, at this lovely spot, where I so dethroned Him as Lord of my life, my precious first-born son asked to be baptized.  One of my dearest friends, who knew me then, and knows me now, and somehow loves me anyway, baptized Alex in the waters of Lake Martin.  It was an amazing experience.  "This is what I can do," He told me.  GRACE.  I don't think I've ever felt more loved & forgiven & cleansed & hopeful than I did at that moment.  Complete redemption & restoration was lavished upon me.  Then He gave me the opportunity to tell others what He has done for me.  I love our God.