the gift you can take anywhere

I want to thank all the volunteers out there.  Especially the ones that give their precious time to children.  I know you could be taking a nap, reading a book, or simply relaxing.  I get this.  And for that, I wish I could give you a big hug.  Or a truckload of Snickers.

Simply put, YOU ROCK.

We were so blessed to find a local church hosting AWANA this year.  Katie was so excited to receive her book, t-shirt and patches!  I never had to remind her to study her Bible verses- she was motivated and did it all on her own.  

While listening to Katie practice, I began to realize how much Bible verses mean to me.  They are a comfort- a gift!- that you can take wherever you go- opening them in times of trial as well as celebration.  They cost nothing and require not a bit of space.  So beautiful. 

These sweet girls learned this way before I did.

To celebrate the their hard work, a little party was planned.  Hobo Burgers (hamburgers and veggies wrapped in tinfoil and cooked over a fire) and S'mores were on the menu.  There is something so yummy about cooking over a fire...

I love the smile on Katie's face.  She was so scared her marshmallow would catch on fire- and, of course, it did!  It wasn't a big deal so she made a bunch more.;)  Even one for me!

After dinner the girls played Twister...

and then Headbandz!

The evening lasted an hour longer than planned.  No one wanted it to end!  A sure sign of a successful party.

The girls were encouraged to read their Bibles daily and do something (once a week) for others over the summer.  I'm going to challenge you to do the same.  Perhaps you could make a note this on your calendar/phone?  Bake cookies for a neighbor, read to an elderly person, watch a friend's children for the afternoon, pay for the person behind you at Starbucks.

You'll feel good.  Your children will learn from your example.  You'll make someone feel special.  Blessings all around.:)

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