June started off with special visitors, as my brother and his family joined us in Ecuador for about 2 weeks!  It's always a gift to be able to share our life with others and a bonus for Benjamin to get to spend so much time with his cousins.  We were blessed with great weather and overall good health!  Thanks for coming, Hahn family!

With camp just a few weeks away, we have been focused on getting kids signed up and leaders prepared.  We've also been working on our budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.  In short, it means I've been looking a lot at the numbers.  Numbers of kids signed up for camp.  Numbers of leaders.  Numbers of work crew.  Numbers in bank accounts.  Numbers NOT in bank accounts.  Depending on which numbers you focus on, it can be really exciting or really discouraging.  Time and again, I am challenged to put my trust in God and to fix my gaze on Him, instead of on the numbers.  

"Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the Lord."  (Isaiah 31:1)

How often do I try to rely on my own strength or resources instead of seeking help from God?  Despite His provision in the past, I continue to doubt that He will provide in the future.  As I read this verse in Isaiah, I was reminded that God is greater than any number.  The things that impress us or make us feel secure are nothing compared to the security in Christ.  Lord, teach my heart to look to You.  

Swings in Shell

Morning reading