The Great American Eclipse of 2017

WHAT

is an Eclipse exactly?

Well, in Webster's Dictionary it is defined as:

"the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another"

This year, on August 21, 2017

the GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE occurred.

Why was it called such? Well, this solar eclipse spanned from one end of the United States continent to the other. That is unusual.

A few weeks before the Eclipse was to occur, I began speaking to my best friend - otherwise affectionately called my sister-wife, Joette.

We realized that even though our sleepy little town of Jasper was to be in the path of the Eclipse, we would only see it in partiality, NOT totality.

We decided that we did not want to miss an opportunity that may come only once in our lifetime to be so close to the path of totality. And we felt that it would also be a great educational experience for our kids.

We had such an amazing experience. It is hard to really put into words exactly how incredible this experience was.

We rented an Airbnb that was approximately one mile from the Adventure Science Center in Nashville.

When we arrived, we realized that the house had a rooftop that was flat, where there was a place to entertain.

It was going to be the absolute BEST spot to watch the Eclipse occur.

front view of the house

the first night, we saw a gorgeous sunset and ran to the rooftop

our 3 boys, dreaming of their futures

the pentacle of the sunset

The next morning, we scurried around and got the kids ready for

a long, hot day. We investigated and realized that the Eclipse would begin at approximately noon. Totality would occur at 1:28pm., and the finale of the Eclipse would be around 3pm.

We took an Uber ride to the Adventure Science Center because we knew it would difficult finding parking. The kids were SO excited! This was their first Uber ride.

When we arrived, there was a very long line that we waited in to catch a shuttle up to the building.

We enjoyed watching one of the men that was directing traffic that day. He definitely made the most of his job. He danced the entire time he directed traffic.

And we decided to join in on his enthusiasm and "flash mob" dance with him. Well, I decided to dance. And Joette filmed :)

Inside the Ad

EL SALVADORE MISSION TRIP

The same week that Sarah-Wilton 

was attending MAW week 

at Camp Sumatanga,

Ivey-Elise had the privilege of 

travelling to El Salvador

on her first Foreign Mission Trip.

This trip has literally been a year in the planning.

She sent out sponsorship letters, 

which asked for people to consider helping fund

her trip as well as pray for her while she was gone. 

The experience was very life-changing for her. 

She was able to see how other people live. 

She had the joy of interacting with children

from an orphanage.

She helped celebrate a little girl's birthday in a village - 

and the little girl is dying of cancer.

She helped in a Vacation Bible School.

She went without her cell phone, or any type of 

"first-world" electronics for 8 days - and survived!

Most importantly, she was able to show the love of Christ

to others. She was able to be HIS hands and feet.

She said she didn't really want to come home.

That speaks for itself.

This video is just a quick example of some of the things she experienced each day on the trip. 

Sing for JOY!!!

Camp Sumatanga

Music and Arts Week

Sarah-Wilton just returned

from a wonderful week 

of summer camp.

It is a special place. 

High mountains, green grass, 

a beautiful lake, 

scenery that soothes the soul.

But what is even more special about

Camp Sumatanga? 

This particular week every summer is deemed, Music and Arts Week. 

It allows the kids a special time to use their gifts. To Praise the Lord in Song, in dance, through art, and of course, just being kids!

MAW (as it is affectionately referred to) has been in place since 1967, and added a children's division in 1982. 

Summer Lovin'

Where have the Lazy Days of Summer gone? 

This year, it seems like it could be called

the CRAZY Days of Summer!

It started off with a surprise 40th birthday trip 

to Mexico for my husband and I!

Then, both girls went off to Church Camp for a week. 

One of our sons has played in All-Stars all summer that JUST ended. They made

 it to the State playoffs before being eliminated. 

Now, both girls are gone again. One at Camp Sumatanga for Music and Arts 

Week, the other is actually currently on a plane, flying to El Salvador for a

 mission trip with some people from her Youth Group. 

Whew!

It makes my head spin just typing it all out. 

By the time the girls arrive back, band camp will start and 

we will be in full preparation for the school year to start in just a few short 

weeks. 

eating lunch on the beach in Mexico

sisters at Camp Lee

FUMC Youth 

at Camp Lee

doing what he loves

Theater Camp

Mission Team leaving for El Salvador

Peach skirt created

during Sewing Class

Leaving for Camp Sumatanga MAW 2017

Roomies for the week at MAW

Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?

On January 31, 2016 at approximately 8:45 am,

Samuel Adrian Rolfe, II

experienced his Home Going.

He is at peace. He is whole. He is with His Heavenly Father.

I am so thankful that he lived a full life.

I am thankful that he is not confused and in pain anymore.

And I am most thankful that we do not grieve as those who have no Hope.

God is our refuge and strength. 

I always hear Elizabeth Elliot's voice stating from scripture:

Psalm 91:4 (ESV)

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

picture credit: Pinterest

When we are sad, or scared, or needing comfort, our Heavenly Father covers us like this bird. Protecting us. Shielding us. Holding us. Loving us. 

I am so thankful for the memories. There are so many I can't really name them all. 

But, I will treasure them in my heart and bring them out in special moments so as to enjoy those precious, fleeting moments.

The Days of Fall

Well, the days of fall are upon us. 

Fall has filled our lives with business and joy

Fall has filled our nights with Friday night lights and Saturday cheers

Fall has filled our yard with leaves and acorns falling

Fall has filled our weeknights with homework and daily sports practices,

a broken bone, a new dog, a soggy Halloween.

It has brought night in an earlier time of the day - BOO!

What has your fall brought?

J was thrilled to watch his half-borther, play for  the Vikings. And he realized they BOTH are playing as #3.

A hot and sweaty #4 was G, after playing his first game of Toy Bowl Football. They have had an undefeated season and are now playing in the Play-Offs. Go Jasper Vikes!

Grish and his best friend, EJ playing their very first game of Upward Football

SW played a rough game of soccer with her team and won a CAST!

IE playing as an 8th Grade Alternate for the High School Marching Band

In the hustle and bustle of the weekend

Trying to take time to get my house in order 

And make up in all the areas that I have sorely neglected during the past week, 

I got overwhelmed. 

This seems to happen A LOT lately 

like, nothing new. I am used to feeling this way.

Too many plates spinning? yep. 

Too many things to do and not enough time? yep. 

Running on fumes? yep. 

How can I do it all, God? 

I get overwhelmed at the thought. 

I feel like a total, sucky, not with it woman. 

Why do I run out of energy? 

Why do I feel tired by the time I step foot in the door at work? 

Hmmmm. LIFE. HAPPENS. 

5 kids. 

1 husband. 

2 dogs.

more cats than I wish to admit to. 

1 job. 

Laundry piles high. 

sinks get full of dishes. 

beds do NOT get made. 

dinner might, or might not get thrown together. 

throw in all the extra curricular activities of each of my 5 kids every day . . . I can barely remember where I am supposed to be and when to be there! 

Not that I want you to think that I am complaining. 

I love it. 

I love them! 

I just sometimes feel like I am not giving my total 100% to the moment

let alone giving myself the time I should for myself. 

But, this weekend, God saw fit to speak to me. 

He loved on me. 

He whispered in my ear. 

My tears on Friday were turned to peace and calm 

I CAN do this.

I WILL do this. 

well, I will be the vessel. 

the servant

the hands and feet of Christ

He will fulfill it in me. 

When I am tired, He will give me STRENGTH

When I am weak, He will make me STRONG.

When I am scared, He will make FEARLESS. 

When I am doubting, He will give me FAITH. 

I really CAN'T do any of this on my own. 

Don't get me wrong . . . I am a can do kinda girl 

Give me an obstacle and I will figure out a way around it. 

But, really, I am still human. 

Just a woman

Just a sinner

Just a mom

Just a wife

But He has promised that I am more than a Conqueror! 

I am an Overcomer!

He Promises that I will be the Head and not the Tail! (Deut. 28:13)

He will fill all of my gaps and inadequacies

He will use me

And in that I can rest and just BE. 

"Therefore, having such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Christ Jesus, the author and Perfecter of faith . . . " Heb. 12:1-2