high / low

back when i was a youth pastor, i had a really quiet group of kids of disparate ages, and we'd usually open sunday school with a game of high/low to get them talking. as this week has been a little rollercoaster-y for the team paul, here are some of the high and lowlights:

low: dylan was vomitting again last night, which made us feel heartbroken and helpless
high: her doctor thinks she is ok, and she seems happy today (and vomit-free!)

low: she still hasn't caught up on her missed sleep
high: she got to bed on time tonight and is still asleep!

low: window installers woke dylan up from her nap this afternoon
high: we have seven new windows that actually open, fold out for washing, and have screens--all vast improvements from the dirty, drafty, old farmhouse windows that opened reluctantly, if at all and invited winter's iciest blasts into our home. it is nice to experience wanted cross breezes, and since we live in camp housing, not having to foot the bill is another definite benefit:)

if there was an "upside" at all to dylan feeling out of sorts this week, it is that jim and i were able to get away from camp and spend time with her and one another at home for some much-needed rest. our week has definitely been improving.

tonight the camp director had a group of counselors over for a dinner. their home overlooks a beautiful corner of property, the food was delicious, and it was amazing to not have to be in the dining hall, which is insanely hot and loud. oh, to eat actual food from recognizable food groups! it was also so great to just enjoy and not have to plan any of it.

i had two really good bible study times with counselors this week. we've been studying prayer and meditation, and this week we hiked away from camp to spend some good silent time alone. i know at least for me it was good to get away and be still before God:

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2)