Camp Rules

We take our maiden pop-up camper voyage in a few days.  With two teenagers traveling on a road trip, I've decided to enact Camp Rules.  I know, rules and vacation don't exactly go together but I believe it will make everyone happier in the end.  At least it'll make Mom happy and you know the saying....

Even though they're teenagers, we're going back to Kindergarten for lessons in how to behave.  And yes, even adults have to follow them.  My rules are simple - just remember your face.

1. Mouth - If using it, SMILE.  Simply put, no whining allowed.  The words, "I'm bored" are illegal.  Complaints are only allowed on comment cards, which will not be read.  Attitude is everything so make yours fabulous!
2. Eyes - LOOK....What's that?!  We are on vacation.  Soak up what is around you.  Take in the world.  If we're in the truck, look out the window.  Behold: scenery.  If we're outdoors, enjoy nature.  Interact with humans, not technology.
3. Ears - Have ear buds, will travel.  If you don't like what we're listening to, insert ear buds.  Remember rule #1?  No complaining or whining about whatever old, outdated song these old parents might be reminiscing to on the radio.
4. Feet - Everybody JUMP, JUMP!  (Ok, now you're laughing because you're envisioning me rapping.)  Anyway, back to topic - Get up on them.  Explore!  But don't get lost. 
5. Nose - Do you smell that?!.  If it smells then I don't want it in our tiny space.  Pretend like you're on a date and take all the proper hygiene precautions.  Your family will love you for it.
6. Hands - Lend one...or two. Help out. Yes, vacations are meant for relaxing but that also requires a little work when we arrive. Camping means everyone pitches in.  Insert ear buds, remember #1, use #4 and #6 simultaneously and see what can be accomplished.

(Ok, I realize hands aren't ON your face but I'm the mom and I make the rules.  Plus, I talk with my hands so they truly are an extension of it.)

Failure to follow rules 1-6 (and any random rules said parents wishes to add during said trip) could be detrimental to your health, or at the very least, your happiness.  Acts of embarrassment will ensue at a surprise public location near you.  When you least expect it punishment for broken rules may lead to parental PDAs, pop-up karaoke, or becoming the designated puppy pooper scooper for the trip.

Your expectations - do something besides stare at four walls for spring break.  Ours - follow the rules and have a fun, memorable family trip.  Consent to this binding and legal contract is assumed by the mere fact you actually took the time to read it. 

Signed,

Your loving parental units

Faithful Friday: Pray Without Ceasing

Noah came home with a bracelet last night that simply said, "Pray without ceasing," which he got from a local youth church event.  It surprised him that I knew the verses surrounding, as they instantly came out of my mouth upon seeing it.  I shared with him it was one of my favorite verses and why.  And it's been on my heart ever since.

This morning, as I was preparing for Faithful Friday, I wondered if I'd ever shared the verse on my blog before.  With a quick search, I found a past post that was worth sharing again.  In fact, it hit home that, while I reflected on this near Thanksgiving, a difficult time of year for our family, it was fitting again.  With the season of graduation upon us, there are so many reminders of our loss.  I needed this Faithful Friday for myself, as well as to share.

Thankful still  - original post 11/24/10

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I still remember where I was when I found this scripture the first time that it actually sunk in. It was shortly after our wreck and I was finding it still very difficult to get around. It must've been several months into recovery, as I was driving again. After what seemed a lifetime of hobbling through the house and out the door, pulling myself up into the truck by my arms, and finally getting situated, I was at the wheel. Out of breath, frustrated, and in pain, I wondered why I was being put through so much. Basically, I was having a pity party for myself.

To ensure I kept up with reading my daily devotions now that I was back to work, I had moved a Bible and reading list into my truck. Most days back then, I took my lunch at the park and spent time reading. That morning, I decided I needed it in my driveway. I opened my bible and before even glancing at the daily scripture guide, my eyes fell on the verse above. It was as if God had taken his finger and pointed right at the line he needed me to see. Instantly, I felt his presence and was forever connected to that scripture. I decided then to make the most of the situation He had put me in, and to be thankful for it.

That scripture spoke so loudly to me that I wrote it down on an index card and taped it to my sun visor. I read it to myself every morning - and sometimes several points throughout my day. Whenever I suffered a setback in my recovery or had an unusually painful day, I turned to it. I would rejoice in the pain, and be joyful always for the chance to still be here with my family....I prayed continually and learned to pray not only in need but in thanksgiving, and to pray for myself last, if at all....and I was thankful for every single moment from sunrise to sunset. The lessons from that wreck were many and although I'm weaker physically from it, it certainly strengthened me in more ways than I could ever imagine.

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions, as I sway from appreciating the moments I'm given to clinging to memories of what once was.  There's a constant mix of a longing to have him with us and striving to remain thankful for all I still have, and to live in the moment. I turned to that familiar and comforting scripture again and paused at each verse. I am reminded to continue in my trust of God and not to question or doubt his wisdom and guidance. I'm reminded to remain joyful, to focus on the moment and to live fully. I am reminded to pray when I waiver, without ceasing, on good days and bad. I am reminded to remain thankful for ALL my blessings, both from the past and the present, and to believe God has plan in it all.