Every Time I Remember You: Philippians 1:1–17

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this,
that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3–6

Good morning from Shadow Valley! The first full day of camp began with a delicious breakfast in which piping hot pancakes and homemade granola were the main features.  

During the organizational meeting after supper last night, Tom Walker gave everyone a sneak peek of the theme of this year's devotions when he read Philippians 1: 3–6. He used those verse to include both those with us and those unable to attend. After breakfast and KP concluded, devotion time commenced. 

Nathan Walker led today's devos with a focus on Philippians 1:1–18. He zeroed in on Paul's words in verses 13 and 14: ...I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 
He pointed out that Paul's reference to chains wasn't figurative, but literal. Paul was in prison, in chains, and the chains were not comfortable, but painful. Nathan reminded everyone that the physical work to be done at camp isn't always comfortable either. Sometimes it hurts. But like Paul, we persevere for the sake of the gospel.  

Those in attendance paid close attention to what was being said...

 ...although Tommy (foreground) and Joel (near play area) were more interested in Tonka trucks and the sandbox.

Devotions ended with Nathan reading the blessing prayer written by Harold Walker in 2007 and sent by Harriet to be shared again at camp this year. Therefore, this post will also close with the text copied in its entirity. Rest assured, Harriet, there wasn't a dry eye in the pavilion at the "Amen."

Oh, Lord, in this hour of gathering as a family before you, we ask your blessing on our memories both collective and individual. Bring healing to those memories which still give us pain and enlarge our joy in the richness of the other remembering

We ask your blessing on the four lives that you gave into our charge and on the partners who share the path of life with them. Keep them under the shadow of your wing and grant them the wisdom that hey need to walk faithfully with you.

We hold before you the young couples among our grandchildren. We ask you to bless their marriages and grant them wisdom for the steps that they will be taking together, that these steps may be along the path that leads them ever closer to you.

We ask your blessing on the grandchildren who are preparing for a life of service or are already committed to such a life. be with them in the moments of loneliness or indecision and when choices must be made while subject to peer pressure. Be with them as well in the victories that may come their way.

And, oh, Lord, we ask your blessing on our young grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May they increase in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.

We ask that you bless our individual home church families which give us sustaining grace.

We ask that we may be a blessing to friends–that there may be enrichment through mutual association.

Grant your blessing on all of us...as individuals...and as a family as we mature in faith and seek to live ever in your presence.

Bless us as we lift our eyes to the hills for strength and wisdom–the strength and wisdom that cometh from the Lord, our Redeemer–forever and ever.

Amen. Amen.