I wonder if our Founding Fathers realized what they set into motion as the put their signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Some of the MVPs of a new government were in attendance on that very hot July 4th day. They had labored over that document; the key that would open up the government to the people it governed. I'm sure that no where in their wildest imagination would they have dreamed the celebrations that would commemorate the event for hundreds of years to come.
The Fourth of July is next week Saturday. It's hard to believe that summer has traveled so fast. As I have mentioned in my previous post, Mandan, North Dakota really knows how to celebrate on the Fourth of July.
Mandan plays host to Mandan Rodeo Days. At risk of having my North Dakota heritage stripped from me, I admit that I have never been to the rodeo. July 4th has a reputation for being hot and sticky. I'm a wimp, but sitting on metal bleachers in the grandstands does not sound like a good time to me. I have no other reason for my absence -- I wish them well.
Art in the Park at Dykshoorn Park in Mandan is perhaps in my top two favorite holiday destinations. They feature hundreds of canvas booth stuffed with every sort of craft known to man and beast - ceramics, toys, signs of various sizes, shapes and languages, clothes, furnitures. The park hosts live music every hour for every taste featuring accordians, singers and musicians of all sorts. One of the biggest draws for me is their food vendors (yes, I know - surprise, surprise!). Pizza, chinese food, drumsticks the size of a small child, soups in bread bowls, mini doughnuts, indian tacos, hamburgers and hot dogs are just a short list of heartburn inducing cuisine that can be ingested over the weekend. My favorite are the Greek gyros, lamb if I can get it, topped with cucumber sauce. Amazing. God is truly good!
The parade will be a highlight for me. We are busy in practices as we perfect our songs for the big day. On the 3rd, we will meet at a large shop to assemble our float and pray for the crowd, our group and great weather. The Fourth of July will start early as we check into our staging area and begin the wait until we finally roll out onto the parade route, music blaring to spread the Gospel in our unique way. If you are on the route, give a way or better yet, a shout out!
I'm very excited to serve as guide for my parents this year as they join the thousands pouring into town for the celebration. So many activities, so little time. We'll be sure to take in the fireworks, as they are always breathtaking! I know those displays cost someone thousands of dollars and I want to thank them for their splurge!
The fireworks often remind me of the scripture that talks about how brief our time is here on this side of heaven. Like grass that withers by the end of the day or a vapor in the wind. As I watch the fireworks, I often think that some people live their lives like fireworks - one great shining moment, a loud noise and then they disappear. I like to think of my life as a sparkler; blazing long enough to shine the light and then slowly fading away.
Have a happy 4th of July. Wear sunscreen and give a wave!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Summer Pondering
My summer seems to be going at breakneck speed. Wasn't it just Memorial Day weekend?? I traveled to Rapid City, South Dakota for DakYAC. DakYAC is not the sound that your pet makes after chewing on sticks in the yard. DakYAC is the Youth Annual Conference. Think two days of meeting where youth have a say and the adults must sit in the back of the room and be silent. Heaven to a teenager!
DakYAC was held at Storm Mountain, a Dakotas United Methodist camp just outside of Rapid City. I have to admit I was a just a bit anxious as we left the relative civilization of New England with no public restrooms until you reach Sturgis two and a half hours away. We were traveling with four teenagers who are known for their ability to consume amazing amounts of food in a short period of time and their unpredictable bladders.
After only one emergency stop in Reeder, North Dakota, we were in Rapid City. Don't get me wrong; the City was very nice. However, being a prairie girl at heart, I was dismayed that I couldn't see anything with all those trees in the way! I spent three days feeling very closed in by all of the wood and pine needles.
There was too much work left at the end of the weekend, so I sent my group, which included our other chaperone, to Mount Rushmore without me. My group had a great time, despite the rain, and brought back pictures, memories and a t-shirt for me. Someday I'd like to stand and gaze upon that National Monument. Maybe next time!
With Rapid City in the rearview miror, the next stop is the 4th of July. Mandan, North Dakota really does the 4th of July well! You have Art in the Park with lots of different types of crafts and tons of food vendors. They also feature live entertainment every hour. The Fourth of July parade is amazing. Close to 300 entries long, it features everything that makes this Country great -- color guards, politicians shaking hands and kissing babies, beauty queens, farm implements and floats of every denomination, creed and shape. Coordinating this parade is an army of volunteers with clipboards and the patience of Job!
Our church sponsors an entry each year featuring our two ministry teams and advertises our Vacation Bible School. This is also a strategically planned phenomenon! We borrow a large flat bed trailer, recruit a driver who can transport us safely while we clown/dance on the back. Practice has already started for those participating and we are all excited as the day approaches. How often do you get to spread the Gospel to thousands of people in a single morning! We are praying that God will truly reign on our parade!
Despite the forementioned activity, my schedule really has slowed down. I enjoy spending evenings visiting and trying in vain to teach Lucy to come when she is called. We (Lucy and I) plan to take in some of the concerts in the park on the weeknights. I figure we'll wander down to Dykshoorn Park with a lawn chair for me and a rawhide for Lucy. Insect repellent, a water bottle and maybe some licorice. Life is truly good!
If you happen to be taking in some of the local talent, stop by and say hi. We always enjoy visiting with friends, listening to good music and a long summer evening.
DakYAC was held at Storm Mountain, a Dakotas United Methodist camp just outside of Rapid City. I have to admit I was a just a bit anxious as we left the relative civilization of New England with no public restrooms until you reach Sturgis two and a half hours away. We were traveling with four teenagers who are known for their ability to consume amazing amounts of food in a short period of time and their unpredictable bladders.
After only one emergency stop in Reeder, North Dakota, we were in Rapid City. Don't get me wrong; the City was very nice. However, being a prairie girl at heart, I was dismayed that I couldn't see anything with all those trees in the way! I spent three days feeling very closed in by all of the wood and pine needles.
There was too much work left at the end of the weekend, so I sent my group, which included our other chaperone, to Mount Rushmore without me. My group had a great time, despite the rain, and brought back pictures, memories and a t-shirt for me. Someday I'd like to stand and gaze upon that National Monument. Maybe next time!
With Rapid City in the rearview miror, the next stop is the 4th of July. Mandan, North Dakota really does the 4th of July well! You have Art in the Park with lots of different types of crafts and tons of food vendors. They also feature live entertainment every hour. The Fourth of July parade is amazing. Close to 300 entries long, it features everything that makes this Country great -- color guards, politicians shaking hands and kissing babies, beauty queens, farm implements and floats of every denomination, creed and shape. Coordinating this parade is an army of volunteers with clipboards and the patience of Job!
Our church sponsors an entry each year featuring our two ministry teams and advertises our Vacation Bible School. This is also a strategically planned phenomenon! We borrow a large flat bed trailer, recruit a driver who can transport us safely while we clown/dance on the back. Practice has already started for those participating and we are all excited as the day approaches. How often do you get to spread the Gospel to thousands of people in a single morning! We are praying that God will truly reign on our parade!
Despite the forementioned activity, my schedule really has slowed down. I enjoy spending evenings visiting and trying in vain to teach Lucy to come when she is called. We (Lucy and I) plan to take in some of the concerts in the park on the weeknights. I figure we'll wander down to Dykshoorn Park with a lawn chair for me and a rawhide for Lucy. Insect repellent, a water bottle and maybe some licorice. Life is truly good!
If you happen to be taking in some of the local talent, stop by and say hi. We always enjoy visiting with friends, listening to good music and a long summer evening.
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