4th on the Beach

It started as a simple idea then developed into reality as we finalized the last minute details for our day trip to Bradlee Beach in New Jersey. What a great day!



Five of us met at my place and we all packed into the van by 7:30 on our mid-week day off. We stopped by Luke's place just north of Philadelphia. We first toured his place (he just signed the papers one week ago) and then piled back into the van for the final leg of our trip. We stopped by a Diner for a casual breakfast and then went to the Brennan's (Christina's friend's) place right on the beach front. Our goal for the day was to learn/experience surfing. However, after turning purple from being in the 67 degree water for only 20 minutes we decided that the waves were too small and water too cold to try it. It was fun nonetheless. The 20 mph wind cut right through our wet clothing. After the short time on the beach we went for a walk on the board-walk and a small beach town. This beach is really nice. It is an alcohol-free beach and is oriented towards families.

Since it was windy I wanted to try out the kite. Jenny and I flew it for a little while. Now this is not an ordinary kite. This kite flies at 400 feet and on a windy day could nearly pull a child off the ground. It is a 6 foot long box kite.

The evening events were quite interesting. I was not aware that we were going to be a part of a large party but the Brennan's blessed us with a lot of food and fellowship. It was really interesting how several of us in the group made connections with people. I think God really had a hand in the events of the day and who we connected with. I met two people I haven't seen in a really long time and was blessed to be able to talk with them about how God is moving and working in their lives. God is so amazing!!! The evening came to a close with impressive fireworks over the ocean while the rain peacefully fell on the sand. I can hardly wait to return.

"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another."
John 1:16

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
John 10:10

Preparation

Wow! Where did June go? I think I must be too busy if I can't even remember what I did last week. Sometimes I just need to sit back and reflect, relax, refresh, and be renewed. Like last night, I wanted to go to see my awesome nieces but knew that I had a dozen things I should be doing, primarily taking time to "be" with my Father. Over the last month I have been working at finalizing my spiritual growth plan. Taking time to "be" with God is one of my main focuses. Actually doing that is a different story.

This past month has been full of spending time with family and friends. I have spent my saturdays keeping the grass and weeds trimmed around home for the 3 or so large gatherings over the past month. Lets see we had a graduation party for Ang (my sister), an extended Hoover family reunion (80 people 2/3 of whole family), several evening cookouts with friends, and an appreciation picnic for my dad's intercessors. It has been a busy month at the Hoover Homestead.

This month has again been a time of growth for my group of friends. We have gone through some interesting/tough things together and all seem to be in situations requiring us to Trust Him. It is great to be able to encourage and hold each other up in these areas. This month we have started to pray and worship together as friends to glorify God and intercede for specific needs. This has been a time of bonding as well. Thanks to Luke we had the opportunity to serve both at the Water Street Rescue Mission one evening and at the Millersville International House. Hopefully we won't let ourselves get too busy to serve in these ways over the next month. Father help us to surrender our lives to you to be used for your service.



I have continued to kayak about once a week. On father's day my sister, cousin, and I took my dad canoing and kayaking on the Conestoga River. That was a great time. I have gone to the Susquehanna River several times after work. If I drive 10-15 minutes I can access the river at several places. This is really nice as I can relax and take some personal time after a long day at work.

At work I have received some additional training in Dairy nutrition and in Pork Quality Assurance. I am a certified Trainer for the PQA program and last Monday was the first training meeting I was in charge of. A stretching time but that is good. I will have to do on-farm assessments of the management practices for each of the farms certified now. Time away from the office. Nice. I am waiting to receive more responsibility in the nutrition area. I am not sure what is happening there. I almost feel like it is a hassle for them to be training me and don't want to take the time necessary.

Over the last several weeks I have become restless at work and don't feel satisfied. I just told one of my friends earlier this week that I feel like I am on a plateau. I can't see far in the future and soon want to see what to hope for. My place at work, living at home, and in relationships are all areas that I am trusting God in and I strongly desire to see the top of the mountain. I am trying to view this as a time of preparation for greater things but it is hard to maintain that focus. I want to be faithful with where God has me now and get myself ready for what is next. Patience is one thing I am struggling with in several areas of my life. My desire is to be used by Him to minister to others. Right now I am having a hard time doing that in my present position. Please pray that I can view my position as a place of service to others and that as I serve them cheerfully God will be glorified.

Below is a verse that just came to me last night. I can't say I am in the deepest part of the valley but feel like there is a lot of uphill to go yet. I want to be molded, shaped, pruned, fired, and purified through this. Thank you Father for all you have given me. You are Faithful.

"Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting,
'Clear the way through the wilderness
for the LORD!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland
for our God!
Fill in the valleys,
and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves,
and smooth out the rough places.' "
Isaiah 40:3-4 NLT