June 13, 2026

Writing a daily update helps me maintain a positive outlook. The daily discipline distills a thousand little observations and situations into a theme for the day, encouraging me to notice the brilliance of God’s plan in the surprising details of life. I do not pretend to know what God is doing in a day… the all-powerful, omniscient, omnipresent, creator and sustainer of everything that is and ever will be is obviously beyond comprehension… but I am certain that He is good. He promises to do good things and that He has a plan to make everything right and our circumstances are part of that plan. We are told to “Rejoice always” in all things. So we play a game of “Where’s Waldo” every day as the tumult and trouble of life crash upon us and tempt us to complain. When something bad happens we remind ourselves: “there is good in here somewhere,” and eventually God points it out: a surprising angle not previously noted… better than expected… full of potential.

Such a way of living is a delight. It makes every day a Great Day, and such a response authentically reflects reality (contrary to our inclinations). This is how we live at camp. It is what makes camp a “miracle in the mountains”. You might think that we are living in a dream world and this Great Day attitude is just “spin”, not reflective of reality. Ultimately, you have to choose.

A positive attitude makes sense, for “all things work together for good.” So why do so many Christians have negative assessments of everything? Why do so many Christians proclaim judgment on so many situations and people? Why would any Christian’s demeanor be that of a perpetual scowl? Christians should be the most optimistic and upbeat people in a room! They believe that Jesus loves us, the Holy Spirit is with us, that Christ is risen and Reigns… who can scowl in the light of such a reality?

The Bubble is a place where such a world view is widely held. We have been together for two weeks and know each other well (having experienced the good and the bad moments every day). We don’t judge, we forgive. We don’t see bad, we see good. We pray five times a day (3 meals, morning assembly, and EP) and hear how two verses of scripture apply to real life every day (during morning assembly and cabin devotion). The truth is transforming us into better people. We are having fun, making friends (some of whom will be friends for life), and talking to God about it all.

The Bubble is loved and protected by all (camper and counselor alike). It makes little things like last night’s Talent Show particularly great. Sixteen acts, each of which was astounding in its own way. The enthusiastic response by the audience after every act was authentic and wonderful to see. The performers displayed absolute confidence and astounding skill. Each act was better than the one before; we hardly even noticed the rain falling outside the pavilion (we saw a cell moving our way and moved the venue at last minute to avoid the deluge). After the show, most of the girls ran back to their cabins in the rain (getting wet… not many brought rain coats because it didn’t look like rain at first), but some decided to celebrate with a dance party on the pageant court. It was a perfect EP and a wonderful night.

We write the blog for both fanatics (those who think we can do no wrong) and skeptics (good-natured eye-rollers who just want to see the daily menu). We hope that the blog slowly seasons the skeptics. That, as they marinate in this experience, they will absorb the good feeling of this place and become a bit more enthusiastic or just delight in the fact that this place exists.

We understand how hard it is for “non-campers” to appreciate camp. We understand that a camp experience is impossible to convey to someone in the “real world”… it is why most Greystone Girls just shrug when their friends ask why they are going back after 10 years of being gone all summer. “It’s hard to explain.” That might be a fact that I need to embrace… but the quest to explain continues. Thank you for your graciousness. Feel free not to read all the words! TMWDNR (too many words, did not read)

Breakfast: Pancakes and sausage
Weather: 87, Sunny, lower humidity, afternoon showers
Lunch: Hamburgers
Dinner: Flank Steak and Polenta
EP: Our last Rotating Group Night (Swimming, Cupcake Competition, or Messy Fun) Enjoy your weekend!