Bethany College- Day 3

Okay, so here we are continuing through our week of fun. Today was no different. I should point out first that the silverware slide is still the highlight of all meals. We actually ate out tonight and were concerned about missing the slide. Anyway, we hung out around the room for a bit this morning, played with cars, and Big Boy has been working on his photography skills. Here's one for your enjoyment. . .


This afternoon we went to an apple orchard and had a great, though terribly cold, time. We picked, played, ate, and played some more. We even got to ride a tractor!

To end out the day we made it to McDonalds drive thru (for Big Boy) and Panera for the rest of us. What a wonderful way to end a cold, but really fun afternoon- hot soup in a bread bowl with a really good cup of decaf. Yum. I am also really blessed with a Little Boy who loves tomato soup. He had it for lunch and dinner!




On another note all together I read this book today during naptime (part of it) about the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It was very interesting and it struck me with a basic question. "If the parable was only about the younger son returning and the heart of the Father when he does, why does Jesus include that last part about the older brother?" It is truly a powerful warning to those who like me, have lived so much of our lives in the church. I have known of the Father and his heart for me for a long time. I long to stay fresh, to remember well the things he has saved me from. And yet, in the parable- not only am I an oldest child, but I am also one who has been under the Father's love for many years. The "obedient" one. The older son doesn't come in. I want desperately to be in on the party and yet the older son doesn't go in. He is consumed with selfish anger at his Father's willing forgiveness and the loss that it ultimately may cause to his own inheritance. (A younger son once reinstated can get a second inheritance when the Father dies.) It is ultimately selfish. Displaying the true and fallen sinful heart- at the core only concerned about keeping it's own needs met. As I am sitting here in this wonderful and interesting place, I am struck by my own heart. I am reminded of my own shortcomings and I am amazed that the Lord still invites me in. Thank you, again and again, I say. Thank you.