Praise the Lord ANYTIME and ANYWHERE

 

Today, from the pulpit, Dave told every one present at our last outdoor church service to take some time reflecting, and even recording, what this unprecedented time in our church history has meant to them these past several months.  He then took a picture of his view from the make shift stage that was built special for our outside services.  

There has been a lot of pivoting at church since March as we strive to keep authentically worshiping God and learning from His Word together, but yet keep one another safe and stay in compliance with the law.  We move back inside next week because the cold and rainy season is upon us and worshiping outside with all the tech in a changing season is just not feasible anymore, nor is going back to online only after 4 months of being together and, honestly, learning more about COVID and its real threat.  

For me, outdoor worship has been gift, and I'm a little sad it's over for now.  I have loved watching our church family come together in new ways of serving-- people showing up an hour early to get canopies popped up, sound plugged in, and livestream running.  I have loved seeing people so hungry for in person church that they do whatever it takes to come, braving extreme weather and accepting unconventional "church" things like slathering their kids in sunscreen, hauling camping chairs, or bundling up in blankets!  I have enjoyed seeing some traditions stay the same, like our love for singing, or our commitment to baptism, or a familiar liturgy, or the trust that we will ALWAYS hear a solid sermon preached, while other traditions have adapted-- like bringing your own coffee or wearing jeans!  Mostly, I have loved the weekly reminder that church is not about a building, or your particular pew.  Dave pointed out today that people all over the world and throughout time have worshiped God and been taught from scriptures in all sorts of places-- on the shores of a lake with their fishing boats nearby, outdoors on the African plains, hidden behind locked doors, in grand cathedrals, and, for the past few months, in a church parking lot.  COVID has altered, but certainly not diminished, our desire or ability to meet God each Sunday.  For some, it's maybe even strengthened it!

Tahoe with Kyle

An unexpected change of plans had Kyle come out for Ella's play weekend a bit later than originally anticipated.  We decided to find the silver lining in this and instead embrace a visit with him during a week that was NOT Dress and Tech and a week that had a day off school built into it.  So, we planned a trip to a favorite part of our state that Kyle has never seen-- Lake Tahoe.  We've never been here in the fall and it was magnificent with trees changing colors, the most turquoise we've ever seen the water, no seasonal crowds, and the perfect make your cheeks rosy and your favorite fuzzy hat wearable, but not make you miserably cold, fall chill in the air.  

We even found the cutest  hotel and spent our first night walking around the Heavenly Ski Village, visiting art galleries, eating pizza, enjoying some live music and yard games, and warming up by the fire pit with some complementary hot chocolate.

The plan the next day was just to take the couple hour drive around the entire lake, hopping out at our favorite spots to drink in those glorious views.  First stop was our favorite beach, Sand Harbor, on the Nevada side.  I'll let the pictures do the talking...

At lunch time we pulled off at Squaw Valley to eat our picnic lunch in the deserted Village. 

We took a little walk on our favorite scenic Squaw Valley path, where we saw them starting to get the slopes ready for the winter season with a little early snow-making!

Our afternoon consisted of a little 2 mile hike down to Vikingsholm, a grand old estate on the shores of Emerald Bay.

We admired stained glass windows and old Scandinavian architecture and made friends with ducks!

Our drive around the entire lake ended with a stop at Inspiration Point on top of Emerald Bay, the place to get the best views.

Along the way, we saw plenty of lovely fall color, something we've been craving in our still-blazing-hot fall Central Valley climate!

After a beautiful all-day drive, we enjoyed some amazing Mexican food and a sunset over the Lake Tahoe mountains.

The next morning donuts and bikes were on the agenda!  Since we spent the day before exploring Tahoe with Kyle on foot and in car, we thought it would be fun to see it on bicycle wheels!  We rented bikes for the morning and traveled several miles along the East side of the lake in the forested Camp Richardson.  BUT, before we could expect more physical activity out of Delia, we had to bribe her with the craziest donuts ever from Glazed and Confused! ;)

It's a season of Thanksgiving, so I want to recognize the gift that so much of the past few weeks has been!  We're so thankful for the gift of normalcy, in practicing and performing school plays, hosting family members, surviving busy calendars, and being able to travel to open places.  The gift of family members who are best friends-- ones we LOVE hanging out, laughing, exploring, and catching up with!  The gift of spirit-reviving, soul-feeding, creator-worshiping scenery, just a few hours away.  And the gift of quality time-- where we can reconnect, escape the stress of life, and be our best selves together!