Remember to read and reread Philippians. There’s JOY in life.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
What do you get when you have three families (well, some adult kiddos were missing due to work…someone had to do it), in one home, together for a week, in another state? A fabulous vacation!
This past summer 4/5 of our family went to Big Sky, Montana with two other families. Our trip consisted of many laughs, lots of hikes and exploring nature, lots of yummy food, whitewater rafting, and lots of soaking up God’s goodness through nature and each other.
A couple of days before we had our three family adventure, the following bible verse was the verse-for-the-day:
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
I used this bible verse as a prayer for our trip. All three families were already good friends, but you never know when you get many personalities together for the first time lodging with one dwelling, how things will go…this vacation could have been a memory of another kind.
Praise the Lord that we all lived in harmony. This group was collective in encouraging one another. Encouragement came at various times: on hikes when the distance seemed far, on mountain bike trails when one was experienced and one was not, and on moments of conquering fear of heights.
All three families were grounded in their relationship with Christ. When you spend time with others with godly-like-mindedness, prayers are said and conversations were often enlightening.
When I read my scripture for the day today, wonderful memories of our three family vacation can to my mind again.
Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. Philippians 2:1-4
I mention our vacation experience with you as an example of:
- encouragement
- mercy and kindness
- agreement
- love
- unity
- selflessness
- humbleness
- honoring others
…all for the sake of others and Christ.
The Lott, Miller, and Shuff families were all united in having an unforgettable and fun vacation…and we succeeded!
I want to encourage you to be adventurous in life…these are great life lessons. I want to encourage you to fellowship with others who have a love for Christ…this will build you and others up. I want to encourage you to enjoy God’s creations…nature and others.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Websites for places we visited:
https://riverhousebbq.com/ (great atmosphere, great bbq, stunning scenery)
http://www.bigskytowncenter.com/directory/ (Great shops, places to eat and drink, art galleries)
https://outsidebozeman.com/trails-tours/hiking-trails/ousel-falls-park-trail (Pleasant hike of Ousel Falls, beautiful scenery)
https://www.raftmontana.com/ (Great experience, well-knowledgeable guides, refreshing)
https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm (Yes, yes, yes!! Animals, hikes, geysers, scenery…go!)
https://museumoftherockies.org/ (Wow! Rich history and facts to back it up.)
https://outsidebozeman.com/trails-tours/hiking-trails/beehive-basin-trail (Breathtaking)
https://www.fireholebbqco.com/ (One of the West Yellowstone eateries…as seen on “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives))
https://www.thebuffalobar.com/ (Another West Yellowstone eatery. Cool atmosphere and good food)
https://paraderestranch.com/ (Horseback riding, and where our daughter went to live and work for six weeks after our vacation!)
(There are way to many photos to share, and each with fond memories and stories to share, but below are just a few.)
