Tag Archives: Lake

Wayfarer's Journal

Hall Family Weekend at the Lake

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Hall Family at the Lake

We had a wonderful weekend hosting the Halls this weekend. Food, conversation, and rest were the only things on the agenda. We enjoyed a beautiful, cool boat ride on Friday evening as a big, almost full moon rose over the lake.

Being morning people, Tom and Mr. Ed spent the pre-dawn hour at Daylight Donuts while the rest of the family slept in. Of course, they felt obligated to provide goodies for the crew!

There was a lot of conversation around the table, on the dock, on the deck and in the living room. There were Mario Kart races on the Wii, rides on the Waverunners, and plenty of alone time as people read, slept, and rested. And, of course, Wendy kept everyone well fed.

Can’t wait until the rest of the family can come to the Playhouse and join in the fun!

Sophia feeds the Bluegill that live under the dock.
Shelob LIVES!
Quiet conversation on the dock.
Mmmmmm. Daylight Donuts with dinosaur sprinkles. Thanks Grandpa!!
Mom & Dad Hall
Wayfarer's Journal

The Halls Visit the Playhouse

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Captain Tom and his new first mate.

Wendy and I are excited to have Wendy’s family visiting us at the Playhouse this weekend. It’s taken an entire summer of scheduling and coordinating to make this happen, but it’s finally happening. The festivities began with Heidi and Sophia arriving last night. We enjoyed grilling burgers and a quiet evening of catching up.

This morning we took Sophia for a boat ride. It was a little chilly. The sun was warm, but you can feel autumn on the wind. We went slow and enjoyed a nice cruise around the lake. Sophia loved helping Uncle Tom drive the boat.

No, seriously, I can put it on MYSELF!
I think we're gonna need a smaller lifejacket!
"Look, mom! WATER!"
"I'm QUEEN OF THE WORLD!!"
Wayfarer's Journal

Out in the Moonlight All Alone

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It was a gorgeous, full moon last night. The cool evening was calm and the lake was like a sheet of glass. After a wonderful, late dinner Wendy and I got in the boat, set the throttle to just above idle speed and took a slow moonlight cruise around the lake. We were the only boat on the lake. The moonlight illuminated the hills and the hundreds of dock lights decorated the shoreline in a romantic, blue string.

The seasons they are turnin’ and my sad heart is yearnin’
To hear again the songbird’s sweet melodious tone
Won’t you meet me out in the moonlight alone?
The dusky light, the day is losing, Orchids, Poppies, Black-eyed Susan
The earth and sky that melts with flesh and bone
Won’t you meet me out in the moonlight alone?
The air is thick and heavy all along the levy
Where the geese into the countryside have flown
Won’t you meet me out in the moonlight alone?
Well, I’m preachin’ peace and harmony
The blessings of tranquility
Yet I know when the time is right to strike
I’ll take you cross the river dear
You’ve no need to linger here
I know the kinds of things you like
The clouds are turnin’ crimson–the leaves fall from the limbs an’
The branches cast their shadows over stone
Won’t you meet me out in the moonlight alone?
The boulevards of cypress trees, the masquerades of birds and bees
The petals, pink and white, the wind has blown
Won’t you meet me out in the moonlight alone?
The trailing moss and mystic glow
Purple blossoms soft as snow
My tears keep flowing to the sea
Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief
It takes a thief to catch a thief
For whom does the bell toll for, love? It tolls for you and me
My pulse is runnin’ through my palm–the sharp hills are rising from
The yellow fields with twisted oaks that groan
Won’t you meet me out in the moonlight alone?
– “Moonlight” by Bob Dylan
Photo by Tom Vander Well
Chapter-a-Day

Chapter-a-Day Psalm 144

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The Playhouse. Blessed be God, my mountain, who trains me to fight fair and well. He's the bedrock on which I stand, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight, The high crag where I run for dear life, while he lays my enemies low. (Psalm 144:1-2, The Message)

I just returned from spending the weekend at the lake with a friend. It was a guys weekend, and I had the blessed experience of watching my friend melt before my eyes as he slowly decompressed. The tightness and intensity of his daily battle gave way to the peaceful effects of water, wind and wave. His eyelids grew heavy with weariness. His body relaxed. Stress yielded to healing slumber.

Our family's playhouse at the lake has always been a place of refuge. A quiet waystation, well behind the battle line of daily life, where weary individuals can find safety, rest and healing. I get to experience it regularly myself, and it's cool to share it with others in need.

As I read the lyrics to David's song, I was struck by his line "the high crag where I run for dear life." I thanked God for a place of retreat to which I, my family, and my friends, can run. A place to feel God's healing presence away from life's daily battle.

 

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