I hope you are enjoying winter as much as Natalie and I do.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Burrrr.....
Welcome to the north pole. With temperatures this cold...I don't think the snow will melt until next spring. No matter how cold it gets though, Natalie still likes going outside. Her new favorite saying is, "Burrrrr." Every time we step outside she squeezes her fists tight, shakes her arms, and chatters, "Burrrrr."
I hope you are enjoying winter as much as Natalie and I do.
I hope you are enjoying winter as much as Natalie and I do.
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Arrowhead Recipe Book
Check out the right side of the page...
There's a link to the Arrowhead Recipe Book. That's right, now all of your favorite recipes (well, at least my favorite recipes) are now available in one comprehensive collection. The link will give you the option of downloading the recipe book - which is in a PDF format. Each recipe is on a 3x5 card. So, you can save the recipe book on your computer...or you can print out each recipe and they will fit into your recipe box.
New recipes will make their first appearance posted directly on the blog. Every few months the recipe book will be updated and you can download the current version.
Enjoy,
-Ben
There's a link to the Arrowhead Recipe Book. That's right, now all of your favorite recipes (well, at least my favorite recipes) are now available in one comprehensive collection. The link will give you the option of downloading the recipe book - which is in a PDF format. Each recipe is on a 3x5 card. So, you can save the recipe book on your computer...or you can print out each recipe and they will fit into your recipe box.
New recipes will make their first appearance posted directly on the blog. Every few months the recipe book will be updated and you can download the current version.
Enjoy,
-Ben
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Winter Retreats Are Here!
Well, we finally have snow...and freezing temperatures. It's officially winter! I was starting to think that we were going to have to look at grass for the next three months. Our first few groups came to Arrowhead for a "winter retreat" instead of "snow camp". Anticipating a splendid view of brownish-green grass, we set out to make a worthy addition to our outdoor activities. In about a week and a half, just before our first youth retreat...we built our very own football field.
From the pictures below you can see that it's no ordinary field. There's no need to use your coat as an end zone marker. There's no questioning whether your opponent was out of bounds. And, for those amazing - sprint down the side line - dive in for the touchdown - while being tackled in mid air plays...we have orange pylons to let everyone know that the ball crossed the goal line before you hit the ground.
The Uprights are 11' across and 21' high, with a comfortable blue post pad to keep you and your friends from getting a concussion. We thought about going crazy with lining the field. I would have liked to have had a big arrowhead at the 50 yard line and hash marks up the middle. But, my graffiti skills are a little wanting.
What a great activity for groups who come to camp with no snow. An added bonus is that the field is just as awesome in the snow.
Know Anybody from Cornell?
Our past two groups have been from Cornell University. Both are Chinese ministries on campus. They come to Arrowhead to kick off the spring semester. We are always blessed to have them here, as they are very focused and faithful students.
February brings us a handful of youth groups from a variety of places in Pennsylvania.
GoodSearch Update:
So Far This Month - $19.91
Overall Total - $31.60
Keep searching for Arrowhead. Don't forget to tell your friends.
Stay Tuned: more posts are on the way.
From the pictures below you can see that it's no ordinary field. There's no need to use your coat as an end zone marker. There's no questioning whether your opponent was out of bounds. And, for those amazing - sprint down the side line - dive in for the touchdown - while being tackled in mid air plays...we have orange pylons to let everyone know that the ball crossed the goal line before you hit the ground.
The Uprights are 11' across and 21' high, with a comfortable blue post pad to keep you and your friends from getting a concussion. We thought about going crazy with lining the field. I would have liked to have had a big arrowhead at the 50 yard line and hash marks up the middle. But, my graffiti skills are a little wanting.
What a great activity for groups who come to camp with no snow. An added bonus is that the field is just as awesome in the snow.
Know Anybody from Cornell?
Our past two groups have been from Cornell University. Both are Chinese ministries on campus. They come to Arrowhead to kick off the spring semester. We are always blessed to have them here, as they are very focused and faithful students.
February brings us a handful of youth groups from a variety of places in Pennsylvania.
GoodSearch Update:
So Far This Month - $19.91
Overall Total - $31.60
Keep searching for Arrowhead. Don't forget to tell your friends.
Stay Tuned: more posts are on the way.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
A Warm Winter Wonderland
Winter Retreat Kick Off
I know, I know...there's no snow for snow camp, but notice I used the words "winter retreat." Many of you can relate to the lovely spring time weather we've been experiencing...with temperatures in the 50's and 60's. If I had known it was going to be like this in JANUARY I would have scheduled a week of summer camp. This is crazy! I guess this is the reality to the old quip, "Christmas in July".
Here We Go
None the less, it is winter and we've have kicked off our retreat season. This past week we served an overflow group from our friends down at Montrose Bible Conference. We hosted over 80 men and women who were part of the conference whole of 600+ people. That's right, I said over six hundred. I bet some of you youth pastors who are reading this just felt your heart skip a beat or two. I suppose there are two sides to a retreat like that. One is the shear volume...what a challenge. But the other side is the IMPACT. As I have come to understand, this group came to Montrose Bible Conference 20 years ago with approximately 70 people. That group started to grow, many of attendees went into full time ministry - and they now attend the conference with their "new" group. I like that side of the coin...it looks alot like the book of Acts and the account of the early church.
Looking Ahead
We thoroughly enjoyed serving this group and are blessed to be a part of what God is doing in their lives. Next weekend we are very excited to be serving and ministering with David's Church from Millersburg. Kelly and I have had the privilege of getting to know the youth pastor and his family (as well as many of the leaders from the church). It will be a sweet reunion and a great weekend of ministry.
Christmas in Sauquoit
This past weekend Kelly, Natalie, and I were able to make a day trip up to the Utica Area to visit Kelly's family on her dad's side. It was the annual collage of Christmas, New Year's, and The Big Family get-together. We had a wonderful time with Kelly's grandparents, aunts, uncles, moms and dads, cousins, and little Owen (the newest member of the family).
We don't get to see everyone up there very often. I tell you what though, every time we go, it's as if you live next door...and for me - as if I've been a part of the family my whole life. What a blessing.
Prayer Requests:
> Montrose Bible Conference - the men and women who spent four intense days worshipping God and being challenged to a new life revolution.
> David's Church - is coming to Arrowhead this weekend. The leaders are excited and anticipate a great weekend of ministry with a small group emphasis.
> The Shepherds Spring Retreat - we are excited for another retreat and are anticipating a great turnout.
> Youth Staff - over the next few months they will be devoting their time to school, work, church, camp and family. That's a big and important list. Pray that they will continue to seek God's direction and priorities in their lives.
> Leadership Staff - we are praying and searching for young men and women to fill our summer leadership positions for Shepherds Camp and Day Camp.
Ben's Favorite Recipes: Deli Monte Cristos
"This is one of those sandwiches that sets off every sensor in your mouth"
4 slices of rye bread
4 thin slices of deli ham
4 thin slices of deli turkey
2 Tablespoons of coleslaw
2 Tablespoons of Thousand Island salad dressing
2 slices of swiss cheese
2 eggs
On two slices of bread, layer a slice of ham and turkey, coleslaw, salad dressing and cheese. Top with remaining ham and bread. In a bowl, whisk the eggs. Brush the egg (onto the bread) on one side of each sandwich.
Coat a pan with non-stick spray. Place both sandwiches in the pan - with the egg-brushed side down. Brush the other slice of bread on both sandwiches with the egg. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping the sandwhiches to cook both sides.
Note: you may want to increase or decrease the amount of coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing according to your liking.
The Baby Report:
Here we go again...and gladly I will add. The baby report is back in action. Kelly has a doctor's appointment coming up soon, which I'm sure will produce some great details...like due date and whatnot. So far so good though. Kelly has been feeling slightly ill the past few weeks. That may not seem like much to some of you moms, but compared to the ease of being pregnant with Natalie, this is kind of a new ball game. Kelly is doing great. Not only is she a mother with an 18 month old (on Thursday the 11th) but she's pregnant too. Kelly has been doing an amazing job of cleaning, cooking, household necessities, shopping, hosting friends, and caring for Natalie...AND being pregnant. Wow, what a woman.
____________________________________________________________________
GoodSearch update:
Total - as of January 6th, 2007 - $17.68
GoodSearch for Arrowhead
It's NOT about the number of SEARCHES.
It's about the NUMBER of PEOPLE searching.
Email everyone you know and ask them to join you...and GoodSearch for Arrowhead.
I know, I know...there's no snow for snow camp, but notice I used the words "winter retreat." Many of you can relate to the lovely spring time weather we've been experiencing...with temperatures in the 50's and 60's. If I had known it was going to be like this in JANUARY I would have scheduled a week of summer camp. This is crazy! I guess this is the reality to the old quip, "Christmas in July".
Here We Go
None the less, it is winter and we've have kicked off our retreat season. This past week we served an overflow group from our friends down at Montrose Bible Conference. We hosted over 80 men and women who were part of the conference whole of 600+ people. That's right, I said over six hundred. I bet some of you youth pastors who are reading this just felt your heart skip a beat or two. I suppose there are two sides to a retreat like that. One is the shear volume...what a challenge. But the other side is the IMPACT. As I have come to understand, this group came to Montrose Bible Conference 20 years ago with approximately 70 people. That group started to grow, many of attendees went into full time ministry - and they now attend the conference with their "new" group. I like that side of the coin...it looks alot like the book of Acts and the account of the early church.
Looking Ahead
We thoroughly enjoyed serving this group and are blessed to be a part of what God is doing in their lives. Next weekend we are very excited to be serving and ministering with David's Church from Millersburg. Kelly and I have had the privilege of getting to know the youth pastor and his family (as well as many of the leaders from the church). It will be a sweet reunion and a great weekend of ministry.
Christmas in Sauquoit
This past weekend Kelly, Natalie, and I were able to make a day trip up to the Utica Area to visit Kelly's family on her dad's side. It was the annual collage of Christmas, New Year's, and The Big Family get-together. We had a wonderful time with Kelly's grandparents, aunts, uncles, moms and dads, cousins, and little Owen (the newest member of the family).
We don't get to see everyone up there very often. I tell you what though, every time we go, it's as if you live next door...and for me - as if I've been a part of the family my whole life. What a blessing.
Prayer Requests:
> Montrose Bible Conference - the men and women who spent four intense days worshipping God and being challenged to a new life revolution.
> David's Church - is coming to Arrowhead this weekend. The leaders are excited and anticipate a great weekend of ministry with a small group emphasis.
> The Shepherds Spring Retreat - we are excited for another retreat and are anticipating a great turnout.
> Youth Staff - over the next few months they will be devoting their time to school, work, church, camp and family. That's a big and important list. Pray that they will continue to seek God's direction and priorities in their lives.
> Leadership Staff - we are praying and searching for young men and women to fill our summer leadership positions for Shepherds Camp and Day Camp.
Ben's Favorite Recipes: Deli Monte Cristos
"This is one of those sandwiches that sets off every sensor in your mouth"
4 slices of rye bread
4 thin slices of deli ham
4 thin slices of deli turkey
2 Tablespoons of coleslaw
2 Tablespoons of Thousand Island salad dressing
2 slices of swiss cheese
2 eggs
On two slices of bread, layer a slice of ham and turkey, coleslaw, salad dressing and cheese. Top with remaining ham and bread. In a bowl, whisk the eggs. Brush the egg (onto the bread) on one side of each sandwich.
Coat a pan with non-stick spray. Place both sandwiches in the pan - with the egg-brushed side down. Brush the other slice of bread on both sandwiches with the egg. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping the sandwhiches to cook both sides.
Note: you may want to increase or decrease the amount of coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing according to your liking.
The Baby Report:
Here we go again...and gladly I will add. The baby report is back in action. Kelly has a doctor's appointment coming up soon, which I'm sure will produce some great details...like due date and whatnot. So far so good though. Kelly has been feeling slightly ill the past few weeks. That may not seem like much to some of you moms, but compared to the ease of being pregnant with Natalie, this is kind of a new ball game. Kelly is doing great. Not only is she a mother with an 18 month old (on Thursday the 11th) but she's pregnant too. Kelly has been doing an amazing job of cleaning, cooking, household necessities, shopping, hosting friends, and caring for Natalie...AND being pregnant. Wow, what a woman.
____________________________________________________________________
GoodSearch update:
Total - as of January 6th, 2007 - $17.68
GoodSearch for Arrowhead
It's NOT about the number of SEARCHES.
It's about the NUMBER of PEOPLE searching.
Email everyone you know and ask them to join you...and GoodSearch for Arrowhead.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
The Newsletter's New Look
In the past year the e-mail newsletter has been growing, along with other things around the camp. With all kinds of new changes, News from Arrowhead is taking on a new format. It's my desire (as it always has been)to effectively keep in touch with YOU. The new format includes a hard copy newsletter (which you will receive five times a year by snail mail) and a soft copy (which you are currently reading). Why the change? I'm glad you asked. This new format will accomplish two things. First, the more informal information of the newsletter will be sent out in this News from Arrowhead BLOG. The Blog makes production much easier for me. This also means that you will receive the informal aspects of the newsletter more frequently. Things like: Ben's book of the month, the Baby Report, Ben's favorite Recipes, new prayer requests & praises, and much more. Secondly, the more formal information of the newsletter will arrive in the mail. Nothing beats getting a letter in the mail...that's just for YOU! Many of the formal aspects of the newsletter are repeated from week to week, and this new format will keep you up-to-date more efficiently.
Feel free to check out the blog any time you want. I will continue to send out an email with the link - that will take you directly to this blog.
____________________________________________________________________________________
GoodSearch for Arrowhead
Feel free to check out the blog any time you want. I will continue to send out an email with the link - that will take you directly to this blog.
____________________________________________________________________________________
GoodSearch for Arrowhead
I've got some Absolutely Great News from Arrowhead...and it involves YOU!
Arrowhead Bible Camp is now a verified "charity" on Goodsearch.com. That means
that everytime someone searches the internet using Goodsearch.com, Goodsearch
will donate $0.01 (one penny) to Arrowhead Bible Camp.
You probably have some questions. Let me try to answer them.
1. What is Goodsearch.com?
Goodsearch.com is an internet search engine (like google, yahoo, or hotbot)
2. What will this cost me?
Absolutely nothing. Goodsearch.com is the one who donates to Arrowhead...
but only when you use their search engine.
3. What do you mean ONE PENNY?
Step 1 - type in a search on Goodsearch.com
Step 2 - type in Arrowhead Bible Camp as your charity
Step 3 - Hit ENTER or CLICK your mouse
and Goodsearch.com donates one penny everytime you click.
4. How can ONE penny amount to anything?
Here's an example of what YOU can do with one penny
100 supporters search the internet just twice a day = $730/year
1,000 supporters search the internet just twice a day = $7300/year
That's just two clicks a day.
5. What Should I do now?
Step 1 - start using Goodsearch.com right away
Step 2 - make Goodsearch.com your homepage
Step 3 - email EVERYONE in your address book and tell them how they can help donate thousands of dollars to Arrowhead...with only a penny.
Step 4 - keep using Goodsearch.com
Yikes! It's pretty amazing what you can do with a penny.
I challenge you to send this email to everyone you know. When you do...if you forward this email, make sure to take out the "fw:" in the subject line (some people don't like forwards).
Let's see if we can raise $10,000 in 2007 through Goodsearch.com.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Christmas Pictures
Merry Christmas
Kelly, Natalie, and I headed home for the holidays. We spent a few days in Kurtistan and then a few days in Spring Grove. I love this time of the year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's are a special time for us because we get to see our family. Nothing beats getting everyone together.
I know many of you will be sitting down together on Christmas morning to read the "Christmas story" from the Bible. This is certainly a great time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ - our Savior and King. I want to encourage each of you to continue with or begin the tradition of reading the account of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.
I would venture to say that for most people, they only think about Jesus around Christmas...and they only think of a helpless baby who was born in a manger. Jesus was born into this world as a baby, in a manger, of a poor family. But there is much more to Jesus that we can not lose sight of, especially during the Christmas season. I also want to encourage and challenge each of you...to read and remember - that Jesus died on the cross for your sin and mine. Right now, Jesus sits in heaven at the right hand of God our Father - and He is our mighty King. Consider also reading a few other passages of scripture this Christmas season: Luke 23:20-46; Revelation 4:1-11, and 19:11-16. The baby who was born in the manger is also the sinless God-Man who died on the cross, and the Almighty King who rules forever over all things. Join me in praising Him this Christmas Season.
-That's right! Natalie is a Big Sister. Kelly is expecting another bundle of joy some time in August 2007. So get ready-the Baby Report is making a come back.
Thanks and Merry Christmas,
-Ben
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Christmas Pictures
Merry Christmas
Kelly, Natalie, and I headed home for the holidays. We spent a few days in Kurtistan and then a few days in Spring Grove. I love this time of the year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's are a special time for us because we get to see our family. Nothing beats getting everyone together.
I know many of you will be sitting down together on Christmas morning to read the "Christmas story" from the Bible. This is certainly a great time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ - our Savior and King. I want to encourage each of you to continue with or begin the tradition of reading the account of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.
I would venture to say that for most people, they only think about Jesus around Christmas...and they only think of a helpless baby who was born in a manger. Jesus was born into this world as a baby, in a manger, of a poor family. But there is much more to Jesus that we can not lose sight of, especially during the Christmas season. I also want to encourage and challenge each of you...to read and remember - that Jesus died on the cross for your sin and mine. Right now, Jesus sits in heaven at the right hand of God our Father - and He is our mighty King. Consider also reading a few other passages of scripture this Christmas season: Luke 23:20-46; Revelation 4:1-11, and 19:11-16. The baby who was born in the manger is also the sinless God-Man who died on the cross, and the Almighty King who rules forever over all things. Join me in praising Him this Christmas Season.
READ CAREFULLY - or you'll miss it.
Here's a little story that was created by Kelly's Dad (and a few other family members).
NATALIE'S ARRIVAL
T'was the night before her arrival and all through the house,
Everything was placed up for survival, even cat and mouse.
The stockings were fastened with very large nails
In hopes that miss Natalie would not soon assail.
In the weeks until now, we've slept more than you'd think,
Knowing that soon, we'd not get a wink.
Grandma kept mumbling about monkeys and beds
And PopPop kept wondering about this woman he'd wed.
Out in the driveway a car now arrives
With little miss Natalie starpped up inside.
Mommy and Daddy are relieved to be done
With a four hour drive that wasn't much fun.
As she came in the house with her coat zipped up tight
They saw her "I'm a big sister" t-shirt, boy what a sight.
There was hugging and kissing, and all that good stuff,
As she thought to herself, why all the bug huff.
"Now Grandma, now PopPop, now Megan and Aaron,
Now cookies, now presents, we all will be sharin'.
She arrived just in time; so let the party begin,
Eat, drink and be merry, so lets all dig in.
Grandma was first, to get in on the act,
To bring out the presents adn that was a fact.
There were bikes, and toys that I never had seen,
Wrapped under the tree, tall and glistening.
We read the Christmas story of why it is true,
That Jesus came to this earth for me and for you.
That the gift that He gave, was the very best one
'Cause out of God's love He gave us His Son.
Here's a little story that was created by Kelly's Dad (and a few other family members).
NATALIE'S ARRIVAL
T'was the night before her arrival and all through the house,
Everything was placed up for survival, even cat and mouse.
The stockings were fastened with very large nails
In hopes that miss Natalie would not soon assail.
In the weeks until now, we've slept more than you'd think,
Knowing that soon, we'd not get a wink.
Grandma kept mumbling about monkeys and beds
And PopPop kept wondering about this woman he'd wed.
Out in the driveway a car now arrives
With little miss Natalie starpped up inside.
Mommy and Daddy are relieved to be done
With a four hour drive that wasn't much fun.
As she came in the house with her coat zipped up tight
They saw her "I'm a big sister" t-shirt, boy what a sight.
There was hugging and kissing, and all that good stuff,
As she thought to herself, why all the bug huff.
"Now Grandma, now PopPop, now Megan and Aaron,
Now cookies, now presents, we all will be sharin'.
She arrived just in time; so let the party begin,
Eat, drink and be merry, so lets all dig in.
Grandma was first, to get in on the act,
To bring out the presents adn that was a fact.
There were bikes, and toys that I never had seen,
Wrapped under the tree, tall and glistening.
We read the Christmas story of why it is true,
That Jesus came to this earth for me and for you.
That the gift that He gave, was the very best one
'Cause out of God's love He gave us His Son.
-That's right! Natalie is a Big Sister. Kelly is expecting another bundle of joy some time in August 2007. So get ready-the Baby Report is making a come back.
Thanks and Merry Christmas,
-Ben
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