I am a wife, mother of three and long-time lover of the lake and the lifestyle that comes with it. Although my family had a boat in Minnesota for four years, starting when I was two years old, I confess I don't remember any of that except what I see as evidenced in old pictures. It must have had some impression, though, as each of my siblings and I now own a boat!

My first recollection of being fascinated with the water was as a nurse assistant at Kanakuk Kamp, located on Lake Taneycomo in Branson, MO. There was a connection between God and the water. I saw it when I looked at the roughly built cross that stood overlooking the lake where church services were held for the children. There was nothing better than waking up to birds chirping and the sunrise hitting the glistening water.

Later, our own children would attend the same camp for many years, enjoying tons of fun experiences on the lake as campers. After each camp term, our family would spend a couple of days at Big Cedar Lodge - warm family atmosphere with authentically woodsy, luxurious log cabins and spectacular lake views. It was a great way for the kids to ease back into the real world after having days of nothing but joy and positive reinforcement in the ideal atmosphere of Kanakuk Kamp, a place some call "heaven on earth." We would always rent a boat, pack a lunch and float all afternoon in a quiet cove on Table Rock Lake.

There are so many things about the water.....as I drive to our lake house, I feel my blood pressure decreasing; after floating in the lake, my body feels de-stressed; something about just looking out at the water is calming and puts me into "lake mode," where time doesn't matter, and I literally lose track of it.

Symbols of water are throughout the Bible. Water is healing; water is thirst-quenching - whether you're parched or thirsty for the truth or even your identity; water is a symbol of God throwing out a life line to you as it says in Jeremiah. "But I will bless those who put their trust in me. They are like trees growing near a stream and sending out roots to the water. They are not afraid when hot weather comes, because their leaves stay green; they have no worries when there is no rain; they keep on bearing fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 GNB

As we travel through each Season at the Lake, whether it's entertaining friends and family, decorating the space we occupy, enjoying creative activities or reflecting on the messages of our Creator through nature, I hope you will enjoy this website as much as I enjoy sharing it with you.

Jumping in with Both Feet,