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Youth Retreat
 "Lord, we need a fresh anointing We cannot borrow from yesterday Come and lead us, Holy Spirit Teach us of Jesus, His will, His way."
As we prepared to gather for a weekend of seeking God, that song was my heart cry.
We, the Oasis Tabernacle Youth Family, spent our time at this lovely retreat in West Manchester, Ohio. It is a peaceful, well-maintained property, reminiscent of a Shaker-style community. Simple. Orderly. Clean. Pleasing.

Oh, what a beautiful Lord we serve! He answered our prayers for more of Him and came down among us with His sweet, healing Presence. No problem or turmoil is too big for Him!
"From every stormy wind that blows From every swelling tide of woes There is a calm, a sure retreat It's found beneath the mercy seat."

Friday night was a service of singing and testimony. Amazingly, the youth began opening their hearts and being honest about struggles, questions, and fears.

When we humble ourselves and call on God, He will hear and answer. But we must…

Hope of Spring
 Sugarcreek is slowly but surely exhibiting a willingness to release its frozen grip on the locked door of Spring, for which I breathe a hopeful sigh of relief.

I walk among my tiny gardens searching for the faintest signs of spring green and growth and bud and bloom. It is scarcely to be detected even now, but it is there for the probing eye and ear to perceive.

The bursting through hardened soil of the daffodil plant.

The return of the singing bird.

The lengthening of the day.

The unfurling of the strawberry leaf.

The melting of winter snow.

The purchase of a new pair of gardening gloves.

Oh yes, the excitement of springtime is beginning to work its energizing influence upon my soul!

When the sun came out after a long cloudy and rainy spell Jacki and I both felt a sense of hoping rising within!

Praises to my Lord for the beauty and promise of spring!

Schmucker Gathering in Virginia
 The journey to Virginia was fraught with unexpected hazards on the roadways but we made it safely. It had snowed in West Virginia and Virginia the day before and our path was still not completely clear the next day. The landscape was frozen in pure white and so lovely, although I do not seem to appreciate it as much if I have to drive!
I drove on roads that normally would have me trembling in my boots, but Dale coached me from the passenger seat and it boosted my confidence having him along. He was quite sick with a flu he had picked up the day before, else he would have been in the driver's seat.
These two (and their parents) are excited to finally go to Grandpa's house!

Dairy Queen blizzards are pretty much a given when this family travels!

We took Mom, Dad, and Leon out to breakfast the first morning. It was a fine start to the day! I think Mom is pointing out a picture on the wall!

The next order of business, of course, is to play a game. I have learned, since marrying into thi… Hi! My name is Karyn. I am married to Dale and we have two children. I love old homes and have had the privilege of living in and beautifying a few. Our last move brought us into a grand old brick beauty that I am excited to transform into our own! A few of my favorite things...home, family, reading, decorating, landscaping and travel. Jesus gave me beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, the mantle of praise for the spirit of heaviness. I am passionate about living in His Will!

