Fabulously Fin.

There is a time and a season.

2012-05-08T02:02:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 says -

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

    a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
    a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
    a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
  a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
    a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

What do workers gain from their toil?I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account."

I got a phone call from my dear friend Holly last week, that I did not predict was coming at all. The following is her official announcement regarding the future of program camp at Forest Home Ojai Valley:

Greetings.

You are receiving this because you have been a past camper, counselor or staff member at Forest Home Ojai Valley. I am writing you today to share with you some important news.

This summer will mark my 7th year running Middle and High School Program at Forest Home Ojai Valley (it marks the 10th summer for FH Ojai). It has been amazing to see all the lives that have been transformed over the years. Not only the lives of the campers changed, but most of you have a personal story of how God changed your heart, as you ministered to youth. Additionally, I could share story after story of staff members (many of them who grew up in your youth groups) who spiritually developed and grew as they served whole-heartedly. Needless to say, this has been a God-glorifying and effective ministry, that we’ve all had the pleasure of being a part of together.

This summer, we will run summer program camps as normal. However, after this summer, we will no longer be offering summer program at Forest Home Ojai. This is unfortunate news and I know many of you call this home, which we love because we do too! We value you, your role and your heartfelt ministry here. We have loved supporting and working together over the years and it is sad to end this. As it comes to a close, we rejoice in the knowing when one door closes, another one opens. God will continue to use Forest Home Ojai Valley for our guest group ministry.

My role will shift to expanding our EXPED Program, which is our 5th-7th grade Christian and public outdoor education program. I will also continue to oversee recreation. We will continue doing the Middle School Girls Camp in September.

I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you. You have made a huge impact on this place. Without your love, support and hard work, program would not have been so successful for the past 10 years. Thank you for following the Lord’s lead to be involved here. We ask that you continue to pray for this place and spread the word about EXPED, Middle School Girls Camp as well as guest groups, which we do all year round.

If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to talk this through.

Love,
Holly and the rest of the Forest Home Ojai Valley Staff Team

As I have been processing this news for the last few days, I am a little overwhelmed by the all the feelings that have come with this new change. Working summer program at Ojai has been the highlight of my summer, for the last 5 summers. I had no idea when my dear friend Kelly Hughes asked me to come volunteer for a couple weeks during summer 2007, that my life would never be the same. Serving Jesus and His church through summer program has changed me. I am overwhelmingly thankful to the Lord that he allowed me to be a part of this ministry.

It is through this ministry, and through working on summer staff teams, that God has taught me many invaluable lessons. Some that come to mind include: the importance of team-work, fruitful lessons in humility (mostly learned while cleaning urinals and emptying sani boxes), how to receive grace and how to extend it, the value in being a good listener, how BIG our God and His power and plan are, and just how vital community is in the Christian life.

As I've been thinking about all that I am going to miss about program camp, I am realizing there are probably some things I am going to miss that I won't realize for a while. One of the first things that came to mind though, is that I am going to deeply miss the churches, and their campers and counselors, that have been coming to Ojai. The feeling of loved-ones returning home that exudes from the hearts of guests and staff alike when new and returning churches enter into the parking lot, is one of my favorite things about summer program. In the last 5 years, I have had the privilege of seeing campers return to Ojai each summer, and to be a witness to the radical work of Jesus in their lives through the years.

Thank you Jesus for letting me be witness of, and give testimony to, the saving work You do in our lives. Thank you for caring so intimately for your children. Thank you for providing me strength when I didn't think I had any, providing for my needs when I did not know what they were, and for letting me be a small part of your work through this ministry. Thank you for the people you have brought into my life as a result.

To the churches who have been to summer program at Forest Home Ojai, thank you for letting me a small part of your lives. Thank you for inviting me into your youth groups, your stories, and your hearts, and for sharing with me the good and hard of the Christian life. Thank you for hosting me in your homes and churches, and for sharing the work God is doing in your communities with me. It is your time at Forest Home Ojai, whether brief or extended, that has been an influential part of the work Jesus has done my heart in the last 5 years. I cannot accurately communicate how special you are to me. Thank you.

I am going to miss sitting in the back of the ark during evening meeting, and seeing hundreds of attentive hearts being changed by the Gospel. And I will miss Tuesday decision night, and seeing the campers we had been praying for repent and turn to Jesus. And I am going to miss nightly prayer circle with the staff, sharing highs and lows, prayers and praises, of our lives and the lives of our students. And of course I will especially miss closing prayer circle with a song (Fill Up My Cup anyone?).

I'll miss counselor coffee (and the 6:40am golf cart ride with Holly to get the coffee from the kitchen). And I'll miss the sweet time of fellowship, laughter, and tears that are shared during that space. Countless life-changing conversations occurred during those mornings.

Without a doubt I am going to miss Carroll Hudson's committed attendance of First Things every morning.

I will miss hearing campers' stories on the mic Wednesday night during share time at sunset on the beach, and hearing testimony after testimony of just how GOOD our God is.

I will miss sitting in my favorite lifeguard chair (Tower 1), and interacting with campers and counselors, either meeting them for the first time or catching up like old friends.

I will miss seeing our staff and guests dressed up all fancy for the banquet Thursday night, and plate serving them our guests their meal. And of course, I'll miss switcharoo and Cookie beat boxing in the mic as the rest of us hang stars on the stage, tear down tables, and set up chairs. And I'll miss scooping ice cream and chatting with eager campers before "Camp's Got Talent." (I still can't decide how much I'll miss CGT though ;) )

It is through my time working summer camp that Jesus has brought some of the most significant people into my life. There are actually almost too many to count. From the women I call my best friends, to my dear friend Arnold who baptized me last summer, God orchestrated the development of the most meaningful relationships in my life through summer program.

For those that I have worked with at Ojai, it has been a blessing and pleasure to have done ministry with you. Thank you for showing me Christ's love. Thank you for working hard, playing hard, and loving well. Thank you for teaching me what Christ-centered leadership looks like, honesty, how to pursue healthy community, and for pointing to me Jesus. Thank you for being obedient to Jesus's calling on your life to be a part of this ministry. Your obedience produced great fruits. Thank you for sharing laughter and tears with me on more than one occasion. Thank you for your hearts of service and your commitment to pursuing excellence with me. I will always deeply treasure the time we spent working summer program together at Ojai. And let's never forget, Ojai will always be home.

Summer program is ending, and I am realizing that this will definitely be a grieving process. I am profoundly sad about the loss of this particular area of this ministry. However, I am so excited to what Jesus will do with and through Forest Home Ojai. It is only through trusting Him that I have confidence that He has good plans for what is next. As this door closes, I am praying for the next door that is opening.

So I say for now, with a overflowing heart and many tears in my eyes, see you for the final summer program at Ojai. I am praying that in whatever way this change effects you, whether past or present staff, a camper, a counselor, or a church community, that you would experience Jesus in the midst of it all. That you would trust in His purposes and His plans for your lives and for the future of Ojai. I am praying for your youth groups and the decisions that will be made in the future about where to take your students to summer camp. I am rejoicing that we have experienced Jesus through this ministry, and that I have had the privilege of experiencing Him while in community with you.

Sincerely,

Mallory // MalFin // Muffin

Summer 2007

Summer 2008

Summer 2009

Summer 2010

Summer 2011

November: The Month of Thanks.

2011-11-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

November. The month of thankfulness. The beginning of much family time in the next few weeks. The sign that the semester is near over.

And the month of school projects, papers, extra homework assignments, and "Oh I forgot to put this huge assignment on syllabus"s.

Today I've been mentally complaining about homework. I have also been trying to clash those complaints with reminders of how much I have to be thankful for: God's mercy that I am so undeserving of, a family that loves me, the opportunity I have to get an education, etc.

And needless to say, its helpful, kind of.

But I wanted to share a few things that I am genuinely thankful for in my life right now. Things that have been clear themes during the semester.

This team of people. We all staff retreated together last weekend, and that really affirmed for me how much I ADORE this team. It has been an adventure doing this year with them, as we are pioneering and figuring out what a second year RA staff should look like.

I mean look at us, aren't we so fun?!

In this midst of perhaps the busiest season on my life so far, the Lord has been kind fo bless me with weekends away and space to do what is best for me. I have been busy, but rarely overwhelmed. The last 6 weeks have been sprinkled with escapes of rest. The picture below is a view of the Coachella Valley from the spa I stayed at in Palm Desert with my mom, Sydnee, and Leah. This photo, taken at Schoolhouse Beach in Ventura, is one of my favorites. Times at home have been so sweet and much needed this semester. I am thankful.

My girl Rachel. After 16 almost 17 years of friendship, I am so grateful that we are still so close. She has been a listening ear and provided me with many moments of comic relief. Thankful for you, RayBay.

The Lord is so gracious to grant with me moments and people. I am grateful to get to so deeply enjoyed these things in the moment. So, as I sit here mumbling and grumbling about my to do list, I am reminded to not live parenthetically. To enjoy things for what they are; to enjoy the moments of here and now. Because as great as the future is, the present has so much more to offer.

Crafty Crafty.

2011-11-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

I wish there was more time in the day to be crafty. Really, I do. Maybe its because of my latest Pinterest addiction, or maybe its the mom in me maturing - either way, I often go to bed dreaming of crafting. Here's some of my favorite ideas so far.

How cute are these mason jars all spray painted? I want to spray paint some for my room, and put fresh flowers and floating candles in them. Love Love.

This lampshade is to DIE for. Am I right? Perfect modern beach bungalow look.

I know summer has passed, but I am still so into these shorts. I'm planning on raiding my old jeans when I get home over Thanksgiving and snipping some old doilies. So presh.

This blanket is so easy and cute. Reminds me of the T-Shirt quilts that all my friends have been making lately.

Anything chevron printed is my latest craving. I want to make a few of these for mine and Mikaela's room soon. :)

Isn't this camera strap so cute? I have some old vintage fabric I'm planning on using to make one for my camera. I love my little guy.

Have you found any awesome craft ideas that you've actually attempted recently?

Foster the People - "Houdini"

2011-11-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

Mikaela and I had the privilege of seeing these guys at the Fox Theater in Pomona. Shoot, did we love them. Enjoy!

recap of the semester so far.

2011-11-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

the semester so far in photo recap.

seal beach.

foho reunion froyo

palm springs for labor day.

church bbq. love this little lady.

court's birthday.

family time at home.

thai food with these lovely women.

time at camp: love my sister.

lovely summer ladies.

Malibu hang out.

Bluff BBQ.

that's all for now. :)

I'm ready.

2011-10-31T23:36:00.000-07:00

Well, its clearly been a while since I've consistently blogged.
It has been a combination of a couple things that have prevented it:
1. Busy.
2. I haven't had much to say.

I have been in a season of listening, soaking up, and gleaning from the words of others. Those who know me well know that I usually have something to say (I get it from my mother).
And after a few months of listening and processing, I think I'm ready to write again.

This year hasn't been an easy one. Losing Gramps has caused more pain than I've known what to do with at times. And in those moments of pain, I've been learning who to call, and who to reach out to, for love and support. Often, that's been reaching out to the Father for loving compassion and comfort, and sometimes that looks like calling family. Either way, part of not writing about my pain has been intentional. I'm learning to balance, create boundaries, yet find ways to still be transparent. I'm not perfect at it, but I'm getting there.

Through this journey, I have experienced the Lord's working in my life. I can see evidence of his work in my life more clearly then ever before.

So, all that to say, I'm back. For now. And am looking forward to sharing my life with you.
You'll probably notice a few different trends in my life lately:

I'm busy. Busier than I've ever been. 21 units kicks my butt some weeks.
Adventure. This month specifically has felt like an unending adventure. I've come to the realization that if I keep telling myself I'll do/experience something later, it may not ever happen. So I'm taking the opportunities that are coming my way. And when I think I've found an excuse why something won't work out in my life at the moment, God seems to put in it in my path like a road block. Thankfully he is so persistant, because I try to swerve and avoid things often.
Love. A greater understanding and belief in my adoption into the Christ's family has left me feeling loved, and as a result I've felt the capacity to love others more too. I am thankful that He makes me cup overflow.

So cheers to the fun that's to come, to the seasons we are each in, And to the God of the universe, who cares so deeply for each of us.

Staff pictures:

2011-09-02T12:48:00.001-07:00

Isn't my staff LOVELY?!

New Room Decor & Breakfast.

2011-08-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

A new semester brings new, fun things, ideas, and trends.

Mikaela and I's room decor is the best its ever been this year. We are stepping it up ;) Our sweet curtains cover our ordinarily open closet area, and I think its my favorite part of our room. :)

I don't love breakfast, but I know I need to eat it. So lately I've been eating this combo in the morning and I LOVE it: I would recommend trying it out. :)

camping weekend.

2011-08-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

so thankful for great friends, laughs, beautiful sunsets, and surprise adventures.

A Cause for Celebration.

2011-08-28T00:14:00.000-07:00

After much prayer and hard work, all of our residents are here! I am so excite for what is to come in our building this year.

We had a little staff celebratory dinner during staff meeting Tuesday night, thanks to our RD Dawn, and it was great. We met, ate, cleaned, and played a hysterical game of loaded questions.

On Wednesday night, we had our "Welcome to the Neighborhood" coffee shop style all hall. There was coffee, treats, live music, and lots of meeting/catching up with residents. Its going to be a good year.

On Thursday, Court came to play! It had been too long since we had seen each other. I am just so blessed by our friendship, and feel so thankful for her. Thursday we lunched, relaxed, shopped, and ended the night hot tubbing in HB. Friday we went to the most precious bridal boutique in Fullerton called The Dresser and Court tried on some bridesmaids dresses for a wedding she's in in the spring. (If you're looking for an affordable, precious bridesmaid dresse, that's the place to go!)

Friday afternoon, after she left, I spent the rest of the day at the beach with some of my favorite women. Its been beautifully hot here in Southern California, so a Friday afternoon at Seal Beach was exactly what we needed.

It feel a little crazy that school has begun already. I don't think I am exactly ready to begin it academically, particularly when every day has been perfect lake weather. I found myself day dreaming of a day spent behind the boat with my family multiple times while I was in class last week. Woops! :)

Its been a good summer. And a hard one. And I am not totally ready to let it go yet.

I am praying that this fall I would begin to embrace the seasons the Lord has put me, enjoy Him deeply, and really love others well.

Chris Young - "Lost"

2011-08-27T23:30:00.001-07:00

here comes the fall.

2011-08-20T12:23:00.001-07:00

Here are the wonderful people I get to spend the next nine months working with. They are so wonderful. Seriously.

Biola life is getting back into full swing. Our returning residents arrive today and classes start Wednesday. Shoot, I am looking forward to the fun that's to come.

Although life feels full and busy, it doesn't feel quite as busy as the camp life does - which is probably for the best. I have been able to slow down, process, reflect, and give thanks for the good and the hard of the last few months. I think this is the first week I have begun to grieve and feel the pain of my Gramp's passing. Life hasn't stopped since June, and now that there are pauses and times for reflecting, I miss him. I am grateful for friends during these moments who call, who listen, and who pray for me. His loss is so significant that I don't think any of us have been able to grasp it.

Happy new school year friends, I hope you are deeply enjoying Jesus in midst of the good and the hard of life.

Comfort: Wise words.

2011-08-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

A sweet friend sent me this quote tonight by Luther:

"This life is therefore not righteousness but growth in righteousness, not health but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not finished, but it is going on. This is not the end, but it is the road. all does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified."

Ending.

2011-08-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

For me to say that I am thankful for my time are Forest Home Ojai this summer would be understatement. My heart is so full from the work the Lord did in, around, and through me this summer.

Lives were changed.
Christ was glorified.
Youth groups were unified.
Friendships were created.

I could not have asked for a better summer.

And now I am preparing to return to Biola: packing and praying.

Baptized!

2011-08-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, and pastor, Arnold baptized me a couple weeks ago. Baptism was never emphasized in the churches I grew up, until I went to Reality. After learning about it there and in my theology class at school, I realized it was something I needed to do.

So I did! And I am glad. Here are some photos from the day. :)

the week of lasts.

2011-07-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that our last week of program is quickly coming to a close.
To say I am going to miss these people, this place, and this season of life would be an understatement.
The amount of a gratitude I have for the people on my team is indescribable.

Here's to living up the last 6 days of summer!

thanking > complaining.

2011-07-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

this year i resolved to complain less, and enjoy life more. and it has been a beautiful, and refining, process. every time i think i can complain, i try to think of a reason to be thankful in that situation. this has resulted in me feeling more thankful for my life than i have in a while.
so...
here are five reasons to be thankful that have been i have been reminding myself of:

1. i am working at camp. although 5:30am comes early every morning, i LOVE waking up to do what i get to do. i feel encouraged, and like i am serving a purpose. it is not always that i feel 100% satisfied and at peace with where i am and what i am doing. the Lord has been proving to me in a multitude of ways that this is where he wants me.
2. i see my little sister everyday. i really miss little Bun Bun when i am at school, so getting to see her face after breakfast every morning is a bit of a dream come true.
3. reality. sunday mornings i leave feeling fed, refocused, and ready to do ministry for the next week. i am thankful for Gospel truths, prayer, and missional living.
4. i am apart of an awesome team. i've said it before and i'll say it another 100 times i am sure, but our summer staff is the best yet. they're family. and i love them.
5. Jesus loves me. and he is refining, pursuing, and changing me for his glory and good.

for the love of summer.

2011-07-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some favorite photos from summer thus far:

new friends.

Thomas and Heather's wedding

Debbie and Aimee came for a visit.

Downtown Ojai adventures with my staff.

Fourth of July parade.

Sarah and Tyler's wedding!

summer is fun.

2011-07-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

I am the worst at updating this summer!
The camp life is a good life. I have so many photos and stories I want to tell you blog friends, so I will do that soon enough.

But for now I am updating you from my cell phone, while I hang out in my medic station.

I love being at camp. I love it more than I can explain. It has been a while since I have felt so incredibly filled and satisfied with where I am and what I am doing, and this summer I have felt the Lord reassuring in me that this is where he wants me.
I love my job. I love caring for the sick kiddos, and calling parents, and even the midnight phone calls. Everyday is different, and some days are harder than others, but it is good.
I love my staff. They are lovely people, who love Jesus so much, and love each other a lot too. I am blessed to be a part of this community.
I love my church. This past Sunday Britt preached about the effect our new campus launch on the existing campuses. It was sweet to see how the Lord is preparing our church for the changes that will be happening, so that we can remain a healthy church community despite our three locations. I am amazed by the work the Holy Spirit is doing in our church community, and continue to be blessed by my congregation and pastoral staff. Particularly during the organization of and celebration of my Gramps' life, I felt cared for by the Reality Ventura team. I am so appreciative. And I am excited to see what God does in the life of our church!
I love my family. I get to see Camille daily at work. I don't get to see my parents or Gram as much as I would like to, but they are the best. And seeing them on the weekend is what gives me refreshment and life for the next week of camp.
I almost can't believe there is only two and a half weeks left of camp. I love it here so much and cannot even fathom what it is going to be like to move back to school after having such an amazing summer here. I am not ready to start transitioning out of camp life, but know that I need to keep that in the back of my mind otherwise a harsh reality will hit me once this is all over.

On a slightly silly note, my love for country music is increasing daily. I almost can't get enough. So for now, I will leave you with this YouTube video, and will try to update more this weekend on the happenings of camp and otherwise.

Much love.

summer staff: here we go.

2011-06-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

Summer has begun, and I could not be happier about it. Week one of staff training is over. And my staff is awesome. I am thankful I get to spend the summer with all of them.

This is us at In N Out before we headed up the mountain to Mill Creek Canyon for 3 days of staff training. We are almost complete. Our girl Aileen joins us this week after she gets back from Rawanda.

We had our bi-annual open house picnic, and Court came to visit. I love her, a lot. I miss her at camp.

It is also lovely to have my little sister full time at camp this summer. She and Bree are working 40 hours a week, so we will get to spend a lot of time together. Sister sister, never knew how much I missed you.

This next week is another week of training for us a Ojai. We have a guest group in of Arizona churches, and I will be medic-ing and joining in on training activities when I can. Forest Home Mill Creek has their first program guests groups this week in most of their camp centers. Pray for them, their staffs, and campers as the Lord begins to work mightily in those mountains.

saying goodbye.

2011-06-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

On Thursday June 9 Gramps went to be with Jesus.
Yesterday we celebrated his life. Some wonderful family and friends came to support, celebrate, and grieve with us.
To say we are deeply saddened he is gone would be in understatement. He was a great man, who has changed my life for the better. I am a better person and Christ follower because he was my grandfather.
Wills, you are loved and missed.

pre summer hang out.

2011-06-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

excited to spend the summer with these people.

summer so far.

2011-06-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

i am so glad to be home in ventura this week. on tuesday, we brought Gramps home on hospice care, and have been able to spend some sweet time with him since. even as his physical body begins to fail, his spirit is so alive. it is a true testimony to the Spirit living in him.

we are thankful to be able to spend the last days of his life with him, although its hard knowing that these are some of his last. thank you friends and family for praying for us and sending us encouragement. we can't tell you how appreciative we are for your acts of service.

please continue to pray for peace and the Lord's timing in his Gramps' last days of life.

summer is here.

2011-05-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

finals are over. most of my residents are gone. summer has officially began and i could not feel more excited about it!

ventura, see you in two days!

the unknown.

2011-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

I would first like to thank all of you who have been praying for Gramps and our family.

Tuesday evening the in-house doctor who has been caring for Gramps in the hospital told my family they did not think he would make it through the night. With his good lung filling with fluid, and an infection in the other, in addition to his two blood clots, things were not looking good. After my mom called, I immediately got in the car and came home, and my uncle got on a place from Michigan. By later that evening, after they had started him on an antibiotic, he was doing somewhat better.

As the hours have passed since Tuesday night, he is slowly improving. I had to come back to school Wednesday night to take a final yesterday afternoon. It was hard to leave, but it felt more okay to leave knowing he was improving.

Yesterday my mom told me that he is slowly doing better, and doctors have more hope for him. The future is still very unknown, but it is good sign that he is improving.

We are thankful for your prayers and concerns. Thanks for your calls, texts, and encouragements. Although we have no been able to respond to them all, know we have read of all them and are thankful for your words!

Please continue to pray for wisdom in next steps to take and for continued improvement in his condition.