Árdís - 01.01.1954, Page 58

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ÁRDÍS
For all His benefits to me
His love, His grace, so full, so free?
Around me all His gifts are spread
My life, my health, my daily bread
My home, my friends, my work, my play
Refreshing sleep at close of day.
Without His care I cannot live
In gratitude what shall I give?
A daily gift, a daily prayer
That all the world our Christ may share.
Lastly I will mention an important part of our church work,
the Sunrise Lutheran Camp. One of the most worthwhile projects
ever to be sponsored by the members of our Synod — a work
sponsored by our Lutheran Women’s League.
I speak to you as one who is acquainted with the project,
although not nearly as well acquainted as I should be, being remiss
in my camp work as in many other duties.
I wonder if I can paint a picture for you to see. I am going to
try. The picture has a background of blue sky, blue water, dark
evergreens. The rays of the sun are bright. There is a soft wind
blowing, moving the young saplings and slender reeds. Nestled
close to mother earth are the beautiful flowers of many hues—
blue, yellow, pink and gold—reflecting the sun’s rays. Toward
evening the wind dies down, the hush is broken by the singing of
the meadow lark and other song birds. Do you see the picture?
What is it? The children (God’s flowers and God’s song birds).
They are there singing, laughing, playing, meditating and praying.
God gave us our children to care for, to help them attain growth in
grace. Our camp does just that.
I could tell you about all our activities there, but there is a
very complete article on our camp in last year’s Ardis by Mrs.
Muriel Hart. If you have not read it please do. I have read it
several times for the pure joy of it.
The unfolding of the spiritual life of a child goes with camp
life. The campers love to sing hymns. ‘Beautiful Saviour’ is their
favourite hymn. They know it by heart. Also a beautiful camp
prayer. When they come home they say, “Let’s sing ‘Beautiful
Saviour’.” Last year when Pastor Olafson was dean we could
hardly start our lessons as they asked to sing so many hymns. I am