Recipe: Pioneer Woman's Peach Crisp

  It seems as though fundraisers have always been a part of our lives. We're youth pastors and have so many over the last 18 years, we've learned which ones are worth it, and which ones aren't.

 Our girls play soccer and have been part of fundraisers here and there.

 Kat is an AMAZING "Raiser of funds". In fact for years (before she was even officially in youth group) she regularly raised more money than those who were actually supposed to be raising the money. I think there could be a future in this for her.

 Recently Nan's new soccer team ran a fundraiser at a local event called Dozer Days! Our local Columbian covered it. The team sold bottles of cold water over the course of two days. Kat and hubby along with the other coaches spent countless hours getting it all ready to go. They're amazing.

 It was such a great weekend as the girls on this new team had the opportunity to get to know one another even better. They ran around selling water, playing on the equipment and just having a wonderful time, oh, and they made some money for their team!!

I'm proud of my girls for their hard work and willingness to go the extra mile. Because we've done so many fundraisers, we've seen a variety of "work ethics" or lack thereof when it comes to those who help out at them. Many people want the benefit of the fundraiser...the $$$$ without having to help work for it. Others go above and beyond the call of duty and work their tails off to make it successful. 

 Every year for the last 14 years we have done a 4th of July fundraiser for youth group. For 7 days we work ridiculous hours (our girls included) to raise money for our youth camp/conferences. We actually love it even though we are totally and completely wasted by the end. 

 I'm always amazed at how hard, or how little some people work. I know that at times I feel like I'm pushing and pulling my girls to get things done around home (they do it, but sometimes not joyfully), but when it comes to fundraising, or work parties, or helping others, they really jump to it and I see the real fruit of all our "training" over the years. They really know how to work hard.

It is so important as parents that we teach our kids the value of volunteering, working hard and helping others.  Many do not know how to do this and it becomes a great detriment to them. It has potential to produce laziness, frustration and poor work ethics.

 If you are in the Oregon/Washington area and especially if you have boys, this Community Event is one you need to come to. There was a family that came all the way from Seattle. Talk about a little boys "dreamland". Holy Smokes!! There are things for adults as well. How about a tool dig and a "gem" dig. For $2 a minute you could dig in hopes of finding a "plastic" gem that would represent a "real" gem. There were diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires. I sent my girls out for 4 minutes each, but they both came up empty handed.

 (photos: Kat was a greeter at the front gate, so many "BIG" toys to ride on, digging for gems, hubby trying to eat Kat's lunch, Nan working hard)

With Joy UNquenchable,