We are off to Chicago for Christmas!
Merry Christmas to everyone! May you have a blessed New Year!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Christmas Shopping
In a few minutes I will venture out in the pouring rain (big surprise here in Seattle) to do the last of my Christmas shopping! Over the weekend Rick and I went to the Seattle Premium Outlets to do some shopping and the people were like vultures there!! I picked up a sweater in Banana Republic only to find that it was a large when I needed a medium, as soon as I went to lay it back down on the table a lady came up from behind me and grabbed it! I guess that's what happens seven days before Christmas!
Well we leave for Chicago on Friday morning....two more days left in the countdown! The thing I am most excited about over Christmas is seeing my friends and family that I have not seen in awhile. I miss my Mom more than ever, and I miss all of the wonderful friends that I have in the Chicagoland area. It will be fun to just relax and hang out with people I'm close to!
Well...I'm off to fight the crowds at the mall, but first I must make a much needed stop at Starbucks!!
Well we leave for Chicago on Friday morning....two more days left in the countdown! The thing I am most excited about over Christmas is seeing my friends and family that I have not seen in awhile. I miss my Mom more than ever, and I miss all of the wonderful friends that I have in the Chicagoland area. It will be fun to just relax and hang out with people I'm close to!
Well...I'm off to fight the crowds at the mall, but first I must make a much needed stop at Starbucks!!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Waiting
Waiting is so hard at times!! Okay, so maybe it's hard all of the time. Right now I'm pretty tired of waiting. Hopefully someday I will look back and be thankful for the waiting that I have had to do this year. All I can do now is to keep waiting with hope and faith that the waiting will soon be over and the blessing will be given!
Friday, December 14, 2007
A Boy's Wise Words!
This morning when I got to work I did my daily routine of turning on my computer and checking my email. As I scrolled down my email I came upon a forward that was sent from my sister in law Liz. I clicked on the link that she sent to listen to a little boys conversation with a man on the radio. I began to cry listening to this boy's understanding and heart for God!! Matthew 18:2-4 came to my mind as I listened.
"He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Please take a moment and watch this clip. Hopefully it will touch your heart the way it did mine!
http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/morningShow/
"He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Please take a moment and watch this clip. Hopefully it will touch your heart the way it did mine!
http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/morningShow/
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
PRAYER
Last night and this morning I have been reflecting on prayer. I know many of us at one point in our lives have felt like our prayers were not being heard. My thoughts go to David as he wrote Psalm 28:1-2;
"To you I call, O'Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.
Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your most holy place."
I feel as though this verse has been my hearts cry over the past eight months! Where are you God? Do you hear me? I will worship him regardless of him answering my prayers, and he has answered my prayers, but maybe just not the way I had hoped he would. His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are my ways his ways, but as the heavens are higher than the earth so are HIS ways higher than my ways and his thoughts than my thoughts! It comes down to this, God knows what is best for his children and he surely does bless all of us far beyond all we could think or imagine!!
I think it would be great to start praying for one another daily! I know this may sound cheesy, but what if over the next 30 days we would commit to pray for each other's needs every single day! I will make that commitment to each one of you reading my blog today. If you want to post a comment with your need I will promise to pray every day for that need. If your request is personal than I will just pray that God would meet the needs that you have b/c HE knows all of our requests before we even ask! The amazing part of this will be that we can all celebrate and praise God together when those requests have been answered!!
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands in not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12
"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Romans 8:31-32
"To you I call, O'Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.
Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your most holy place."
I feel as though this verse has been my hearts cry over the past eight months! Where are you God? Do you hear me? I will worship him regardless of him answering my prayers, and he has answered my prayers, but maybe just not the way I had hoped he would. His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are my ways his ways, but as the heavens are higher than the earth so are HIS ways higher than my ways and his thoughts than my thoughts! It comes down to this, God knows what is best for his children and he surely does bless all of us far beyond all we could think or imagine!!
I think it would be great to start praying for one another daily! I know this may sound cheesy, but what if over the next 30 days we would commit to pray for each other's needs every single day! I will make that commitment to each one of you reading my blog today. If you want to post a comment with your need I will promise to pray every day for that need. If your request is personal than I will just pray that God would meet the needs that you have b/c HE knows all of our requests before we even ask! The amazing part of this will be that we can all celebrate and praise God together when those requests have been answered!!
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands in not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12
"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Romans 8:31-32
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Denver Pictures
Here are some of my pictures from our trip to Colorado. I will post more on my facebook & myspace account later.
The Alvino Family
This is a picture from the train.
This is us on the Cog train on our way up Pike's Peak.
This is Rick and I on Pike's Peak. I think I am squinting in every picture b/c I am not used to it being so sunny. I live in Seattle now so I have been used to gray skies!
These are the Alvino girl's. Becky, Abby, Lisa, and Andrea (and Andrea's dog Lucy).
The Alvino Family
This is a picture from the train.
This is us on the Cog train on our way up Pike's Peak.
This is Rick and I on Pike's Peak. I think I am squinting in every picture b/c I am not used to it being so sunny. I live in Seattle now so I have been used to gray skies!
Beautiful Colorado Scenery!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Denver
Our trip to Denver was amazing!! I feel so refreshed and rested!! I am really bummed b/c last night I downloaded all of our pictures to a CD (I thought) so that I could bring them to work and upload them to my blog. Well I downloaded them on to a blank DVD instead of a CD so they won't open at my work computer!! :( I will try and post the pictures tonight on my home computer. As for our trip here is a brief summary:
Thursday: Flew out from Seattle to Denver at 7:00 pm. We landed in Denver at 11:00 pm and after we got our bags and our rental car we headed to a very beautiful hotel. We arrived at the hotel at about 1:00 am and we were both exhausted and excited all at the same time so we stayed up another hour and a half and watched TV in bed together.
Friday: We went over to Pastor Gene and Rhonda Roncone's home. They took us out to lunch at PF Chang's (my favorite!!). After lunch we went sight seeing and shopping around town. In the evening we went to see my second family in Denver...the Alvino's. It's funny most of my second families in life have been Italian. The Elton's and the Alvino's. :) We had fun at Andrea's house who is now not an Alvino anymore, she is Andrea Kissler. It was so wonderful to see everyone!
Saturday: We planned on heading to Breckenridge for the day, but due to some really heavy snow fall the night before most of the roads were not safe to drive on in the mountains. Instead we went to Park Meadows mall with Pastor Gene and Rhonda and did some Christmas shopping. That evening Rick and I went out for a nice dinner and then headed to the theaters to see the movie August Rush, which by the way was an incredible movie!! It's a must see!!
Sunday: It was time to see everyone at the church I where I used to be Outreach Pastor. It was a fun reunion with lots of old friends!! It felt like I had never left Denver. Oh, how I miss those days!! That afternoon we had lunch with some friends and then headed over to the Alvino's to watch the Bears and the Broncos both get beat! Not a good day in the NFL for either of us!
Monday: Our day in the mountains. We headed to Pike's Peak in the morning to ride the Cog Rail up to the top. Unfortunately, we only made it 12,500 feet above sea level b/c once again there was too much snow and wind at the top. I think it is 14,000 feet at the top. Anyway...it was still a gorgeous train ride. After Pike's Peak we headed to Breckenridge to eat dinner and do some shopping. Breckenridge was breathtaking!! I can't wait to post my pictures. There was lots of snow and Christmas lights everywhere! It looked like a painting I would hang on my wall!
Tuesday: We headed to the airport to fly back to Seattle. I dreaded this day! I didn't want to leave. I love Denver and I hope someday before the end of my life I can live there again!!
That's our trip in a nutshell. Now we are getting ready to leave in two weeks for Chicago. I am really excited to see all of my family and friends over Christmas!
Thursday: Flew out from Seattle to Denver at 7:00 pm. We landed in Denver at 11:00 pm and after we got our bags and our rental car we headed to a very beautiful hotel. We arrived at the hotel at about 1:00 am and we were both exhausted and excited all at the same time so we stayed up another hour and a half and watched TV in bed together.
Friday: We went over to Pastor Gene and Rhonda Roncone's home. They took us out to lunch at PF Chang's (my favorite!!). After lunch we went sight seeing and shopping around town. In the evening we went to see my second family in Denver...the Alvino's. It's funny most of my second families in life have been Italian. The Elton's and the Alvino's. :) We had fun at Andrea's house who is now not an Alvino anymore, she is Andrea Kissler. It was so wonderful to see everyone!
Saturday: We planned on heading to Breckenridge for the day, but due to some really heavy snow fall the night before most of the roads were not safe to drive on in the mountains. Instead we went to Park Meadows mall with Pastor Gene and Rhonda and did some Christmas shopping. That evening Rick and I went out for a nice dinner and then headed to the theaters to see the movie August Rush, which by the way was an incredible movie!! It's a must see!!
Sunday: It was time to see everyone at the church I where I used to be Outreach Pastor. It was a fun reunion with lots of old friends!! It felt like I had never left Denver. Oh, how I miss those days!! That afternoon we had lunch with some friends and then headed over to the Alvino's to watch the Bears and the Broncos both get beat! Not a good day in the NFL for either of us!
Monday: Our day in the mountains. We headed to Pike's Peak in the morning to ride the Cog Rail up to the top. Unfortunately, we only made it 12,500 feet above sea level b/c once again there was too much snow and wind at the top. I think it is 14,000 feet at the top. Anyway...it was still a gorgeous train ride. After Pike's Peak we headed to Breckenridge to eat dinner and do some shopping. Breckenridge was breathtaking!! I can't wait to post my pictures. There was lots of snow and Christmas lights everywhere! It looked like a painting I would hang on my wall!
Tuesday: We headed to the airport to fly back to Seattle. I dreaded this day! I didn't want to leave. I love Denver and I hope someday before the end of my life I can live there again!!
That's our trip in a nutshell. Now we are getting ready to leave in two weeks for Chicago. I am really excited to see all of my family and friends over Christmas!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
We Are Off!!
We are off to Denver for a MUCH NEEDED vacation!! We leave at 4:30 this afternoon. I will be away from the internet for a few days, but I will be sure and give you an update on our trip when we return on Tuesday.
Monday, November 26, 2007
My Weekend
It's Monday morning and I am back at work! I wish we had four day weekends more often! Rick and I had a wonderful time at my brother's house for Thanksgiving! I made my first ever homemade pumpkin pie and I am happy to say that it actually tasted good! Friday morning at 6:30 am my sister in law and my two nieces headed out to the black Friday sales. I wasn't as impressed this year as I have in years past. Although, I must say I did find some good bargains at Old Navy and Macy's. The hard part for me about black Friday sales is that I want to shop for me and I know that I should be Christmas shopping for other people. I allowed myself $30 and the rest of my money went to other people. I do love shopping for family and friends, but you know how it is when you see a sweater or a pair of pants that you want and the price is drastically reduced! I had to spoil myself a little bit!!
Okay, so I must say that I am officially sick of football!! I never thought those words would come out of my mouth, but Rick literally watched almost every pro and college game that was on T.V.! Last night after the Bears won due to Devin Hester making some incredible plays; I finally got Rick to agree to watch the colored version (he doesn't watch black and white movies) of Miracle on 34th Street. At one point during the movie he asked if he could just check the score of the Eagles and Patriots game and I reluctantly said okay. That checking the score for a minute request turned into watching the whole 4th quarter of the game! All I am saying is that I would be doing great if I didn't watch football for the next week!!
I am really excited b/c Rick and I leave for our get away to Denver Colorado on Thursday! We are going to have so much fun!! The nice part is that this will be another shorter work week for both Rick and I. YEAH!!
Okay, so I must say that I am officially sick of football!! I never thought those words would come out of my mouth, but Rick literally watched almost every pro and college game that was on T.V.! Last night after the Bears won due to Devin Hester making some incredible plays; I finally got Rick to agree to watch the colored version (he doesn't watch black and white movies) of Miracle on 34th Street. At one point during the movie he asked if he could just check the score of the Eagles and Patriots game and I reluctantly said okay. That checking the score for a minute request turned into watching the whole 4th quarter of the game! All I am saying is that I would be doing great if I didn't watch football for the next week!!
I am really excited b/c Rick and I leave for our get away to Denver Colorado on Thursday! We are going to have so much fun!! The nice part is that this will be another shorter work week for both Rick and I. YEAH!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I hope all of you have a wonderful time with your family and friends! I am so thankful for each one of you!
Friday, November 16, 2007
BEARS GAME
My wonderful brother Paul got four free tickets to the Seahawks vs. Bears game for this Sunday! He asked Rick and I to go with him and his wife Liz. I am super excited!! The last Bears game I went to was three years ago in Dallas. I'm pretty sure the Bears lost that game, but hopefully they will win Sunday's game. I will post pictures of us at the game on Monday. If you watch the game look for Rick and I - we will try to find a way to get the cameras to look our direction (without breaking the law of course!-ha!).
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Real or Fake?
Last weekend Rick and I were out shopping for Christmas decorations, and I found a really beautiful fake Christmas tree at the store which was on sale for 30% off. I told Rick we should buy it, but he didn't want to buy it b/c he prefers real Christmas trees. Growing up we always had fake trees, mainly because my mom didn't like vacuuming up pine needles all of the time. Rick on the other hand has had real trees his whole life. Since we have been married we have only gotten real trees, and I have really enjoyed the whole experience of cutting the tree down together, and the fresh smell of pine lingering in the air. The only reason I want a fake one this year is due to the fact that we will be out of town for Christmas this year. I think the tree will die if we don't water it while we are gone for a week and half.
So my question is how many of you buy real trees at Christmas and how many of you have fake trees that you store each year? Is one better than the other, or is it just a matter of preference?
So my question is how many of you buy real trees at Christmas and how many of you have fake trees that you store each year? Is one better than the other, or is it just a matter of preference?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Redeeming Love
Has anyone ever read the book, "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers? I started reading this book last week and I cannot put it down! Many people have recommended that I read this book, but I usually don't have much time to read so I never got around to it. Last week I found the book at a book outlet store for $8 so I bought it and I am glad that I did!
The book is fiction although it is taken from the story of Hosea in the Bible. As I read the first three chapters of this book my heart broke for this little girl who was sold into sex slavery. I wanted so badly to jump into the story and take this girl into my home and tell her just how precious she was to Jesus (Michael Hosea does that for me!). I have felt for a long time that God was calling me to minister to prostitutes, and as I read this book I am reminded of that call on my life. I'm not sure when it will happen, but I know someday I will help rescue women from a life of prostitution and sexual bondage. If you haven't read this book I completely recommend it! I am usually a person who would rather watch a movie than read a book, but this book is an exception, I would much rather read it than watch a movie!
The book is fiction although it is taken from the story of Hosea in the Bible. As I read the first three chapters of this book my heart broke for this little girl who was sold into sex slavery. I wanted so badly to jump into the story and take this girl into my home and tell her just how precious she was to Jesus (Michael Hosea does that for me!). I have felt for a long time that God was calling me to minister to prostitutes, and as I read this book I am reminded of that call on my life. I'm not sure when it will happen, but I know someday I will help rescue women from a life of prostitution and sexual bondage. If you haven't read this book I completely recommend it! I am usually a person who would rather watch a movie than read a book, but this book is an exception, I would much rather read it than watch a movie!
Friday, November 9, 2007
I AM FREE!!!
Last night I went with my mentor to a women's conference and it totally changed me! Lisa Bevere was the speaker and she challenged us to let go of the "fears" that we have in our lives. Every woman has some kind of fear in their life, and the enemy loves to debilitate us in those fears. Well I'm going to be really transparent and tell you that one of my biggest fears lately has been the fear of infertility. Rick and I have been trying to conceive for awhile now, and every month that I get a big fat negative result on my pregnancy test that fear seeps into my life again. I didn't realize how much this fear was keeping me in bondage!!
During the service Lisa had us take our fear and physically with our hands throw it down and stomp on it. I know it sounds kind of funny, but it was so POWERFUL!! I begin to cry and rejoice all at the same time as the Lord released me and set me free from that fear. God also spoke to my heart and told me that I was NOT infertile and that he is going to bless us with a child soon. My mentor Sandy prayed with me after the service and today I can honestly say that I AM FREE!! I am completely trusting the Lord with my future and I know that HE has incredible things planned!! Thank you to all of my wonderful family and friends that are praying for Rick and I. It means so much to me!!
During the service Lisa had us take our fear and physically with our hands throw it down and stomp on it. I know it sounds kind of funny, but it was so POWERFUL!! I begin to cry and rejoice all at the same time as the Lord released me and set me free from that fear. God also spoke to my heart and told me that I was NOT infertile and that he is going to bless us with a child soon. My mentor Sandy prayed with me after the service and today I can honestly say that I AM FREE!! I am completely trusting the Lord with my future and I know that HE has incredible things planned!! Thank you to all of my wonderful family and friends that are praying for Rick and I. It means so much to me!!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Denver, Colorado
I'm so excited!!! Rick and I booked tickets a couple of weeks ago for a little get away to Denver, Colorado! Today, I reserved the rental car and I got butterflies just thinking about how much fun we are going to have! We are leaving on November 29th and returning on December 4th.
When I lived in Denver 4 years ago, it was not only the most beautiful place to live geographically, but hands down the best ministry position I was ever blessed to have. I was the Outreach Pastor at the church I was working at, and they actually paid me a nice salary to plan outreaches in the community and tell people about Jesus!! I pray someday I will be able to find a position like that again!
It will be so much fun to visit that church again while we are in Denver, and of course to see all of the wonderful people I grew to know and love while working there. I'm looking forward to this trip as it will be a time for Rick and I to rest and relax before we head into the BUSY Christmas schedule. Isn't it funny that we need a vacation before we go on vacation to visit our family at Christmas?!! Last summer when we came home to Chicago in July we ran until the minute we boarded the plane to come back to Seattle. When we returned to Seattle I told Rick I felt like I needed another vacation! Funny how that works!
When I lived in Denver 4 years ago, it was not only the most beautiful place to live geographically, but hands down the best ministry position I was ever blessed to have. I was the Outreach Pastor at the church I was working at, and they actually paid me a nice salary to plan outreaches in the community and tell people about Jesus!! I pray someday I will be able to find a position like that again!
It will be so much fun to visit that church again while we are in Denver, and of course to see all of the wonderful people I grew to know and love while working there. I'm looking forward to this trip as it will be a time for Rick and I to rest and relax before we head into the BUSY Christmas schedule. Isn't it funny that we need a vacation before we go on vacation to visit our family at Christmas?!! Last summer when we came home to Chicago in July we ran until the minute we boarded the plane to come back to Seattle. When we returned to Seattle I told Rick I felt like I needed another vacation! Funny how that works!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Christmas Music Rule Broken!
As I was driving into work this morning I heard an advertisement on the radio for the production of The Nutcracker. I immediately got into the Christmas spirit! I was trying really hard to hold off until after Halloween to start playing my Christmas music, but after hearing the music from The Nutcracker being played this morning I gave in to my temptation. I am now at work playing Bing Crosby's White Christmas. I just love Christmas time!! I really hope that when Rick and I are in Chicago at Christmas it snows! I want a white Christmas this year! Last year we had a rainy Christmas in Seattle. No fun!
I think since I broke my Christmas music rule (the one I made to not listen to Christmas music until after Halloween), I will break my Christmas movie rule too!! Tonight I just might have to watch White Christmas or Home Alone. I LOVE Christmas time...."It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"!!
I think since I broke my Christmas music rule (the one I made to not listen to Christmas music until after Halloween), I will break my Christmas movie rule too!! Tonight I just might have to watch White Christmas or Home Alone. I LOVE Christmas time...."It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"!!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Dreams
Last night I had a dream that Rick bought me a red Ford Mustang convertible for Christmas. In this dream I drove the car up into the mountains at great speed. Rick kept telling me to slow down, but for some reason I loved going fast while driving my new car. At one point in my dream I remember looking down at the speedometer and it said I was going 120 MPH! Luckily this was just a dream b/c going that fast in the mountains could be deadly!
So here is the funny part; I was getting ready for work this morning and I begin to tell Rick about the dream I had last night. He told me that we switched dreams last night. I questioned him about what he meant by that, and he told me that he had a dream that we gave birth to a baby girl! How crazy is that?!! I dream about cars and he dreams about babies! I think we did have each other's dreams last night!! Anyway...I thought that was pretty funny! It would be really nice if both of our dreams came true! :)
So here is the funny part; I was getting ready for work this morning and I begin to tell Rick about the dream I had last night. He told me that we switched dreams last night. I questioned him about what he meant by that, and he told me that he had a dream that we gave birth to a baby girl! How crazy is that?!! I dream about cars and he dreams about babies! I think we did have each other's dreams last night!! Anyway...I thought that was pretty funny! It would be really nice if both of our dreams came true! :)
Monday, October 22, 2007
TAGGED
I was blog tagged by Judith to write 7 unknown facts about myself that most readers don't know about me. I don't have many blogger friends to tag and Judith already tagged Sharon so....I will tag Bethany, Heather, Angel, and Rick (I know that's only four, but I will try and make more friends in the blogging world so I have 7)!
1. I am rooting for the Colorado Rockies to win the World Series
2. Summer is my absolute favorite time of year! (the hotter the temperature the better!)
3. I have been in three car accidents since living in Seattle over the last year (none of them where my fault!)
4. My favorite drink from Starbucks is a Grande Non-Fat Vanilla Latte
5. I love monkeys and I have always wanted one as a pet (not a stuffed animal a real live monkey!)
6. I always wanted to be on the Mickey Mouse Club and I used to play like I was on the show with my friends in the neighborhood. M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!
7. I drove a year before I have my drivers license. My boyfriend Dan used to let me drive his Chevy when I was a freshman in high school. I am thankful that I was never pulled over!!
1. I am rooting for the Colorado Rockies to win the World Series
2. Summer is my absolute favorite time of year! (the hotter the temperature the better!)
3. I have been in three car accidents since living in Seattle over the last year (none of them where my fault!)
4. My favorite drink from Starbucks is a Grande Non-Fat Vanilla Latte
5. I love monkeys and I have always wanted one as a pet (not a stuffed animal a real live monkey!)
6. I always wanted to be on the Mickey Mouse Club and I used to play like I was on the show with my friends in the neighborhood. M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!
7. I drove a year before I have my drivers license. My boyfriend Dan used to let me drive his Chevy when I was a freshman in high school. I am thankful that I was never pulled over!!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Lincoln Brewster Concert
Church was amazing this morning!! Rick and I went to hear Lincoln Brewster play at a church that is about 20 minutes from our home. I am still covered in goose bumps from this concert. As Lincoln was singing many of the worship songs he has written I imagined being in heaven gathered around Jesus worshipping and praising him!! What a glorious feeling! All of my worries, doubts, frustrations, and trials didn't seem to even matter as I stood in that sanctuary this morning just worshipping God! I thought...wow, if I could just be disciplined again and have this much worship in the morning before I start my day what a difference that would make in my life!!! I am challenging myself at this very moment to commit to starting each morning in worship!
If you want to check out Lincoln Brewster's music you can go to http://www.lincolnbrewster.com/.
If you want to check out Lincoln Brewster's music you can go to http://www.lincolnbrewster.com/.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Colorado Rockies!
I have to admit I am really excited that the Colorado Rockies are going to the World Series!! Ever since I lived in Denver 4 years ago a piece of my heart stayed in that great city! My favorite teams will always be the Chicago Cubs and the the Chicago Bears, but my second favorite teams are the Colorado Rockies, and the Denver Bronchos! It's good to have a back up team when your favorite baseball team hasn't won a World Series title since 1908!!
I really hope that the Rockies can pull of a World Series title! I remember when the Rockies first became a team back in 1993. I was actually dating a guy who had moved to Chicago from Denver and he was so excited that Denver was about to get a major league baseball team. After 14 years of playing in the MLB they are going to the World Series. Way to make history Colorado!!
GO ROCKIES!!!!
I really hope that the Rockies can pull of a World Series title! I remember when the Rockies first became a team back in 1993. I was actually dating a guy who had moved to Chicago from Denver and he was so excited that Denver was about to get a major league baseball team. After 14 years of playing in the MLB they are going to the World Series. Way to make history Colorado!!
GO ROCKIES!!!!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
SO GOOD!
God is so good!! Today, I feel HIS presence in a special way, and I am so thankful that I have Jesus guiding my life! "Thank you Lord for your unconditional love! I'm so glad that I am your daughter!"
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Operation Iraq Outreach
It's been awhile since I have blogged b/c I have been so busy planning our annual Operation Iraq Outreach for this year. Each year Northwest University helps pack boxes that are filled with things like chapstick, lotion, toothbrushes, candy, chips (non-perishable items), books, bibles, magazines, letters from kids, and college students and the list goes on. Most of the items we send are donated from Costco, Wal-mart, grocery stores, etc...- it is amazing how many items get donated each year. From November 1st until December 1st we pack boxes and then we send them to the Chaplains that are over in Iraq to hand out to the soldiers on Christmas day. It is a lot of work putting this outreach together, but so rewarding! The picture above was taken at our Outreach chapel last year. The students packed over 5,000 boxes that were sent to Iraq for Christmas!
The war has been going on so long that I think at times we forget that there are still soldiers who are risking and giving their lives for our country. These soldiers are husbands, wives, dads, moms, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and friends. We need to be praying for their protection, and most of all for their salvation!! Please pray that the boxes we send this year will touch the hearts of all of those men and women who have to be away from their families this Christmas season.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Rejoice Always!
This has been a hard week for me in many ways, but through the tough situations I have been going through I have chosen to rejoice! It is amazing that when we make an effort (and I stress the word effort) to rejoice and praise God despite our our difficult circumstances, HE fills our hearts with unexplainable joy and peace!! I have felt the love and compassion of Jesus like never before this week! I challenge all of you that no matter what doubt or fear floods your heart, to just trust and rejoice in the Lord! I remember growing up in church singing this song;
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice....Rejoice! (and then we would repeat it like 10 or 15 times over!). That song has been in my heart this week! I will rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS! Today I read Psalms 5 in my morning devotions. Verses 11-12 really spoke to me.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalms 5:11-12
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice....Rejoice! (and then we would repeat it like 10 or 15 times over!). That song has been in my heart this week! I will rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS! Today I read Psalms 5 in my morning devotions. Verses 11-12 really spoke to me.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalms 5:11-12
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The Chicago Cubs!!
Well the weeks of nail biting for me are over (at least for the time being). The Cubbies are finally the National League Central Division champions!! These are the times in my life when I wished I lived in Chicago! I felt this way last year when the Bears went to the Superbowl. There is just something about living in the city you grew up in when all of your favorite sports teams are doing so well. I told Rick last night if by some great miracle the Cubs go to the World Series, we are going to sell his BMW and buy tickets! He laughed at me and thought I was making a cute joke, but he doesn't realize inside I am really serious!!
Hopefully this is our year!! All I have to say is...Go Cubs Go, Go Cubs Go, Hey Chicago What'ya say the Cubs are gonna win today!!!
Hopefully this is our year!! All I have to say is...Go Cubs Go, Go Cubs Go, Hey Chicago What'ya say the Cubs are gonna win today!!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Flu
I have some sort of flu bug today. I feel achy, nauseous, and exhausted. I hate being sick! I have so much to get done at work and at home. It's so hard for me to just lay on the couch and rest when I have a to do list a mile long going through my head! I am going to force myself to rest and hopefully I will be on the road to recovery soon!! Your prayers are much appreciated!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Pumpkin Spice Latte
I am so excited...my favorite drink is back at Starbucks! The Pumpkin Spice Latte! I know it's kind of pathetic that I am blogging about a coffee drink from Starbucks, but it's the little things in life that make me the happiest! I am sipping on my yummy drink right now at work! mmmmmm...It tastes like fall delight!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
90 Minutes in Heaven
Yesterday evening I stopped at Barnes & Noble to wait for my hubby to get off work. B&N is right across the street from the building Rick works at, which is nice because then I don't have to wait in the car for him. He gets off work anywhere between 5:00 - 6:30 pm. and then just walks across the street to meet me.
As I walked into the store I noticed the best seller shelf at the front entrance and I decided to take a look. One of the books that caught my attention was a book that I had seen before, but had never read. It was called 90 Minutes in Heaven and it was written by Don Piper. I picked up the book and started reading it as I stood there. I was immediately overtaken by this incredible true story. I noticed a chair had opened up across the store and I quickly made my way to the big comfy chair to continue my reading.
This man's story is amazing. He was hit by a semi truck on his way back from speaking at conference and pronounced dead by the EMT's just minutes later. I won't give the chapter's I read away in case some of you reading my blog want to read this book, but the man (Don Piper) spends 90 minutes in heaven before he is conscious again and back on earth. His description of heaven made me yearn for the day when I will get the chance to live there eternally. It was a reminder to me that the BEST is yet to come! Our life here on earth is temporary, but our life in heaven is eternal. I'm thankful that Jesus went to the cross so that I could live eternally!
I only got to chapter 5 in this book before Rick came and met me, and I am so anxious to read the rest of the book now. I think I will stop by the library this afternoon and check it out, so I can finish it without any interruptions.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 1 Corinthians 4:16-18
As I walked into the store I noticed the best seller shelf at the front entrance and I decided to take a look. One of the books that caught my attention was a book that I had seen before, but had never read. It was called 90 Minutes in Heaven and it was written by Don Piper. I picked up the book and started reading it as I stood there. I was immediately overtaken by this incredible true story. I noticed a chair had opened up across the store and I quickly made my way to the big comfy chair to continue my reading.
This man's story is amazing. He was hit by a semi truck on his way back from speaking at conference and pronounced dead by the EMT's just minutes later. I won't give the chapter's I read away in case some of you reading my blog want to read this book, but the man (Don Piper) spends 90 minutes in heaven before he is conscious again and back on earth. His description of heaven made me yearn for the day when I will get the chance to live there eternally. It was a reminder to me that the BEST is yet to come! Our life here on earth is temporary, but our life in heaven is eternal. I'm thankful that Jesus went to the cross so that I could live eternally!
I only got to chapter 5 in this book before Rick came and met me, and I am so anxious to read the rest of the book now. I think I will stop by the library this afternoon and check it out, so I can finish it without any interruptions.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 1 Corinthians 4:16-18
Monday, September 17, 2007
His Ways are Higher
So after a very busy weekend I am back at work again for the start of another week. Sometimes I feel like my M-F are so mundane! You know the predictable routine work week that starts every Monday and ends on Friday. I know my life isn't boring, in fact God has blessed Rick and I with some very fun and exciting memories over the past year. I just feel like I could be doing so much more for the Kingdom other than sitting at a desk tracking chapel attendance, and doing all of the other various jobs I do as an administrative assistant in this office. Don't get me wrong I know that what I do in this office is ministry and that the Lord is blessed by it, however when I was in Bible College I saw a M-F a lot differently than it actually has turned out to be! I want to be out on the streets feeding the homeless or working in a pregnancy center for unwed mothers, or leading missions trips all over the world. Instead I feel like I am locked up in a jail cell unable to do all the ministry my heart yearns to be doing!
My thoughts go to a verse I have heard a million times before: "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Today I will remember this promise and hold to it tightly.
My thoughts go to a verse I have heard a million times before: "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Today I will remember this promise and hold to it tightly.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
A Painful Day at the Spa!
As I began this blog I am wondering if I should really write about my painful experience today. I've decided that I will be vague, but I will share because I want to remember that I actually was crazy enough to do this!
It all began a few months ago when my husband and I decided at the last minute to go swimming. I quickly shaved my bikini line so that I wouldn't be embarrassed at the beach. Unfortunately it left a razor burn due to my hurried shaving in the shower. Rick suggested that instead of going through the pain all the time of shaving that area that I should get a bikini wax. I was a little worried about that b/c I have heard they are very painful. I asked a friend of mine that get these waxes on a normal basis if in fact it was really as painful as it sounded. She told me the first time it hurts like someone is pinching you, but after you go every 6 weeks the pain is less. YEAH RIGHT!!!!
This brings me to my adventure today at lunch. I decided to make an appointment this morning to go on my lunch break. As I arrived at the Day Spa a nice woman took me back to what looked like a Victorian style bedroom. I was worried that I made a reservation for a hotel instead of a bikini wax!! A minute later a European woman with a thick accent walked in the room and told me to take off my pants. Let the pain begin!! I will spare you the details b/c I really don't think they are appropriate to share over the Internet, but let me just say that I would rather be stabbed in the side then have that done ever again in my life!!! Oh, and one minor thing I forgot to mention; I had a brazilian wax done b/c the lady thought that is what I made an appointment for and by the time I realized that she misunderstood that I just wanted a bikini wax I had wax EVERYWHERE!!
For those of you that get these waxes done - I have three words for you; YOU ARE CRAZY! I'm going to be doing a lot of swimming at our gym's pool after all the pain I went through to wear a bathing suit!
It all began a few months ago when my husband and I decided at the last minute to go swimming. I quickly shaved my bikini line so that I wouldn't be embarrassed at the beach. Unfortunately it left a razor burn due to my hurried shaving in the shower. Rick suggested that instead of going through the pain all the time of shaving that area that I should get a bikini wax. I was a little worried about that b/c I have heard they are very painful. I asked a friend of mine that get these waxes on a normal basis if in fact it was really as painful as it sounded. She told me the first time it hurts like someone is pinching you, but after you go every 6 weeks the pain is less. YEAH RIGHT!!!!
This brings me to my adventure today at lunch. I decided to make an appointment this morning to go on my lunch break. As I arrived at the Day Spa a nice woman took me back to what looked like a Victorian style bedroom. I was worried that I made a reservation for a hotel instead of a bikini wax!! A minute later a European woman with a thick accent walked in the room and told me to take off my pants. Let the pain begin!! I will spare you the details b/c I really don't think they are appropriate to share over the Internet, but let me just say that I would rather be stabbed in the side then have that done ever again in my life!!! Oh, and one minor thing I forgot to mention; I had a brazilian wax done b/c the lady thought that is what I made an appointment for and by the time I realized that she misunderstood that I just wanted a bikini wax I had wax EVERYWHERE!!
For those of you that get these waxes done - I have three words for you; YOU ARE CRAZY! I'm going to be doing a lot of swimming at our gym's pool after all the pain I went through to wear a bathing suit!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
If You Say Go
Over the last two or three months Rick and I have been seeking God's direction for our future. We want HIS will to be done and not our own! As I was asking the Lord for direction this morning I was reminded of this song that we sing at my church. It's Vineyard song and the lyrics go like this:
If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come
Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You.
This worship song sums up my heart toward God's leading. At times I have to remind myself that GOD IS IN CONTROL! I am really good at trying to plan out our life and our future on my own. I know that never works!! I will trust the Lord to lead us...If he HE says go (where ever that my be) we will go, if he says wait, we will wait (even though I am not very good at waiting part)! I'm waiting in anticipation for all of the wonderful things God has in store for my life!
If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come
Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You.
This worship song sums up my heart toward God's leading. At times I have to remind myself that GOD IS IN CONTROL! I am really good at trying to plan out our life and our future on my own. I know that never works!! I will trust the Lord to lead us...If he HE says go (where ever that my be) we will go, if he says wait, we will wait (even though I am not very good at waiting part)! I'm waiting in anticipation for all of the wonderful things God has in store for my life!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Starbucks
After I drop Rick off at work in the morning I occasionally stop at Starbucks on 106Th Street for a hot cup of Joe before heading to work myself. Every morning that I have stopped at this particular Starbucks for the past three months there has been a homeless man sitting outside of the Starbucks with a cup of coffee in his hand. The first time I saw him there I was sad for him and even said a prayer for him as I walked in to order my drink. Every day since then that I have stopped, this homeless man has sort of just become like a statue to me. Actually, I think if I would stop now at this Starbucks and he wasn't there I would realize there was something missing from outside the front door.
This morning was a different morning for me. I stopped at Starbucks on 106Th street and as I walked up to the door this homeless man looked me straight in the eye. His eyes were sad I could tell with out him even uttering a word that he was lonely and hurting inside. After I ordered my drink, I walked outside to my car and took one more glance at this man. I began to get teary eyed in the car as I prayed for this man. I wondered if I should run to the bank and get out a $20 bill to give him. I knew I didn't have time to do that this morning so I just prayed for him. I don't ever want to look at a homeless person again and feel untouched by it! These are real people; they are sons and daughters of our loving and compassionate Father God!! My prayer is that I am stirred every time I see someone on the street who is in need! God loves them just as much as he loves us and we always need to CARE about people whether they are family or friends, rich or poor, or dirty and homeless!!
This morning was a different morning for me. I stopped at Starbucks on 106Th street and as I walked up to the door this homeless man looked me straight in the eye. His eyes were sad I could tell with out him even uttering a word that he was lonely and hurting inside. After I ordered my drink, I walked outside to my car and took one more glance at this man. I began to get teary eyed in the car as I prayed for this man. I wondered if I should run to the bank and get out a $20 bill to give him. I knew I didn't have time to do that this morning so I just prayed for him. I don't ever want to look at a homeless person again and feel untouched by it! These are real people; they are sons and daughters of our loving and compassionate Father God!! My prayer is that I am stirred every time I see someone on the street who is in need! God loves them just as much as he loves us and we always need to CARE about people whether they are family or friends, rich or poor, or dirty and homeless!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Happy Labor Day!
God has been doing so many amazing things in my life this week, but with the school year just starting and my work load tripling I have had no time to share these incredible stories on my blog! I am hoping to write again on Monday since it's Labor Day!!
We are leaving tomorrow morning for Leavenworth. Leavenworth is a beautiful Bavarian village about two hours southeast of here. If you get a chance check out their website http://www.leavenworth.org/. The scenery is gorgeous!! We are going to camp again, but this time the camp site has bathrooms and hot showers - now that is my kind of camping! :) I know that I said last weekend was the last of our adventures, but I was wrong. Rick and I have decided to make the best of the time God has us living here in Washington, so we want to see and do all that we can while we have the chance!
Happy Labor Day (on Monday) to all!!
We are leaving tomorrow morning for Leavenworth. Leavenworth is a beautiful Bavarian village about two hours southeast of here. If you get a chance check out their website http://www.leavenworth.org/. The scenery is gorgeous!! We are going to camp again, but this time the camp site has bathrooms and hot showers - now that is my kind of camping! :) I know that I said last weekend was the last of our adventures, but I was wrong. Rick and I have decided to make the best of the time God has us living here in Washington, so we want to see and do all that we can while we have the chance!
Happy Labor Day (on Monday) to all!!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Camping
Well I'm alive and I didn't even see one black bear! Hallelujah! Our camping trip was so much fun! Friday evening we arrived at the site at about 7:30 and set up camp. We made smores and talked with our friends until about 10:30 and then I was off to bed. I didn't sleep so well the first night b/c I was so cold!! It got down to about 40 degrees that night, so I woke up in the middle of the night with a cold nose and then of course because I woke up I had to pee!! I quietly unzipped the tent and found the closest tree to use as my bathroom! Brrrrrr..........I was freezing! I ran quickly back into the tent and pulled the sleeping bag over my head! Before I knew it, it was 6:30 a.m. and Rick was being awakened by our friend David who was ready to go catch some fish. Luckily I got to sleep for another hour! :)
While the boys where out fishing the girls' went on a hike around some beautiful caves! Some of the history about these caves really intrigued me. After our hike we went back to the camp site for some turkey sandwiches. When the boys returned from fishing we all went down by the river to swim and relax! The scenery was breathtaking!! Mount Rainer stood high above the river with thousands of evergreen trees just inches a part from each other all around us! Our God is a beautiful artist! That evening David and his wife Christine prepared a yummy shrimp dinner and we sat around talking about life into the wee hours of the night. Okay...so I wasn't up until the wee hours of the night b/c about 11:00 p.m. I was exhausted and off to bed, but everyone else stayed up. Growing up I was always the girl at sleepovers that was the first one to sleep. Unfortunately, I had a lot of tricks played on my because of it!!
On Sunday morning after breakfast we tore down our camping gear and loaded up the cars. We drove to the east side of Mount Rainer to do some hiking, but because of the altitude we were at it was about 42 degrees! Rick and I were not prepared with enough warm clothes so after about 15 minutes outside we decided to find the nearest restaurant for a nice warm lunch!
We had a great weekend camping! I think our summer adventures have come to end this year! Now it's time to get refocused for rest of this year, and ready for whatever God has planned for us in the near future!
While the boys where out fishing the girls' went on a hike around some beautiful caves! Some of the history about these caves really intrigued me. After our hike we went back to the camp site for some turkey sandwiches. When the boys returned from fishing we all went down by the river to swim and relax! The scenery was breathtaking!! Mount Rainer stood high above the river with thousands of evergreen trees just inches a part from each other all around us! Our God is a beautiful artist! That evening David and his wife Christine prepared a yummy shrimp dinner and we sat around talking about life into the wee hours of the night. Okay...so I wasn't up until the wee hours of the night b/c about 11:00 p.m. I was exhausted and off to bed, but everyone else stayed up. Growing up I was always the girl at sleepovers that was the first one to sleep. Unfortunately, I had a lot of tricks played on my because of it!!
On Sunday morning after breakfast we tore down our camping gear and loaded up the cars. We drove to the east side of Mount Rainer to do some hiking, but because of the altitude we were at it was about 42 degrees! Rick and I were not prepared with enough warm clothes so after about 15 minutes outside we decided to find the nearest restaurant for a nice warm lunch!
We had a great weekend camping! I think our summer adventures have come to end this year! Now it's time to get refocused for rest of this year, and ready for whatever God has planned for us in the near future!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Another Weinberg Adventure
So we are off this weekend on another Weinberg adventure. Rick was invited to go camping & fishing with a friend from his work. His friend said that his wife was coming too and that I should come along. I agreed - who doesn't love the great outdoors! On Thursday while we were packing up our camping gear Rick informed me that we need to pack the toilet paper because there are no bathrooms where we are camping. I lovingly asked him to repeat what he had just said, and again he said, "there are no bathrooms, but there are a lot of great bushes for you to use." I think the last time I went out in the great wild outdoors was when I was a junior in high school on a mission trip in Venezuela. This should be interesting. The other bit of information Rick mentioned last night was the tiny little fact that there is no cell phone service where we are going either. Okay, are we trying out for Survivor or what?!! I am going to have to bring the video camera b/c I might enter us in the competition!
Despite camping in the wilderness with no bathrooms or cell phone service; I think this should be a fun little trip. I just hope there are no black bears!! I hear they are all over the forests this time of year! If you don't hear from me by Monday you may want file a missing persons report b/c I won't have cell phone service to call in case of an emergency. HA! I'll let you know how it goes.
Despite camping in the wilderness with no bathrooms or cell phone service; I think this should be a fun little trip. I just hope there are no black bears!! I hear they are all over the forests this time of year! If you don't hear from me by Monday you may want file a missing persons report b/c I won't have cell phone service to call in case of an emergency. HA! I'll let you know how it goes.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Memories
Rick and I had a fun weekend despite all of the rain this weekend! On Saturday afternoon our church had a huge garage sale that we helped out at, and on Saturday evening we went with our good friends Doug and Sandy to the Mariner's Vs. White Sox game at Safeco field. I rooted for the Mariner's because I am a LOYAL Cubs fan!! The Mariners won 5-3! Yay!
It's Monday now, and back to the work week! All of the freshman are arriving on campus today, as I look out the window I see student's & their parents unloading their cars and vans. I remember being so excited and nervous as I arrived on the campus of North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota for my first year as a college student. I have so many fun memories from that year! I only lasted at NCBC for one year, mostly due to the fact that I could not take the sub zero temperature's four month's out of the year! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr....!! The next year it was off to Springfield, Missouri for the last 3 years of my college education! The milder winter's were nice, but the most amazing thing I remember from those three years were the God given friendships I established and for the indescribable intimate moments I had with the Lord. Wow...I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it!! :)
It's been seven years since I graduated from college and God has been so faithful in my life during these years! I am so glad that he has directed my path! I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
It's Monday now, and back to the work week! All of the freshman are arriving on campus today, as I look out the window I see student's & their parents unloading their cars and vans. I remember being so excited and nervous as I arrived on the campus of North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota for my first year as a college student. I have so many fun memories from that year! I only lasted at NCBC for one year, mostly due to the fact that I could not take the sub zero temperature's four month's out of the year! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr....!! The next year it was off to Springfield, Missouri for the last 3 years of my college education! The milder winter's were nice, but the most amazing thing I remember from those three years were the God given friendships I established and for the indescribable intimate moments I had with the Lord. Wow...I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it!! :)
It's been seven years since I graduated from college and God has been so faithful in my life during these years! I am so glad that he has directed my path! I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Positive Belief
Have you ever questioned God? Have you felt like he has forgotten about you and turned a deaf ear to your prayer requests? I know that I am not the only one that has felt that way just by reading the scriptures, however, these questions have been going through my mind frequently this week. You would think a being a christian who seeks after God with their whole heart wouldn't be asking such silly questions, but I know that God doesn't see these questions as silly, but merely a chance to build character in me and to show me once again that HE is a FAITHFUL and LOVING God!!
I was reading my devotional book this morning and the topic of today's devotion was "Positive Belief" It spoke to my heart directly. I was fighting back the tears as I was reminded once again how faithful God really is. Here is excerpt from my book;
"Getting what we want immediately may not be best for us. Sometimes waiting is the best thing because it helps develop the character of God in us. The Lord chooses to do good to us and to make us happy; the devil chooses to do wrong and make us miserable. We can remain patient and keep believing God's promises, or we can allow the evil one's whisper to fill our ears and lead us astray."
(Here is the really good part)
"Too many of us have ignored the fact that God is the originator of miracles. He specializes in doing the impossible: He provided a son to barren Sarah; He opened the Red Sea for the Israelites to walk across dry land; He destroyed Goliath with a single stone from a slingshot. Those are miracles. That's the Holy Spirit at work, defying the laws of nature!"
I was so encouraged today during my time with the Lord. I know that He sees my heart and he hears my cry. I am his daughter and he loves to give good gifts to his children. Though I have many questions for God; I know the answer to all of them now is simply Jesus. I choose to trust despite my disbelief; I choose to rest in the promise that my God is faithful and He will do it; maybe not in my timing, but in the best possible timing....HIS TIMING!
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
I was reading my devotional book this morning and the topic of today's devotion was "Positive Belief" It spoke to my heart directly. I was fighting back the tears as I was reminded once again how faithful God really is. Here is excerpt from my book;
"Getting what we want immediately may not be best for us. Sometimes waiting is the best thing because it helps develop the character of God in us. The Lord chooses to do good to us and to make us happy; the devil chooses to do wrong and make us miserable. We can remain patient and keep believing God's promises, or we can allow the evil one's whisper to fill our ears and lead us astray."
(Here is the really good part)
"Too many of us have ignored the fact that God is the originator of miracles. He specializes in doing the impossible: He provided a son to barren Sarah; He opened the Red Sea for the Israelites to walk across dry land; He destroyed Goliath with a single stone from a slingshot. Those are miracles. That's the Holy Spirit at work, defying the laws of nature!"
I was so encouraged today during my time with the Lord. I know that He sees my heart and he hears my cry. I am his daughter and he loves to give good gifts to his children. Though I have many questions for God; I know the answer to all of them now is simply Jesus. I choose to trust despite my disbelief; I choose to rest in the promise that my God is faithful and He will do it; maybe not in my timing, but in the best possible timing....HIS TIMING!
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Summertime
Is it just me, or did this summer just fly by?!! When I was a kid summer's felt like they lasted forever, and now it feels like I just blinked and we went from June to August in a matter of seconds! Summer time is my absolute favorite time of year! Although I must say living out here in Seattle this summer has not really felt like the Chicago summer's I am used to. I remember hot summer days swimming at North side Park pool in Wheaton, and playing tag and capture the flag with all of the neighbor kids. I also remember riding my bike with friends to the Popcorn Shop downtown Wheaton and filling my little white candy bag full of gummy bears and lots of sugary treats!! One of my favorite things about summer was falling asleep at night with the windows open and the sound of crickets ringing through the air. Ah...those were the wonderful summers I remember as a child.
I hope someday soon Rick and I will be back in the Midwest. I used to think I could live anywhere in the world and be happy, but there is just no place like the Midwest....it will always be my home!!
I hope someday soon Rick and I will be back in the Midwest. I used to think I could live anywhere in the world and be happy, but there is just no place like the Midwest....it will always be my home!!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Lake Chelan
This past weekend Rick and I went to Lake Chelan. It was so beautiful!! We were laying out at the beach on Saturday and in the distance we saw a bunch of people out on boats and jet ski's. Rick and I started talking about how much fun it would be if we owned a boat or a jet ski. Maybe someday we will be able to own one, but that dream is in the distant future.
On Saturday evening we went out for dinner at the place called The Apple Wood Grill. It was so much fun! They had a live band that sounded like Dave Matthews and everyone was yelling out requests from their tables. Over dinner Rick and I started planning our next day at the lake. We decided it would be fun to rent a kayak or row boat. I love being out on the water, so I was very excited for our adventure ahead!
The next morning after breakfast we went to the little shop that rented out Kayak's. After viewing the colorful brochure that was displayed as you walk in the door; Rick and I decided it would be more fun to rent a jet ski. We paid for our rental and went outside to get our life jackets on...I felt like a little girl getting to ride a carousel! After getting our safety instructions from a guy who looked to be 12; we jumped on the jet ski. Rick started out driving while I sat in the back. A little advice to those of you who are planning on riding on back of a jet ski; don't eat right before you ride! Despite feeling a little queasy at first; I had such a fun time.
Okay ladies...this one is for you. After about a half hour of Rick being in front, I told him I wanted a chance to drive. So Rick and I carefully switched places on the ski, and I was now in control!! It took me a minute to get used to driving, but then I was comfortable and off at great speed. At one point I hit a wave that was made by a speed boat that had just passed by, and all of the sudden my husband went flying in the air and then into the water. I looked back and at first I thought Rick is going to be so mad at me, and then all I could do was laugh!! I picked my husband up on the ski, and he told me he couldn't believe I threw him off, but then later on we laughed about it! I'm so glad my husband has a sense of humor! :)
I love the weekends...I wish they lasted longer than two days! It's Monday now and there are only five more days until the weekend, Woo-hoo!!
On Saturday evening we went out for dinner at the place called The Apple Wood Grill. It was so much fun! They had a live band that sounded like Dave Matthews and everyone was yelling out requests from their tables. Over dinner Rick and I started planning our next day at the lake. We decided it would be fun to rent a kayak or row boat. I love being out on the water, so I was very excited for our adventure ahead!
The next morning after breakfast we went to the little shop that rented out Kayak's. After viewing the colorful brochure that was displayed as you walk in the door; Rick and I decided it would be more fun to rent a jet ski. We paid for our rental and went outside to get our life jackets on...I felt like a little girl getting to ride a carousel! After getting our safety instructions from a guy who looked to be 12; we jumped on the jet ski. Rick started out driving while I sat in the back. A little advice to those of you who are planning on riding on back of a jet ski; don't eat right before you ride! Despite feeling a little queasy at first; I had such a fun time.
Okay ladies...this one is for you. After about a half hour of Rick being in front, I told him I wanted a chance to drive. So Rick and I carefully switched places on the ski, and I was now in control!! It took me a minute to get used to driving, but then I was comfortable and off at great speed. At one point I hit a wave that was made by a speed boat that had just passed by, and all of the sudden my husband went flying in the air and then into the water. I looked back and at first I thought Rick is going to be so mad at me, and then all I could do was laugh!! I picked my husband up on the ski, and he told me he couldn't believe I threw him off, but then later on we laughed about it! I'm so glad my husband has a sense of humor! :)
I love the weekends...I wish they lasted longer than two days! It's Monday now and there are only five more days until the weekend, Woo-hoo!!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
The Minneapolis Bridge Tragedy
It was 4:45 in the afternoon yesterday when my mom called to tell me the news that the 35W bridge had collapsed in Minneapolis. I was stunned at the news! I immediately turned on the evening news only see the most the horrific sight! I couldn't believe my eyes!! I drove over that bridge many times when I used to live in Minneapolis. I am thankful that there were a lot of people who survived the bridge collapsing, but I am also very sad that there are quite a few people who died as a result of what seems like such a crazy catastrophe. I was talking to a very close friend of mine today who lives in Minneapolis, and she said this tragedy reminds you how precious life really is!! That is so true. Who would have thought that driving home from work yesterday a bridge that has been in place for over 40 years would just fall apart while you were driving over it!! We are not promised tomorrow!
My twin brother Justin called me last night and told me that he is in Minneapolis preaching this week, and he drove over that bridge two hours before it collapsed! I am so thankful that Lord protected him from being involved in this tragedy!! I will continue to pray for those who are injured and for all of the families that are mourning the loss of a loved one (s) to this horrible tragedy!
My twin brother Justin called me last night and told me that he is in Minneapolis preaching this week, and he drove over that bridge two hours before it collapsed! I am so thankful that Lord protected him from being involved in this tragedy!! I will continue to pray for those who are injured and for all of the families that are mourning the loss of a loved one (s) to this horrible tragedy!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
A Healthy New Perspective
I am on a quest this week to start eating healthier, so last weekend I bought some Kashi Oat cereal, whole wheat crackers, soy crisps, dried fruit, yogurt, and some low fat cottage cheese. I was all excited to start my new healthy eating plan until I poured a bowl of my Kashi Oat cereal this morning, only to pour it down the drain after three bites! YUK!!! How do people honestly eat that stuff! At lunch today I had planned on having some fruit and crackers, but my hunger pains were craving something a little more substantial than what I had brought with me to work today.
Why is it so hard at times to enjoy eating healthy? It's nice when I see the results of my sacrifice, but until that time, it is hard work to discipline myself to eat things that are at times tasteless! As I pondered about my new eating plan I thought it was a great illustration of my own spiritual walk. There are times that I feel like my devotional life is dry and "tasteless", but I know that if I just pull through the dry times, the results are well worth the sacrifice!! I've decided to keep on track with eating healthy (minus the cereal), I know that eventually it will pay off, and then I will celebrate over a lobster dinner with my husband (without all of the butter of course!!).
Why is it so hard at times to enjoy eating healthy? It's nice when I see the results of my sacrifice, but until that time, it is hard work to discipline myself to eat things that are at times tasteless! As I pondered about my new eating plan I thought it was a great illustration of my own spiritual walk. There are times that I feel like my devotional life is dry and "tasteless", but I know that if I just pull through the dry times, the results are well worth the sacrifice!! I've decided to keep on track with eating healthy (minus the cereal), I know that eventually it will pay off, and then I will celebrate over a lobster dinner with my husband (without all of the butter of course!!).
Monday, July 30, 2007
Car Accident
It's been awhile since I last blogged. Last Thursday morning on my way to work I was in a car accident. I was going north bound toward work and another lady was going south bound on the same road; we both had green lights. A lady going east bound ran a red light and hit both the other lady and myself. OUCH!! It's funny; everything happened so quickly, yet every time I play the accident over in my head it's in slow motion. I am alright (thank you Jesus)!! I went to the doctor and I have a few bruises and whip lash that is painful, but God's is healing me quickly! :) As for our car...it may be time for a new one! Everything is still going through insurance right now, so we will see what happens.
The part of this accident that is a miracle is the fact that the lady (Jessie) who was driving the Chevy, Tahoe was going south and the lady that hit us was traveling east, so the Tahoe was hit first and took the brunt of the impact, while I; driving a much small vehicle was hit with less impact. I can't even imagine what would have happened to me if that Tahoe was not hit first. I could be seriously injured right now. Now, I am not saying that I am happy that the poor lady driving the Tahoe was hit the hardest, I am just saying that she had a big vehicle that could handle the impact a lot better than my little car. I am praying for her and the lady who ran the red light too. I know that both of them were hurting after this accident, and I pray that God would heal all of their injuries!!
I spent all day Thursday just thanking Jesus for his protection over me!! HE is our protector and HE made sure I was protected from serious injury! Thank you Lord for your protection over us! "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalms 32:7
The part of this accident that is a miracle is the fact that the lady (Jessie) who was driving the Chevy, Tahoe was going south and the lady that hit us was traveling east, so the Tahoe was hit first and took the brunt of the impact, while I; driving a much small vehicle was hit with less impact. I can't even imagine what would have happened to me if that Tahoe was not hit first. I could be seriously injured right now. Now, I am not saying that I am happy that the poor lady driving the Tahoe was hit the hardest, I am just saying that she had a big vehicle that could handle the impact a lot better than my little car. I am praying for her and the lady who ran the red light too. I know that both of them were hurting after this accident, and I pray that God would heal all of their injuries!!
I spent all day Thursday just thanking Jesus for his protection over me!! HE is our protector and HE made sure I was protected from serious injury! Thank you Lord for your protection over us! "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalms 32:7
Monday, July 23, 2007
A Fun Get Away
Rick and I had a blast this weekend!! On Friday afternoon I looked up the weather for the weekend, and it called for rain and cool temps, so we decided to drive to the east side of the mountains where the weather was sunny and absolutely gorgeous!! We headed out on our adventure at 11:00 Saturday morning. The drive to the east was beautiful. The bummer is I forgot to bring the battery charger for our camera, so we didn't get to take pictures. :( We are planning to go out there again before the summer is over, so I will make sure I don't forget the battery charger or the camera.
Saturday afternoon we checked into our hotel (which online stated that it was a three star hotel), only to find out that it looked like we were staying in the projects of downtown Chicago. I have to say that I have no idea where Hotwire got the pictures they placed online b/c it didn't look nearly as luxurious in person as it did online! To get a little more visual for those of you reading this; do you remember the movie National Lampoon's Vacation? The hotel we booked looked like the hotel the Griswold's stayed in on their way to Wally World. Well we called Hotwire and after 40 minutes on hold they were kind enough to rebook our stay at a different hotel. The new hotel was A LOT better!! The pool was clean and the place was immaculate! YEAH for us!!
On Saturday evening after we got settled in our room we swam at the pool, and then got cleaned up and headed out for a nice Italian (my favorite) dinner downtown Yakima. It was yummy!
On Sunday morning we went to church with our friends Doug and Sandy who were out the same direction we were visiting family. The service was incredible! I'm so glad that we overcame the temptation to sleep in on Sunday morning, because I know we were supposed to be at that service! After church we went to lunch with our friends and then headed to the beach to swim and get some much needed sun! I finally have some color on my skin other than white!! No more sunless tanner for me (at least for this week!).
The drive home from our little excursion was neat! We put in Chris Tomlin's CD, Arriving; and worshipped the whole way home. When the song, "How Great is our God" came on we were driving over a bridge that was surrounded by tall green pine trees and mountains all around us. I sang that song with all my heart, and both Rick and I got goose bumps! He sure is a great God! I love admiring his artistry - what an awesome creator we serve!!
I am thankful for such a great trip. I learned and grew more than I thought I ever would when we left on Saturday morning.
Saturday afternoon we checked into our hotel (which online stated that it was a three star hotel), only to find out that it looked like we were staying in the projects of downtown Chicago. I have to say that I have no idea where Hotwire got the pictures they placed online b/c it didn't look nearly as luxurious in person as it did online! To get a little more visual for those of you reading this; do you remember the movie National Lampoon's Vacation? The hotel we booked looked like the hotel the Griswold's stayed in on their way to Wally World. Well we called Hotwire and after 40 minutes on hold they were kind enough to rebook our stay at a different hotel. The new hotel was A LOT better!! The pool was clean and the place was immaculate! YEAH for us!!
On Saturday evening after we got settled in our room we swam at the pool, and then got cleaned up and headed out for a nice Italian (my favorite) dinner downtown Yakima. It was yummy!
On Sunday morning we went to church with our friends Doug and Sandy who were out the same direction we were visiting family. The service was incredible! I'm so glad that we overcame the temptation to sleep in on Sunday morning, because I know we were supposed to be at that service! After church we went to lunch with our friends and then headed to the beach to swim and get some much needed sun! I finally have some color on my skin other than white!! No more sunless tanner for me (at least for this week!).
The drive home from our little excursion was neat! We put in Chris Tomlin's CD, Arriving; and worshipped the whole way home. When the song, "How Great is our God" came on we were driving over a bridge that was surrounded by tall green pine trees and mountains all around us. I sang that song with all my heart, and both Rick and I got goose bumps! He sure is a great God! I love admiring his artistry - what an awesome creator we serve!!
I am thankful for such a great trip. I learned and grew more than I thought I ever would when we left on Saturday morning.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Road Trip
It's Friday afternoon and I have one hour of work left before the weekend! I love Friday's!! Unfortunately, the weather here in Seattle this weekend is going to be crummy. It supposed to be in the 60's with rain. Rick and I decided to plan a spontaneous road trip to Yakima (eastern Washington) where the weather forecast this weekend calls for 80 degree temperatures and sun (now that's more like the summer's I grew up in)! It's amazing to me that you can drive two hours east and have warmth and sun!! I think we are going to go hiking and canoeing on Saturday, so that should be fun!! I'll be sure to update all of you on my trip when we return. Enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Ultimate Giver
I was reading a passage in Matthew today that I have read a hundred times before, but today it spoke to me in a very significant way. Let me share the passage with you.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:7-11
I have been asking the Lord over the past couple of months for some important things in my life. There are days when I doubt that He is even listening or cares (yes, even as Christians we have those days!). After reading this passage today it became clear to me again that God has the best in store for my life. He knows what need even before I ask him. Jesus wants us to pursue him and NOT to give up after a week or a month when we don't have the answers to our prayers. I am not a mother yet, but I love verse 11 of this passage. "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! I know that when I am a mother someday I will want to give my children "good gifts". I love to give gifts to people now, and encourage; even surprise them, but our heavenly father wants to give us so much more than we could ever give to those we love. The Bible says that all we have to do is ASK!
I would encourage those of you reading my blog today to keep on believing for those things you have asked the Lord for! He is the ultimate giver and he wants to give you more than you could even think to ask for, and even more than you could possibly imagine!! Keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. He is faithful and he will answer!
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:7-11
I have been asking the Lord over the past couple of months for some important things in my life. There are days when I doubt that He is even listening or cares (yes, even as Christians we have those days!). After reading this passage today it became clear to me again that God has the best in store for my life. He knows what need even before I ask him. Jesus wants us to pursue him and NOT to give up after a week or a month when we don't have the answers to our prayers. I am not a mother yet, but I love verse 11 of this passage. "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! I know that when I am a mother someday I will want to give my children "good gifts". I love to give gifts to people now, and encourage; even surprise them, but our heavenly father wants to give us so much more than we could ever give to those we love. The Bible says that all we have to do is ASK!
I would encourage those of you reading my blog today to keep on believing for those things you have asked the Lord for! He is the ultimate giver and he wants to give you more than you could even think to ask for, and even more than you could possibly imagine!! Keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. He is faithful and he will answer!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
I Sing Because I'm Happy
Today has been a really busy day! The phones have been ringing all day at the switchboard. Students are calling to get everything squared away to come back in the fall. It's hard to believe that school will be back in session a month from now! What is even more crazy than that is the fact that I have been out of college now for seven years!! Where has time gone?!! Those were some of the most fun and memorable days of my life!
Well...nothing really eventful has happened today (other than the phone ringing over & over again), but one thing I will say is that despite another rainy day in Seattle; I am happy! I spent some time digging into God's word this morning and at lunch I went to the gym and worked out, and now I just feel great!
For some reason I have had the hymn, "His Eye is on the Sparrow" in my head all afternoon. It's weird because I haven't heard that song in quite awhile. I love the lyrics to that hymn! Especially the chorus:
I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
For his eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me.
Those of you who know me really well know that I like to sing ALL OF THE TIME!! Most of the time it is a random song that gets stuck in my head, because someone said something that reminded me of that song. For instance if you said something like, "I don't like Monday's", I would break out in to song like this:
"It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday
For those of you who don't know this song, it is by The Bangels and it came out in the 1980's. I don't know why, but to this day I still love 80's music!! Okay, now I went from having "His Eye is on the Sparrow" in my head to having "Manic Monday" in my head. I better get the other song stuck in my head again because Rick doesn't really like when I belt out 80's music in the car on the way home from a long day at work!
Well...nothing really eventful has happened today (other than the phone ringing over & over again), but one thing I will say is that despite another rainy day in Seattle; I am happy! I spent some time digging into God's word this morning and at lunch I went to the gym and worked out, and now I just feel great!
For some reason I have had the hymn, "His Eye is on the Sparrow" in my head all afternoon. It's weird because I haven't heard that song in quite awhile. I love the lyrics to that hymn! Especially the chorus:
I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
For his eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me.
Those of you who know me really well know that I like to sing ALL OF THE TIME!! Most of the time it is a random song that gets stuck in my head, because someone said something that reminded me of that song. For instance if you said something like, "I don't like Monday's", I would break out in to song like this:
"It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday
For those of you who don't know this song, it is by The Bangels and it came out in the 1980's. I don't know why, but to this day I still love 80's music!! Okay, now I went from having "His Eye is on the Sparrow" in my head to having "Manic Monday" in my head. I better get the other song stuck in my head again because Rick doesn't really like when I belt out 80's music in the car on the way home from a long day at work!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Rain Rain Go Away!!
Have you ever noticed that it is a lot harder to get out of bed when it is raining? That was my predicament this morning. After hitting the snooze button three times I was finally able to drag myself to the shower. After I arrived at work I checked weather.com to see what the weather was going to be like this week and sadly enough it is supposed to rain from now until Sunday. Yes, you heard me correctly the WHOLE rest of the week!! :( I understand that rain is important for the earth, so that things can grow and look pretty, but right now I just need a break from the rain!
I know that I have already blogged about the weather and the fact that it rains in Washington A LOT more than I would like, but I am just writing what is on my mind and right now that seems to be at the forefront! I know the sun will come out again soon, and I am looking forward to that day! This is the first summer that I have had to buy my tan in a bottle! I guess self tanner is a lot healthier for my skin, so maybe it's a good thing it's raining! :)
I know that I have already blogged about the weather and the fact that it rains in Washington A LOT more than I would like, but I am just writing what is on my mind and right now that seems to be at the forefront! I know the sun will come out again soon, and I am looking forward to that day! This is the first summer that I have had to buy my tan in a bottle! I guess self tanner is a lot healthier for my skin, so maybe it's a good thing it's raining! :)
Monday, July 16, 2007
The Hike With A Purpose
I could hardly get out of bed this morning after my alarm went off! I am so sore!!! On Saturday Rick and I went on a 5 mile hike on Mount Si (2.5 up and 2.5 down). It was the most gorgeous hike, but also the most strenuous and exhausting hike!! I took some pretty amazing pictures that I will post once I get them downloaded from my camera.
Something really cool happened on the hike that I wanted to share. Saturday started out with a fun picnic that I packed for Rick and I. We ate our picnic at this beautiful park right next to Mount Si. After we ate we drove to the trail to start our hike. It is four miles to the top of this mountain (most of it uphill with lots of stones everywhere). After about .5 miles (notice the period before the five, which means half a mile!), I was ready to turn back. I guess I am more out of shape than I thought I was!! Rick convinced me that I could make it at least a mile, so I was determined to make it ONE mile. After we hit the one mile marker I thought I would have to camp out at this point b/c I had no energy to walk all the way back down!! I sat on a rock and drank a bottle of water, and after a 5 a minute break my energy was restored. Rick said he would really like to make it half way up the mountain, which was at 2 miles, and that he believed we could do it! I didn't have as much faith as he did, but after the little break I was ready to give it a try. Well I did it....I made it to the two mile marker!!!! I was really proud of myself. So proud that I actually went another half mile!! As I said before this hike was intense...people actually train before hiking all the way to the top!!
Okay...so here is the really cool part of the story. On our way back down from the two and a half miles we hiked up, Rick and I ran into two guys that were hiking on the trail, and one of them was sitting on a rock keeled over in pain. Rick stopped and asked if everything was okay. The injured man said that he had pulled his hamstring and his muscles in his legs were all locked up. We offered him water and Rick helped this man all the way down the mountain (which was a lot harder to hike down than up b/c of all of the fallen rocks everywhere). You are probably wondering why the injured man's friend did not help him down the mountain (okay so maybe you weren't wondering, but I sure was that day!!).
The man's friends name was John and I started talking to him as we walked down the mountain. It turns out John asked Don (injured man) to go on the hike with him that morning and Don thought the hike was only a one mile, so he decided to run up the mountain. John warned Don that it was a long way up, and to pace himself, but Don continued to run. To get to the point...John didn't have much sympathy for Don and therefore wasn't much help. Rick helped Don down the mountain and also got the opportunity to talk to him about a lot of things including church and God. And at the end of the trip Don and Rick exchanged cell phone numbers. Don was so thankful to Rick for his help and care. We are hoping to get together with Don and his family sometime. I'm glad that we hiked up to the two mile point b/c I believe God really used Rick to help this man down the mountain, and to open the door for great conversation!
As for my soreness today....I took some Advil. I am determined now to get in shape so that I can hike the 4 miles to the top of Mount Si. I think I will try it in two weeks. I'll keep you posted.
Something really cool happened on the hike that I wanted to share. Saturday started out with a fun picnic that I packed for Rick and I. We ate our picnic at this beautiful park right next to Mount Si. After we ate we drove to the trail to start our hike. It is four miles to the top of this mountain (most of it uphill with lots of stones everywhere). After about .5 miles (notice the period before the five, which means half a mile!), I was ready to turn back. I guess I am more out of shape than I thought I was!! Rick convinced me that I could make it at least a mile, so I was determined to make it ONE mile. After we hit the one mile marker I thought I would have to camp out at this point b/c I had no energy to walk all the way back down!! I sat on a rock and drank a bottle of water, and after a 5 a minute break my energy was restored. Rick said he would really like to make it half way up the mountain, which was at 2 miles, and that he believed we could do it! I didn't have as much faith as he did, but after the little break I was ready to give it a try. Well I did it....I made it to the two mile marker!!!! I was really proud of myself. So proud that I actually went another half mile!! As I said before this hike was intense...people actually train before hiking all the way to the top!!
Okay...so here is the really cool part of the story. On our way back down from the two and a half miles we hiked up, Rick and I ran into two guys that were hiking on the trail, and one of them was sitting on a rock keeled over in pain. Rick stopped and asked if everything was okay. The injured man said that he had pulled his hamstring and his muscles in his legs were all locked up. We offered him water and Rick helped this man all the way down the mountain (which was a lot harder to hike down than up b/c of all of the fallen rocks everywhere). You are probably wondering why the injured man's friend did not help him down the mountain (okay so maybe you weren't wondering, but I sure was that day!!).
The man's friends name was John and I started talking to him as we walked down the mountain. It turns out John asked Don (injured man) to go on the hike with him that morning and Don thought the hike was only a one mile, so he decided to run up the mountain. John warned Don that it was a long way up, and to pace himself, but Don continued to run. To get to the point...John didn't have much sympathy for Don and therefore wasn't much help. Rick helped Don down the mountain and also got the opportunity to talk to him about a lot of things including church and God. And at the end of the trip Don and Rick exchanged cell phone numbers. Don was so thankful to Rick for his help and care. We are hoping to get together with Don and his family sometime. I'm glad that we hiked up to the two mile point b/c I believe God really used Rick to help this man down the mountain, and to open the door for great conversation!
As for my soreness today....I took some Advil. I am determined now to get in shape so that I can hike the 4 miles to the top of Mount Si. I think I will try it in two weeks. I'll keep you posted.
Friday, July 13, 2007
A Tragic News Story...
This morning I am sitting here at my desk with hot cup of french vanilla coffee and a heart that is heavy with grief over the loss of a missing Tacoma (about 25 minutes from where I live) girl who was found dead yesterday. Her name was Zina Linnick and she was a twelve year old girl who was kidnapped from an alley by her house while watching fireworks. If you want to read the whole story you can go to http://www.foxnews.com/ it's the top story for today.
Last night I caught the first headline of the news...Zina Linnick's body has been found. For some reason I started to cry. I didn't know this girl or her family, but my heart was grieving in a way that it would if I had lost someone dear and close to me. Now I watch the news often and hear about a lot of tragic things that take place, but this one was different. At first I started to think about the horrible person who killed this sweet little innocent 12 year old girl! I hoped that he was caught and thrown into prison for the rest of his life! Then somewhere in my fiery and anger I started pray; Lord save this man from his sin, and help him to realize that what he did was horribly wrong. "You were to Israel a forgiving God, though you PUNISHED their misdeeds." Psalms 99:8.
I started to think about Zina's family and how they took the news when the police informed them that her body was found; the verse Psalm 34:18 came to my heart, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." I started to pray for her family, and then my thoughts were brought to the moments leading up to Zina's death. What was going through her mind? I'm sure she was full of terror and scared beyond belief. I know this is a horrible thing to think about, but I couldn't help but wonder. Then the passage from Psalm 23 came to my mind...the last verse of that chapter says..."and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever". My prayer is that Zina is in heaven with Jesus today rejoicing with the angels with her innocence and beauty restored!
I realized this morning that my thoughts and emotions from last night and even into this morning were directly from the Lord. I believe He put this story on my heart for a reason. I will continue to pray for this family as they go through this horrific loss. It's kind of neat that as Christ followers we get the privilege of being called upon by God to pray!! I'm so glad that I know HIM and HE knows me!!
Last night I caught the first headline of the news...Zina Linnick's body has been found. For some reason I started to cry. I didn't know this girl or her family, but my heart was grieving in a way that it would if I had lost someone dear and close to me. Now I watch the news often and hear about a lot of tragic things that take place, but this one was different. At first I started to think about the horrible person who killed this sweet little innocent 12 year old girl! I hoped that he was caught and thrown into prison for the rest of his life! Then somewhere in my fiery and anger I started pray; Lord save this man from his sin, and help him to realize that what he did was horribly wrong. "You were to Israel a forgiving God, though you PUNISHED their misdeeds." Psalms 99:8.
I started to think about Zina's family and how they took the news when the police informed them that her body was found; the verse Psalm 34:18 came to my heart, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." I started to pray for her family, and then my thoughts were brought to the moments leading up to Zina's death. What was going through her mind? I'm sure she was full of terror and scared beyond belief. I know this is a horrible thing to think about, but I couldn't help but wonder. Then the passage from Psalm 23 came to my mind...the last verse of that chapter says..."and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever". My prayer is that Zina is in heaven with Jesus today rejoicing with the angels with her innocence and beauty restored!
I realized this morning that my thoughts and emotions from last night and even into this morning were directly from the Lord. I believe He put this story on my heart for a reason. I will continue to pray for this family as they go through this horrific loss. It's kind of neat that as Christ followers we get the privilege of being called upon by God to pray!! I'm so glad that I know HIM and HE knows me!!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
100 Degrees!
Yesterday in Seattle it was 100 degrees and all of the natives of the fine state of Washington were freaking out. I on the other hand thoroughly enjoyed it!! Hot weather just makes me happy - I could probably live somewhere where it was warm all year round. Well...except at Christmas time, because you have to have snow on Christmas! I guess I could just fly home to Chicago at Christmas time for the cold weather and snow. It's funny (or sad) out of all of the states I could live in I am living in one of the rainiest, coolest (not cold, just cool), most dreary places in the nation. I know that Seattle doesn't get the most rainfall when it comes to inches of rain per year, but we have to be up there for the amount of days that it rains per year. I didn't think I would see the day when it got sunny again in 2007!!! Okay, so I need to stop talking about rain and just rejoice that it is sunny and warm now. One great thing about this state is that b/c of the rain everything is so green and lush! The mountains and lakes are all so beautiful too! My advice...take a family vacation to Washington during the months of July or August, but don't move here unless you really enjoy rain nine months out of the year (there are lots of people out there who do!).
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Dollar Store
I am dedicating my first blog to Bethany Scottberg for her recommendation for me to blog :) I love to write, but it's usually done privately in my journal rather than posted on the internet for the world to read. I know I'm a little behind the times, but I'm catching up!
Since I am dedicating my first blog to Bethany I thought it would be appropriate for my first blog to be about her. One of the greatest things Bethany has taught me in life was how great The Dollar Store is. I never really stepped into many dollar stores until my sophomore year of College when Bethany took me shopping at one to buy things for our dorm room. I couldn't believe how many things you could actually buy for one dollar each!! We bought candles (mulberry), cleaning supplies, snacks, dishes and the list goes on. To this day I love the Dollar Store (just ask my husband!). Now I know there are some things that you just don't buy at the Dollar Store, but there is much more than expected that you can purchase for only ONE DOLLAR!! I want to thank you Bethany for introducing me to a store that has saved me tons of money through years!!
Since I am dedicating my first blog to Bethany I thought it would be appropriate for my first blog to be about her. One of the greatest things Bethany has taught me in life was how great The Dollar Store is. I never really stepped into many dollar stores until my sophomore year of College when Bethany took me shopping at one to buy things for our dorm room. I couldn't believe how many things you could actually buy for one dollar each!! We bought candles (mulberry), cleaning supplies, snacks, dishes and the list goes on. To this day I love the Dollar Store (just ask my husband!). Now I know there are some things that you just don't buy at the Dollar Store, but there is much more than expected that you can purchase for only ONE DOLLAR!! I want to thank you Bethany for introducing me to a store that has saved me tons of money through years!!
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