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!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
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!
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