Monday, July 14, 2014

Every great story starts with....

"So I just got back from being lost in the woods"

OK so maybe not every great story starts that way, but that's sure how my Independence day weekend started. My friend Vashti and I went on what we thought was going to be a short, fun evening hike at Lair O' the Bear. Well...due to flooding, late snows, etc. the trail we were both used to was closed, and we set out on the Bear Creek Trail. Well needless to say it wasn't a "loop" trail. After a few miles, and the sun slowly setting we realized we may be lost. I think lost might be the wrong term, because we were still on the path. But had we kept going the way we were going, our hike might have turned into a camp. And the pup might have not been too happy with that. Luckily her husband came to our rescue and was hiking up the mountain as we were hiking down, since we had no flashlights and were running out of water.

This lovely set of bones was found during our hike. We saw it in the daylight and it wasn't this creepy. But with Joel's spotlight for us to walk in (or walk behind if you're graceful like me) it was UBER creepy. #forestofdeath

Sometimes I forget that verses from the Bible can be applicable in day to day situations. There are times where I'm really good at remembering to consciously pray, thank Him for His sacrifices, and am fully aware of why I believe in God. But I do have days where I forget. I lived so much of my life without God that when I'm in trouble it isn't the first direction I run. However, that night was one where He was with us the entire way and I was fully aware of the statement "Fear not, for I am with you"(Isaiah 41:10). I didn't panic, because God is greater than me. And God is greater than our sense of direction.

This year also marked my last 4th of July at Pinehurst, which was super exciting. Bittersweet is the word I have been using to describe most of this summer. I normally never volunteer for 12+ hour days, but that day is always my favorite. Getting paid to watch fireworks? Heck yes! Especially the best show in town. But I'm not biased at all. The beginning of my newest adventure is getting closer and closer, so my nerves are kicking in. But I keep reminding myself "Fear not, for I am with you". Even at my lowest points, I know God meets me and picks me up. He will never give up on me and will always be there for me.




I am spending this summer working hard, building new relationships with new friends and old acquaintances. I'm trying new things and having fun with some of the coolest people I've ever been surrounded by. Including my siblings. My little sister's best friend from Maui visited and I was able to take them to Glenwood and had a BLAST! My calling truly is students. And I'm support raising. Anyone who has talked to me in the last three months knows there is not a conversation without me bringing up support, funds, or fundraiser.


Yes, that watermelon was broken in half using someone's head.


That process sometimes seems like a burden, but overall it's been the biggest blessing I have encountered, and I wish I would have realized that earlier in the process. I am having so much fun talking to my friends, family and colleagues about how God is working my heart and at Flatirons, and how passionate I am about the next step I am taking in my life and in my faith. I have become better about praying for myself, praying earnestly, and trusting the Lord God with all my heart.

As most of the summer is passing by (way too quickly I might add), I am taking time off of work in a few weeks to visit my awesome and supportive cousins, aunts and uncles. My trip through Kansas is the best vacation I could ask for, because even though it's a long drive alone I always have a blast. I love seeing the little ones grow up and my cousins who, even though I didn't know them until a few years ago, we have so much in common. Oh, and baseball. Because Baseball. And softball.

I just read a quote on facebook that said "Being a Christian doesn't mean I won't fall...it means Jesus will catch me when I do" and that is the #truth He has caught me in so many ways, especially the more I learn to trust Him and follow His word.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful July so far and is enjoying their summer. I know I sure am :)