Thankful

The wonderful thing about Central Oregon is that the rain stops and the sun shines the moment you cross over the mountains-it truly is a wonderful thing :)

Currently, I am munching on pomagranet jewels (Thanks Grandma) as I think back over the weekend. We enjoyed sunshine the morning of Thanksgiving while hiking the butte and snow in the evening. The next day was again sunny as we walked the river trail. Saturday, my mother and I once again had a wonderful time in the sun and the snow x-country skiing. Sunday with another day of sunshine, I was again not disappointed as i joined the ladies for lunch at the Taji Palace. Indian food and a brief walk was a great way to finish my time in Bend. Of course the food was good and the family was entertaining while playing back-up, but these moments were the highlights for me. (No pun intended)

What is on my heart

I don’t know a lot, but I do know Jesus, and I believe He’s given us (Christians) the

calling to proclaim His name. “And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When

I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to

you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you

except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear

and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive

words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might

not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power” (1 Cor. 2:1-5) I strive to keep

things simple and always for the glory of God

I can not fool God

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Ps 139:23-24

Confess your sins to one another that you may be healed... James 5:16

If we claim to be without sin, we decive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. if we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 1 john 1:8-10

I dishonor Christ when I don't regularly confess my sins and recognize the death that He died to give forgiveness for all my sin. In so doing, I am denying the gift that the Father extended to me through the sacrifice of His son.

"The gates of hell are locked from the inside."- Lewis

Read Matt 5:17-48 and tell me that you don't think humans are screwed. Because that is all that comes to my mind. Then my next thought is how TERRIBLE it will be to be separated from God. The God I know is everything good and loving. The God I know is patient and kind. My God is love. Many people wonder how a loving and compassionate God could judge people. They wonder why Hell has to exist. As a result I want you to read the quotes below which come from a Croatian theologian named Miroslav Volf who survived the Balkan Wars of the mid 1990's where horrible atrocities were committed.

"God will judge, not because God gives people what they deserve, but because some people refuse to receive what no one deserves; if evil doers experience God's terror, it will not be because they have done evil, but because they have resisted to the end the powerful lure of the open arms of the crucified Messiah."

"Should not a loving God be patient and keep luring the perpetrator into goodness? This is exactly what God does: God suffers the evildoers throughout history as God has suffered them on the cross. But how patient should God be? The Day of reckoning must come, not because God is too eager to pull the trigger, but because every day of patience in a world of violence means more violence and every postponement of vindication means letting insult accompany injury."

I am reminded of 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."

How long though will God allow injustice?

Can man do anything good without God?

Pray Continually

Daniel 3:17-18 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if he does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.

Pray to God in confidence that He hears, but even if His answer is not what I expect or desire, it does not take away from the deity of God. Never stop asking. Matthew 21:22. Never stop praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Eric Married Elissa

Rehearsal dinner
Waiting
First sight

Married

Excerpt from Courage and Calling by Gordon Smith

...Two assumptions: that all people are responsible for the choices they make, and that these choices are meaningful and significant. they make a difference. Without God, such a thought leads only to despair- as it has for many twentieth-century existentialists. But with God and with faith in God, we are rather empowered by this knowledge. We make our choices in response to God, and we make our choices knowing that God is Lord of the universe and that our choices therefore carry significance and meaning.

Our only hope for a genuine and full response to our current life circumstances is a theology of the Christian life that takes our complete humanity seriously; we must have an intentional theology of human actions and human responsibility. I cannot help but wonder if it is a great fear of Pelagianism- the doctrine that human beings are capable of obedience to God through their own strength and will power- that undercuts our capacity to embrace human responsibility. We must affirm the priority of divine action and grace, but we need to do so in a way that calls us to God's grace and enables us to respond fully to it. As Gary Badcock aptly puts it, "A theology of response does not need to be Pelagian; it need only be a theology in which the reality of the human is taken seriously."

To take the human seriously is to recognize the power and destructive reality of sin, and thus the existence of what Paul calls the "old self," which is corrupted and deluded (Eph 4:22). But it is also to embrace the new self, which has been "created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph 4:24). We are called to deny the old self and to live in congruence with the new self, which finds its origin in God's creative act. This is the true self, created to respond to God, the self that is given generously in service, and the self that is found in community.

... move from self-absorption and become selves that are centered in God and true to our own identity and call.

Once again

After four days of work in Eugene, I once again headed back to Bend! The first comment my friend Matt made when we met at a concert was "Did you even leave?" A pleasent surprise to my planned visit was that my parents were temporarily off the PCT and at the house! It was really nice to share some meals and hugs. My original intent in visiting was to spend time with my friends Bryne (We celebrated her birthday attending the Bite of Bend) and Megan (It had been two years since we were both in Bend at the same time.). The weather once again was wonderful. So, I went on a bike ride, floated the river, hiked, visited the grandparents, ate a lot of good food, watched some good movie flicks, and attended an outdoor concert/ benefit- I won a silent auction ceramic bowl and salad spoons! Yes, I had a wonderful time and even got a little tan from the visit :)

When I returned to Eugene I remembered that it was the Oregon Bach Festival. So, my new roommate, Collett and I went to see "Bach and Britten Cello #2." The Cello is my favorite instrument and the concerrt displayed wonderfully the wide range of sound it is capable of creating. Besides these adventures I am back to the routine of work, cleaning and regular life business.

Back to Bend

It is always so great to go back some place and feel completely at home; and Bend did not disappoint me this last weekend
My four day weekend started with a quick trip to Corvallis to visit my friend Nathan. We did the usual: Play hard, eat well routine. Then I drove over the pass with enough time to get my oil changed (for free!) and dress up for my friends Janna & Mike's wedding. The wedding was lovely and it was so wonderful to see my Bend church family. Saturday was packed full with fun events. An early bike ride, some random paddle boarding, volleyball and lunch with my friend Shaphan. (My friends Shaphan and Bekah just moved to Bend.) Then I met up with Megan for some hot tubing, brownie baking, and good conversation with our friend Bryne. Megan and I then went downtown to the poet house for some live music. After that Bekah and I went back to here home for the summer and made dinner and watched a movie. -Such a great Saturday!
Sunday, I went to church with the Eugene crew, plus two. Afterward, Richard and I went on a motorcycle ride out east of town. Then I ran some errands with the German grandma :) In the mid afternoon I met Jeremy and Bryne and their dogs to walk the River trail. We also enjoyed some of the free music at the Les Chewab amphitheater. The evening came to a finale at the Common Table for dinner. (Check it out! Great food and great concept of community! commontable.net ) Lastly, we drove to Shaphan's new casa for milk shakes. Monday was a little slower pace. My grandmother and I went to Jackson's Corner for breakfast and then ran some errands before noon. I then met up with my friend Maddy and her mother to hike at Tumalo Falls. The trail was covered in snow about 3 miles in so we came back to town for "Cuppa Yo" and a walk in Drake Park. Then I had dinner with Maddy and her husband, Guy, before heading back over to Eugene.
Going to Bend, I definitely pack in all that I enjoy and find wonderful about Central Oregon. Next weekend, I need to hike the butte and float the river to accomplish the basics though ;)

Believe- from an old housemate

If you believe not in Christ,

To what purpose is the present life?

Our sojourn here is like the twinkling of an eye

And all our struggle would be but a futile gesture

If there is no hope of life beyond the night.

But Holy Scripture affirms that Christ is the Word made flesh,

And dwelt among us as our fellow man:

He came to die upon the cross for all our sins,

And on the third day He arose from the tomb

To grant salvation to all who believe in Him.

If you believe not in Christ,

How do you explain the universe of miracles?

Is not every leaf, every star, the wind and the rain

Only an iota of his handiwork, each made for man:

To feed him, to light his way, to soothe and to cleanse him?

And the greatest miracle of all is the giving of life-

The miracle of birth and the conquest of death

Which, through His crucifiction and being raised from the dead,

Restores man to his original and benign state:

A state of immortality for all who believe in Him.

If you believe not in Christ,

There will be no peace in your soul throughout your life:

The quest for power, fame and fortune, even if attained,

Becomes useless and counterfeit and unwholesome to the taste:

For these things are at best ephemeral and as sounding brass

that five no true pleasure in their possession.

But how different it would be if the purpose for their achievement

Is to feed and clothe the sheep as it was commended to us by Christ:

Only in this will true joy abound us

And bestow life everlasting upon those who believe in Him.

If you believe not in Christ,

May prayers cause the light to shine upon you,

Beseeching you to ponder the limitless evidence of His presence:

For He has said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life..."

And too, "He who believes in Me shall not perish but have life everlasting."

Yes, there is a purpose for our creation and existence:

It is that we praise and believe in Christ.

Reject not him Who created all things from the beginning,

Setting all things in motion for all time- past, present and future,

And all he asks in return is that we believe in Him.

- Milton Velasco Cook

Busy Days

Yesterday became Chaos so quickly I was left spinning. - It was wonderful to look back and say the many things accomplished and enjoying people. In the moment I was a little concerned though.

The day started at 7am.

I biked to Alton Baker to meet with Michael and plot the evenings goings on (ill explain later). I then biked to the duck park to meet Sarah and go on a ride along the river. Oh, and I should mention I failed at riding my bike while talking on the phone and totally crashed hard. (No worries it was just dumb and I only have bruises and scratched to prove it.) I then met up with a friend to make rice pudding. Then I biked back downtown to fill water balloons and execute a water balloon fit/ ambush in University Park. the group then player Frisbee and volleyball. Then we went to campus and played sand volleybal. From there I picked up my ordered earrings went to a BBQ back at University Park. I then met Mark near Alton Baker and we canoed to the previously scouted point that Michael and I visited earlier in the day. After I made it home and showered the final activity for the day was a movie at the new IMAX. To say the least I was exhausted... so, I fell asleep for a couple minutes during the show- oops!

Weekends are supposed to be exhausting :D

2011 Memorial Day Regatta

Two days of sail boat racing out at Fern Ridge just east of Eugene. It was so much fun! Over 60 boats participated, 14 in my class, Thistle. Our best race was the final race on Sunday where we finished 3rd :D

plans not my own

After many plans of late getting cancelled, I have been a little discouraged, to say the least. Also, I have been reading in James, ironically, where it is talking about not making plans because we do not know if tomorrow will even come. So this evening was really great in that I had one plan squished and something else was presented that was pretty exciting. In fact, there seems to be a pairing of bad and good recently too: Bolivia cancelled & kids mission camp offered, pakistan and zurich offerred. I have no idea what my plans are for the future or really for my vacation this year now, but one thing I know for sure what plans I may make I must be willing to let them go.

Matt 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
God you are good in your blessings.

Church tonight was also just continued confirmation that I need to just be still and not make plans. - Such a struggle!!! I do not sit still well.

Postponed

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22)
commit your plans to the lord and they will succeed (Proverbs 3:5)
rejoice in the lord always (Phil 4:4)
In no way did I feel ill prepared for the Bolivia trip this winter. In fact, I felt encouraged along every step. I was supported and given just enough information that I felt God was directing my steps. So it is with confusion and disappointment that the trip was cancelled/postponed for the winter. I know it is not my place to question God, and this particular case seems quiet clear.
God please make your plan clear through this whole mess. My energy toward this goal seems wasted. I know you lord are not a high that I should chase, but a constant strength and endurance. (James 1:17) You said you came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10); that it is sick that need a doctor (Matt 19:12). Direct my energy toward your people and how best to serve. May I rejoice in your clarity and may I run the race for which you have called me (Heb 12:1). May I not loose heart but instead be confident in all things that you work for the good of those that love you and are called according to your purpose (Rom 8:28).
Help me to continue and to focus on you.
Many are the plans in my heart Lord, but it is your will that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)
Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:4)
Psalm 40:1-4

Possible Pursuits

1. Massage Therapy


2. Language study


3. Theology/ Biblical studies


4. Art History


5. Nutrition


6. Travel

Unkeepable Promises

It has been two weeks since I was told that my work could not cover the time I requested off in the winter for my trip to Bolivia. Being a person that calues spoken word very highly, I was terribly upset when this verbal contract of the time off for another year of work was taken back. No longer will my return to the States have the security of a employment or finacial security. Once again, I am back in a place of having to trust God that he will do all that he has promised. He will take care of me. Do not worry about tomorrow, about food, clothing, because he cares for me. (Matt 6:25, 1 Peter 5:7) Once again, I have a decision to shorten my trip with the time frame I can resonable take off from work of to extend the time to the full three months that the original program with World Venture. In addition to this decision, I was informed that all planning/ organizing of the trip (people, fundraising, travel) is my responsiblity through FBC. Wow! Thankfully, I made some connections that can get me more information as how to fo about this process. Still, I ask that you would pray for me as I decide what needs to happen and in what order and for how long I will stay. Thanks.

Backstory on Bolivia

Throughout my collage career, I have been in contact with World Venture (An international organization with a focus on evangelism/ practical human service. Check it out at www. worldventure.com.) and in particular a lady by the name of Audrey. I had told her with our initial meeting that I was interested in missions/ medical and bible education. And she in turn continued to forward me opportunities as well as ask about my prayer needs. This was our relationship her continually praying for me and and I continually rejecting the opportunities presented me.
Hence when Audrey sent me an opportunity in Ivory coast with a deadline of two weeks I am sure she was convinced I would just reply unable to attend. Instead, I found the opportunity almost irresistible. It was a chance to live as a missionary for an entire year, learn bible, Islam and French. It had all the buzz words for me as I recently developed an interest for French speaking Muslims- very different from my long standing passion for Spanish speaking nations.
The counsel of friends and family was clear: God is able to protect and provide, however He also gave me a brain to realize when a situation is unsafe. The Ivory coast is not exactly in a state of rest. Plus, my job would not be secure if I left for a year. Still, I felt that my job contract would be up in a couple of months and that now is a great time to explore other options. So, out of curiosity, I contacted Dan in Bolivia about the sport ministry he recently started. He remembered me and said that yes there was an opening with the BLESS ministry and that he would put me in contact with Audrey (The irony!). I also contacted a leader in my church about the college group annual trip to Bolivia. Turns out they also were in need of leaders and had changed there plan of a fall trip to a winter trip. World Venture again became my connecting point to a ministry opportunity; this time though with Spanish, leadership training, short term, sports outreach (soccer, volleyball, basketball!) and I would have a group to travel with for the first two weeks. All that was left was to talk to my employer about the 3 months I wanted to take off. I was amazed when I boss said that I could take 2 months and still keep my job. So, I said yes, and agreed to sign on for another year of employment. I feel so fortunate that my boss understands my wanderlust and respects my desire for other pursuits.
And so, I ran through the open door of opportunity, and decided to join the team in Bolivia. I still know no details about the specifics of the team, ministry, living situation or money needs, but I am excited! Please continue to pray for me that my body will heal and I will be able to play soccer and that all the other details will come together with ease.

Day of Arts & Crafts

Sarah came over and encouraged me to create... a lamp, earrings, and paint. We enjoyed theater movies over coffee. Not to mention I went to the craft store and biked!

PS Praise God. I also hiked Mt Pisgah yesterday and had no pain today!!!!

Top It Off

A good week.

Morning prayer, book study/ babysit, lunch with Sarah at the Lotus Garden- Vegan Chinese

Day of confirmation: Boss oked Bolivia trip for two months, Church and Collins said they wanted me to be a part of the ministries in Bolivia

Night prayer, worship, commited to CCF trip to Bolivia

Fun long work day

Lead work out was a bad idea, but salsa in the evening was fun

Spanish, art fundraiser, J tea with Nadine, Michael, and Robin, Community garden, biking

Movies enjoyed: Once, Fame, Tangled in 3D.

Exerpts from the book "A Praying Life"

When we don't recieve whapray for or desire, it doesn't mean that God isn't acting on our behalf. Rather, he's weaving his story. Paul tells us to "continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksging" (Colossians 4:2). Thanksgiving helps us to be grace centered, seeing all of life as a gift. It looks at how God's past blessings impact our lives. Watchfulness alerts us to the unfolding drama in the present. It looks for God's present working as it unfolds into future grace.
If Jesus were a magic prayer machine, he'd have healed this woman's daughter instantly, and we would not have discovered her feisty, creative spirit. Likewise, Jesus' ambiguity with us creates the space not only for him to emerge but us as well. If the miracle comes too quickly, there is no room for discovery, for relationship. With both this woman and us, Jesus is engaged in a divine romance, wooing us to himself. (Matthew 15)
The waiting that is the essence of faith provides the context for relationship. Faith and relationship are interwoven in dance. Everyone talks now about how prayer is relationship, but often what people me is having warm fuzzies with God. Nothing wrong with warm fuzzies but relationships are far richer and more complex.
Just to tell Jesus what I need and leave it with him is such a struggle.
When God seems silent and our prayers go unanswered, the overwhelming temptation is to leave the story- to walk out of the desert and attempt to create a normal life. But when we persist in a spiritual vacuum, when we hang in there during ambiguity, we get to know God. In fact, that is how intimacy grows in all close relationships.
Many of us wish God were more visible. We think that if we could see him better or know what is going on, then faith would come more easily. But if Jesus dominated the space and overwhelmed our vision, we would not be able to relate to him. Everyone who had a clear-eyed vision of God in the Bible fell doen as if he were dead. It is hard to relate to pure light.
I've been living at the edge of the abyss for several years now. Yes, I have had close times, have felt the presence of God, and these memories alone are what keep me from checking out.
Sometimes when we say "God is silent," what's really going on is that he hasn't told the story the way we wanted it told. He will be silent when we want him to fill in the blanks of the story we are creating. But with his own stories, the ones we live in, he is seldom silent.
If you wait, your heavenly Father will pick you up, carry you out into the night, and make your life sparkle. He wants to dazzle you with the wonder of his love.
i wanted success; he wanted authenticity. The Father was taking me on the same downward journey he took his son. Paul invited the Philippian church to join Jesus, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). The downward journey is a gospel story.
If Satan's basic game plan is pride, seeking to draw us into his life of arrogance, then God's basic game plan is humility, drawing us into the life of his Son. The Father can't think of anything better to give us than his Son.
To correctly discern when God is speaking to us, we need to keep the Word and Spirit together.
Love without being able to pray feels depressing and frustrating, like trying to tie a knot with gloves on. I would be powerless to do the other person any real good. People are far too complicated; the world is far too evil; and my own heart is too off center to be able to love adequately without praying. I need Jesus.
Living in unfinished stories draws us into God's final act, the return of Jesus. While we wait for his return, it is easy to predict the pattern of the last days. The book of Revelation pictures a suffering church, dying as creation itself is unraveling. Through suffering God will finally make his church beautiful and reveal his glory. In the desert you see his glory. In the last days the bride will be made beautiful, pure, waiting for her lover. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Good encouragement

Phil 4:9, Rom 15:13, Ps 25:4-5, 139:23
God is faithful.
God not only hears but answers prayer.
God is love.

My own judgement?

Trying to find words
Trying not to be too emotional
God is good and God has a plan and a reason for placing desires within me
Oswald March 4
It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires. Common sense, covered with a layer of Christian emotion, becomes your guide. You may be more prosperous and successful from the world's perspective, and will have more leisure time, if you never acknowledge the call of God. But once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God asks of you will always be there to prod you on to do His will. You will no longer be able to work for Him on the basis of common sense.
What do I count in my life as "dear to myself"? If I have not been seized by Jesus Christ and have not surrendered myself to Him, I will consider the time I decide to give God and my own ideas of service as dear. I will also consider my own life as "dear to myself." But Paul said he considered his life dear so that he might fulfill the ministry he had recieved, and he refused to use his energy on anything else. This verse (Acts 20:24) shows an almost noble annoyance by Paul at being asked to consider himself. He was absolutely indifferent to any consideration other than that of fulfilling the ministry he had recieved. Our ordinary and reasonable service to God may actually compete against our total surrender to Him. Our reasonable work is based on the following argument which we say to ourselves, "Remember how useful you are here, and think how much value you would be in that particular type of work." That attitude chooses our own judgement, instead of Jesus Christ, to be our guide as to where we should go and where we could be used the most. Never consider whether or not you are of use- but always consider that "you are not your own" (1 Corinthians 6:19). You are His.

Are you Listening to God? A personal Challenge from Oswald.

We don't consciously and deliberately disobey God- we simply don't listen to him. God has given his commands to us, but we pay no attention to them- not because of willful disobedience, but because we do not truly love and respect him. "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Once we realize we have constantly been showing disrespect to God, we will be filled with shame and humiliation of ignoring Him.
"you speak with us,... but let not God speak with us..." (Exodus 20:19) We show how little love we have for God by preferring to listen to His servants rather than to Him. We like to listen to personal testimonies, but we don't want God Himself to speak to us. Why are we so terrified for God to speak to us? It is because we know that when God speaks we must either do what He asks or tell Him we will not obey. But if it is simply one of God's servants speaking to us, we feel obedience is optional, not imperative. We respond by saying, "Well, that's only your own idea, even though I don't deny that what you said is probably God's truth."
Am I constantly humiliating God by ignoring Him, while he lovingly continues to treat me as His child? Once I finally do hear him, the humiliation i have heaped on him returns to me. My response then becomes, "Lord, why was I so insensitive and obstinate?" This is always the result once we hear God. But our real delight in finally hearing Him is tempered with the shame we feel for having taken so long to do so.

Understanding Cynicism-exerpts from a praying life

After reading these last chapters in the book A Praying Life by David Powelson, I realized that my skeptic and critical personality has carried over to much of my belief in "how God responds to prayer." God is faithful though and has been educating me a lot this last year about trusting him. Still I identify a lot with these quotes speaking of cynicism:
If I get an answer to prayer, sometimes I'll think, It would have happened anyway.
I think we have built up scar tissue from our frustrations, and we don't want to expose ourselves anymore. Fear constrains us.
It is easier for me to feel skepticism and nothing than to feel deep passion.
It feels like we can't find the joy in things, like we are too aware to trust or hope.
The cynic is always observing, critiquing, but never engaged, loving, and hoping.
It protects you from crushing disappointment, but it paralyzes you from doing anything.
a praying life is just the opposite. It engages evil. It doesn't take no for an answer. The psalmist was in God's face, hoping and dreaming, asking. Prayer is feisty. Cynicism, on the other hand, merely critiques. It is passive, cocooning itself from the passions of the great cosmic battle we are engaged in. It is without hope.
Weariness and fear leave us feeling overwhelmed, unable to move Cynicism leaves us doubting, unable to dream. The combination shuts down our hearts, and we just show up for life, going through the motions.
All of these thoughts Question the active goodness of God on our behalf. These thoughts ridiculously lack trust in the only person that is really in control and deny Him the glory that is obviously due him. I refuse to be robed of the joy that worry and criticism commands.

Good times, Good weekend

Thanks Shannon for having a birthday on this weekend and reuniting old friends. I almost forgot how good it feels to been known well by people.

Mission Connexion North-West blew my mind with the amount of mission organizations and resources... more to come from my findings in the future I am sure.

Finally, Sunday sunshine made my day. The weather was so clear that my roommates and I saw the mountains while on a bike ride! -Fantastic bike along the Mckenzie River to complete the afternoon.

When Life comes it generally is FAST

The end of a year and start of a new one. This last month has had much change... Engagements of family, has now extended my imediate and extended families. More hours at PCO, more commitment to FBC, more new friends. New bank, new computer, new understanding of God and how he speaks through books and people. Visiting friends, visiting home and saying goodbye- something I am not very good at.
Work has left me emotionally exhausted and raw. Funny that some environments though they try to inspire freedom are very oppressive in other ways. I am constantly challenged in my faith and in my dependancy on God to speak for me when I can not. Miscommunication and lack of trust are very large monsters at work. I am thankful for the lessons in trust and complete dependancy upon my God. Pray that God would be glorified.

My friends visit!

A great weekend starts with friends, food and a new activity: hockey!

Free day at the beach

The night of December 30 two of my housemates and I traveled to Newport to take advantage of a wonderful free gift. The gift: A night at the elizabeth inn all expenses paid. When we arrived we quickly realized this was going to be an amazing New Years Eve. The room had a fire place, private balcony that looked out over the ocean, jacquze, saline pool. Together we explored every detail. My favorite was waking to the waves crashing in the brisk morning sunshine. Our adventures continued with a short drive to yaquina head lighthouse for some whale watching. From there we traveled to Otter Rock to the Devils punch bowl for some sight seeing and wine tasting at the Flying Dutchman. We walked the beach and downtown Newport, ate some sea food and then drove back to Eugene for further festivities with friends.

The night started with appetizers and drinks at Davis's and wonderful homemade chinese at a friends home. While there we were also introduced to the game balderdash- which was so much fun! The evening then concluded at another friends for "just dance" the wii game, dessert, balldrop and sparklers! Yes, yes it was a wonderful start to the new year.