Becoming a little more like myself

Identity is something that constantly develops with experiences, is embraced or hidden.
Over the last three years, I have been sculpted and strengthened to stretch beyond what I thought I could endure. And my passions have surfaced through it all. Much like the reflections one has over a trip, there are expectations, and then there are those surprises that make the experience memorable.
This blog post is a good articulation of familiar elements of recent experiences. Yes, I am still processing my time in Bolivia so, if you think of me say a quick prayer for my restless/hurting heart.
Today, I want to remember, to embrace/ appreciate the world. I want to forgive. I never want to be apathetic. I want to encourage goals, change and love. And I want to embrace who God has made me to be:
I am Woman, Artist, Outdoor Enthusiast, Food Experimenter, Explorer, Daughter/Sister/Cousin/Friend,  Loyal, Lover of God/Jesus Christ and Lover of Life!

Hiking to Five Lakes

The flowers were in full bloom!

Alpine ski area

Four ladies and two dogs

Granite chief wilderness

Lake #1

Squaw Valley mt

Lake #4

Continued Training

Tonight I learned how to simplify, to articulate, what I believe in Christianity. Yes, there is a complicated version, all my own, in how/ what has made me personally believe that God is really real. But tonight, courtesy of of Evangelism Explosion International founder, Ken, I learned how to use my hand as a reminder of what I believe.
Thumb: Heaven
Pointer: Man
Middle: God
Ring: Christ
Little: Faith
Heaven is a free gift. It is not earned or deserved.
Man is a sinner. He cannot save himself.
God is merciful and doesn't want to punish us, yet God is just and must punish our sin.
Christ is both God and man. He died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the penalty for our sins and to purchase a place in Heaven for us.
Faith is not just head knowledge nor is it just temporary faith. True saving faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life.
Tomorrow, we will dive into the terms a little more. but for now, I hope that makes some linear sense.