In God's Hands

My time spent in Bend this last month was super! ... Well, once I got over the initial forced vacation aspect and yielded to my bodies limitations.
It was such a blessing to be around my family, be in Oregon and share un-hurried moments with friends. As much as repairing a broken bone saps the body of energy, I made time each day for a little activities. And every day I felt loved by a surprise adventure or the visit of a friend. It was great to have the time to catch up on mail, reading, and Spanish soaps :) The highlights for me were kombucha making, summer events in Bend- (movies in the park, live theater, farmers market, art walk (2), live music and rugby tournament), and time with my family at the beach and playing games.
Thanks to every person that filled my days with smiles and good conversation.
And thanks for a great Birthday month!

Quotes for the Day

Another key movement in caring for our souls is to daily chase after the light by pursuing things that remind us of the truth, things that make us laugh or calm us and things that restore our hope.  The experience of depression, for the individual and the family, pulls on us to stare into the darkness, into what is difficult, painful, frightening, or shameful.  And the truth is, this side of heaven, there is plenty of darkness.  But there is also great reason to hope – for tiny, daily tastes of hope; like laughter, real conversation, delicious food to savor, the beauty in our own backyard. And you must hope for the bigger redemption; like restored marriages or clear post-chemo scans. These gifts are just as real as the pains that threaten, scare and sadden us. 
-Meredith Spatola

“There was no sudden striking emotional transition.  It is like a room warming up or the coming of daylight.  When you first notice healing, it has already been going on for some time.”
C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

Read more from Grief is a Journey.

Establishing roots

When potting a plant it is important to massage the roots, water frequently, and allow time for the new plant to adjust to it's new environment and realize it has room to grow.
For me every move in life has had this time and excitement of growth in a new place. I have developed patterns to establish quickly (It really is fun exploring new places!) and to develop as part of a community.
It wasn't until I read a friend's blog that I realized this as a reason why I am currently frustrated to be pulled out of my current residence. It is traumatic being uprooted! It feels as if my months of effort into a new job, location and acquaintances being swept away as dust as my presence is forgotten. Yes, it is great to be back in Bend with friends and family for an extended time, I just would like to be working- Wow, never thought I would say that. I am a plant without a pot.

Please pray for continued healing of my clavicle, development of my community in Truckee and security of my job, as it is what brought me to my new home of Truckee.

Great hike into Desolation

Emerald Bay 

Lake Tahoe

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.