memorial day weekend = joy

the day before my great escape, i was seriously burdened regarding three main areas of my life.  knowing that i would have some time to chill with God, i painted some rocks to symbolize these specific things:  my heart, my relationships and the direction of my life.  i carried them with me in my pocket as a reminder to pray and give them to God.  the campground sits next to a river and i claimed a boulder as my own and frequently escaped there.

pulling into the camp on friday afternoon felt like coming home.  a fresh breath of air and renewed hope surged through my veins.  throughout the weekend when i didn't feel the need to slip away to talk with God, i had no desire to leave the campground.  i was exorbitantly blessed by instant family and conversations.  my time studying the word grew into discussions with those around me about how to live it out.  the hours spent enjoying the beauty of the sunshine, rolling hills, luscious green foliage, and stunning shooting stars were shared as we stood in awe of the one who made it all.  being surrounded by laughter and joy made my heart soar.  just like last year, i left questioning why i had to leave.

hot showers and a soft warm bed welcomed me home.  i came back a little lighter...without those three rocks weighing me down.  i came back richer...more friends, hope and peace.  i came back with a passion to live where God is leading me.

memorial day weekend = joy

the day before my great escape, i was seriously burdened regarding three main areas of my life.  knowing that i would have some time to chill with God, i painted some rocks to symbolize these specific things:  my heart, my relationships and the direction of my life.  i carried them with me in my pocket as a reminder to pray and give them to God.  the campground sits next to a river and i claimed a boulder as my own and frequently escaped there.

pulling into the camp on friday afternoon felt like coming home.  a fresh breath of air and renewed hope surged through my veins.  throughout the weekend when i didn't feel the need to slip away to talk with God, i had no desire to leave the campground.  i was exorbitantly blessed by instant family and conversations.  my time studying the word grew into discussions with those around me about how to live it out.  the hours spent enjoying the beauty of the sunshine, rolling hills, luscious green foliage, and stunning shooting stars were shared as we stood in awe of the one who made it all.  being surrounded by laughter and joy made my heart soar.  just like last year, i left questioning why i had to leave.

hot showers and a soft warm bed welcomed me home.  i came back a little lighter...without those three rocks weighing me down.  i came back richer...more friends, hope and peace.  i came back with a passion to live where God is leading me.

hope.

God is so {faithful}.  last night i stayed up later than i should, doing things that didn't really matter... like watching an episode of Friends and aimlessly perusing the internet.  by the time i decided to head to bed, my eyes didn't want to focus and my mind was a little bit fuzzy.  before i turned out the lights, i was convicted about not spending any time in the Bible.  i half-heartedly read just a little and not long after that i was out.

i did not take time to reflect on the verses i read last night early this morning, yet God brought new revelation to mind this afternoon while i was driving home from running errands.  the truth of romans 5:3-5 became crystal clear.

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

hope has seemed elusive to me.  as a christ-follower, i have always felt that it is something i should just have.   

the knowledge that i'm in the process of obtaining hope gives me {hope}.

hope.

God is so {faithful}.  last night i stayed up later than i should, doing things that didn't really matter... like watching an episode of Friends and aimlessly perusing the internet.  by the time i decided to head to bed, my eyes didn't want to focus and my mind was a little bit fuzzy.  before i turned out the lights, i was convicted about not spending any time in the Bible.  i half-heartedly read just a little and not long after that i was out.

i did not take time to reflect on the verses i read last night early this morning, yet God brought new revelation to mind this afternoon while i was driving home from running errands.  the truth of romans 5:3-5 became crystal clear.

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

hope has seemed elusive to me.  as a christ-follower, i have always felt that it is something i should just have.   

the knowledge that i'm in the process of obtaining hope gives me {hope}.

guess what...

i am blogging from my brand-new laptop!  months and months of saving my babysitting money and my pennies have finally paid off.  this has been my dream for years and yesterday i took a little trip down to the apple store to buy my new {friend}.

hours have been spent customizing this baby and exploring all the fun gadgets.  last night i opened a skype account (chariskay123) and talked to my mom and sister, my brother brandon, and my friend nicole.  tears rolled down my cheeks as we goofed around and made faces at each other.  what can i say...i'm easily amused.

i'm looking forward to many hours of coffee shop blogging...

guess what...

i am blogging from my brand-new laptop!  months and months of saving my babysitting money and my pennies have finally paid off.  this has been my dream for years and yesterday i took a little trip down to the apple store to buy my new {friend}.

hours have been spent customizing this baby and exploring all the fun gadgets.  last night i opened a skype account (chariskay123) and talked to my mom and sister, my brother brandon, and my friend nicole.  tears rolled down my cheeks as we goofed around and made faces at each other.  what can i say...i'm easily amused.

i'm looking forward to many hours of coffee shop blogging...

multnomah falls : april trip

this is a delayed post too, but i couldn't resist sharing these pictures.

for future reference... if you are in need of a good workout, strap a thirty-five pound kid on your back and go hiking.  really, it is fun!

the babies toddlers {LOVE} to ride in the backpacks!  mari tends to fall asleep eventually and azariah quietly takes in all of the sights.  i seriously can't think of a time when they were grumpy while on a hike.

meshach impresses me with his energy and stamina.  typically i am the one slowing the group down by asking for breaks.  :o)  he loves to explore and find little creatures.

this is my new favorite recent picture of mari...such a beautiful little girl.

we spent quite a while hanging out near the top and eating snacks near the river.  (oh...did i mention my brother came too?  ha ha ha!  he carried mari.  there is no way i could carry both of the little ones!  not sure why i didn't get his picture...)  chipmunks joined us and we gladly shared our crackers.  it was so fun watching the kids take in the whole experience.  i can't wait someday to experience this with my own kids.