Life and Mexico

Wow, everyone! I'm so sorry for slacking on my blog. I wrote a huge blog right before I left for Mexico but forgot to post it so... MY BAD!

Wednesday June 28th was my 20th birthday. Thank you for the cards, phone calls, and presents everyone! As intern tradition continues, I got a celebration birthday breakfast at Kris and Yurihn's. Dorothy made some amazing dishes and we had strawberry rhubarb pie (that I made) and tiramisu for dessert. It was fun and I really appreciated it.

Mexico was AMAZING! I can't wait till the next trip. I wish I had time to tell the whole trip but I will share a few fun stories later tonight. I have to get back to work. We are preparing for Camp Gilead this week. Camp starts Sunday and I will be leading the Missions Skills Class and also beachguarding. I love you all and miss everyone home.

God is moving here and changing my life. Its hard but there is no other place I would want to be than in His arms.

Check out my pics from Mexico. No captions yet. Sorry time is precious and I am already only aleeping about five hours per night cause I have to finish to Koran by Thursday... I'm a walking zombie. LOL

Stac

Aquila and Priscilla

For homework one night last week, I had to read the whole book of Acts- Abi is a slave driver ;) In Acts 18 reveals the story of Aquila and Priscilla. I love reading this chapter! Talk about some major helpership! They practiced hospitality in Corinth after being expelled from Rome. Together they built tents and hosted Paul, a stranger, for 18 months. Within that time, Paul was their guest. Aquila and Priscilla not only opened their home to Paul, they opened up their work to him as well, so that Paul was able to support himself while he ministered at Corinth before the arrival of Silas and Timothy (ACT 18:5). Priscilla and Aquila accompanied Paul from Corinth to Ephesus. In the synagogue of Ephesus they met a man Apollos, whom they discipled. This couple served God at risk of their own lives. ROM 16:4 "They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them." They hosted a house church (1CO 16:19; ROM 16:5)in Ephesus and Rome. In ROM 16:3 says "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus." They were considered by Paul to be his equals.

So what can we learn from them? One that God give us appropriate mates with which to minister and work. God's desire is for us to reach the world with His love. I believe that God will bless me with a mate that we can work side by side for His kingdom. Out of all of the couples in the bible, Aquila and Priscilla's marriage is something I pray God will bless my marriage with. How amazing would it be to minister to others as a team with your spouse! "Bloom where you are planted" was the motto Priscilla and Aquila lived by; they were faithful in serving the LORD wherever they were. God bless me with a servants heart such as that. Make me a Proverbs 31 woman. PRO 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Missions vs Evangelism

Have you ever stopped to ponder the difference between missions and evangelism? Today I was introduced to a new view I have never heard. Evangelism is witnessing to unbelievers who are "like" you. So lets say I share the gospel with my co-workers or peers at school--> that would make me an evangelist. However, missions is when you minister to unbelievers who are "not like" you. So going to Mexico to spread the gospel would be missions.


My question is then, "What does missions mean?"

I got into an interesting discussion with other interns in the office. This week we are learning about Missions in the Church. We had to read the five purposes of your life within Rick Warren's best-seller Purpose Driver Life. The last purpose is missions. In Rick's terms it was said "You are called to a mission". When you think of missions, what do you think of first? Most I think would say that missions is reaching out globally, to preach the gospel... something to that effect. My argument would be missions can be any where. Why restrict missions as an overseas, drop everything, and raise support deal? I believe you can be a missionary in your home town. What if I was a CEO of some Fortune 500 Company and spent a lot in the office? I could make a "global impact" by donating funds to an organization. With every church that gets built, school setup or individual missionaries living abroad, finances are needed. Am I a missionary for God in a sense? I would say yes. More importantly, if we are all "called to a mission" can't my mission be the corporate world. Business people need to hear the word of God. In retrospect, I could start up a Kingdom Company, that makes global impact yet has a business core. God has put a desire in my heart to reach out into the corporate world. I pray that God will use me to further his kingdom through business. If a company is built on solid, ethical standards and morals and incorporates a Christ like environment, could you just imagine the impact. Some of the most influential and powerful people are business men and women. Someday I pray God can use me in this way. Missions doesn't have to be restricted. God allows us to reach unbelievers who are unlike ourselves, in ways we couldn't even imagine. Operation Christmas Child, adopt a child, donate shoes for kids in Jamaica, money to build a home for a family in Mexico, missions opportunities are all around us. What is your mission?

Inspirational Thoughts from Mr. Chambers

No one likes change. We all like the familiar things in life. Whether its friends, places like the mountains, a way of doing things, or perhaps your choice of cereal. As I read my devotion from "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers the last sentence caught my eye. Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been. “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know...”(John 7:17)

Now I don’t think that it is saying that I have to change everything in my life but I need to embrace change. More importantly, to embrace God’s will. His will may call us to be uncomfortable. God’s will could change our lives so rapidly. Instead of working an amazing job that pays the big bucks, you could find yourself unemployed, moving into a smaller house, and selling your Porsche. I don’t want my life to be focused on what I once was but becoming something I could never imagine being.

What is God’s purpose of me being here in Connecticut? I have yet to see it. I find myself upset everyday… NOTHING is the same. My expectations have flown out of the window along with my dreams. I am left with a blank slate. God do with me what you will. Make me into something I have never been.

Misson: The Crazy Cat Ladies

Well, I thought garage sales in Loveland, CO were strange. Naive me! So my director Kris owns a three story home, where each floor is an apt. Behind his home is a small two bedroom cottage that his brother's mother-in-law Dorothy lives. Before Kris aquired the home, two older women lived in the cottage. They had 14 cats!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They got kicked out of their home due to the stench and filth of the place. Kris had to replace not only floor but the subfloor, cabinets, etc. Very gross to say the least. Well, apparently wherever they moved to, cats were not allowed so they let all of the cats go free on Kris's property. The cats live underneath the cottage. Now the EXTREMELY strange part of this ordeal. Directly behind the cottage is a small cemetery. These two crazy cat ladies come around 11pm into the cemetery right behind and bring TONS of dried food, canned food, and water. They place all the food and water right behind the house in the baby section. Oh then they begin to call out ALL of the cat's names. The ladies then leave and come back one or two more times.
So last night Vanne and I had some fun with them. When they pulled up into the cemetery we sneaked into the cemetary and hid behind a giant tombstone. We hopped around to a couple of them untilwe were close. Vanne began to make cat noises and spooky noises. One of the ladies said I hear noises and the other said, there are always noises is the cemetary. But the scared lady turned off the car and took a flash light and shined the light in our direction. Thankfully we were behind a big tombstone. I about died of laughter! So as we were planning on how to scare the ladies, the "scared" crazy lady kept shining the flashlight at us. Kris yelled at from his lawn and the mission bomed! We got caught by the light as we crawled back. Needless to say it was really funny and those ladies are completely crazy. They came back two more times; once at midnight and then again at two.

Be Strong and Courageous

Adjusting to a new place can be difficult. For me it has been hard. The language barrier probably is the biggest obstolcal. I get so frustrated with myself, when I can't remember all the vocabulary and I live with native Spanish speakers! I love the people here to death but I can just get so bogged down.
Plus my apartment was supposed to be ready on the June 1st but now it won't be until the 9th, so I'm still living out of my suitcase.
I decided to do my personal reading out of Joshua. The first chapter keeps repeating the phrase "be strong and courageous". That phrase is truely a God send. During this time, I need to be strong in God and courageous in whatever is set before me.

Since I have blogged a lot has happened. I went to Massachusetts to the Yankee Candle Co. and the Butterfly Museum on Sunday with a woman I met at church. Iris brought her cute little duaghter Isabel. Monday, Memorial Day, all the interns went to Kris's mom and step-dad's home for an all day BBQ. Very relaxing and fun. Tuesday and Wednesday we worked all day at the office. Sonya, the new intern, came on Wed. night along with John the missionary from China. Kris and Bob had to stay overnight in Chicago due to weather so they did not get back until Thursday morning.

John is really cool. He does missions work in China. All day Thursday, he taught us about Chronological Story Telling. This method uses reaching people by telling sotries, starting from creation all the way up to Jesus. 2/3 of the world prefer oral communication verses written. I hope that someday I can experience this kind of ministry. Friday we spent the day learning about China and John's ministry there.
If you have never watched Ee-taow watch it now. Every Christ follow should watch this!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2167162629886718161
It's just a small segment cause I couldn't get the other to work but go to brianturner.org to watch the whole 20min video. So amazing!

Well, I am going to go get ready for church. This week we will be working on camp and class time will be on "missions in the church." Thanks for all of your prayers! Miss you all!

Professional Wood Chopper ;)

As I begin to get settled in here in beautiful, I can't forget how I decided to join this organization. It blows my mind away that I didn't even plan on this six months ago! God is GREAT and Faithful.
My first full day was fun. It was Susie's 18th birthday and so we made a big breakfast. Many people came to wish her blessings at breakfast at the Keatings.
In the afternoon we went to the Rocky Neck National Park aka the beach! My favorite place to go :) The sand was so soft, the weather was amazing, but the water was freezing. After spending four hours at the beach we all went home for "home groups." Since the season finale of American Idol was on, we didn't have bible study. I enjoyed meeting women from the church. I'm excited to get to know them better. Yesterday was a semi-normal day. We all met at the office at 9am for devotions, a lesson on a country, prayer for that country and whatever else needs prayer, and projects for the rest of the day. I found out that Sonya and I are in charge of writing chapel sermons for Camp Gilead this year. Um... HELP! Not only that, but we have to create fun activities within the sermon and ideas for the Missions Class. After working for a little bit the server went down and we couldn't get it back up. We went back to Yurihn's house for lunch and watched the camp video.
Ok so now for the fun part... guess what I spent the rest of my day doing. You guessed it, Wood Chopping! Yes I took an ax and chopped wood. I was ok at it; Vanne was the best out of us four girls (Susie, Vanne, Vanessa, and I plus three guys Chris, Jordan and Jr.) We also tore down a shed... That took a while and a few truck pulls before it was finished. That shed was built very well. The reason we were doing all of this work is because a man Bob from our church is paying us money to go towards our trip to Mexico. There are a total of 14 people going, mostly Jr. High kids.
Today we will be working on camp stuff again.

Prayer Requests:
-A creative mind for designing camp chapel services and the missions class
-Continued prayer in financial support
-Discipline with my Lord
-Getting back into the Spanish speaking groove

Three things I'm thankful for:
-Meeting people from Hillside
-Continued increase of health
-Patience from Vanne and Vanessa in helping me with my Spanish

I'm here... FINALLY!

Well ladies and gentlemen, I have finally made it to the luscious green state of Connecticut! I am so tired still (time change is two ahead Colorado time). This is how yesterday went down. I got up at 4am so we could leave my house at 4:30am. Around 4:25am I felt very sick... why? Don't get travel immunization shots the day before you travel, especially yellow fever, hepatitus A and typhoid. So needless to say the restroom was my friend for most of the day. My mom and I arrived at DIA around 5:45ish. None of my bags weighed over 50 pounds!!! I said goodbye to my mom (so sad, I love you and miss you mom) and went through security. Nothing beeped and my big bag of magic tricks did not raise any suspicion. The first flight left at 7:20 and arrived in Midway Chicago around 10:20am. I had a couple hours to kill so I ate half a sandwitch and watched the local news. At 12:50ish my flight took off for Hartford. During the flight a gentleman named Dane sang us a song about how much he loves Southwest Airlines. Now its been a while since I have flown SWA but for the most part it is pretty good. The only thing that I dislike is that there is no assigned seating. Because of this, everyone stands in front of the gate like cattle in there sections of either A,B or C about an hour before departure. I just want to say people should relax and not worry where they are sitting. I was at the end of the B section each time and I still got a window seat.
Yurihn, her little daughter Anna, and Suzie picked me up at the airport. We gathered my bags and went to Yurihn's house. the rest o of the evening was relaxing and getting to know part of the group. I met Vanne, Vannessa, Abby, Terry, Yurihn's mom and Melissa from the church. Today is Suzie's 18th birthday so we are going to have breakfast together, possibly go to the beach if it is warm (it was freezing yesterday!!! Its May 24th!), and watch last years camp video so we can start planning this years Camp Gilead.

Cyclone

Do you hate packing? Cause I loathe it! Its all I did yesterday and I'm still not done. Someone save me from this disaster! If anyone were to start a professional packing service I would be the first to use them. (This is NOT my room but you can just imagine my mess. In fact my mess consumes two rooms completely, plus the storage and laundry room. Needless to say my mom is less than pleased with my territory overhaul...)

I need REST!

SO tired! I can't even start to express my exhaustion.

Tuesday was fun! I got to wash my puppies (well one is small but the other is a beast!). I love washing them; the way their coats feel and smell brings back good memories.
My step-dad Greg and I went downtown to see the Body Works exhibit of Plasticized human bodies. Very neat- anyone who loves biology, museums or weird things in general should take the time to see it.
Oh, then I got to go to my last TNL experience for awhile. The band played the song 40 by U2. While I was singing the song, I had a conversation with God.
The lyrics go like this:
I waited patiently for the Lord He inclined and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit. Out of the miry clay. I will sing, sing a new song. I will sing, sing a new song. How long to sing this song? How long to sing this song? How long...how long...how long...How long...to sing this song?

God(to me): Sing a new song
Stacey(me): How long my Lord?
God: As long as I call you.
Stacey: But how long must I sing.
God: My child, just sing and find joy in Me.

Going to Connecticut will require a new song. What kind of song? Well it depends on the season (Ecclesiastes 3) which won’t be revealed for a while. However I think it will be a song of the present. Being joyful for the 24 hours of today; nothing more, nothing less. I know I need to be present on what is at hand. I tend to think ahead way too much. God help me “be present.”

Mute Math was pretty much AMAZING! Loved it! Thanks Bennett for bugging me enough to go. The drummer is sick! He is so crazy he has to tape his head phone to his head. Afterwards, the gang and I walked down SCARY Colfax to Pete’s Café (I don’t recommend sitting on the porch if you are allergic to cig smoke).

I didn’t get home till almost 2am so least to say I was late for my 11am teeth cleaning. I bought stationary and stamps at Michael’s where my sis works. That evening my best friend/mentor Desera and I made cards for people and chatted. I am really going to miss her!

Well I need to pack and then I am having dinner and chilling with Rachel Love.

Three things God has blessed me with today:

• A brand new hair-do (it’s short but cute!)
• I got to visit my sister Steph at her apt. and see her kitties
• Getting to hang with Rachel

One More Week... Saving Goodbye Stinks!

One more week of Colorado Bliss and then I’m headed off to the East. Sorry for not blogging much this past week; life gets crazy as we can all attest to.

Lets recap this past week…

• I moved out of the Greeley house and back in with the parents
• Finished my last day of work at Crow Creek on Wed.

  

• Saw Nick’s last TNL gig
• Had dinner with Robin
• Attempted to fly fish but ended up hanging out in Old Town Ft. Collins due to cold weather
• Spent my last night at Natalie’s house for gal’s bible study
• Had the most amazing Going Away Party at the Asher’s home (Thanks John, Veronica, Jake and Austin… I am blessed to have you)
• Sadie's first Bridal Shower at the park
• Went to Blue Sky Saturday night for my last time till I return
• Spent Mother’s Day at Cherry Hills, the Outback, and watched Extreme Makeover: Home
• Edition, Desperate House Wives, and the season finale of Grey Anatomy.
• Had coffee at Starbucks with Bree and Shamus O’Brian
• Saw Mrs. Yancy and let me tell you, she looks fabulous!
• Shopping and funny pics with Kowalski (Good times, good times)
• Visiting Jake and Austin at DU (I am going to miss these boys badly!)

Today will be washing the dogs Sammie and Porsche, going to see the Body Works Exhibit with Greg, TNL, and Mute Math.

Three ways God has blessed me this past week:
-Friends who love me and care what’s going on in my life
-Family who supports my decisions
-Quality to spend with my loved ones

Prayer Requests this Week:
-Packing- The basement is a mess and I can’t figure out what to keep and leave behind
-Finances- I’m a 1/3 way there! Thank you to all who are in this with me! Praise God!
-Saying Goodbye- peace and comfort

1 Timothy 4:12

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 Sometimes, I feel looked down upon because of my age. According to most, my ripe age of 19 years and 317 days means ignorance, irresponsibility, and laziness. Some of my good friends that are only a few years older than me, treat me like a child and tease me. I am all for joking around, but when people insinuate that my young age automatically equals stupidity, I feel offended. Unfortunately, I know what its like to grow up fast. I learned a lot of things at a young age, when most children are sheltered. I'm thankful for my trials and experiences. I would not be who I am today if it weren't for them. However, the young are the future. If the youth aren't invested into or even listened to for that matter, this world is going to be a scary place. I must take heed though and listen to the second half of the verse by setting an example- surpassing the norms of college students. Showing others my maturity through my actions, thoughts and words. I love being young but hate being treated like I'm five. I long to be thirty- that in between stage of youth and mid-age. Perhaps that is why women always say they are 29. However, I will wear my age with pride. Yes, everyone I'm almost 20 years of age(48 days to be exact from 5/12... not 40 Bennett). I'm single, in college, and taking every opportunity I can for the Lord. I do long to graduate, get married, have a family, pursue some type of career, but my work with the Lord comes first. Maybe I will never finish college or say "I Do" but living under the will of the Lord is the only place I want to be. Thanks to all my friends young and old who look past my age and determine my value through my actions, words, and thoughts.

Dreams

Our minds tend to wander in our sleep. You dream taking a ride on an elephant through your living room, while your best friend sings "Danny Boy" and juggles three cats... (No I haven't dreamed this one yet). Sometimes I believe that our dreams are way deeper than that. There are real ones; dreams I believe that God speaks to us in. Right before I got contacted by Hillside, I had a few dreams where I know the Holy Spirit was talking to me. They are partly the reason why I am so dedicated to moving to CT. Lately I have been having more dreams. The most recent has occur a couple of times. In my dreams, I befriend very influencing individuals like diplomats, politicians, and even Saddam. I know, dreaming about being Saddam's friend is wacko and strange but my dreams occur but with different people each time. I don't remember names or countries; all I know is that I befriend them, advise them, and preach the gospel to them. Hmmm... God can speak through dreams. Just look at David. He even interpreted them! To have that gift would be amazing.
Do you think any of your dreams have come from God? Have you done anything in result of your dreams?

Blue Sky

Blue Sky

Three weeks till moving day... Crazy stuff man!! I thought I would blog on my church Blue Sky Church, located in the heart of downtown Loveland, CO. Amazing community of people; a mix of everyone can be found there. Its a place of Godly reality- be free to be yourself, no need to be a fake Christian. In the book of Romans it commands us to confess our sins to our brethren. It also says to "rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and morn with those who morn." Yesterday was awesome. as a church we got to celebrate the newest addition to our community and staff- Nick and Kristi Carelton! Nick is our new worship leader and his lovely wife will hopefully find her groove back into student ministry at Blue Sky. I love them both and wish them the best. They have both made a HUGE impact in my life and I am grateful that they both helped me in my walk with God in high school. I'm so sad to leave Blue Sky. They are like my family who accepts me as I am. Joe asked me to share with others about my internship and request for prayer. Scared as I was I made the attempt to share my exciting adventure and request prayer for strength in the Lord and finances. Joe asked me two questions when I was up there. First one was... "What are you most looking forward to this next year?" Hmmm... good question. I think the biggest thing that I am looking forward to is seeing God work in parts of the world that most people don't get to see. Especially Central Asia where boarders are opening up and allowing the gospel to be preached. The School of Mobilization (check out the link on the right hand side) is another thing I am looking forward to this year. I know that Hillside has been working several years on this project and it is getting closer to completion. In fact the day I get to Connecticut, Kris and Bob are going to Mexico to distribute the curriculum to the community down in Chihuahua. Second question was "What do you fear the most?" So many fears... not fitting in, finances, adjusting to culture, missing familiarity, safety, but what I fear most is falling from God. I pray that I will continue to stay strong, dependent on Him, being disciplined in His word and teaching, not allowing Satan to DISCOURAGE me. Discouragement I believe is what I am battling. Please pray for encouragement! Back to Blue Sky... If you are looking for a church, come visit Blue Sky. I will truly miss them but I know I have their support and love while I am gone.

Fly Fishing-- Fish Charming Here I Come

So I got to go fly fishing for the first time yesterday. All I can say is A-Mazing! I think if I could become a professional fly fisher I would. One because its just the coolest past-time ever. Two cause I get to wear adorable waiders and boots. Lastly, cause frankly I'm good at it. 10 and 2, 10 and 2. Yes I know what a leader is and how to put it on.
Kelly and I had a blast. After fishing on the Poudre we decided to cross the raging rapids to the other side and mountain climb to a beautiful rock pile. Then after collecting some neat rocks we crossed the river again and went back to the car cause I needed to get to work. As we were driving back through the canyon, we saw Ray's car so we stopped and walked down the river to find him and his dog Venus (such a cool dog name) but he was really far down so we turned back so I can get to work on time. When we got back to the car, we saw Ray and Venus walking back so we said hi and then went to La Luz for nurishment. Then I went to work which I ended up being 25 mins late anyways. Punctuality is way overrated! ;)

Tribute to my Postman

This is a tribute to my amazing postman! He never ceases to bring my mail between the hours of 12 to 1pm everyday (except for Sundays). Each day he walks up to our door, in his official uniform. No matter what temperature it is, he has on his shorts (yes even in snowy, cold days), button-up blue collared shirt, white Safari hat (why he wears this is beyond my understanding. Perhaps he is planning to shoot a Zebra during his route), knee high white socks, lace up boots below the knee, and his messanger bag. Plus this guy is about 60 or so... in shorts in the dead of winter... I know he will never get to read this blog, but postman "Props to You!" Thanks for delivering my mail in a timely matter and in great fashion(no pun intended). In fact when I get packages he will ring my door bell and give me my mail in person. If you haven't thanked your local postmaster, take the time today and wrtie him a thank you note. Or perhaps give him a cold water bottle on a hot day. Maybe even a gift card during the Christmas season.

You're Everything

Four weeks and my soul is becoming weary. Losing the fight to keep sane. Sadness of losing everything to gain something new. I'd rather lose it all to gain my King but why is it so hard? Why don't I ever reach the mark but fall flat on my face?
My soul is also starting to stir. Can't keep the excitement inside. Joyful leaps to begin again in a new environment. I know that sacrifice will be rewarded. Maybe not in this lifetime but someday.

When my day is hard, I find some comfort in one of my favorite bands. Lifehouse's song "Everything" is such a beautiful song about our whole beings acclaiming the need for our Father. A place of peace, safety, strength, hope, our EVERYTHING!

Find me here, and speak to me. I want to feel you, I need to hear you. You are the light that's leading me, to the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking. You are the hope, that keeps me trusting. You are the light to my soul. You are my purpose...you're everything.

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you? Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

You calm the storms, and you give me rest. You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall. You steal my heart, and you take my breath away. Would you take me in? Take me deeper now.

Cause you're all I want, You're all I need. You're everything, everything. You're all I want your all I need. You're everything, everything. You're all I want you're all I need. You're everything, everything. You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.

Three things God has blessed me with today:
*Blue Sky's community... all praise and glory fall to you my God for providing such a place.
*Beautiful day of sunshine
*Time to spend getting errands done today.

The Little Things

Five weeks to go... When I think about moving, I start to reflect on what things will I miss here in Colorado. Sure I will miss my family and friends but there are many things in Colorado that won’t be in the East Coast.

• Wearing sandals in the snow, go Chacos and Tevas
• Actually knowing what a "fourteener" is (There are 54 in CO and I have done 5)
• You switch from Heat to A/C in one day
• Your sense of direction is: towards the mountains and away from the mountains (there are only "Hills" on the East Coast)
• April showers bring May blizzards.
• SPF 90 is not out of the question (oh the white pasty people of the North East)
• Skiing in July (not that I have, but I know you can)
• 'Rocky Mountain Oysters'
• The altitude advantage
• 'The Crack'- real Coloradoans know what this is and yes I have done it
• Living in a town where Valentines Day is bigger than Christmas (Go Loveland)
• Know what REAL snow consists of and can actually ski in powder
• Dry weather in the heat and cold (no humidity)
• Hiking... enough said
• Elk serenading in Estes
• Camping, camping, and more camping
• National Western Stock Show
• Long drives in the mountains with good company
• Palisade Peaches
• And perhaps the corn as well
• Casa Bonita (or not)
• River rafting
• Buffalo Bill's Grave (yes I know where it is)
• Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Steamboat Springs, and RMNP
• Garage Sales in the dead winter at about 10 degrees with Garage Sale WIERDOS knocking at your door 30mins before it starts! (got that one out)
  

I don't know what else to put! There is so much! If you had to leave your state what would you miss?
PRAISES:
*Got four supporters today! My total is up to six... praise God for His continued grace and His faithfulness to provide.
*One and a half weeks till finals!
*Got my loans deferred for a year.
PRAYERS:
*Continued prayer for finances to come through
*My health will continue to improve
*Another roommate to take my spot here at school
*Strength to stay focused on God

Addicted

Yes, I have a severe addiction that must be treated immediately. It’s the newest addiction out there. After one trial, I was hooked. I have to wait until my morning class to get my fix. Spending about 20 minutes a day doesn't seem to quench my thirst. So instead, I shell out a few extra dollars and buy the hard core stuff that keeps my mind twisted up for hours.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, I have fallen into the Sudoku craze. Every morning I grab my local paper and complete the puzzle at ease. It's just not enough and I have to get the hard stuff; the books with up to five stars and a diagonal addition. When will the madness end?
Yeah, I could get addicted to chocolate, baseball, or “Grey's Anatomy” but Sudoku has caught my soft spot.
What things are you addicted to?

All in God's Hands

Six weeks left to go till I am officially a Connecticutan- such a strange word... I'm really excited, however a bit scared. All my letters are out, now I must sit and wait for God's hand to move. Waiting patiently for God to provide is soooooooooooo hard. I tend to lean towards the impatient side. God draw me near and guide my thoughts to fulfill your will. I got my first letter of support Thursday. Praise God, one step closer to relief! I'm in His hands as he is guiding me. I read a neat quote the other day that I would like to share.

"Stop interfering with God's plans and with His will. Touching anything of His, mars the work. Moving the hands of a clock to suit you, does not change the time. You may be able to rush the unfolding of some aspects of God's will but you harm His work in the long run. You can force a rosebud open, but you spoil the flower. Leave everything to Him, without exception. 'Not what I will, but what you will'(Mark 14:36).
-Stephen Merritt