Summertime Blues

"meeting of the minds"

These past few days have been so busy that time has flown on by. Visitors, guests, events & things to do. The last few days just zipped on past. And now, I am in the process of 'learning the books' for Lawrene's business.

We have a new accountant & he is coming right to the house to spend time teaching me & I'm so happy with what I can learn. Our last accountant was impossible to get a hold of & did not have any time to show us anything...or correct mistakes. So this is all we were waiting for & more. He will be back here again in about an hour for another day with me so it will be a busy one.

Its still hot outside but I'm already bored of the heat. Autumn has always been my favourite season & as soon as August hits, I'm gearing up for fall. Somewhat like Christmas I guess. I anticipate it so much so as soon as November comes I'm ready to start decorating & playing the carols. Christmas Nut? I think so! So it goes with Fall. Because it gets so hot here in the summer, I don't even enjoy going outside in the heat...and I love to be outside, so that's why I anticipate cooler weather sooner. So I can go back to doing all the things I love. I haven't kayaked for weeks because the tourists are out on the lake in their boats by 7am, chopping up the waters & making noise. Its too hot for hiking & the risk of rattlesnakes in the summer is significantly higher so I don't hike. Even taking a dip in the lake can be out of the question in the summer. The boats churn up the water so much that the shores get pretty gross.

Not trying to sound whiney, its just that Summer is my fourth favourite season, and its followed by my Number One so I'm ready for it to get a little closer. Thinking beautiful fall colors, warmer clothes, cooler nights & crisp mornings, perfect for kayaking, a jog or a walk with my camera.

But, for another month or so, I'll try to enjoy the summer sun. I'll tolerate the onslaught of tourists. I'll enjoy the beautiful cool of my air conditioning. I'll be thankful for the long light & the warm evenings to sit outside. I'll get some more sun on my skin & it will lighten my hair a bit more.

Summer seems to be everyone's favourite. What do you love about it? If not, what is your favourite?

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiases 3:1

Lookin for Adventure...

Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way

Its hard to believe that its almost the end of July and we haven't insured the motorbike yet. Obligations & finances just made it a little harder this year so we are trying to be patient. Hopefully we'll get a month or two of riding in before the cold weather comes but with me not working at a full time job now, certain pleasures have taken the backburner & we're yearning for the open highway & the adventure that comes with being on a bike.

I'm just a passenger of course. Don't know how to drive one yet. Maybe one day I'll learn but I love the view from a bike & spend all my time on it looking around. There are many great roads for biking around here. All the windy roads that the drivers like are not my favourite though. It feels much windier when you're on the backseat. Hoping to get a seat backing made for me probably next year so I can ride in a little more comfort. A sport bike does not ride like a Goldwing for passengers.

But I love road trips of any sort. Especially in the car cuz I enjoy driving just as much as riding. We've got a lot of destinations in the states picked out that we would like to visit and a few destinations in BC as well. We'll probably wait till tourist season is over before we do another road trip.

For now, I'll take my adventures in small doses. A hike in the park. A drive through the valley. A swim in the lake. And remember that every day can be an adventure if you let it be!

Fragrance

"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:15

Did you know that there are well over 6500 different varieties of roses? This was new to me this morning when I googled it. Each one different. Some have beautiful names like English Elegance, Autumn Sunset and Blushing Beauty. Others are named after women like Fair Bianca, Lady Penelope and Rosanna. And still others after men like William Shakespeare, Danny Boy and Sir Cedric Morris. There are even some fun names like Gladiator, Chariots of Fire and Leaping Salmon. (I found these names at EveryRose.com)

So many different varieties. In fact, on each different rose bush, every bud & blossom is different. The smells are all different. We have a beautiful yellow rose bush at the front of our house. When it blossomed in the spring, the smell was overwhelmingly beautiful. So fragrant with a hint of lemon smell. I loved walking past it. Our large-blossom red rose bush in the backyard (photos) is also very beautiful but almost zero scent comes from these giant blossoms. So much for making my own potpouri!! :)

My favourite colors of rose have to beach peach & yellow. I love a beautiful red rose but they are a bit 'common' so when I see peach-ish colors or shades of yellow, I find them the most beautiful.

Not just about a lesson in roses, all this is to remind us that though there are many many varieties of things like roses, people are even more unique & diverse. Each one of us is different. Each one of us looks different, has different needs, different likes & dislikes, different backgrounds & different views & opinions. We are all different, we are all unique, we are all special. Special to God. And He uses each one of us differently, gives us unique gifts & talents & purposes.

And when we talk about God to others, it is like a sweet-smelling fragrance to the Lord. We will all have different ways & methods of talking to others about God, some in encouragement & uplifting, some we share praise together, others we are telling the tale of salvation. Like a rose, I imagine each of us are a different & special fragrance to God. Unique & beautiful when we are speaking of Him.

Amusing

I was amused that many of you commented on the beautiful photo location of my recent post :)

That was from my last trip through northern Washington USA! :)

So all you American's who commented on visiting Canada to see its beauties... just drive north in your own country & visit the North Cascades! Yes, we have very beautiful mountains in Canada too. The Rockies through Alberta are to die for but this particular photo was from Washington & I'm looking forward to visiting that area again some time because it truly was breathtaking!

But thanks anyways for the comments.

My hubby took that photo of me. I want some 'praise' type photos in front of such beautiful scenery. I thought of my blog most of all when I set up the pose for those photos. I have a similar one of him with his hands raised too.

Been making myself busy outside painting this week so I am trying not to be so stuck on the computer. But I still spend an hour or more each day searching the freelance writer sites so I try to make time for a bit o' blog reading as well!

Thank goodness for summer because many of us don't post every day & it makes it easier to keep up :)

Oh, and hubby just installed our new heat pump ductless a/c system. Its glorious and QUIET and wonderfully cool. Bliss! I feel so spoiled!

Look Up

"My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up." Psalm 5:3

And what a beautiful morning it is. After a few days of cool cloudy weather and rain, which was indeed a treat in the middle of July in the desert, this morning is bright & sunny, a light breeze & blue skies.

Its days like this where God's grandeur in creation amazes me. How can anyone not see how perfectly designed this world is, how planned & thought out it was since the beginning & what a precious gift it is to us? The trees, the lakes & rivers, the grasses & the dirt.

I went for a jog thru Hayne's Point yesterday morning & I couldn't believe the variety of birds I saw there. I always see a great volume of birds, but this time I was noticing so many different varieties that I would have to stop dead in my tracks (good time to catch my breath) and have a gawk at these birds. (too bad I don't take my camera jogging) And I sit here at the computer desk with the window open this morning & all the birds are in full morning chorus. They too look up to God in the morning & give thanks.

Voice of the Martyrs Update (x2)

Our persecuted brethren need lots of prayer needed this week friends!

Remember the prisoners as if chained with them ~ Hebrews 13:3

COLOMBIA Two Pastors Martyred: VOM Sources / Assist News Service: On July 5, two Pentecostal pastors were shot and killed by suspected members of the guerrilla group, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in the village of El Dorado. According to the latest reports, Pastors Humberto Mendez and Joel Garcia were taken from their homes by a group of men wearing camouflage clothing. Their bodies were found the next day. Pray God comforts and provides for these families. Ask that the Holy Spirit would convict the hearts of the persecutors and draw them to Christ. Pray for believers in Colombia. Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 23

CHINA More than 100 Christians Expelled - China Aid Association: Between April and June 2007, more than 100 foreign Christians accused of being involved in illegal religious activities were expelled from China. It is believed the campaign, called Typhoon No. 5, is part of the Chinese government's efforts to prevent foreign Christians from engaging in mission activities before the Beijing Olympics in 2008. China Aid Association (CAA) reports, "This is the largest expulsion of foreign missionaries since 1954 when the Chinese Communist government expelled all foreign religious workers after taking power in 1949. At least five different mission agencies and sources within the Chinese government report that in February, the government launched a massive expulsion campaign against foreign Christians." Pray for believers in China. Ask God to reveal himself to Chinese authorities and bring them into fellowship with Him. 1 Corinthians 15:57, Psalm 32:7

INDIA Pastor Charged Under New Anti-Christian Law in Andra Pradesh-VOM Sources: Pastor Devampu, was beaten by Hindu radicals in the presence of police in Kanipackam, Andra Pradesh. He was arrested and charged under Indian Penal Code 295, and the law GO 747, which bans non-Hindus from being in 12 temple towns in Andra Pradesh State. Pastor Devampu has been ministering in Kanipackam, which has one of the 12 temples, for the past two years. Pray Pastor Devampu will be released. Pray for protection for Christians in India. Ask God to touch the hearts of the persecutors and draw them into the knowledge of Him. Psalm 91, 1 Corinthians 15:58

AZERBAIJAN Pastor's Trial to Begin this Month -VOM Sources: Pastor Zaur Balaev's trial is set to begin later this month. He faces a criminal charge of "resisting government representatives," which carries a maximum three-year prison term. The authorities claim the pastor set a dog onto the police who raided the church's Sunday service on May 20, 2007. Pray for this pastor and his family. Ask God to protect them and other Christians in Azerbaijan. Pray God uses their testimony to draw non-believers into fellowship with Him. Philippians 4:13, Hebrews 4:14-16





MALAYSIA - Christians Face Persecution -VOM Sources: The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Malaysia have received information that they are being investigated by Malaysian police for sharing the gospel with Muslims. VOM sources reported, 'An individual in one of the villages where we have led many Muslims to Jesus reported us to the police. The police have interrogated a family living in the house we have ministered in and have collected evidence against us. It is not clear how many new believers in the area are being persecuted.' Pray God protects Christians in Malaysia and strengthens the faith of new believers. Ask him to draw more Muslims into fellowship with Him as a result of what has happened. 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:6-7

IRAN -Increased Persecution against Christians VOM Sources: The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Iran report increased persecution for Christians in Iran. Several Christians have been imprisoned, interrogated and threatened. VOM sources said, 'Iranian security forces prompted by the Islamic leadership and Iranian president are trying to wipe out Christianity in Iran. They are angry many Iranian Muslims are choosing to follow Christ.' Pray God protects and sustains Christians in Iran. Ask God to use the testimonies of those being persecuted to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him 1 Peter 5:7, John 14:27

INDONESIA - Imprisoned Christians Charged - VOM Sources: More than 40 Christian leaders imprisoned in April, after a video recording of them praying for Muslims was leaked to Islamic organizations, have been charged under Article 156 KUPH. Under article 156 and 156a, 'anyone who expresses hatred, opposition or insults one individual or groups of Indonesian citizens in public, will be imprisoned four to five years, or fined 4,500 rupiah. Muslims claim Christians blasphemed the Koran by placing it on the floor and praying for millions of people deceived by it. The Islamic organizations consider the video's content abusive and have released the video to the media. Among the imprisoned are parents of young children. Pray for those in prison and their families. Ask God to give them boldness and wisdom as they face these difficult challenges. Psalm 91, Isaiah 26:3

IRAQ “ Christian Killed by Militants in Baghdad- Compass Direct News: On June 12, Fouad Salim was killed by Muslim militants in Baghdad while leaving the police station where he worked. According to Compass Direct News, Salim's family believes he was killed because he refused to convert to Islam. He had informed his family that anonymous people he believed to be Muslim militants had been threatening to kill him if he did not convert. Salim is survived by his wife and two children less than six years of age. Pray God comforts and protects Salim's family. Pray those who persecute Christians will repent and accept Jesus Christ. Psalm 23, Romans 8:31

Fortress

And he said: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence. ~ 2 Samuel 22: 2-3

I love architechture on old buildings, especially ruins. There is something so ancient & so captivating about them to me. The textures that have been aged, worn & weathered can be so beautiful from a distance & from up close.

The ancient Mayan city of Tulum near Akumal in Mexico are especially beautiful. The most beautiful water colors I have ever seen were there. This fantastic city, perched on the edge of the cliff like a fortress over the Caribbean Sea with great stone walls as the first line of defense from any intruders coming from the Sea. Now, the city is in crumbling ruins, a place for tourists to come, walk among the fallen stones & be blown away by the beauty of the water.

In modern North America, we don't have much need for fortresses anymore. But you still see examples of it with the rich & the political. Look at places like the White House or other parliament buildings & the fencing & security will make you feel like you're entering a fortified place. And with modern technology, fortresses aren't always an obvious obstruction. A neighbour on our street has several outside cameras mounted on his house to prevent vandalism or intrusion. Quite the fortress there if you ask me.

Our yard is fully fenced but we think it was built to keep things in, not intruders out. Good for small dogs & children I guess.

Do we need these fortresses in this day & age? What does it take to trust that God alone can be our fortress & our shield from invasions & evil?

This is The Day

"This is the day which the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Its not easy to rejoice every day is it? Some days we're just tired. Some days sad or lonely. Some days we're angry. Others, just plain forgetful and I can honestly admit that I can rush about my day without a second thought to any sort of rejoicing.

I keep my Bible on my computer desk rather than on my night table. I'm not a bedtime Bible reader because it causes me to fall asleep to easy. (Not just the Bible, all bedtime reading) So when I wake up in the morning, my first thoughts usually aren't on the Bible but on the coffeepot. Lately, my first thoughts have been the fact that it is so hot out. Perhaps its time to start putting sticky notes on my coffeepot about rejoicing to get my mind centered on the Lord for the day. Any suggestions?

Are you a morning Bible reader? Afternoon? Evening? Is there any ways you or special things you do to remind yourself to start your day with thoughts of God?

Sunrise to Sunset

"From the risin of the sun to its going down the Lord's name is to be praised." Psalm 113:3

With these long long days of summer, we can praise the Lord a lot earlier & a lot later each day!

Even the demons believe...

"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble!" James 2:19

I have the book "Lord Foulgrin's Letter's" by Randy Alcorn by my bed. Because I've read it before, its the sort of book I can easily pick up & flip open to any chapter to have a short read before I go to sleep. (If you have read C.S. Lewis' book "Screwtape Letters" it is written much the same way but with a more modern time line)

Anyways, there is a line that I was reading the other night, and it has stuck in my head until now. It is said in a letter by the head demon Lord Foulgrin to his apprentice demon Squaltaint in regards to one of the main characters becoming a Christian... "Not all is lost, Squaltaint. The next best thing to a damned soul is a neutralized one."

How many neutral Christians are out there that he is referring to? The ones that call themselves Christians because they have been 'saved' but their living witness to the 'unsaved' stinks! Or, they have no witness at all. Accepting Christ was one of those things they did once & have never made a change in their lives since.

What is this thing we call ourselves anyways? Christians? Some of us from the church were discussing this because many people use the term so lightly when most of us should not be using it at all. Literally, it means Christ-like. Can I look within myself & say I'm Christ-like? Not even close. I want to be Christ-like. I strive to be...but I'm far from achieving. So maybe Christ-follower is more the term we should be saying. But then, if we are saying that to those who ask...how are we living it? Do our very lives show us striving to be like Christ? Are we setting a negative example? or even worse...do we have no example at all. There is no indication that we are following Christ, not to others and not even to ourselves.

No, the demons in the book are right...becoming a Christian isn't the end for their spritual battle in our souls... just the strategies change. So, its not hard for people to call themselves Christians. Its not hard for people to say they believe in God. Even the demons believe that. Its striving to become Christ-like that will separate us from those who say it and those who live it!

Spontaneous Getaway

Totally unplanned! Totally unthought out! Lacking of any direction! No time line! No route to follow! And the most fun we've ever had!!

Hubby & I took off on a road trip in northern Washington this weekend. It was about as spontaneous as we get. We crossed the border to go down south on Saturday morning just to pick up a package we had shipped there. Nothing unusual about that. We often have stuffed shipped to Oroville because we live right on the border so its easy to pick up. (For those shipments that don't ship to Canada) And I was hoping we might 'go for a drive' so I took my camera with me as usual.

Well, we decided to go for a drive after all...and then it turned into a road trip that lasted 30 hours!
On a whim, we just said "Let's Go!" and we took off for the south with no place in mind except to just go. I took stock of what was actually IN the car. I had a sweater and a blanket. We were wearing nothing but shorts, t-shirts & flip flops. So, we pulled into a Walmart & bought a couple t-shirts for the next day & new underwear. (Hey, everyone needs new underwear anyways) We checked a road map in the book section of Walmart & chose Leavenworth as our direction to travel. I had always heard that Leavenworth was this adorable 'MUST SEE' Bavarian town so that's where we pointed the car. A few stops along the way & in a couple of hours we were there! And it WAS beautiful. Felt like I was somewhere in the Alps with the 'oom pa pa' music playing & Bavarian buildings everywhere. We walked around for about 2 hours & then we headed on the road again.

This time we pointed west! We figured we might as well head to the ocean! So to Pugeot Sound we drove & ended up in the town of Everett. Drove around for a bit but found no hotels so we head north & finally found one in Mt. Vernon where we stayed for the night!

After a hearty Denny's breakfast, we decided to head back north east through the beautiful North Cascades highway route. And it was BEAUTIFUL. We stopped at several little towns along the way, towns like Concrete, Diablo & Winthrop & at every other 'look-out' stop to take pictures...over 300 pictures.
We had such a fun & relaxing time together, having no deadlines, no route of places we "had to be" and no rush to get to any of them. And if we had been wearing our hiking boots, I think we could have stopped for so many more little hikes along the way.

I have so many more photos to share but they'll have to come out in future blogs! I just wanted to share a glimpse into our spontaneous time away & say "Just Go!" and try a spontaneous unplanned road trip of your own! You never know what you'll find along the way. It could just be your smile & one of the greatest memories you'll have.

So now we're actually going to PLAN a real trip like this. Oh, maybe not the actual stops or destinations, but a road trip in the fall, when the tourists have filtered away and when its not quite so hot. And we can head lazily down to the ocean & down the beautiful Oregon coast. This time, we'll be bringing more than our flip-flops so we can stop at some of these mountain hikes.

Voice of the Martyrs Update (x2)

IRAN

New Wave of Persecution in Iran VOM Sources: On June 19, 2007, The Voice of the Martyrs confirmed reports that believers in Iran are being detained, interrogated and in one case, imprisoned, because of their faith in Jesus Christ. According to VOM sources, this new wave of persecution is coming against Christians who meet to worship God in the privacy of their homes. VOM sources said, We have confirmed reports that several believers have been interrogated and one house was stormed by an elite police team that confiscated a computer, several CDs and Christian materials. A Christian was arrested in this attack, and remains in prison.Pray believers in Iran will remain steadfast in their faith despite this new wave of persecution. Pray for the release of the believer in prison and for protection for all Christians in Iran. Psalm 27:1-31, Joshua 1:8-9

EGYPT

Muslims Attack Christian Shops and Homes in Egypt - Compass Direct News: Seven Christians were injured in two recent, unrelated attacks on Coptic Orthodox churches and Christian-owned shops in northern Egypt. According to a Compass Direct News report, on June 8, Muslim men damaged and looted Christian shops and churches in the town of Zawyet Abdel-Qader, 20 miles west of Alexandria. A number of Christians were injured while trying to defend their property. Two churches were also vandalized. Pray for those injured in the attacks. Pray Christians will show Christ's love to the attackers. 3 John 2, Psalm 107:19-20

MALAYSIA

Church Demolished By Authorities “ VOM Sources: On June 8, 2007, government authorities demolished a church belonging to the Orang Asli tribe of indigenous Christians in Kuala Lumpur. The authorities claimed the church was built without state permission. However, according to a local church leader, the land is owned by a village head and they have the lawful right to use it as they wish. Local Christians have rejected the district office's suggestion to rebuild a community center at another location and intend to rebuild the church in its original location. Pray these believers will continue to meet for worship and prayer while the church is being rebuilt. Pray for encouragement and protection for all Christians in Malaysia. Romans 8:28-31, Isaiah 54:17

AZERBAIJAN UPDATE: AZERBAIJAN

“ Arrested Pastor Develops Heart Problems in Prison “ VOM Sources: Imprisoned Baptist pastor, Zau Balaev, has been transferred to the prison infirmary because of serious heart problems. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, Balaev's health has been affected by the heat and poor prison conditions. He has serious health problems. His wife has traveled several times to see him and take him some food, the contacts said. Pray for Pastor Balaev's release. Ask God to heal his heart condition. Pray for financial blessings for this family while the pastor is in prison. Romans 8: 11, 1 Peter 2:24

AUSTRALIA UPDATE: AUSTRALIA “ Pastors Settle Religious Vilification Case “ Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal: Pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scott have settled the religious vilification case they had been fighting in Australia's state of Victoria for the past five years. According to a press release by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Islamic Council of Victoria and Catch the Fire Ministries have agreed that citizens have the right to robustly debate religion and criticize religious beliefs within the limits of the law. The pastors have spent more than $500,000 defending their right to present their views and insights about Islam. Pray for Christians in Australia and other parts of the world to be bold witnesses for Christ despite attacks against them. 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14

CHINA: House-Church Leaders Detained in Shangdong and Shaanxi Provinces- China Aid Association: In June, police in China arrested church leaders and accused them of being suspects using evil cults to obstruct the enforcement of the law. China Aid Association (CAA), reports Public Security Bureau officers told family members of some of the detained pastors that any religious activities without permission from the government Religious Affairs Bureau is regarded as evil cult activities. On June 9, the 12 house-church leaders were arrested while they were distributing Bibles in a market in Shaanxi province. Four leaders were released on the same day while the rest were transferred to a detention center without any explanation. The homes of the two detained pastors, Zhou Jieming and Niu Wenbin, were searched without search warrants, and Bibles and Christian literature were confiscated. Meanwhile, on June 15, six house-church leaders were arrested while having a house church service in Zhangba village, Shangdong province. Pray for Christians in China and ask God to encourage and give them boldness to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him. Romans 8:28, Isaiah 54:17

PAKISTAN: Armed Muslims Attack Christians in Pakistan VOM Sources/ Compass Direct News: On June 17, 40 Muslim men armed with guns, axes and wooden sticks attacked several believers while they were preparing for an evangelistic meeting at a Salvation Army church in the village of Bismillahlpur Kanthan, near Faisalabad. Seven Christians were injured and the church was desecrated. Local Christians said the attack was sparked by their refusal to cancel the meeting. The night before the attack armed Muslims stormed the house of Sawar Masih, one of the meeting's organizers, and assaulted his two young children and demanded he cancel the event. Christians injured in the June 17 attack were forced to leave the hospital early because the doctors under-reported their wounds due to pressure from the Islamic extremists. Police initially refused to file a complaint against the attackers and did not so only after lobbying efforts of Christians. Several Christians have fled the area in fear of further attacks. Pray for those hurt in the attacks. Ask God to encourage Christians in Pakistan to remain strong in their faith despite persecution. Romans 8:11, Psalm 107:20

INDIA: Christians Beaten by Hindu Extremists “ VOM Sources: On June 24, a Carmelite priest and four other Christian men were attacked by a group of Hindu militants in Kundapurna, Karnataka state. While the men were in the waiting room of a hospital with a neighbor, Islamic extremists started insulting then and accused them of forcibly converting Hindus. The attackers threw the priest down a flight of stairs and beat him. When the other men came to his aid, they were also beaten. The Christians were then taken to the police station where the militants filed a complaint of forcible conversion against them. All five Christians have been hospitalized for their injuries. Pray for healing for the injured believers. Ask God to encourage and protect Christians in India who face increased persecution. Psalm 103:1-5; Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 2:24

Restores My Soul

"For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:9

There are certain places that I like to go to 'restore my soul'. I often find these places while hiking, exploring, kayaking or driving. Places of beauty & peace & tranquility. Walking around on my parent's property on a quiet afternoon is a place I can find it sometimes. Sitting in my own backyard listening to the explosive chorus of birds in the mornings. Walking along the Okanagan river or through the grasslands at Hayne's Point, any obscure mountain trail ... all of these places restore my soul. I can find some quiet time alone with God, be in awe of the beauty around me, breathe, and be restored.




I found a new place of restoration lately. Our good friends have a beautiful piece of property in the mountains, a ranch. Sprawling fields, millions of wildflowers, evergreens & aspen groves, horses & cows, & family & friends feel welcomed. There is beauty all around on this property. Its peaceful, its restoring.

" People are like horses..."

And that is their goal for their property. Not only are they pastors of our church, they want to share their property with others & use it as their ministry. You can read more about Eagles Nest Ranch here. This ranch will be a blessing & a place to be restored for all who are so fortunate to visit it.

We spent a great afternoon & evening up there, relaxing, eating, fellowshipping & having fun. Hot dogs & campfire. A hay ride & extreme bocce ball. Children playing and getting dirty. I think all of us there experienced some soul food!

Happy Canada Day - Happy Anniversary!

Its Canada Day here - July 1! A parade day and a big fun day downtown to be topped off with an amazing fireworks show tonight. To all my fellow Canadians!!!

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!

And, its also Lawrence & I's two year wedding anniversay! So, happy anniversary sweetheart!

Us with Canadian Flags on our wedding day in 2005