Camping Anyone?

I could spend time sharing every detail of the amazing camping trip this weekend, but I will just let the pictures tell the story. I am positive this is becoming an annual trip for the group of us. Besides, how can you go wrong with camping?...good friends, good food, and just a good time!

Grace, my adorable niece, ready to play some ladder ball

Kristina and Sarah playing with Rieker (sp) and Grace

Ready for some wiffle ball?

Kristina pitched a no hitter...okay, not really!

Jessica was a Power Hitter

Notice where the ball is ;)

I don't think you can find a cuter group of ladies!

Jess amazes me...she is a pro!

Look at Jamie go

Amos and his tricks!

Jamie can do it all

Kristina doing an amazing job her first time kneeboarding

Amos showing us how it is done!

Alicia holding Grace as she fell asleep on the boat

Ryan and Rieker (sp) after a fun-filled day!Kristina and I started this fire! We're so tough!
Dinner Time

Ryan in, what we referred to as, his cocoon

It is Contagious...

I love the title of this post!

Have you ever just met someone and everything just seemed to click from the start? It is though you have known them for quite some time. There is a level of comfortability. There is a connection.

Yesterday, I met with the Kubiks, a wonderful couple, to share with them my experience in Malawi...what I observed, etc. And ever since the first time I met this lovely couple, I just felt an ease in talking with them. So meeting up with them yesterday in Indianapolis was a complete joy. We spent hours reminiscing about Malawi and the people there as well as the LifeNets projects that are impacting lives. We laughed, we talked, and I just really enjoyed our conversation. It was as if I was talking with good friends I have known for a long time. I could see their passion for helping others for showing God's love and it was intoxicating.

I hope that you know someone like this. Someone who you not only connect with, but someone who has such a passion for serving others. It is contagious! I left with an excitement for being a part of LifeNets, with the joy of knowing such gracious people, and with a peace that I am part of something bigger than me.

How is God using me?...Where is He leading me?... Oh the excitement of it all!

*On a separate side note...check out this article of the Bears giving back... http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3611 ...enjoy!

Mom Look Away...

For those of you who can't handle detailed pictures of injury, please look away...mom that includes you!!!



But I recently came across this picture. They say a picture is worth a thousand words...and I can just imagine the thousand words that would be coming out of my mouth if I was in this situation...

Wow! Even after seeing this, I would still run with the bulls. Does that make me crazy? Who knows. I definitely enjoyed the San Fermin Festival in 2004 and hopefully one day will be back. I am pretty sure I won't be coming back with a photo of me in a situation like this. But hey, he now has a great story to tell!

And if you couldn't tell, no real reason for this post...just thought the photo was interesting and made me think of Spain. It's Friday, what else can I say?

Provider

When was the last time you doubted you could do something you were asked to do? When was the last time you said no to something because you didn't think you had the skills necessary to accomplish the task set before you successfully? Maybe it was in your career setting or in your family setting. Maybe it was an opportunity that you let pass by.

I have been studying 1Kings and when reading the first part of chapter 3, I learned of how Solomon asked for a discerning heart when the LORD appeared to him during the night in a dream, and said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Now, I have heard this scripture before and am still impressed that out of everything he could have asked for, that Solomon asked for a discerning heart. But it was verse 7, that really caught my attention.

1Kings 3:7 states, "Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties." Now, I don't know how young Solomon really was, but I am positive he was quite young...quite young to govern a great number of people. Even at age 27 I would not feel prepared enough to be in such a position.

What amazed me is that here is this young boy, chosen to govern a numerous body of people in place of David. I didn't see hesitation, but noticed humbleness. For he admits that he is young and does not have what he needs to accomplish the task in front of him. Yet though he lacks what is needed, he doesn't run, but instead asks for God to provide it. God blesses him with this request and much more.

Why is it so easy to forget that we are not called to face things alone, but with the strength, power, and love of God. God loves! God blesses! God provides!

Ahhh...Football!

Yes! It is that time of year again! The fantasy football league has been created and the research has begun. Ladies, let's show them how it's done!

While we all have our favorite teams and players...I must share this article with you that mentions my favorite player. He's from Hawaii, how can you not love him ;)?

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3588

Go Bears! Go Kreutz!

His Love...

His love allows me to see who I am...

A Day of Rest...or Not...

Well the 4th of July has come and gone, and though it is still a bit of a haze as to what all we did as the day was packed with activities, it was an amazing day off spent with friends, family, and fireworks!

After a brief, yet hard rain shower in the morning, I made my way to my sister's house. Though the day was warm, it was a bit on the grey side and we were prepared for it to be that way throughout the rest of the day. As soon as everyone arrived, we ventured out to the lake, which is conveniently across the street. Some of us enjoyed the boat ride, while the others participated in the only water sport that could really take place since the water was so rough....tubing. Now for the ladies, tubing is just trying to hang on no matter how many turns are taken and waves are encountered. But for the men it is a different story. Basically it is how fast can we go...who can be thrown off the farthest...and how close can we fly out without getting any major injuries. And thus that is how the next few hours went. Thankfully, we all arrived safely...injury free. And to make the day even better, the sun came out! I really need to learn to ignore my weather station!

We made our way back to the house to refuel and cool off a bit before heading to the backyard to enjoy the sun and a few games! Cornhole was the main event. Yes, I pretty much think it is a terrible name for a game and would sign any petition to change it. Unfortunately, I don't have any power to do so, so I must bear with the name since it is one incredible game. It is so simple, but addicting. Amos and Matt actually made these sets...even sewed the bags. I was impressed. And really...does it get any better than Bears and Colts?..I don't think so! In between games, the grill was fired up and we all enjoyed an amazing dinner! Then it was time for the cornhole tournament. Random drawing paired us up...and it was the twins vs. the world! Okay, pure exaggeration...but we were partners! And we all had a great time playing into the night...even in the dark.



Darkness equals fireworks! Thanks to Scott and Melanie we all went to their lake cottage and enjoyed a wonderful fireworks display...one we weren't positive was going to happen due to the forecast of rain, but thanks to the dry and sunny day, we were not disappointed. Grace stared at the sky watching each and every firework while Tyler slept in Jess' arms.

Reflection on Lake Syracuse

It was just another wonderful 4th of July all thanks to the company. So I say thanks to Jess, Amos, Grace, Tyler, Alicia, Matt, Ryan, Scott, Melanie, Jamie, and Victoria for an amazing 4th!


Hope everyone else enjoyed the day as well...

The Day After...

So posts are going to seem a little random and maybe a bit out of order, but that is just the mood I am in lately...a little mixed up! Okay, so maybe that is how I am most of the time. I will be the first to admit it. But I think that makes life interesting...right? ;)

Anyway, it is the day after the 4th of July and what a great 4th of July it was! I will be posting about it later, but right now I want to just share a little bit about my amazing sister. I know I have done this before, and for those of you who know how close we are, you might be getting tired of hearing about it. But honestly, it is just something I just have to share again. When people find out I am a twin, they always ask who is the nice one...who is the prettiest one...who is the smart one...etc. I know...kind of crazy questions huh? But really, you would be surprised at how many times we are asked that. Anyway, those of you who know us know how easy that is to answer! Jess...Jess...Jess!

There is no hesitation or no time needed to think about this. Now, I am not putting myself down at all...but I just have to say that my sister is amazing! I am not holding her up on a pedal stool either, but just appreciate and respect who she is as a person. She has taught me so much and is beautiful inside and out. When I need someone, she is there. Even during those times when I have to face things on my own, she stands behind me.

So why am I writing about this again? Because over the past few weeks she has taken the time to encourage and support me....nothing out of the ordinary for her...but it was time I said thanks. She supports my goals even though it separates us for a while. She encourages me when I begin to doubt. And she is one of the first to celebrate with me when something good happens. Yesterday I watched her as she interacted with friends and family and I could just see how much she values those around her. She is blessed with an equally caring husband and two wonderful children. And we are all blessed to know them.

God has blessed my life with her love. And when was the last time I said thanks? Isn't it about time?

Home...

Okay, what a day it has been! I don't think it could get any better. You see, since I have returned my mind and heart keep drifting back to Malawi and those there. Today was especially difficult as I received the pictures I ordered and started working on a presentation about the trip, since I have atleast three presentations about it coming up. I will admit it...I am ready to return. But God reminded me of the many wonderful things and opportunities here. First, I have enjoyed every day I have been able to spend with my beautiful sister and her family. They are just such special people. Right after work today my co-worker took me to her house and gave me two bags full of vegetables from her garden. Anyone who knows me knows that I pretty much love vegetables more than dessert. So this made my day! Not to mention I received a handful of green tomatoes! Yes! Dad if you are reading this, you know your little girl will be enjoying fried green tomatoes the next few days! Hope you are proud! Then, as I came around the corner on my way home, the view of the lake really caught my eye. I have enjoyed spending my evenings relaxing on the lake and just enjoying the area. Though I do miss Malawi and those I met there, life here is just as special to me. Life is in this moment...in each moment...and it is time to appreciate it!