Birthday Adventures

 

So we started off in Arkansas camping in the Ozark National Forest. Quite the adventure because we ended up not doing what was planned but it turned out to be perfect. Nothing to do, no real trails, in the middle of nowhere but just right. We made a fire, read books, played cards, listened to animal sounds, bushwhacked, etc. I love the woods... it was so nice to be able to get away from society for a few days. Even just those few days gives you cultural stress when you get back. Here are some pictures:

Our second part of the trip was flying to Denver, CO for a business trip. Kevin and his boss were meeting with a client so their significant others came along too! FRESH air, warm sun, cool breezes, and surrounded by incredible mountain ranges. Although the weather was slightly colder there it didn't take away from the beauty of it. Definitely take the time to visit Colorado it is such beautiful retreat. Here are some pictures:

 (met for Sushi with friends from college)

Been so long...

It has been so long since we have last posted! My goodness.

It's spring and beautiful out! Kevin and I started our garden and now just have to plant the goodies! We have planted the garden in his grandmother's backyard so we will be able to visit with her quite a bit this summer which will be so nice.

I was able to take engagement photos for my friends Janie & Scott in order to build up my portfolio. It was fun and I learned a lot. I'm looking forward to a photo shoot with the Davis Family and their new born.

We are headed to Arkansas to go camping this weekend for my birthday and then on Sunday we will leave for Colorado! Kevin has a business trip and I was able to go along! How amazing is that! It will only be for a couple of days but I am so pumped! It is so beautiful there and I haven't been in a long time. I'm ready to go back and fall in love again! haha.

I'll post pictures as soon as we get back from all our adventures!

Tomorrow is Earth Day... Please take care of God's creation and enjoy it!

Cold Apartment Day

Our apartment is FREEZING today! How does this happen... one day we can't function because the heat is overwhelming - windows open, walking around in summer clothes, can't sleep... and the next day it's freezing! BAH! so glad to have this apartment don't get me wrong but some consistency would be nice. haha.

Well, i'm looking forward to Spring when you are supposed to have your windows open!

One more thing, today at the grocery store I decided that I really like the old school grocery stores with the old men who bag your groceries. The happiest old man bagged my groceries today! It made me smile to see this old man joyful in what he was doing. You look down the line to the young people bagging and they look bored and irritated. I prefer the old men! hahahaha...

Who's Says you Can't Have fun when your Sick!?

I've been having a horrible time being sick over the past few days. I have a heavy head cold and praying it doesn't turn into a sinus infection. Well, my mom told me about this thing called a Neti Pot... I had seen my aunt do it and it kinda creeped me out. I don't really like the feeling of water in my nose. Well, after my Mom assured me that it doesn't hurt I decided to get it.

I never knew I could have so much fun being sick! hahahaha! Check out a picture of me and my new best friend, the Neti Pot. By the way, in the picture i'm not really doing it right, just wanted to show you how well we get along! Also check out the video below. This guy is hilarious and gives you a good idea of how to use it.

I totally recommend the Neti Pot to all you readers out there who are struggling with the "late winter sniffles". Get rid of the cold before it turns for the worst! 

 

Putting on the Clothing of God

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires. Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry. God's terrible anger will come upon those who do such things. You used to do them when your life was still a part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more out Christ, who created this new nature within you. In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free. Christ is all that matters and he lives in all of us.

Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for watch other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you say or do, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father" -Colossians 3:1-17(NLT)

The Challenge: 3 easy steps:
1) Get out a pen and a piece of paper.

2) Read this scripture over one more time and write down just one thing that caught your attention; made you think for a second.

3) I challenge you to have a conversation with someone about what you wrote down and what it means to you. (Remember - this is the hardest step, but it is the most rewarding).