Christmas and friends!

BV!!

I felt very privileged last week to get to see some friends I haven't seen in a while. First, my friend, Brian, whom I went to college with came all the way out to Colorado to visit! I think he mainly just wanted to visit CO! haha. He has never really been here so I wanted to give him the real Colorado experience, but I also tried not to wear him out too much! The night he flew in, another friend of mine from Iowa, Matt, was here so we got to stop and visit him for a bit.

The first day I decided to get him a little used to what a snowboard feels like before actually going to Monarch to snowboard. So we went out and did a little snowboarding and then snowshoeing. He enjoyed it, I think! haha. I forget sometimes about the altitude being hard to get used to when hiking, and snowshoeing is harder then hiking to begin with, but he did good!

Awesome hunters camp we came across while snowshoeing. It had it all. Large stack of firewood, lawn chairs, fire extinguisher, tripod for cooking, linen line. It was so cool!

Snowshoes! Just a little older version than what we used!

Day 2 we went to Monarch. It was a very snowy Colorado day, but I was loving it! More snow the better!!! I know I am not the best teacher, at most things, and with snowboarding I try but need to develop some better techniques at teaching I think. My philosophy is show them the basics, then throw them out there! haha, not completely. I took it easy at first, but by the end of the day we went down a hard run. Well, hard for beginners, lol. He was able to make it down, and he is still talking to me, so I guess he wasn't too mad at me. He did good. For anyone wanting to learn to snowboard or having just gone a few times and feel like they spent the whole time on the ground: your not the only one! Snowboarding is hard at first, and painful. It takes time, you just have to stick with it and know that it will get easier. Since the first day I started snowboarding I don't think I have gone a whole day without falling at least once, your not pushing yourself if you don't! Trust me, it is worth it! Can't wait until I decide to finally settle down in the mountains and become the snow bunny I am meant to be! But, I will stick with travelling at least a little while longer first! Never know the plans God has for me I guess.

So while Brian was here we also played a litle racquetball. So fun, always wish I could play more. Day 5 we went to a musical with a co-worker and her sister: Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. If anyone hasn't seen this I highly recommend it. It was awesome. Just makes you happy the whole time, it's so cheery, fun, and colorful. And they were great singers, we were impressed. Before the play we were able to meet up with a friend from Oklahoma and her sister. They were just driving through Colorado on their way to Idaho. So great timing! I miss getting to see a lot of my friends, so anytime, even a short time, is always great! Day 6 we went to the King Tut display at the art museum in Denver. It was pretty cool. Really crowded, but got to see some cool artifacts. Kind of disappointed it didn't actually have King Tut. Kinda odd. I think what I enjoyed the most was just walking around downtown Denver. I grew up in Colorado but have seen very little of Denver. Pretty cool downtown area.

After Denver I got to test out the capabilities of my car driving I-70 back to Buena Vista. It was snowing pretty hard and the roads were snow-packed and slick. My car did great and I definitely trust it more than my old car. Love it!! Then I got to hang out with more friends!! Brea and her husband Tom were in town. It was totally worth it to drive back to BV for the night to see them and her family. Love them all!! Got to exchange some back massages, a good game of peanuts, and some arm wrestling! Good times! Even though Brea does beat me at most things, I still love her!!!

Then back to work for some very busy nights! Of course I didn't know about the lunar eclipse when the schedule was being made, if I had I might not have decided to work that night. It was busy! The moon was kicking all those ladies into labor. And the actual full moon was not until the next night. Which was busy as well, but nothing like the night of the eclipse. But because I was working I was already going to be up all night so I was able to sneak out for a few minutes to look at it. It was cool! Not as red as I thought it would be, but definitely awesome looking. I was wishing I was with my brother with his big fancy telescope watching it. I guess California was having downpours so they didn't even get to see it, bummer!

Finally I got to go home for Christmas! I came home the night of the 23rd so got to be home Christmas Eve and Christmas. Christmas Eve I went snowboarding at Monarch with my friend Brian, his brother, my dad, and bro. Most people I have been boarding with yet! haha, well actually, mostly I have gone alone, so it was really fun to go with people!

Christmas this year was just my parents, my oldest brother, and I. It was very chill and relaxed. Mom did most the cooking because she made a lot of stuff a few days early. I didn't get to help much, unfortunately, since I wasn't home yet. It was an excellent meal! And we all got some great gifts. I would have to say the best gift I got were some pictures of my pregnant friend Kylee! I haven't seen her since she started showing so its unreal to me that she is actually pregnant. I can't wait to see her again! I did get a new watch and some stuff for my car also! We all got to play lots of games together and do some hiking. The candlelight Christmas Eve service at church was great. I don't think I have ever been to their Christmas Eve service, even though I grew up going to church there. It's just usually we are at our cabin in southern Colorado for Christmas. I saw lots of old hometown friends, very nice to catch up!

Dad reading the Christmas Story

Got ya! He really didn't want me to take a picture of him...

She didn't either. She is probably going to kill me once she finds out I posted this pic!! I think she looks beautiful though!

We miss you Luke and Jackie!

It was really sad not having Luke and Jackie here though. Christmas just didn't feel quite right without them. A few more days of snowboarding and hiking then Christmas break will be over. Not that it is really called a break for me anymore, just my days off of work! I really like getting to have more than just a few off at a time!

That almost wraps up 2010. All I have left is snowsheoing on New Year's Eve! I would have to say I have been very privileged for all I have been blessed with this year and all the experiences God has allowed me to have. I have lived in 3 different states this year, even snowboarded in 4 different states. I have met many people and developed many new friendships. Thank you to everyone that has been reading this blog, encouraged me, and been there for me. I love you all and appreciate you all. I look forward to what God has in store for me in 2011!!

In God's Love

Hanging Lake and more

I have wanted to hike Hanging Lake for a very long time. My family has hiked it, why I wasn't with them I have no idea. Every time I think I can hike it or am about to go hike it, something happens and I don't get to. Hanging Lake is just off I-70 before you get to Glenwood Springs if your going west. I have heard it is a great hike in the summer or winter. So far, Colorado has been pretty warm and not too much snow yet, so we didn't even have to wear snowshoes for the hike. It was a gorgeous day, blue skies, good temperature! Can't wait to go hike it again! The only downfall to the hike is how far away it is. It is quite a drive, and it's not too long of a hike, but it's worth it! It is just a little over a mile up, fairly steep going up, but not too terribly bad. The top is interesting because there is a boardwalk going around the lake, wasn't expecting that. I tested out my little backpacking tripod with my camera, worked well! The hike through the canyon is gorgeous, and so is the lake and waterfall on top. Can't wait to do it again! Enjoy the pics!

Aw, poor dogs, don't get to go to the lake...

There were holes in the cliff we figured more water came out of when there was more run off, now there was just one hole with a big frozen icicle coming out of it! It was pretty cool

Behind the waterfall!

Recently, I also got to give my dad an afternoon break from work for him and I to go hiking. We did this hike just west of Buena Vista, that I can't believe I have never done before. And I got to test out the skills of my new vehicle! It got its first outing driving on the snow. And it did great! Got past where no other vehicles had driven, didn't go too far up, but it didn't get stuck! haha, I was excited. This hike that we did is past Cottonwood Lake and you can hike it over the pass to St. Elmo. You can do it round trip or get picked up in St. Elmo. We didn't do the whole thing, but definitely a summer hike on my list now!

Father and daughter!

Really, I was looking at the mountain peaks and didn't realize there was a plane flying above until I looked at the picture on my computer!

Yeah, we probably should have worn our snowshoes, shouldn't have listened to dad! haha

Love the view!

Praise God!

This next pic is from a hike I did with Nick a while ago. It is not a very good picture, but wanted to remember the fun day Nick and I had. Since I have been living in Pueblo I have been able to talk to and see Nick a lot more than I have in a while. We did a hike just west of Colorado Springs. It was a beautiful day and I discovered a good place for mountain biking also! I was good to spend some time with Nick!

This hike actually had some good spots that looked fun for rock climbing...man, I need to do some more rock climbing!

Thanksgiving

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Thanksgiving: the act of giving thanks; a prayer expressing gratitude; a public acknowledgement or celebration of divine goodness.

I know I still have part 2 to write from the last post, but being the week of Thanksgiving, I really wanted to focus on being thankful and recognizing all that God gives and blesses me with. Sometimes it is really hard in times of pain or tribulations to be thankful and focus on what we do have, rather than what we do not have. I am thankful for so much, God is amazing and gives so much, even when we don't deserve it. While writing this I am listening to two of my favorite songs. I encourage you to take a timeout before you read this post or before you take your own time of thanksgiving to listen to these songs.

1) "I Thank You" Rebecca St James- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70ImW1nEWpQ&feature=related

2) "Praise You In The Storm" Casting Crowns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw

I just love Rebecca St James in general. She has so many songs that hit so close to my heart, relating so much to my life. In this song she just pours out all her thanks to God, for everything. She recognizes that we may not always feel like God is with us, and we may have times of doubt or loneliness, but if we just stop and focus on Him we will remember that He is always with us, blessing us, loving us, and believing in us. We should continue to hold on to Him and thanking Him.

And I love this song by Casting Crowns because it talks of how we all will have storms and pain, that is part of life and it is how God teaches us, strengthens us, and helps us grow closer to Him. God doesn't promise us an easy life; no, He tells us life will be hard. James says to have joy whenever trials occur, not IF they occur (James 1:2). This song reminds us that we will shed tears, our hearts will break, but God is there with us. We should continue to thank Him and praise Him, for he will help us through.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

God has blessed me with an amazing family and very caring, supportive friends. My family is always there for me when I need them, I love them very much and thank God for giving them to me. I also feel very blessed for the friendships God has given me. I thank God for all my friends and I want to also thank all my friends for giving me your friendship. Thank you for caring for me and for being there for me. We should feel loved and valued because of what God gives us and His love for us. I know He has given me my family and friends for their love and support. I encourage everyone to value your friends and family, thank them for all they do, make sure they know how much you care about them.

After saying that, I also know that we cannot rely on our earthly relationships. We cannot always count on them. We are all sinners, we will let each other down. We need to remember that the only one that will never let us down is God. But we can continue to encourage each other and be there for one another. God gives us relationships and puts us in situations for a reason, we should be thankful to Him for that. He has a plan for us, and although we may not understand that plan, we can draw strength and patience from Him for his will to be revealed. We should not count on others to make us feel valued or appreciated. Even though we should try to make those we care about feel special, we will fail, for we are not perfect. But we should continue to strive to love each other actively, giving others respect and kindness.

Right now, looking out the window, I am so thankful for this typical, snowy Colorado day! It is snowing lightly, making it look perfect and beautiful! And the snowcapped mountains are gorgeous! Unfortunately I have to work this Thanksgiving, but I am thankful for the job God blesses me with. And sometimes God works in mysterious ways. I thought I was going to be very lonely and depressed being alone and working this Thanksgiving, but no, God is great! My family is amazing and going to come spend some time with me, even though I will only be with them a few hours. And an amazing coworker invited us to their big family Thanksgiving dinner. Should be a good Thanksgiving!

Some other interesting things I have been able to do recently include my first day boarding of the season yesterday. Snow was decent. It was fun to get out and ride. I got to go on a nice hike the other day as well. I love Colorado mountains, all times of the year! Very beautiful!

Last weekend I was able to go the Denver Bronco vs Kansas City Chiefs game with a very good friend. That was awesome. Not only did the Broncos play amazing and cream the chiefs, I had amazing seats 15 rows from the endzone! Later, watching the recorded game with my dad, we saw us on TV right after a TD, it was cool. It has been really nice to hang out with some great friends lately.

They are about to score!

Megan and I...GO BRONCOS!!!

The past few weeks I have learned that we need to continually draw nearer to God when we are hurt and lonely. He wants us to stay close to Him. But he also gives us people in our lives to show us His love. Thank you God for all you have given me, for your plan for my life, and for the amazing people in my life you have given me!

"Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

Contentment, perspective, trust, and patience

Content: feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation

Perspective: looking through; seeing clearly; the capacity to view things in their true relation of relative importance

Trust: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; one in which confidence is placed; dependence on something future or contingent; something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another

Patient: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain; not hasty or impetuous; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

I have been feeling distant in my relationship with God lately. Many times I try to handle my life on my own, instead of trusting and relying on God to lead me, guide me, and give me strength. I realized I needed some time to myself and with God to get some perspective back in my life. Some issues I know I have been dealing with involve these four words: contentment, perspective, trust, and patience. It is hard to focus on one of these words without the others coming into play as well. But for this first blog I am going to focus on the first two: contentment and perspective. One can definitely not go without the other.


I love Colorado, I love that I was born and raised in Colorado, and truly feel at home in Colorado. There is so much to do in Colorado and there are so many beautiful days to take advantage of! I love my parents house and property, its in the trees, no neighbors in site, mountains right behind the house. And I also love that I can hike or 4-wheel right from our backyard. There is a special place I like to go to when I just need time to myself and with God. A place I can go to be alone, to think, get perspective. This place is my spot only, only to be shared with God; it is my special place. Although we should feel close to God wherever we are, this is where I go when I really need some quality time with Him. Today I needed some time to myself and with God. It was a gorgeous day to take the 4-wheeler out and meditate on His word. I did have some specific things I was focusing on, but that's the interesting thing with God, he is unpredictable. We may know what we need to focus on during our quiet time, but then he can lead us down a whole new path and teach us things we never knew we needed to be taught. This is what happened to me today. God taught me a little bit about contentment and perspective today. My mom is letting me borrow this amazing book called "Calm My Anxious Heart," by Linda Dillow. I just read the first few pages and have already learned so much!


I know I have an anxious heart. I know I am consistently wanting more adventure, to do and see more. Sometimes I try to control my life, and the more I try to control it, the more anxious my heart gets. I may find happiness in many things, but true happiness comes from God. Happiness does not come from things we do for ourselves, but from how we act and the love we show others. Happiness and contentment do not come from what happens on the outside; from our circumstances, feelings, or from other people. True contentment is a state of the heart, it happens in our souls. Paul states; "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13) This is an amazing piece of scripture! Paul wrote this while he was imprisoned. Most of us do not live lives more difficult than the life Paul lived. Yet, Paul managed to have more contentment than I am sure all of us do. Paul realized that the source of contentment comes from God, Christ will provide us with the strength we need to be content. He does not promise us happiness, for if we were always happy, would we continue to seek strength from God? No. As James says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3) Like Psalms states, we grow in our faith when we make it through the valleys so that we can reside on the mountains, feeling close to him. But it is through the strength of God that will help us get through the valleys. And with God's help, we can make it through trials, we can be content during our times in the valley, and times on the mountain. (Psalms 23:1-4) James also continues to say that when we make it through times of trial, we grow and mature in our faith. When we seek God in all circumstances, he will give us wisdom. We must not doubt God, we must persevere and understand that God tests us and puts us through trials to teach us so that we may become stronger. We must not doubt God, but have faith in Him.

How can we be joyous through our trials? How can we have joy when we do not have contentment? Our trials James speaks of are not troubles we put ourselves through due to sin. They are our afflictions, persecutions, and sicknesses. They are everyday problems happening to everyday people. To find joy in these trials we should remember to accept them as they are: schools of instruction for our soul. With God's help, we can learn precious lessons from our difficult times. We should not doubt God in the situations he puts us in. We all struggle with doubt. People let us down and cause us to doubt, but God will never let us down. He is always there for us, and will take care of us in our trials, circumstances, and relationships with others even when they let us down. Instead of lacking confidence, we must trust God and lean on HIs strength and understanding so that we may be content with the situation He has put us in and the blessing He has given us.

We may lose sight of being content with what we have because we may feel anxious, as if we want things to happen quicker than they are happening. We may feel God is moving very slow in His plans for us. When we start trying to control our lives and make things happen when we want them to happen, we are not trusting God, and we are not content. The Bible says that God has ultimate control, He is the master of all things. (1 Timothy 6:15) We must let God be in control of our lives in this out-of-control world. We shouldn't let anxiety, greed, and a faulty focus to keep us from a content heart. We must keep our perspective focused on God and loving Him and others. We must understand our perspective of circumstances, ourselves, our roles, and our relationships can change; but look through these and see clearly what God is teaching us. We must keep an eternal perspective, try to see our lives and evaluate what is important through His viewpoint.

Some ideas to help one stay content include these simple things to remember day to day:
1) never allow yourself to complain about anything-- not even the weather
2) never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else
3) never compare your lot with another's
4) never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise
5) never dwell on tomorrow--remember that (tomorrow) is God's, not ours



God made me who I am, and I am confident in who he made me. I will always have the desire to do more and see more, but I also need to be content with the present and the circumstances I am in. I need to remember to continually draw my strength from Him, and not lean on my own understanding.

Lake Murray

Last year some of my college friends and I went camping at Lake Murray in southern Oklahoma. We had so much fun and it was great to get to hang out with college friends again that we decided to make it an annual thing. We decided that every year we would all meet up the last weekend of September at Lake Murray to reunite and have good times. We chose this spot because it is pretty, good temps that time of year, and good location being between OKC and Dallas. There are many of us that live in Oklahoma and Texas. Unfortunately life gets busy of course and plans are made not as many were able to make it out this year as I would have liked, but we had an awesome time anyway.

After I finally made it back home from Oregon on Wednesday, the next day I left for Pueblo to meet up with Andrew and we headed out for Oklahoma on Friday afternoon after he got off work. We knew it was going to be a long, late night of driving, but not as late as it ended up being. First we lost an hour with the time change, then where we stopped to eat ended up taking FOREVER!! They were so slow, and not very busy at all, it was frustrating. Then we had one other little speed bump that will not be named! But we didn't arrive to the campsite until around 3:30 in the morning. Everyone else that was there that night stayed up for us, so nice! Kylee and Clint had a tent but Emily, the other Kylee, and their friend Michael had to wait on us to bring them a tent. Very late setting up camp! Luckily, it was a gorgeous night! I guess while they were waiting on us they found out it was illegal in that campground to collect wood (crazy!), and they are pretty strict on quiet hours and littering. Emily got in trouble for being too loud (surprise? I think not!), and they got in trouble for having so bottles next to them even though they were still sitting there and didn't have a chance to throw them away yet. Man, strict rangers! They didn't seem to be as strict the second night though.

The fun thing I enjoy camping with my college friends is its very chill with good conversation, games, and sport activities. No pressure for constant entertainment or having to do extreme activities. I love how we can just chill talking or playing games and have tons of fun. On Saturday Andrew, Clint, Kylee, and I played Apples to Apples then played some volleyball while the others went on a grocery run. Then Andrew and I went swimming in the lake, well I thought we were just going to walk in a little ways, until he decided to pick me up and throw me in the lake! Oh well, it was fun!

After they got back we played and Danielle, Clint, and Brandon arrived we played some ultimate frisbee. That was a lot of fun. Emily was in charge of picking the teams. I was glad not to play against Andrew, but Kylee and I were on opposing teams. That was kind of strange, I am used to playing with her. She is one tough cookie! Haha. Clint was on the opposing team as well. At one point Clint was going to catch the frisbee in the endzone and Andrew went up to block him. Kind of a scary moment because Clint almost (well, pretty much did) get taken out by a metal pole while Andrew went up to block the frisbee, ran into Clint then went down hard did a little flip then got back up. There were a couple scary moments like that. We kind of got a little aggressive. It was four on four, pretty sure our team got creamed, but it was tons of fun!

Emily telling us what to do!

Emily is taking on all the guys!

Ky and I battling it out

After ultimate frisbee Andrew and I went on a nice little walk and when we got back it was so funny because the whole group was playing Bocci ball. This was very funny to walk up and see because everyone was standing in a straight line, and then at the same time they would all walk to a different spot. I'm sure others were very curious as to what was going on.

Then after dark we sat around the campfire talking and chillin and playing Mafia. It was fun! That night got very windy and chilly, but we survived! All in all there were about 12 of us altogether, and only 4 of us went to OBU. Well one of the Kylee's went to OBU for a short time. But just kind of ironic that it is a camping trip for all of us college friends and so few were actually there. It is definitely always open up to other family and friends though. More the merrier!

On Sunday we set off back to CO. VERY short trip to Oklahoma. Andrew was not too excited for the long drives. But he did great. And we survived each other! haha. Just lots of good conversation and singing to music! It was funny because he was tired on Friday driving there so I did most the driving and on Sunday I wasn't really feeling it driving so he drove a lot of the way back. Great teamwork! haha.

Ky and I

Emily and I

To all my college friends: I love ya, I miss ya, and if I haven't seen you recently I hope to see you soon. Miss the good 'ol college days!

pictures

Many missing pictures that I was unable to load until now...

Climbing Mt St Helens...

Nancy and I...before we started...still smiling!

Donna and I...we made it to the summit together

View from the top...Rainier in the background

Looking into the crater...still smoking

Other misc. pics...

Mountain biked around this entire, beautiful lake...23 miles...I was tired!

After camping in Mt. St. Helens I decided I wanted to drive a a little further south to do this "epic" trail according to one of my books. It was a hot hike along the ridge of a mountain most the way, but the view from the top was spectacular! I could see five mountains: Mt St Helens, Mt Rainier, Mt Hood, Mt Jefferson, and Mt Adams. Apparently on even clearer days you can see the three sisters south of Portland.

This is biking south of Portland, can't see well in the picture, but the sisters can be faintly seen in the background

Backpacking Olympic National Park...

And we are off into the big, beautiful forest

The top of Appleton Pass, where we camped. It was cold and rainy. The rain on this backpacking adventure was very interesting. We were lucky to be able to set up camp while it wasn't raining very hard, but later we got completely drenched. It was very hard to keep some clothes dry to sleep in.

Day 2 we hiked from our campsite to the other side of the pass to these natural hot springs. There was nobody else there. It was great. But I was already so wet I didn't get all the way in, but it was nice to soak the feet.