Arches National Park

Ok - so you may have noticed that I have not been blogging lately. Basically, I just don't have time for it; but I don't think more than 3 people actually read it anyway. Not that you 3 aren't important. It just doesn't seem to be the best use of time.

On the other hand, I have discovered better use of time to be taking pictures and hiking in incredibly beautiful places. Like Arches National Park, for instance. This is the North Window, near sunset last Thursday evening.

And this one below is of Delicate Arch - again near sunset, but on Friday evening.

Yes, I know. The color is amazing as that warm sun hits the rock - it explodes with color.

The weather was perfect - in the 80's and not a cloud to be seen. Very thankful for such trips!

If you have never ventured to Moab, Utah for scenery such as this, you may want to consider it.

Still alive here...

Sorry I haven't written anything in a while. Things have just been very busy, and I have found myself to be quite occupied with other things. The garden, yardwork, re-caulking the tub, visiting my aunt in TN, brushing the cat... You get the idea. And as it is, I really have no deep insights to share today. So I'll quickly post this with the prayer that you are reminded today of God's amazing love for you! This crazy world spins round and would appear to be out of control some days; but I assure you, our God is very much in control. His kingdom is never shaken!

Crisp Air, Cat Hair and Crankiness

Did you ever have one of those weeks that was so overly busy, you didn't have time to sleep? I just finished one of those. And this morning as I headed to work, I realized how exhausted I was. I pray I'm nice today, and not cranky because I'm so sleep deprived. I think I am typing to stay awake!! HA!!
I'm sure Romeo thought I was living somewhere else, and just showed up to feed and brush him. Poor kitty. By the way - he hates to be brushed. He tolerates it, a little; but he hates it. I can get a couple of strokes in, and then he gets up, moves about 3 feet and lays back down. So I scooch across the floor, start the brushing again, and without fail, he tolerates about 3 or 4 strokes, and moves again. It's like a game we play across the living room floor. But because he is so blessed with wonderful fluffiness, I have to brush him quite often. One would think he might be used to it by now, but no. Perhaps his previous owners did not man the brush as often.

Regardless of the cat hair, Monday has arrived, and I need a nap. I have my doubts about today's productivity. I will rely heavily on my trusty co-workers, and slightly on the rest of them! It is a beautiful morning, though. Blue skies, sunshine, crisp Colorado air. We've had crazy weather this spring and summer. It's not been typical at all. It's been very mild - usually July is hot, well into the 90's or even to 100. Not this year. We've had a couple of 90 degree days, but this weekend probably didn't even break 82. But praise God, it's always beautiful here in Colorado. I believe that if God ever took a vacation, He would come to Colorado!! Have a great week friends! Know that God reigns - and He loves us so much!

Hike - Again

This weekend I hiked up to Isabelle Lake. It's not a strenuous hike at all, but is so very pretty. With all the moisture we had this spring - and yes, even now as I type - everything is so alive and green. The wildflowers are blooming, but not at their peak yet. And there was still a lot of snow to be seen. I'll post a few pics:

Hope you enjoy!

Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Hike

Went on a short hike this morning. One of the benefits of living in Northern Colorado is the easy access to the Rocky Mountain National park. I still believe it to be one of the most beautiful places on earth.

I didn't want anything too strenuous today, but just enough to be out, enjoy the scenery and get a little exercise. So I hiked up to Dream Lake (photo at top), and then on to Emerald Lake. Round trip is just under 4 miles, so it was short and sweet, and I was home before lunch.

The hike along the way is just as rewarding as the final scenery.

I thank God for His wonderful creation, and the beauty of His handiwork.

Cell Group Cookout

We had our first cookout last night, and I think it was much fun. I'll post a few pics so you can see who I'm talking about.

This first one is Andrea and Dan - hmmm, yes, posing.

And then my very silly girlfriends, doing some type of glamour thing - or something.

And this great couple is Lorrie and Dan. Lorrie is the one with the awesome testimony of how God delivered her from leukemia! Praise God!

And then the group! Yes, they rock.

I think we had enough fun that we'll do this again soon. Hanging with friends and loving Jesus...yeah, life's pretty good.

Loving His Presence

Has it been a week already?? Really?
I'm not sure where the time went - we've had weird weather, long days at work, LSU winning the CWS, lawn care, Bible study, and house-sitting to fill in the days since the last post. Oh, and one really awesome night at church!! The presence of God was so thick last night, you could cut it with a knife. Holy. It was holy. No other description seems appropriate.

Can you wrap your little brains around the idea of spending an eternity in God's pure, uninhibited presence?? Complete light. Complete peace and love. And never having to think "I wish it could be like this forever."

I understand that some folks are content to go to church, sing a few songs and listen to a quick sermon, and then head to Cracker Barrel for lunch. But there is oh, so much more. God literally dwells on the praises of His people, and when we can lay aside an agenda simply to worship Him, His presence is sweeter than any cobbler I can buy. He loves it when we praise Him, and He delights in meeting with us. I pray that our hearts are increasingly drawn to Him, and the things of this world cannot satisfy that longing. Only spending time in His presence can feed the deepest part of man's heart.

Well, just a quick admonition to make the time to praise and worship the Lord. It is SO worth it!!