PACK IT OUT PACK IT IN

3 day backpack Summit Trip (between Squamish and Whistler) with 23 Pacific Academy Campers. I was privileged to be a part as an Assist/female guide.  Instructor Mat Milec lead the trip along with his Lead Guide, Victor Boulos. The emphasis on the trip seemed to mostly be about GOD CALLING US, GOD PREPARING US...   TO GO. To go AT ONCE and be HIS DISCIPLE, and what does that look like to us? Sure appreciated Mat incorporating JAM time (Jesus and Me time) each day and allowing each of them time for journaling and prayer. He gave some good illustrations and creatively delivered the message like story-time by the fire. I was greatly encouraged to remember the importance of taking time to listen and be still myself and stop the busyness that tries to steal me away from my devotion to the Lord. The Lord is speaking whether or not we will take the time to listen or not. 

The PA Campers were great! You can tell that each of their hearts are hungry for challenges and willing to go an extra mile to find what they are looking for. They are willing to listen and wanting to learn. The guys have what it takes to rise above the mediocrity and laziness that comes to most people their age, and they are blessed to have instructors like Mr Milec and Victor around to learn from. The girls were amazing in their thankfulness and never complaining and wanting to work together to get things done. I want those girls on my team! Truly a wonderful trip all the way around.

Victor, also encouraged me by his example of kindness and sharing and generosity. He was very real in sharing his heart and compassion for his family. Very much a proud father and loving husband. The kind of Guide you hope you run into on every trip. And I'm not just saying that because of his ability to prepare gourmet meals in the back country. 

NORRIS/FEENEY WEDDING

After a week, I'm getting ready to leave Arkansas. It has been a wonderful trip (except for I miss my Husband severely). My dear friend Jessica Norris tied the knot with Kevin Feeney. Lovely wedding inside a wood cabin in what felt like 'out in the middle of nowhere'. They were going to have it outside but suddenly the temperature seemed to plummet...no matter what, it was still THE PERFECT DAY. So privileged to have been there and spent time with her and her amazing family. Really felt like I was visiting Home. Guess LOVE makes you feel that way.

And towards the end of my time in Arkansas, my friend let me borrow her car and me and my sister Michele met each other halfway and spent a few hours together. HUGE HIGHLIGHT of this week....I'm so thankful to the Lord for His precious gifts to me...letting me drive through the countryside. I have been missing my sisters for a while now. Michele gave me a hug that will last me for a little while til I see her again.

 Also, felt very mothered this weekend by Jessica's mom, Cindy and her Aunt Gayle and the other older ladies that showed up to help with the wedding.

CLEANING HOUSE

Not too much of an update to write here. Just cleaning houses, thankful for part time work. Excited to see what the Lord has in store for this season. Starting to meet with a group of intercessors on Tuesday night to pray for Columbia Bible College, the Students, and the nation. Starting once a week bible study and prayer for the students here on campus...not sure what night that will be just yet (maybe friday). Meeting Monday nights with the girls from this dorm (we live on campus, in the dorms) looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in mind and glad to be praying together.

Praying to have right priorities myself. Seek the Lord early. Love my husband well. Keep in touch with my family. Be excellent at work. Be a faithful friend. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to me on the 5th of this month! Happy Birthday to Barron Freitas on the 5th and to Chantell Cooley! Happy Birthday to my brother in law Nelson the day before! Happy Birthday to my joyful sister Melanie on the 25th! Happy Birthday to Sarah Liechty on the 11th! Happy Birthday to Jay Patzer on the 20th! Happy Birthday to Mark Slaton on the 24th!

The day started out with oatmeal and a nice hot drink made by my super sweet husband. Followed by a few hours of manual labor for a local cleaning company. Came home to a candle light, note, and two long stem roses...

Was taken out to eat for lunch at a Mexican place across the border *in the U.S.* by my Dear Friend Marty. Who also gave me a dish with scripture *the fruit of the spirit* and some anti bacterial hand soap, and a 40 days of purpose devotional. She has been there for me and stayed in touch and prayed me through some hard times... and so happy and thankful to know such a thankful person.

Jean and Jared gave some gifts ...bath soaps *which I enjoyed immediately* and then Dylan and I got a special drink and some ice cream for my bday. Kicked the soccer ball around in the cool evening air...good way to celebrate 35 years of being alive. And then I thought to show my gratitude that I would write 35 things that I am truly thankful for.

1. I am thankful for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Blood of Jesus, His everlasting love for me. His strong pursuit and constant reminders to look unto Jesus.
   I am thankful for My Mom, who is truly Beautiful. For having me, for all that she taught me and how deeply she loved me. For every memory of her that comes alive in my every day life. She was a great teacher, very generous, a tender hearted servant, a nurse. She loved Jerusalem, enjoyed singing, whistling, dancing, doodling. Loved loved loved all her kids and grandkids. What a wonderful mother and great friend she was and always will be to me.

I am thankful for My Husband. I am thankful for the closeness we have. I am thankful for his willingness to communicate and to be patient and to always see the good no matter what. I am thankful for his hugs and kisses and that he is just the right amount of seriousness and humor and a diversity of gifts all rolled up into one big blast of an amazing friend and genuine Kingsman. I'm thankful for this journey we're on and that we get to keep sharing all that we have with each other and that it spills over into every other area of life.

I am thankful for My Family. My siblings. My sisters are the most amazing women I know. I've never had a closer friend, than them. My nieces and nephews, my extended family.

I am very thankful for my Friends. For my friends children. Can't imagine where I would be without true friends.

My friends (Julie O, Gramma Jo, Donna, Carmen, Marty, Aunt Pauline... that have mothered me)
    (Mark O, David Ackerson, Uncle Leon, and Paul ...that have fathered me)

My enemies (too many to list) jk about the 'too many to list' part.

Reminders to pray, the opportunity to pray, and people to pray with.

The Holy Spirit drawing me

Comfort and Instruction from the letters written in the bible.

The Lord's discipline

Songs He has generously given me

The ability to write, draw, paint, sing, and dance

Creativity

Freedom

Wisdom

I am thankful that I will always be a kid in the eyes of God. I am thankful that every day is a chance to grow up into Him who is my All in all.

I am thankful for LOVE.

I'm thankful for feelings, for ups and downs, for joy and pain, for changing seasons.

I'm thankful for desire.

I'm thankful for THANKSGIVING.

I'm thankful for provision, resources, and the ability to give.

I am very thankful for the package Melanie and Michele sent me with all my nephews cards in it and little gifts.

I am thankful for rest.

I am thankful for JESUS.

WORSHIP THE LORD

Just got back to Canada. Dylan's already started some classes. We're moving into a 1bdrm unfurnished apt.

We drove through South Dakota. Camped in Montana. Stopped in Idaho to visit our friend Angie and her daughter Amanda. It was a very good three days travel. Time does fly when you are having f u n.

I was blessed to visit my friends in Evansville, Indiana for three days. The Lord has been answering prayers from long ago...

Worship the Lord! If there is anything in your life that is lacking, worship the Lord! Give thanks to His name! Praise Him! He is worthy of all thanks, all adoration, all glory and honor belongs to Him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb.

THREE DAYS JOURNEY

Heading to Evansville, Indiana.  Three days go by fast.  Love and miss all my family.  Thanks for praying for us.

Had some car problems, pretty sure they're worked out. Depending on the Lord's faithfulness for provision to cross the country and get where we're going. The only way to reach us by phone is our skype line at the moment. Emails or Facebook messages are preferred until further notice. 

SUMMER'S ALMOST OVER

Heading out today from Lillian Alabama to Savannah Ga with stops in Panama City and possibly Jacksonville. So thankful to God for all our friends and family and for the love that never ceases to meet us daily and send us on our way...

I already miss my nephews and my sister Melanie.

We should be in savannah for about a week and then heading to columbia missouri for about 20 days in August. Must be in canada by the 24th...