The Road Less Travelled

Basic Training

2010-07-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well, this will be my last post for several months. We leave in four days for basic training. I am sure I will have lots of stories when I get back! I will miss everyone soooooooo much!!!!!

Freedom is not free

2010-06-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm

2010-05-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

This past week and a half has been pretty trying for me at work. To explain without going into too much detail, I got a couple negative evaluations when I went for a promotion at work and had to spend some time going through the ways I need to improve with my nurse manager. Don't get me wrong, I am acutely aware that I am clearly human and deeply flawed, and I am not going to get defensive and say I am not in need of improvement. I know I am! Somehow though, I still felt horribly picked on and somewhat attacked. I tried very hard to find the positives and to use the experience to help me grow as a person and as a nurse. By this past Friday however I was worn down and trying so hard to be "perfect" at work that I was going home with massive headaches every day. I was questioning why God had created me the way He did with my desire to deal with issues right away and to confront problems openly, because frankly, other women don't appreciate that quality.

And then yesterday, something happened. You may think this is crazy, but I was seriously starting to wonder about my personality and its usefulness in today's society. Jason and I were cleaning the deck and when I looked down, there was this really cool looking black and white bug. I mean, I really thought it looked cool. (See picture above). All of the sudden it hit me. There are probably not a lot of people who would find beauty in a black and white bug, but I did. I felt like God put that bug there just for me. Like it was a reminder. . . that I am unique, I may not be like others (none of us are) but He created me uniquely and individually and even when others don't understand me or misinterpret my intentions, He has created me for a purpose and my design is uniquely suited for certain tasks to bring Him glory.

Thank you Lord for speaking to me through Your creation!

Our Weekend Project

2010-05-31T17:34:00.001-07:00

Before

&
After

Before

&
After

Nikki

2010-05-31T17:31:00.001-07:00

We brought Nikki into our house so she wouldn't walk on our

newly stained deck. She didn't waste any time getting comfortable!

Turtle

2010-05-31T17:28:00.001-07:00

We think this is a snapping turtle. Does anybody know?

Saturday afternoon

2010-05-22T19:10:00.001-07:00

Sarah, Dawn, & Jane

Humbling

2010-05-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

I had a very humbling experience at work today, and I am grateful because it reminded me how weak I am and how deeply I need the Lord. It was also a very good reminder of how precious my friends and family are, and how amazing it is when people love and accept you even when they are well aware of your weaknesses!

Family Picture

2010-05-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Mom, Dad, & I visited Grandma this past week.

It was so great to have time together!

Atlantic City Trip

2010-05-01T11:34:00.001-07:00

Beth & Dawn

Atlantic City, NJ

Ashley & Beth

Dawn & Ashley

Beth, Ashley, Mary, & Dawn

Holding a skunk

2010-04-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

Alligator Airboat Tour in Florida

2010-04-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

Sunrise, Sunset

2010-03-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Carnival Pride

2010-03-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Getting on the cruise ship

2010-03-27T14:47:00.001-07:00

Jason & Dawn

Andy & Danielle

Belated Valentine's Day post

2010-03-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

So, to explain this picture, I made a futile attempt to be

romantic valentine's day by creating a snowman with a

red heart on his chest.

I failed to think through that the red food coloring would

simply melt into the snow man and end up looking

like a fatal chest wound.

This is what the snow man looked like when Jason saw it.

He thought it was hilarious that I "shot" a snowman for

him for Valentine's day. . .

Digging Out. . .

2010-02-07T08:14:00.001-08:00

Upstairs bathroom closet

2010-01-31T13:39:00.001-08:00

Before

&
After

Downstairs bathroom closet

2010-01-31T13:36:00.001-08:00

Before

After

Weekend organizing- hallway closet

2010-01-31T13:32:00.001-08:00

I spent the weekend re-organizing my closets and

here are the finished results

Above picture is the hallway closet before

Below picture is after

Beth Moore's Breaking Free

2010-01-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I have just gotten back into Beth Moore's book "Breaking Free", now that I can read again. That is another story, and I will post about that later. I am really enjoying this book. Here is a quote from today's reading:

God's word often tells us not to fear, yet not all of our fears are unfounded. Think about it. Our present society poses many threats. . . If nothing frightening will happen to us, how could the assurance of God's constant presence still be the quieter of our fears? The point is not that we have nothing to fear but that His presence is the basis for our courage.

Old Pictures

2010-01-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

I spent most of the day today backing up all my pictures and in the

process I have found some really fun pictures I didn't know I had.

The above picture is of Danielle and I and I honestly don't know

how long ago it was taken.

The picture below I don't remember when or where it was taken,

but I thought it was a good picture of Jason and I that I didn't know I had.

Visiting Grandma

2010-01-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

The view from Grandma's porch

New Year's Resolutions

2009-12-30T15:52:00.001-08:00

I usually try to make a couple New Year's Resolutions each year, because I love to have goals to work towards. Sometimes it goes well. . . sometimes not so much. I have decided to keep my goals simple this year.
1. Enjoy each day for what it is, thanking God for every blessing, no matter how big or small.
2. Cook actual meals for my wonderful husband a minimum of three times a week.
(I know, I know, the second one is ridiculous, but I truly hate cooking. However, I feel bad that Jason rarely gets a homecooked meal. . . so I am going to do my best!)

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Jason & Dawn
Maggie & Kara

Mike & Monica

Bill & Cindy

Christmas lights

2009-12-27T13:08:00.001-08:00

Sarah the drummer

2009-12-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

Just a couple inches of snow

2009-12-19T16:11:00.001-08:00

Sunrise through the snow

2009-12-19T16:06:00.001-08:00

Lee's snow pictures

2009-12-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

Baking with Sarah

2009-12-05T13:41:00.001-08:00

Sarah came over to help me bake cookies. So much fun!!!!

First snow- December 2009

2009-12-05T13:35:00.001-08:00

Mystery

2009-12-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

The mystery of God's will. Something I will never understand. Are we in His will no matter what physical thing we are doing as long as we are seeking Him, or are there specific life paths we are supposed to take? Will we ever know in this lifetime?
Here are some verses I am clinging to:

Ephesians 5:15
Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most out of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

flowers

2009-11-29T13:51:00.001-08:00

I don't have anything special to say about this picture,

I just think it is a really cool picture

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T13:45:00.001-08:00

Beautiful place setting

Mike, Bill, Michael, and Cindy

Jason and Maggie

Monica, Michael, and Jason

Tonto Monument

2009-11-01T11:55:00.001-08:00

Sedona

2009-11-01T11:44:00.001-08:00

Red Rock State Park

2009-11-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Arizona

Saturday Oct 24th

2009-10-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

While I was sightseeing, Jason was learning how to disguise himself

and how to pick a "hide".

I got back in just enough time to see the other guys trying to find Jason

in his FFP (final firing position).

The picture above is where he was.

I couldn't find him at all, and neither could the other guys.

Friday Oct 23rd

2009-10-25T07:01:00.000-07:00

Friday was my last day, and I have to admit, I was really sad on Saturday.

I was going through withdrawal.

On Friday, I got to shoot the 1200 yards again, because they wanted to see

if the .223 would cause damage at 1200 yards.

So they put up plywood and I got several shots on it.

The picture below shows that even at 1200 yards (3/4 of a mile),

the .223 bullet still had enough force to go clean through 1/2 inch plywood.

Arizona Horizons

2009-10-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hot air balloons

2009-10-24T19:03:00.001-07:00

Montezuma Castle

2009-10-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ancient Saguarian Indian cave dwelling

Day 6

2009-10-22T20:07:00.001-07:00

The middle two pictures are Jason shooting.

The last picture is what the target looks like through the scope.

The targets are only 9 inches by 15 inches.

Jason and I both hit a 920 yard target today on the first shot.

We shot 1200 yards today (1800 is a mile), me with a .223 and

Jason with a .308.

They say a .223 can't shoot that far. . . : )

Well, I did it today!!!

So, I am definitely going back again tomorrow for more.

: )

Day 5

2009-10-21T21:34:00.001-07:00

Day 5 went really well. Our furthest distance today was 550 yards.

The picture of me shooting from behind shows how far we were shooting

across the valley.

I am enjoying it so much, I asked if I could stay for one more day.

So, I am going again tomorrow too. I am not sure,

but I might ask to stay Friday too.

I am really enjoying the training!

Days 3&4

2009-10-20T20:17:00.001-07:00

I did not post yesterday because I was so exhausted after

our first day of class. I am pretty wiped out now too, so this is

going to be fast.

So far I am actually really enjoying the training.

I really enjoy shooting, and I am learning how to do it right.

We are in a class of 13 and I am the only girl, but you can

ask Jason, I seem to be keeping up just fine.

Jason is doing really well, he is shooting on a new gun,

and that can be really tough, but he has it sighted in well.

Our last shot today we shot 270 yards (almost 3 football fields)

and we both hit the target on our first shot.

Jason is much better with the calculations that are required for

long distance shooting, but so far, I am at least getting it.

We are having a good time working together.

Tomorrow is my last day of training, and I am anxious to get in more

long-range shots.

I don't know if I will have the energy to post tomorrow, but hopefully

I will post by Thursday.

Day 2 in Arizona

2009-10-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Day 2, we headed to Tucson and Tombstone. We drove straight through Tucson to see Tombstone. I would like to go back eventually to see Tucson as it is a beautiful city with a mountain range backdrop.

When we arrived in Tombstone, it turned out it was their huge parade that they only do once a year, and everyone was decked out in Western wear. The pictures above are from the parade. We then went to the silver mine (pictures in last post), and then walked around the town for awhile. Because Tombstone was almost four hours from where we are staying, honestly we spent most of the day in the car, but it was worth it. Arizona is beautiful!!!

Good Enough Mine in Tombstone, AZ

2009-10-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

The black stones at our guide's feet are actually ore deposits which are what

is used to process into silver when it is mixed with other chemicals.
The entrance into the mine

Tombstone's claim to fame. . . the silver mine that made the town rich.

Called the "Good Enough Mine".

When the first miner began looking for precious stones,

people told him the only thing he was going to find was his tombstone.

When he became rich from his silver discovery, he named the town Tombstone.

Our guide was SOOOO informative and I learned a ton about silver mining.

I had no idea what an extensive process it is/was.

October 18th, 2008 (Arizona)

2009-10-18T22:00:00.001-07:00

Arizona Day 1

2009-10-18T06:21:00.001-07:00

We arrived in Arizona yesterday. The trip was essentially uneventful except for during the four hour flight to Phoenix, Dawn was seated next to a lady who thought it would be fine to have her elbow halfway into Dawn's seat. Dawn spent most of the trip half on Jason's lap trying to avoid being elbowed over and over and over. And when Dawn asked if she could get up to use the restroom, the woman literally rolled her eyes at her. Good grief, what has happened to kindness and common courtesy????????

Anyway, after we landed in Phoenix, it went up from there.

We got our rental car, which has built in Sirius radio. Never used that before, but it is actually really cool.

Then we headed to a local burger joint called "Whataburger" because we

were both starving. I thought it ironic that we both ordered chicken from "Whataburger".

We headed out to our hotel and then drove up Interstate 17 for awhile. Absolutely beautiful!!

We met Kathy and Jeff for dinner at a local western joint with campfires at each table so that you could roast your own marshmallows. It was very cool.

Today we are going to go out and explore the Tucson/Tombstone area with Jeff and Kathy.

Hopefully I will have lots more pictures!

Beautiful morning

2009-10-10T18:23:00.001-07:00

Questioning

2009-10-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

There are times in life when I feel like I am looking in. . .
Looking in through a portal, through glass that distorts everything.
I want to see clearly, to understand why,
But I won't, not now, maybe never
On the other side of that glass is reality, is meaning. . .
Is the answer to the mystery of life.
The meaning of suffering, grief, pain. . .
and of joy, celebration, and happiness.
The harder I look, the more foggy and distorted the glass becomes,
until I find myself looking into my own reflection.
When I try to understand, I take my focus off of Heaven. . .
Off of the temporary station that I live and breathe in

A mere vapor is what I am
I must stop looking, striving, struggling,
and start living, gazing upwards,
but then how, how will I see?
How will I see what is in front of me?

Dawn's Car- Shark Bait

2009-09-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Our Pit Crew

2009-09-27T12:53:00.001-07:00

Jason at York Fair

2009-09-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

AFTER

Check this out

2009-09-27T12:37:00.001-07:00

We caught this possum on our deck trying to eat our cat's

food. Our poor cat, raccoons, possums, other stray cats, and even

birds eat her food. No wonder she is always hungry! : )

Masai Mara

2009-09-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

And this is how I see Masai Mara. I have seen it high places and have searched the heart of it, but the way I shall always see it is from a log deck overseeing the land, a far horizon etched with eucalyptus trees, foggy and faint yellow in the morning, bright scorching gold at noon, gray waving grasses lined with red at sunset. I have the memory of fierce, golden felines stalking their prey, of small frightened deer watching with terrified glances. And I see a lake, a shining lake, rippled with movement, silver-blue, with shadows of trees reflecting in the gathering dusk. A bright star burns far off upon the mystery of the wild, and the wildlife is enchanting and inspiring. We watch at the stone wall with excited gasps, and suddenly a leopard stands out against the darkness, a wild leopard, untamed by man with unusual beauty in its exotic coat, its contrasting coat, comes out of the still night- the first hint of my love for Masai Mara. That will always be part of my soul. It was mesmerizing and unbelievable, like a dream, like faraway hope that would never come true.

This World Called Africa

2009-09-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

Alone, lost alone
In this world called Africa

The high, sparse grass
Waving in the wind

Dancing, moving,
Like a chant in full sway

The drums rolling,
The dancing and beating

The clack of bones,
Dry bones floating on the wind

The sweet smell of spice,
Of roses, of pepper trees

Lost, alone, lost
In this world called Africa

The browns and reds,
The dark, heavy earth

The rhythms, the dancing
On a dark, cloudy day

The fire, the spark
The smoke surrounding

Enveloping, closing in
Taking the air away

In this world,
this frightful world,
In this world called Africa

Ashley, Beth, and Dawn

2009-09-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Lasik

2009-09-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

Jason just had Lasik eye surgery done in Philadelphia. He has to keep his eyes closed for the next four hours, so we are just hanging out at a hotel. Actually, I am out in the lobby because my typing was keeping him awake. : )
He has his follow-up appointment in the morning and then we head home. So far, everything went well. Thank you Lord!!!

Half Marathon VA Beach

2009-09-10T09:12:00.001-07:00

13.1 miles

The second half marathon I have ever run. It went FANTASTIC!!

The first one I ran in 2 hrs 29 min. This one I ran in 2 hrs 8 min.

That is a HUGE improvement for me!! I ran 10 min/miles

the whole way!!

Beth did really well too, she ran it in just over 11 min/miles.

Ashley's knees were really bothering her, so she walked and ran and finished in about

3 hours which is pretty impressive for walking a good bit of it.

I am already trying to plan my next one.

I LOVED it!!!
P.S. the pic below is before the race- we didn't look quite so happy

when we were done! : )

Virginia Beach

2009-09-05T16:01:00.001-07:00

Ashley, Beth, & Dawn

Update Aug 2009

2009-08-31T17:30:00.001-07:00

Well, my summer class is officially over, and I have started my fall classes. I have two classes this semester, Theories of Personality and Counseling Assessment Techniques. I am hoping to back off to just one class a semester in January so that I don't feel quite so stretched with everything else. This Sunday I will be running a half marathon in Virginia Beach. I ran the York 10 mile rail trail run last Saturday and it went really well. Jason drove me down to the race and cheered me on, which was really awesome! Volleyball at church starts soon, and I can't wait. I love playing volleyball. Well, that's about it for now.

target shooting part 2

2009-08-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Andi
Dad

Annie

Debi

target shooting

2009-08-02T19:55:00.001-07:00

Danielle
Jason

Mom- I can't believe we got Mom to shoot!!!!

Sean

Settlers Game Party

2009-08-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

Emily R and the bday cake

2009-08-02T09:18:00.001-07:00

My favorite- chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting

And how cool are the racing flags????

Long Beach Island, July 09

2009-07-30T18:02:00.001-07:00

Racoon Trap

2009-07-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

So, our poor cat is always having her food stolen by various animals. . . possums, birds, other wild cats, but mostly raccoons. So we decided to try and catch one. Check it out!

The Volcanic Island

2009-07-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Bermuda that I didn't get posted earlier.

Bermuda was initially a volcanic island

Birthday Weekend

2009-07-19T15:06:00.001-07:00

Everyone piled into Dawn's little Celica

while we went through the car wash at Zimmerman's
We spent the evening and a little bit of the morning playing Settlers of Catan.
From left to right this is Emily, Bryce, Liz, and Josh

Indian Echo Caverns

2009-07-19T14:59:00.001-07:00

Above is Crystal Lake

Beautiful rock formations

Update on "What a Decade"

2009-07-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

I must apologize, I forgot to add, sky-divin' and demolition derby drivin'

What a decade!

2009-07-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have taken so long to update my blog, but I really don't feel like I have much to say. I have been so busy with school, work, running, playing drums, and volleyball, but with all of that activity, I still feel like I haven't done much. Have you heard of the saying, "running just to catch yourself?" I feel like that is what I am doing now.

Friday is my 30th birthday and this is a tough one for me. I just really thought my life would be so different at 30. I truly love my life now, and am so grateful for my friends and family, but I think I need a small grieving time for the passage of my twenties.

What a crazy decade. . . I graduated from nursing school, passed my boards, started a job as an RN at York Hospital as a general surgical nurse, got married to the most amazing guy in the world, went on two different cruises throughout the Caribbean and one through Alaska, visited Florida a few times, worked on a maternity floor for two years, ran a half marathon, a full marathon, started playing volleyball and tennis again, spent six months working on an insane cardiac unit, went to Bermuda, took up drum lessons, learned to drive stick shift, went back to school, transferred to an outpatient surgical unit, developed the most amazing friendships, visited my cool big sister in Michigan a couple times, scrapbooked, learned to crochet, learned to archery shoot, got to meet my two nieces and my nephew, and spent some incredible times with friends and family.
The best part about this decade though is that God has brought me through it, stronger, more sensitive, more compassionate, and more in love with Him every day.

The Steamboat Inn

2009-06-21T13:56:00.001-07:00

Yada Sisters trip to Lancaster- so much fun!

Too Busy

2009-06-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

I came to the conclusion last night that I am simply too busy. I am just trying to go in too many directions, and I decided I am going to definitely set aside "down time" every week and stop trying to do every single fun thing that presents itself. It was highly ironic when this morning our worship pastor preached on that exact thing. So this afternoon was my slotted "down time" and it was wonderful. I took a nap, finished a book, journalled, and Jason even put the hammock up for me and I got some good swinging time. I truly revel in the moments of solitude when I can just appreciate creation around me, smell the scents in the air, feel the breeze, and genuinely enjoy the beautiful earth God has created. Of course, Nikki wanted some of that solitude too. . . : )

Updates

2009-06-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't posted in awhile. I knew I had been slacking, but didn't realize how much. There isn't much happening. I start my summer class June 13th, and I am hoping the class goes quickly and smoothly. I am still playing a lot of volleyball, and I am absolutely LOVING playing drums. I am about halfway through reading "Becoming a contagious Christian", and I have just started the book "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore. I am also reading a book called "Three Cups of Tea" which is turning out to be pretty interesting. I have been working on a little bit of scrapbooking here and there as well. I am really looking forward to some sunny days, and hopefully some lounging by the pool. I am trying to learn my limits right now in how much I can take on at one time, and not be overwhelmed, and I really don't learn those lessons well. That's about it. I will post again soon. . . hopefully! : )

Fort St. Catherine

2009-05-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

The Unfinished Church

2009-05-10T05:14:00.000-07:00

The town of St. George

2009-05-10T05:08:00.000-07:00

Goal-oriented

2009-05-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

I have always known that I am extremely goal-oriented. Yesterday when I sat down to journal the goals I have in multiple areas of my life as well as short and long term goals, I felt like I had gone too far. I actually try not to write down goals because I feel like I should be relationship-oriented not goal-oriented. So much of what I read talks about how as Christians our main focus should be others, and I thought being goal-oriented and relationship-focused could not coexist. As I battled my desire to make lists and goals and deadlines, it all the sudden occurred to me. This is the way God made me. He gave me a personality that desires to strive for goals. Why is that wrong? If my motives are wrong, or my goals are sinful, yes, that would be bad, but I don't think that inherently being goal-oriented is a sinful quality. While processing it all through, I believe a person can have that personality and still be focusing on relationships. So, with the Lord's help, I will embrace my God-given personality, and ask Him to use it for His glory and to keep my motives and desires pure.

Celebration of Life

2009-05-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

It really doesn't seem appropriate for me to post anything else at this time. I just wanted to lift up in prayer Michelle's family, as I know they are grieving deeply. I never met Michelle, but her celebration of life service was amazing, and I know if I had ever met her I would have really liked her. For those who don't know, Michelle is my friend Emily's sister in law, who went home to the Lord during a motorcycle accident on Saturday. Lord, please comfort her family and friends. Please bring them peace during this extremely painful time.

Beautiful ocean

2009-04-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

Sunset in Bermuda

2009-04-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Fort Hamilton

2009-04-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

Traveling by Ferry

2009-04-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Sunrise over the bay

2009-04-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I

2009-04-19T14:11:00.001-07:00

Bermuda Zoo

2009-04-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Wallaby
Flamingos

I have no idea what this bird is. . . but it flew at my head

right after taking this picture and I screamed like a girl! : )

Jason was highly amused. . .

Bermuda Aquarium

2009-04-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Lionfish
Large Lobsters

Green Moray Eel

Sea Turtle

Crystal Caves

2009-04-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Beautiful underground lake with stalactite and

stalagmite formations

The Cambridge Beaches

2009-04-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

There were a couple different beaches surrounding

the resort. Unfortunately it was too cold and windy

to even lay on the beach, let alone get in the ocean.

Dancing with the Gombeys

2009-04-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

Dawn got picked to be one of the tourists to dance with the Gombeys.

She was conspicuously behind a post too trying to hide.

Didn't work out so well. . .

But it was fun. .

These are traditional Bermudian dancers.

You can not "become" a Bermudian Gombey dancer,

it is something you must be born into.

Stacey & Steve

2009-04-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

Cambridge Beaches Room

2009-04-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

Bermuda Flowers Part II

2009-04-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

Bermuda Flowers

2009-04-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

March 24th, 2009

2009-03-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Eight years ago today, Jason and I were getting married. Starting a new life together. What an amazing and blessed eight years it has been. Thank you Jason for being the best husband in the world, and for being my best friend! I love you!

Nighttime Shadows

2009-03-23T17:52:00.001-07:00

Nighttime sky outside of our house- actually it was very early in the morning, I was leaving for work!

Quote

2009-03-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading, "When People are Big and God is Small." Very good book. I recommend it! The author Edward Welch speaks of how in our society we speak so much of what our 'psychological needs' are and these were his comments:

When psychological needs, rather than sin, are seen as our primary problem, not only is our self-understanding affected, but the gospel itself is changed. A needs theory suggests that the gospel is, most deeply, intended to meet psychological needs. . . This sounds good to us but it is not the gospel. The good news of Jesus is not intended to make us feel good about ourselves. . . Jesus did not die to increase our self-esteem. Rather, Jesus died to bring glory to the Father by redeeming people from the curse of sin.

I don't know what to add to that. Great quote, great book! This book is full of wisdom.