Jump! and God is goooooooood!

Last week was my 3rd girls retreat with South Shores and it was amazing! I had begun to think that girls were not capable of a drama -free weekend but thankfully I was wrong. I got to return to my summer home (Pondo) and see some familiar faces that I miss. What a great trip for my girls and for me of learning to take the right kind of risks in order to live a life worthy of the calling we received. Thanks girls!

I also got to see a good friend that I thought I had lost - but like I said God is good and He continues to surprise me by how He uses our pain and suffering for His glory. I am humbled daily by my depravity and my subsequent need for a Savior.

P.S. Charlie Hall is amazing

This is for you Haylee!

I can't believe you are 12 years old - seems like yesterday you were barfing in the backseat and screaming your head off! You have grown into such a sweet, beautiful girl - I had so much fun hanging out with you - can't wait to see you again.

I'm back and here's some pics

I had a great time in Idaho with Amy and the Fam - I always do.

Here are some pics - sorry Haylee I haven't downloaded the pictures from my other camera (that's where the pictures of you and Andrew are).

Devin, Jewel, Jen, and I went to see Rob Bell last night at the Wiltern Theatre in LA. It was good and very thought provoking for me and the girls. He always makes you think good and long about your life and how you're living it. Very good for me - Except the excruciatingly long drive in traffic and almost getting hit by an out of control driver that spun out on the freeway.

Good News and I'm going to Idaho

Good News - my back is finally feeling better! Wahhoooo! (mmm . . . wahoo's that sounds good). After over 6 weeks of Physical Therapy my back is finally responding to treatment. Please keep praying for me though - it's never 100% and I feel like it could reverse at any time - I guess that's something I will always live with.
I'm going to Boise tomorrow to see Amy - my dear sweet friend from high school whom I love! (And Bruce, Haylee, Alyssa, and Andrew - can't forget you guys). I'm so excited to see all of them - it's been too long. After all these years Amy is still one of my favorite people in the world. : ) This picture is from Prom - aren't we hot!!!!! I'll try and post pictures when I am there.

Shout Out to the Skippers!

I am doing soooooo much better than last week for a couple of reasons . . .

1. Pondo (and Dan and Becky's house) are still standing - Praise God - that was a close one.

2. Because the Skippers were evacuated to Balboa Island (that's rough) I got to have dinner with them on Monday night! These people are continually blessing my life in so many ways. Thanks again Dan, Becky, and Daniel for bringing some much needed joy into my life.

3. God is so good - even in the hardest of times I am able to see His mercy and love. I am blown away by the lessons He's teaching me and those around me.

More Socks!

As if it could get any worse - Pondo is right in the middle of the fire in Running Springs. I've been stressed all day. It appears that possibly it escaped the fire for now - but it's so close. Pray for Dan and Becky - their house is in Running Springs in the path of the fire and I haven't heard whether or not it's safe. I know so many people affected by these fires. Again I'm in shock at the circumstances that surround me. Craziness.

I know that God is in control of all of it - I'm just having a hard time understanding why it has to happen.

Getting socked in the Gut!

Let me start by saying - this weekend was hard. Actually this month in general has sucked. Okay as long as I'm being honest the suckiness began the moment I stepped off that plane from Costa Rica.

I feel like I keep getting socked in the gut. Each day more bad news. I'm actually getting used to the sick feeling in my stomach that never really goes away even when I'm watching the Office or admiring my "new friend".

This weekend I was supposed to go to Youth Workers Convention - which I love - but I made a financial decision instead of an emotional decision and didn't go. I should have gone - I really needed it but c'est la vie. I did however go down for the day on Saturday to see Dan, Becky, Lisa, and Kayla - who by the way socked me in the gut but it was inevitable (the silver lining to the dark cloud of a weekend was seeing all of you). I also got to see Melissa, Eric, and Josh - which was good for my soul. (Melissa just seeing your face cheers me up). I came home late Saturday night and did not sleep all night. I had the worst nightmares - my subconscious was dealing with what I hadn't processed yet. (if that makes any sense). I spent Sunday alone in fog trying to make sense of all I was being socked in gut with. Finally I talked to Aaron which gave me a bit of clarity (Aaron you are so good at speaking calm into my life - thanks my friend).

So . . . here I am on Monday morning staring at my computer and breathing in the nasty smoke that has settled over the coast (literally) and waiting for the next sock to the gut.

Rockies Win!!!

Yes I know I'm a few days late - but life has been crazy.

The Colorado Rockies are going to the World Series and that's fun.

It would have been a million times better if the Dodgers had won but at least it's a NL West team and one that fought it's way to the top.

I visited the Coffeebean today with Devin and my drink was chunky - sad. Maybe it will be better next time.

Sidenote: Dishes are missing from my house mysteriously - hmmmmm! How does that happen???

Say Helloooooo to my new friend . . .

Isn't she lovely!

She doesn't have a name yet - oh goodness I'm one of those mothers who takes their child home from the hospital without naming it.

Let me know if you have any good ideas.

She's a limited edition #70 out of 250.

If you're thinking I'm a little off - you're probably right - I have a problem - I'm addicted to seatbelt bags.

What - it could be worse.

Finally some good news!

There are few "things" in the world I love more than CoffeeBean but the closest one is in downtown San Clemente.

Until Now . . . They are putting them in Ralphs stores all over Southern California and they chose the Ralphs @ Ocean Ranch which is super close to Church and not too far from home. I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself. So I went to visit today (and take pics) and a checker told me the rumor is the CoffeeBean is opening next friday.

Oh happy day!