Change is good (most of the time)

Wow, it has been awhile! I don't know if that is such a big deal because I don't know who is even checking this after such a prolonged absence. For those of you who are still interested in what's going on in my life (or what has happened these past few months) here is an update:

1. I left my job out in Colorado and came back to Minnesota. I am currently working with Feed My Starving Children as a Mobile Packing teamleader. That means that I get to work the events that are held offsite from our permanent packing facilities (i.e. churches, schools, businesses, etc.).
2. I am recording a CD. I bought some equipment along with a new computer and am actually taking the steps to record my music, rather than just talking about it.
3. A second shipment of food from Feed My Starving Children has gone out to my friends in Swaziland. It has been such a blessing to stay connected with the missionaries over there, and to be able to be connected with a partner of Feed My Starving Children (hopefully I can go back sometime soon!).
4. I accomplished my 2007 New Year's Resolution goal to read 50 books (I actually read 52, let me know if you want the list, I kept track!). This year I am focusing on the classics. I know I won't get 50 of them done, because they take a little longer to read, but I am going to try and read as often as possible.

I miss the friends I made in Colorado terribly and think of them often, but I know that God has called me back to Minnesota and it feels good to be home.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

It's been awhile, and I am sorry. I am not sure if anyone is still reading this as I have left my job in Colorado and am back in Minnesota. And I think Minnesota missed me because it gave me a big welcome home present on Tuesday afternoon/evening! Lots of snow! Fun to look at, not so much to drive in. I am convinced that just when drivers learn how to drive in the snow it melts. And it takes them a whole year to relearn, so nobody knows how to drive in snow until it is too late! I did get to learn how to use my Dad's snow blower though, it was pretty fun. Although I think that means I will be expected to use it more.

Yay! It snowed! Below is a picture of my car covered in snow yesterday morning. It is already gone, boo! This weekend I got to visit some family friends in Colorado Springs, what a treat! It was soo good to see them and spend time with them before I move back to MN. Part of the weekend treat was that I got to attend church. It doesn't happen very often as we work on the weekends here at camp, so this morning was special. And I can't help but think that it was a divine appointment because of the sermon. The sermon was based on Philippians 4:6-7, in a nut shell: don't worry and give thanks. I am not usually a worry wart, but lately because of my circumstance I have been worrying more than usualy. Will I ever get a full-time job doing something I love? Will I ever get to record my music? When will I be able to move out of my parents' place? Why was I called here to Colorado to be called back home? So many questions, and I always read those verses thinking, yeah, it's just as easy as switching the worry off. But the pastor this morning put it a different way that I never thought before. He said that you don't just stop worrying, you turn you focus onto God; worship, praise, and adoration. With your focus on God, the worry isn't in the forefront and dissipates. Here are some other thoughts about worry that hit straight to my heart:

• Worry is stepping over the line of proper concern.
• "It is not just wrong to worry, it's infidelity" -Oswald Chambers
• Worry takes an opposite stance from any scripture.
• Worry and worship cannot live in the same heart.
• Worry is that which you an I were never meant to assume responsibility for.

I definitely don't have it all down, not even close. But I love hearing new perspectives on life, perspectives that I can actually apply to MY life. Praise God for his Word, and the Spirit that gets my attention!

p.s. sorry this one is so long, it makes up for the days I haven't blogged!

Thanksgiving and Project Runway (can it get any better?)

Thanksgiving is tomorrow! I love Thanksgiving because it is all about food and love! We have a free meal for all the people in the valley here at camp, and the food is donated and volunteers do the cooking. I am sure it will be fabulous. I wish that I was home with family, but this is second best.

The other exciting news is that we just got TV here at camp, so I get to watch Project Runway!! I was very worried that I wasn't going to be able to watch one of the only shows that I tune in to every week, but never fear all is well!

decisions, decisions.

I got to go to MN again this weekend. I went to see The Lion King at the Orpheum with my mom, sister-in-law, and friend. It never ceases to amaze me how incredible this production is. This was my gourth time seeing the play and it still wows me. I was blessed to see the premiere performance with the original cast before it went to New York, and nothing can beat that, but it was still a stunning play! I can't wait to be back in MN so that I can do more things. I forgot how much I love MN and how great the Twin Cities are, there just isn't another place like it. I decided that I would also like to go see the St. Paul chamber orchestra sometime, let me know if you are interested!
The other thing I decided this weekend is that I am going to run the Race for the Cure 5K in May. I know most of you will be thinking why I decided to do that because I don't run. But I think it will be very challenging for me, and it will give me a goal to strive towards. Plus I have 6 months to train to run just over 3 miles, how hard could it be?

Vail and magic

We went to Vail! A friend from college and here has a cndo (well his family does) in Vail, so we spent the night there. It is a great town! It is the off season right now, so not many people and no celebrity sightings, bummer! But is made me feel like I was in Europe again went we went to Vail Village. Not many places were open or affordable, but it was fun (and I got my brother's Christmas present!). Last night we watched 'The Prestige' and it was good. I didn't know if I was going to like it or not, but it turned out to be a great movie. I recommend it.

Bishop Castle

Today we went to an attraction called Bishop Castle. It was incredible. It is a castle built completely by the hands of one man, Jim Bishop. Check it out: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/COBEUcastle.html
I visited the castle 3 years ago when I was out here visiting for a camping ministry class, but Jim was in prison at the time for opening fire at a wedding. So I really wanted to meet this guy and hear one of his rants (he is almost as famous for his anger towards everything as he is for building the castle). Today my dreams came true. Something had already tipped him off and he was on a rant regarding the upcoming elections and he didn't hardly stop until we left. He can go on about anything, but he is mostly peeved at the government (go figure). If you ever come to this neck of the woods, make a trip to Bishop Castle, it is a gorgeous piece of art!