Currently Listening Bring Me the Workhorse By My Brightest Diamond see related

For your viewing pleasure, . . .  icecream!flowers!apples!

I mentioned the birds that live outside my window, but I would, now, like to introduce you to the SQUIRREL that lives in that very same bush-like apartment complex.  His name is Orville.

Currently Listening The Beatles Connection: The King's Singers By Paul McCartney, John Lennon see related

20

Today is my 20th Birthday.  I say that not because I'm hoping to get a billion "Happy Birthday!" comments, but because being 20 is a significant milestone.  I am now officially a score old (as Hannah M. reminded me).

Things in my life are different at this point than they were 10 years ago.  I remember being 10 and I'm glad things have changed since then, but what I'm especially excited about is how much God has done in me over the last decade.  You see, I became a Christian at the age of 10.  At about the same time, I experienced some very significant hardships that wounded and shaped me.  So, now, 10 years later, I'm looking at the effects of those experiences and, I must say, I'm marvelling at how great our God is and, also, how faithful he is to redeem wounds.

I think this year has the promise of being a year of redemption--a year similar to and, yet, quite different than the year I had 10 years ago.  Felice

Currently Listening Seeds of Purpose see related

A lot of birds live in the bush outside my window.  They flutter from branch to branch and bob a little on the flimsy tips of twigs.  Sometimes, if I sit very still, I can even catch sight of them grooming each other or nibbling on flower buds.  Birds seem like pretty content little creatures.  Ultimately, we can be content little creatures, too--"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

Why have I spent so much of this week worrying?  Why have you spent so much of this week worrying?  I occasionally forget how valuable I am and question whether or not the Lord will really take care of my in my weak and unglorious state, but there's something else that lies at the heart of this issue--sometimes we doubt whether God is actually going to take care of us.

I have worried a lot this week about whether or not I am making the right decisions about my future or for the relationships I am in, but, if I stop and think for a second, the truth is that there really is nothing to worry about.  The Lord values me and will take care of me . . .  even more than he values and takes care of the birds outside my window.  Felice

Currently Listening Cool Water (& 17 Timeless Favorites) By The Sons of the Pioneers see related

Northern New Mexico

Without sounding too much like a cliche postcard, I'd like to mention to whom it may concern that New Mexico is an incredible place to experience.  Not to mention that the people of this place are incredible!  They come from a wide array of backgrounds and perspectives and I would highly recommend you get to know them for yourself.  When you get a combination like that--an unusually interesting place and intriguing people--it is important to acknowledge the great amount there is to learn from experiencing that fusion of people and places and, also, important to take advantage of the opportunity to learn.

At the moment, I'm in Taos, NM, which is located 'round the north of the state.  The Sangre de Cristo (or Blood of Christ) Mountains surround this highly touristy area and, somehow, their beauty remains totally intact.  I am blown away by their grandeur.  One has to acknowledge the uniqueness of these mountains rising out of the desert and, as with all of New Mexico, take time to really recognize their potentially overlooked beauty.

Of all the things I was thinking I might encounter in the midst of these glorious mountains, I was not expecting to come across a New Mexico style biker rally.  This morning, I attend church with at least 40 of the attendees of Red River, New Mexico's annual biker rally and, though they were decked in leathers and orange accents, I was totally blessed by the testimonies, singing, and preaching of my brothers in Christ who made it out for the event.  Motorcycles and God's grace really do go together and, I must say, I would also recommend you get to know some of the biker's for Christ that minister across this country.

Ancient Native American culture, sunsets, motorcycle enthusiasts, Cowboy culture, and Asbury College students are all mingling here in New Mexico and, Boy!, am I ever glad to be a part of it all!  The question that remains is:  What are you a part of at the moment?  Felice