I'm Back! (for now)

Brian and I just returned from a wonderfully relaxing vacation. Here are just a few of the great pics from our time away. I'll be posting more soon. In the meantime I'm getting ready to leave town, AGAIN! We have a church camp-out this weekend and then youth camp next week. The summer's of a youth pastor and family are crazy, but we wouldn't have it any other way. When else do you get to witness God do so many amazing things packed in to such a short amount of time?! I'm excited to share all of the wonderful things God is doing very soon!

Pray for Kate McRae

I just spent the last few minutes reading through the journal's of Kate McRae's parents. Last weeks it was discovered that this 5 year old little girl had a brain tumor on the portion of the brain that controls motor function. Since the day of discovery Kate and her family have been in the hospital enduring countless tests, scans, a major brain surgery and the terrifying emotions that go along with these experiences. As I read through the journals my heart was aching. I feel a brokenness for Kate and her parents, I can't even begin to imagine the breadth of pain they have suffered and the overwhelming fight of faith they are in. How do you explain brain surgery and the difficult recovery to a 5 year old? As I read I also felt a sense of thankfulness. I am filled with gratitude for God's hand in this situation. Through the incredible network of churches, blogs and other internet sources, Kate's story has gone global and people all over are interceding on her behalf. It is so awesome to see God's people unite for this precious little girl that most have never met. I'm so thankful for God and His church. I don't understand why little girls get brain tumors or why parents have to wake up to their baby's eyes filled with confusion and hurt. I don't have answers for this type of situation. BUT I am convinced it is all in God's hand and He has a plan. I am convinced He hears his people and will respond on behalf of little Kate. God is good and His mercies endure forever. If you would like to know more about Kate, please follow the links below: Blog of Promise Tangeman McRae's Journals/Caring Page Video

It's getting hot in here...

It's hot...REAL hot. I HATE it. Did I mention I don't like the heat? There's a reason I live in the Pacific Northwest...to avoid temperatures like these (95 degrees). I don't even really understand why people DO like warm temperatures. Your uncomfortable, your skin burns (particularly when your my shade of pasty white), every (eh-em) crook and cranny gets sweaty and you're stuck inside near the closest AC (well at least I am). The only advantage to heat is it gives you the ability to go swimming outside. You can swim, however, when it's 80 degrees, so I see no reason for it to ever get any warmer than that. Ok, rant over...I'm off to stick my head in the freezer.

Friday Favorites: Summer

Summer has never been my favorite season. Please don't misunderstand, I love the buzz of fun in the air, the relaxed evenings with friends, but I HATE the heat. It's quite possible I'm the world's (or at least Oregon's) biggest wimp when it comes to rising temperatures. I do have a few favorite things about summer, however, so here they are: Swimming: Not much is better than cooling off in the river or floating on a lake. I'm so thankful we live in an area where we only have to drive a few minutes to a beautiful bunch of water. Vacation: I LOVE vacation! I especially love going to remote places (like Wanacut Lake next week, woohoo!) where there isn't any cell or internet reception. It's wonderful to just unplug and reconnect with each other. Popsicles: Eating a popsicle only seems right in the summer, why is that? Summer Camp: That's right, I'm 32 and I STILL love summer camp! I love cramming 350 kids into a room and watching their hearts melt in the presence of God. I love to watch the ridiculous games and hear the hilarious conversations. I love being with some of our best youth pastor friends for the week and getting to know new ones. I just LOVE camp! Flip flops: If I could wear them year round without getting frostbite on my toes, I would. I guess summer isn't so bad afterall. I hope you all have a fabulous one!