Trust: The Word of the Year

     I mentioned in an earlier post that already 4 months into the year God was working on my faith and trust. More than halfway through 2018 I can say that He is still working.

     This summer I experienced some health complications. I would like to say that they were what prevented me from posting anything, but that wouldn't be quite true. They weren't terribly serious, but it was still scary as they continued on and I still wasn't feeling at my best. "Come on, I'm young!" I thought. "I'm not supposed to struggle with my health!"

     In some ways my 'disabilities' held me back. But in other ways they pushed me forward. I tried not to let how I was feeling (unless I felt really really bad) dictate what I did. I made an effort to say, unless ____ occurs, we are going to do what we can and not let it hold us back. It taught me more to focus on God and continue to trust Him daily. Because I needed Him to give me strength to get through the days. I couldn't do it by myself. I am thankful that he continued to come through. This summer I helped out with the youth group program at my church. Aside from being gone on vacation one week, there was not a week that I missed because God provided and sustained me.

     At this point I have been to the doctor's a couple times and am taking measures to fix whatever is going on. I am trusting God to heal me - through medication, the natural processes of my body, or whatever method he deems necessary. But I had to come to a difficult truth that I may have learned in my head, but am still learning in my heart; He is better.

     My home church is going through the book of Amos as a sermon series. It's got some pretty heavy stuff! The Israelites have turned away from God and He is making good on his promise to punish them for breaking the covenant. One of the things they turned to was wealth. Some had more than one house, and these houses were extravagantly decorated! In the midst of this luxury and splendor the poor were neglected and ignored. The people valued their wordly possessions as more than God.

     The truth I had to learn was that just as God is worth more than worldly goods, He is worth more than my health here on Earth. Even if He does not heal me and this is something that I continue to struggle with I know that He is Good. And he will use my struggles in amazing ways. So, it might not be fun, but it will be worth it.

Family Vacation 2018 Part 2: South Fork

     The next morning after our somewhat laborious hike we left Colorado Springs and drove to South Fork, where we had rented a cabin. On the way to our destination we stopped at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. In the informational video at the visitor's center every time the park was mentioned the whole name had to be spelled out. So to give it full justice I will say it again: Great Sand Dunes National Park.

     Theatrics aside, the park was very cool and beautiful! We had good weather, although it was a little hot. The river that usually flows through the park had dried up due to drought, so after walking around the dunes for a bit we took respite in the air conditioned visitor's center.

     Another tourist attraction we enjoyed while in South Fork was the Chimney Rock National Monument, a newly established national site for ruins of ancient peoples. These ruins were situated on Chimney Rock because of the astrological importance of the location. Or so we were told. It seemed a plausible explanation as any, but we must take every thing with a grain of salt. Speaking of salt, our tour guide was very well educated in the geology of the area and did his best to pass on the information to us. I should have paid better attention, maybe some of what he said could help me in my Earth Science class this semester.

     On the way back from Chimney Rock we stopped in Pagosa Springs so Mom could reap the enjoyment to seeing some of the Springs in action. We also did a small hike to a waterfall near Wolf Creek Pass.

     That pretty much sums up our summer family vacation (albeit -1 family member). We did have a bit of an unplanned adventure on the way back, but that is a story for another time. 

Family Vacation 2018 Part 1: Colorado Springs area

     The first half of our family vacation was spent in the Colorado Springs area. We left bright and early Sunday morning and made it to Manitou Springs by the afternoon. Since we were dropping off my brother at Summit Ministries in Manitou for two weeks and had an extra spot, I invited my friend to tag along! It really worked out because she had family in the area that she was able to see, as we ate supper with them the first night.

     The next morning we went exploring near the mining town of Victor. We didn't actually do anything in Victor, but we walked on a trail that showcased several old gold mines as well as educated us on mining equipment and history.

     After eating a picnic lunch we ventured back to Manitou Springs to explore the town a bit. We checked out several arcades and art galleries before heading back to our hotel room for the evening. That night we were visited by some family members who live in the area. It was fun to see them and catch up. Another hilight of the trip for Mom was seeing all of the springs in Manitou. Below is one called "Iron Springs." Most of the springs tasted like alka-seltzer, but this one tasted like pennies!

     The next morning marked the beginning of our most ambitious day; climbing to the Eyebrow! This is somewhat of an obscure family tradition. Most people don't know what the Eyebrow actually is. We use the term to refer to an eyebrow shaped ridge of rocks in the mountain range of Pikes Peak. In fact, after ascending to the Eyebrow you can keep climbing and eventually reach the Peak. We did not do that however. Mom and Dad were the only ones who made it all the way to the top. My friend and I did not quite make it because we stopped just below the tree line. It was a fun hike all in all.