Life's Ups and Downs

The past week has been an interesting one. Most people's emotions are heightened when they are tired; well, right now, I live tired. So everything that happens seems so sharp and almost too focused. But just to give you some highlights......

Last Wednesday, I found out that one of my closest friends here in Alaska was moving. To Florida. Honestly, I like when I leave town, not when others do and I'm left here. When I say "one of my closest friends," I mean someone who prays for me and I for her. Someone I can openly share my heart with and she can do the same with me. Someone who keeps me grounded and anchored while at home. Someone who challenges, encourages, motivates me. Someone who loves me for just being me. To say that I will miss her, will be an understatement. But we've already cried, hugged and prayed together. I'm thankful for God placing her in my life and it will be a friendship for a lifetime, no matter how many miles apart we are.

While that was a little sad to digest, some good amazing things also happened this week..... Levi was born! Congrats to Tim & Cara on the birth of their first child! I've only seen pictures so far, but he sure is cute. And I'm not just saying that; I know most newborns are red, wrinkly and not too cute, but he is. Can't wait to meet him in person. Then Friday found out that a friend I had been praying for (Whitney and I had been praying together for this) had turned around and was making good decisions! Not little decisions, but great, big HUGE ones. For the good. I have wept over this friend, grieved at their past choices and what joy thrilled my soul when I heard that they had made a 180 degree turn. Thank You, God!

This is the first time in years I am not at camp. Right now, Village Week at Rock Crossing is in full swing. And I am not there. It's a little weird, yes. Kind of bittersweet. I have so many memories from my time out there. Yet, I am excited about what God is doing in my life and the direction He is leading. His plan is best and I look forward to discovering what the next step.

Can I just tell you about my Amazing. Loving. Gracious. All-powerful. Awe-some. God? Two nights recently I have been heading home after midnight (working), while I don't enjoy those late nights and lack of sleep, I do thoroughly enjoy the artwork of my God. Wow. One night, the entire sky was a canvas of blues, pinks and purples. Pink cotton candy clouds stretched out in front of me and the sinking yellow and orange sun beckoned behind me. Many don't get to appreciate God's sunsets in the summer here because of it the time, but Oh My. It is worth staying up for. I think He did is just for me. To tell me how much He loved me. How much He cares about one little individual in the middle of Alaska.

God is God alone. In the good times and the bad, He's still on the throne.

pictures don't do it justice

Just say NO! || Sleep? what's that??

Sometimes I think my greatest weakness is the inability to say "no" (more often than not). There's just so much I want to do and accomplish and when opportunities are presented, I jump at them. Before I know it, my days are maxed and I'm trying to figure out when I'll sleep. Sleep is important.... or so they tell me. 

And of course, everything seems to go crazy all at the same time. My schedule was a comfortably full, then all of a sudden it was so jampacked full that I missed meals and had to have people bring me food! (thanks, Tman) And there's no let up until July, actually I think it might even be fuller the last two weeks of June than it is now.  

There's a couple things that keep me sane during crazy times like these.... 
God's grace and strength. What a powerful, profound Truth to know He is my Saviour, my Lord and my friend. He is with me every step of the way. 

Good friends who keep me spiritually grounded. There are two that I talk to on a weekly basis; one by phone and one face to face. We spend time sharing what God has taught us recently, what we are going through and pray together. Those prayer times are like an oasis in the midst of a hectic life. I treasure them greatly! 

A few more things that  randomly bless my days by making me laugh, feel loved or just add a little excitement.....

Receiving mail! I love snail mail, some days I wish that's all we had again (don't usually wish very long, since I also enjoy email:) Last week arrived home late one night and had a package from my friend - with a lovely, colorful scarf, shirt and a card with kind words. Just an extra pick-me-up blessing. 

thanks to Jaime for this scarf!

Hanging with Bobby at church. Crazy kid with tons of energy! So funny how all the little kids at church love my dad. Sometimes I help him out, cause he always had a couple or more kids hanging around him. Bobby is quite the character! He can't say my name, so was teaching him to call me, "pretty girl." heehee

selfie with Bobby!

#canceledflight - so glad this wasn't our airline