Eschatology what??

I am sure that everyone has heard the saying "you learn something new everyday." Well, never in my life has this phrase applied so perfectly, as now. Only this time the "something new" is so deep, and so life changing, that it makes all other previous things learned seem mundane.

I just joined a group that studies Eschatology, the study of the end times. At first I was extremely against studying something that I thought would put fear into my life. I figured it just wasn't a subject that I wanted to spend time on, considering we are in the last days...just knowing is obvious enough, right? Most definately not. Though I only spent two hours so far, studying this topic, I am intrigued. It's like I have tasted something so indescribably good, that I can't wait to taste more. It is confusing, and thought provoking, sobering and exciting.

In the few hours since the class, my mind is reeling. I have been faced more than ever before, with how much I lack in Jesus. Though it sounds discouraging, my heart has never felt more alive! I want to fully engage my heart and mind and spirit. I want revelation.

Even in my weekness, He still loves me. God is awesome:)

Deployment

So, I just found out a few days ago that my brother, Andrew, is being deployed to Bahrain, Iraq. He leaves December 15th. I guess I'm not really sure what to do with this news. I am feeling a whole range of emotion, from fear and sadness to excitment and pride. Though I definately feel the fear and sadness a whole lot stronger. Anyways, it's out of my control...all I can do is pray:| Whoever reads this blog, please, do the same...keep my brother in your prayers.

Thanks

The show me state

Here I am in a new place once again. Obviously moving suits me or I wouldn't do it so much:) New people, new places, new experiences...what could be better?

I left early monday (08/14/06) for my new life in Kansas City, Missouri. I drove my awesome Jeep, loaded down with everythig I own, to head to a place I pretty much know nothing about. The drive was amazing...except for Nevada...well, actually, I liked the Vegas part..hehe. Utah and Colorado were by far my favorite parts, especially getting to see Vail and Breckenridge...amazing!! I drove through places that had some of the best mountain biking terrain ever!! I soo wanted to stop and ride, but my goal was to get here:) I finally arrived on Wednesday afternoon, my house is suuper awesome, and I couldn't ask for better roomates:)

I absolutely love the area I live in, it's beautiful. I can't wait to get out and hike, bike or do any sort of outdoor acivity! The house I live is one story, but with a basement that is furnished like a sitting room, and a loft, which is my room. So, to me it's kinda like a three story house. There are three other bedrooms in addition. My room looks out over the backyard, which backs up to a few acres of forest, love the view!!

So, I have officially been here for two days, and can't wait to see what is in store for me...whatever it is, i know it will be great...as long as my focus remains on the Lord, and His plan for my life...I couldn't be in a better spot.

My Yukon

So, almost two months ago now, I came to the tough decision that I had to find a home for my dog:( This has been a really tough time for me...though on the outside, I'm sure no one knows it. I just thought I'd share some things from our time together:)

I rescued Yukon from the pound about seven years ago. I had just lost my first dog, (keesha) to kidney failure and was grieving that loss. I couldn't imagine coming home everyday to an empty yard, or look at the empty spot beside my bed. I decided to go down to the shelter just to look around. When I got there, I saw Yukon. She was in a cage with 6 other dogs, she was laying on the ground, barely able to move. All the other dogs were jumping on her, eager for attention from anyone walking by. Her eyes were dull, and she was emaciated. I remember thinking, "this dog is dieing...and no one is doing anything about it??" My heart went out to her, and I knew I couldn't leave without her. I filled out all the paperwork, and was told to come back the next day to pick her up.

The next day I came to pick Yukon up, she was so weak she could barely walk, and on top of being sick, she had just endured a spay. We carried her to the car, and an attendent there informed us that if she were to die, we were to bring back the body and they would issue me a credit towards another dog. That made my stomach turn. We got Yukon home, and she just laid in her bed, she wouldnt eat or drink. We took her to the emergency room as she had continuously gotten weaker with each passing day. After some fluid therapy and a bit of medication we took her home. For the next few weeks, I fed her gerber baby food through a syringe, and some pedialite every two hours. As time went on, she gained strenght. I woke up one morning to Yukon digging holes in the yard and tearing up all her toys, thats when I knew she'd be ok:)

Since that lovely morning when I awoke to her distruction...she has not changed. She has been a true terror...and a delight all at the same time. I have never dealt with a more stubborn, obnoxious, quirky, off the wall energy dog in all my life! I have also never laughed so much, and had soo much fun. She is really the reason that I became so active in the outdoors. We hiked, biked, camped and best of all, kayaked together...she was a super kayaking companion. She was a great road trip companion, and moving companion. She steered me and my brother clear of mountain lions many a time...and has had to be our eyes in the dark when we were stupid enough to forget flashlights on a long hike. I have lots of pictures and great memories of us together:) I miss her dearly, and still can't believe I will never get to experience all those things with her again:( I know reality will eventually set in. But for now, it trickles in here and there, followed by a wave of sorrow, loss and dissapointment with myself. Dissapointment for not being her forever home and not being the one that could always provide the life she needed and deserved.

She has found a home now...a home with a loving family....and kid's to play with!I'm sure she is on cloud 9!! She deserves the best, and she finally has it:) I owe her alot...she will always be in my heart and on my mind...My Yukon.