Run, Emma Claire, Run!

I recently saw this picture of my niece, Emma Claire, on Kim's Facebook page. Emma Claire is 6 years old and in the 1st grade (crazy!). Mom and Kim have said before that she favors me--I've never really seen the resemblance. However, there is something about her face in this picture that reminds me of me...but I still think it's a stretch.

Anyway, she recently ran in her school's one mile "Fun Run" and this is her actually crossing the finish line! Very impressive EC! I love her effort, determination, bravery, strength, fearlessness, perseverance, confidence, and plain ol' grit that is all wrapped up in this one snapshot.

There are many adjectives that could be used to describe this 6 year old, but I thought that the ones I used above are not your typical "little girl" adjectives. I think that's why I love this picture. In essence, when you look at the picture, you see her running a race---which brought about the description I used...and a lesson for me as her aunt.

Acts 20:24

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

So, I pray that the adjectives Emma Claire is demonstrating as she's finishing her race, may be true of me as I live a life of testifying to God's grace.

Thanks Emma Claire for a great lesson--I miss you and love you bunches!

Balloon Festival

5:30 a.m. came a little too early on our day off...but...in order to catch this view, we had to be there by 6:30 a.m. to find a parking place and arrive in time for The Balloon Festival launch. It happens every Labor Day weekend--a tradition here in the Springs. The hot-air balloons were awesome...but couldn't launch because it was too windy that morning- which was a complete bummer after our early morning wake-up call! However, we enjoyed watching the inflate and then getting to stand inside for a quick picture. All in all, a fun morning, especially after some coffee and IHOP pancakes!

Today

I've debated about posting anything today. There have been many tributes, words, thoughts, and remembrances about this particular day nine years ago. And for some reason...I have a hard time with these sentiments. I realize this sounds a bit harsh, but I'm hoping the following will give some insight.

I fell in love with that city in July of 1999. I took one small bag...booked a $189 round-trip plane ticket...and slept on a fold out couch graciously offered by some friends interning there for the summer. Laura and I toured the gigantic maze of concrete for 3 days...and it was great!

Without going into too much detail, I came back from that trip with a sense of pure happiness. I'd never experienced anything like it before and knew I'd go back-hoping another visit would come sooner rather than later. Well...I did go back...about 10 times in the last 11 years...and each visit has its own story.

When Mrs. Hollis walked into my classroom to tell me about the towers, my heart sunk...then a bit of panic. We all walked around in a stooper for the next couple of days, raising flags, and singing "God Bless America" through streaming tears. We were hurt, scared, and angry.

So...what have I done with those feelings? Where did they go? Honestly, they no longer linger as they did following the days of the attacks. I've even seen that huge hole in the lower east side of Manhattan, and it can't be erased from my memory. Being at the site was one of the eeriest things I've ever experienced. Chilling. Sad. Humbling. I can conjure that image up "when needed" in order to "feel" for the people whose lives were changed forever-like today for instance. However, I don't walk by it everyday...I don't see the memorials, hear the stories, or deal with the loss of loved ones. And chances are...neither do you.

I hate that this day ever happened...but what I hate more is that I take my freedom for granted everyday. Those initial feelings resulting from the attacks have disappeared for the most part. Why? Because, basically, my earthly freedom is not in jeopardy on a daily basis. In my 33 years, that freedom was taken from me for a brief moment on September 11, 2001--but as the years have passed--there were actions taken in order to restore my security here. And I'm thankful for that-even if I have to put my liquids in a baggie and basically strip down to my undies when going through airport security.

Today is not about my thoughts, my feelings, my tributes, my memories, or my remembrances because I truly wasn't affected by that day---because if I was--I would be more aware of my freedom...maybe to a fault...where I could not stay quiet about it...maybe even being quite annoying. A constant mindset that was unrelenting and completely unashamed.

Which brings me to a parallel...I am free. Because of Jesus. So- why do I stay quiet about Him? Why do I only conjure up His image when "needed" (like that huge hole) and not constantly give Him the glory on the days when life is good. Haven't I been graciously given the greatest freedom of all, yet on most days, live unaffected by this knowledge...just like 09/11/01?

So, I do want to remember this day--not because it is what we are "suppose" to do--but because it is a reminder that our freedom here is temporary--and should give way to true freedom found only in Him.

I love NYC...but I love Jesus more. Today is just another reminder of His love for me...and that's why we should never forget.

Free Pie Wednesdays!

One of our favorite things to do during the week is visit Village Inn on Wednesdays. Why you might ask? Well...you get a free slice of pie with any purchase! The Village Inn (http://www.villageinn.com/) is about 2 miles from our house. We can get there by walking through several neighborhoods. So...our summer Wednesday night adventure has been walking to Village Inn, getting our free piece of pie, and walking back home...about 4 mile round trip which allows us to enjoy it guilt free.

Here's what our journey looks like...

Typical front yard in Colorado...we walk by many similar landscapes.

My new guilty pleasure...coffee!

Love this sign...pretty accurate...don't you think?

For Blake...

In honor of the the much anticipated college football weekend ahead...and my very first college roommate, Blakely Adams Fletcher...WAR EAGLE from Colorado Springs!!!!!!!!!

Peak Picture of the Day- August 31st

It's hard to capture the scenery in Colorado with just pictures, but here's an attempt anyway. These views of the Peak were taken with my camera phone out the front windshield of the car. I was almost home...saw the sunset...pulled over...and snapped the shots. The sunsets over the mountains can be breath-taking...I thought this one was worthy to share!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Last week, we drove to Denver to see the Braves play the Rockies. We invited our new pals, Matt, Julie, and Addy Macha along...and after a quick bite to eat at Chipotle (You're welcome Matt!)...we headed to the stadium for the game. Traffic was backed up on I-25, but we managed to get to our seats by the 3rd inning. Here's our view...right down the 3rd base line.

Marc was excited because he's a big Braves fan-it helps that they are leading their division right now. We have had these tickets since April, and Marc knows David Ross- the Braves back-up catcher who was playing that night. Marc and David went to school together for some years, and they played basketball together in their younger days. Marc describes David as an "all-around athlete"- just naturally talented and now getting paid millions for it.

Here are Matt, Julie, and Addy. We will be serving with them at FUSION this year- the WVC high school youth ministry. Matt and Marc will be leading the 11th and 12th grade guys, and Julie and I will be leading the 11th and 12th grade girls. Awesome couple...and we are enjoying getting to know them.

Here we are playing with Addy- who is adorable-and made it on the Jumbo Tron that night! She is 13 months and was a trooper at the game considering we kept her up past her bedtime. She reminds me of three other "little girls" I know...miss you AG, EC, and AK.

She loved Marc's hat...even though it was a Braves hat! We think we may have converted her to cheer for "our" team. Before you know it, she'll be saying "War Eagle" and "Go Noles"...K-State Wildcats who??

Even though the Braves lost 5-2...it was an exciting game. At this point, they are 3 games ahead of the Phillies. I have a feeling we'll be watching some more baseball in the weeks to come...only if it doesn't interfere with our college football schedule.

We had a great time...Go Braves!