The Road Trip that Nina and I went on, and that I spoke of previously was awesome! It was a long drive to Denver but we made it straight through, alternating drives. We stayed a night in Denver with Nina's friend Liz. Ate at a great breakfast cafe where the weather was beautiful! That afternoon we proceeded up to Vail to stay with Nina's friend Dave. He had a huge feast waiting for us when we got up there.
The next day he took us around Beaver Creek and introduced us to the right people to get a job at the mountain. His nine year tenure as ski patrol DEFINETLY helped our chances of getting a job. That night we hung out in the Hot Tub and took it easy as the following day we had a 6 hour drive up to Evanston, WY.
We woke up that morning, and headed up to WY for Nina's Sister's Wedding. We arrived for the Rehersal and Dinner. Dinner was great fun! We had a feast of BBQ and Seafood dumped on our table and it was up to us to eat our way out. So fun and DElicious!
Had a long Saturday as we helped set up for the wedding. The wedding was a lot of fun! Congrats Clay and Mandy Flint!! After a long Saturday we turned around Sunday morning and headed up to Grand Teton National Park for our three night adventure in wilderness....
We arrived late, and talked to one of the park rangers and found out our three night adventure would realistically take us 5 nights. This we were not expecting, but were willing to give it a go! We hiked 1 mile in and camped. 12 miles was going to be our next day, but only made it 10. We had a looooong lunch at Marion Lake, and decided to camp there for the night and hike out the next day. Two nights in and a total of 20mi it was exhausting. We were happy with our decision to get out early.
As we FINALLY made it back to our car we were greatful we made it out safely. Spent a night dancing to blue grass music in Jackson, woke up to enjoy a nice breakfast in town and some shopping and headed out to the Black Hills of South Dakota. A nine hour drive to get there and crashed a second night in the car. We drove around the Black Hills. Visiting such monuments as Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore(well we saw it from far away). We proceeded from there through Minesotta and home, with one last stop at the Wilderness in The Wisconsin Dells.
A two week advenutre....and glad to be home. Thanks for everyone's prayers! We had no car troubles and a ton of fun!!!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
What's to come....
It seems that I don't stay on top of this very well...it helps to have internet though.
For those who read this, there has been a lot that has happened to me since being back from Fiji! For starters, RIDICULOUS confirmation that I need to work with High Schoolers(who ROCK btw)!
The last year I would say the most rewarding thing in my life is The Edge! A year after God said that I should work with HSrs I was in Trinidad with them, helping others. We paired up with another HS ministry in Trinidad and helped with projects around their church, in their congregation, and community. It was such a rewarding experience and so many of those kids spoke to me! God is SO real and amazing! (it's great to say that even as I am struggling at this moment with life) 
For those who read this, there has been a lot that has happened to me since being back from Fiji! For starters, RIDICULOUS confirmation that I need to work with High Schoolers(who ROCK btw)!
The last year I would say the most rewarding thing in my life is The Edge! A year after God said that I should work with HSrs I was in Trinidad with them, helping others. We paired up with another HS ministry in Trinidad and helped with projects around their church, in their congregation, and community. It was such a rewarding experience and so many of those kids spoke to me! God is SO real and amazing! (it's great to say that even as I am struggling at this moment with life) 
God has been so real and prevelant in my life to where I continued my walk with God and got baptized! What an amazing experience. I had two of my favorite students baptize me and am so grateful for their love and support throughout this last year. They have been amazing!
He continues to seek me out and carry me to the next chapter of my life.
My summer has been filled with road trips, weddings, camping, and mission trips. It has been such a fun summer I hate to see it end. One last trip to CO/WY coming up over Labor Day. It'll be a doozy! Please pray for Nina and I as we take this 10 day excursion. From amazing weddings to backpacking the bear back country, pray for great weather, phenomenal adventures, and patience....
For those of u I haven't seen in awhile, I miss u, love u, and hope all is well! Much <3!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Give it Up!!
I swear, Life without the internet is difficult! That's one of the reasons why I haven't written. Here's a little update:
I've moved out of the folks place and into a cute little condo in downtown Libertyville. Everything in walking distance; Train station, resturants, movie theater, bank, caribou...it's a prime location! I look forward to the summer living downtown with the farmer's market and picnic in the park all of a black away. Life will be fun!
As for work, I work at a local gym in the area. Everyday I saw God move there. Now I feel as if it's time for me to move out of there. On to bigger and better plans he has foe me. So exciting.
To be honest, Fiji 'wrecked' me, as a friend kindly said. Everyday I walk with God. Everyday He speaks to me, walks with me, and sometimes carries me. He is so amazing! Every person I meet I wonder how God has impacted them and how much more He has for them. I just want them to experience ONCE what I experience daily. God is ridiculous and I look forward to what He has for me.
God is amazing! God is Grace! God is Love! God is Real!!
I've moved out of the folks place and into a cute little condo in downtown Libertyville. Everything in walking distance; Train station, resturants, movie theater, bank, caribou...it's a prime location! I look forward to the summer living downtown with the farmer's market and picnic in the park all of a black away. Life will be fun!
As for work, I work at a local gym in the area. Everyday I saw God move there. Now I feel as if it's time for me to move out of there. On to bigger and better plans he has foe me. So exciting.
To be honest, Fiji 'wrecked' me, as a friend kindly said. Everyday I walk with God. Everyday He speaks to me, walks with me, and sometimes carries me. He is so amazing! Every person I meet I wonder how God has impacted them and how much more He has for them. I just want them to experience ONCE what I experience daily. God is ridiculous and I look forward to what He has for me.
God is amazing! God is Grace! God is Love! God is Real!!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Regularity...
This whole blogging idea is new to me, so bare with me as I embark on trying to novel my life...
It seem as if life has just been going and I'm along for the ride. Has anyone else ever felt that way? My week seems to be all planned out for me. Whether it's work, ministry, or play. It seems as if I'm more running around than I am actually enjoying what I'm doing. Being on a different schedule doesn't really help. Life is pretty chaotic right now and I'm trying to get ahold of it before it spirals out of control.
Even though I work at a gym, you'd be surprised as to how much I actually workout there. It's just hard to find the time. I recently have started working with a personal trainer which has been AWESOME! It's made me feel better to be in there and actually feel a workout, which I haven't felt in a long while, probably not since those college soccer days. Its given me motivation, drive, and a peaceful mentality to know I'm on some sort of track and I don't have to worry about it.
November 1st was the first day of being 'on my own' technically, but I am still at my parents place for now. I will be moving out of my house sometime in the next couple weeks to good ol' downtown Libertyville. All of two miles away from work. Awesome! Now I have to make time to paint my room. Once that is accomplished, THEN I will be moving in.
This weekend was fun. I hung out with new friends and saw Relient K in concert at the House of Blues. That was definetly a good time. I also fell in love with Ludo. A band that opened for them. It was a great, fun, and busy weekend as usual... The plan for this week is to paint the room. The plan for next week, is to move in. Lets hope I stay on track...as you look at the time you'll see it's 2am. This is how I live...
Bored? Enjoy some Ludo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCU1JYmGxcA
It seem as if life has just been going and I'm along for the ride. Has anyone else ever felt that way? My week seems to be all planned out for me. Whether it's work, ministry, or play. It seems as if I'm more running around than I am actually enjoying what I'm doing. Being on a different schedule doesn't really help. Life is pretty chaotic right now and I'm trying to get ahold of it before it spirals out of control.
Even though I work at a gym, you'd be surprised as to how much I actually workout there. It's just hard to find the time. I recently have started working with a personal trainer which has been AWESOME! It's made me feel better to be in there and actually feel a workout, which I haven't felt in a long while, probably not since those college soccer days. Its given me motivation, drive, and a peaceful mentality to know I'm on some sort of track and I don't have to worry about it.
November 1st was the first day of being 'on my own' technically, but I am still at my parents place for now. I will be moving out of my house sometime in the next couple weeks to good ol' downtown Libertyville. All of two miles away from work. Awesome! Now I have to make time to paint my room. Once that is accomplished, THEN I will be moving in.
This weekend was fun. I hung out with new friends and saw Relient K in concert at the House of Blues. That was definetly a good time. I also fell in love with Ludo. A band that opened for them. It was a great, fun, and busy weekend as usual... The plan for this week is to paint the room. The plan for next week, is to move in. Lets hope I stay on track...as you look at the time you'll see it's 2am. This is how I live...
Bored? Enjoy some Ludo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCU1JYmGxcA
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Obedience
And life goes on...
I've begun work at the gym. Boy..It is neither challanging, motivating, or rewarding, and makes me question as to if this is where God is really calling me. I initially went in with the intentions of working with people one and one with personal training. Currently I'm working front desk with the promises of working my way up into management. The longer I work there the less I see that as an option and I wait for God to move. In quiet time today I received a response from God just to be patient and trust Him, just like the Isrealites. (Numbers 9:17-18) They moved with the cloud and trusted Him with the path He had for them. I feel I need to do the same.
I've been praying about this. Everyday doubt clouds my judgement. Everyday I work, one more excuse comes up as to why I shouldn't be working there. I have a list infact...but in life we make sacrifices for Him to do His work. I'm wondering if these sacrifices are worth it. OFCOURSE they're worth it for His Kingdom. Anything is worth it for Him! But each day the 'con' list grows longer and longer, and the will to 'obey' becomes less. I have to continue to remember that, "It is a pure joy, my brothers, whenver your faced with trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance." James 1:2-3
Recently I have fallen into another situation. I work hourly, which means the days I take off I dont get paid...So should I be fighting to make up those hours? Or trust in God that He will provide the end to my means?
I've begun work at the gym. Boy..It is neither challanging, motivating, or rewarding, and makes me question as to if this is where God is really calling me. I initially went in with the intentions of working with people one and one with personal training. Currently I'm working front desk with the promises of working my way up into management. The longer I work there the less I see that as an option and I wait for God to move. In quiet time today I received a response from God just to be patient and trust Him, just like the Isrealites. (Numbers 9:17-18) They moved with the cloud and trusted Him with the path He had for them. I feel I need to do the same.
I've been praying about this. Everyday doubt clouds my judgement. Everyday I work, one more excuse comes up as to why I shouldn't be working there. I have a list infact...but in life we make sacrifices for Him to do His work. I'm wondering if these sacrifices are worth it. OFCOURSE they're worth it for His Kingdom. Anything is worth it for Him! But each day the 'con' list grows longer and longer, and the will to 'obey' becomes less. I have to continue to remember that, "It is a pure joy, my brothers, whenver your faced with trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance." James 1:2-3
Recently I have fallen into another situation. I work hourly, which means the days I take off I dont get paid...So should I be fighting to make up those hours? Or trust in God that He will provide the end to my means?
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Flash Back
I came across an old blog today that I would like to share.
DATED: NOVEMBER 8, 2006
Ever feel like you have to move on and get away? Lately I have. I'm going to apologize to my friends that I have neglected recently. 'It's not you, it's me...'
It's been really hard trying to make my life decisions, sometimes you have to move on. It's been easier to push people away to try to focus on what's really important, such as life.
I feel like I've been missing out on something more important than just me. I could be doing more. Even being in a job for the last 11 months has been crazy. I get blinded by monotany and routine and every so often it'll drive me crazy. Through the months I have learned to supress it and mask it with, activities every night of the week: MNF parties, Karaoke Tuesdays, Bowling Thursdays, Party Friday, Party Saturday, Football Sunday, and it starts all over again. And oh how much fun we all had!!
It's difficult to fit something important in there. Trying to volunteer, work out...does anyone else feel that they get bored of the routine of life? Does anyone else feel that something more should be happening than just working, having money, partying, and drinking? I feel like I'm just wasting away waiting for something to happen. Waiting for my life to begin, but life is happening all around and I'm not taking advantage of it. I think about all I want to accomplish; getting back into my faith, trying to find my way, trying to help others instead of myself, and trying to be a better person.
I realize some people might not understand my thinking, but if we all thought the same way, we would have such a boring world. I have learned a lot from everyone, and love everyone for it. I knew where I stood in HS. I knew where I stood in college. I see where I stand at work. Now I have to find where I stand in this big world of ours. It might just be time to see what else this world has to offer me....
Wow! It's pretty amazing to read this and to actually know how far I have come. Four months after I wrote this I went back to church and began my search again for what is right. Knowing where I'm at now and knowing where I was at when I wrote that I can honestly say that I've come SO far. Can even go as far as Fiji! Never in a million years would I believe someone if they told me that I would be going on a missions trip to Fiji to share the gospel with hundreds of people! 2007 into 08 has really been absolutely ridiculous! God has really showed me grace and for that I am thankful! I am thankful that He never gave up on me and that He's loved me through my journey. He is such an amazing and loving God and for that I am truley greatful!
Abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me. Moses 6:34
The second half of 2008 into 2009 should be a true sacriment to Christ as I step in faith and follow the path to which I feel He's guiding me. Even then I felt the pull to help others, and that is exactly what I will be doing. Leading others to Christ. What better help than that? Life is too precious to waste. For the first time in three years I will be on my own, but not alone, as I will be abiding and walking with Christ. I will never be alone.
God is love.
DATED: NOVEMBER 8, 2006
Ever feel like you have to move on and get away? Lately I have. I'm going to apologize to my friends that I have neglected recently. 'It's not you, it's me...'
It's been really hard trying to make my life decisions, sometimes you have to move on. It's been easier to push people away to try to focus on what's really important, such as life.
I feel like I've been missing out on something more important than just me. I could be doing more. Even being in a job for the last 11 months has been crazy. I get blinded by monotany and routine and every so often it'll drive me crazy. Through the months I have learned to supress it and mask it with, activities every night of the week: MNF parties, Karaoke Tuesdays, Bowling Thursdays, Party Friday, Party Saturday, Football Sunday, and it starts all over again. And oh how much fun we all had!!
It's difficult to fit something important in there. Trying to volunteer, work out...does anyone else feel that they get bored of the routine of life? Does anyone else feel that something more should be happening than just working, having money, partying, and drinking? I feel like I'm just wasting away waiting for something to happen. Waiting for my life to begin, but life is happening all around and I'm not taking advantage of it. I think about all I want to accomplish; getting back into my faith, trying to find my way, trying to help others instead of myself, and trying to be a better person.
I realize some people might not understand my thinking, but if we all thought the same way, we would have such a boring world. I have learned a lot from everyone, and love everyone for it. I knew where I stood in HS. I knew where I stood in college. I see where I stand at work. Now I have to find where I stand in this big world of ours. It might just be time to see what else this world has to offer me....
Wow! It's pretty amazing to read this and to actually know how far I have come. Four months after I wrote this I went back to church and began my search again for what is right. Knowing where I'm at now and knowing where I was at when I wrote that I can honestly say that I've come SO far. Can even go as far as Fiji! Never in a million years would I believe someone if they told me that I would be going on a missions trip to Fiji to share the gospel with hundreds of people! 2007 into 08 has really been absolutely ridiculous! God has really showed me grace and for that I am thankful! I am thankful that He never gave up on me and that He's loved me through my journey. He is such an amazing and loving God and for that I am truley greatful!
Abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me. Moses 6:34
The second half of 2008 into 2009 should be a true sacriment to Christ as I step in faith and follow the path to which I feel He's guiding me. Even then I felt the pull to help others, and that is exactly what I will be doing. Leading others to Christ. What better help than that? Life is too precious to waste. For the first time in three years I will be on my own, but not alone, as I will be abiding and walking with Christ. I will never be alone.
God is love.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
A New Beginning..
I haven't updated lately. My apologies...
A lot has been happening; First thing is a job. I came back from Fiji trying to figure out my next step. Where to work? Do I go back to be a Missionary in Corporate America or do I make a step in a different direction? In the beginning of the trip we took a class to figure out what our strengths are. What are you gifted at? Naturally sports, by default God gave me the gift of athleticism. What's something you can do for hours and be happy with it? UH...play sports.
Well, apparently this wasn't the right answer. They're looking for something more corporate structured. I like competition, organizing, communication... I kept seeing sports and naturally athletically gifted. I'm sorry if that's not what you're looking for, but that's what I keep seeing.
I didn't think anything of it then, but coming home and by the end of the trip, God filling my heart with the love for kids I've decided that I needed to work with people, coach kids, and get involved with youth. I have excepted a position with Xsport in Libertyville where I will be working at the Front Desk. In the meantime I will also be working on getting a certification in Personal Training so I can work with people and invest in people, but this decision hasn't been easy.
Last week my previous employer called offering me a position, which could be temporary, to help them the next six months until they can find someone to fill the position. It was tempting. I could still work those six months to save money, pay down more debting, work on my personal training certification, and gain more experience in corporate America. I seriously considered it. But I got to a point where I needed to step out in faith. I could very well get stuck there again. Happy with the money I was making. Stuck again. Not persuing what God called me to do. Stuck in routine and monotany and happy with it.
I realize that I need to step out in faith and know that God will take care of me. I will be taking a huge pay cut by changing careers but if Fiji taught me one thing, it was how much a dollar is worth in Heaven. Souls are worth SO much more.
Last Tuesday I called my previous employer and gladly declined and am now stepping out of the boat, in Faith and I could't be happier!
Another update to come soon! Hope all is well. Much love. CAT
A lot has been happening; First thing is a job. I came back from Fiji trying to figure out my next step. Where to work? Do I go back to be a Missionary in Corporate America or do I make a step in a different direction? In the beginning of the trip we took a class to figure out what our strengths are. What are you gifted at? Naturally sports, by default God gave me the gift of athleticism. What's something you can do for hours and be happy with it? UH...play sports.
Well, apparently this wasn't the right answer. They're looking for something more corporate structured. I like competition, organizing, communication... I kept seeing sports and naturally athletically gifted. I'm sorry if that's not what you're looking for, but that's what I keep seeing.
I didn't think anything of it then, but coming home and by the end of the trip, God filling my heart with the love for kids I've decided that I needed to work with people, coach kids, and get involved with youth. I have excepted a position with Xsport in Libertyville where I will be working at the Front Desk. In the meantime I will also be working on getting a certification in Personal Training so I can work with people and invest in people, but this decision hasn't been easy.
Last week my previous employer called offering me a position, which could be temporary, to help them the next six months until they can find someone to fill the position. It was tempting. I could still work those six months to save money, pay down more debting, work on my personal training certification, and gain more experience in corporate America. I seriously considered it. But I got to a point where I needed to step out in faith. I could very well get stuck there again. Happy with the money I was making. Stuck again. Not persuing what God called me to do. Stuck in routine and monotany and happy with it.
I realize that I need to step out in faith and know that God will take care of me. I will be taking a huge pay cut by changing careers but if Fiji taught me one thing, it was how much a dollar is worth in Heaven. Souls are worth SO much more.
Last Tuesday I called my previous employer and gladly declined and am now stepping out of the boat, in Faith and I could't be happier!
Another update to come soon! Hope all is well. Much love. CAT
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