First day of Nationals

 And they are off!  Today is the first day of Nick and B's tournament.  Nick tells us the fishing is very challenging.  Mike and John leave tomorrow.  Can't wait to see how our boys do! 

July Conclusion

As July wraps up I wanted to blog about what Nick has been up to.  He works, fishes, sleeps, hangs with friends - repeat.  I hardly ever see him but such is life and as I always say, it's Nick's world, I just live in it.  Nick is dating a really nice girl right now.  She is so thoughtful and kind and brings out the best in Nick.  She has the patience of a saint too.  Afterall it's been over a month and she hasn't dumped him.  She seems to roll with the punches when it comes to Nick's ridiculous work schedule and fishing obsession.  Last week Mike and I took them out for dinner and had a delightful time with them.  

Nick and Chase.  They are working at the same employer this summer.  I can only imagine the shenanigans these boys get into everyday.  Chase is leaving at the end of August for lineman school.  Chase has my heart.  He is truly one of my favorite people.  He'll be away at school for several months and quite honestly he could land a job just about anywhere.  I know Nick will miss him and so will our entire family.  

And the big news is Nick and his fishing partner, B., left for Nationals on Saturday.  This is Nick's second and last year going.  What an honor.  Mike and John are flying to TN later this week to see Nick's final weigh in on Friday.  Here's to hoping for a successful week!!  
 

Cousin Time

 I say it all the time.  I'm extraordinarily blessed to have meaningful and intentional relationships with all my girls cousins on both my mom's side and my dad's side.  It's such a blessing.  Yesterday I took Kim and her cast because they are a package deal these days (even though you can't see her leg in this picture) and we drove up to Cora's where we spent time with Cora and Amber.  Cora took us to fun cocktail bar where we had flights.  We each picked something different so we could try them all. Mine was an old fashioned flight.  We all agreed it was probably the best flights we ever had.  Love these girls so much.  Until next time.  

My quick trip to Cinci

 I've worked for my current employer for 13 years now and if I'm honest there have been so many changes in 13 years.  One thing that never changes though is the people.  I have always enjoyed who I work with.  I spent the early part of this week in Cinci for a quick training session.  I got together with this group of ladies who are scattered across the country.  It didn't matter that we had never met before.  We have our work in common and that was enough!  Although it was a whirlwind trip, it was good for me to break out of my regular routine and take my introverted self out and among people.  Ha.  

Clearing your land

 About eight years ago Mike and I were able to buy the land right next to our house.  When we bought it it was nothing but overgrown bushes and thorns.  It wasn't anything to look at, that's for sure.  Recently Mike started clearing the land.  I've been so drawn to this process and the work Mike has done.  I've admired the beauty of this property.  It doesn't look much from this picture but most evenings as the sun starts to set the suns light beams stream through the trees in colors of orange and pinks.  It reminds me of God's beauty and His gift of nature.  The holy spirit has been speaking to my heart about what is it to be free in Christ.  Let me explain.  I was listening to my favorite podcaster, Susie Larson, and she gave such a wonderful analogy which provided imagery for me that was literally right outside my bedroom window.  She spoke about all the land we give up to the enemy.  God desires us to have freedom in Jesus.  It struck me almost immediately.  I thought of this land and how for years it's been covered in overgrown bushes and thorns.  At times during my own personal faith walk my heart has been weighed down with overgrown bushes which often has me bracing for impact.  As my relationship with Jesus grows and matures I give up more land that the enemy has occupied and I clear those overgrown bushes and thorns for the abundant life that Jesus provides.  It's freedom to experience all that He has for me.  Freedom from fear, bondage, insecurity.  God knows its a process with me.  I compare it to the picture above.  My land is more cleared out than it was a month ago, even a week ago but it's not perfect.  There are still stumps and thorns in the mess.  Slowly but surely the holy spirit is revealing the lies the enemy has me believing and is clearing my land and space for who God says I am.  You see truth and freedom go hand and hand.  I can't have true freedom without the truth of Jesus.  The greatest freedom that was ever provided was in fact the greatest love story ever told.  Jesus loved us so much that he provided a way for each of us to be free.