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.  

Faith

 How I have missed Faith!  She was in town over the weekend for a visit with friends but was supposed to leave today.  Since I just got home from vacation yesterday I knew it would be nearly impossible to see her.  She texted me today and said she was changing her flight to tomorrow and could we all meet for dinner so she could meet Trystan.  It all came together and we were able to meet for dinner - including Faith's sweet friend, Anna.  I love all these kids so much.  My heart is so full tonight.  I started my week today with a few of my favorite people.  What a blessing! 

Soul Care Conference

In February as I was on one of my daily walks I was listening to my favorite podcaster, Susie Larson, she was interviewing Dr. Rob Reimer about his Soul Conference(s).  As I continued to listen my spirit was on fire.  I simply could not ignore it.  The message I received loud and clear was I needed to go to this conference and take my sister with me.  Around this time I had been intentionally praying for some things so I knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was an answer to prayer.  When I got home from my walk I looked up to see if there was a conference close enough for Kim and I to attend.  Sure enough there was a conference in early June (when Kim was done teaching school) in our neighboring state, a short 3.5 hours away.  I didn't hesitate and bought the tickets and surprised Kim in April.  My soul is so full from this.  I can't quite put it into words (yet).  I grew in my faith, got to spend time with Kim and got to meet Sylvia (below).  Sylvia is a sweet and young woman who was part of Kim and mine triad.  On the first day when we learned we'd be forming groups of three, Kim and I noticed Sylvia right away.  She was by herself in the row ahead of us.  When we were told to form our groups, Kim touched her on the shoulder and the rest history.  The three of us really enjoyed our time together.  I give God all the glory.  His goodness overwhelms me.  

 

Copper

A few weeks ago during my prayer time I was petting Copper when I noticed a huge hard mass in her neck area.  In that moment I knew she had cancer but I pushed it aside.  At that time she was eating and acting fine.  I got through Nick's graduation ceremony and over memorial day weekend (before his party) I was getting more concerned.  By Memorial Day weekend Copper was barely eating and had lost weight.  I had my dear friend and vet come over and as she felt Copper's neck I could see the alarm on her face.  She took samples from Copper and the day after Nick's party we had a confirmed diagnosis of cancer.  I knew it in my heart but it was still hard to hear.  Through the week my vet, Jami, helped me navigate decisions that I needed to make but kept putting off.  By Friday, May 31, I knew she was suffering.  She was refusing treats, losing her hair and was as skinny as I've ever seen her.  With tears in our eyes me, Mike and Jay took Copper to Jami's office where we helped Copper cross over rainbow bridge.  

Originally Copper was Jay's dog.  However, Mike soon became her favorite person in the house (big surprise).  We got Copper 12 years ago, after I started working from home.  She was the one who showed us what a wonderful breed the vizsla is.  She had a sweet, patience and calm temperament and was the runt of her litter.  Her and Cole were sidekicks and now that she's gone I know Cole misses her.  As for Walker he will miss chewing on her ears (another example of her patient and calm demeanor) until they looked like a wet dish rag.  Ha.  

This isn't a great picture of Copper but this is her laying under my desk one day before she passed.  She didn't come to my office often.  When she did she loved laying on the cool floor (especially in the summer).  She woud sprawl out and groan and lay peacefully until I had to exit my office.  In true vizsla fashion she always wanted to be with her people.  She was the best dog and will be missed.