Why,hello there! {update and new look}

 Hey everyone!! I entering into my 4th week here in Colorado which is crazy to me.

It has been amazing the past weeks have been wounded warrior weeks here at the ranch, which has been heartbreaking,but when you see the kids get to be kids everyone relax,smile and begin to bond as a family, trust me the tears will start to fall and I am not normally a teary eyed person.

I would please ask for continued prayers as we are becoming under attack in our health.

Its funny how as soon as we begin to make an impact something happens generally a physical impairment (one week the cowboy who usually share his amazing testimony got sick with a sore throat and lost his voice.),but God is using all of it for His glory no matter how hard satan is trying to destroy it,God is coming out on top.

That being said there is the struggle, keep Wind River Ranch Staff and Guests in your prayers.

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So you may or may not of noticed the new blog design!  

I am super excited and thrilled with the new design the every so lovely and talented Marica  did.

 If you don't follow her already hop on over to her blog and follow cause she has a beautiful soul,beautiful pictures and all around amazing blog.

Random Facts about Marica:

I met her this past fall (she goes to church at the school I was at) before I followed her blog.

She is planning on going to Ellerslie like I did this past fall!!!:)

bonfire worship

Everyone likes to have the fire ignite within them of passion during a worship service and try to take that fire with them, but it fades away by the end of the day.

Do you ever wonder why?

  Worship in todays modern 'Christian church' is all about evoking feeling.

They want a bonfire worship service all about the feels. 

The emotion in the moment. (please note the italicized part)
They are about having a worship song that gets you worked up to be on fire for Jesus.
But after you leave church though that feeling fades.
Why? Because it was focused on the feeling not on Him.

 Not saying there is anything wrong with having a worship service that makes you feel emotional.
I love a good worship service, but its the motive.

 Is it to make you feel good and for you to feel like your on fire for God or is it to truly offer up praise to God?!

Love is a choice, not only just an emotion.
Not only is this true when it comes to you and your significant other, but also when it comes to God.
Only difference is obviously He is God and is always, true, right, never in the wrong and your spouse is a human who has a sin nature anywho, you get it.
(just wanted to clarify that)

 Lovingly worshiping God is not about sparks and fireworks and having good music.
Its being there at church with other believers to humbly coming to the throne of our God and Savior to worship because you love Him and more importantly He is God, deserving of all worship and praise.

The way I would define the word worship is- an outpouring of ones adoration, respect, and love for one viewed greater.
That's just my personal interpretation/what the word worship means to me. If I would define worship as a what it means to me it would be: to though unworthy come to Gods throne and humbly offer up praise to the one true God worthy of it all.

Here are 3 basic things churches do to try to have a bonfire worship service.

warning: I don't think all of these are wrong, but a. moderation and  b. what's the motive/ use caution.

1. Modernizing the music and having a heavy beat

2. repeating (seriously y'all repeating Jesus over and over again isn't a worship song)

3. Swaying, dancing, 'feeling' the music (mainly the charismatic churches.)

I personally don't want to the sparks and fireworks, I long only for Jesus, I desire to lift His name on high, I worship out of true adoration and love for who God is.

A Christians sole desire should be to offer up praise to the one who is worthy of all praise.

Here are 3 things I do for worship.

1. A heart washed clean and prepared to worship
You are entering the throne room of God to glorify His name. Only a high priest before Christ came could enter Christs presence after he was cleansed. 
Prepare your heart for worship.

2. One singular focus

 Alot of the time I shut my eyes. I get so very easily distracted by little kids or just people in front of me. I focus on the words of the song and their significance.

3. True intentions.
A lot times I noticed there are things people do,like lifting you hands during worship,most of the times I believe its out of a true heart of worship and other times its because they want to appear 'holy' or want attention. Its not my place to judge and its between them and the Lord.

Lifting of the hands is something I have done,but usually its right in front of me at mid rift.
Why!? Cause I don't want it to be done out of seeking attention or a distraction to others.


In summary.
You are in church because of Him. You are worshiping Him.
Worship Him.
Its not about you or how you feel its about glorifying God and loving God with all your heart,mind and strength.
Because He is worthy of all praise.

laughing without fear of the future

I had always planned on college,college was never not part of my great plan for life! When I was little a Doctor was the profession of choice. I remember a Christmas where I got a kids Dr. kit (the shot and stethoscope were my favorites.) and in my stocking was a little teddy bear in scrubs and by my guess he was a surgeon.My mom says I was so excited to start grade school when I was little. I begged to be able to join my siblings at the kitchen table with homework this resulted in me starting a year ahead of when I was supposed to. My sister right above me (Jessica) on the other hand didn't like school (we are opposite on 90% of things) and had absolutely no desire to do it. She was the homemaker,sewing selling clothes online by age 14,raised/bred and sold her goats. All of which she still does,but she has added to her load going to school for vet tech. As an example of how opposite we are we shall start with her gift of sewing in which my eldest sister did to,so at age 9 I did a little sewing class my eldest sister did on making a skirt. I did not enjoy that class at all. Sewing was tedious and I just couldn't get it right.  

        I always say 'stress' was in the word 'seamstress' for a reason!

My parents wanted me to find someway to make money from home vs. going out and getting a job in a secular workplace. I was somewhat of a creative just not in the sewing field. I would rather be running around barefoot outside with my brothers. Thank goodness I discovered photography (to read about that click here) I graduated Highschool slightly early though not at 16 as I had hoped. I changed career options multiple times in my senior year, a month before my graduation I decided on Pedatric Oncology Nurse. Thats what my grad invites said.;) 1 month after graduation I didn't even know if I would go to college. I threw the idea of a BA in communications around for a few yrs in highschool and after. Mainly just so I had a degree that had many career options that I could combine photography,to get family members off my back.

But here I am 20 years old and not going to college,not dating, no real plan. Something you need to know about me is I am a visionary and a planner. I usually have a plan of some sort for my life and I am always envisioning paths to take. I see myself a stay at home mother in a quaint little happy home, I see myself successfully running a buisness with a little office all my own, I envision me all by myself living overseas doing missions work being an intercessor like Katie Davis or some other amazing women like Amy charmicheal,Gladys Aylward, Mary Slessor.... The point is I am a dreamer/visionary usually cooking up some scheme that I plan and write out all in a notebook,but never doing for some reason or other.

So why am I not going to college? Why am I not planning for the future? What if you never get married and have to support youself or you get married and your husband dies?
Those questions swirl in my head like no other. I love the part in Proverbs 31 where it says,"She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future."

Why does she laugh without fear? Because she knows she is being looked out for by someone knows the future and knows where she will be and what she will go through in the future. This person is God,who is faithful, loving, merciful and just. Don't read that thinking you don't have to do anything God will provide everything,I mean God will provide the means to the provisions.

God hasn't led me to college yet. So I haven't gone. He lead me to Ellerslie and opened that door,so I went through the door. He has given me oppurtunities to gain experience on my photography. But no matter how much I try to make a go of starting my photography plan. While He sends me to Ellerslie for a time or move me to a new state its hard to fight the truth that a photography business isn't happening at this moment. God doesn't have it in this chapter. When God says no its hard to swallow,but knowing He has a plan greater is a peaceful feeling. Its as if Gods saying, wait on me for my plan for you because it will be greater then what your trying to accomplish on your own. Not saying God will give me away to do photography on a more professional level in the future,but that He has a plan greater then what I can envision for myself. Whether that is doing photography full time,part time or as a hobby. Its through Gods gift of photography that doors have been opened for me in other ways in which I am truly blessed. I am currently spending my summer in Colorado doing pretty much full time ministry through my skills in video and photography for an amazing Christ centered family ranch. I sometimes feel like we want our plan to be Gods plan so much that we try to trick ourselves into thinking that that's true. He always surprises,reminds,changes our plans and expectations when we surrender our all daily,allowing Him to create a great work in you/me.

                                    This just seems to be getting better and better right?!
No college degree and the door for a photography business isn't open,I'm working away from home for little money in ministry.
                               Don't you want to start supporting yourself and have a secure job?  
My answer, No. Not if that's not where God is leading and planted me. I want my life no matter how absurd,crazy and no matter how it appears to lack common sense,I want it to be walking and stepping where Jesus points. I want to walk through the doors He opens, I want my life to bring Him praise and to be His for His purposes. Delighting in what He delights. Cry and pray for what breaks His heart. When called to follow Jesus we weren't offered safe,normal, comfort. Actually we were offered the opposite. We were told we would be perscuted,doesn't clarify how or its extremities,but we are outcasts. We were told we would be tested. We are striving to be in total obedience to God the Father just as Jesus was.... You remember what happened to Jesus right?! The son of GOD!!! The most High. He was accused,mocked,spit upon,whipped,crucified annnnnnnd mocked during His death. Jesus has to be the most unappealing life to the human nature ever,but yet our souls yearn for that. I believe a good verse for that is Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray,lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing,but flesh is weak."   When we are Jesus' side we are against Satan and He will attack physically,spiritually,emotionally.

How does the proverbs 31 woman laugh at the future without fear. There isn't to my knowledge one easy quick step. Its honestly a matter of the heart,between you and the Lord. Here are some ways to help you out/point you in the right direction.

-Constantly surrendering to the Lord your wants,desires,plans,doubts and fears. Just when I think I have surrendered everything He brings up something that I didn't think of or wasn't even in my mind or something that I was leaving out because I didn't want to surrender it. This is probably the hardest thing. Also remembering to fear and doubt is a sin,since we are commanded to trust Him helps me to keep that in check.

-Putting complete faith and trust that He is in control and has a plan. Its even harder to not worry or stress if you aren't putting complete trust in Him.

-In all your ways acknowledge Him. (Prov.3:6) And He SHALL direct your paths.

Note: These are just ways I've noticed for myself that brought me to a place that I can laugh without fear of the future. I don't have it all figured out. I don't have it all down pat, when you lose sight of things your gonna fall and I have to remind myself/repeat the things below. Your relationship with Jesus is like a plant that you tend to and help grow. you don't buy a plant and expect it to grow if you ignore it.


       "I am not afraid of tomorrow, because I know God is already there."

goodbye spring

"If we had no winter then spring would not be so pleasant" -Annie.B

                        "It's the simple,sweet things of life which are the real ones after all."- Laura Ingalls Wilder

knocked,but its still closed

                                           At the beginning of this year, I was super excited about what God would do. I felt ready to do and go where ever. I was pumped,excited and eager.
I was seriously praying and hoping to go to Kenya,Africa then it turned into possibly India or Thailand for 1-3 months just to live there and to be there pouring out into others, but I felt God closing that door and saying stay.
I was disappointed. I never did like that word or ones like it.
 I thought this was my year to finally go on a missions trip overseas.
Most people I know go with their youth group while still in high school or their gap year.
I didn't understand why God would give me a heart/passion to reach out and travel if He would wanted me to stay.
I swallowed the fact of the matter that I was headed to life in Alabama this year and not booking a ticket for overseas.

As my family moved to Alabama I had that freaked out moment. What am I even doing with my life/what is going on here? That type of moment. I knew what I had to do, make this your home and keep moving forward as you walk in His way, He will light your path.

  I applied for some jobs, continued to contact a few photographers in hopes they would need a 2nd shooter, also a wedding planner and bakery got a note from me.;)

*deep breath* I was feeling good and was ready to let God work.
 If God wants me to stay I will stay and make the most of every moment.
But nothing happened.
Except maybe a rejection letter and a "I have a set 2nd shooter."

Enter Wind River Ranch. This is a christian ranch ministry in Colorado. That a friend posted about on facebook.
It would be so fun to work at this ranch and be involved with ministry and I will admit the thought of living by the mountains again excited me.
The fact I would be around horses again was a plus.

 I looked into work for the summer even though I heard they were done hiring. I can't even tell you why because I knew I was trying to settle in here at my new home.
I was job hunting in the photography field and on a roll,so I just through this non local job into the hat.

 I sent an email about the videographer/photographer position.

I heard back.

They did need one.

The original person a week before backed out.

For many reasons I decided to turn it down.
It went something like,
YES!! Wait,goodness what am I doing...no,no... 
God? *me imitating God* "No." Okay,yeah He said no.

God wanted me to stay I don't no why I even emailed and wasted their time.

A week goes by and never heard anything.

I thought,that confirmed it I wasn't meant to go, so I waited hoping to hear back from some other jobs I applied for.

 Guess what?

The Ranch member in charge of staff emailed me.

"Sorry, just now got your email for some reason"

He  gave me more info and went on to tell me some ways we could adjust some things to try and find away for me to come.

"Is God opening this door again?!" I thought.

I hesitated.
Confused because I had things mentally planned out here,because here is where God wanted me.
We all have been there when one moment we feel we have a direction and there is an unmapped road split!

I thought up all sorts of scenarios on why I shouldn't,

but it came down to making a choice.
One I was shying away from.

"God,you wanted me to stay here and this isn't the smartest thing to do.

 I need a new car I should stay save my money, build my business or go to college maybe like a smart person would do...etc..."

I was making excuses, I already felt in the pit of my stomach that God was pushing me towards the ranch and I felt like He had to shove a little since I seemed so paralyzed.

I had expectations on where and what I should be doing by the time I my age.

A dear friend from school was a voice of reason on this by reminding me of simply truths, asked me some good questions on it that I didn't even think of.

After talking with my parents here and there, then corresponding back and forth with the camp I emailed him. "Count me in!"

I took a deep breath, remembering God's got this and if this is where He wants me, He's got my back.

He is forever faithful, forever loving, forever caring.

 The biggest thing I was wrestling with was probably purpose and forgoing expectations.

He as a purpose for all He does.

Also whatever is meant for evil or to do us harm He turns out for the good., when we trust and follow Him. (Rom.8:28)

That's what I wanted every thing I do to have Gods hand in it for His glory.

God doesn't follow the worlds standards or expectations.

God has really been teaching my over the past several months on dependence.

Dependence on Him alone.

Not what the world offers or what they say you have to do.

God takes on crazy paths, they aren't always easy and look odd to others,  but if its where He wants you He Will Take Care of You!

The bible tells us repeatedly not to fear.

I love this sentence of simple truth,"If God is for us who can stand against us."

The world is telling us to follow our hearts, our dreams, no matter what people think, no matter how crazy it is.

But remember that's the world, a world who says its crazy to be a christian.
 As a Christian it should read something like;

"Follow God's calling, no matter how hard, no matter what people think, no matter how crazy, follow God.

  

This is the challenge and beauty of living a life different, a life set apart then a nonchristian.

We are called to speak life into others lives.

To shine for Christ.

Right now I am single, I have nothing to 'tie me down' so to speak and nothing to lose.

I am young and healthy.

If I was married and had a family I would have to consider them.

God gave me my life and I gave it back to Him.

I don't want to have a nice car, I don't want to have tons of savings, I don't want to be normal or cool

 to fit it, if that means I have to ignore what God wants me to do/be.

I have said it in past posts and I will say it again.

Not everything God wants us to do is a 'big' thing, its the little things, the life choices.

We see small and big ways to make a difference in the race,but God just sees the goal.

If its little things God wants you to do that pushes toward the goal, go do it.

As I am in Colorado doing a simple little thing such as videography and photography in full time ministry over the summer.
 I can be a testimony and example in the way I act and conduct myself.
I am young, able and I will continue to serve my Lord and Savior in anyway that He calls and provides.
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   If you actually read through my lengthy posts.
*high fives all around*

I would love to hear from you.

What has God been teaching you?

packing for a flight

         Packing can be plain hard.
Your trying to pack your life into a suitcase which will only hold so much.

                       Its made even harder when your going to be living somewhere longer then 2 months.

                  I've really started to learn what a challenge it is to pack when you will be flying somewhere and you have a lot to bring along.

                          I honestly try to only pack necessities and then I usually fly South West, which means if they are under 50lbs you have two free check bags and 2 free carry ons. 

When I went to Colorado for Ellerslie I didn't fully realize the whole checked bag thing and packed a 61.lb suitcase and paid the $75 both ways. Ugh!! *facepalm* I can't believe I did that, (thought it was only one free bag),but this trip to Colorado I knew what to do a little better then the last time.

I made a list for my

1st carry on

2nd carry on

1st checked bag

2nd checked bag.

I am a big planner, so I started this list as soon as there was a 90% chance I would go.

Which was 4 weeks before. AGH!! It was a very quick spur of the moment decision.

  //I categorized my list//

1st carry on

 Journal, planner (I wanted to plan out my work day to day) all of those in with my camera and laptop/electronic bag.

  2nd carry on

Bible,mug and teas,shoes and then all the heavier items.

1st checked bag

tops, bottoms,accessories
(accessories might be added later to the 2nd checked bag)

2nd checked bag

medication, toiletries, towels, and I decided just incase I threw my swimsuit in there what ever didn't fit in the first/weigh out the correct way.



Lists -  This is essential for me. I sometimes just give it a quick glance a before and after packing. I write it out so my mind isn't constantly thinking over the mental list I made, to make sure I don't forget anything,but usually as I begin to pack its all in my brain somewhere and comes to me as I pack.
Therefore lists are my must,so I don't stress,worried I will forget something.
Sticky notes(the paper ones) and word doc. are my favorite places to create a list!
(sticky notes are my categorized lists and to do lists that appear everywhere!)

I found this helpful little check list also from THIS blog if you need a little jump start!
(be sure to check it out for more helpful packing hints)

Fitting it all in- This is a challenge within itself because you have to fit it all in AND make sure its under 50lbs.
ROLL!!! Roll your clothes in tight rolls to ensure it will all fit.
Also make sure you leave room and a few extra lbs for souvenirs just in case.
Better to be safe then sorry by having to leave something or pay extra fees.


What is essential?- This is always changing by how long you will be somewhere,time,place etc....
The 2 basic questions I ask are;
How often will I use it?
 Daily? Weekly? Monthly?
Is it a must?
(example: Soap...that would be a must.)
I generally pack the musts and slowly add everything else in order of preference and need.

Separate your things into groups;

Musts
 (soap, deodorant,clothes etc...)  

Preferably
(journal,accessories, etc)
 
Comforts
(extra accessories, mug,tea and snacks,etc.. misc stuff usually)


Outfits-I am not a to fashionable person,but I am picky,so this is usually interesting venture.
When packing for long term or even short term try having 1 top that matches 3 skirts/pants helps to mix things up or you could switch that around. (3 shirts to 1 bottom)
2 nice tops and 1-2 nice bottoms to mix up for nice occasions (church,party etc....)
Accessories- I try to have 1-2 necklaces and then 1 nice scarf that goes with a lot of my clothes.
I only own 3 belts, so I generally just bring all.
I have a big black one, a knit, stretchy, off white one with brown double strap,then a simple braided brown belt. They all go with most of my outfits.
Depending on the season I will bring two of my slouchy/knit hats!


Comforts of home- I can be kind of a practical person,so this is very limited and never an issue most of the time for me. Generally headphones and music in my carry on, maybe a book and I am set.
For long term the first time I was away,I brought my violin, music and that was pretty much it.
This time I won't be bring my violin or any other instrument.
Possibly a mug and some tea,but that's about it.
 No pictures,extra living items (pillows,blankets,decor)
 I like to try to keep it simple and basic when I am flying.
It lessens the load and lessens that chance of you forgetting items.
 (unless you have a list in your purse of everything packed)

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 I covered my basics of packing for long term and short term when I fly.
Any extra questions or add ins are more then welcome by commenting below.

What are some helpful hacks you've learned by flying?

Do you have an upcoming adventures taken by plane this summer?

adventure is out there

        

                          Ah,life is a crazy whirl wind with adventures mixed in. I love it! You never know whats around the corner you can plan for the next road,but there may be something unexpected that changes everything.

I took a 12 hour road trip with two of my closest siblings (Jess and Aaron) for the weekend to visit friends and family in Ohio.

            It was a great time to just enjoy and treasure the relationships God has put in my life. 

About 3 weeks prior God put Colorado in my path way once again...this time for 5 months.

    Feeling excited and stressed (because 5 months is along time) about this new season,

           then my sister and I were involved in a car accident (so I have no car when I return.).

It just seemed like one thing after another was popping up,but yet God would remind me of His faithfulness.

                     Agh, I could cry just thinking about how caring and ever present our God is.

                                          Okay, enough on that detour,but one last thing;

                            A post on Colorado is coming up next week,so stay tuned for that.

                             Hint: photography,videography,and full time ministry is involved.

                                                                  -Road trip Favorites-

1. the scenery. If I could I would spanned out this 12 hour trip into 2 days to stop on the side of the road to take pic.

 F o g, s u n r i s e, f a r m l a n d, l o n g   s w i r l y  h i g h w a y! Be still my heart, I loved it all.

2. the people. I got to visit my long time friends and got to meet new ones (especially a certain smiley baby that made my heart smile),then of course seeing family again!!

                                          A few of my siblings   (Josh, Aaron, Jess, yours truly, Kyle)

                       Josh's wife took this photo, loved seeing them, my nephew and niece again.

3. Sugar. I tried to eat healthy over the weekend,but that didn't really happen. My favorites would include a stop at Menchies (iced mocha..yum..) and Mitchells Ice Cream - Coffee Double Chocolate Chunk! <3

4. the hike. My siblings,sister in law, the kids and my sisters boyfriend with his brother took a delightful hike through a ravine filled with water and BIG rocks, which was a little challenging with two kiddos,but so fun.

                                 5. the drive. Though long, I love a good road trip, you have moments of discussion,music, serious driving, then just silence to think and moments of enjoying the beauty of creation that is surrounding me.

                                          

                                                  Have you gone any road trips this summer?

                                                 Whats your favorite road trip you've taken?