The MASSIVE UPDATE

Okay, so I've been really bad about keeping this updated, and now you're getting the Reader's Digest version of my life update!

The fall foliage in Colorado is surprisingly stunning this year. I'm not sure why the fall is actually beautiful to me for the first time in a long time, but perhaps I'm not minding it so much because it hasn't gotten really cold yet. I can't stand the cold...or the snow for that matter. Thankfully, it'll still be in the 80's this weekend...but I know that won't last long. I was really struck by the awesomeness of the beautiful purples, reds, and yellows bursting forth from the tree in the Dolph's front yard. It's just breath-taking. This pic doesn't do it justice by any means! Just take my word for it...or come over and see!

Also, I got to go see David Crowder & Third Day!! The concert was SO MUCH fun with my mom, my lil' sis Manda, and Karin. We rocked out to some amazing music, and I just felt totally connect to the Lord again. I'm so very impressed at how music can touch us so deeply...when nothing else seems to re-connect us with Him. It's so very cool when you can sing to God at the top of your lungs, "You are my joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Nothing else seems to matter than pushing out every ounce of breath in my lungs to sing to God.

"And He set me on fire. I am burning alive. With His breath in my lungs, I am coming undone. And He set me on fire. I am burning alive. With His breath in my lungs, I am coming undone. And I cannot hold it in, remain composed. Love's taken over me, so I purpose the Letting Myself Go. I am letting myself go. You are my joy, you are my joy, you are my joy, you are my JOY!!!!"

And now for a brief intermission in this long blog entry...sit back, watch, and ENJOY!


Now, if you really want to enjoy some Crowder...how about this beautiful worship classic...


Okay, back to the update...
I got to go to a new Mexican Super Mercado (Super Market for you non-Spanish speakers) with my mom and sis. It was so much fun! I enjoyed the trip thoroughly...and it even inspired us to try cooking some good ol' authentic food. I was reminded of the terrible Salvadorian soup Sarah and I ate during the Spanish Safari (which made us sick for 4 days) because of the "fresh cat fish" available in the meat section. I really appreciated the whole aisle dedicated to Cup O Noodles...it was enormous. I tried making bunuellos (stuffed hot pockets with cheese and/or beans). I have to admit, they were pretty good! Everyone ate them up! I'm sure Grandma would have some constructive criticism, but regardless...it was fun to hang out and cook with my mom and sister. We also tried our hand at making yucca (a root). In Bolivia, we'd eat this very regularly...it's kinda like french fries, but BETTER! I still haven't mastered getting them just like Boliv, but I'll keep trying. We got to have an awesome fajita dinner with all the yummy sides to enjoy! Maybe some day I'll be as good as my Grandma! ;-)

Other cool news of note: my mom got her second nomination for Employee of the Month for August! Good job mama. We got to see her picture mounted up on the wall at work, and we were all so proud!

Two more things, and we'll wrap this update on life up...check out how absolutely cute my friend Mikey is riding with my mom at the store. I mean, if this doesn't just melt your heart, I don't know what would! He's so cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We found the finishing touches on his Halloween costume. If you couldn't guess already, he's going to be Leonardo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (of course!). We found his swords for the costume. They had to have "cases" to slide into or else they wouldn't do...talk about accessorizing!!


And finally...because I love sunsets so much, I thought I'd include a cool one from this week just to say...I love You Lord. And I lift my heart...to worship You. Sometimes the beauty of Your creation takes my breath away. Sometimes I don't understand the reasons behind Your will...or Your glory for that matter...but You still let me participate in this idea of LOVE. Lord Jesus, You redeem me. You save me. You want me to worship Your Father...You help me remain close to Your Father. Your Spirit fills my emptiness, and I feel restored again. Thank You God for Your love. Amen.