2 weeks have come & gone...

it's been challenging to even find the time to get on here. i love the busyness of this ministry & social life i've got going on. the corn maze is over. clean up done. snow fallen. outdoor ed groups slowed down. we have been having some more 'down-time' but still always busy. it has been neat to learn from some of the full time staffers. the history of the ranch is beautiful to uncover & discuss. we are so grateful to be at the point along the time line in which we can enjoy the fruits of others' labor while being encouraged to devote passion & time in order to maintain & thrive-- all through the Lord's strength & for His glory. Tom Bissett described this period in our history as a 'tough year'. i have found much encouragement from such great saints in our legacy of faith which could not be shaken no matter the challenges. 'Where God guides, He provides.'
enjoyed a great time in lynchburg, va a few weekends back. such a beautiful area. such beautiful people all hanging out together. i love sports games in the fall/winter. i had the awesome surprise of a phone call all the way from china-land. olivia dolph rocks. i love being around great people that don't need anything more than good conversation, lots of laughing, & hugs. fun comes easy when you're laid back =)
recently enjoyed some yummy dinners at others homes. that's my favorite-- chill, comfy, community. also had a fun time taking marla & abby to see high school musical 3 with katie. bible study with the girls has been a refreshing addition to the week. mostly i hate that i always get sick this time of year, but also mostly the snow is worth it. just when the beautiful crunchy leaves are gone, snow takes up residence. yesss. i can't wait for a blizzard.
we've been working on a skit/drama for winter meltdown. we also performed it at grace bible church this past sunday. they had a special day for us & really made us feel their strong support & great appreciation. the body of Christ is so beautiful.
still loving time with the awesome people in these parts. eager to see the Lord's direction & design for the future. excited for going home tomorrow & bringing katie along!
hope y'all enjoy this season of thankfulness & giving.

oh an update...update yo...updatio...

so its been quite a while. surprise, here i am!
-corn maze craziness is over. it has by far been my very favorite part of RVR this time of year. the retreat schedule worked out that i was able to work every weekend of maizefest. the beauty of these hills this time of year is breath-taking, mind-blowing (kinda weird descriptors, eh). so many colors woven throughout the mountains & valleys visible across the crisp, clear autumn air. i love it.
-catered a reception for a Halloween reception. interesting. beautiful. funtastic.
-been so super blessed with awesome people in these parts. each family at the ranch is so neat. it has been so nice getting to know them, enjoy their generosity, & serve alongside of them. the Lord is showing me His grace through these families & other great people in the area. what a great encouragement. & of course it comforts my mama knowing they are there for her girl.
-this past week i enjoyed some exceptionally excellent adventures: girl time, outings, time with the families, working out... & our intern adventures! we had some day trips this past week--canoed the gunpowder (11ish miles), rock climbed at earthtreks, & hiked the appalachian trail (9ish miles). katie & i planned the meals/snacks which was an adventure in itself especially due to the current economics. everything came together & we all had such a great time together out & about.
-i worked the retreat this weekend. served meals=100+ happy men. they were pals. my workeds for the weekend done good. we had a couch burning bonfire one night thanks to zack.
-been appreciated the Lord's teaching & working in, around, & through me. very grateful for how evident it has been these days. been disgusted by the filth of my depraved human nature but immediately filled with joy & hope... throughout my reading & thoughts i keep hearing over & over "but Christ"... praise Him for radically directing & absorbing God's justice in His great love. it has been awesome to be surrounded (both literally & figuratively) by brothers & sisters who support, listen, encourage, challenge, rejoice, pray, serve, & love with me. the network the Lord has blessed me with comforts me in this time i know the Lord has brought me to. it's exciting to know He has placed me here in this moment, is with me in it, & is displaying His power--ultimately good for all. oh to have the confidence & assurance of David & Paul in God's control & perfect will. how grateful i am for His grace to meet me where i'm at, where He has brought me, that His power may rock this world.

i love you.