Camping at the Falls'....

I think I've been unofficially become the camp-picture-posting-person

Ok, I admit it when I first looked at the Falls I said " that's it?". But actually when I got down there and wet my feet, climbed the rocks, and felt the wind blow, I soon changed my opinion. So now I present to you the pictures:

Well this isn't when we were camping, but at my grandma's house.

Our first day at the campsite, and all of us campers that got their early walked down to the river and some of us waded in. The water was cold and refreshing!

On our way up from the river and Becca, Laura, and I decided to sit on this old tree and try to look in deep theological thought. :)

Oh yes, did mention that Sophia came with us? Also on Saturday morning Nicole, Mia, and Dominic came down to spend the day.

On a walk down to the river, on Saturday morning.

The girls cooling off.

Dominic!

One the previous pictures above showed the girls cooling off, well, this is how the men cool off!

No, actually they just wanted to get in for fun. :)

That day was a lot of FUN!

Mia being a goof.

On the trip home mom just saw this butterfly on dads shoulder!

Hello Spring!

Wonderful things that can only happen in the spring

Tulips budding :: Daffodils opening :: Spring Campus Visit :: Carolina's birthday
Hopeful visits to dear friends :: Flowing, bright skirts :: Swimming :: Planting bulbs and hoping they grow Fresh berry pies :: Walking without sweaters :: Linen capris :: Ratatouille varieties Green covered neighborhoods :: Outdoor parties in the park :: Strappy sandals (which also present a reason for fun toe nail polish!) :: Dinner outside with candles and tablecloths
Fabulous craft projects :: Freshly painted windowsills :: geraniums
old movies (right, so they can happen all the year round, but they've been happening quite a bit around here lately :) :: Spring Conference mit Russell Moore

Anyone like football?

Annually, My dad hosts a football game to kick-off the new year. This is our fifth year to host this event. Besides a few nicks, bruises, sprains, thrown-out backs, and mud-splattered clothing, everyone usually remains unharmed by the end of the game. I don't usually like watching football but this game is the one I will watch. Not only do I get the chance to work on my photography skills, but it is also good for a laugh. My good friend, Cameron, created this video for us (by request), in honor of this year's game. Cameron is quite the expert on filmmaking and so, he was the perfect man for the job. Thank you, Cameron! We greatly appreciate it.

Enjoy the video!

In Christ,

Micaela

P.S. you will need to pause the music at the bottom of the page so as to get the full effect of the movie.

So we do not lose heart...

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

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This is the stuff my treasures are made of :)

2 Corinthians is one of my favorite books in the Bible; each passage is so encouraging and uplifting, somehow I end up feeling as if I could have the strength to go through most anything afterwards. This chapter (2 Corninthians 4) in particular, is one that I treasure because it truly brings purpose to each difficult situation in our lives. How can I be overwhelmed or weary when I read that I will not be crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, or destroyed? It is such a comfort to know and be reminded that "...we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh..."; this is what brings me purpose and hope, and I pray that I may always be reminded of this even in the midst of terrible (or small) afflictions and trials. I pray that whatever the circumstance, I would "never lose heart" because I am being inwardly renewed, day by day. Not because I pulled myself up by my bootstraps or found some great new self-help book. I want to be entirely dependent on the Lord, each day. Which also reminds me of another sweet passage, in Lamentations 3. What a beautiful reminder of His faithfulness in our lives.

I feel like there is so much more I could say about this chapter, it really is so rich in meaning and encouragement. But I think if I wrote any more, it might take away from the sweetness of this passage :)

I pray that whatever situation you are in, that you would be inspired to turn to the Word of God for your peace, comfort, and hope. Perhaps through this chapter or to a different one that may pertain more to your situation. And if you are content and happy where you are, if you're not really in a trial or afflicted, I pray that when you are you would cling to the comfort His word brings, and that you would be completely satisfied in Him.

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.

For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

A quick update on the invalid

1. Clarification: the surgeon only broke her upper jaw and so she is able to talk but no chewing allowed for the rest of the month.

2. The swelling has already hit its peak and is beginning to go down. Pictures of her while swollen are not available to the public at this time via her direct and stern orders.

3. Her main complaint has been congestion and blowing her nose is prohibited at this time.

4. Pain is completely gone but replaced with a sort of numbness which is much easier to manage... or so I'm told. I'm not sure how it is easier because it must be hard to do things, like put on chapstick, when you can't even feel your lips...

5. A strict liquid diet is what she is on right now but I fear she is getting bored of it. Too bad...

6. The above picture was taken two days after surgery and in no way depicts her situation at the moment. She is mostly back to her normal schedule now.

Thank you for tuning in and I hope this quick update answered any questions you might have had regarding Elena's recovery.

In Christ,

~Micaela

Thoughts from an Invalid

Well, as I'm writing this most everyone in the house is somewhere along the process of sleep. I don't think tonight will hold that much for me; I don't think there has been a time in my life that I am this congested. Ah well.

Also, as I am writing this post, a few thoughts keep marinating in my head and I think it's time some of them came out :)

First, I was reminded all day what wonderful blessings our God pours out. I made me think of how undeserving I am. And ,at the same time, so very thankful that He provides just the right encouragment, kind word, thoughtful expression, and love...just when we need it, and in my case, just when I thought I had it all.

I'm so grateful for each persons prayers and wonderful acts of love. It really is overwhelming.

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Dear Dr. Taylor,

Do you think we could make an exception to the "No Blowing Your Nose" rule? Because I really think that I would feel much better if I just grabbed a few tissue boxes and let it all out.

Thank you for doing such wonderful work on my mouth and for being so witty and funny.

Love,

Elena

Picture Credit