Changing

The weather here has been interesting lately. It is cloudy and rainy all morning and into the afternoon, and then it clears up and its a beautiful evening. All the rain has made the ground just transform since we got here a month ago. The brownish grasses have turned green, trees are budding and little buttercup yellow flowers have popped up all over the place. It is becoming a lush forest right before my eyes, seemingly overnight!
The boys are blooming too. They seem bigger everyday, and Josiah is a downright pro when it comes to walking now--and it only took him a week to perfect it. Xander is a big snuggler and will try (and usually like) any food you give him. He's also working on walking. They can clap and give people five--although it usually ends up being 15 or 20 instead :) They both have been very social and love all the attention that the staff and retreat groups have given them. They will smile, laugh at, and play with anyone at all. They play with each other now too, tackling each other and rolling around as they scream with laughter. It is so much fun to be their mommy.
God is changing me too. He's teaching me to trust Him, and strengthening parts of my walk with Him that had gotten weak. He's given me great opportunities to talk with and build relationships with women at this latest retreat. AND, He's helping me to be a little less of a "city girl". A little.

Sometimes You Have To Ask

One of the fun little duties that I've been able to perform during the retreats here at the camp is getting to serve the food. Each server gets assigned to an item, and then as the plate is passed down the line, the server asks if the person would like their particular item. I had the rolls, and the answer was yes every time. Seriously, not one single "no". The girl next to me had peas. She was not so lucky.
After I had served the last person a roll, it hit me that not one person asked for an additional roll. They were pretty small and I would not have been surprised, nor would I have refused them had they asked, but no one did. God brought some verses to mind as I pondered this:
Matthew 7:7  Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and it will be opened to you...
James 4:2 You do not have because you do not ask God...
John 15:7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you...
Luke 18:1-5 The parable of the persistent widow which is given to show us that we should always pray and not give up...
Sometimes, to receive what you want or even need, you have to ASK for it. It may feel awkward, you may feel greedy or silly, or like a pest, but sometimes you have to ask. Sometimes you have to ask for guidance, sometimes you have to ask for provision or help, and sometimes, you have to ask for that "extra roll".
Now, it's not because God doesn't know our needs. He most assuredly knows. But He has reasons for instructing us to ask Him. Here are just a few. It keeps us humble. It keeps us focused on the Provider rather than the provisions. It teaches us to trust.
Interestingly enough, after God brought this to mind, I discovered that the staff study we will be doing this summer was along the same lines -- asking God and trusting Him to answer.
So, learn along with me, to place your wants, concerns, and needs in His care--ask Him for His help, and for His guidance. He tells us to!!

Hidden

The rain has finally mostly stopped. It's been raining for pretty much a full week. The puddles were getting HUGE. The ground here just soaks it up though, and the puddles seem to disappear once the rain stops for a few hours. It's nice to be able to see the mountains again. There were a few days when every mountain in the area, even the very close ones, were completely obscured from view. The fog/mist/clouds were so thick that you could not even see the outline of them. They were there, but hidden. Sometimes, the Christian walk can be like that. God is there, steadfast and immovable, just like the mountains. You know He is there, but sometimes He feels far away and distant. You can't see what He is doing, and it can be a very hard time. But then the Son comes out and clears the clouds away and you are transfixed by the majesty that He reveals.

Last night was a special night--Girls Night Out. It was my first time out of camp since being here, and my first time on the "Blondina" (The barge/boat that they use to bring the fuel truck in). It was a fun, if chilly, ride. We got to shop when we got into town. My group went to "Fred Meyer" which is like a big Walmart. Then we went to eat at a local Mexican restaurant. We also got to talk to a woman who raised her 4 month old at Echo Ranch when she was on staff here, so it was good to hear her thoughts. Josh also got to go into town yesterday and while he was there, he saw an eagle!

The boys are adjusting well, but seem to be getting a cold. In spite of that, they are their normal, smiley selves. We would love it if you prayed for them though. I know they are uncomfortable.
They have low grade fevers and runny noses, as well as a little cough. Pray also for Josh as he finds his place here at ERBC and for my adjustment as well.