We had a very nice weekend. My older daughters and I went on our youth Spring Retreat. We left on Friday afternoon and got home late yesterday afternoon. Our youth has 2 retreats a year, one in the fall and one in the spring. The first date was cancelled because we had snow! So, this past weekend we were able to go! When we first got there it was cloudy and kinda rainy, but the rest of the weekend was gorgeous! It was in a gorgeous location with mountains around, a beautiful creek that was high from all the rain we have had, and gorgeous cliffs on one side of the camp. Just a perfect place to see and admire God's beautiful handiwork with all that He has made!

I had an opportunity to do that all by myself on Saturday while sitting on a rock on the side of the cliff. It was a wonderful time of worship to God...a precious memory that I will keep with me in my thoughts. Now to tell you why I was sitting there all by myself...it is because I am a big chicken when it comes to high climbs and dark caves! A group of us decided to go on a hike in the afternoon when we had free time. The hike was called the goat hike...and I love to hike, so I knew this was for me!!! The hike started out as just a normal hike..kinda curvy and a little rocky, but pretty easy and fun...we were getting higher because we were walking along a path that was pretty close to the edge, so I could see how high we were getting. Then we came to a very steep rocky part of the trail and since we have had so much rain lately, it was a waterfall. The rock were slick looking and the climb looked a slight bit intimidating...but I ventured on...because I love to hike!

I made it to the top, but not without some fear and struggle. I was grabbing tree roots to make it up and finding the right foothold was not always easy, but I finally made it. Then I realized...I have to go down the waterfall to get back from the hike. Yikes!

We continued on and kept climbing a short distance to a place where we could look out and see how high we were. It was beautiful! There was also a ladder on the side of the steep cliff that we were to climb up. Once up there, there was a cave and another ladder that goes into a dark cave...or something like that. I looked up at the ladder, looked down at how high we were...and decided I would stay at the foot of the ladder and wait on everyone. That was a good choice! There was a huge rock there, so I planted myself and watched as everyone else climbed up. So before long everyone else was up and they hiked on into the cave area...before long I could not hear anyone anymore. I was all alone on a side of a cliff sitting on a rock.

So, what should one do in that situation? You guessed it-Sing! I did sing. I sang and prayed for about an hour...it was a sweet time with the Lord. I would get a little anxious about the climb down and I would pray some more. Thankfully, Holly came down to visit with me...she did not want to go in the dark hole(as I call it) and she had looked around all she wanted to...or she felt sorry for me being all by myself...one or the other...anyway, whatever the reason , I was so glad she came down. We had an opportunity to talk and I always love talking with her. Holly is a very special young woman who has so much wisdom...she is a great example for my older girls! She is in a *courtship* relationship and has handled it so beautifully...it truly is a testimony to the youth on how to have a godly relationship. Holly also works with the youth and has such a great heart for ministry! She has become a very dear friend! Thank you Holly for your heart for the Lord--it is a wonderful example to me and others!!!

Well,finally everyone came down the ladder and we started down the hike. Thankfully, Jesse (the nicest, most rugged, outdooorsy, big, most polite, godly guy I know!) was there and he told me he would go before me and help me with where to put my feet and what to hold on to and what NOT to hold on to! I could not have made it down without his help--that is for sure! About halfway down, I told him...well, this is not so bad...my fears were gone and I actually enjoyed the rest of the hike! It was a great time!

The rest of the weekend was great,too! I prayed that God would open the hearts of the youth there to see the urgency they need for Christ and for being strong enough in their faith to contend for the faith! It was a wonderful time of worship, fellowship, and great fun! But, most of all, I pray that these young people would leave there loving God more!


So, now to my Monday's Menus:

Monday--Poppy Seed Chicken, steamed rice, steamed fresh veggies
Tuesday--Broiled Salmon,spinach salad,baked potatoes with toppings
Wednesday--Pei Wei or Jason's Deli
Thursday--Pork tenderloin, green beans(I use slivered almonds instead of pine nuts), roasted new potatoes
Friday-- Maybe steaks(filets)or chicken on the grill, green garden salad, organic garlic bread
Saturday--I'm thinking this might be a good pizza night!

It is beautiful here today! Almost 80 degrees, sunny and clear skies! I just got in from a run and it is just about perfect! Enjoy your day!