lacing up the saucony hurricanes

And so I embark on yet another grand adventure. This one is a relay race- 50k- with my friend Stephen Ferguson. He will run half, and I will run half...(16.5 miles) It is exactly 2 months from today. Today I put in a nice 40 min run on hilly trails. It was pretty mucky out because of yesterday's rain, so my pace was slowed a bit because of that. I felt great and had plenty of energy left when I got back. I had a nice salmon sandwich on wheat bread for lunch. It hit the spot!!

Also- I am almost done writing Romans! I am on the last chapter, which I will (Lord Willing) finish today. I am planning on doing 1,2&3 John next. What an amazing blessing this has turned out to be!!

Also- Shaun has been here for the past month-ish, which has been awesome! We've never spent this much time together, and it has been really great. We've gotten a lot of stuff done around the ranch, and he has gotten to know my wonderful Grandparents (mom's side) quite well, as he stays with them at night. He is an encouragement to me, and although I beat him in the card game speed ALL the time, I still like him quite a bit ;-) hehe

Oh, and speaking of wonderful grandparents, my other wonderful grandparents (dad's folks) have been having a rough week, and I would really value your prayers for them. My grandma is only 39, how cool is that!! ;-)

AND!! My sister is coming home for the weekend!!! YEAH!!! I hope that us crazy sisters (one of whom is airborne) can go night skiing this Sat. with Lee and Shaun! (and anyone else who wants to tag along)

I left the Rock

Dear God, its been a while since we've had a little talk
Cause Lord, I've stumbled on my walk
Father, I'm sorry, I left the Rock
Doubt began to fill my mind, my flesh reached out for sand
I thought to know the sand might make the rock mean more
But now I'm face down of the floor
Father, help me, Ive never needed you more

I looked for the sand, but found it not
I began to confuse it for the Rock
At first the sand was deep and the rock has no resemblance
So I struggled through for a little while
Then washed by a wave, turned hard as tile

It felt great! Another wave, another day, a farther mile...
I lost the Rock

Under my feet were such different things,
They must have lost their feeling.
What is the sand, what is the Rock,
I found by searching I know them not!

So Savior, hear this pitiful cry
Have mercy on this hypocritical child
And please give me what I deserve not,
And place me back upon the Rock.

I'm being a lame blogger!

I need to blog more- end of story. I have thought about it many times BUT it is not the thought that counts in a case such as this. So I will quickly update y'all on my life. I moved to Elk Creek, California (10 miles from it rather) in November. I live on a 1500 acre ranch called the Grindstone Partners Ranch. It is in a beautiful area southwest of Red Bluff. It backs up to the Mendocino National Forest, and is bordered on one side by the Grindstone River, and another side by Watson Creek. I live in a double wide shaded by two big oak trees, with big windows that look west towards the mountains. I care for the ranch, and a herd of 130 shorthorns. Every day I feed them 2,000 lbs of hay that I haul on the back of an old army jeep. My two dogs, Calamity Jane, and Dolly Parton tag along...so basically I take redneck to a whole new glorious level. I have connected with the community there in Elk Creek through the little Bible Church there in town. They decided to give me a Sunday school class, and I thought "well neat, I can be used of the Lord for me of these kids", and so I said yes...and then they gave me 5th grade through 12th!! WOW!! So I do need prayer. I love those kids. The oldest is 11th, the youngest is 5th grade (who I had the pleasure of leading to the Lord last summer!! cool deal there!) Pray for open hearts for the Gospel...pray that I may be a vessel for God's glory. In all honesty, I feel pretty inadequate... We are going through Genesis. A lot of these kids have never even heard the stories there- like the story of creation, and Adam and Eve...and it is fun to witness the first hearing of those stories. I hope these kids take the truth. I pray for them, and I hope you will too! My latest adventure is that I am going to write (as in copy down) the Bible!! My grandpa Person inspired me to do this...amazing man! I started in Romans. It's amazing how much I pick up when I not only read it, but write it. So anyhow, pardon the poor writing, I hope that I can update this more often, and write better things and such. Uh...that's all folks!! Good day.

Gazing On the Lord in Glory


I had a life altering experience with God recently.

For me, the Lord deals with sin in my life 1 thing at a time. He reveals the fact that I am voluntarily being bound by a sin, and then gives me a way out. He teaches me what’s right, what’s wrong, and how much He loves me…and see’s me as He would see His own Son. That’s amazing enough in itself. That alone is enough to make me want to serve Him whole heartedly. But this last time God had to deal with some sin in my life, it shook me to the core. I realized that God is a jealous God, and He wants me…ALL of me. What am I doing giving my life to sinful lusts and desires of my wicked heart? How did I get so far from Him? How did I let sin creep back in and get a foothold? When did God become less important than sin? Shameful.

He took me to the cross. He TOOK ME to the cross. He didn’t just show me the cross, He took me there, and it broke me. I kneeled on the floor, my hands over my head, and shook and sobbed in anguish of soul. For the first time I realized that not only did He take it for me…He took it FROM me. I could see…almost feel the sting on my back and the awful dirty wounds on my head, and my feet, and my hands. I felt so dirty, so awful and sinful and gross. I repulsed myself, and I deserved it. That wasn’t what brought on the anguish of soul…it was when I saw Him place his hands over mine and when He removed them, my skin was left unmarred, and the wounds were transferred to Him. I could see the pain reflect in His eyes, in His furrowed brow. His back…the dirt and the sweat and the blood that covered the seeping cuts and bruises…the thorns on my brow…did I really puff myself up that much? To wear a crown? It went on His head, and dug into his skin….Over this I was in anguish of soul. My heart broke within me, and the tears fell like rivers. MY SIN WAS PLACED ON HIM. He took it from me because He loves me. And because of that sacrifice I no longer have to be bound by sin…yet I fall into it time and again…and He still forgives me. The look in His eye was love. I don’t fully know what love is, but He is love, and I want to know Him more. He said I am forgiven, my sins are paid for…and just as He said to the woman they were going to stone- “Go, and sin no more.” He does not hold my sin against me. But He wants me to be fully and completely devoted to Him in mind, soul, and spirit. And the sin? It repulses me. It makes me sick to my stomach to think that I would value that sin more than the sacrifice on the cross. God’s grace is bigger. It covers me. I have repented, and I am forgiven. Seen blameless in the sight of God.

The next morning, after I gathered with my brothers and sisters to break bread together, and remember the Lord in his death I went away rejoicing like I never have before. It was a day I will never forget. God is big! He is good. And He loves me. I wish I could put into words the feeling in my heart, but it goes much deeper than that. Have you experienced the grace of God?

"I have been crucified with Christ. Now it is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me. The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me, and gave Himself up for me" Gal 2:20

This hymn was called out that morning.

1. Gazing on the Lord in glory, While our hearts in worship bow,There we read the wondrous story Of the cross—its shame and woe.
2. Every mark of dark dishonor Heaped upon the thorn-crowned brow. All the depths of Thy heart's sorrow Told in answ'ring glory now.
3. On that cross, alone, forsaken, Where no pity'ng eye was found;Now, to God's right hand exalted, With Thy praise the heavens resound.
4. Did Thy God e'en then forsake Thee, Hide His face from Thy deep need?In Thy face once marred and smitten, All His glory now we read.
5. Gazing on it we adore Thee, Blessed, precious, holy Lord;Thou the Lamb, alone art worthy— This be earth's and heaven's accord.
6. Rise our hearts, and bless the Father, Ceaseless song e'en here begun,Endless praise and adoration To the Father and the Son.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16

Climb every mountain

One of the things I want to do before I die is climb a mountain barefoot. I think Brokeoff will be the one...the trail is pretty smooth the whole way. (well, untill the last 1/2 mile or so) I did not climb it barefoot this time, but I did climb it in my pumpkin pants. They are traditional mountain climbing wear. I once climbed Lassen in a blizzard while wearing them. They've been special to me ever since.

I climbed it with a wonderful group of believers. This group of lovely people have a been a huge encouragement to me in the past, and have pushed me to walk even closer with God. I thank God for these people, and the strategic placing of them in my life. Climbing a mountain with them was a BLAST!! I thought I would write a bit about each of the people that I've been close to for long enough to feel a bond as with a brother or sister...

First there is Sandy, she is awesome, and we've been close as sisters since 7th grade. We've been through thick and thin, and all I can say is that Sandy is pure gold. She has gone through a lot, and come out with a smile, and a heart totally dedicated to Christ, not to mention a brilliant sense of humor, and a "trudge" that beats all trudges. :-)

Then there is Jesse, and although he can not recite the first verse in Genesis properly, he has a wonderful knowledge and grasp on the Word. He doesnt just read it, he lives it. He is someone willing to sit with you and discuss the Word untill 3 in the morning on the step of Baskin Robins. And he is one willing to go to China and serve our brothers and sisters there, even when the world does not welcome him. Plus now he has a beautiful girlfriend (Mallori) who I dont really know all that well, but from what I do know, they will push eachother even closer to God. That is awesome.

Then there is Billy. I havnt known him as long as the others, but he is a huge encouragment to me, and especially our little Sat. night Bible study. His desire to know Christ, and follow what He wants, and walk in His ways is contagious. Billy is a quiet leader with a heart in God's hands. What a blessing. (Plus his little brother Colton just gave his life to Christ...YAY!!! PARTY!!!)

And of course there is Stephen. Stephen is my blood brother, fellow cross country runner, fellow "hey lets go do something stupid in the name of fun" guy, and all around cool...maybe a little strange, but hey, so am I. Stephen is not afraid. The world doesnt have its grip on him, and he desires to do the will of the Lord, regardless of the way it looks. His bucket list is rediculously cool. Stephen is the guy I can go on long hot runs with, and talk about theology the whole way. Then I pray for him as he shoots around the world spreading the Word.

The rest that came, that I didnt mention, are those who I dont really know yet, but am exited to have them in my life and find out what they are like, and how we can pick eachother up, and put eachother at the feet of Christ.

So anyways, we went and climbed Brokeoff, and it was such a beatiful day! A bit cold and windy on top, but that is what huddles are for. We huddled up and praised the Lord together. That does an awesome work on my soul. I ran most all of the way down, and was actually slightly sore. What a nice feeling!!

If you are in the area, please let me take you up this mountain. It is something you will love!

Hey hey good lookin, whatcha got cookin?

Howdy y'all! Here's whats been cookin' in Lolo's kitchin as of late.

The other day I was noticing some nice jalapenos just hangin' on the bushes turnin' red, and I thought to myself; (please read with southern drawl) "Why, Self, ya oughta make yerself some dang good jalapeno poppers."

So I picked a bunch, washed 'em, de-seedified 'em, cut 'em long ways, and set 'em aside. Then I took some cream cheese, some grated cheese, and some freshed pressed garlic, and smooshed it all up together. Then I set that aside too. Then I got me some bacon right outta the fridgerator, and I cut em all in half (not long ways, the other way), and then I set them aside. Then I grabbed a tooth pick, and started chewin on it. Then I grabbed some more and set them aside too. Everything was just setting there...aside. So I took a half o jalapeno, and put some of that good cheese mix in it. Then I wrapped it all up in a half piece of bacon, and stuck a tooth pick through it all to hold it all together. I did that to all of em. Then I put 'em on a cookie sheet, and put that in the oven for a while. Them there were GOOD! But I was thinkin' that maybe next time I oughtta put a little cayanne pepper into the cheesie mix to spice it up a little. (you can stop with the southern drawl now)

So after that cooking experiment, I was feeling like I should probably work on making healthy food items that dont have 5 million calories per serving. So I started getting into some more healthy recipes. The weather cooled down really nice for me, so I made a couple batches of whole wheat bread. YUM! I like to substitute the sugars for things like honey, rice syrup, or even a little bit of splenda. I use way more whole wheat, and way less white, and I usually throw in a little extra oatmeal, and sometimes raisens for breakfast bread.

I also made some whole wheat tortillas! They were super easy, and super yummy, and super healthier than the ones you buy. All it was was 2c. whole wheat flour, 1t baking powder, some salt- mix that all up, then add 2T. Olive oil, and mix it in really well, then add warm water untill it forms a ball. Then knead it about 12 or 15 times, let it sit about 15 min, then break it into 10 or 12 balls, roll them into circles, and stick them in the skillet untill they are barely cooked. Then I put them in a ziplock bag, and then in the fridge. They are really good, and you just pull them out, brown them, and load them up as a wrap, or a quesadilla, or taco, or whatever! I have to say, though, that if you want to be a pro tortilla maker, you have to watch "Texas Ranch House" and pay close attention to the cook. He's a pro, and my tortilla makin' inspiration. Plus he makes really good chili.

I also experimented with some whole wheat chocolate oatmeal cookies, and the turned out pretty good! They are great hiking buddies. If you want any of these recipies, I will try to write them out for you. (I dont much use them, but I could at least give you the general idea of things)

Mmmmm, I also made a delicious apple pie, that was in no way, shape, or form healthy. (other than the apples of course)

I'm 20 now

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an all-knowing God” -Corrie ten Boom

I am 20 now. At our family dinner celebrating that fact, I was asked a couple of questions, one of which was, “What have you learned this year?” How do you sum that one up? It is amazing where God has taken me in this past year. It has been a good year, full of growth, and wonderful love of my creator. He brought me even nearer to Himself, and I stand humbled today that He would want me. But He does want me, and love me, because my sins have been washed white, and I am not the person I was. I am a new creation. He sees me as a new creation, even when I fail time and time again.

I learned this year to trust. I learned that trust means surrender, and to trust I must surrender all I am, have been, will be, my rights, my life, my family, my friends, my desires, and my heart to God. God is trustworthy, and able to care perfectly for that- I am not. It is amazing the transformation of soul that has taken place. By complete surrender of me, I came to the place of complete satisfaction with Christ, and that is the place where I still am, and pray I’ll always be. Even when my heart feels like it is breaking because I miss someone so much, I look to God, and He and He alone can satisfy my longing heart. No man can do that. When I can’t figure out what I am doing with my life, and why so many curveballs are thrown, and why things happen the way they do, I look to God, and He and He alone, lifts me on Him shoulders and lets me know that I have no place struggling on a path- He is carrying me down that path. My job is to trust His footing. “Can you trust Me, Laurel, am I trustworthy? Have I ever failed you, or anyone?” Ah, that is so humbling. The lyrics to this song I wrote came from this time in my life-

I’m satisfied with Jesus Christ
What can have hold on me?
Can life or death or height or depth?
No! Satisfied I’ll be
One look at the cross
One taste of His love
Assures me this is true
I’m satisfied with Jesus Christ
He is my drink and food

I’m Satisfied with Jesus’ love
A love beyond this world
Not satisfied with any else
It’s His love I’ve preferred
One look at the cross
One taste of His love
Then nothing shall I need
I’m satisfied with Jesus Christ
I’m satisfied indeed!

It is the satisfaction that every human soul longs for, that by the grace of God I have found. The more I love God, the more, and the better I can serve others. I am beginning to see through the eyes of eternity, and it’s heavenly! So, that is a brief synopsis of where I am today, and the past year. God is beyond merciful to me. It is a great great love- one I hope to understand someday, but I don’t think I really ever will.