Fall trips: Fly-fishing, Family, and Fun

It's Fall and always my favorite time of the year. The anticipation of the holidays, cooler weather, cozier clothes, festive activities, and leaves changing just make me...giddy.  

Husband's birthday is in September, so Dan and Ashley helped me in surprising him with a full family fly-fishing trip upstate. He was definitely surprised and we had a wonderful time. 

This is what a van of city folk looks like when trying to escape to the country for two days. Of course, we did fit 4 adults and 3 kids in this ride - graciously loaned to us by some dear friends for the weekend.

The brothers got up super early to fish and I so enjoyed my time reading and praying over breakfast and looking out over this beautiful green pasture, while the children joyfully played outside in the dirt. 

Dreamy.

This was our view in the front. So picturesque and country, don't you think?

In addition to fly-fishing, we enjoyed some family hikes and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery. 

 And... living in an actual house is quite fun - even if for two days - thanks to Uncle Dan and Aunt Ashley!

All in all - a grand birthday trip for everyone!

True Beauty

As summer ended, we spent our annual two weeks in the beauty that is the Colorado mountains. There is a special beauty to behold there and not just in the creation of our Creator - though that is spectacular.  Truly mind-blowing.

There is also the beauty of solitude, silence, simple joys and pleasures, time with family, excitement of exploration and adventure.

The beauty of smiling faces and sheer joy of laughter in times of play.

The beauty of the most delicate. 

The beauty of the most complex. 

All beauty reflecting the True Beauty that is our Creator. 

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:1

So, I ask myself every year upon returning to this city that we call home: why do I struggle so in finding beauty in the place that I live? Where is the beauty in the brokenness that exists in my heart and in my city day to day? 

How can I allow the concrete to still lead my heart to turn back and give praise to its Creator? Is it a Spirit-led attitude adjustment that is needed? Possibly. Of course, it's easier to experience the beauty in the times of rest than in times of packed schedules and to-do's. But, I daily struggle to find the beauty here - in my life. That is my prayer these days. 

Lord, help me be thankful. Help my heart to turn back and sing praise. Empower me to embrace the concrete and the brokenness and the unfulfilled longings. Thank you for showing us True Beauty - that our hearts may seek after it all the days, in rest and in daily living. Amen.