August 10

Fast and Furious ~
That is how I would describe the month of August.
The Salida Youth Work week finally happened! With much planning, blessings, and hard work - the three days went GREAT!
Jim worked along side three other youth pastors from churches in the area, with a total of about 25 kids. They painted some rooms in the local pregnancy center, pulled weeds (lots of weeds) at different homes, and at a place called Farm to Table. This is an organization that grows food to send to local food banks in CO. They also cleaned and rearranged items in a local charity place similar to a Goodwill. The kids also built a fence, helped two famlies move, cut trails behind "S" mountain, as well as worshiped with some of the folks at the nursing home here in town.
WHEW!
Each night, Jim and the other leaders fed the kids supper, and had special events planned. One night was mini golf, one was swimming at the local hot springs pool, and the final night was a concert in the park by the Dutton Band. Friday afternoon, some counselors from a Christian camp about an hour away (a camp I grew up going to....) came in and helped the local kids with work, as well as enjoy the concert. Jim was very happy, the kids had a great time doing local help, and I think they all would love to do it again!

Our family enjoyed the company of the Olstad family for a few days prior to the work week. It is so soothing to the spirit to spend time with friends. We had a ball camping, hanging around town, and ATVing. Hated to see them leave.

Last Saturday our family took a LONG ATV ride with a group of fun people. It was a 56 mile ride. That's right - 56 miles. Some of the passes that we took were very challenging (at least for me). I am thankful for low gear, and patient friends.
There was an accident in our group - an ATV flipped over. Very scary...... We were thankful to the Lord for so much in the outcome of that situation. Everyone was fine - banged up and cut - but the helmets probably saved their lives. So - needless to say - I was taking things rather slow at times. Overall it was a beautiful (scenery and weather), and fun (company, and driving) way to spend the day!

Jim taught at church Sunday and did a great job speaking on Are You Saved. He spent a lot of time preparing and was really able to present a clear, Biblically based message. I was/am very proud of him. He has such a heart for HRCC.

I started my coaching job today. I am helping with the HS volleyball program here - I will get the JV team. Today started two a days that will continue into next week. However, our family already had plans for visitors this week, so I will be missing Thursday - Monday AM of practices. There was no way to avoid it - plus, I really want to spend time with the Walsh family who arrives Wed, and the LaCroix family (Jeremy) who will arrive Friday.
Jim will be looking for that second job starting next week. Please pray for him.

School will be starting soon. CAN THAT BE RIGHT???? It's still 80+ degrees ~ summer weather!
Fall must be on it's way though, as it's getting windy again in the afternoons.
The wind blows out one season and ushers in the next.

That's all for now. Thanks for checking in.