Home in Colorado...

Hello to all!!

So I'm starting this blog to try and keep family and friends up to date on Kevin and I's adventures in Denver :)

I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to be in this beautiful state. We have been really busy and taking advantage of living here. I really am so thankful that Kevin already knew someone here. His friend Michael works at Cimarex too and is from Tulsa as well...in fact they went to TU together. Anyhoo, he and his lovely wife Tiffaney introduced us to the apartment complex we are living in and to our new church and to all of our new friends :) So hows that for hospitality to a new state?!

Some may ask..how are you staying so busy Karen? You do not have a job, and no kids to take care of?! (Although I beg to differ, I have my furbabies!!) Well I have been keeping myself busy doing lots of fun things! Tiffaney has been so sweet to invite me to do things during the day; shopping with the girls, going to Boulder to shop on Pearl Street, swimming, etc. She has a super cute little boy that is 9 mo. old that I love to hold and love on :) But other than that, I have been getting things for the apartment, cleaning, meeting Kevin for lunch, sometimes working out, walking the dogs, reading...before I know it it's 5:00 and Kevin is home!!

Kevin and I went to our community group last night for church and ended up coming home and talking until midnight about God. This was one of my favorite moments in our marriage (we just celebrated our 1st year!). At church and in community groups we have been talking about the foundation of the church and the trinity. We've also been talking about God's plan for redemption and the great commission. So I was talking to Kevin last night about a point that he made stating that when we go to our place of employment every day we get caught up in the fact that work is what we need to accomplish, but really that's not the case. God did not tell us that his first command is to go out and get a job and be successful. He told us to, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surly I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:19-20)

Obviously people need to work to make an income, and people want to work to do the things they are good at and I know in your work place you can witness to others. These points are all true and valid. However, for me this really impacted me. I have been feeling less important, and not accomplished lately because I do not have a job. I have basically defined my self worth in having a job. I mean think about it, we go to school from age 4-18. Then you go to college until you are 22...or however long it takes :) So your whole life you are preparing yourself for your "career" which is supposed to be what defines you. WELL, I think that if God was in my living room today he would tell me that I am not defined by what earthly job I have. Instead, my 1st priority in life and what my "job" should be is to tell others about Him. To show love and compassion to others, and to walk with God daily. If you REALLY think about that, I hope it speaks to your heart. I want to make God my 1st priority and give him EVERY area of my life.

In other news, my beautiful friend Allison will be here this Saturday!!! Yippppeeee!! We plan on going to Estes Park and hitting up all the cute shops and towns that Colorado has to offer :) She is my granola/girly friend and I love hanging out with her because we love all of the same things :) SO thankful for her and how she is spending her own time/money to come visit me! It will be fabulous. When Allison leaves on the 5th, my other amazing friend Katie will be in town!! I cannot wait to spend time with her and to also show her around and go see the beautiful mountains :) Our new friends Megan and Micha invited us to go to Mt. Princeton that Friday and stay at a cabin until Saturday...So I'm hoping that Kevin, Katie, the dogs and I can make that happen! We would go hiking and swim in the natural hot springs! Can't wait!! Once Katie leaves, we then leave for ALASKA!! WOW. I cannot believe I am actually going to be going on an Alaskan cruise!! I am SOOOO pumped to see Jana (she dances on the cruise and got us a stellar deal) and be with my Mom and mother-in-law and Kevin, it will be a trip to cherish and remember for sure!! I am sooo nervous about leaving the dogs at a boarding facility for 8 nights and 9 days...but I need to just TRUST that other people know how to take care of my dogs besides me and that they will be safe and loved on. Anyhoo, WOW. What a long post. Hope I did not bore anyone and if so, get used to it! :)

Love to all!!

Karen