A Weekend in the Rocky Mountains

Hey y’all! (I almost said ladies instead of y’all, but I’ve been up north all weekend and just needed to get back to my roots. Grin.) I feel like it’s been a while since we’ve talked, so I thought I’d pop in, say hello and share a little bit about my weekend, if that’s okay with you. Grin. Last week was busy to say the least, leading up to a very fast and furious trip to Colorado this past weekend. There are pros and cons to extended family living thousands of miles from you. While my brothers and I didn’t grow up with any of my grandparents or cousins within a short distance of us, the beauty is that we get to visit Colorado fairly often. (When I say our entire extended family lives in Colorado, I mean every last one of them. Both my mom and dad’s side.) Of course, we don’t get to go as often as we used to when we were younger (thanks to getting older and becoming responsible adults), but if I am “forced” to visit anywhere, Colorado isn’t too shabby. Especially when the weather is a bit unusual in July leaving us with 60-degree temps in the evenings, with highs reaching only the mid-seventies during the day. It was glorious.

And now I sound like a weatherman. Laughing.

The reason for this particular weekend trip was to celebrate my grandparent’s 60th wedding anniversary! Can we all just have a moment of silence? 60 years! That deserves more than a few exclamation marks! I think we can all agree that 60 years is a rare reality for most couples. Of course, my grandpa being the hopeless romantic that he is (do you sense my snarkiness?), after I asked him what the secret to being married for 60 years to the same woman was, said, “Well, for starters, from the beginning I let her be the boss.” This was especially rich coming from him because my grandma might be the least bossy person I know, but there you have it. True love. He’s a funny man.

We ended up cramming in so much throughout the weekend that I’m pretty sure I came home needing a vacation, but we had the most fun, hilarious time. Maybe one of my favorite visits.

Besides sitting on my grandparent’s back porch for breakfast each morning (I’m drooling thinking about it right now), I’ll share a few highlights from, what I have labeled as, the fastest Colorado trip ever.

Estes Park:

We flew in really late Thursday night due to a delay, but that didn’t keep us from hitting the ground running Friday morning to make it up to Estes Park for the day. I’m convinced not one inch of Colorado is ugly, but there’s something majestic about being surrounded by the mountains on every side of you. Estes Park lends itself to that kind of view. We ended up on the lake this go around after renting a paddle boat and pontoon boat and it was so much fun! I literally laughed the entire time. Who knew that paddle boating was such a workout? Of course, the minute we got on the lake it started raining, but I’m not sure it would have been as fun had it not have rained. Afternoon rain showers in the mountains are nearly unavoidable. But there went my straight hair!

Our view while paddle boating. Rough, right? Also, the rest of our family is on that pontoon boat. Who in the family is smarter? Laughing.

After that we walked around downtown Estes for a bit before driving home. It was such a fun day!

The Celebration:

When my Grandma and Grandpa celebrated their 50th anniversary, we threw a big party for them! It was like a second reception. However, neither of them are really keen on parties, so for this anniversary, we just had a small family “linner”. You know, Grandpa can’t eat too late lest it mess up his stomach. We are rarely ALL together as an extended family, so this was a treat. We had a private room at a neat steakhouse there in town and we all left stuffed to the brim. I’ve said this at least a thousand times, but I’m truly so blessed to have been able to witness their marriage up until now. Far from perfect or easy, but they’ve been so faithful to each other. They have loved so well, the best they humanly can.

Lovebirds for 60 years!

Thing One and Thing Two:

If you’re familiar with Dr. Seuss, then you might get that reference, but if not, I am betting right now you are terribly confused. Allow me to explain: We (the grandchildren) had some funny shirts made that numbered our birth order. (Thing 1, Thing 2, Thing 3, etc.) These “Things” in the Dr. Seuss book, The Cat in the Hat, are apparently the cause of much mischief. We figured this was appropriate since we’ve brought much mischief to their life as grandchildren. This also helps them keep us in order. It may be incredibly cheesy, but we got a good laugh out of it, as did Grandma and Grandpa. Take a look for yourself:

You would think with as many pictures as we took we’d have a least ONE where we’re all smiling and our eyes are open. Nope. Not one. It’s so unfortunate. This is the best I could do. But you get the point.

Also, you might find it humorous that while we desperately wanted a picture with Grandpa and Grandma, Grandpa was actually sacked out in his chair while we were being photographed. But it’s his party and he can sleep if he wants to!

Cousins!

My brothers. 🙂

Fort Fun:

Because what else do you do in Fort Collins? Grin. Saturday evening after all of our celebration festivities, the cousins loaded up for a bit of fun at Fort Fun. It threw me back to 8th grade when my friends and I used to frequent Mountasia. It’s just a fun little place where you can ride go-karts, play laser tag, putt putt golf along with all the arcade games in the world. We ended up just playing putt putt in which we confirmed that I am the world’s worst putt putt golfer. It’s a sad reality, really. That, or I just need some more putt putt practice. We also rode a giant slide that also brought out the inner ten-year old in me. Fun times.

I mean, y’all. My sweet cousin may have been terrified. I just laughed the entire way down. Also, right before we took off she grabbed my hand. I obliged!

The static!

By the end she was laughing. And this picture pretty much sums up my trip. Fast, furious, blurry and hilarious!

Fort fun ended our weekend adventure, because sadly, yesterday afternoon I hopped on plane with my big brother and we headed back to Houston where we were greeted by the lovely Houston humidity the minute I stepped on the jetway. Lovely.
I’m so thankful for a small weekend getaway and all it meant. I will treasure this weekend forever!

Anything exciting happen on your end? You know, like putt putt golf?

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47 Responses to “A Weekend in the Rocky Mountains”

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Comments:

  1. 1
    amy says:

    We are going to estes park next week! Its our favorite getaway. Perhaps because it’s where my husband and I honeymooned. Had no idea we’d be living this close later in our ministry.

  2. 2
    Becky says:

    Lindsee,
    I had no idea your family was here in Colorado!! We live here in Fort Collins and go to Estes Park and the mountains often. We love Colorado for the beauty of the mountains. What a very special celebration of your grandparents 60th Anniversary!! 🙂 And what a beautiful legacy for your family! Thank you for sharing about your special weekend!! 🙂

  3. 3
    K. Husband says:

    Hi,
    I’m a fairly new Siesta and loving the scripture memory challenge! Because of that, I recieve the LP Blog through RSS feed. When I read the blogs, though, I’m not really sure who is writing, is it Beth, her daughter, a gal named Lindsee??? Is there anyway to include a little pic and bio at the top of the blog post so we can have some context? Just a suggestion from a “newbie”. (When I clicked on the pictures on the right side of the blog where it said, “Contributors”–there was no further information either.” Thanks and God bless your ministry!

    • 3.1
      Lindsee says:

      Hi there! Yes, currently the contributors to the blog are myself and Beth. Through the RSS feed it doesn’t show who the author is for that particular post, but if you click on the post that takes you to the blog, then author’s name is right below the title of the post. I hope that helps! Blessings!

  4. 4
    Tahnycooks says:

    There is nothing better than being able to spend time with family!

  5. 5

    I love the Rocky Mountain Park/Estes area! Would love to go back again someday!

  6. 6
    Desiree says:

    Congratulations to your grandparents! In this world being married 60 years is becoming a rare thing! All of mine stayed together until they left this earth-can’t imagine that any of them would have left each other. Up in the Dallas area, we celebrated the end of a great week of VBS with our soon-to-be second grader. She learned a lot and had fun at the same time.

    Have a good week back in the Texas heat and humidity!

  7. 7
    Kim B. in Az says:

    Your weekend sounds like fun. My weekend was gloriously quiet. This summer has been vary busy and will be again starting Friday so to have a weekend that had nothing on the scheduled was wonderful. That said I am ready for things to ramp up a bit. My son is coming home for a week on Friday, my middle daughter is coming home in two weeks(the day her brother leaves.), my parents are coming to visit the day before my son leave, then my mother in law is coming shortly, as in a couple of days, after my parents leave. Well really she is coming here to live. Not at my house but about 5 min from my house and she will be staying with us until her house is ready. I just keep thinking revolving door. I am both excited to see my son and daughter and sad cause my oldest daughter is away on a year long missions trip(yes, this is a good thing) and all 4 kids won’t be together for at least a year, and my son will be here such a short time. In the midst of all this my youngest starts school. We home school but have her taking some classes at the local community college and on line. Good thing we are going camping this week cause I am tired just thinking about it all. Sorry for all the chattiness. Have a blessed week.

  8. 8

    Wonderful post, it is always so much fun to get with the cousins, siblings,(my grandparents are with Jesus now), and instantly you just go back to being ten years old. You laugh and everyone talks at once saying “remember when”. I am so glad all ya’ll had a wonderful time, Blessings Gloria

    • 8.1
      Lindsee says:

      Yes, Gloria! We laugh so hard at the “remember when” times. Especially when we bust out the photo albums. Grin.

  9. 9
    Kelly S says:

    Lindsee,
    Congratulations to your grandparents! What a special event to celebrate!!
    So funny, our family was actually on a “Great Adventure” the last two weeks and we ended it in Colorado. We visited Estes, Rocky Mtn Natl Park, and the did a little white water rafting before heading home. (we drove over 5500 miles!!) That is such a beautiful area! What a fun place to be able to visit often.

    Thank you for sharing!!

  10. 10
    Ashlie McDonald says:

    I am actually in Danli, Honduras for a mission trip! It’s been amazing to see the work God is doing through us and to us. I could write pages of awesome stories but I won’t. Today is our seventh day here and we leave tomorrow. I have been feeling under the weather so I thought I would ask for some prayer requests. Will you pray that I would feel better? Also that God would do something amazing through us during our last full day here. Thanks so much siestas!!!!

    Ashlie McDonald, SLC, UT

    • 10.1
      Lindsee says:

      I am praying for you right now, Ashlie! Praying that God would strengthen your weary body and that you would get to see miraculous signs and wonders in Jesus name before you leave. Many blessings on you, Sister! Keep it up!

      • Ashlie McDonald says:

        Thanks so much sister. I’m feeling quite a bit better! So awesome we can pray for each other when we really don’t know each other! You’re the best! Xo

  11. 11
    Sandy Bowers says:

    Well not as much adventure (well maybe a little) in my weekend, but fun just the same. My 16 year old daughter and I flew to Atlanta so she could attend a Master Class at the Lisa Kelly Voice Academy. I visited with friends while Kaylea sang her heart out with one of the best in the business. Atlanta (actually Peachtree City) was very beautiful and welcoming and not too hot, although I understand the temps back home in Ohio were in the 70s while we were gone. (Thankfully this week is more of the same temps — heavenly!) We spent four days there and flew home yesterday. Got off the plane, got our bags and started to walk to the parking lot, when I remembered that I had slipped the rental car key onto my key ring so I wouldn’t lose it….and promptly left the keys in the rental car…..in Atlanta. So we were at the Dayton Airport, 2.5 hours away from home with a car…..but no keys. Fortunately, my daughter’s boyfriend and my son drove 2.5 hours to bring me my other keys. Then I had to drive home. Suffice it to say it was a VERY LONG day. Don’t know if I’ll ever get my keys back — fortunately I had taken the spare car keys that didn’t have any other keys on the ring. It was a downer way to end an otherwise wonderful weekend. But, a good night’s sleep has put things in perspective.

  12. 12
    Stacey Jaramillo says:

    Hi Lindsee!

    You were in my neck of the woods. I’m near Boulder, Colorado. I adore my state of Colorado. So glad that you had so much fun while you were here, even while visiting Fort Collins, LOL! Colorado is a great place to have family to visit.

    Speaking of Estes Park, we love to go up there on the weekends in the fall, the big Elk come down and take over the town and make loud bugle noises. Fun. God is good!

    • 12.1
      Lindsee says:

      Stacey, my dad’s side of the family lives in Boulder, so we were there the morning we left to have breakfast with them. We’re always kind of all over the place, but we love it!

  13. 13
    Patti Reavis says:

    Sounds like a great time with your family. I love Colorado and have fond memories of the time I spent there.
    Congratulations to your grandparents. What a nice family!
    Patti

  14. 14
    Sandy says:

    I love the family pics! We, our friends & neighbors actually got evacuated on Sat due to all the fires here in Glendale (OR). We are safe, as are our pony, goat, border collie, kitty, ducks, geese and chickens. It was so many little miracles that we were graced with-friends coming by to help load critters (ducks move fast once they’re on to you!), my Mother and Father in law visiting for the day, and my husband being home for the weekend (his new job across the state started two weeks ago and we -myself and two boys 9 & 5, are almost ready to move too) and he had the truck- it is not a pretty thought thinking about hauling a horse trailer with a Honda crv! :). We have makeshift homes for our critters and are staying with family. No structures have been lost and no one hurt, so we are extra blessed. We were able to take some special items and papers, and hopefully will be able to go home within a week for the rest, but the fire is still only 2% contained. When it comes down to it though, it is just stuff. God is so good and we just take one blessed day at a time. Thank you for letting me share and I pray His peace with all of you. Hugs, Sandy

    • 14.1
      Lindsee says:

      Praying right now that God would spare your home and everything else. I’m so sorry you guys had to evacuate, but am so thankful y’all are safe and in good company!

  15. 15
    Saundra-Katy says:

    Thing 1 Thing 2…..hilarious !!!!

  16. 16
    Amanda says:

    Hi Lindsee – Our family just moved to Fort Collins this month & are enjoying getting to know the town and getting settled in. One of our first activities here was Fort Fun & it became an instant family favorite. Our oldest declared he was going to be a go cart racer after a few laps around the track. 🙂 Thanks for the fun post!

  17. 17

    My husband and I celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, we are halfway to our 60th!

    I would definitely visit relatives that lived in Colorado, although my husband and I did vacation there in early June and loved it.

  18. 18
    Ashley says:

    Hi Lindsee! First, congrats to your grandparents, 60 years…may we all be so blessed. The most exciting thing that happened to me was on Friday finding out that I got accepted to the Bible college of my choice! I am super excited, in case you couldn’t tell *grin* I got to hang out with a sweet family who are great friends of mine. Their son (who is 5) is having open heart surgery in 2 days so we took some time to fellowship and pray together. All in all it was a great weekend, although sadly no putt putt golf…

  19. 19
    Melany says:

    I love Colorado! Thanks for sharing the pics! Also, how great that y’all celebrated your grandparents 60th! I pray for you that you will find a Godly man to celebrate that milestone with someday!

  20. 20
    Texas in the Mountains says:

    Colorado is beautiful! Moved to Fort Collins one year ago! Fort Fun is the BEST!!! I love their laser tag and go-carts! 🙂
    It is an inspiration to hear about your grandparents celebrating 60 years!!! If those pics were taken at their house, and their house is behind Safeway, then I am neighbors with your grandparents! Wouldn’t that be funny!
    Hey all you Fort Collins siestas, we should meet up for coffee!!

  21. 21
    Hope says:

    That was a lovely and FUN story. Thanks for sharing it with us. It is so special to have grandparents who are wonderful examples of a strong marriage.

  22. 22

    A hearty congrats to your grandparents! How awesome and yes, worthy of many exclamation points (especially since my wife and I have only made it to 12 so far)! I had to laugh when you did the Thing 1&2 thing, as my nieces dressed up as Thing 1 and 2, and they actually look kind of like the Dr Seuss versions. 🙂
    May your grandparents love bring encouragement and commitment to many!
    Thanks,
    Jason

  23. 23
    Stephanie says:

    I hope you came by to see us at the Drive-in Theatre in Fort Collins 🙂 We love having your Aunt Monica and her family with us. Did you know Jim grills our hamburgers for us when we’re in a pinch for a grill chef? He’s going to be filling in on Labor Day. It’s almost as humid here as it is in Houston 🙂 Glad you enjoyed your family.

    • 23.1
      Lindsee says:

      Stephanie, that is so fun! We didn’t get to see them this time around, but so fun that you know them. Small world!

  24. 24
    Lynn says:

    My weekend was spent trying to medicate one of my cats. You’d think squirting a small amount of liquid antibiotic into a cat’s mouth would be so simple. Not! To paraphrase the old nursery rhyme, “she fought and she fit and she scratched and she bit.” By Sunday, every time she saw me she ran under the bed. It’s going to be a long 10 days.

  25. 25
    joyce bailey says:

    I live on the western slope of CO and love it. Moved here from Indiana (speaking of humidity) upon marriage in ’73 to Colo Spgs (hubby military); then to Grand Jct. in ’80. My son/family looking for place to vacation within CO w/their 3 kids. I am now going to suggest Estes Park. We celebrate 40 yrs in December. God is faithful! Congrats to your grandparents on 60. So glad you got a family reunion. Love the t-shirts. –joyce

  26. 26
    Stephanie Volkmer says:

    Hey Lindsee!
    This past weekend I had a party for young adults that I went to, it was supposed to last until 9, but I didn’t get home till almost 11. It was so much fun! And then on Sunday, I actually stayed in my pajamas all day and watched Mythbusters. (one of my fave shows) all in all, it was a good weekend!
    So proud of your grandparents! That is so awesome 60 years! 🙂 have an amazing day!

  27. 27
    glenwood says:

    We had our family reunion last weekend. I saw some family memebers I had not seen recently and others I had seen just a few days before. It was good to see everyone together.
    Remember a local church group. They are leaving on an 11 day mission trip at 3AM Sunday morning.

  28. 28
    Gale McDonnell - Plains, TX says:

    Great Story – 60 years….WOW!!! My husband and I are quickly approaching 42 years and looking forward to many more.

    Actually…..we played miniature golf this weekend also! We had a day with the grands (7 and 5) and we did Austin Park and did it right. Who knew a little 5 year old boy could hit the ball so hard with that club. We chased several balls and even fished one out of the water. lol They rode the bumper cars on the race track probably four times. They would get off from one ride and get directly back in line to ride again and again. It was super fun and they keep us young.

    Thanks for sharing your whirlwind trip and look forward to catching up with you again soon.

  29. 29
    bethany says:

    What a wonderful weekend! I will one day visit Colorado 🙂
    This past weekend I didn’t do anything but go antique shopping with my neighbor in a nearby little cowboy town. It was fun!
    But I am looking forward to a weekend coming in two weeks when my prayer partner/new friend and I are going to San Luis Obispo (otherwise known as SLO to us here) for a weekend getaway. I CANNOT WAIT!!!! Beaches and cooler weather I anxiously anticipate and await!

  30. 30
    Mel Ann Sullivan says:

    Mel Ann Sullivan – Millry, AL If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm and eat well, but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it? So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself. – James 2:15-17 NIV

  31. 31
    Linda says:

    So glad you were in The Fort this week. That’s where I live too! However, my family and I were serving orphans and widows in Africa for the past two weeks and we just got home last night. I’m so sorry we missed you. Fort Fun was a good host, it looks like and I’m glad you had fun in Estes too. It’s our favorite little getaway. My hubs and I like to go up there and play golf and shop. There is the BEST quilt/gift shop there whose owner, Sherrie, gives all her profit to missions. She’s the BEST! I just love the atmosphere in there…the whole staff loves Jesus and makes it known loud and clear. Each day, they have prayer time right in the middle of the store. One time, the UPS guy walked in and they just kept praying, including him in as well. LOVE it! It’s called Cottage Bliss for anyone who visits Estes…check it out. There are a ton of great gifts. You will be thrilled you stopped in.

  32. 32
    Sparki2003 says:

    Their 60th Wedding Anniversary -WOW ! ! !

    My parents made it until their 47th wedding anniversary; but that was only because my dear Dad found out that he had “end stage” Leukemia in July 2007; and the rotten cancer took him to his Heavenly Home on March 24, 2008; and their next anniversary would have come in mid-July, 2008. So, did my parents ever disagree and/or argue ? Oh, goodness, YES ! BUT, their love for one another was deeper, thanks to each of their individual faith walks with our sweet and merciful Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus ! ! !

    BUT, the funniest thing happened when my Dad helped me drive the “new to me” used little 1997 Saturn car back to Houston (Yes, Texas !), after one of my short, but sweet , summer vacations to my hometown in southern Wisconsin in late July, 2001. My Dad got to meet some of my friends, one of whom had served in the Korean War during the same time frame as he did; just in different parts of Korea. He and my “2nd Dad-figure”, Larry, had only talked on the phone before meeting face to face, so it was exciting for me to watch ! 🙂 However, my Dad was “scared to death” watching me drive once we did get down to Houston….. And, he thought that he and Mom had taught me how to drive many years before then ! (Just a quick FYI for non-big city Siestas: If you don’t “learn how to drive like a Houstonian”, you will get into major accidents- LOL !)

    Anyhow, he had a good time, regardless – LOL ! HOWEVER, although he had told me all kinds of ways that my Mom “drove him crazy” on the 2.5 day trip from WI to Houston; after 2-3 more days, he told me that he missed Mom so much that he literally ended up cancelling his airplane flight home, in order to leave earlier (via the Greyhound Bus, mind you !), so he could get back home to my dear Mom sooner ! I just smiled and cried with him. 🙂 Oh, what joy filled my heart to “witness” such “true love” ! Praise You, Jesus !

    By the way, dear Lindsee, and Siesta’s, going on vacations to Estes Park, Colorado (and taking day hikes in Rocky Mtn. National Park) via camping trailers with my 3 older sisters (then bringing some friends during other 2 week vacations – on different summer trips) are, and always will be, some of my ALL-TIME favorite memories with my/our dear parents !
    And, what-ever you do, Y’all, treasure memories with your parents/families, when-ever it is possible ! You see, very un-expectedly, my dear Mom (as much of a “strong-willed adult” – fighter as she was); lost her struggle with lung disease and double pneumonia this past March; exactly 5 years and 4 days after my dear Dad, mind you . . . BUT, glory to God, the 2 of them are both laying their “crowns” at the feet of Jesus, are walking on the “streets of Gold”, and are exploring His Heavenly Kingdom now !

    In Christ’s Love,

    Jennifer O.
    Southern Wisconsin

    [Mind you, I did get to spend 8.5 years enjoying living in Houston between 1995 and 2004 !] 🙂

  33. 33
    katiegfromtennessee says:

    Lindsee, your pictures were so much fun:) 60 years married is incredible to me, that’s like a little over half a century!…Here lately, I haven’t been able to get out of the house much over the past month because my whole household, myself included, had a respiratory virus; and I didn’t want to spread it to friends or family or church family. Thank the Lord for livestream sermons on the internet! I was soo ready to be back in church in person when we were all finally healthy enough to go back to church. Also, I’ve been so excited over my sister in Dallas area having her second child, a boy, Ambrose James! SO CUTE!:)

  34. 34
    Sandy says:

    Hi Lindsee,
    I came into the archives to post on the Bible study wrap up, and the words Estes Park caught me! We were there last Thursday night. Our church here in Oklahoma is partnered with a 2 year old church plant in Loveland. At the end of our mission trip, we take the youth to Estes Park. You did such a beautiful job of sharing about the park and about your grandparents marriage. Thank you so much!

  35. 35
    Peggy says:

    Oh my. My favorite place on earth is Estes Park! I live just over the border in Wyoming and get to Estes at least once a year. And don’t you just love the smell of the mountain air? Hmmmm. Maybe I will go again next week 🙂

  36. 36
    Pam says:

    Hey Lindsee!
    I just read your entire blog post beginning to end. I saved it for my Friday lunchtime treat!

    July 22-26 was VBS week here. I had the opportunity of serving as a preschool-age table leader this year after a longer than expected absence of many years for mental health reasons. The children were wonderfully loving, accepting and exuberant. My challenges came more from my interactions with other servants than from the children. We had some issues pop up that triggered my area of weakness to become apparent (at least to me). Last weekend I was emotionally, physically and spiritually drained after an intense week of ministry among the children and alongside my spiritual siblings.

    I am refreshing myself in the Word today and catching up with the LPM blog posts.

    This weekend I have fun plans: Saturday night family outing to see our 19-yr-old son with his Air Force ROTC detachment raise the Twins Territory flag before the Minnesota Twins vs. Houston Astros baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis. Sunday night dinner at the Spaghetti Factory followed by taking our 15-yr-old daughter to see “Pride & Prejudice” at the Guthrie Theater.

    The weather is perfect in both Minneapolis and Sioux Falls, so I’m excited for a great weekend in the Midwest for all of us Siestas!

  37. 37
    Jenna says:

    Thanks so much for sharing that sweet story! I LOVE family and reliving childhood memories. I was particularly drawn to this post because you mentioned Colorado. I grew up in Colorado Springs. We moved there shortly after I was born and then moved away when I was 10. I am 26 now and the desire to go back still hasn’t left me. I pray incessantly that God calls me to live there…or at least gives me an opportunity to visit! Haha! Colorado is where i met Jesus and fell in love with Him as a young child. I love that place, but mostly it’s my heart that I left there. Sadly, when we moved I suddenly faced the many hardships that come in life. For one, my entire world was ripped from me … I was told we were moving and then two weeks later we were in East Tennessee and I was starting at a new school in the middle of the year. Secondly, for the first time I faced terrible bullying from the kids at school, and lastly I found out a loved one had cancer and I watched her struggle and eventually die by the time I was 13. At that point I’d say my little girl heart was pretty shattered.
    But…
    So many years later. Hard years. Years filled with even more struggle, sin, and more or life’s twist and turns, Jesus has held on oh so tight to my wounded heart. He has shown me that He never left my side. Not even when I stood by that hospital bed next to my dearest most loving grandmother as I watcher her breathe some of her last breaths. He was there. Through every hardship, through every struggle He was there. When I finally had my eyes open to this realization my life was forever changed and healing began. I was around 24 years old. One of my life verses is Isaiah 43:2- “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” And also all of Isaiah chapter 54.
    I see my life in segments, the years of blessing (Colorado years), the years of hardships (about age 10-19..I also moved several times during these years I felt much like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness ), and the years of healing and reconciliation to God (19-25). Where am I now you ask? Oddly enough I am back in East Tennessee nearing my 27th birthday and for the first time experiencing some of the life giving tastes of freedom that restoration through Christ brings. When I was 24 I did the Breaking Free study. That was the beginning of the end of the wilderness years. My life has been changed forever.
    Back to your blog post… Recently, I have been searching though my memories for the goodness of God and have been thinking of myself as the little Colorado girl just so purely in love with Jesus. When I lead worship at church I ask God to help me lead from that place. Pure love. Childlike belief. Through it all He has made me stronger. Through it all I have clung to Him and He has clung to me. Through it all I have learned that He is good. He is always good.
    I hope to go back one day. And to walk the steps of ‘little Jenna, Colorado girl.” And to remember God’s faithfulness and healing and ultimately restoration of the ancient ruins. I still have a lot of life ahead of me, but now I’m ready to tell my story and shine His love into the brokenness of people’s lives. He has made me a vessel to be used for His glory. I’m excited to see what He does next. I’m just gonna keep singing to Jesus wherever He leads.
    Thank for taking a moment to read. 🙂 Love, Jenna

  38. 38
    Kim, Redlands, CA says:

    Ephesians 4:29 NIV

    Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

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