Interesting....is the end closer than we think? =)

Pope Benedict lands for historic U.S. visit

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24123048

Mammoth - January with LLU

The school is going again this weekend, but I hadn't posted any photos of last months trip. Here I am with Sasha and Jossy trying not to get trampled by the wooley mammoth. =)



So it's me, Sasha, Jossy, and Mike (?) all smiles before going down the "blue". It was freaking scary! There is a difference between diamonds and squares. LOL






Some salsa lessons at night! =) BTW, lessons are free! ;)






It's hard to see, but there was some "hot-tubing" going on too! =)

Ice Skating =)

Liz and Meesh invited me to Ice Town 2 Saturday's ago. It was fun! It wasn't cold if you kept moving, but my feet were killing me. They apparently don't have skates for us wide-footed folk. Ha ha ha!


Larysa was my favorite target for our game of tag. =)

Current State of Life...

God is so good to give us family and friends who help us through the stinging life can dish out. While I know God is in control and that everything has a purpose, the human heart still bleeds red.

While romance can be beautiful and wonderful, it can also be ugly and be full of lies and hurt. My wonderful Lord has given me a niece and a nephew to occupy my time and my mind. They reveal to me the innocence my life used to once hold. I've gone hiking with friends at Indian Cove where the quietness and beauty of the desert gives me peace in the fast pace of my student life. I also have my patients, the kids, who need so much love to get better and out of the hospital. And I love making them laugh! I have parents who hug me and pray with me to reassure me the God has so many better things planned for me in my life.

I have friends...the roomies...especially Liza and Michelle who help me wrap my mind around God and his gifts rather than the ugliness of the human heart. Who build me up and tell me that I am funny, attractive, fun, and even desirable. That I need to be patient for God's match, not mine. Who spends an afternoon laughing, eating, and pillow fighting with me to keep my mind busy; and then take me ice skating and DVD watching with a cup of soy chai. I'll post photos and words as soon as I have time.

I have Mammoth again this weekend! I'm glad life is busy and not allowing me to dwell with my thoughts. I'm grateful for my real and genuine friends be cause they are also my family. I love you God!

Love your son,

Eric

Growth

Romans 5:3-6 KJV
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope; And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us all. For when we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly".

Speaking with a friend, I think it was Sarah and/or Michelle, God's forming my character through all this turmoil I'm going through. What's funny is I perceive it as turmoil but in all actuality in retrospect (although it's been less than a week) it was a minor inconvenience.

I was speaking with my sister the other night and she shared with me when she was talking with her husband, they notice the devil likes to operate that way. Throwing multiple things at you at once because it becomes increasingly harder to "be Christian" with many tribulations.

As I have mentioned before...God has never forsaken me or given me more than I can handle. Praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy.

Thank you friends who have been praying for me when I asked/texted you my request. I love you guys. God bless. Needless to say, I'm not posting my angry blog. It's over and it's in God's hands.

~Eric

I need advice...

I was hurt tonight and actually wrote a blog about it. It is angry, raw, and abrupt. I want my friends to email me, not post comments, and give me some positive perspective. I feel I was lied to and used. I'm trying to chalk it up to immaturity and the lack of emotional intelligence on her part, but my heart still aches with hurt, anger, and tears. Should I post it? Wait a couple days and edit it and then post it? Or just delete it?

I feel so misled, used, lied to, played with, etc... It sucks.

Lord please help me give you control

Proverbs 3: 5, 6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Psalms 37: 4, 5
"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

Father, I don't understand! But I know I don't have to because you will, as you always have, gotten me through life's quirks. Although, the trials and tribulations may sting a bit, I know you will get me through. Why is it so hard to give my up control? I no longer want to be held back by my human tendencies. It is my prayer that you send the Holy Spirit to lead my life. Please return soon my Lord!