eat up, fill up!

"Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, 

'Get up and eat some more, 

or the journey ahead will be too much for you.' "

- 1 Kings 19:7

I was reading in first Kings the other night and that scripture really stood out to me.  

God wants us to get up and eat.  To eat that spiritual food that fills your soul.

Get up, fill up, and you'll be able to get through the journey that's ahead. 

That could mean reading your Bible, it could mean resting with God, or simply spending more time in prayer.  

I don't know.  It could be different for each person's needs.

But errbody needs to fill up!

If you feel like you're runnin' on empty, let the Spirit lead you, convict you, move you, and fill you.

Dad finished up his last radiation treatment this week (!!).  It for sure hasn't been the easiest journey but we got through.  He no longer has hair, still feels super sick some days, has foggy thinking, and his left leg/arm are still not functioning right.  They haven't done a CAT scan to see if the tumor has shrunk but I'm not sure dad wants to do it anyways.  Regardless of the results, the doctors said they would have nothing else to do (you can only radiate someone so much).  And dad says he, "Hates getting in that tube!"  So, for now he is taking some supplements that have been said to cure cancer and trying to recover from the radiation.

I hiked four 14,000 foot mountains in two weekends!  So crazy!  Two each Saturday.  

Talk about amaaaaaazing!

I love me muh Colorado mountains.

To see da peeksures, you can look on my photography blogdiggity:

CLICK HERE!

Speaking of Colorado, please, please, PLEAAASE keep those beautiful mountains and all the people being affected by the fires in your prayers.  

We desperately need rain and NO wind!

Also, can I just say...this song is truly amazing?!

It just hits my spot...

Here is my main man and I on Father's Day:

I AM

"Therefore, behold, I will allure her,

and bring her into the wilderness, 

and speak tenderly to her."

(Hosea 2:14)

And that's exactly what God did this weekend.

He pulled me away to the mountains and spoke words of love over me.  

I went up with some friends and their family.  We...

-camped

-hiked

-slept under the stars

-fished

-shot guns

-played games around the campfire

-laughed (I mostly snorted) 

-swam in the river

-skipped rocks

-sang country songs

-played some football

-and held a snake (I was shaking/freaking out the whole time...but I held it! haha)

As I sat on a warm rock, listening to the river play its melody, felt the sun on my face, and slowly reeled in my fishing line, everything seemed right in the world.  Have you ever had one of those moments?  You take a deep breath, soak it all in.  Savor the moment.  And thank God that he, "Leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul" (Psalm 23:3).

Not only so, but I had a few moments like that this weekend.  Resting on the top of a mountain, listening to the wind, feeling the sun warm my skin.  Cocooned in my sleeping bag, cool wind on my face, silence all around, and a sky filled with bright stars. 

The LORD of the universe, the great I AM, allures us.  He takes us by the hand, leads us to the place where our heart is content, and speaks words of peace and love over us.

What more could we ask for?

What more could we be thankful for?

We have a God that loves us.  A God that is living and active. I was reminded on Sunday that our God lives in the present.  Yahweh, the I AM.  He didn't say he is the "I WAS" or "I WILL BE."  He is the I AM.  The here and now.  Working through us, in us, around us at all times.

This song embodies that.  We sang it at church. So incredible.

I love that even in the midst of screwing up or in the middle of chaos, God is still working in our hearts.  Preparing us for what he has in the future.  Making us more like Him.  Couldn't be more thankful.

Dad's first week of brain radiation was a little discouraging.  We haven't seen improvement with his left arm or leg.  He has been very sick and tired all week.  He said it feels like he just had chemo.  We're praying this week, that will change!  

I truly can't thank all of you enough for all the prayers & encouragement.  It is one of the biggest blessings to be surrounded by you all.  I think you deserve an award ;)  So awesome!  But yeah, please continue to pray over dad: for his strength mentally, physically & spiritually. 

Did that just happen?

This weekend has been full of some crazy/unexpected happenings.  None of which were particularly good.  I found myself repeating the verse:


"Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." - Romans 5:3-5


Progressively, each day dad's left arm and leg were losing function.  On Thursday he went for an MRI of his brain and the next morning we got the news back.  They found that he has a tumor in his brain with a few other spots that they did not identify (but that were abnormal).  Along with that, they found that he has 3 bulging disks in his back.  Needless to say, this news hit everyone in the family like a ton of bricks.  The doctors said he needed to start treatment ASAP.  Today, he got his first full-brain radiation done.  Thankfully, the treatments are short and he only has 10 to do.  He'll be doing one treatment a day (not including the weekends).  The doctors said the ramifications of the treatment could vary but that he should play word games in order to keep his brain working.  Only time will tell how he will react to the radiation.  We are praying that he keeps full function of all parts of his brain, his arm and leg function return and the tumor will not only stop growing, but will go away completely! Thank you SO much for all your continued encouragement & prayers!


I was at a grad party the other night in the middle of a huge storm.  With whipping wind, rain, and crazy thunder and lighting, the party was literally getting blown away.  There was a few tents set up that were soon to be gone with the wind so I was helping to take them down.  I grabbed the final pole to tear it down when lightning struck near us.  The lightning went up the pole and shot up my arm.  All I could do was scream and think, "Did that really just happen!?!"  Yep.  I got struck by lighting.  My arm felt SO weird after that.  For about 15 min or so my arm was really tingly and numb feeling.  As the day progressed, my arm got more and more sore.  My shoulder felt pretty messed up for a few days but other than that, I was okay!  Praise GOD!  I'm so thankful it was not worse than that.  But I mean, seriously...who the heck gets struck by lightning!?  Oh yeah, I DO! haha I would love for that to never happen again.


And so, to top off one of the weirdest weekends of my life:
I was driving to the mountains one day and needed to turn right.  A cyclist was in road in front of me so I went around him then stopped my car so I could try to merge into the on-coming traffic.  Next thing I know, the cyclist came up to my passenger side window and pounded on it with his fist.  BANG BANG BANG!  He repeatedly slammed my window as I saw his lips moving in silent screams.  I sat there in shock trying to say, "What the heck did I do!?!" With my window closed I could not hear what he was yelling but it was evident that he was livid.  He then tried to open my car door and once again slammed my window.  At this point, the car behind me started honking their horn and so, like a kid running from a burning building, a sped down the street.  Thankfully, I got away from the psycho before he could get into my car or damage it.  Down the road, the guy that was behind me during this whole incident pulled up next to me.  He motioned for me to roll down my window.  I had no idea what to do, I thought for sure he was just going to yell at me and tell me I almost killed a guy on a bike.  However, he told me he saw the whole thing, I didn't do anything wrong, the guy was an a** hole, and that he told the guy off!  He told me not to worry about it nor let it ruin my day!  *sigh*  There are good people still in the world!  But, for real!?  I get attacked by a psycho cyclist!?  Apparently he did not like that I passed him in my car.  But thank JESUS my window was up and my door was locked!  I don't even want to think of what would have happened if either of those were open.  Praise God for His protection and for random people standing up for me!


So there ya have it.  That was my emotionally traumatizing weekend for you ;)

color-FULL

"The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. 

My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."

-Jesus (John 10:10)

Satan's purpose:

--steal.

--kill.

--destroy.

Jesus' purpose:

--rich + satisfying life.

So many times I feel like Satan tries to steal, kill, and destroy our happiness, our hope, and our freedom.

This week, I've been so thankful that God not only combats what Satan does, but he wants to give us a life that is RICH.  A life that is SATISFYING.  He wants us to have a life FULL of happiness, hope, and freedom.  

And on that note, I did the COLOR RUN yesterday!!  The run is said to be "The happiest 5K on earth" and let me tell you...it totally lives up to it's name!  I didn't sleep at all the night before - I was way too excited - it was like Christmas morning.  I ran with a bunch of friends from church.  The proceeds went to Children's Hospital.  While running, with each kilometer we passed, they threw colored corn starch at us.  Each kilometer was a different color and at the end, with colored packets in hand, everyone threw the color at each other! It was just an insane explosion of color and bliss!  I think I was laughing and yelling the entire way (maybe that explains my sore throat haha).  Man, I was just so thankful to be able to run and have some good ole fun!

As for Dad, he hasn't been feeling too horrible lately.  I think the biggest update is that his left arm and leg are not functioning like they should be.  The function in his left hand has become very minimal, making even the most simple tasks almost impossible to complete.  As you could imagine, it would be super frustrating to not be able to use your hand.  It has been really discouraging and frustrating for him.  We are really praying that full function will be restored to his leg, arm, hand, and whole body!  If you could pray that he doesn't feel like his hope and happiness is stolen, killed, or destroyed, that'd be great!  Also, let's pray a rich, satisfying life over him, filled with hope and joy! 

before the run : all clean! 

some of the runnin' friends 

10,000 people! 

finish line! 

These were used to help the painters at the house.  So awesome!

*sigh* someday...

Summer: tanning + reading + roof 

  

Ya, blessings

As they say in Spanish, "¡YA!"


It's finished.
My Junior year of college has come to an end.


I know I always say this but seriously...where is time going?!
These past few weeks have been utter chaos.
At the beginning of this semester I never thought I'd make it through:


1. A night class (on my sketchville campus) or
2. Survive a Friday morning class


But, huzzah!  The finish line was finally crossed on Friday afternoon and I was once again amazed by God.  Truly, it's a miracle!  There were many a times I felt like I wasn't going to make it through the semester.  The final two weeks of school were a real test of patience, sanity, and trust.  I can't even say how thankful I am that I can not only take off that load of books from my back, but also that stress can come off my shoulders.  PRAISE THE LORD FOR SUMMER BREAK!  It still feels unreal I'm really done.


My little SIL (sis-in-law), Tirza and I went to Oklahoma last weekend for my broha and his fiancé's wedding showers.  Their wedding is going to be so stinking amazing, fun and adorable.  Can't wait!  It was so great being able to get on a plane and visit them.  It was the first time since Panama that Tirz and I flew together.  Great times were had, many random people were met, and it was so great seeing the fam!  It kinda stinks though...just makes me wish, all the more, that we all lived close.  Maybe someday ;)


So...it's no real secret that running has become my greatest outlet for stress, right?  Well, it's true.  A good, long run could improve even the worst day.  MMmm yeah, well, after my little hamstring decided it no longer liked me running on it, I broke down and had to get new running shoes.  Because of numerous happenings, I was running-shoe-less for a little over two weeks.  And that is what I truly consider torture.  I thought I was going to go insane.  But, in all honesty, I think it was good for me.  Taught me a little patience, and I found there were other things I could be spending time on.  But man, when that package showed up on my doorstep I screamed and jumped with excitement, ripped the box open, and ran out the door with them (while singing "I'm Walking on Sunshine") hahaha.  So thankful for just the blessing of good shoes.  I don't want to take things like that for granted.  So many go shoeless everyday.  Puts some things in perspective, huh?


Speaking of blessings...last Saturday night I went to see THE FRAY at Red Rocks!!  I was blessed with a free ticket to the most epic night/concert of my life.  No joke, my mind was blown.  To sum it up: there was rain + fog + awesome people + city lights + awesome music + hilarious people watching + beautiful mountains.  Oh yeah, AND.....I TOUCHED the lead singer of The Fray! Hahahhaha yep, that's right!  He ran down the row in front of me!  I usually don't get real excited about "famous people" but I'm pretty proud.  Not everyone can say that, so I'm pretty pumped. hahaha it was just the cherry on top of an incredible night.  It was basically perfect.


Over the past few weeks dad did quite a few chemo treatments.  This left him feeling pretty horrid.  There were a few days he was unable to get out of bed because he was so weak and sick.  Thankfully, he is feeling a little better now.  He has been having trouble using his left hand/arm lately.  They are going to try and figure out what may be causing that.  But for now, prayers for patience & healing would be wonderful! Thanks!


The Martin household is still utter chaos.  Demo was fun for the first two days, I think.  After that, it just became insane and inconvenient.  The who main level is filled with sawdust and ripped apart rooms.  Not gonna lie, I can't wait for this to be done.  But it is fun to come home everyday and know it won't be the same as when I left in the morning.  Can't wait to see the final product!


Anyways, I hope you all are counting your blessings.
Life is too short to take things for granted.


Happy Mother's Day & Happy Summer!!

reno!

The Fray!!!

My new babies

a girl kickin' her heals off for Summer

looove Red Rocks!

ridiculous

I've been told, "You're ridiculous" more times than I could possibly count.
  This quote seemed so suiting for my life this week.  But as I thought about it, I feel this is suiting for most weeks.
  I'm not really sure how or why but I seem to attract the ridiculous, the madness, and the imperfections.


But, as I like to say...You've gotta rock what you've got or lose what you've got.
Either decide to own it or figure out how to change it.


Well, I'm not sure I can change how ridiculous I am or my life is.
Trust me, there are days I wish I did not dump yogurt down my shirt because I somehow missed my mouth (seriously, how is that possible?  It's been in the same spot for 20 years!).
Haha but, I believe God made us all unique and wonderfully flawed and broken so He can show how grace-filled and perfect He is.
Might as well embrace it, right?!


So, on that note, this week:


--I've been trying to increase my running distance lately.  However, each time I ran the past few times, my left hamstring got tighter and tighter despite my persistent stretching.  So, on Thursday I was stretching in prep for working out when all of the sudden....SNAP goes the hamstring.  Pain went shooting through my whole leg.  Half of me was in shock...the other half was just mad I wasn't going to be able to run.  So, I did what you should clearly do when you think you tore your hamstring...I worked out! hahaha.  I got on that rowing machine (pictured below).  I went so long and hard I was openly grunting (yeah...I was one of those people).  On that note, I hobbled my sweaty self out of the gym.  The rest of the night was spent with my good friend Ibuprofen.  I just prayed all night that it wasn't torn and put an electrical stim unit on it.  Miraculously, I woke up in no pain.  Hammy was all good.  I was walking.  Umm...PRAISE GOD!  Sooo thankful it's not torn.


--Sunday I woke up, got ready for church, headed out the door, hopped in the car and rolled the window down to catch some early morning sunshine.  Within minutes my head was ON FIRE.  It felt like someone poured boiling hot water over my head which caused a stinging, pin-poking feeling.  I thought I might have got sunburnt the day before.  Tried to ignore it, and kept on driving.  A few minutes later and my face, neck, chest were hot, bright red and super painful.  Trying to keep from sheer panic, I headed back to my house and frantically showed my parents.  By this time I could feel the heat going to my legs.  As I tried to open the package of Benadryl pills, just the light touch of my hair on my shoulders was super painful.  Finally I popped two pills in my mouth and headed for the couch.  Next thing I know I woke up super drugged out of my mind but I was out of pain and the rash (or whatever the freak that was) was gone!  Seriously...is this normal?!


--Poor Lynds & Jess had to deal with my drugged self as Brice escorted us to a hike.  I apparently could not walk a straight line or think clearly.  But, thankfully, by the time we go to the hike I was (mostly) normal and we had a lovely hike in Golden!


--Another one of my professor's mom was said to have only a few days to live.  Man, so sad!  So, another class hits the dust.  It's just madness, I tell ya.


--I LOVE DEMO.  Yep, that's right.  Demolition and I go hand-in-hand!  All of Monday was spent tearing down walls, pulling off drywall, smashing tiles and getting down and dirty.  It was so much fun!  Our house is somewhat of a disaster now but it'll totally be worth the final product.  I can't wait to see it!  Now when I am at people's houses I just think about ripping down their walls.  No joke.  I'm slightly obsessed with it.  Haha, just rock it, right?!


--Last blog I said Dad was at the hospital because of pain he was having.  Well, they couldn't find anything wrong so they just sent him home all drugged up.  He has been feeling pretty crappy all of last week and this week.  Also, he got another chemo treatment yesterday.  So, we are just praying that he will have a better few days comin' up real soon :)


My life is ridiculous.  I am [ever so slightly] ridiculous.  
That's probably true for most people (unless you're in denial).
So let's just rock it  ;)

love these girlies!

I just really love pretending I'm rowing on a lake while doing this...haha

Easter

Happy (late) Easter!


So thankful for our God that made his son rise from the dead.
It's just crazy that we can live because He died. 


Easter was filled with family and food (like all good holidays).
It was a little different this year.  But, I can't complain. 


Hiked the incline last Saturday.
Talk about burn!  So many stinkin' steps!  It was awesome to get to the top though.  Running down I took a little spill.  I was just sad my knee looked gross for my cute Easter outfit. haha it was so swollen and gross.  But other than that it was so splendid!  I'm hoping to hike or do something outdoors every weekend when the weather is nice :)  We'll see how that goes. 


Yesterday was spent cleaning the garage.  Gotta love Spring cleaning, right?
Well, let's just say... we found some buried treasures in there.


Went to see the little bro play with his band at the Gothic Theater.
Check them out.  Their band's name is "The Fairgrounds"


Dad has been continuing with chemo treatment.
He's at the hospital right now with mom. He was having symptoms like he had when his lung collapsed.  They said his lung didn't collapse but they are still trying to figure out what is wrong.


This week at school has been INSANE.
It's that time of year again when everything is due at once.


Last Thursday was such a weird day at school because:
1. One of my teachers told us she was canceling class for the rest of the year.  She said her mom was diagnosed with cancer and she had to go out to be with her.  So crazy/shocking/sad.  Keep her in your prayers!


2. Was waiting for the lightrail when a homeless guy came up to me and asked if I had spare change.  I said no.  Then, for some reason, we started talking.  Haha, we ended up talking for at least fifteen minutes about the meaning of life and what keeps you going.  Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, "Wow.  That had to have been planned by God"?  It was such a moment and it was really obvious it was from God.  Anyways, this old gent's name was Nick.  Pray he will come to see God as the one he truly needs.


3. Once on the lightrail, I witnessed a drug deal. haha you think I'm joking.  I'm not.  One guy paid his friend $50 for weed.  Then the lady across from me leaned across the aisle to ask the dealer for something.  The dealer told her he only had weed.  With wide, creepy eyes and twitching shoulders, she said she needed, "the other stuff."  Ummm yeah.  Needless to say, I memorized everything about all of them from head to toe.  Haha so sketch.

View from the top of the Incline in Manitou

concert

family

Gabbi's first Easter!

rusted old tools

used, web-filled mouth guard. haha so gross...