Oklahoma, October 2010

For those who don't know, fall is my absolute favorite season. Jesus has put such a love for the season in my heart that I love everything about it. The smells, colors and anything else that comes along with it. I had the wonderful opportunity to go visit my sister's family in Oklahoma this fall and it was incredible. I love her kids and love horsing around with them and loving on them. I love visiting Oklahoma possibly because of my past years in the state from college and it just feels like 'home' to me when I visit. Attached below are some pictures from the visit which was awesome.

Labor Day 2010 - Lewis & Clark State Park

I believe this posting deserves some explanation ahead of the reason for the posting in general. This day holds a special place in my heart being that now this is my 3rd Labor Day weekend being unmarried. The symbolism of this date has to do where it was typically celebrated for my wedding anniversary at that point in my life. In now my 3+ years being single again, I noticed this year's Labor Day weekend being more of a mourning and redemptive period in my life. God has brought me from the depths of my life in 2007 to an incredible peak with Him at my side and I am so thankful for that. Redemption is incredible when we follow Christ and that's exactly the choice I made in that period of my life. In mourning, I noticed myself reviewing good and celebratory times of my life in the past as well as the tough times where I deliberately thought I was the one in control and continued down the paths of the devil time and time again. Truly, I recall the emotional swings I had this day in recalling that 7 years ago I had been married on this date. The wonderful part about this Labor Day was due to the fact that my best friends were there to help me through the time of grief and joy together. They were there to embrace me when down and also play frisbee and such when things were going very well. In everyone's lives there will be times where dates and holidays will bring up good and tough points we have had to live through. I want to be sure people reading this know that it is totally alright to mourn and get through the tough times of life - just as long as we don't 'wallow' in our own self pity. The other side of this has to do with doing life and living it not alone anymore but with other people. Jesus will provide us those opportunities - be sure you are willing to listen and follow His guidance because He will allow us all to become redeemed in His time and His Glory.


The shoreline of Lewis and Clark Lake in Missouri on the North side of the lake. A great place to get away but close enough to drive and relax.

I chose to do this in B/W to give it a different effect. I liked it! :)

My best and great friends locally, John and Michelle, who spent Labor Day with me at the lake. God has placed them in my life and I am so grateful for their friendship and encouragement.

My beautiful dog Neicy, whom is everything to me. I love her so much! She loved the day at the lake and loves to get outside and walk.

Niobrara, Nebraska

Another picture of a glorious sunrise in the East.

One of my most favorite pictures taken of the sunrise in the morning.

The Southern shoreline of the Missouri River looking Northwest as the sun ducks behind the bluffs behind us.

We may have broken rules by jumping off the path and walking on the sand bars created by the Niobrara but it was incredibly peaceful.

The old train bridge converted to a pedestrian bridge walking across the Niobrara river as it merged with the Missouri.

Looking North to the Missouri River.

Looking Northeast toward the merging of Niobrara and Missouri Rivers.

Small homes down on the southern side of the tributaries had been engulfed in the picture where the Missouri River chose to change course. This picture is looking Northward and other side of the water was South Dakota.

The fall colors showing up and turning as we arrived.

Our great campfire, which was taller than some trees when lit.

Looking south at the Niobrara on the West banks from the park.

West side of the Niobrara River as it heads to merge with the Missouri.

A small lake within the park at Niobrara State Park.

God's amazing sunrise out east at Niobrara State Park, Nebraska

O-State Photos

My alma matter: Oklahoma State University in the new Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK.