From "ICTHUS" to Creation and back!

I hate to sound like every other blog out there, but I do have to say it's been a long time since I last posted! "ICTHUS" was an awesome time, especially the bus overheating on the ride up, exploring Leavenworth (The Four Amigos: David, Esther, David, and I. You'd never believe the first store we went in to was a place with tribal art!) and spending an entire day swimming (Bowers joined us and we formed an inner tube circle. I'll never forget his song: "Fat guy in a little tube." We also explored an island before just floating around and afterwards threw rocks at each other. A conversation inspired my classic quote: "I really am getting dumber!"). Esther was my buddy the whole time and that was sweetness too! (You always had to go places with at least one person) We also went stargazing (Now I actually know for sure the foolproof way to find the Little Dipper! :)) and had some wonderful lesson times and "cabin" discussions! On the trip back, David, Esther, Garrett, Micah, and I went to Taco Bell and Starbucks. Of course, we were late back to the bus, so we had the distinct honor of being the clean-up crew! Anyway, certainly an unforgettable time! I learned so much more not only about Christ and my relationship with Him, but also some friends I've known for a long time!

Creation was very hot this year, but having my dad with Esther and I made it much more bearable- we could drive away on little adventures or spend the day playing cards at the state park! During one of the first night concerts, I sat in the top left corner (and I mean top!) of the amphitheater in memory of last year! I don't know why, but it always seems more peaceful and beautiful sitting there. You can see wonderful parts of God's creation and still enjoy concerts without being smothered by people! I'll never forget my first time moshing either! I have to say I think it's pretty ridiculous at least at the really crowded concerts like Audio Adrenaline! I was squished on every side, it was hot, people were stepping on my feet... you can barely breathe much less hear the concert well! Not exactly my idea of fun! Mute Math and Bethany Dillon were pretty sweet though! Esther and I were standing in the center second to the front for both of them. We got some great pictures and really enjoyed it! There were tons of freebee stuff and we even got a sweet Narnia t-shirt. The movie looks like it would be enjoyable. I guess it comes out on December 9th, the best month of the year!! When I was in an autograph line for Joy Williams, I saw the "Boston Crew" which was a large group of 8th graders from Grace! They were fun to chat with, I can't wait to have them at events when they become 9th graders after one more year! Esther and I also visited the college group so she could "hang" :) with her brother and other friends. We even went out to that diner in vantage one morning in memory of last year's Creation! It was delicious! Speaking of delicious, I forgot about the funnel cake I had... yum! All in all, Creation was a wonderful time of praising God through music and fellowship! My favorites this year were MercyMe, Bethany Dillon, Newsboys, Joy Williams, Mute Math, Casting Crowns, and Caedmon's Call. I also really enjoyed the Living Illusions thing and there was also a very powerful speaker one night who was a former member of an Italian Moffia in the US. I wish I could remember what my favorite speaker talked about, but it was so good! He was the last one on the last night... anyway, it totally matched up with the myth of adolescence and stopping the trend of "truth is relative" and "Why aren't you loving them?" Praise God for a wonderful Creation 05!

I'll have to get up some pictures from both events... I have so many!