Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Baha'i Pilgrimage
We returned safely from our Baha'i Pilgrimage in Israel on April 7th with total refreshment and invigoration! It was wonderful to have that time to pray, reflect internally on our lives together as couple and individually, walk in the paths that Baha'u'llah, Abdul'Baha, Shongi Effendi, and early Baha'i teachers once walked. And to also be in a country whose roots grow so deep with history of our past Manifestations from God. I prayed whole-heartedly for this country and world, humanity, my family and friends, welcoming one nephew while we were in Israel, Kayleb Anthony, and had much healing while I walked in the beautiful gardens with my husband and alone. We were very blessed to be able to make this Pilgrimage, as it is encouraged for each Baha'i to try once in his/her lifetime. We did not pay for the Pilgrimage itself, only room/board. We visited Baha'i Holy places were Baha'u'llah was imprisoned, lived and ascended; as well as the Shrine of the Bab, Forerunner of Baha'u'llah and Manifestation.
More information on the Baha'i Faith, http://www.bahai.org/
Here a few of the many beautiful moments we experienced.
More information on the Baha'i Faith, http://www.bahai.org/
Here a few of the many beautiful moments we experienced.
Universal House of Justice, World Centre for the Baha'i Faith
Upper 9 Terraces of 19 Terraces
Haifa, Israel and Akka, Israel in the distance
Archives of Baha'i Faith
From 19th Terrace of the Bab's Shrine in Haifa, Israel on Mt. Carmel
Shrine of Baha'u'llah
Shrine of Baha'u'llah
Eric eating a Pummelo (best fruit ever!)
Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel
We stayed right in front on the Ben Gurion Ave. (street in front of this Shrine)
Friday, March 26, 2010
Waiting for Pilgrimage
We leave for Israel soon, this Saturday for a trip we've waited so patiently for 4 years. I can't believe it is right around the corner. Still haven't packed quite yet.
A few pictures of our trip to Canada (post-Olympic Winter games). We got to wonder around the streets of Vancouver, visit Mt. Whistler, and climbed Mt. Si in Washington (all with our friend Mike from Indiana:) ).
A few pictures of our trip to Canada (post-Olympic Winter games). We got to wonder around the streets of Vancouver, visit Mt. Whistler, and climbed Mt. Si in Washington (all with our friend Mike from Indiana:) ).
Olympic torch (Vancouver Winter games 2010)
4,000 ft up on Mt. Si with Cascades in the background
4,200 ft. Mt. Si with Seattle in the far far background
Winter Olympic 2010 torch in Vancouver, BC
3 miles up the mountain side, 1 more left!!
Up and down the mountain side (8 miles)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Groundhog's Day: True or False?
I always feel like the Groundhog sees his shadow, more winter (6 weeks they say). Well maybe that is true in Indiana, but not here in Washington. It has been one of the warmest winters, trees and flowers are already blooming! I can't believe it!
I made a trip to Indiana last week, it was great to see all my family and friends! I miss them tremendously & wish I could transplant everyone here in Washington. But I had to truck along in the snow, everything went well except my last morning I got my driver's seat stuck forward and drove up to the nearest ACE rent-a-car to trade my car, and the representative came out and just popped this bottom and back went the seat! I mean I was driving with my face on the steering wheel, I looked like a dork:) I was so happy to see my best friend and sister-in-law pregnant bellies, can't wait to meet these little guys soon!
Lately, my thoughts are drifting to my upcoming trip to Israel and I start the Fast on March 2nd, which is very enlightening spiritually. Then Naw-Ruz (New Year) is March 20th (on the Baha'i calendar). Very special part of the year for Eric and I.
I made a trip to Indiana last week, it was great to see all my family and friends! I miss them tremendously & wish I could transplant everyone here in Washington. But I had to truck along in the snow, everything went well except my last morning I got my driver's seat stuck forward and drove up to the nearest ACE rent-a-car to trade my car, and the representative came out and just popped this bottom and back went the seat! I mean I was driving with my face on the steering wheel, I looked like a dork:) I was so happy to see my best friend and sister-in-law pregnant bellies, can't wait to meet these little guys soon!
Lately, my thoughts are drifting to my upcoming trip to Israel and I start the Fast on March 2nd, which is very enlightening spiritually. Then Naw-Ruz (New Year) is March 20th (on the Baha'i calendar). Very special part of the year for Eric and I.
Much love sent your way!
Katie 11 years old
High school friends! Miss you girls!
Amanda & I, Baby is due on April 10th!
My soulfriend, Angie and I , she is due April 15th!!
Baby Atticus! He will be 1 year in 2 months!! Handsome lil' guy
My sister, she is great, she drove 3 hours to have dinner with me
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Dawn.
"A pure heart is as a mirror; cleanse it with the burnish of love and severance from all save God, that the true sun may shine within it and the eternal morning dawn."
(Baha'u'llah, The Seven Valleys, p. 21)
The morning sun rise is always beautiful on a clear morning over Mt. Rainier as it peeks over the ridges. I love nature, it calms my heart and soul. Rainbow sherbert sky, pines green and glistening, damp and foggy air. I love mornings like this in the Northwest, I've yet to have a camera during that time. Nature is so close to God, beautiful, awesome, serene.
Things are steady here in Washington, short day trips to play disc golf, playing games with friends, heading up to Seattle a few evenings, and went snowshoeing in the Cascades today. I am heading home to Indiana this upcoming week... it is going to be COLD. It has been one of the warmest recorded January since 2006, not much snow in the Cascades, enough for winter sports. It's mainly been in the 50s, going home I see it will be in the 20s! Burrr!
My thoughts and love are always connected back home, as I miss my friends and family dearly. Thank you, if you're reading this, for your loving support and friendship.
(Baha'u'llah, The Seven Valleys, p. 21)
The morning sun rise is always beautiful on a clear morning over Mt. Rainier as it peeks over the ridges. I love nature, it calms my heart and soul. Rainbow sherbert sky, pines green and glistening, damp and foggy air. I love mornings like this in the Northwest, I've yet to have a camera during that time. Nature is so close to God, beautiful, awesome, serene.
Things are steady here in Washington, short day trips to play disc golf, playing games with friends, heading up to Seattle a few evenings, and went snowshoeing in the Cascades today. I am heading home to Indiana this upcoming week... it is going to be COLD. It has been one of the warmest recorded January since 2006, not much snow in the Cascades, enough for winter sports. It's mainly been in the 50s, going home I see it will be in the 20s! Burrr!
My thoughts and love are always connected back home, as I miss my friends and family dearly. Thank you, if you're reading this, for your loving support and friendship.
Eric and I at OSSR company party
Gold Creek in Cascade mountains (snowshoeing)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Excitement.
Pilgrimage is in 2 months and 2 weeks! We are so looking forward to our trip. We don't have any idea what we are going to need for our trip. Eachother. Our camera. Prayer books. It will be life changing, an opportunity that comes by rarely.
"I adjure Thee by Thy might, O my God! Let no harm beset me in times of tests, and in moments of heedlessness guide my steps aright through Thine inspiration. Thou art God, potent art Thou to do what Thou desirest. No one can withstand Thy Will or thwart Thy Purpose."
- The Bab
(Compilations, Baha'i Prayers, p. 26)
"I adjure Thee by Thy might, O my God! Let no harm beset me in times of tests, and in moments of heedlessness guide my steps aright through Thine inspiration. Thou art God, potent art Thou to do what Thou desirest. No one can withstand Thy Will or thwart Thy Purpose."
- The Bab
(Compilations, Baha'i Prayers, p. 26)
Mt. Carmel, Israel
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Futurama 2010
Thought that sounded like a good title:) 2010 sounds very futuristic!
Happy New Year 2010! Whew.. hope all had safe, fun, and memorable holidays, and good rest. Love to you all and thank you for support and kindness. We truly cherish you.
We enjoyed an evening with good friends both Christmas and New Years' Eve, so blessed to have a family away from family out here in Washington. Made a nice prime rib dinner early Christmas Day and had more prime rib at my friend's house later in the evening, played Cranium, then finished the evening with How the Grinch Stole Christmas:) Spent New Year's Eve in Tacoma, downtown.
We haven't taken any road trips, just some disc golf outtings to neighboring towns. We took a trip to Poulsbo on the Ferry from Seattle across the Sound (Puget Sound) and spent New Year's Day with some good friends. Weather has been mild here, in the high 40s, drizzling and damp, no snow storms this year though.
Looking forward to this upcoming year, have two nephews on the way, trip to Israel, Eric back to school, weddings...
Each year brings new growth to your spirit and person. May this year bring insight and joy to your soul.
" O SON OF MAN! Should prosperity befall thee, rejoice not, and should abasement come upon thee, grieve not, for both shall pass away and be no more."
(Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words)
crazy squirrel looking for some food, Chloe really wanted to eat it!
Happy New Year 2010! Whew.. hope all had safe, fun, and memorable holidays, and good rest. Love to you all and thank you for support and kindness. We truly cherish you.
We enjoyed an evening with good friends both Christmas and New Years' Eve, so blessed to have a family away from family out here in Washington. Made a nice prime rib dinner early Christmas Day and had more prime rib at my friend's house later in the evening, played Cranium, then finished the evening with How the Grinch Stole Christmas:) Spent New Year's Eve in Tacoma, downtown.
We haven't taken any road trips, just some disc golf outtings to neighboring towns. We took a trip to Poulsbo on the Ferry from Seattle across the Sound (Puget Sound) and spent New Year's Day with some good friends. Weather has been mild here, in the high 40s, drizzling and damp, no snow storms this year though.
Each year brings new growth to your spirit and person. May this year bring insight and joy to your soul.
" O SON OF MAN! Should prosperity befall thee, rejoice not, and should abasement come upon thee, grieve not, for both shall pass away and be no more."
(Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words)
crazy squirrel looking for some food, Chloe really wanted to eat it!
clear day in Seattle
Paramount Theatre (Seattle) upside down Christmas tree
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