down down to the ground

It was a beautiful fall day great for jumping so we took the boys out to the filed below Tiger Mountain to watch the paragliders glide down to earth.

The jumpers start off on this trail and hike up about 1 1/8 of a mile before reaching the jump spot. They carry their paraglider and gear on their backs. It weighs a mere 35lbs. We watched the gliders for a while as they sailed down and then took the hike ourselves. It is a steep climb but such a beautiful trail. I was so excited I could walk it with minimal trouble with my back. Since the birth of my twins I have had many troubles trying to get back in shape because envitably once I started working out my back muscles would cramp up and I would be resting them for a week or two. UNTIL this summer...I discovered magnesium phospahte. It is a gentle way to ease cramps and keep them at bay. I am now free after several years of cramps and I am running up mountains and getting nearer to the shape I was before the twins.

Cool caterpiller on the trail.

Up close with a slug.

Max

Once on top the wind wasn't so great for jumping so many of the paragliders were simply sun bathing waiting for new winds. We waited with them a while and learned that the boys could take a tandem ride with a paraglide instructor for around $100. A bit pricey for a thrill, however the boys now have something to save for. They would have jumped this day had we let them. perhaps in a year or two.

On the way down we saw Mt. Rainer. Might be the last good view for us this summer.

Love Anticipates

We have had such a fun, busy summer traveling around visiting friends and family, and as my thoughts return to planning lessons and picking out books for our second year of school I am reminded in a little book called God Calling that God has been planning our year already! In this exerpt, written by two ladies who sat every day and listened for God to speak , I am reassured by His thoughtful care and love that this next year is going to be wonderful!

"None ever sought me in vain. I wait, wait with a hungry longing to be called upon; and I, who have already seen your hearts' needs before you cried upon me, before perhaps you were conscious of those needs yourself, I am already preparing the answer.

"It is like a mother who is setting aside suitable gifts for her daughter's wedding, before love has come into her daughter's life.

The Anticipatory love of God is something mortals seldom realize.

Dwell on this thought......

Dismiss from your minds the thought of a grudging God, who had to be petitioned with sighs and tears and much speaking before reluctantly He relinquished the desired treasures. Your thoughts of me need to be revolutionizing.

Try and see a mother preparing a birthday or Christmas delight for her children....all the while her mother's heart sings: Will she not love that? How she will love this!" and anticipates the rapture of her child, her own heart full of the tenderst joy!

Where did the mother learn all this preparation joy? From me!

Try to see Me this way as plans unfold of my preparing. It means much to me to be understood, and the understanding of me will bring you great joy!"

From God Calling pg. 25-26

Knowing God has already been ahead of me planning treasures for us delights my heart. Knowing treasures are waiting to be discovered gives me hope. Knowing God always is faithful gives me so much confidence and peace to step out into this new year with great anticipation and joy of discovery looking for all He has been planning. I have been busy with things of today but He is already making tomorrow a pleasure and a gift for us. May we learn this truth about God and delight His heart by understanding Him in His anticipatory love.