summer.

When it comes to seasons, summer is definitely my favorite. 

Always has been. And there's a good chance it always will be. Especially if summers continue to look like this one did.

I say "did" because for the most part, summer is over. *insert sad face here*

There have already been a few early mornings and later evenings that had that fall feeling. If you live in a place where there are four seasons, you probably know what I'm talking about. It's when you walk outside and breathe in that crisp, cool air. The kind that reminds you of your favorite pair of jeans, sweatshirts and high school football games.

Those things are right around the corner! And fall is awesome, too, but I'm doing what I can to soak up the summer sun for as long as it remains here in Northern Minnesota. Which, in my opinion, never is quite long enough.

I had some excellent time in that summer sun this year. There were many days spent by and in the lake or floating on an air mattress in a pool at one of my favorite families in town. I even tried a new adventure that involved a larger than surf board type board, a paddle, the great waves of Lake Bemdiji, a good friend and lots of laughter. (Otherwise known as paddleboarding.)

I was able to visit family three times this summer, which is always a good thing since I don't get to visit nearly as often as I'd really like to. The Hager family reunion was unique and wonderful as usual. This years "unique factor" was a large inflatable jumpy toy...thingy. I don't know what they call those things, but the Hager family reunion of 2011 was fully equipped with one of them. It was a hit with the kids later in the day after it started to cool off a little bit since the heat index that day was around 100 degrees. It was also a hit for my cousin Charlie. (Who had a few years on those kids.) I don't know for a fact, but I'm guessing he felt it the next morning. But thank you for getting in there, because it was a source of much entertainment for all of us watching and taking pictures. 

On the topic of reunions, I had my ten year class reunion that same weekend. The day I received the invite for that was a weird day. Ten year class reunion? Has it really been ten years? 2001 to 2011 does indeed equal ten years. Thank you math class. I'll say it again...weird.

But it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed seeing people that I literally hadn't seen since they day we walked across the stage to get our diplomas. There were a lot of close friends from growing up that I wish would have been there, but it was still good and surprisingly challenging near the end. I was praying that I wouldn't get caught in the "comparison game" while there. Near the end, it was a battle in my mind as most of the questions were about what your job is, where you live and if your married or not. But here's the thing, I love my life and wouldn't want to trade a thing since I graduated high school. So thank you Father for identity in you and you alone. 

Random note - it's funny how things like Facebook change up the feel of a reunion. I walked in and immediately recognized the spouse of one of my classmates, even though I had never met him and her and I haven't talked in a long time. Thank you, Facebook and the ability to creep on people and know generally what's happening in their lives.

K...what else was great about summer of 2011?

My cousin, Sarah, started a new, beautiful journey of marriage with Ben. To celebrate that with them was incredible! It reminded me how crazy of a party weddings are on my mom's side. It was a celebration, indeed! God bless you guys richly!

With big transitions in life this summer, the class reunion and a wedding that compelled a lot of my family to ask me when we'd be getting back together for another wedding (mine), I have totally thought a lot about this area of my life the last few months. It's been a (very good!) journey through more singleness. I've continued to learn so much...so much so it's worthy of it's own blog entry sometime. All the single ladies, stay tuned. 

As mentioned above, big transitions occurred as summer began. Full time InterVarsity staff work came to a close and I stepped into new places and relationships here in Bemidji. Considering all things, this transition has gone INCREDIBLY well! It took a little while to adjust to the new job, especially the night shift element. Which I never did fully adjust to. That season is soon ending, as I only have three more overnights and then I get to function like a more normal human being and work while it's light out! This change is a blessing and provision and while I will miss the residents and staff from my current home, I see God's hand bringing me to a new group home. 

Three months of being a "night watcher" had great purposes, no doubt. Time with God during some of those nights was intensely intimate and unique. I learned to rely more deeply on Him for strength. I got to intercede in the middle of the night. I learned to listen more intently.

I also had fun cooking. Getting complimented on my potato salad made me smile. I truly am my mother's daughter. Even though I didn't use her famous recipe...

I learned to communicate with people in new ways. I learned that I take a lot for granted. Like the ability to form words and speak clearly with people. The ability to move around on my own. The ability to take care of myself. I learned that you can actually say a lot through sincerely looking someone in the eye, a genuine smile and a gentle touch of your hand on top of theirs. There is one person that has the most beautiful blue eyes and I'm going to miss seeing them every morning.

I'll definitely be intentional about stopping by and saying hi at the house even after I no longer work overnights there.

My schedule this summer (minus the challenge of overnights) was pretty much perfect for spending my off time in some very life giving ways.

Downtown Bemidji started to be hi-lighted in my mind and heart. Sam and I started spending some time at Toasties...no, not to drink. But to partner with God's movement there. The first night we went out, we sensed God's movement deeply! We had divine conversations with people, laid hands on people to pray for them, displayed God's love to them and continue to intercede on their behalf weeks after we met. There is a growing group of people in this city who are being drawn to downtown. Now that I won't be working Friday nights soon, I'll be heading down there a lot more on the weekend. I chill there a lot during the day, too.

My old landlord saw me today on 3rd St. When he saw me, he jokingly said, "I see you more down here than I did when you lived here!" I got to tell him why I come downtown frequently and how God is at work there.

God is totally stirring things up in this city, as He is all over the world.

This summer has been a time of God releasing identity, purpose and destiny into His sons and daughters. He has used this summer to further train up a growing army.

There are so many other great things about this summer. I moved into a house with Miriam. I'm declaring it "the healing house". (There will also be some sweet dance parties to come in this place.) 

I'm experiencing personal transformation when it comes to healing and the power of the Holy Spirit within me and his children. There is so much more to come! This fall, I'll be starting the Bemidji Area School of Transformation. This is connected to Bethel Church in Redding, CA. 

I had a date with my Groom this evening and I just spent time listening to what He's speaking over me right now. He wants to teach me so much right now. This school is going to play a large role in that! I'm about to be stretched and grown immensely! The heart of a learner...hmm. Yes. A friend asked me tonight how she can be praying for me. I have a lot of thoughts, but have been processing what it is on God's heart for me. I think that's one of the things right now. To have a heart of a learner who is sitting at the Great Teachers feet, prepared with an expectant and open heart to take in all He has for His student.

Okay, so it's time to wrap up this lengthy (yet incomplete) recollection of summer.

Summer of 2011, it's been real.

Fall of 2011, bring it on.