"Dreams of Mountains ... Brood on Things Eternal"

(Best viewed in original blog http://www.karijo-co.blogspot.com/)

Colorado Vacation In Pictures 

August 2011

Part I -Estes Park

Part II - Rocky Mountain National Park

(Below) We did see snow, just not allowed to touch it.

It's amazing how many colors God put in His creation: Greens...

Blues...

Browns...

(Above) This was before we hiked further up the mountain. 

The clouds are rolling in, and it's getting chilly.

(Below) Nearer the top it was windy, but beautiful.

(Above) It started to rain. Then the rain starting hurting, and we saw it bouncing off the ground. It was sleeting!!! Justin tried to catch some for the camera :)

Our run down the mountain was hilarious as we tried not to slip and fall, or step onto the "fragile ecosystem" which was the rocky grass terrain all along the path, which we were asked not to touch.

(Below) "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9

(Above) Uncle Ron and Aunt Laurie: Terrific tour guides and amazing hosts!

So thankful to get to visit them and cousin Rach ;)

(Above) These little guys were running all over the rocks at the edge of the cliff.

(Below) The lightning was so pretty (in a terrifying way for me...who doesn't believe you should be outside if you can hear thunder, let alone see lightning!) I only had patience to wait and catch this one bolt...

(Below) Dinner at Bienvenidos in Estes Park.

Gotta love some yummy Mexican

 (Even though they didn't have sweet tea or sour cream sauce :)

Part III - Denver Zoo

(Below) Loved all the animals of course, but this made me laugh.

...Happy Birthday?

Part IV- Colorado Springs Area

(Above) Air Force Academy Chapel 

(Below) Justin introducing himself to the founder of the Academy.

It was cordial despite the rigid appearance.

(Below) The Chapel itself is divided into multiple areas.

First is the Catholic Chapel

(Below) Second is the Jewish Chapel

(Below) Third is the Buddhist Chapel

(Below) The main portion of the chapel is on the second floor. It is the Protestant Chapel.

Here they have multiple services which include both traditional and contemporary.

(Below) The view out of the chapel window: God bless America!



(Below) I can't visit Colorado Springs and not stop in at Focus on the Family.

We spent most of our time perusing the book store and touring Odyssey :)

(Above) We did enjoy an amazing sundae at the Soda Shoppe.

(Below) Whit's office: I wonder which book holds the key to open the secret computer room?

(Below) We couldn't wait to visit Cave of the Winds. Justin tried to talk me into doing the lantern tour, but having never been in a cave, and knowing my cautious self (not to be confused with a worrisome self), I only committed to complete the normal tour. It was a blast, and now I know next time I would take the lantern tour.  

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(Above) Originally we thought we would do a zipline tour, but it required so much time we wouldn't have been able to do much else. So when we arrived at Cave of the Winds and they had this

 Ropes Course, we knew immediately we would participate! A little scarier than I thought it would be, I did make it across most of the ropes, even the ones on the far left which hangs over the edge of this:

(Below) On our way back down the mountain, we stopped in at the

Cliff Dwellings Museum.
While these are actual dwellings, they have been moved to this region to protect and preserve them, and were privately owned for many, many years.

(Bottom Right) We did find a solitary bat hanging from the ceiling in one of these rooms. I think he was in an Indian chant- induced coma, as his perch was right beside the genuine "Indian-Sony" speaker projecting prayers or chants in the native tongue.                                                     

(Below) What trip to the Springs would be complete without a trip to Garden of the Gods? The views are breathtaking and pictures never do justice. We were exhausted at the end of a long and exciting day, but managed to take a few pictures to prove our visit.

(Above) God has placed His evidence eveywhere: from the clouds in the upper atmosphere, to the top of the mountain, to the insides of the ground...He. Wants. To. Be. Known.

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."

Romans 1:19-20 

(Below) One of my favorite rock formations in the garden. It's a little like how I imagine God holds the earth in His hand: balanced perfectly to sustain His creation!

(Below) Good finish to the day, no?

(Below) Pretty much sums it up!

(Below) Headed Home. Not the fave part of vacation, but God's glory from the sky IS a breathtaking view. We are so thankful for our time with family and in the midst of His creation on our trip.

It was relaxing, inspiring, and exciting all wrapped up into one great adventure.

Sudan 2011-It's Coming

- On Mission -

Trip Date: October 11-21, 2011

Blessings to you in the name of Christ! Justin and I are excited to be returning to South Sudan this year for another short term trip. By God’s grace, He calls and provides for His children to obey. Please let us take this moment to share what He has been doing in Sudan, and how God has shown us we can take part.

 Many of you know we went on our first trip to the country last August, and were amazed at God's "New Testament Church" ministry in that area. When we got back to America, all we could think about were the faces and souls of brothers and sisters which the Lord allowed us to meet, and in some cases, lead into a relationship with Him. Pastor Onesimus gave me a picture of himself as a reminder to pray, and I turned the time, 11:11, into a reminder to pray for the church and others we met there: whatever I could do so as not to forget how God is working in Sudan. Over the last several months, this has included volunteering with e3 Sudan and participating in local ministry events.  God has not abandoned the seed of love He planted in our hearts for these people. I think only it has grown.

Almost a year later, we are following God’s lead back to Sudan for another, on-the-ground mission. Matthew 28:10-11 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,” and that is what we want to do. Our team’s mission will be to share the Gospel, growing disciples in new or existing churches, and children’s and women’s ministry as we again partner with e3 Partners Ministry. Many of the team will also have the opportunity to teach at the bible school (growing in a year from about 20 to over 100), and Justin looks forward to this again.

Last year our team planted Jordan Baptist Church under a grove of Mango trees. The day before we left Sudan, I noted in my bible that I prayed these verses for the baby church: "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (Phil. 1:9-11) That is still our prayer not only for Jordan Baptist, but also many other Mango churches and the growing vision for the salvation of South Sudan. Returning to this area is not only a blessing, but a privilege, as we partner with the native missionaries, praying God uses us and teaches us mightily while we're there.

Just as we are partnering with the Sudanese on mission, we ask you to prayerfully consider partnering with us in one of two ways. As we obey God's call to this country, it is vital that we not do it alone. We covet your prayers in this mission, and would love to have you on our praying team! You can be praying for the Provision, the Plan, the People, and for Protection. We will send out a prayer calendar with specific things to pray for as the trip gets closer.

The second way you can partner with us is financially.  We have to cover all of the cost for flights and supplies for the trip (ca. $7,500 for both of us together), and a gift of any amount is a blessing! We truly believe that if God calls us to something, He will provide the means. If the Lord leads you to partner in this way, we thank you for allowing Him to use you. Please follow the instructions on the attached card to make sure your gift gets to the right place. (Below in Blue)

Thank you so much for partnering with us in this, and may God bless you. We can’t wait to see how God has planned to use your support on this trip!

“How then will they call on him In whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14 


 In Christ, 
Justin and Kari

South Sudan Fun Facts

- Independence Day was  July 9, 2011

- Has its own flag and currency
- Establishing its own government

- The church can play a big part by 

teaching men and women to be

disciples of Christ and to lead

by His principles

Thank you for prayerfully considering financial support! There are two ways you can send your gift: by check, or donating online. If you send a check, please make it payable to e3 Partners Ministry and send your contribution to 2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2600, Plano, TX  75075.  You will need to enter the name “Justin (or Kari) Copling” along with the trip code SD11N in the subject line to ensure that it is processed in a timely manner. Your gift will be placed in an account under our name. You can also make payments online at www.e3partners.org.  Under the “Give” menu, you will need to click “Donate today.”  Please follow the instructions given. You will need to enter Kari and Justin Copling and the trip code SD11N after checking “Other” as the “Designation.” All gifts are tax deductible, and e3 Partners then will send you a tax receipt.

Thank you and God bless you for your faithfulness!

Happy Anniversary!

I truly cannot believe that Justin and I have been married for 3 years, today. Three years! Time has absolutely flown by, which means that we are indeed having fun.

I am celebrating today in prayers of thanksgiving, poems, and a picture blog. Happy Anniversary, Bays!

An Anniversary Poem

"To my husband of this three years,

Thank you for loving me through laughter and tears.

I'm amazed at how much more each day,

You show me your love in yet another way.

Thank you for being my friend and strong rock,
And for learning to pick up your shorts and your socks.

Your laugh makes me smile, and your grin does me in,

Without you I wouldn't know where to begin.

Your love makes me smile, even when I'm alone,

And I thank God for you; that you're my own.

Let's keep having fun and new adventures,

'Till we're rocking a pearly white set of dentures.

Three years have gone by, in just a blink,

What God will do next, I can't even think.

But I know for sure, I'd have it no other way,

Than to obey Him and love Him with you, every day."

Justin, you truly are the love of my life, and I grow more and more in love with you every day. Thank you for all the amazing ways you show me your love. I'm so glad you asked, and that I said yes!

AN ANNIVERSARY IN PICTURES

Touring the Gaylord Texan

                               

                                         

Dinner 

                                  Sea Bass in lemon caper sauce, and (Sword Fish?) Piccatta.

                                         

                           

 Room Service Dessert (Even better after 11)

Bananas Foster Cake and Brownie Fudge Sundae

Day 2 - Paradise Springs and Lake Grapevine

  

Getting ready for Paradise Springs pool and the lazy river!

 

 Lake Grapevine - Silver Lake Marina

We had such an amazing time on the water. Hard to go home after that much fun! The whole weekend was memorable and precious.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Feet

 

Happy Feet

 

This weekend Justin and I made it to the movie theater, and as the previews rolled across the screen, one in particular caught my attention. More maybe as I remember it today than even at that moment: Happy Feet 2.

I have never seen Happy Feet, and likely will not see the second one, but that preview did two things. It made me wish I could have a fuzzy baby penguin of my own (almost as much as I want one of those mini giraffes from the Direct TV commercials), and it made me think of the things in life that really make me happy-all the way down to my toes.

 

Happy Cells

 

One of those things which make me very happy, is the sunshine in summer! This year's temperatures are breaking records (and pocket books) as we try to keep cool and stay safe in the incredible temps. But one thing does not change for me, regardless of the 100+ degrees. When the sun kisses my skin, all of my skin cells rejoice, and it's as if I can feel the vitamin D reviving the energy of those cells. Can you relate? It's invigorating, and I find myself at times, craving the warmth and rejuvinating energy from the sun.

 

How about after sitting for long periods of time at school or work, and then getting up and stretching the muscles in your arms, legs, and torso? Wow! Those muscle cells are jumping around, and thanking you for popping them back to life. It feels so good, and each time it happens, I wonder why I don't do it more often. Very. Happy. Cells.

 

Happy Heart

 

Recently, however, I have rediscovered the depth and breadth of the rejuvinating power of spending time in God's word. Not just reading a verse or two, or filling in blanks in a bible study book. But reading. Soaking. Studying the pages of scripture. For some, this is the status quo of your walk right now. You know the invigorating and insatiable draw of God's Word when it opens like a water hose and gushes refreshment and joy into your soul. For others, this is something you've known at various times in your walk with God. Maybe in college. Maybe right after you were saved and were on fire for the Lord. Maybe it was last year, but for some reason the habit is slipping as quickly as the summer months tick away. For me, I am easily intimidated by what I think it will take (time wise, committment wise, etc.) and if I can't do what I think it takes, I put it off, choosing rather to not try than to fail my personal expectation.

 

But, oh, what energy and excitement there is in knowing God in His Word. Studying whole passages or characters at a time help us to see God's character and learn from His mandates, love, and promises, as well as the mistakes and failings of those who followed Him in His Word. There is a spiritual "happy feet" dance that my heart does when I see His attributes come alive in the pages of the Old and New Testament, and convict and challenge me personally: when I begin to crave the Son.   

On one hand, I continue to learn (as all adults say to the next generation), "the more I know the more I realize I don't know." But at the same time, the more you know, the more God turns your heart to desire things of His nature, and the more exciting it is to live as His! Claiming His promises, obeying His mandates, and pursuing His best in each element of each day becomes like sunshine to my skin cells, or the tingling stretch of a muscle.

 

I hope that today you can say your heart is happy, and that your spiritual cells snap with the joy that is knowing our God in such a personal way. But if not, know that He is not far off, but near. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." James 4:8   Make it a priority today, and ask God to give you, happy feet.

 

 

It's a H.O.M.E.

We've been in our house now for 2 months. Hard to believe. And yet, it does feel like home. Every day I'm excited about something in the house, and so thankful all over again. Here are just a few of the highlights.

I love Having a pantry. Yes, a walk in, multi-shelved pantry to store food, snacks etc. What a treat!
I giggle about my dOorbell. I know it's a small thing, but one facet of 'house' defined is a doorbell.
We are soon getting a storM door! There is something comfortable about an open front door to greet the sun and friends and family.
And what a thrill to have a clothEs bar in the laundry room - so nice to hang wet clothes instead of draping my furniture with them.

Of course there are many more things to thank God for, including space to host family and friends, and an office for our books as well as rooms to let weary heads rest. A place to call our own, and use in ministry as the Lord leads.

*Sigh*

Very thankful. Every day.