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Yelena and I had a great time taking part in a workshop at the Opal Creek Ancient forest center. Opal Creek forest center is located in the Opal Creek wilderness, less than an hour from Salem. This workshop consisted of time spent with an expert guide harvesting wild mushrooms like Golden Chanterelles and Angel wings along with some of natures other delectables like Salal and huckleberries. We made medicinal tinctures from Oregon grape roots and Red Cedar needles and sipped on tea made from wild ginger. It was all hands on so we were quite involved in the whole process as well as learning to identify what to eat or more importantly what not to eat in the forest. It's amazing how many edible plants there are that can be harvested for medicinal purposes or for the sheer pleasure of eating.

I was astonished at the biodiversity that exists in a place like this. This Old growth forest consist of trees that are 250 to 1500 years old. It's awe inspiring to stand next to a 1000 year old tree, to ponder it's existence and the complex processes that took place for it to come into being.

I can appreciate those who had enough foresight to preserve a place like this for generations to come and the efforts of Opal Creek forest center to educate the public about this magnificent forest.

Through their many workshops OCFC share there knowledge and love for the forest which has opened up a whole new world that is hidden to most. It is amazing to discover a circle of life that has stood the test of time, continuing on for thousands of years; a living system dependent on each stage of its life cycle to develop and survive,from to the microscopic organizims that breaks down the rotten logs on the forest floor to the spotted owl which stands at the top of the food chain.

God in his infinite wisdom has designed everything to work together for the benefit of all. If you take one organism out you risk altering what God has designed to work together.

" There is no creature so little and contemptible as not to manifest the goodness of God."Thomas A Kempis

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Oregon has an amazing Salmon fishery just waiting for those who are brave enough to handle the 6 foot Pacific Ocean swells. Thanks to Larry Roth and his experties behind the helm of the boat, we had a blast fishing for Coho's out of Depoe bay.

We seemed to effortlessly catch around 10 Salmon before the sun set. The fish run between 8 and 12lbs and put up a battle right until the end.

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We had another fun filled Summer Conference at Macleay Christian retreat. The children had a great time enjoying the activities the church planned for them throughout the conference. Highlights were swimming at the pool, going to the gym, bike decorating, sand castle competition, cookie making etc...

What I came away with most about this conference was a deep thankfulness for the Church and the many people that put there time and effort into making it special for the children and young people.

"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35

I'm very thankful I had the opportunity to be at summer conference this year with my family. I don't think there is any place better to be.

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It was a special day not only for Olga and Josh but for all of us who got to attend their wedding.

It was a blessing to witness a couple that has kept themselves pure for one another until this joyful day when they joined hands and hearts before God in holy matrimony.

They have laid a good foundation that they can build upon, with love, sacrifice , perseverance and relying on every word of God as their guide.

A good example for all of us follow.

The family and I had a relaxing weekend by the sea. There is just something about the Ocean that awakens in one a sense of awe. This immense body of water deeper than the highest mountain and as wide as the whole earth. It makes me want to praise God for his greatness and majesty. What am I but a speck of dust and yet He cares for me so much he has numbered each hair on my head. Matthew 10:30

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
You with your arm redeemed your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
indeed, the deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water;
the skies(AB) gave forth thunder;
your arrows flashed on every side.
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lighted up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
Your way was through the sea,
your path through the great waters;
yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.Psalm 77

Every year the Oregon Zoo decorates the grounds with Christmas lights. Enjoy!

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There will always be times in our lives where we can look back and appreciate the days gone by. Reflection during such times gives meaning to life. The weekend of Oct 4th was such a time where we all came together by a inseparable family bond to honor my father's last wish, that he have his ashes put in Pea Porridge Pond, right where he took us fishing every summer when we were kids.

My father had a love and appreciation for the outdoors. It was a place for him to be with his family away from all the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the simple pleasures living in the country has to offer.

In the 50's and 60's he built a cabin (we call the camp) near Pea Porridge pond in New Hampshire. This place became a haven where he could take his family and instill in them an appreciation and love for the very things that gave his life meaning.

God blessed us with such a father, whenever we go back to the camp on Pea Porridge pond we will always remember the days gone by and my father and mother and the love and joy we all shared there.