This is spring break week and this is what we have done:
1.) Lots of yard work--Mike took the leaf blower and blew the trillion leaves into piles and the girls and I took them via garbage cans to the back and we have a huge pile that we will take out every Tuesday and Thursday until the pile is gone--which I am guessing will be around 2011.
2.) We are being entertained by Katie's three class mice: Mrs. Jumpy, Spot, Speedy. Katie's teacher sent out an e-mail asking for volunteer's to watch the mice over spring break. Mike and I thought it would be fun for the girls, but I also thought there would be a lot of volunteers. Wrong. Not even one--except us. So as I am carrying the aquarium with the three "homeless for spring break" mice out to the car, Katie's friends and classmates were saying "Katie, you are so lucky!!" as their parents were smiling and I'm sure thinking "glad it's you and not me." I clarified what the liability of the life of the mice was before we agreed to bring them home to two excited girls and two cats. We have no worries:-)
3.) Dentist appointment. All is good for another 6 months.
4.) Cleaning out closets, washing windows, getting oil changed in truck, trying to be domesticated I suppose.
5.) Deciding what my next job in life is going to be. Last Friday was my last day as a quality coordinator. I am hired by Mike's company to work home health and there is a hospice company that I am interested in. My heart is really leaning toward hospice. Our experience with mom was so beautiful and I felt so close to the Lord during that time. I know that I can do hospice. I am just not sure the time is right now. Cindy and I are in week 3 of Griefshare and it is very good. We have had two friends in the last week ask about our experience with hospice. One of our friends, her mom was in hospice for 1 1/2 days before going home to be with the Lord. The other just went home on hospice yesterday. I love to talk about it and to talk about God and how He gave us Psalm 116 at that time.
6.) Having fun with the girls. We did manicures today. It has been fun to stay around home and do things with the stuff we already have.
Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way, walk in it."
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
So Long February
I can't believe that February 2010 is over.
I turned 38 on the 15th. It was not a big deal. Birthdays have not been a big deal to me. I didn't think that it would be hard since mom died, but it turned out to be a little more difficult than I anticipated. I grieved her loss. The loss of the woman who brought me into the world, nourished me, taught me, disciplined me, loved me. I rejoiced over knowing without a doubt where she is and that one day we will be reunited.
I had some surgery to help with some female issues I had been having. I was nervous about it, but it all went rather smooth and I think that the results will be well worth it.
Mike bought me Beth Moore's book So Long Insecurity, you've been a bad friend to us.
It was really good although I don't want to say I read a good book and that's where it ends. I am working on change. On not being insecure.
My insecurities at this time in my life are fear of looking/sounding stupid or foolish or dumb, self-doubt, and being too sensitive. I need restoration. I am praying for God to do make me into what He meant me to be. He did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I am asking Him to help me take responsibility for the insecurity that I have caused myself like pride, selfishness, even thinking too little of myself which is a form of pride. I ask Him to convict me instantly when insecurity is of my own making. I ask Him to flood my life with purpose and and compassion, for Him to be my strength in weakness.
My last day at my current job is March 12. I am excited to start something different, a new challenge, and to only work part-time. I cannot wait to be a little more involved in school and Women's Bible Study, to be able to be home a little bit more, to get involved more with the girls school life. I am a little nervous for only 1 1/2 incomes instead of the 2 full time incomes, but Mike has been a great financial leader in our home and we should be able to do this without difficulty. Thank you Lord.
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whos waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11
I turned 38 on the 15th. It was not a big deal. Birthdays have not been a big deal to me. I didn't think that it would be hard since mom died, but it turned out to be a little more difficult than I anticipated. I grieved her loss. The loss of the woman who brought me into the world, nourished me, taught me, disciplined me, loved me. I rejoiced over knowing without a doubt where she is and that one day we will be reunited.
I had some surgery to help with some female issues I had been having. I was nervous about it, but it all went rather smooth and I think that the results will be well worth it.
Mike bought me Beth Moore's book So Long Insecurity, you've been a bad friend to us.
It was really good although I don't want to say I read a good book and that's where it ends. I am working on change. On not being insecure.
My insecurities at this time in my life are fear of looking/sounding stupid or foolish or dumb, self-doubt, and being too sensitive. I need restoration. I am praying for God to do make me into what He meant me to be. He did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I am asking Him to help me take responsibility for the insecurity that I have caused myself like pride, selfishness, even thinking too little of myself which is a form of pride. I ask Him to convict me instantly when insecurity is of my own making. I ask Him to flood my life with purpose and and compassion, for Him to be my strength in weakness.
My last day at my current job is March 12. I am excited to start something different, a new challenge, and to only work part-time. I cannot wait to be a little more involved in school and Women's Bible Study, to be able to be home a little bit more, to get involved more with the girls school life. I am a little nervous for only 1 1/2 incomes instead of the 2 full time incomes, but Mike has been a great financial leader in our home and we should be able to do this without difficulty. Thank you Lord.
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whos waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11
Monday, February 1, 2010
Weekend recap
This past weekend Mike and I got to go up to Waco to the World Mandate. It was held on the campus of Baylor University and there were about 3000 people in attendance. The theme was "Let Your Kingdom Come."
It is about the idea of God's presence, about serving, missionary work, being not just the "head" of Jesus, but being his hands and feet. It was about what breaks God's heart--the pain in this world--orphans, famine, addiction, any dark place.
There was great worship music, lots of prayer and missionaries did some teaching.
Highlights of the messages:
-Go to the places of pain where people are, in their addiction, difficulties of life, the dark places. Those are the places where God is and He wants to show mercy and grace. God is at work in the pain, He wants to heal and restore. He does that in our lives and we are to take that and help others out in their pain.
-This life is not about all that we can gather, rather it should be about what we can give away.
-God is looking for obedient people. We are not His disciples if we are not obeying.
We headed back on Sunday morning and made it back to church in time for our service. I couldn't believe that our sermon was about serving. Actually, I guess that I can believe that. God likes to do things like that, to make sure we are getting the message.
What I got from our sermon was about the attitude in serving. Giving it your all with a joyful spirit.
A Bible verse from World Mandate that stood out to me was James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
It is about the idea of God's presence, about serving, missionary work, being not just the "head" of Jesus, but being his hands and feet. It was about what breaks God's heart--the pain in this world--orphans, famine, addiction, any dark place.
There was great worship music, lots of prayer and missionaries did some teaching.
Highlights of the messages:
-Go to the places of pain where people are, in their addiction, difficulties of life, the dark places. Those are the places where God is and He wants to show mercy and grace. God is at work in the pain, He wants to heal and restore. He does that in our lives and we are to take that and help others out in their pain.
-This life is not about all that we can gather, rather it should be about what we can give away.
-God is looking for obedient people. We are not His disciples if we are not obeying.
We headed back on Sunday morning and made it back to church in time for our service. I couldn't believe that our sermon was about serving. Actually, I guess that I can believe that. God likes to do things like that, to make sure we are getting the message.
What I got from our sermon was about the attitude in serving. Giving it your all with a joyful spirit.
A Bible verse from World Mandate that stood out to me was James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2009, what a year.
2009 came and went.
Reflecting on this last day of 2009, my thoughts immediately go to my mom. She is bringing in the second phase of her life in the presence of her Savior. Forever.
Meanwhile, back here in phase 1, I am living the day to day wanting Christ to be my life. Yesterday I was reading Colossians 3. It is very rich. Col 3:1 says to "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is." My prayer for this year is to set my affections on Him.
Verse 4 says "Christ, who is your life..." My question is: Is He?
I want Him to be my life.
Other highlights of 2009 include:
*moving-which has been such blessing. We love our home and the area of town.
*the girls going to another school. They have adjusted well and God has brought them some really neat friends.
*BSF. We are going through the book of John. Next year is the book of Isaiah, cannot wait.
*Crazy Love bible study. We are hosting it in our home and absolutely love the people that God has brought together.
*Lifegroup. It is a blessing to have these friends to "do life" with.
*Running. It has been awesome to run (or jog or walk) and to share this hobby with Melody, a sweet friend whom God has put in my life. Our moms are/were the same age and we are going through some of the same stuff, unexpectedly. We find stuff to laugh about and just vent.
*Cindy. She went on the STARS retreat in October before everything happened with mom. Wow. God is so good. His timing is so perfect. Our relationship has never been better and I cannot imagine life without her. She is going to join Concordia in January and she comes for the Crazy Love bible study. God has provided some really awesome ladies from church for her to be friends with and it is so sweet.
*Mike. When I think of miracles, I look at one everyday. What God has done in our lives and marriage is nothing short of a miracle. All of the glory goes to the One who pulled us from the pit. Grace. Undeserved. I love this man that God has given me more today than ever. That is not to say we do not have any valleys, misunderstandings, arguments...but we do not stay there. I think that is the point. To humbly keep moving forward.
2010.
What will it bring?
Reflecting on this last day of 2009, my thoughts immediately go to my mom. She is bringing in the second phase of her life in the presence of her Savior. Forever.
Meanwhile, back here in phase 1, I am living the day to day wanting Christ to be my life. Yesterday I was reading Colossians 3. It is very rich. Col 3:1 says to "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is." My prayer for this year is to set my affections on Him.
Verse 4 says "Christ, who is your life..." My question is: Is He?
I want Him to be my life.
Other highlights of 2009 include:
*moving-which has been such blessing. We love our home and the area of town.
*the girls going to another school. They have adjusted well and God has brought them some really neat friends.
*BSF. We are going through the book of John. Next year is the book of Isaiah, cannot wait.
*Crazy Love bible study. We are hosting it in our home and absolutely love the people that God has brought together.
*Lifegroup. It is a blessing to have these friends to "do life" with.
*Running. It has been awesome to run (or jog or walk) and to share this hobby with Melody, a sweet friend whom God has put in my life. Our moms are/were the same age and we are going through some of the same stuff, unexpectedly. We find stuff to laugh about and just vent.
*Cindy. She went on the STARS retreat in October before everything happened with mom. Wow. God is so good. His timing is so perfect. Our relationship has never been better and I cannot imagine life without her. She is going to join Concordia in January and she comes for the Crazy Love bible study. God has provided some really awesome ladies from church for her to be friends with and it is so sweet.
*Mike. When I think of miracles, I look at one everyday. What God has done in our lives and marriage is nothing short of a miracle. All of the glory goes to the One who pulled us from the pit. Grace. Undeserved. I love this man that God has given me more today than ever. That is not to say we do not have any valleys, misunderstandings, arguments...but we do not stay there. I think that is the point. To humbly keep moving forward.
2010.
What will it bring?
Monday, December 28, 2009
"Is Santa really real?"
This year this has been the ongoing question:
Katie: "Mom, tell me the truth, is Santa really real?"
me: "Why do you ask?"
Katie: "Because so-and-so says there is not a Santa."
me: "Hmm, what do you think?"
This usually buys me time, that and "Why don't you ask daddy."
So this year, we let them figure it out. Usually I wrap the presents in different paper, not this year.
Lisa: "Look, Santa uses the same paper as we do!!"
me: "Wow, He has some good wrapping paper taste."
Lisa: "Look, Santa has the same handwriting as mom."
me: "That's pretty good handwriting."
Lisa got the earrings from Santa that she saw at JCPenny when she was shopping with Mike.
Lisa: "Look, Santa got these at JCPenney's."
Mike printed out an explanation of the beginnings of St Nicholas. It was very interesting and at the end we asked the girls what they thought.
The girls came to the realization that there is not a jolly old man who comes down the chimney and eats the cookies and drinks the milk and leaves presents. But they are not going to spoil it for any of the younger children in our lives.
Mike and I came to the realization that next year on Christmas we will be able to sleep in past 5:02 a.m.
Katie: "Mom, tell me the truth, is Santa really real?"
me: "Why do you ask?"
Katie: "Because so-and-so says there is not a Santa."
me: "Hmm, what do you think?"
This usually buys me time, that and "Why don't you ask daddy."
So this year, we let them figure it out. Usually I wrap the presents in different paper, not this year.
Lisa: "Look, Santa uses the same paper as we do!!"
me: "Wow, He has some good wrapping paper taste."
Lisa: "Look, Santa has the same handwriting as mom."
me: "That's pretty good handwriting."
Lisa got the earrings from Santa that she saw at JCPenny when she was shopping with Mike.
Lisa: "Look, Santa got these at JCPenney's."
Mike printed out an explanation of the beginnings of St Nicholas. It was very interesting and at the end we asked the girls what they thought.
The girls came to the realization that there is not a jolly old man who comes down the chimney and eats the cookies and drinks the milk and leaves presents. But they are not going to spoil it for any of the younger children in our lives.
Mike and I came to the realization that next year on Christmas we will be able to sleep in past 5:02 a.m.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Random Thoughts
1. This is the first Christmas without my mom. Her birthday was December 19. She would have been 61. I think about her alot. I pray to God to tell her that I love her. Will probably go through Griefshare with Cindy at church.
2. The other day the girls and I were shopping for boots for them. We went into Payless shoes and looked, to no avail. While I was searching down the aisle, I glanced over at the girls and Katie was crying. I said "What are you'll doing?", Katie looked up and said "Mom, Lisa kicked me in the nuts." OK. A little explanation of anatomy was given. "Katie, you are a girl, you don't have nuts." Katie "Oh." And she was fine. Makes me wonder what is said on the playground.
3. We watched the Nativity Story last night. It was very, very good.
4. Our family present is the New KJV Audio Bible. It is FANTASTIC!!
5. One of my goals for 2010 is to read the bible in a year.
6. Another goal is to run the half marathon one more time, to do better that 2 hours 44 minutes.
7. This morning Lisa came out of her room and said "I laid in bed for a little while to grow more." Did it work? She said it did. I would like 2 more inches of height-maybe I will try it too.
8. Finished a Karen Kingsbury book "Shades of Blue." It was very good. Just started "Waiting for Morning" by her.
2. The other day the girls and I were shopping for boots for them. We went into Payless shoes and looked, to no avail. While I was searching down the aisle, I glanced over at the girls and Katie was crying. I said "What are you'll doing?", Katie looked up and said "Mom, Lisa kicked me in the nuts." OK. A little explanation of anatomy was given. "Katie, you are a girl, you don't have nuts." Katie "Oh." And she was fine. Makes me wonder what is said on the playground.
3. We watched the Nativity Story last night. It was very, very good.
4. Our family present is the New KJV Audio Bible. It is FANTASTIC!!
5. One of my goals for 2010 is to read the bible in a year.
6. Another goal is to run the half marathon one more time, to do better that 2 hours 44 minutes.
7. This morning Lisa came out of her room and said "I laid in bed for a little while to grow more." Did it work? She said it did. I would like 2 more inches of height-maybe I will try it too.
8. Finished a Karen Kingsbury book "Shades of Blue." It was very good. Just started "Waiting for Morning" by her.
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