Way to Bored

I must be way to bored because I am having way to much fun playing Mob Wars on Facebook. I think it's hysterical to punch someone in the face (not for real but on Mob Wars)! I don't know why but every time I do it i get the biggest kick out of it. Again I must be way to bored.

Woo Hoo for Antibiotics!

It's official, bronchitis stinks. I have finally been to the Dr. and have come to the conclusion I have bronchitis. I hate it, I get it about once a year. simply put it just stinks and that's putting it nicely. Hard to breathe, coughing, meds, breathing treatments that make you jittery, ugh! Good news is that antibiotics are amazing! I am starting to feel better not great but definitely better. It's amazing how much we take breathing for granted...you know there is a message in there and one of the days I am actually going to write it. Every time I come down with this I am reminded what a gift God gives us with each breath. Maybe it's just His way of gently reminding me how much I really do need Him.

Random

I am still sick and I am really tired of being sick. I keep thinking this too shall pass, now I am just wondering, when? One of the worse things about not feeling well, besides the obvious, is being cranky. On top of not feeling good, Lola is in heat again. She is still to young to breed so keeping Mugsy away from her is nothing short of a nightmare.

Good news is that my nephew is coming here for Christmas! Things were more confirmed today. I am so excited to see him. I do wish though that we would get to see the rest of his family too. Soon I hope.

We need to finish decorating the Christmas tree, it's hard to find the time when all the kids will be home to help. That used to be a no brainer but now it takes massive planning. Maybe today? We'll see but I an not going to hold my breath I think more realistically it will be more like Thursday or Friday.

A dear friend called last night at the most perfect time, she had no idea how much that call was needed and how great the timing was. God really is amazing in such small but massive ways.

One of My 5 Star Girls

I went to 5 Star today even though I seem to have caught this nasty sickness that has been floating around my family. I am so glad I did. It was our last one for this season, awards were handed out and all my girls were there. I have 8 girls in my group, 6 of them I had last year. They are all wonderfully enthusiastic. I also have a faithful group of girls who like to do crafts, I am learning all their names trying to anyway. It always seems as if time goes by so quickly that we hardly have time to talk. When we do talk it's amazing the things you learn. I am so amazed at the things these girls face on a day to day basis. Today I learned that one of my girls lost two grandparents this week, on the same day. They were both her mothers parents. One passed away Monday morning, the other passed away Monday evening. Carrie is the embodiment of joy. She knows Jesus and it definitely shines through all she says and does. In spite of the tragedies in her family this week, she was at 5Star. Not only was she there but she was her usual joyful self. I just wanted to say, Carrie is an amazing young lady and I am so glad she is one of my girls.

Just an Update

Well Thanksgiving has come and gone, so has the company we had. I really do love the holidays. I enjoy hostessing, cooking and yes even cleaning. My parents came in town, my mother-in-law even came over and stayed the night. We also had several friends over for the day. It really was a good day. One of my favorite parts of the day is going through the sale ads for Black Friday. It's a process that takes all day, off and on. On the last go through I pretty much map out the shopping day. All three kids, my dad, my mother-in-law, and myself got up and hit the stores at 4 a.m. We love doing it! We did get some amazing deals. I got a knife set that was originally 170.00 for 30.00. Hilary got a pair of winter boots and a pair of shoes for 12.00. Those are just a couple of super deals we were able to get.

Now I am slowly getting ready for Christmas. We are going to my parents for Christmas this year. My nephew will even be around at some point near or even on Christmas. I have found that the cold weather and snow are a bit depressing. I could honestly live where it never snowed and cold was 40. I came up with a small sewing project to keep me busy in the off times. I enjoy sewing but my skills are minimal so we shall see how things turn out :)

It's Been Quite the Day

What a day! It started with a treacherous trip to Elkhart on the icy roads this morning. It was worth it, I bought enough molding for our dining room at an extremely cheap rate. Then I had a paint issue at Wal-Mart. I have been painting my living room the color was off from the beginning but I decided I would live with it. Then I needed a 3rd gallon and the wrong sticker was on it and it couldn't be matched. An hour and a half later I now have 3 complimentary gallons of paint and a whole bunch more painting to do...I only had one small wall to finish with the second coat. Then Evan's car acted up...wobbly wheel. I picked him up and decided I would get ahead of the game and get a little birthday shopping done. On the way the "malfunction light" on my car came on. I stopped at Auto Zone and had the "codes ran". Could be 1 of 4 things we ruled out one major thing. It could also be that I didn't get the gas cap tight enough yesterday. Have to get that looked at. In the midst of all this my cell phone was going crazy...calls and texts. I am exhausted, physically but mostly mentally, I just want to go home and go to bed (I am at work...done but waiting on Bob). As I read through this it doesn't seem like that much but this consumed my entire day. Tomorrow will be better and hopefully I will accomplish what I was supposed to do today.

Back On-Line....Woo Hoo!

So I have virtually been off-line for the last month! We left SBC/ATT because of connection issues. We went to Verizon, through our cell phone plan. We had a portable modem...the service worked well but it is not "unlimited" like they advertise. With a family of 5 the amount of allotted time was not enough. So I cancelled it and was left with the agonizing decision of who now? I finally decided Comcast would be good, I haven't really heard anyone complain about it. So far so good and it is much, much faster than SBC. I have randomly checked e-mail and facebook but I have really missed being connected. I didn't realize how dependent I had become to the Internet. It was good to do without but it's nice to be back.

Oops

Well I just realized that I was keeping track of my miles on Augusts calendar. The problem with this is that I thought I had more time than I do. The problem with this is that instead of 23.36 miles a week I need to walk 28.44 miles a week to achieve my goal. It's disheartening but I am still in it, I know I can do this.

On Track

My goal for last week was to walk 23.36 miles, I walked 23.50 miles. So far I am on track. I have a heavy week with work this week so pray I get my 23.36 miles in! I only have 398.24 miles to go...woo hoo!

This Journey is My Own

As I was on the treadmill this morning listening to my Ipod, a song by Sara Groves came on. It's title, This Journey is My Own. Kind of like my walk with Jesus, this is my journey. One I have to be responsible for, no one else can do it. No one else can answer for me. I can take people alongside of me but when it comes down to it, it only matters that I choose to make the right choices. In my walk with Jesus the right choices are ones that bring me closer to Him and ones that honor Him with what He has asked of my life. This can be difficult. I have found doing the right thing is rarely easy however it is always worth doing. As far as my 500 mile journey, the right choice is to get on the treadmill. I know this is a journey that Jesus and I are taking together. I pray that I keep on it, I know He will.

To date I have walked 90.36 miles; 409.64 miles to go! I will be back at the gym later today to walk at least 2 more miles...just me and Jesus.

Can I Do It?

Earlier this year I kind of set a goal to walk 500 miles by the end of 2008. I was doing fantastic for a couple months. Then I kind of fell off the treadmill. I am back but I have done the math and found that I have to walk approximately 23.36 miles a week to achieve my goal. OH MY GOODNESS! To many that may not seem like much but to me it is almost overwhelming. I am going to give it my best shot. The worst that can happen is I don't make it. The best scenario is that I do. Either way I will know I tried.

Back On...Hopefully to Stay

I was doing really well about walking several times a week then it felt like life kind of blew up when Bob's dad passed away. It's been back on track for some time now but I have still been off the treadmill. I finally made it back to the gym today and walked a couple of miles. It felt good to be back on track. Hopefully no more falling off the treadmill (figuratively of course). Looking forward to being back on tomorrow.

Definitely Hard

I was most definitely right last week, being mom is hard. It seemed like some of my teens had lost their mind this weekend. I guess it was only one but originally it seemed that two had. Unfortunately for one, our anger from the others actions carried over to the other situation happening. Thank goodness that we have learned to never address a situation in the heat of anger. It took the entire day but at the end we did talk and gave the consequences for irresponsibility. We decided that with irresponsibility should come more responsibility. I guess we just keep praying that the foundation laid is not lost in the midst of whatever is going on.

Ever Have One of Those Days

Have you ever had one of those days that you feel like your emotions on right on the abloute very edge. They aren't out of control but if someone really took the time to dig past the outer shell you just might crack. They would definitely get more than they bargained for. It kind of feels like your heart is exposed and could either be gently held and nurtured or simply smashed. Today is one of those days.

Being Mom is Hard

Without trying I manage to make at least one of my children mad at me each day. It comes naturally. I don't have to try, it just happens. Simple things really, sometimes I have gone and done it and not even realized what I have done. Other times I know it's going to happen but for their sake and my sanity it must be done. It just really stinks being the bad guy sometimes. I just hope they realize what I do is done out of love.

From Boy to Man or Should I Say Soldier

Well today I watched my nephew graduate from Army basic training. We, being his mom, sister, girlfriend, grandma, grandpa, brothers, and myself couldn't have been any more proud of him. There were a number of tears shed today. He has loved his Army experience so far and is looking forward to what his future holds. He will be headed off for AIT tomorrow (advanced individual training) for the next 7 weeks, then home for 2 weeks, off to Airborne school for 2 weeks and 4 days, then for Ranger training. He's excited! Better yet he's happy. As we were visiting with John a number of people he's been with the past 10 weeks came up to him, wished him well and one even thanked him. She introduce her son, who was about 4, to John as the man whom without she would have never qualified. She said he spent 4 hours with her helping her to qualify on arms. There was also a father and a daughter who both just graduated. They were in the same, unit/company. What an incredible experience to share with each other.

With 1100 graduating today, I am sure the stories were in abundance. I would have loved to have heard some of the stories but I am grateful for the one I do know. My nephew's. He was an extremely difficult child, I reminded him today of when he climbed up on his mothers kitchen counter and peed in the peanut butter (he didn't remember it but he did it). He drank bleach, never harmed him. He has been through a lot of hard situations. Some self imposed, some not. Now though, he seems like he has direction, a good direction, a positive future to head towards. He was strong willed as a child and now he is strong minded as a soldier. I am so proud of him!

Can't Sleep

It's almost 5 a.m., I have been up since 3. Can't sleep, don't know why. Just sitting here thinking about the weekend, the highs and lows of it all.

Highs:

New water heater installed
Door fixed
Kids covered work
Spending time with amazing friends
Spending time with my mother-in-law
Worked ND Volleyball (earn awesome freebies)
Started mudding in the dining room, 1st coat is on :)
Actually seeing and spending time with my hubby

Lows

Having to replace the water heater
Teenage drama...oh my goodness you have no idea...really, you have no idea

Well as I process this it is evident that the good out weighs the bad. I really did have a good weekend. Now it's almost time to get ready for the day. Work and then off to South Carolina for a few days. My nephew is graduating from basic training. He has made some very poor choices in the past, I keep praying that with this new venture in his life he will make far better choices. I love this guy...fortunately he knows Jesus so I know it's just a matter of time before he gets back on track...I hope he's there.

Handyman and Amazing Kids

My husband has become Mr. Handyman this weekend. He has not only fixed the hot water heater, he also replaced the broken glass in our front door!!!

Then to say my kids are AMAZING would be an understatement! Zach and Hilary work with me on the weekend. They help me clean an office building. They did the whole building without me yesterday! They are so great!

Hot Water Hero

Yesterday I was fussing about not wanting to make dinner and as I was sitting here blogging about it I heard a noise. It only lasted a couple of seconds and along with the noise the power flickered. A little while later it happened again. I went down stairs and checked things out, like I know what I'm looking at. Of course I found nothing unusual. So I did what any good wife would do, I called my honey and told him. I went on about my business, took a shower and went to turn on the dryer, that's when I found the problem. There was a rather large puddle of water escaping from the water heater. Kind of like the bounty commercial...it's a three sheeter...except this was a three bath toweler. Of course I did again what all good wives do, called my husband. Unfortunately this took him away from his plans of an afternoon with his mom, sorry mom. He came home and very calmly examined the situation and got a list of needed materials and off to Menards we went. Now if you don't know my husband very well he can be easily frustrated with this type of unexpected home improvement project, especially considering the conditions of the installation. Our heating ducts are positioned approximately 1 inch above the water heater, he never said a word about it, just assessed the problem and moved along. I am so proud of him for that. Anyway, we get home he begins to start the removal process of the old one. I had to leave I had a prior commitment that I could not miss, I'm sure this was a God thing considering spouses don't always work together the best in situations like this one. When I got home the old one was almost drained so we ate dinner, which by the way Matins cooked (deli chicken), and they removed the old one. In just a short time the new one was installed. Bob connected the electric and it was just a matter of time before we had hot water. I went ahead and went to bed. When I got up this morning I expected hot water, it was still cold. I assumed Bob already knew this but I did not want to be the one to tell him, just in case he didn't. He just calmly asked, "was the water hot?" I replied, "no." He simply said, "I figured." He went to the hardware store, came home, worked on it a few minutes and now we have hot water! He is now my, Hot Water Hero! He laughs but I'm serious! No hot water...a BIG deal. Fixing the problem...even BIGGER deal!

All this to say I am so thankful that God worked it all out! He kept 60 gallons of water from exploding all over my basement (which is my bedroom), that when we bought the new heater it was about 70.00 off the original price, and through the removal and installation process God blessed Bob with such a great attitude and even temper! If it had to go out...God couldn't have done it any better! Go figure...He's just amazing that way.

The Most Dreaded Question

Maybe it's just me but I really dread the question "what's for dinner?" Inevitably it will happen a minimum of once a day. Typically in my home it's at least four times (once from each kid and once from Bob). Unfortunately I am so sick of trying to figure out what's for dinner I just don't care. I'm working on it though...making myself come up with some sort of a potential menu. I think tonight will be chicken and fettuccine alfredo or we will have breakfast for dinner. Any preferences? Any great ideas?

Wednesday

I thought I would play in the mud today...the dry wall mud that is. I put the tape on the seams and then realized I couldn't open the container of mud. Guess the mud party isn't happening until someone else open the crazy thing. So I did what I knew I could, I cooked dinner.

Then I went to Bob's work for a "wedding reception" of sorts. One of the owners, who is Jewish, oldest son was recently married. It was an arranged marriage. Part of the Jewish tradition is to travel around for about 10 days after the wedding to smaller receptions to celebrate the wedding with those who are important to the families but could not attend the wedding. It was very interesting and different to take part in this tradition. Got to love new experiences.

Then I was off with Hilary to take my mother-in-law to lunch. We had a nice afternoon. We ate, talked, and laughed at silly stuff. I think we all needed that. Then we went shopping. Hilary tried on numerous things and there were even a few that Grandma said, you look to much like Grandma...not working. It was entertaining. SIDE NOTE: If you want to do something entertaining, take a teenage girl shopping and make her try on ugly dresses...believe it or not it can be a lot of fun. She can try on pretty ones too but you have to throw in the uglies for kicks. Don't forget to take pictures!

After all that, back to usual. Laundry, housework, pick up Bob, pick up Zach and them home for the evening. Good night!

Weird Dreams

Most of the time I don't remember my dreams but for the past week I seem to be having about 2-3 a night that I remember just as soon as I wake up. Typically they are whats waking me up. They seem so vivid and then I tend to forget them. They do seem to have one common theme though, good vs. evil, the great thing is that in each dream good has been conquering evil. Don't know if they mean anything but it's nice to know that in my dreams good is winning.

Catching Up

Well it has been a crazy week. Started out sick with a pretty full work schedule. Worked through Monday, was still not feeling well. Woke up Tuesday and felt great, whatever it was over the last 7 days was gone! Yea! I had two "emergency" calls for help for work, one existing client, one new. So on top of my already scheduled 7 jobs this week I added two more, I was exhausted, but today I rest. I have come to the conclusion I do not know how people who work full time do it. How they work 40 plus hours, take care of the house, cook dinner every night, spend time with the family, run kids here and there, and keep their sanity. I apparently am not that good. By the time I have gotten done each day, I did not feel like cooking. We ate alot of left overs, the family is sick of meatloaf, and then when that ran out I had to force myself to cook "new food". Grateful for the extra work but I just don't know how people do it. I figure something has to be neglected, just has to be.

Anyway the folks are in town for the weekend, enjoying the day with them and hopefully Bob will be out of work on time today, he has been working alot of extra. Looking forward to the weekend...

Crisis Diverted

Bob has gone away for the weekend, a much needed break for him. However, life still goes on. Nothing stops, not even the drama that comes along with teenagers. Hilary and I went to see the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 on Friday, we loved it. Saturday she went to work and then met me at our cleaning job. She asked if I had seen her wallet. Of course I hadn't so we double checked the cars and had Evan check at home, nothing. On our way home to look some more I finally asked her outside of her license, what did she have in it. Only her ATM card and about
$100.00. We get home, no wallet. The only option left, the theater. What were the odds. I finally get ahold of a number to speak to a person, after describing the wallet and repeating her name about 5 times, wallet FOUND! Thank you Jesus! Crisis number one, diverted.

The kids went to play Capture the Flag. I get a phone call Saturday around 10:30p.m. from Hilary, her trunk won't close. Luckily they were in the Infalts neighborhood and Dave was home and helped to bungee the trunk shut (as shut as it would stay). It worked for the night but she can't continue to drive around like that, so Hilary and I took our massive car knowledge this morning and attempted to fix the trunk. We first lubricated the lock, now it actually popped but it still wouldn't grab and relock by itself. Next brilliant idea, rig it. We thought if we could put a screw in it to help it grab ahold of the bar and lock. It kind of worked. One problem, one bump and it would pop open. Next idea, tape. Maybe it just needed more to grab ahold of. Nope, didn't work. I finally figured out how to pull her back seat down and that enabled Hilary to lock it from the inside using the ingenious paper clip and screwdriver. Crisis number two, diverted.

Little Things

I have decided I need to celebrate the little things. Instead of dwelling on what I messed up or took too long to do, I will celebrate what I have done right or in some cases finally gotten done. For instance, instead of dwelling that I missed an exit on the road, celebrate the fact that that I only missed it by one mile instead of 10 miles. Even like today, I have been meaning to clean the car out for weeks, possibly a couple months, but today I did it. So I celebrate that I actually have done it as opposed to dwelling on the fact I have taken so long to get to it. Just a new way I want to look at things, even the little things. A change in attitude and in vision, should be a better way of seeing and living life.

Time to Breathe

It's been a whirlwind the last week or so. Hilary, Wendy and myself went to Atlanta to see Judy. We drove all night Tuesday, napped a couple hours Wednesday morning and then were off to the Margaret Mitchell house. It was awesome. She was quite a woman. I find it ironic that the one thing she is most known for, writing Gone With The Wind, is the least of her accomplishments! Well worth the time to check it out. Then we were off to the Cheesecake Bistro, YUM! Then to Oxygen to check out the Youth Group. What a fun time. There was a great energy in the room and such a passion from everyone who was there worshipping. We did a little shopping while we were there, hung out with some Master's students, cooked, went to Fat Matt's Barbeque- can I just say, YUM! We had a good time, it was just really nice to spend some time with a dearly missed friend.

I've been playing catch up since we got home Sunday morning. It's been a lot of working and just keeping my head above water but today I can breathe! Yeah!

End of One Chapter, A New One Begins

We helped my mother-in-law over the last several days with a yard sale. In essence she took most everything that she and Joe accumulated over the last 60 years and got rid of most of it. She kept a few things that meant something to her and parted with the rest. I was surprised at how difficult it was for me to pack up Joe's clothes that didn't sell. The jacket that I have seen him wear for years and his sweater, I didn't expect the emotions to surface that did. I know how difficult it was for me so I can't imagine how this has been for her. She was extremely strong through it all.

She also collects buttons. She has not only collected them but sorted, separated them, sewn them on "cards" and has had them as long as I have known her (23 years), actually longer. She was going to have to part with them. Funny how I really don't hold things close, they are just things. But for some reason I just couldn't see her part with what she held so dear. Needless to say we are now storing a massive amount of buttons. I wouldn't, actually I couldn't have done anything otherwise.

She is now living with her oldest daughter, Georgia. This should be a great mix. Willadene is one who needs to mother and Georgia is one who could use a little mothering. Please pray for this new chapter in their lives, for the strength and courage to face whatever the future holds. Also, for some much needed joy and laughter, they (we all) could use more.

Toilet Seats

I decided it was time for a new toilet seat. Went to Wal-Mart, looked at the array of choices of new toilet seats. As I was trying to figure out the difference between a $5.00 and $18.00 toilet seat I decided that really there was no difference and if there happened to be a difference in quality then I could buy 3 five dollar toilet seats to one eighteen dollar toilet seat. Made sense in my head. I brought home my five dollar toilet seat and soon discovered the difference. The difference lies in the installation. After removing the old seat, by the way....ewwwe, I proceeded to tried to install the new one. Tried is the key word. As I attempted to tighten the plastic screws I sucessfully tore up the plastic screws. Hilary tried to help. Two of us ALMOST got one on. Seeing that there was little plastic left on the head of the screw it dawned on me that we would never get it back off and when you remove the used toilet seat, it isn't nearly as nice as when you put it on. So I gathered up the chewed up screws took back the five dollar toilet seat and purchased the eighteen dollar one. Got home, installed it in less than 2 minutes. The difference: 5 dollars, 15-20 minutes of frustration in an unsuccessful installation, another trip to Wal-Mart (more time, more gas). 18 dollars, one trip, 2 minutes installation time. Well worth the 13 dollar difference. Who knew.

The Shack

I finished the book The Shack, by William P. Young, over the weekend. Can I just say AMAZING! It's a must read!

Who Owns Who?

I have been home all day not feeling the best. I am beginning to think the dogs actually own me, especially Lola. Lola, the cute little black pug, has had me up and down all day long putting her in and out. It's not that she goes out to potty. Nope she goes out to eat stuff, like rocks and whatever else she can find. She decides when we will play and when we will stop playing. She is even sitting on my shoulder, like a parrot, as I type this. I clean up after her, I feed her, I entertain her. Yes, I believe it's true, she owns me. When did this happen? I thought I bought her.

Heart of the Home

I grew up hearing the “kitchen is the heart of the home” and in my family it really was. Whether I was at home, my grandma’s or any of my aunt’s houses everyone seemed to gather in the kitchen. Life happened around the table. We would play games, cards, talk, laugh and yes, there were also times of tears. It all felt so natural. In the midst of life happening around the table it seemed as if meals came out of nowhere, you were playing, or whatever, and there it was, your next meal. Life was simple around the table. Many good times were had in the kitchen, even in the worst of situations. Life in the “heart” of the home just seemed right.

My family still spends their fair share of time “around the table” less now that the kids are older and have jobs and lives of their own. Life however doesn’t seem to be as simple as it was growing up around the table. Being in the kitchen is comforting in a way. I guess it brings back great memories. I grew up baking. I love to bake. Cooking is okay, it’s a necessity but baking it’s just fun. One of the quirks I have when it comes to cooking or baking is I have to start with a clean kitchen. Yes, I know I am only going to mess it up and then of course have to turn around and clean it once again. Seems like more work? Maybe, but it has to be clean when I start or things just aren’t right.

It’s really the same way when I go to work. I clean, that's my job, I enjoy it, it's good money, few hours and I make my schedule, I enjoy all these aspects of my job. I have noticed that when I start cleaning (even in my home) I start with the kitchen. I could start anywhere but I start there. When I start in the kitchen things seem to fall into place. There are times when I need to begin elsewhere but when I do, things just don’t feel right. I know it sounds odd but it’s just the way I am.

Life has held a lot of changes for me the past year or so and in the midst of all the change God shared with me a little insight. He is so amazing in the way He helps us to understand. One day in the midst of cleaning (which by the way you have a lot of alone time with God) I was praying about what’s next and He made it clear to me it’s a lot like my kitchen. My heart, with what is next, is a lot like my quirk with the kitchen. Like my quirk, I have to start with a clean kitchen before I can make something. He made me realize where I needed to start is by “cleaning up my heart” so to speak. Just as I won’t bake in a dirty kitchen, I don’t think He likes do much with a mucky heart. Can I just say this was a WOW moment for me. I have been working on the whole heart thing and well, it’s a lot less cluttered than it used to be. It’s a work in progress, as am I.



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Weekend With the Family

We went to Toledo for the weekend to visit my parents. It's been a very long time since we have been there. Most of our time the last 6-8 months has been dedicated to Bob's family. It was a nice change and very relaxing. We took my mother-in-law with us, thought it may be good for her to get away. I think it was. We just hung out, played games, played the Wii, ate (alot), went to Mr. Freeze (yummy ice cream) and missed out on fireworks- due to flooding in the field. We laughed alot and just relaxed, it was nice. A much needed weekend.

Random

1) If you have teenagers and no clean towels...check their rooms. Found 8 between the boys rooms.

2) If your new "flip flops" come up missing, check your daughters room. I almost bought new ones just like them the other day, thought I must have accidentally thrown them out.

3) I now know what my super power is. I am cabable of throwing way empty shampoo bottles, boxes or any other sort of container that gets emptied and returned to the shelf or cupboard. I must posses this super power because I am the only one in my home who seems to be able to do this.

3) I must really like lime green. I was doing laundry and hung up four shirts in a row of mine that are lime green, go figure.

Would have been 60 years today

Bob just called and said, "do you know what today is?" I thought for a second and said June twenty fi...that's when I paused. Then finished saying the twenty-fifth. It hit me mid-sentence that today would have been my in-laws 60th wedding anniversary. Joe passed away earlier this month, on the 3rd. He's with Jesus now which is wonderful for him but I can't imagine being Willadene. Having been with someone for so long, celebrating the good times struggling through the bad, together. She's amazing I know she'll be fine but if you can pray for her today.

A Day Off?

Well if you don't know I spend most of my day running people from point A to point B. I take Bob to work, come home, some days go to work, everyday take Zach to work, do errands, clean house, pick Zach up, pick Bob up and anything else that fits in. It may not sound like much but it takes ALL day. A rarity happened today, Bob took the car, Hilary is taking Zach and I am left home (by choice) to spend some quality time with Jesus, the dogs and of course do some never ending house work. I even plan on cooking dinner, this is the first I have had time to cook all week! I am sure my family will be grateful.

Just A Thought

On my first of many trips today of taking people from point A to point B it was a bit foggy. Some spots were very clear, some a bit hazy and then some were dense. All I could think of was how this is so true to life and with our walk with God. Sometimes it's crystal clear what we are supposed to be doing, what the right track is. Then it begins to haze. Are we on the right track? Clarity sets in again. We're good, right? Not so sure, we hit the dense part of the fog. This can seem endless. Then believe it or not it clears, as does everything else, and things fall into place. At least for the moment.

Should I have done more and if so what?

Last Monday we went to Wings, Etc. While we were sitting there waiting for everyone to show up a young lady came up to me and it took me a minute to recognize her. It was a student that had been in my Eagle's nest for 3 years. It has been about 3 years since I have seen or talked to her. When she first sat down she told me that she is pregnant, due in September. Her grandma died on May 9, 2008 (her grandma was the only mother she really had). She is on probation for shop lifting ($2.00 away from a felony). She is now going to night school, because of the pregnancy and the fact that she continually got into fights at school.

I asked what happened...she fell into the wrong crowd. Fortunately she is away from that crowd now. She mentioned she isn't going to church anywhere...the friend she used to go with every week, well they are no longer friends. She doesn't really know what happened to their friendship...it just ended.

Should I have made more of an effort after she left Oasis...would it have made a difference...did God put her back on my radar for a reason?

Keeping the Order...Trying to Anyway...

I have a number of FANTASTIC friends, by them I am truly blessed. One of which, when I was new to Christ, became my first mentor (I have two). Her name is Ruth, she is amazing! One of the most important things she tried to instill is the order that God asks of us. God, family and ministry. Now I know that God is to be at the center of our lives and everything we think, say or do should stem from that but keeping the balance in day to day life can be quite challenging. Sometimes the lines blurr and we don't even realize it.
Our relationship with God is to be first. To spend time with Him, in prayer and in His Word developing the intimacy that we so need with the One who created us. How often do the needs of our children, spouses, parents, in-laws, siblings, etc., take over and we move God back to second place...then to third, possibly fourth...how far do we keep pushing Him back? After all He'll understand, right?
Then there's the family. It seems like we should be able to hold that place, right? Well until we get so involved in doing ministry or whatever else that we become to busy doing to really devote the time and energy that they require. I am sorry to say that I know I have been involved in a number of conversations with my children or husband where I was not fully present. How much have I missed...I will never know. They'll understand, right?
Last but not least, ministry. We're doing God's work, what He's called us to do. What could be more important than advancing the Kingdom of God? So if we have to push our quiet time back to tomorrow or whenever we can fit it in, He'll understand, right? Or if we push our family's needs back another couple hours or days, depending on the urgency, they'll understand, right? After all we are doing God's work, that should take precedence, shouldn't it?
For me this is where the lines cross before I know it. Even though what I may be doing is good, is it really what God is wanting from me or is it what I want. The more I am able to consistently "keep the order" the closer I draw to God, to my family and to what He has in store for me. When the the order is kept, when the lines between my relationship with God, my family and my ministry are well defined, life is alot less blurry.