In honor of my dear friends in Colorado and Kansas! I know you all had snow before St. Louis saw the first flakes this morning...lol!
Diary Of A Snow Shoveler
Nov 29: We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World?
Dec 3: Snow, lovely snow! 8" last night. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling.
Dec 6: Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. The wife laughed for an hour.
Dec 10: Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere.
Dec 13: Had another 14" of the @#! stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Took me 45 minutes to get dressed to go out and shovel, and then I had to pee.
Dec 14: Only 2" today. And it warmed up to Zero. I hate the snow!
EDITOR's NOTE: By Dec 8, there were no birthday parties for Jadee and her sister...they got a blizzard every time. :(
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Monday, November 28, 2005
Favor or Fiasco
Yesterday, my boys actually let me sleep in some....yay!
Then my oldest asked me if I would like a piece of toast too. So he made me "breakfast in bed"...along with a glass of pineapple-orange juice. And even though "he doesn't like butter" he put some on my toast for me. He fixed up his little TV tray with my plate and glass and napkin and brought it to my bed for me.
By this time, I had actually gotten up out of bed and had turned on my computer. While I was waiting to connect to the internet, I started playing Super Collapse II. This is my boys favorite game and they love to "coach" Mom!
Needless to say, my youngest was getting very excited telling me to "use the bomb, use the bomb, hurry mom"....and threw himself back on my bed with relief when I cleared most of the screen. I was the one who got a little over-excited this time as I soaked up the juice off my bed and removed the covers for the laundry. LOL!
Breakfast in bed...a treat?....uh...not so much! =D
Then my oldest asked me if I would like a piece of toast too. So he made me "breakfast in bed"...along with a glass of pineapple-orange juice. And even though "he doesn't like butter" he put some on my toast for me. He fixed up his little TV tray with my plate and glass and napkin and brought it to my bed for me.
By this time, I had actually gotten up out of bed and had turned on my computer. While I was waiting to connect to the internet, I started playing Super Collapse II. This is my boys favorite game and they love to "coach" Mom!
Needless to say, my youngest was getting very excited telling me to "use the bomb, use the bomb, hurry mom"....and threw himself back on my bed with relief when I cleared most of the screen. I was the one who got a little over-excited this time as I soaked up the juice off my bed and removed the covers for the laundry. LOL!
Breakfast in bed...a treat?....uh...not so much! =D
Saturday, November 26, 2005
The weekend
Okay...one holiday down...two more to go! LOL!
This is the lineup for us:
November - Oldest son's birthday and Thanksgiving
December - My birthday and Christmas
January - New Year's and youngest son's birthday
Whew! That is alot of birthday cake!!! Not to mention my famous Pumpkin Pie Cake and Christmas chocolate candy! =D
This is the lineup for us:
November - Oldest son's birthday and Thanksgiving
December - My birthday and Christmas
January - New Year's and youngest son's birthday
Whew! That is alot of birthday cake!!! Not to mention my famous Pumpkin Pie Cake and Christmas chocolate candy! =D
Monday, November 21, 2005
A Gambling Addiction
Hi! Uh...my name is Jadee....and I am, uh, an addict...a gambling addict. I am always on edge as I am driving on my way home, itching to figure out how I did today. I love the thrill of when I "win" and beat the odds, but absolutely hate it when I "lose" out and didn't call the shots well.
My vice? GAS PRICES!!!!!!
I just filled up my tank yesterday at $1.95/gallon. I was excited because I had watched the price come down all week and I "waited it out" until Sunday. Yay for me! Ha! Today on the way home...I noticed the gas prices DROPPED 6 cents...bringing it down to $1.89/gallon. So I lost out...again! LOL! =D
My vice? GAS PRICES!!!!!!
I just filled up my tank yesterday at $1.95/gallon. I was excited because I had watched the price come down all week and I "waited it out" until Sunday. Yay for me! Ha! Today on the way home...I noticed the gas prices DROPPED 6 cents...bringing it down to $1.89/gallon. So I lost out...again! LOL! =D
Sit down and blog?
What? I should sit down and blog? Are you kidding me?
I just had TEN 8-yr-olds at my house for a birthday party....and um...think I lost some of my sanity. So I have no "wonderful insight" to share on my blog....lol!
Except maybe this....don't do it! You can be strong! Hold out on having birthday parties with EIGHT boys running around in a 2-br apt!
JUST KIDDING! =D
To see the fun on their faces when they played "new" games...which are actually our "old, traditional" party games...it was alot of FUN! I am very glad that my son had such a wonderful party. This was the first one he has ever had. It was a good turnout despite another student having their party on the same day that started when ours ended. So it worked out perfectly!
ME? What did I do after all the kids left? Well, my boys went to their dad's house for the night, and I got Chinese take-out with a movie by the fire!
Ahhhhh....such bliss! :)
I just had TEN 8-yr-olds at my house for a birthday party....and um...think I lost some of my sanity. So I have no "wonderful insight" to share on my blog....lol!
Except maybe this....don't do it! You can be strong! Hold out on having birthday parties with EIGHT boys running around in a 2-br apt!
JUST KIDDING! =D
To see the fun on their faces when they played "new" games...which are actually our "old, traditional" party games...it was alot of FUN! I am very glad that my son had such a wonderful party. This was the first one he has ever had. It was a good turnout despite another student having their party on the same day that started when ours ended. So it worked out perfectly!
ME? What did I do after all the kids left? Well, my boys went to their dad's house for the night, and I got Chinese take-out with a movie by the fire!
Ahhhhh....such bliss! :)
Friday, November 18, 2005
Flashbacks
K...bear with me! I really am uncovering new growth. It's really strange how I feel but everywhere I turn I am seeing something that instantly transports back in time. Usually to some personal point in my life. Sometimes, I feel I am grown and confident. Other times, I feel young and unsure of life. I believe the pendulum is slowing its swing...
I walked out to leave for lunch and I saw a bumper sticker on a van that said "De Colores". This took me back to my Emmaus Walk in Indiana several years ago. Ironically, I have been going through more emotions as I did back at that time of my life. Remembering back was good for me to realize that I have gone from "fully processing emotionally" to "staying in control of my emotions to process more logically", that now I am learning how to "feel" my emotions again.
While I was out, I heard a song on the radio (which of course, is the 80's Hour) and remembered when I heard that song. It was on my first "Day-after-Thanksgiving-Shopping-Trip". I had met a friend at our winter youth retreat and I was actually granted permission to go with them when they invited me to go along. This adventure began at 6:30 am. But I had so much fun and experienced a taste of grown-up freedom! (of course, I wasn't allowed to listen to "secular" music)
Walking back into the office building, I caught a whiff of fresh paint. This took me straight to my childhood, as my father owned his own painting business. Ah...such memories came with that flashback. As a young girl, my dad always told me I was able to do whatever I put my mind to doing. He was my inspiration in completing college.
I think the lyrics of Faith Hill's song fits me well today:
I walked out to leave for lunch and I saw a bumper sticker on a van that said "De Colores". This took me back to my Emmaus Walk in Indiana several years ago. Ironically, I have been going through more emotions as I did back at that time of my life. Remembering back was good for me to realize that I have gone from "fully processing emotionally" to "staying in control of my emotions to process more logically", that now I am learning how to "feel" my emotions again.
While I was out, I heard a song on the radio (which of course, is the 80's Hour) and remembered when I heard that song. It was on my first "Day-after-Thanksgiving-Shopping-Trip". I had met a friend at our winter youth retreat and I was actually granted permission to go with them when they invited me to go along. This adventure began at 6:30 am. But I had so much fun and experienced a taste of grown-up freedom! (of course, I wasn't allowed to listen to "secular" music)
Walking back into the office building, I caught a whiff of fresh paint. This took me straight to my childhood, as my father owned his own painting business. Ah...such memories came with that flashback. As a young girl, my dad always told me I was able to do whatever I put my mind to doing. He was my inspiration in completing college.
I think the lyrics of Faith Hill's song fits me well today:
Wild One
They said change your clothes
She said no I won't
They said comb your hair
She said some kids don't
And her parents dreams went up in smoke
They said you can't leave
She said yes I will
They said don't see him
She said his name is Bill (Paul)
She's on a roll and it's all uphill
She's a wild one
With an angel's face
She's a woman-child
In a state of grace
When she was 3 years old on her daddy's knee
He said you can be anything you want to be
She's a wild one
Runnin' free
She loves Rock and Roll
They said it's Satan's tongue
She thinks they're too old
They think she's too young
And the battle lines are clearly drawn
She's a wild one
With an angel's face
She's a woman-child
In a state of grace
When she was 3 years old on her daddy's knee
He said you can be anything you want to be
She's a wild one
Runnin' free
With an angel's face
She's a woman-child
In a state of grace
When she was 3 years old on her daddy's knee
He said you can be anything you want to be
She's a wild one
Runnin' free
She has future plans and dreams at night
When they tell her life is hard she says that's alright
She's a wild one
With an angel's face
She's a woman-child
In a state of grace
When she was 3 years old on her daddy's knee
He said you can be anything you want to be
She's a wild one
Runnin' free
With an angel's face
She's a woman-child
In a state of grace
When she was 3 years old on her daddy's knee
He said you can be anything you want to be
She's a wild one
Runnin' free
Thursday, November 17, 2005
I figured it out...
The other day it was mentioned about mistyping the "word verifications". I think that I figured out why it is sometimes difficult to type it correctly.
We tend to read from memory alot and type words that we expect to be coming along. Since the "word verifications" are not actual words, it is more difficult for our brain to process what we should be typing.
I was sent an email last year that gave a perfect example of this. Each word was misspelled, but the first and last letter were in place. The key point was that we could still "read" the email. The boys are being taught to use their best-guess spelling right now, in order to encourage them to do their writing assignments.
Not sure how I feel about this...since I want them to learn to do both! LOL!
We tend to read from memory alot and type words that we expect to be coming along. Since the "word verifications" are not actual words, it is more difficult for our brain to process what we should be typing.
I was sent an email last year that gave a perfect example of this. Each word was misspelled, but the first and last letter were in place. The key point was that we could still "read" the email. The boys are being taught to use their best-guess spelling right now, in order to encourage them to do their writing assignments.
Not sure how I feel about this...since I want them to learn to do both! LOL!
Moment of Truth
It is interesting how people are so quickly to accuse you of something that they are obviously doing. It was this way in my marriage too. I have only had a few instances of this happening to me. But I have now come face-to-face with some direct accusations. However, this is the next step of the process in removing myself from unhealthy situations...ie. unhealthy friendships.
Being firm, yet graceful!
Being firm, yet graceful!
Wise Choices - Poor Choices = Hard Choices
Wow! We say we want to make wise choices. We pray to make the right choices. We teach our children to avoid making poor choices. So how come it is so HARD to make those choices?
I have been going through some major growing lately (as mentioned here a time or two...lol).
I just had to make a couple of hard choices to let some people go out of my life that I cared about. However, if a friendship can't be a two-way road of mutual respect and communication...then its a poor choice of a friendship.
Thankfully a wise choice in a friendship helped me realize this! :-)
I have been going through some major growing lately (as mentioned here a time or two...lol).
I just had to make a couple of hard choices to let some people go out of my life that I cared about. However, if a friendship can't be a two-way road of mutual respect and communication...then its a poor choice of a friendship.
Thankfully a wise choice in a friendship helped me realize this! :-)
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
AMAZING
Have you ever "googled" yourself? One of my "dates" told me he "googled" my name and that I show up as an alum from Evangel University. I decided to check it out...sure enough, there I was....bold and out there for everyone to see! Not that I really have a problem with that...it was just interesting.
Since then I have learned "google" searches are quite handy for alot of research purposes. And yes, when I go on a "date", I do "google" them to see what comes up under their name. Most of the time, nothing has shown up. But you know, they do post some court hearings especially if an arrest is involved. So it might pay to "google" someone before meeting them for lunch...LOL! (too bad we couldn't "google" to see their responses on issues....I know...that would be living in a dream world, not the online world)
So tonight, during my search for some college friends, I stumbled across a directory listing that will even get you email addresses. That's kind of scary! For fun, I searched for myself...and actually found another person with my same first name and my same last name (which is my former married name). Of course, then out of curiosity, I had to search for my maiden name.
I found 36 people with my same first name and same last (maiden) name! And that is NOT including ME anymore!! AMAZING!!
(no, I didn't find my email address listed, thankfully!)
Since then I have learned "google" searches are quite handy for alot of research purposes. And yes, when I go on a "date", I do "google" them to see what comes up under their name. Most of the time, nothing has shown up. But you know, they do post some court hearings especially if an arrest is involved. So it might pay to "google" someone before meeting them for lunch...LOL! (too bad we couldn't "google" to see their responses on issues....I know...that would be living in a dream world, not the online world)
So tonight, during my search for some college friends, I stumbled across a directory listing that will even get you email addresses. That's kind of scary! For fun, I searched for myself...and actually found another person with my same first name and my same last name (which is my former married name). Of course, then out of curiosity, I had to search for my maiden name.
I found 36 people with my same first name and same last (maiden) name! And that is NOT including ME anymore!! AMAZING!!
(no, I didn't find my email address listed, thankfully!)
Monday, November 14, 2005
True Friendship
Let me contrast two friends in my life:
One has known me for 12 years or longer. She has not ever made promises to me that she didn't keep. She has never talked behind my back. She has loved me unconditionally. She has been there for me like family on more occasions than I can count. She is honest with me. She has confronted me. We disagree at times. We cry on each other's shoulders. She loves my kids. She respects me. She is the best friend one could ask for. This friendship has stood the test of time and been long distance for the majority of 10 years.
I had met a new friend this year. We have some things in common. She constantly "spins" things to avoid the truth. She has manipulated me. She has taken advantage of me. She does not keep her word (because she "spins" herself out of it). She has now committed the "cardinal" sin...and has begun talking bad about me behind my back. It is now time to end this so-called friendship (that didn't even last a year).
By nature, I am a loving and giving person. I give my heart more than I should. I get burned. I forgive. I have hope. And I try again. How do I keep my dignity and close a chapter of my life without debris? How do I be "firm yet graceful"? Only God will help me say the right words.
One has known me for 12 years or longer. She has not ever made promises to me that she didn't keep. She has never talked behind my back. She has loved me unconditionally. She has been there for me like family on more occasions than I can count. She is honest with me. She has confronted me. We disagree at times. We cry on each other's shoulders. She loves my kids. She respects me. She is the best friend one could ask for. This friendship has stood the test of time and been long distance for the majority of 10 years.
I had met a new friend this year. We have some things in common. She constantly "spins" things to avoid the truth. She has manipulated me. She has taken advantage of me. She does not keep her word (because she "spins" herself out of it). She has now committed the "cardinal" sin...and has begun talking bad about me behind my back. It is now time to end this so-called friendship (that didn't even last a year).
By nature, I am a loving and giving person. I give my heart more than I should. I get burned. I forgive. I have hope. And I try again. How do I keep my dignity and close a chapter of my life without debris? How do I be "firm yet graceful"? Only God will help me say the right words.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Age of Accountability
It was very late last night when we headed home from our friend's house. My oldest was watching the moon and discovering it moved according to the directions the car turned.
Mesmerized by looking up at the sky, he asked me, "Mom, how is it that I just know things sometimes?" I asked like what kind of things. He said, "you know...just things sometimes...I just know what might happen or understand that other things could happen." Talk about a loaded question!!!
I went on to explain about the Trinity and how the Holy Spirit is our guide in our heart. I also explained that such sensitivity and knowledge is a gift from God. I was really thrilled to hear him express this with me. As I have discussed on many occasions with my best friend and prayer partner, we desperately wish our children to be blessed with a deep understanding and connection with God, just as it has been with us even as children.
Later that night, as I lay in bed thinking over the conversation...I realized I was just about his age when the depth/hugeness of God seemed to become clear to me. I was 8 and in second grade when I started writing songs to God. I would play out on the swingset and look up at the clouds for hours....and get tears in my eyes without even knowing why. Now I can remember that I was communing with God in my own special way. How unique and special of a time that was for me as a child.
It is still just as unique and special for me now as an adult. I am being reminded of that simple child-like faith that the Bible talks about. What a refreshing opportunity for me as a "middle-aged" (lol) adult to receive!
I know my kids are blessed with natural talent of music and singing...something I know God gave me at a young age as well. Last week, N told me he was writing a song to God, and would I type it for him. Of course, I did. He has his own folder marked with his name. Just a few moments ago, he said he need to add to his song. At first, I wasn't sure what he was talking about...but then he told me HIS song he was writing! So now we have the Title, Chorus, and First verse. I am very proud of him! (and pleased as punch that he is taking after his mom...lol!)
hmmm...wonder where my handwritten songs are? maybe I should type them up too!
Mesmerized by looking up at the sky, he asked me, "Mom, how is it that I just know things sometimes?" I asked like what kind of things. He said, "you know...just things sometimes...I just know what might happen or understand that other things could happen." Talk about a loaded question!!!
I went on to explain about the Trinity and how the Holy Spirit is our guide in our heart. I also explained that such sensitivity and knowledge is a gift from God. I was really thrilled to hear him express this with me. As I have discussed on many occasions with my best friend and prayer partner, we desperately wish our children to be blessed with a deep understanding and connection with God, just as it has been with us even as children.
Later that night, as I lay in bed thinking over the conversation...I realized I was just about his age when the depth/hugeness of God seemed to become clear to me. I was 8 and in second grade when I started writing songs to God. I would play out on the swingset and look up at the clouds for hours....and get tears in my eyes without even knowing why. Now I can remember that I was communing with God in my own special way. How unique and special of a time that was for me as a child.
It is still just as unique and special for me now as an adult. I am being reminded of that simple child-like faith that the Bible talks about. What a refreshing opportunity for me as a "middle-aged" (lol) adult to receive!
I know my kids are blessed with natural talent of music and singing...something I know God gave me at a young age as well. Last week, N told me he was writing a song to God, and would I type it for him. Of course, I did. He has his own folder marked with his name. Just a few moments ago, he said he need to add to his song. At first, I wasn't sure what he was talking about...but then he told me HIS song he was writing! So now we have the Title, Chorus, and First verse. I am very proud of him! (and pleased as punch that he is taking after his mom...lol!)
hmmm...wonder where my handwritten songs are? maybe I should type them up too!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
The Power of Observation
My observations for the day:
1. Driving to my doctor's appointment, I had to wait on 6 geese crossing the drive way. The power of six can stop traffic!
2. While shopping at the grocery store, I had to wait in line behind 16 suit-wearing professionals also scanning their own lunches. The power of hunger pains can send all levels of management to the store!
3. On my way home, I got boxed in by traffic that slowed to 40 mph at the same moment. Then I saw two squad cars with their "culprits" on the side of the road. The power of consequence can cause even those of us on cruise to nearly come to a halt!
1. Driving to my doctor's appointment, I had to wait on 6 geese crossing the drive way. The power of six can stop traffic!
2. While shopping at the grocery store, I had to wait in line behind 16 suit-wearing professionals also scanning their own lunches. The power of hunger pains can send all levels of management to the store!
3. On my way home, I got boxed in by traffic that slowed to 40 mph at the same moment. Then I saw two squad cars with their "culprits" on the side of the road. The power of consequence can cause even those of us on cruise to nearly come to a halt!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
A Glimpse of my Realist side...
I used to love the song "Brown-eyed Girl" and claim it as mine because my eyes are more brown than blue...that's for sure! But when Kelly Clarkson came out with a song about "hazel eyes"...I knew it had to be mine! (my eyes are more hazel than even brown)
It has become my current theme song, thus showing my "realist" side...
Here is a glimpse of "Behind these Hazel Eyes":
I told you everything
Opened up and let you in
You made me feel alright
For once in my life
Now all that's left of me
Is what I pretend to be
Sewed together but so broken up inside
No I can't breathe, no I can't sleep
I'm barely hangin' on
Here I am once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you wont get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes
It has become my current theme song, thus showing my "realist" side...
Here is a glimpse of "Behind these Hazel Eyes":
I told you everything
Opened up and let you in
You made me feel alright
For once in my life
Now all that's left of me
Is what I pretend to be
Sewed together but so broken up inside
No I can't breathe, no I can't sleep
I'm barely hangin' on
Here I am once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you wont get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes
The High Road
My last post seemed to generate more negativity than I anticipated...lol! I found myself slipping to a level that I don't wish to stoop. Therefore, I am choosing to climb above and take the high road! =D
Negative into Positive
Overheard in my office yesterday...(well not completely overheard...they were standing right at my desk looking over my shoulder!)
One rep, whom I will call Chicken Little was ranting about a company policy change. The second rep said, "Between you and my wife, I am having a hard time with all the negativity." To which Chicken Little replied adamantly, "No, seriously, I am being positive....I am positive this negative impact is going to happen!"
At this, I burst out laughing!
So do we categorize the "chicken littles" as "realists"? Or pessimists? LOL!
I am still known as a positive-believe-the-best-in-people person, despite any outside comments I have heard. Unfortunately, people like that and I don't get along too well...and end up having it all out!
(okay, okay...I am still striving for firmness with grace) =D
One rep, whom I will call Chicken Little was ranting about a company policy change. The second rep said, "Between you and my wife, I am having a hard time with all the negativity." To which Chicken Little replied adamantly, "No, seriously, I am being positive....I am positive this negative impact is going to happen!"
At this, I burst out laughing!
So do we categorize the "chicken littles" as "realists"? Or pessimists? LOL!
I am still known as a positive-believe-the-best-in-people person, despite any outside comments I have heard. Unfortunately, people like that and I don't get along too well...and end up having it all out!
(okay, okay...I am still striving for firmness with grace) =D
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Homework? This is homework?
Last night while I was helping my youngest with his Monday night homework, the instructions were to choose a word that ended in -nk, -sk, -st to fill in the blanks. Now this was pretty easy for the "mom" to help give "suggestions" to the child.
However, the last problem stumped even me. Which is hilarious and I will tell you why in a moment. The sentence was "Mom keeps papers in her _______ in her room."
What in the WORLD???? Please give me the answer, quick! LOL!
My project I tackled this weekend was sorting through all the bills/mail that accumulated since my illness this summer, not to mention all the boys' artwork and "I made this special for you, Mom" projects! I admit this is a weakness of mine, only because I have not found the best process for me. Mind you, my career is administrative, but you know how that goes....The painter's house always needs painting...etc.
Needless to say, I was a little dumbfounded when I realized the answer should be "desk". I thought, hmmm...maybe that's my solution. Get a desk, Jadee!
The old fashioned saying comes to mind here, "A place for everything and everything in its place!"
However, the last problem stumped even me. Which is hilarious and I will tell you why in a moment. The sentence was "Mom keeps papers in her _______ in her room."
What in the WORLD???? Please give me the answer, quick! LOL!
My project I tackled this weekend was sorting through all the bills/mail that accumulated since my illness this summer, not to mention all the boys' artwork and "I made this special for you, Mom" projects! I admit this is a weakness of mine, only because I have not found the best process for me. Mind you, my career is administrative, but you know how that goes....The painter's house always needs painting...etc.
Needless to say, I was a little dumbfounded when I realized the answer should be "desk". I thought, hmmm...maybe that's my solution. Get a desk, Jadee!
The old fashioned saying comes to mind here, "A place for everything and everything in its place!"
Monday, November 07, 2005
My Weekend
For the first time in a very long time, I actually feel like I had a "weekend"! Usually, there is so many things to get finished like housework, kids' homework, bills, errands, obligations that the weekend flies by and I am tired/exhausted by Monday morning.
I have to say, my new philosophy on life of taking things at a slower pace is really paying off for me. Yes, I did housework and bills, but I didn't stress myself out on obligations. Instead, I actually got out and had fun! Sometimes there are still expectations when I go out...like I have to make sure everyone is having a good time (being the social being that I am....lol) or making sure that everyone is being taken care of (being the responsible person). This weekend was different. I went out and had fun. I enjoyed my company. I got to be myself. I uncovered a deeper level of myself. Sometimes that is very scary too, because it leaves me feeling extremely vulnerable. Which is something I learned a long time ago to keep control over, but God has a way of chipping away at that stubbornness! I guess its still a part of my growth process. It was neat to share the positives of my week/weekend with my small group. We finished up the book of James, which is so packed with alot of life applications that I need to go back and reread it on my own.
I am constantly reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV) Ultimately then, even when feeling vulnerable, God will walk beside me and give me strength. Therefore, I must relinquish control over all areas of my life to Him, if I want to receive the hope and a future He has planned for me. And that my friend, is a daily struggle!
I have to say, my new philosophy on life of taking things at a slower pace is really paying off for me. Yes, I did housework and bills, but I didn't stress myself out on obligations. Instead, I actually got out and had fun! Sometimes there are still expectations when I go out...like I have to make sure everyone is having a good time (being the social being that I am....lol) or making sure that everyone is being taken care of (being the responsible person). This weekend was different. I went out and had fun. I enjoyed my company. I got to be myself. I uncovered a deeper level of myself. Sometimes that is very scary too, because it leaves me feeling extremely vulnerable. Which is something I learned a long time ago to keep control over, but God has a way of chipping away at that stubbornness! I guess its still a part of my growth process. It was neat to share the positives of my week/weekend with my small group. We finished up the book of James, which is so packed with alot of life applications that I need to go back and reread it on my own.
I am constantly reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV) Ultimately then, even when feeling vulnerable, God will walk beside me and give me strength. Therefore, I must relinquish control over all areas of my life to Him, if I want to receive the hope and a future He has planned for me. And that my friend, is a daily struggle!
Friday, November 04, 2005
I can see clearly now...
As the eclectic music lover that I am...I had on the Oldies station yesterday. The first song that I hear in the morning is what sticks with me through the day.
I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW THE RAIN IS GONE
I CAN SEE ALL OBSTACLES IN MY WAY
GONE ARE THE DARK CLOUDS THAT HAD ME DOWN
IT'S GONNA BE A BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT SUN SHINY DAY
IT'S GONNA BE A BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT SUN SHINY DAY
I thought it was ironic how my mini trip lifted me up (literally and figuratively) then to be reminded again (on the ground) how the sun is always shining even when we can't see past the clouds.
I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW THE RAIN IS GONE
I CAN SEE ALL OBSTACLES IN MY WAY
GONE ARE THE DARK CLOUDS THAT HAD ME DOWN
IT'S GONNA BE A BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT SUN SHINY DAY
IT'S GONNA BE A BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT SUN SHINY DAY
I thought it was ironic how my mini trip lifted me up (literally and figuratively) then to be reminded again (on the ground) how the sun is always shining even when we can't see past the clouds.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Flyin' High
I took a short business trip to MN over the last two days....and I actually came back relaxed!
I realized that flying truly gets me away from the stresses of daily life. I enjoy my "pamper me" nights at home and curling up with a book, but there is just something about really "getting away" from it all and reading my book on the plane. I love the solitude. I get to escape into my thoughts that usually turn to prayer. When I finally land, I am still "flying high" in my spirit.
As I mentioned in Speed Bumps, my life is at a growth point. I sense the winds of change and have absolutely no clue what God may have in store for my life. One thing I do know is that the desires in my heart are there because HE PUT THEM THERE. It is my job to trust that He will fulfill my heart and guide me on the path. I have a peace and an excitement in my soul and look forward to what He brings.
My business trip was also successful and I am looking forward to putting in some changes in my job as well. Again, some of my frustrations point to personal growth. As I stretch and grow...I must make the adjustments in every area of my life, including my career. I am coming closer the the pendulum swinging into balance from "doormat" to "Capital B"...LOL! Being firm, yet graceful is what I am striving for!
I realized that flying truly gets me away from the stresses of daily life. I enjoy my "pamper me" nights at home and curling up with a book, but there is just something about really "getting away" from it all and reading my book on the plane. I love the solitude. I get to escape into my thoughts that usually turn to prayer. When I finally land, I am still "flying high" in my spirit.
As I mentioned in Speed Bumps, my life is at a growth point. I sense the winds of change and have absolutely no clue what God may have in store for my life. One thing I do know is that the desires in my heart are there because HE PUT THEM THERE. It is my job to trust that He will fulfill my heart and guide me on the path. I have a peace and an excitement in my soul and look forward to what He brings.
My business trip was also successful and I am looking forward to putting in some changes in my job as well. Again, some of my frustrations point to personal growth. As I stretch and grow...I must make the adjustments in every area of my life, including my career. I am coming closer the the pendulum swinging into balance from "doormat" to "Capital B"...LOL! Being firm, yet graceful is what I am striving for!
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