Unplanned Visitors...bearing Hot Chocolate

Well it's the night before Trick-or-Treat in C-bus, and I went right from work this evening to Flower Factory to purchase large quantities of candy for the cute, scary and mysterious visitors that will be arriving at my door step tomorrow evening. I'm really pumped about TOT this year...I'm not a huge Halloween supporter - but I'm not Anti-Halloween either. I enjoy passing out treats to the kids and seeing the vast array of costumes. Plus this is the first time that I will actually have TOTers coming to my place - and I've been warned by neighbors that we get many kids...YEAH!!! So with all of my excitement I decided to invite the family over to enjoy the parade of characters and to just hang out. So the other errand I had, before coming home, was to stop by Kroger. To pick up some munchies to feed the characters that will be inside my house tomorrow night! (hehe!) I got through both the Flower Factory and Kroger relatively fast, and was heading home by 7:15 or so. When I arrived home I had some work ahead of me...I needed to dust, clean the toilets and collect the trash (those are all every Thursday chores), I needed to sort through junk mail and recycling items, make a dint in the a HUGE pile of laundry waiting for me, run a load of dishes, get the tablescape ready for tomorrow evening, get the candy in the basket, and make the Iced Tea and Mac-n-Cheese for tomorrow evening. The list was long and I had the energy and "get to it" attitude needed to get it all accomplished. On my way home I stopped by Mickey D's to grab a quick bite of dinner - drive thru of course! I quickly ate my dinner and began my dusting, sorting, collection of trash and had the toilets "soaking". Around 8:00 p.m. the phone rang...it was Kari (sister). She and Adam were in the area and wanted to stop by. Sure...the door is always open to family! I continued to work on the tasks, when the phone rang again...it was Kari (again). "Um do you like Cafe Mocha or Hot Chocolate?" "Hot Chocolate, please!" At that moment I knew this visit wasn't going to be quick. I worked until they arrived and then sat down to enjoy some conversation and a cup of T. Ho's Hot Chocolate - it was so yummy!!! Well we talked for a good long while - until 10:00 p.m. They needed to leave so I watched them to their car and closed the door. Oh crap - where has the night gone? How am I going to get it all done? Okay, breath Megan...it will all be okay. The toilets were done (check), the trash collection was done (check), the dusting was done (check and smile!)!!! As I sat down on the couch to strategize my plan...I thought back to my blog on Sunday...the one where I just wanted to share a cup of Hot Chocolate with someone and to just talk. I smiled and again God showed me how amazing He is, and that He gives us some of our desires when He is ready for us to have them...while it wasn't in His plan Sunday evening, and I wanted it to be - it wasn't in my plans for this evening, and He wanted it to be.

Thanks God, for allowing me a couple hours with just Kari and Adam - to talk, laugh and enjoy each others company. Now Lord, I pray that you give me a good night of rest. So that I can wake up early to get my many other items accomplished, so that I'm ready for the characters...inside and out tomorrow evening.

Alone...

Tonight was one of those times when being single felt like a curse.

I've had a fairly busy weekend, and coming home and relaxing wasn't a horrible idea - but it wasn't what I wanted to do. At least I didn't want to come home and be alone. When it is just me at home there is a lot of silence - unless the TV or radio are on. When I come home the house is empty - and I guess if it is just me coming home I would prefer that no one be there waiting - you know an "unwelcome, unexpected visitor". Many ladies my age - would consider this a luxury - but they have a husband and/or a family, so they don't see quiet and emptiness in the same light as me. Don't get me wrong - I had a great day today. Lunch with the family at our usual local...Wendy's. I wore a new orange sweater (that I love) and many people complimented that they like it - always nice to hear (especially when you are single and wonder if anyone will like your new something or other). Our ladies group was good and the discussion left me thinking. But as I walked out of church, I didn't want to come home. I sat in the car for a moment and wondered what I could do. Most stores were closed or would be closing. I wasn't overly hungry - so I probably should get something to eat. I didn't want to do anything spectacular, I just wanted to go some place and talk to someone - not about any one specific topic - I just wanted to talk. I really wanted to go and enjoy a cup of Tim Horton's Hot Chocolate (my favorite!), but that is kind of boring by yourself on a Sunday night - there aren't that many people to watch (I love to people watch). I did entertain the thought of going and reading...but I didn't have book with me - and honestly I knew that wouldn't cure the hankering that I had. I know I could have gone to someone in family's house - but sometimes I feel like I'm interrupting their night of settling down and getting ready for the week. I know that's not true, they would all allow me to come and visit any time. But tonight - I just wanted to not be in my home or someones home - just wanted to be out with people sharing a cup of hot chocolate, our thoughts/perspectives and some laughter. I just wish if God couldn't send me a mate, he could at least send me someone that I could spend some time with - someone to share these "I don't really want to go home alone" with moments.

Well before I knew it I found myself pulling into the carport of Villa de Megalicious - all roads were leading me home. Home to silence, home to emptiness. I was kind of sad - but I do have laundry that is waiting for me. I guess tonight just wasn't the night to go...maybe another night!

Faithfulness...

This year in Olympians (the 3-5 grade tweeners that I work with at IBC), our theme is The Fruit of the Spirit. Each month we will learn about a different fruit and apply it to our lives.

This month our focus has been on Faithfulness...hence today's title!

We started the month looking at Job (an unlikely story on Faithfulness - more like Long Suffering), and how he remained Faithful to God through all the horrible things that happened to him.

The next week we did our Missionary of the Month and learned about Jamie & Gretchen Miller and Consumed Ministries, and how God has displayed his Faithfulness to the Millers and to Consumed.

Last week I told the kids they had to find a verse in Psalms that talked about Faithfulness and we found similarities in David's life and our lives.

Are you catching my progressive theme...learn about someone from the Bible that you don't actually know but can learn from, learn about someone you kind of know and can again learn from, learn about where to find verses and apply to you personally.

Then this week the kids were to draw a picture about one of two options - "How God has been faithful to you?" or "How are you going to work at being faithful to something/someone? (school work, obeying parents, memorizing scripture, etc.)" Last part of the progressive theme is - applying it to your ever day life . As is normal, the kids were very creative in their selections -

1. One boy wants to be faithful by showing kindness to his brother and share his Lego's;
2. One girls wants to be faithful in doing their math homework;
3. One boy shared how God allowed him to get an "A" on his test at school; and
4. One girl drew a picture of the recent carnival we had and how it was bright and sunny. She had prayed the entire day before, as it was pouring buckets, that the sun would shine bright the next day, and she wanted to show God's faithfulness in her request.

The second part of tonight's lesson, was to write the word FAITHFULNESS on a piece of paper, and to come up with things/people/situations in their lives that represent that word, that start with each letter. WOW - those kids were so creative...I know God was smiling on their answers. As the kids were working on their examples...I began to write some things on the board as well. This month has really opened my eyes to God's Faithfulness and areas in which I need to have more of this "piece of fruit".

So for today's blog, I thought I'd share with you the ways that God has displayed his FAITHFULNESS in my life...

Family - oh I'm so thankful for them and love them SO much
Always making a way - even when I don't see it right away!
Individual's who Care & Encourage
Teaching Children & Teenagers through me
Health
Friends
United States of America and all the freedoms that come with living here
Lover of my Soul
Needs are met, and sometimes my wants!
Education - while I'm not college educated...yet, I have much more than many in this world.
Scripture
Safety - especially living alone

How about you...how has God been Faithful to you? I know He has...that is the cool part - He is faithful to all of us, just not always in the same areas. Have you taken the time to think about His faithfulness to you personally? To express your appreciation for His Faithfulness? We as humans want recognition when we have been faithful in accomplishing a task. Why then do we think (do I think) that He doesn't need me to recognize Him. Thank you Father for you unfailing Faithfulness!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJHao_5N9d8

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
ALL I HAVE NEEDED THEY HAND HATH PROVIDED;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
ALL I HAVE NEEDED THEY HAND HATH PROVIDE;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
ALL I HAVE NEEDED THEY HAND HATH PROVIDE;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

He said..."Winter is coming."

The weather man says it is going to be 32 degrees tonight...32 degrees it is only October 21 (7 months til my birthday, by the way!), and we are already going to hit FREEZING...oh no, better get and extra blanket or two for my bed!

When I lived in my apartment I loved the various fountains that were sprinkled throughout the complex. There was one in the pond right behind my apartment, so I could sit on my balcony and enjoy the sound of the splashing water. There was one in the pond in front of my apartment, which was closest to my bedroom. I loved it on those nights that the windows were open the sound of the fountain would carry me off to my dreamland. After 7 years I was very accustom to the sounds of my apt. - mainly the sound of the fountains and the noise of the freeway (which eventually just became second nature and was able to tune it out!). However, when I was looking for a condo I had my list (surprise!) of must haves and would like to haves - and a fountain never made the list. I'm not sure why - but I'm assuming I probably didn't give it much thought. I'm sure I would miss it - but really who puts a fountain on their list. That is just one of those little blessings you are lucky to get.

When I found my Villa de Megalicious I fell in love with the hardwood floors, the enclosed brick patio, the finished basement and the spaciousness of the entire place. I never really payed attention to the fountain right outside. At the end (which is where I live) of my street there is an island that is home to a fountain, as you curve around the island you are now proceeding back up the street. On the day of my home inspection, I was driving down the street and saw the maintenance man getting the fountain ready for the warm season. Oh I was so excited - that was the first time I realized that a fountain was located there...and its location was perfect. I could sit on my patio reading a book or enjoying company - while the sound of the fountain danced in the background. I could open my bedroom window and the sound of the fountain could again carry me to my dreamland. Oh I was so excited...I enjoyed the fountain so much the past 5 months (wow has it really been that long?!). Kari's kids LOVED to go to the fountain.

Then it happened...yesterday as I was enjoying my day off I heard clanging and banging, then silence, then more clanging and banging, then silence. This continued on for most of the day. As I was pulling out of my carport - I saw it. The signs that the fountain was being turned off for the Winter. Oh no! Could it really be? Yeah, it really could be. The same maintenance man who seemed to be working a lot faster that Spring day that I first saw him, was draining the fountain and the water was no longer joyfully shooting upward and making the beautiful crashing sound as it came back down. A long hose ran from the bed of the fountain to the sewer, carrying the water that had caused the fountain to dance. I cracked my window and said, "Are you just repairing the fountain?" Hoping that would be the answer. The maintenance man smiled and said, "No, I'm turning it off...winter is coming." "Oh, okay...well have a great day!" "Rats", I thought, as my window glided back up. Ugh...winter means cold, less daylight, potential for ice on the roads and sidewalks, the stuffy stale air from sealed tight windows., and now a fountain-less day. As you can see, I'm not such a big fan of winter - outside of Christmas time, of course. Yes, yes, yes - I know that God made the winter and at times it can be beautiful - but it is much easier for me to see beautiful when it is sunny and in the 80's. But whether I like it or not - Winter is coming...today the silent fountain reminded me of that and I had better get ready.

Toilet, Tub and Tools...

Hahaha - I knew that title would catch your eye...

So I had my first meltdown about home repair issues on Friday. It wasn't a huge one - only lasted 5 min. or so - but tears were involved so it qualifies as a meltdown!

About two weeks ago my toilet lever in my upstairs bathroom had started to split and was not allowing the lever to do it's job of pulling up the chain, so that the chain could flush the toilet, allowing life to proceed as normal. Ugh...I'm not a real handy person when it comes to fixing things or putting things together - mechanical things that is. Give me an event to plan - I can do it. Give me a recipe to put together - I've got it covered. Give me a large cardboard box full of 100+ pieces, twice as many screws, nuts and washers - yeah, I'm lost. Give me a broken appliance or household fixture - I'm even more lost and probably stressed out. If you really want me to start to stress, send me by myself to Lowe's or Home Depot...I start to sweat and need to take frequent breaks! So needless to say I had no clue how to fix my toilet - I mean it took me a good 15 min. to locate the problem - that's 15 min. after I stood there for 5 min. trying to push the handle down, thinking each time the toilet would fix itself. This issue semi-stressed me out, but I was thankful that I could pull on on the chain myself to flush the toilet. While it wasn't the most ideal solution - it was a solution and the toilet was flushed. Life could proceed. So once I got the toilet flushed I do what I always do when something like that breaks...I called my dad and my brother. My brother told me he could get it fixed by the weekend, and that was fine by me. Since I had another toilet and I could pull the chain to flush the broken toilet - I was in now rush (meaning it didn't need to be done in the next 12-24 hours). Well that weekend came and went - life happened and the toilet was still injured. Oh well...refer to previous sentence about chain and other toilet. The following weekend I was out of town, so I went another weekend with a semi-functioning toilet. Then last week I reminded my brother of the toilet needing fixed. I was tired of removing the toilet lid each time I used that toilet, and I thought a loving reminder was needed. I was at his house and he had me show him, on one of his toilets, the part that needed fixed. He told me to take off the handle and the lever, go to the hardware store and ask them to show me where I could find a replacement part. I began to sweat and breathing became difficult - or so I thought. Me, go by myself to the hardware store - I've never had a good experience doing that.

Did you know that the hardware store doesn't have just a standard nail? They have like 8 trillion kinds of nails. Why? Why is that necessary? And if that is so necessary, why can't one just be called "The Standard Everyday Nail"?

Okay back to the story. I told Steve I could handle that and have the replacement for him so he could fix it for me on Friday evening - yippee house repairs on a Friday night! Friday as I was getting ready to get ready - I attempted the removal process. The lever completely broke and instantly sank to the bottom of the tank. And I was not able to remove the handle that Steve wanted me to remove, because I don't have any tools...oh crap. I proceeded to get ready and I was at the shower stage...which takes us to the tub portion.

About three weeks ago I realized I had a slow drain in my only tub. Oh!!! I knew the solution for that...get some drain cleaner and it will work like a charm. Well it did...for about a week and a half. Then the drain wasn't draining that well and water was collecting in the tub during my showers. Well last Monday the water was collecting quickly and by the time the shower ended the water was mid-calf. This wasn't good. So on Tuesday night I mentioned this to my Mom. She told me that something was probably trapped in my trap - well it was great to know that something was doing it's job! I asked her how to fix it and she said, "um...I'm not sure, your Dad handles those things. But usually when I tell him we have a slow drain, he gives me the answer I just gave you and then he fixes it." Oh great - we are both clueless about these situations! She told me to try to unscrew the stopper, and to see if I could see if anything was trapped. When I got home that night, I tried to unscrew the stopper...yeah, it didn't work - so frustrating. So Friday as I was getting ready, the bathtub was rapidly filling up and I was thinking of the lever that just broke...it all hit rock bottom. After finishing in the shower I called Steve to talk about the lever, he had to call me back. He called right back and I explained what had happened with the lever. He asked if I tried to use a wrench to remove the handle.
"Um no - I don't have any tools."
"You don't have any tools?"
"No, I've never needed them - I've always had a maintenance man to come fix the problem."
"Well I know what you get you for Christmas."
Then the meltdown began - As I was sitting on the toilet (fully dressed) and explaining the problem about the lever, I looked over to see the slow drain. I started to explain the tub issue, in meltdown language (hand movements and all!) and pretty soon my eyes were draining - faster than my tub. He couldn't understand a word I was saying when I was talking in meltdown lanugae, and of course this completely threw him off. We were just having a normal conversation, and bam it come from out in left field. He did the whole - what in the world is wrong? what has happened? Of course as I type I'm laughing uncontrollably, but it wasn't a laughing matter at that time. He quickly calmed me down and told me all would be fixed that evening.

Around 6:00 Hayden called and they (he and Steve) were on their way. YAHOO!!! Steve assessed the problems. He fixed the tub and showed me how to unclog it in the future - apparently I only get one free unclog from him. He then said he would go to Home Depot and would return quickly. In the mean time Hayden and I went to pick up Reece (Jenni's dog) from Daycare (yeah that is it's own story!) When we returned Steve wasn't back yet, but he arrived about 15 min. behind us. He walked in the backdoor with an arm load of bags - What in the world? I thought it was just the lever that needed fixed! He then said - Happy Sweetest Day and handed me two bags of tools. There was a hammer, 13 screw drivers and various sized plyers and wire cutters. I was so SUPER excited - not that I know how to use them, but I now have them! This will allow me to attempt to fix the issue next time, and allow me to have the independence that I love. I hate to rely on other people to do anything for me - I would just rather do it myself and get it over with. Which is why I guess I freak out so badly with home/car repairs (which we didn't even discuss today!). I love my tools and he even got me a little bag to put them in. He and Hayden laughed at me because I smelled the handle of the hammer and said how nice it smelled. I guess you aren't supposed to do that - I don't know! I had never had tools before and I had never received a Sweetest Day gift either.

When they left on Friday evening I was on cloud nine - my toilet was flushing as it was designed to do, my tub was unclogged and draining at the appropriate speed, and I had a set of tools that I knew very little how to operate them - but I had them. Smiles all the way around!

10 Favorite Things about Fall...

So I don't post for 5 months and now I have two in a 24 hour period...don't get use to this behavior!!

I'm enjoying the day off - actually I'm enjoying a 4 day weekend!!! I realized a few years ago how nice it is to take a long weekend this time of year, just to enjoy the season. So that is what I'm doing this weekend. Columbus in the Fall is a BEAUTIFUL place to be and so much is offered to enjoy the last few weekends of outside weather!

I love to make lists for everything, so as I'm sitting here enjoying the view from my piece of the world -I thought I'd share with you my 10 favorite things about Fall...(in no particular order)

1. Pumpkin flavored everything - especially Pie & Doughnuts
2. The Circleville Pumpkin Show - especially on the Parade of Bands night
3. The smell of wood burning in the air - whether it be from a fireplace or at a bonfire
4. Pumpkins, Pumpkins everywhere and trips to the Pumpkin Patch!!!
5. Wearing a sweater and boots on the first cool day or evening! Come February I'm ready for my capris and flip flops though!
6. The Annual Thornton Family Harvest Party - any time spent with Family is always great!
7. Ohio State Football - need I say more...I think not!
8. Warm apple cider & caramel apples (with peanuts)
9. The beautiful shades the leaves become - especially the bright orange and red, and the burning bush!
10. Comfort food that sticks to your bones and warms your body up - Stew, Soup, Chicken & Noodles...love them all!
11. Bonfires and Hayrides
12. Friday Night High School Footballs games - missed watching Ashley cheer this year.
13. Mums - they make me smile!
14. Scarecrows - they are so adorable!

Okay, so I gave you a few extra - but I had a hard time narrowing it down to 10 (obviously). Hoping that you are enjoying this time of year in your neck of the woods.

Update...

Well it has been a while since I last blogged...is that a word? So I thought I should be doing a better job at these sorts of things, and now I'm ready to update you on where I've been and what I've been doing for the last um 5 months or so. I'm not sure who, if anyone reads this thing - so depending on who reads it...most of this won't be breaking news. But feel free to read, who knows you may learn something you didn't know.

Well for starters...on May 28, I entered a new phase of my life - I became a home owner!!! Oh wow - how fun, exciting and overwhelming. I love my Villa de Megalicious. I'm really beginning to feel like it is home...my home! Only a few more boxes to sort through and put away, but I figure it won't be long before the days are cold and boring, and I'll need a project - so why waste a beautiful day of warm weather and spend it inside in the basement...boring! God has blessed me with a beautiful 2 bedroom condo - that is just the perfect size for me. I have all kinds of room - lots of extra sleeping room for girls nights, sleepovers with the nieces and nephews or out-of-town friends!

I spent most of my summer enjoying my new home and getting settled in. However, I enjoyed the normal summer routines of my life. I started the summer attending and celebrating Ashley's graduation from High School. What a joy that was to be there! Baseball games to see Hayden play. Lots of cook-outs and family gathers (since the majority of our b-days fall in the summer!). Various summer time enjoyment - professional baseball games, swimming, watching sunsets, enjoying longer days of sunlight. I attended Red, White & Boom (a summer must!) and various other fireworks displays. I lead the 7&8 year old VBS class - that was a fun (yet challenging) use of my spiritual gifts. I had to say good-bye to a few dear friends - that is never pleasant, but a part of life. My dear friend Bert lost her fight with cancer, but gained the joys of Heaven. The very next day my close friend Beth left for 2 years to be a teacher in China - that's two straight years. Then in August my friends Phil & Gina moved to PA - so that Phil can attend seminary and join the National Guard as a Chaplain. I have found myself missing them terribly. Bert was always good for a hug on Sunday morning to tell me how beautiful I was - that always made me smile. I miss Beth, Gina and Phil just in the normal things of IBC or hanging out. I really miss Beth sitting next to me in the choir, and all of our laughter that we shared. But God has taught me many things with each of the good-byes. Most a private, so I won't share them today.

As the summer turned to Fall, I was able to be there on Sophia's VERY first day of school. I have 6 nieces and nephews, and four of them have had their first day of Kindergarten. I've been there for all four of them. You see even though I'm not a Mom, I still want to experience these things - and I get to do them via my nieces and nephews. Thankfully their moms are okay with me "interrupting" their moments. I've been there to see their excitement and to watch them take those precious first steps into their classroom - into their new phase of life. How sweet it is to see that nervous, anxious, excited smile as they walk in, eventually turn around and wave. The wave that says - hey look at me, I'm doing it, I'm going to be okay - I love you. How sweet it was as I watched Ashley take those steps across that stage in June at her graduation, as she entered that new phase of her life. As she did I had those flashbacks to that bright sunny brisk morning that she stood there on the playground of Westgate Elementary waiting for her very first day of school. Then in September I was there for her very first day of Cosmetology School - not waiting on a playground for bells to ring - but at her house as she drove off. It wasn't planned - well I didn't plan it, God did. The power had gone out at my house due to Hurricane Ike "blowing" through Cbus. So I stayed at Steve & Wendy's. It allowed me to enjoy that morning of excitement with her, and to watch her get into her car to drive to her very first day of college. Steve, Wendy and I wanted to go and watch her walk in, but we knew those were steps she had to take by herself, without any of us watching.

Work has changed so much in the last 5 months. I've taken on an additional work load, and I'm very overwhelmed - still. I was also able to see the fruits of my labor come to life, at the conference I had been planning since January. It was in Pittsburgh and about 80 or so employees attended. It was a LOT of work and attention to detail. But I loved it! It was a very stretching and enjoyable challenge. God allowed me to interview with a large company, for a very nice position - but His plan was just to take me through the ENTIRE interview process. I'm not sure if he is getting my attention to begin looking elsewhere, or if He was testing my faith and obedience. But at any rate - He tested me and I was committed to follow. I'll have to see what the future holds.

Most of that leads us to present day...

This past weekend I was able to take a road trip with Jenni (sister) and Chrissy (friend) to see Phil & Gina in PA. That was just wonderful - everything about the weekend was wonderful! The trees were the most beautiful I'd ever seen and the company in the car and over the weekend was just refreshing to my spirit. I had the opportunity to see old faces (young, old faces!)- Ben, Holly, Summer and Caleb. While also getting to meet new young faces - Allie and Kristen. Friday evening Gina, Jenni, Chrissy and I enjoyed dinner at Bennigan's. Oh it was so great to get to see Gina and to get caught up on everything. After dinner we went to Wal-Mart and then returned to do "make-overs". Gina and I colored our hair. Jenni experimented with curlers and Chrissy was our "Beautifier". We (Gina, Jenni, Chrissy, Allie, Holly and I) spent Saturday at Roba's (a family farm/pumpkin patch) enjoying pig races, the corn maze, picking pumpkins and the petting zoo. Later that afternoon, we (Gina, Jenni, Chrissy and I) went to Phil's soccer game (he is one of the coaches) at BBC, this allowed us the opportunity to walk around the campus. God brought back moments of former TLC trips, as I walked along different parts of the campus. That was super cool! Saturday evenings was spent enjoying Pepperoni Pizza Chili, visiting with Summer (and meeting Kristin), making Carmel apples and just laughing! Sunday started early and we went to church with Phil & Gina. After the service it was time to head home - so we (Jenni, Chrissy and I) got comfy in the Vibe and headed West. We had another great trip completed with junk food, singing to the radio and LOTS of laughter!!!

The past few months have allowed me to see and learn things about God...

1. He is Faithful - I've seen it before and I've known it for a long time. But God allowed me to experience it again. Especially as I see him working in the lives of Beth, Phil & Gina, my family and the Sutherland family.
2. He is All Knowing - There were days this summer that I just didn't understand Why. But God did/does and I can rest on this fact.
3. He is ALL I NEED - Purchasing a home isn't something I wanted to do alone. But God's timing isn't always my timing and God's plans aren't always my plans. Through this I'm beginning to see that I may never find my Prince Charming, and I may never have what the world calls "Happily Ever After". But I know that I have a Prince who does love me and I know that I can be Happy now, because when the after comes...I'll be in Heaven!! While I've not yet given up complete hope - I'm realizing that Villa de Megalicious may always have only one permanent tenant.
4. He is a Sustainer - My dad is facing some very concerning and unpleasant health issues, and it has really taken a toll on me. My parents have always had fairly good health - especially my Mom she's just in great health. I've not mentioned my worries/concern about my Dad to many and you can't really see it in my actions or the words that I say - but it is a mask I'm just not willing to take off yet. I'm just not willing yet to realize that my dad is sick and he may never be that person I once knew him to be. But God is good and he is sustaining me to take it one day at a time and to realize that God loves my dad more than I could ever hope or imagine, and he has the best plan for my dad - even including the pain and suffering he has been and will face.

The last 5 months have been WONDERFUL months, stretching months, memory making months, life changing months. But they are months that make me the person I am today, the person I will be tomorrow when a new challenge pops up it's head, and all of these things will make me a better person and (hopefully) a person that is more Christ-like.