Developing Story...

I'm a Breaking News creeper. When Breaking News occurs...I follow the story for hours, days, weeks, until the story is resolved or the updates are no longer. As the details of the story unfolds the news feed usually reads "developing story"...and the details are given. I guess that's what our lives are - developing stories. Each day something new is added to our story - whether we realize it or not. Each day our story changes.

I've been gone from my blog for several days now - it's not that I've not had anything to write about, it's just trying to figure out how to put it all into words. So I've decided to do quick re-caps of a few areas of my story- I've had some developments....

• Garden ~ many spring perennials have been planted, summer perennials will be planted on Monday, and annuals for the summer will be purchased when I return from a trip later next week. My hostas are coming up nicely. My lilies are also coming back strong. And my hydrangea has some green buds. I LOVE watching life return to Villa de Megalicious during these springs months. Once I return from my trip I'll start the container garden process. FINGERS CROSSED it will work. I'll try to get some pics of the gardens and post here in the near future.
• Virginia Beach ~ very early on Thursday morning, I will board a chartered bus and head to Virgina Beach, VA as a chaperon on a High School trip. Hayden's Show Choir is participating in a competition and parade for the Azalea Festival. I'm really hoping to see some beautiful azaleas...but more than that - I'm SO looking forward to going to the beach. AHH, the beach is where my heart longs to be...it's my most favorite destination!! The current weather forecast is calling for beautiful days of sun, and pleasant temps. I'm also looking forward to spending some time with some amazing teenagers. Many come from homes/backgrounds that I can't even begin to imagine. I know many of them, as I went on this same trip last year - and also through various interactions with Hayden. My hope is that my very limited and brief time with them will allow me to get to know them more, and that I can make a positive impact on their lives. I pray I will see them with Christ's eyes - that I may demonstrate His love in my words and actions towards them.
• Another Girl ~ I found out yesterday that I will welcome a Great Niece in September. I've known for a few months now that I would be a Great Aunt (well I'm already a great aunt, but now I'll have the official title!) in late August or September...the official due date is September 6 (Labor Day). However, I've been very clear in letting my oldest niece Ashley (the baby's mommy) know that this newest addition WOULD NOT call me Great Aunt Meggie...I'm far too young for such a title before my name!;) Ashley is not married, so the news of an addition was rather shocking and disappointing - but our family is trying to find the positives in this current bittersweet hurdle, and we are looking forward to having another person to love. The news of a girl - was welcomed by the ladies in our family...the guys, well they just rolled their eyes and said "Go figure!". The new addition will bring our family count to 14 - making the ratio 10 to 4 - GIRLS RULE!!
• Job ~ I'm currently at the 4.5 week mark before my position is completely transferred, and I become unemployed. I had a private emotional breakdown one evening last week, as the reality of the end seemed to be closer than I'd wanted it to be. However, God is continuing to work and allowing me to explore possible opportunities - I have two interviews this coming week. One on Monday and another on Wednesday! I continue to aim in resting in God's timing and His plan.
• Sleep ~ with the onset of my last year in my early thirty's coming to an end, I'm noticing my body does not accept caffeine the way it once did, and I'm not able to pull off the late nights as I once did either. This has been a hard truth to face - as I'm a self-diagnosed caffeine addict. I am dependent on caffeine...it helps me get through my day and if I don't have it before 10:00 a.m., I get a headache and my mood is not attractive. It used to be, I could drink a can of Pepsi (my preferred drink!) at 9:30 p.m. and within moments I could fall asleep. Yet now, if I drink it after 7:30 at night - I'm up for most of the night. Now I'm naturally a night owl - but with the onset of "old age", I'm not able to function during the following day - if I stay up too late...after 1:00 a.m. So this combo called for a change - so I've tried to limit the amount of and time of intake of any form of caffeine. I've not given it up - that would be a sad day. In addition, I try to be in bed by 10:15 - 10:30...usually reading or scanning facebook - but my body is starting the process of slowing down and getting a decent night of sleep. It's been amazing how well I sleep and how refreshed I am in the morning. I also just have more motivation in general. Not to mention, I think my clothes are fitting much better!
• Singleness ~ since Easter, I've really been struggling with the Single status. I'm not sure what has triggered this bout of struggle in my Singleness Adventure - but it's been pretty bad. No - those around me don't know I'm struggling...or at least I don't think they do. I've tried to continue on with life as is when I'm around friends, family or co-workers - but when it's just me...the tears are steadily falling , the questioning is occurring and the desire to share my life with someone else is painfully there. Usually these "low points" come only for a day or two - but this time it is lingering longer. So I'm currently praying for God to calm my anxious heart, to either fill the desire or remove it, and to help me to remain content on the path He's selected me to walk down...even though I'm scared that I'll be on this path alone, for the rest of my life. Prayer would be appreciated. Pity is not welcomed.

...and there you have it! Those are the updates in my developing story.

Simple Woman's Daybook...

Outside my window...a beautiful sunny Spring day!!

I am thinking...about how well I slept last night and feel today after a 25 min. walk around the neighborhood last night. I should make this a nightly habit.

I am thankful...there are only a few more weeks left of AWANA, and I'll have some extra free-time on Tuesday evenings.

From the learning rooms...reading some websites/blogs, etc. about growing a container garden. Villa de Megalicious is limited in green space...but I've always wanted a veggie and herb garden. A co-worker suggested a container garden. So bouncing the idea around.

From the kitchen...the kitchen has been fairly cool this week. Not much going on. So instead I'll share a recipe. All this thinking about a container garden has me thinking of one of my favorite salads to make...the variations are unlimited to this one!

Cucumber, Tomato & Red Onion Salad

Ingredients:
4 tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges
2 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced
1 large red onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
juice of 1 fresh lime
salt to taste

Directions:
Mix the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice together in a bowl. Season with salt to serve. (posted on http://www.allrecipes.com/)

I am wearing...jeans and a light sweater! Perfect outfit on a Spring Day.

I'm remembering...how God has provided in the past and will in the days to come.

I am creating...a list of flowers (perennials and annuals) that I want to plant this spring/summer. Went to Lowe's last night and purchased some creeping phlox and a few other perennials. I also noticed my lilies (my fav!) are starting to come through in full force, and a hydrangea is starting to bud too.

I am going...to participate in the MS Walk this Saturday at the Columbus Zoo!

I am hoping...to hear back from a job interview.

Around the house...working on getting the flower beds ready. So glad that the yard waste program starts again next week, I'm ready for my bags of fallen limbs, leaves, and dandelions to be gone!

One of my favorite things...dancing fountains. The fountains around my neighborhood were turned on last week. One is housed directly behind my place - so I can hear it as I go to sleep each night, while working in the kitchen or relaxing on the back patio.

On my mind...Ashley. My job situation. IBC during this time of change.

Noticing that...I'm missing my IBC family. For various reasons I've been away a lot lately - and I'm missing the fellowship.

Praying for...IBC Search Committee, a new job & patience while I wait, Pastor Sr.

A verse to share...
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,
yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.”
Matt 6:26-29 (NASB)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, Transition Assistance Class (mentioned this service before in a previous post), Hayden's Home Opener Baseball game...let's go #3!, Prayer Meeting/Business Meeting @ IBC, Small Group Service Project, MS Walk, hopefully some time working outside, and I'm really looking forward to being back at IBC this Sunday.

A picture thought...















http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

You Only Get One Chance...

Well this isn't the original post. Something happened, and my original post has gone into the technology Bermuda Triangle. UGH!!! So I will try to recreate.




In recent weeks I've been reminded of the brevity of life. The saying "Life is Short"...has become more than real to me. I'm not sure why. It could be the death of my friend - a wife and mother of four small children - who died at 39 years old. The reality that an earthquake has the capability of suddenly ending the lives of thousands and sending them into eternity. The heart wrenching stories of coal miners ending their days work and being in the wrong spot at the right time for gases to cause an explosive blast so powerful that 25 have left this world instantly - one as young as 20 years old and another just 5 weeks from retirement to a job he's had for 30+ years. Or personally, it could be watching my Dad's health decline - he's not as strong as he once was and on occasion relays on a cane for support, his mind is becoming more forgetful and it's not as sharp...that reality brings emotions that are too hard to share.

But whatever the reason - this realization has been in the forefront of my mind for some time now. We are born, and on that day we are given a number - the number of days that we will be blessed to live on this earth, the number of days we have to love - to make an impact - to serve - to just live. Life is a miracle...it's a gift - we only get it once. So, I've learned a few things.

• I'm going to cheer as loud as I want for Emily at her volleyball games, and not worry about embarrassment to myself...she will know that I support her.
• I'm going to hug Hayden after his baseball game no matter how sweaty and dirty he may be, and not worry about my shirt sharing the same dirt or sweat...he will know that I love him unconditionally.
• I'm going to count it a blessing when Sophia calls me in the middle of the night to ask questions about braces - she needs re-assurance that it will be fine...she will know that I'll be there for her anytime day or night.
• I'm going to sit on the front porch for as long as I can listening to Ayana sing a song or tell stories, over and over again, and not worry for a moment about the to-do list that needs to be done...she will know that I value what she has to say.
• I'm going to allow Elijah to tell me all about his day (including what he had for lunch) and read books to me all night long if he wants...he will know that I care.
• I'm going to let Ashley practice on a new technique on my hair - it's just hair, it will grow back or we can change the color...she will know that I trust her.
• I'm not going to worry about being on every committee...time is valuable, why would I want to spend it all in meetings.
• I'm going to share and show Christ's love with those around me...and when necessary use my words to do so.
• I'm going to not sweat the small stuff, the big stuff or anything else in between - God already has it worked out.
• I'm going to take time to call or visit with my parents...they invested so much into me, it's my turn to give to them.
• I'm going to put only God before my family...they are my number one possession, and I didn't even have to pay for them! :)
• I'm going to say "I Love You", even if I don't get an "I Love You" in return.
• I'm going to realize it's okay to be embarrassed, to fail or to let others down - as long as I learn from it and become a better person in the end.
• I'm going to share my emotion - happy, sad, smiles, tears, words, hugs...it's shows I'm human, not perfect.
• I'm going to give back to the younger generations and invest in them...they will one day replace me and I want them to do a good job!
• I'm going to give when I can monetarily to investments that last for eternity - I can't take my money with me. But also not feel guilty if on occasion I treat myself to a pedicure or a new dress...I work hard for my money.
• I'm going to eat ice cream for dinner, and not feel bad about it...as long as I don't do it everyday! :)
• I'm going to slow down and spend time on a walk, sitting in the sun and just enjoying God's creation...some one is confined to a hospital room and longs to feel the sun on her face.
• I'm going to realize that structure, rules and order have it's place...but it's okay to not have them all of the time - because then you miss out on a special thing...LIFE!!

Erma Bombeck, one of my favorite authors, wrote these words when she found out that she had a fatal disease. Her words are true. I don't want to look back on my life and see that I waited for marriage, money, or for _______...only to realize I waited too long, and my chance is over. I'm only promised the moment I'm in right now, and I don't want regrets.

If I Had My Life to Live Over
Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching TV - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love yous"...more "I'm sorrys"...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.

Life is short - you only get once chance...so make the most of it!!

God Knew...

It was a warm Sunday afternoon in April, 2008...the sun was high and bright, the temps were just perfect in the mid 70's. I'd walked through it about 4 times, driven by several times and looked at it hundreds of times online. My Mom had seen it twice. Steve & Wendy, Jenni and Kari were seeing it for the first time. I loved it...it had everything on my "must have" list, and several on my "would like to have" list. Yet it was sooner than I was wanting to make it mine...7 months too early. But God was telling me it was time...another lesson in my life that HIS timing is PERFECT!! I couldn't say no any longer...I had to move forward. I looked into my friend Ed's eyes - someone that I trusted completely - and said..."Okay, let's make this happen!". He reached into his folder, grabbed his pen, pulled at the offer paper work and began filling in the details. As he was working, my mind was going crazy...all of a sudden breathing (seemed) to be difficult, my legs felt like jello. Thoughts of doubt were saying..."can you do this as a single person? the timing isn't right? you aren't a handy person, what if something breaks?". I had just made the most important decision I'd ever made...as an adult. I had just started the process of making Villa de Megalicious mine. It was exciting. It was overwhelming. It was the biggest step of faith I had ever made. As I signed the paperwork, I had a private conversation with God...telling Him, that this was something He was going to have to make happen - because in my agenda it was too soon.

My lease still had 7 months - breaking it would mean loosing money, and how steward-like would that be. Yet after a counter-offer, and another counter-offer...I was in contract by the end of the week. God was working out the details...revealing to me grants that were available to First-time Home Buyers - covering any closing fees and down-payment expenses - WOW!! That was huge! Then after weeks of praying, He provided someone to assume my lease and causing me to loose not one dime. So a GOD THING!! In addition, He allowed me to win a contest at work, that provided enough money to cover the expenses of paint for EACH room...not one dime from my pocket. One month and 22 days after signing the initial offer letter - I attended the closing...signing a small forest of trees making Villa de Megalicious mine. It was a dream come true!!

I love my small piece of this world that God has given to me. It's perfect for me in size, price, location...everything about it is me. Two years later, He continues to show me every day how HE provides ALL of my needs...in just the time that I need them. Sometimes, needs that I don't even realize I have - and yet He shows me they are already met.

My life and faith changed that day, April 6 2007...and in the weeks to come. It was also the start of me using the phrase..."GOD KNEW!!" - something I say when the details are just too unexplainable in the human mind, and we (I) realize that it was GOD who knew how the details would and needed to unfold.

About 3 months after closing, the housing market crashed and restrictions for purchasing a home became very strict...again affirming that God's timing was perfect. If I would have waited until I thought the timing was "perfect", I would have faced the stricter guidelines and restrictions. GOD KNEW!!! When your (my) timing doesn't match God's...follow God's agenda in faith. It may not be easy, you (I) may not see how it will work itself out...but that's not your (my) job. Our job is to be faithful...even when we see the impossible (in our minds) standing in front of us.