Outside my window...is a semi-muggy summer's night, with random cool breezes blowing in the window.
I am thinking...that I really should be going to bed early tonight - it's already 11:00 p.m.
I am thankful...for my job! Tomorrow I'll celebrate one year at my current employer! God has taught me so much this year.
From the learning rooms...well I'm learning a lot of general life lessons right now. I was especially challenged by yesterday's sermon, specifically the point of...having faith to follow without knowing all the details and leaving those things that are familiar!
In the kitchen...I'm starting to work on some original recipes - one involves Chicken and Doritos!
I am wearing...my favorite pair of jean capris and a red shirt with a firework on it - gearing up for the Fourth of July!!
I am creating...a list of things to pack, do and purchase before I head on a very special trip!
I am going...to be super busy at work for the next two weeks, as we wrap up the details for Huntington Credit College.
I am wondering...how Sophia is doing at her first night of Summer Camp!! I'm so excited for her!!
I am reading...a few different things - but mainly "Lies Young Women Believe - and the Truth that Sets Them Free". It's the book we are studying in the Summer Bible/Book study I'm leading on Tuesday evenings for girls 8th Grade and above.
I am hoping...everything goes well with VBS, it starts in less than 2 weeks - and I'm starting to reach panic mode.
I am looking forward to...having the girls back tomorrow evening for our Bible/Book Study
I am hearing...the dancing fountain and nightly bug/critter noises.
Around the house...I'm enjoying the perennial garden on my back patio. Trying to figure out what to do in the front.
I am pondering...a few things - nothing I'm ready to share just yet.
One of my favorite things...Red, White & Boom and various other firework displays this weekend! I LOVE FIREWORKS!!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, Bible/Book Study, Church, RW&B, fireworks displays and time with friends, celebrating my Momma's birthday!
Praying for...IBC, Terry, opportunities to share Christ in word and action, Christy, VBS, Joan and family.
A verse to share: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
A lyric to share:
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Singled Out...
Last weekend I attended a wedding.
Weddings are always a very bittersweet event for me.
I'm always excited to celebrate with the happy couple! I can't wait to see the beautiful dress! The way the church and reception hall are decorated! The smile on the Bride's face that lights up the room! The pride of the Groom watching his Bride walk down the aisle!
I'm reminded of my singleness. I'm reminded of the void in my life - that I long to fill. I'm sitting alone - filled with love to offer someone, yet no one wants my love. I'm one of only a few my age that's not been given this gift. I'm reminded of my incompleteness as the Pastor talks about how the couple coming together complete each other.
Last weekend I attended a wedding and two things happened that singled out, my singleness.
After the wedding, a lady approached me in the parking lot - handed me a baseball glove and smiled...actually laughed as she handed it to me. I asked what it was for - she said, "its to help you catch the bouquet". And then laughed some more, harder. I just looked at her. I really wanted to just cry. I really wanted to tell her how cruel that was. I really wanted to take the glove and smack her in the face with it - to be completely honest. Where did she find the humor in this? How would she feel if I made fun of or made light of a circumstance in her life that she wished were different? How would she feel if I were her daughter, and someone else did that to me? How would she feel if she knew that inside my heart, that was already tender, was now breaking into even smaller pieces because of her cruel joke. She continued to smirk, as I handed the glove back and said - "no thanks". Never once cracking a smile. I hope she got my point. I hope she saw my hurt - although I don't think she did.
I went to the reception. It was beautiful. The food was very good. The traditional dances began - first dance, father/daughter mother/son. A special slow dance was played for all the married couples - it was nice. The couple married the longest had been married for 54 years - and they were dancing as if it were their wedding day. Then the DJ announced that another slow song would play. This time for those who aren't married. I realize that was for dating couples, friends who dance together, etc. But did they really have to choose a slow song for the single people in the room to dance to - it just rubbed me the wrong way. I was probably overreacting and being ultra sensitive - those are the usual comments single people get when their feelings are hurt on that subject, we aren't supposed to allow our feelings to be hurt - apparently. I said "oh yeah - who are the single people supposed to dance with to a song like this - when it's just them". Someone at the table said I could dance with my sister. That comment just burned through me like a flaming sword. Between the situation in the parking lot and that comment my feelings were now officially stomped to the ground and hurt. How can people be so inconsiderate? Don't they know that singles already feel alone, unwanted and not worthy of the gift of love? I reacted - and my words were harsh. I was wrong for not controlling my words or emotions. When others at the table went to get cake - I left. I didn't want to be in this place any longer. I didn't want to have to force a smile - when inside I just wanted to hide in the darkest corner and cry. So I left - the room was dark and I could sneak out. Actually, when I left no one even said goodbye - they probably didn't see me leaving, and I was okay with that. I need to just leave. I know it sounds like I was making it all about me - but I wasn't...others were making it all about me by their comments.
The next day at church immediately after the service the person who made the comment - approached me with tears in their eyes and apologized. They were very sincere. They said they didn't mean to offend me, they just wanted me to be able to dance. I accepted their apology, and I apologized for my reaction.
The lady with the baseball glove...she probably still thinks it's funny and has no idea how much it hurt. She actually did the same thing that same day, in a similar manner to another single person while they waited to be dismissed from the ceremony - it hurt them too. But they were stronger than me - they were able to appease the lady and give a little laugh.
Moral of this Story: For someone who longs to be married - singleness is not a laughing matter...and the last thing a single person wants to be is the punch line of some one's "single" joke and singled out.
Weddings are always a very bittersweet event for me.
I'm always excited to celebrate with the happy couple! I can't wait to see the beautiful dress! The way the church and reception hall are decorated! The smile on the Bride's face that lights up the room! The pride of the Groom watching his Bride walk down the aisle!
I'm reminded of my singleness. I'm reminded of the void in my life - that I long to fill. I'm sitting alone - filled with love to offer someone, yet no one wants my love. I'm one of only a few my age that's not been given this gift. I'm reminded of my incompleteness as the Pastor talks about how the couple coming together complete each other.
Last weekend I attended a wedding and two things happened that singled out, my singleness.
After the wedding, a lady approached me in the parking lot - handed me a baseball glove and smiled...actually laughed as she handed it to me. I asked what it was for - she said, "its to help you catch the bouquet". And then laughed some more, harder. I just looked at her. I really wanted to just cry. I really wanted to tell her how cruel that was. I really wanted to take the glove and smack her in the face with it - to be completely honest. Where did she find the humor in this? How would she feel if I made fun of or made light of a circumstance in her life that she wished were different? How would she feel if I were her daughter, and someone else did that to me? How would she feel if she knew that inside my heart, that was already tender, was now breaking into even smaller pieces because of her cruel joke. She continued to smirk, as I handed the glove back and said - "no thanks". Never once cracking a smile. I hope she got my point. I hope she saw my hurt - although I don't think she did.
I went to the reception. It was beautiful. The food was very good. The traditional dances began - first dance, father/daughter mother/son. A special slow dance was played for all the married couples - it was nice. The couple married the longest had been married for 54 years - and they were dancing as if it were their wedding day. Then the DJ announced that another slow song would play. This time for those who aren't married. I realize that was for dating couples, friends who dance together, etc. But did they really have to choose a slow song for the single people in the room to dance to - it just rubbed me the wrong way. I was probably overreacting and being ultra sensitive - those are the usual comments single people get when their feelings are hurt on that subject, we aren't supposed to allow our feelings to be hurt - apparently. I said "oh yeah - who are the single people supposed to dance with to a song like this - when it's just them". Someone at the table said I could dance with my sister. That comment just burned through me like a flaming sword. Between the situation in the parking lot and that comment my feelings were now officially stomped to the ground and hurt. How can people be so inconsiderate? Don't they know that singles already feel alone, unwanted and not worthy of the gift of love? I reacted - and my words were harsh. I was wrong for not controlling my words or emotions. When others at the table went to get cake - I left. I didn't want to be in this place any longer. I didn't want to have to force a smile - when inside I just wanted to hide in the darkest corner and cry. So I left - the room was dark and I could sneak out. Actually, when I left no one even said goodbye - they probably didn't see me leaving, and I was okay with that. I need to just leave. I know it sounds like I was making it all about me - but I wasn't...others were making it all about me by their comments.
The next day at church immediately after the service the person who made the comment - approached me with tears in their eyes and apologized. They were very sincere. They said they didn't mean to offend me, they just wanted me to be able to dance. I accepted their apology, and I apologized for my reaction.
The lady with the baseball glove...she probably still thinks it's funny and has no idea how much it hurt. She actually did the same thing that same day, in a similar manner to another single person while they waited to be dismissed from the ceremony - it hurt them too. But they were stronger than me - they were able to appease the lady and give a little laugh.
Moral of this Story: For someone who longs to be married - singleness is not a laughing matter...and the last thing a single person wants to be is the punch line of some one's "single" joke and singled out.
"Blessings..."
Blessings are daily gifts from God - they don't always come in the wrapping paper we expect or want...but the "wrong wrapping paper" doesn't make them any less of a blessing.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
What up??...
Hi Friends!! Were you afraid I had forgotten about my blog...I haven't! I actually think of it often, but I've not taken the time to update! A friend, follower and fellow blogger sent me a text the other day with a soft reminder that it's been awhile since I've blogged...and she is VERY right.
A lot has happened since I last posted...let's see, here are some highlights -
- I helped coordinate a wedding for two of my bestest friends! It was a very lovely day and they both looked stunning!
- I've started on my scripture memory quest - currently working on Proverbs 31. Titus 2 is next.
- I cooked Easter Dinner for my family!
- I've had overnight guests - twice!!
- I've purchased and was approved for a passport!! Oh snap!!
- I've purchased tickets for a trip - more details to come after that occurs! Let's just say - I can't wait!! :)
- I, along with the rest of the family, participated in my neighborhood carport sale! It was a semi-success. The items I didn't sell - I loaded in to the car and donated them to charity. I figured it they are outside of my house - they aren't going back in!! It was so nice to get rid of stuff that I don't use any more. I also signed up for the local Kidney Foundation to put me on their monthly pick-up schedule - so I can continue to the process of simplifying.
- I've started recycling - some...I need to get better at this!
- I've lost 20 pounds! This has been a huge task for me...I have 40 more to go. I just love food so much!! But I'm learning to love exercise, and the way I feel in my clothes now!
- I planted a perennial garden, on my back patio! I love it! My mom got me a couple of solar globes stakes for my Birthday, and I put them in this garden - they change various colors starting at dusk and rotate throughout the night - I love it!
- I celebrated my Birthday! I hosted a pottery painting party at my favorite studio for friends and family- and it was a lot of fun!! Jenni provided the delicious food at this party and at my family cook-out. I also enjoyed two other birthday dinners!!
- VBS is just around the corner, so I've been busy coordinating and planning - I'm so anxious and excited for it to be here.
- Because of the enormous amount of leaves at Villa de Megalicious, and because I felt like I was going to go crazy keeping up with cleaning them up - I purchased a leaf blower/mulcher dealy-o...it looks like a bazooka and it's almost as tall as I am (STOP LAUGHING!!) . Let's just say - I could be dangerous. But so far - I've not broken a nail! :)
- I've started creating some of the cleaning, home maintenance, holiday/seasonal decorating schedules.
- I've started working on a couple of original recipes!
- I'm hosting/coordinating a Book/Bible Study for teen girls (8th grade and above) in my home this summer! We meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. We are studying "Lies Young Women Believe - and the Truth that Will Set Them Free" - I highly recommend this book!! I have four girls that attend, and it's a great opportunity to build a connection with them and to invest into their lives.
- I've started disciplining/witnessing to a teen girl who is facing various struggles/issues right now. I must say, I don't feel equipped to fill this roll - but God has given me the right words, verses, etc. just as I need them. We are building a connection, and I'm hoping that our time together is helping her. She's not a believer, but attends a church faithfully - she knows her need of salvation, she's just not ready yet (those are her words, not mine). So that has been something we've talked about in great detail.
- I assisted in coordinating IBC's Mother/Daughter Luncheon! I enjoyed it a great deal, although it was one of the more stressful events I've planned!
- I've been at Huntington for almost one year now...hard to believe, I know!
- Meg's Meal Ministry is slowly getting back up and "running". I was able this week to provide a meal for a young family who has been visiting our church. I have a list of meals to make and people to have in my home...I just need to make the time. I'm hoping that the mid-July early August I'll be able to be doing more in this area - and increasing it in the coming months.
- I was asked to make an appreciation breakfast for volunteers who work in our church's Maternity Resource Center. It's not until September - but I'm so excited about this. I've never done anything like this for so many people (40 ish)...and I'm looking forward to the challenge!!
- We are doing some Life Skills classes with the ladies @ IBC (High School age and above) - and I was asked to teach a class on Crock-Pot/Slow Cooker Cooking. That's coming up at some point this Summer/early Fall. I must say, this one I'm a little nervous about! We have many wonderful cooks at IBC - and I really hope I am able to meet the desires/expectations of the ladies in the class!! I'm hoping to show them crock-pots aren't only for making Soup or Pot Roast.
As you can see - a lot has occurred, and hopefully you see why I've not posted in a while. I feel I'm missing some thing - and it's probably something big. But honestly - I'm starting to see a pattern, that I don't like - I'm using the word "I" a lot! It's not really I that is doing all of this - it's actually God. He is the one who is providing and working in many of these areas - I'm just a vessel He is choosing to use. Several items on here are part of the goals I've set for myself - and while some are things I've purposely begun or started...some are simply doors that I've seen God open...the Crock-Pot class, disciplining the teen girl, the appreciation breakfast opportunity. I must say that it's exciting to see what God is doing in my life and through me - and while right now I'm feeling slightly disconnected from a place that once felt like home - I'm rejoicing that I'm very connected to God, and I'm enjoying walking with Him...following His lead.
More to come...on those things listed above and other topics not yet discussed! Hope you are still following me!! :)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
SCARIEST 30 seconds of my life...
Yesterday's agenda had only a few "to do" items, and honestly was one of the slowest Saturdays on my calendar in the next few weeks - so I was looking forward to just keeping it slow and steady. I had hosted the teen girls at my home on Friday evening for a youth event - so I knew I had to get them up, fed and out the door by 8:00 a.m. Then I was going to get ready for my day...1) Shopping with my parents and Jenni for a new chair for Dad @ 10:00; and 2) going to Anthony Thomas to see Hayden dressed as the Easter Bunny and a tour of the Chocolate Factory at some point before 3:00 p.m. Like I said, pretty low key.
I arrived at Mom and Dad's around 10:00. While we were waiting for Jenni, Mom offered me a piece of coffee cake (Jenni made it and it's the BEST coffee cake recipe EVER!). I asked for a small piece and Mom warmed her's with butter in the microwave. As we were just starting to enjoy our cake and some catch-up convo (I hadn't had my parents to myself in a few weeks - so I was taking full advantage of that special time!), Mom sat her plate down on the table beside her - said, "Man I got a hot piece", then place her hand on her head. I looked at her and asked if she was okay. She didn't respond - I asked again. Her head slumped down and her body began to briefly tremble. She still was not responding. I continued to forcefully, but as calmly as I could say "Mom, Mom are you okay" - while shaking her shoulder. She still didn't respond. By this point I was in front of her, looking at her square on - calling her name. Her left arm and hand then began to shake. In my mind I thought I was watching my Mom have a Stroke before my eyes. I was scared - but remained calm. She then looked at me - her face was pale, and her beautiful blue eyes were glassy and had great fear in them. She still didn't respond, but her left hand grab hold of mine and held it tight. Then just as quickly as it happened - the color flooded back to her face and she responded..."I got a hot piece." I then sat down again next to her, still holding her hand and asked how she felt. "I feel fine, I just got a hot piece." She then agreed to needing a glass of water. As I walked from the living room to the kitchen, my heart was racing and my legs felt like they were made of jello. Mom quickly sat on the couch, sipping her water and I was itching for Jenni to get there. Dad had called 911 - but when she "snapped" back he told them we were okay. I thought, "You and Mom might be okay - but I'm totally 100% freaked out." I then went outside to cool down, process what I just witnessed and wait for Jenni to arrive. As soon as Jenni arrived, I went to her car, jumped in and lost it - tears were rolling as I was trying to explain what just happened. She jumped out, went in to asses the situation and demanded that Mom be checked out. Mom was very resistant - but we told her it had to happen. So to keep the peace, she went - but told us it was a waste of time. Jenni, Mom and I headed for the ER - while Dad called Steve and Kari. Soon Steve was at the ER and Kari was with Dad at the house. Mom seemed to be right back to herself - but we knew it was very important for her to "be seen"...just to make sure.
We then spent the next four hours in the ER. After blood work, being put on a heart monitor, an EKG, and a CT scan it was determined that the episode was not related to her heart or a neurological condition/issue. Rather a reaction of her Vagal nerve, located in your GI track. Apparently when this nerve reacts it causes stroke like symptoms. This nerve reacts when you eat something that is extremely hot or cold, it drops your blood pressure drop and until your body "resets" itself you experience it exactly what my Mom experienced.
We are so thankful that Mom is fine, now. She got home and went right back to doing what she always does - taking care of Dad, laundry, reading with the grand kids, laughing and just being my absolutely wonderfully beautiful Mom that I love so much. By the way - she was really hoping to finish off that coffee cake, but it was thrown away when one of the grand kids volunteered to do the dishes while Mom was in the ER.
The entire episode felt like it took 30 minutes...but 30 seconds would be more accurate. Either way it was THE SCARIEST 30 seconds of my life.
Mom and I - Summer, 2009 in Panama City Beach
I arrived at Mom and Dad's around 10:00. While we were waiting for Jenni, Mom offered me a piece of coffee cake (Jenni made it and it's the BEST coffee cake recipe EVER!). I asked for a small piece and Mom warmed her's with butter in the microwave. As we were just starting to enjoy our cake and some catch-up convo (I hadn't had my parents to myself in a few weeks - so I was taking full advantage of that special time!), Mom sat her plate down on the table beside her - said, "Man I got a hot piece", then place her hand on her head. I looked at her and asked if she was okay. She didn't respond - I asked again. Her head slumped down and her body began to briefly tremble. She still was not responding. I continued to forcefully, but as calmly as I could say "Mom, Mom are you okay" - while shaking her shoulder. She still didn't respond. By this point I was in front of her, looking at her square on - calling her name. Her left arm and hand then began to shake. In my mind I thought I was watching my Mom have a Stroke before my eyes. I was scared - but remained calm. She then looked at me - her face was pale, and her beautiful blue eyes were glassy and had great fear in them. She still didn't respond, but her left hand grab hold of mine and held it tight. Then just as quickly as it happened - the color flooded back to her face and she responded..."I got a hot piece." I then sat down again next to her, still holding her hand and asked how she felt. "I feel fine, I just got a hot piece." She then agreed to needing a glass of water. As I walked from the living room to the kitchen, my heart was racing and my legs felt like they were made of jello. Mom quickly sat on the couch, sipping her water and I was itching for Jenni to get there. Dad had called 911 - but when she "snapped" back he told them we were okay. I thought, "You and Mom might be okay - but I'm totally 100% freaked out." I then went outside to cool down, process what I just witnessed and wait for Jenni to arrive. As soon as Jenni arrived, I went to her car, jumped in and lost it - tears were rolling as I was trying to explain what just happened. She jumped out, went in to asses the situation and demanded that Mom be checked out. Mom was very resistant - but we told her it had to happen. So to keep the peace, she went - but told us it was a waste of time. Jenni, Mom and I headed for the ER - while Dad called Steve and Kari. Soon Steve was at the ER and Kari was with Dad at the house. Mom seemed to be right back to herself - but we knew it was very important for her to "be seen"...just to make sure.
We then spent the next four hours in the ER. After blood work, being put on a heart monitor, an EKG, and a CT scan it was determined that the episode was not related to her heart or a neurological condition/issue. Rather a reaction of her Vagal nerve, located in your GI track. Apparently when this nerve reacts it causes stroke like symptoms. This nerve reacts when you eat something that is extremely hot or cold, it drops your blood pressure drop and until your body "resets" itself you experience it exactly what my Mom experienced.
We are so thankful that Mom is fine, now. She got home and went right back to doing what she always does - taking care of Dad, laundry, reading with the grand kids, laughing and just being my absolutely wonderfully beautiful Mom that I love so much. By the way - she was really hoping to finish off that coffee cake, but it was thrown away when one of the grand kids volunteered to do the dishes while Mom was in the ER.
The entire episode felt like it took 30 minutes...but 30 seconds would be more accurate. Either way it was THE SCARIEST 30 seconds of my life.
Mom and I - Summer, 2009 in Panama City Beach btw...shopping for the chair will be another day, and seeing Hayden as the Easter Bunny will come again next year.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
40 by (May) 2016 – 40 Goals to accomplish by the time I’m 40!!!...
Well my birthday is soon approaching...it's not for another month and a half, but it's on my mind - I LOVE birthdays, especially MINE! Although I must admit I'm not - or I should say, I wasn't - looking forward to this one...its a milestone birthday! And quite honestly, I wasn't happy about it's arrival, because there were two things I wanted most of all to be present in my life by this time - and they aren't. I NEVER thought I would be 35...single (not even a perspective date in sight), and childless. When I was younger and dreamed of life at this age - I dreamed of marriage and a house full of children (4 minimum). But that's not what God has planned for my life, and I've really struggled with this for some time now...more and more as the birthday gets closer. 
Each year for my birthday, I get myself a gift...I mean why not? I work hard, stay busy serving with my ministries and serving the Lord, and usually put others before myself - so why not buy myself a gift every once in awhile!! But this year as I've thought about what I wanted - I thought what I would do, is give myself a gift that will take me 5 years to accomplish...that's right 5 years!!! Okay I'll be honest...I usually like the instant gratification, especially when it relates to gifts!! I should note that I'm stealing this idea, sorta, from a fellow blogger - so I must admit the idea is not original to me - but the plan of action is completely original and 100% related to me. I've decided that I would set 40 different goals for myself and work towards achieving each one before I turn 40 in May, 2016. I feel like all of these goals are very attainable and very realistic. Some of these goals are fairly simple and will easily be obtained in no time - while others will take a lot of dedication, hard work and commitment. Some will allow me to use my time giving back to others in ways I've wanted to, but haven't because I am Single - for example, I've always wanted to lead a Ladies Bible Study, but I've never been asked because I'm Single and apparently can't relate to other women - so instead, I'm going to use this desire and my passion for teen girls to lead a Summer Bible Study for girls 8-12th grade - with the hopes of it becoming a yearly "event" each Summer. Some are items that I've just always wanted to do and I've not taken the time to for whatever reason. Some will allow me to enjoy my home and allow others to enjoy it as well - I hate being at home alone. However, God has provided me with a beautiful home that I pay for each month - I need to enjoy it, care for it and I need to use it serve and glorify Him...so instead of keeping myself so busy that I'm never home, I'm going to allow myself time to be at home and also have others into my home on a more regular basis through various things. I'm also going to take some time to learn some things that I've always wanted to learn and accomplish some tasks that I've always told myself I could never do - like change the oil in my car or build something with tools - YIKES!.
My list of goals will be a gift I give to myself - it will allow me to use my desires, passions, gifts and talents to show myself that I do have a place in this world...even if I'm walking alone. So as I accomplish or work towards different goals - I'll blog about it! Which, blogging more is a goal that I've set, because I love it and it allows me to speak, when usually I'm very silent at home...a one way conversation never gets too far!! :)
Spiritual Growth, Ministry or Community Involvement- Lead a Teen Girl’s Bible Study in the Summer for 5 years
- Meg’s Meal Ministry - 1) One monthly meal in home with dinner guest(s); 2) One monthly meal provided outside of the home to friends, family, neighbors or those in need; and 3) Provide dinner once a year at the Ronald McDonald House
- Get to know my neighbors by name and something about them
- Become involved in my Community Association
- Memorize 35 different passages (series of verses or whole chapters) of scripture
- Start a Hospitality Ministry
- Disciple a teen girl one-on-one
- Provide monthly support to a missionary or missionary endeavor, with the goal being to support two in the end of five years
- Go on a Mission’s Trip and/or spend a week one week one summer working in a Camp Kitchen
- Hold a Backyard Bible Club
- Take and complete two certificate programs @ CSCC
- Start my own business
- Build something
- Learn how to change the oil in my car
- Try one new recipe each month and blog about it
- Create and keep a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly cleaning, household maintenance and seasonal decorating schedule
- Host and lead a cooking/entertaining/hospitality class in my home
- Grow a container veggie garden
- Make smart financial decisions – learn to coupon and reduce my spending
- Learn to Can
- Learn to sew by hand and with a machine
- Re-organize Villa de Megalicious – and simplify
- Create 5 original recipes
- Grow an herb garden
- Remodel my main bathroom
- Make homemade gifts for Christmas for each person on my list
- Blog…more!
- Allow for at least 2 weeknights per week to be at home for the majority of the evening
- Allow for one Friday night or Saturday a month for myself
- Read 10 new books – outside of books read for Bible studies/ADG classes and blog my review
- Implement and keep an exercise routine
- Paint my guest room - yes this is in the right spot...if I don't do this soon - I will go crazy(ier); therefore, this falls under Healthy Living!
- Attend various festivals in Ohio each spring, summer and fall – that I’ve always wanted to go to but never taken the time
- Travel outside of the country
- Find an activity to do with each niece and nephew, individually to spend some quality time on a regular basis
- Go to Washington DC – preferably in the Spring to see the Cherry Blossom
- Learn to not feel guilty when I say “no” or “not right now” - again part of Healthy Living!
- Have dinner with all of my siblings, at least once every three months. Just the five of us (including my SIL here!)
- Buy and regularly ride a bicycle
- Establish and use a Recycle center/system at home - yet again...Healthy Living!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Omniscience...
Okay - I'm going to try to keep this one really short...I'm super tired, but I've tried several different times this week to post...and I told myself I wasn't going to bed tonight until I posted.
So for several years now, I've tried to make the presence of God real to me. Ways that His character has been made clear or known to me. You know, seeing God in the details of life...everyday stuff. For instance, when I lived in my apartment and prime parking spots were few and fair between - on those nights when I'd come home super late (like after 10 p.m.) and have my hands full of groceries or stuff to carry across the parking lot and up the steps - only to turn the corner to find a primo parking spot open...I'd simple out loud say - "Thanks Lord!"...just like I would if it were someone giving me something. Once there was a time when I opened my electric bill in the middle of the summer only to find a zero balance with an additional $25 for the next month - because the electric company forgot to credit my account several months before for a deposit I made when starting my service. But the super cool part was the next day I found I that I needed brakes on my car and the cost of the breaks was the amount I had budgeted for my electric - and I had a friend put them on...God knew I'd need new brakes and he provided for me. Or running a few minutes behind, because I forget something and have to run back in the house...then seeing an accident happen in the location I would have been in - had I not gone back inside. I do this often...I try to find God in the everyday stuff...it draws me closer to Him. And not being able to see Him with my own eyes...doesn't seem limit his knowledge of what's happening to me at that very moment.
Well twice this week - I've realized the Omniscience of God.
Experience #1 - Beth:
Well on November 20th I got the most exciting e-mail request. My friend Beth - who lives and teaches in China was going to surprise her family and come home during the Chinese New Year. She was to land on 1/30 at 9:21 p.m., and she needed someone to pick her up! But of course, it was to be a surprise!! That meant telling others was pretty restricted - you gotta be careful who you tell things too...it could slip out! SO in the midst of my willingness to help her out and my pure excitement that she was going to be home - a thought came across my mind. Oh no - she was going to be traveling for a day plus, halfway around the world without her family knowing..."Oh Lord, you got to protect her", was the prayer of my heart at that moment. "Oh Lord, I need people to pray for her travels...but I have to keep that list very limited, but she needs lots of prayers - this is a super long and tiring trip." Over the next two months I shared her arrival with only a handful of people...with very strict guidelines that "mum was the word" - begging them to pray for her. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't discounting God's ability to get her here safely - I just knew that this trip needed extra special prayer. Then last week, I put on the youth prayer board my name with "unspoken" next to it...in the Sunday slot. That way the entire youth group could be praying for this "unspoken" request...all the while praying Beth home from China! I even had one teen ask what "unspoken" meant...I told him it means that God knows the prayer request of my heart, but I'm not able to share the request with others just yet. Well Beth made it home, safely - not one ounce of issues. Made all of her connections - even in Beijing during Chinese New Year (which Beth told me is like traveling in the US during the Holidays), she landed early in c-bus and her bag was first one out on the luggage marry-go-round deal. Her surprise was a success! As I stood outside the home of her parents on that briskly cold Sunday evening - I could hear the screams of her family as she entered the house. Screams of excitement. The closer I got to the house, I could hear her mother sobbing with joy to hold her girl in her arms one more time. Before I entered the house - I stopped and thanked God for bringing Beth home and for taking care of every detail of her trip...including knowing how much her family needed to see her, giving her the idea/desire to want to visit and providing her the time and finances to come home!
Experience #2 - Working Late:
It's a super busy time right now at work, and I've been working over some to stay on top of projects and tasks. However, I'm not a fan of staying to late - since I take the bus...after a certain time the bus only comes every 20 minutes or so and it's WAY to cold to be standing outside waiting for the bus. Well yesterday - I was debating from which location I should board the bus in the morning. The one closest to home or the one closest to church. Each one had it's pros/cons. With all the icky ice, I've been driving to the location closest to home...less driving on the ice for me, and I get home sooner in the evening. But it was Wednesday - and that meant I had to be at IBC for Youth. However, they were calling for more inclement weather during the day - I was thinking IBC would cancel services. But what if they didn't - then I'd be rushing to get there in time. But if I park at the one closest to the church and they cancel - well then I'd have further to drive home in nasty weather. UGH - I just don't like the winter! But I decided that since the roads weren't so bad yesterday morning, I'd go with the one closest to church - since more than likely I would be there that evening. Then mid-day we were notified that IBC was closed due to ice around the church. GREAT...I picked the wrong location! The day went on and I found myself in the office later than I wanted to be...especially since it was cold, snowy and icy. Thankfully the main roads weren't all to bad! I know the pick-up times around my usual departure from work - but I'm not good with pick-up times after 5:30. The sun was starting to set and I figured I'd better get going...I didn't want to be downtown in the dark waiting outside for the bus. As I was walking to the elevator, I could see a bus pull away! GREAT...now my time is off too! I was nearing the time when the buses start to run every 20 min instead of every 10. So I knew I had to hustle! No - just enjoying the scenery walking if I was going to catch the next bus headed West. I got to the stop and waited for about 5 min. - which felt like forever in the cold. Soon the #10 bus pulled up - this one was headed only to Wilson Road. That didn't really sink in at first. Then once I was settled in my seat - I looked up as the marquee on the bus and it flashed 6:00 p.m. - and I was on a bus headed only to Wilson Road. Okay - you are wondering why this is so significant...after 6:00 p.m. the pick-ups come every 20 min. If I had parked at the location closest to my home - I would have had to wait for next #10 bus - as this bus didn't take me that far West. Then I would have been out in the cold for almost 30 min., the sun would have been set and almost to bed at that point, and I would have been in downtown C-bus alone. Yeah - not a good situation to be in! But that's okay - I didn't have to experience it...because God knew the details and He took care of me! Even early in the morning, He knew what my day would hold and the details of my schedule wouldn't be the normal details. He knew! As I rode home last night - I just praised God for the way He provided even a COTA bus going to the right destination at the right time - to show me that He knows EVERYTHING about me and my needs! And that not only does He know...He provides!
What great peace it brings me to know that my God is not only loving, giving, merciful and kind - but that He also is Omniscient...about everything, including me.
So for several years now, I've tried to make the presence of God real to me. Ways that His character has been made clear or known to me. You know, seeing God in the details of life...everyday stuff. For instance, when I lived in my apartment and prime parking spots were few and fair between - on those nights when I'd come home super late (like after 10 p.m.) and have my hands full of groceries or stuff to carry across the parking lot and up the steps - only to turn the corner to find a primo parking spot open...I'd simple out loud say - "Thanks Lord!"...just like I would if it were someone giving me something. Once there was a time when I opened my electric bill in the middle of the summer only to find a zero balance with an additional $25 for the next month - because the electric company forgot to credit my account several months before for a deposit I made when starting my service. But the super cool part was the next day I found I that I needed brakes on my car and the cost of the breaks was the amount I had budgeted for my electric - and I had a friend put them on...God knew I'd need new brakes and he provided for me. Or running a few minutes behind, because I forget something and have to run back in the house...then seeing an accident happen in the location I would have been in - had I not gone back inside. I do this often...I try to find God in the everyday stuff...it draws me closer to Him. And not being able to see Him with my own eyes...doesn't seem limit his knowledge of what's happening to me at that very moment.
Well twice this week - I've realized the Omniscience of God.
Experience #1 - Beth:
Well on November 20th I got the most exciting e-mail request. My friend Beth - who lives and teaches in China was going to surprise her family and come home during the Chinese New Year. She was to land on 1/30 at 9:21 p.m., and she needed someone to pick her up! But of course, it was to be a surprise!! That meant telling others was pretty restricted - you gotta be careful who you tell things too...it could slip out! SO in the midst of my willingness to help her out and my pure excitement that she was going to be home - a thought came across my mind. Oh no - she was going to be traveling for a day plus, halfway around the world without her family knowing..."Oh Lord, you got to protect her", was the prayer of my heart at that moment. "Oh Lord, I need people to pray for her travels...but I have to keep that list very limited, but she needs lots of prayers - this is a super long and tiring trip." Over the next two months I shared her arrival with only a handful of people...with very strict guidelines that "mum was the word" - begging them to pray for her. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't discounting God's ability to get her here safely - I just knew that this trip needed extra special prayer. Then last week, I put on the youth prayer board my name with "unspoken" next to it...in the Sunday slot. That way the entire youth group could be praying for this "unspoken" request...all the while praying Beth home from China! I even had one teen ask what "unspoken" meant...I told him it means that God knows the prayer request of my heart, but I'm not able to share the request with others just yet. Well Beth made it home, safely - not one ounce of issues. Made all of her connections - even in Beijing during Chinese New Year (which Beth told me is like traveling in the US during the Holidays), she landed early in c-bus and her bag was first one out on the luggage marry-go-round deal. Her surprise was a success! As I stood outside the home of her parents on that briskly cold Sunday evening - I could hear the screams of her family as she entered the house. Screams of excitement. The closer I got to the house, I could hear her mother sobbing with joy to hold her girl in her arms one more time. Before I entered the house - I stopped and thanked God for bringing Beth home and for taking care of every detail of her trip...including knowing how much her family needed to see her, giving her the idea/desire to want to visit and providing her the time and finances to come home!
Experience #2 - Working Late:
It's a super busy time right now at work, and I've been working over some to stay on top of projects and tasks. However, I'm not a fan of staying to late - since I take the bus...after a certain time the bus only comes every 20 minutes or so and it's WAY to cold to be standing outside waiting for the bus. Well yesterday - I was debating from which location I should board the bus in the morning. The one closest to home or the one closest to church. Each one had it's pros/cons. With all the icky ice, I've been driving to the location closest to home...less driving on the ice for me, and I get home sooner in the evening. But it was Wednesday - and that meant I had to be at IBC for Youth. However, they were calling for more inclement weather during the day - I was thinking IBC would cancel services. But what if they didn't - then I'd be rushing to get there in time. But if I park at the one closest to the church and they cancel - well then I'd have further to drive home in nasty weather. UGH - I just don't like the winter! But I decided that since the roads weren't so bad yesterday morning, I'd go with the one closest to church - since more than likely I would be there that evening. Then mid-day we were notified that IBC was closed due to ice around the church. GREAT...I picked the wrong location! The day went on and I found myself in the office later than I wanted to be...especially since it was cold, snowy and icy. Thankfully the main roads weren't all to bad! I know the pick-up times around my usual departure from work - but I'm not good with pick-up times after 5:30. The sun was starting to set and I figured I'd better get going...I didn't want to be downtown in the dark waiting outside for the bus. As I was walking to the elevator, I could see a bus pull away! GREAT...now my time is off too! I was nearing the time when the buses start to run every 20 min instead of every 10. So I knew I had to hustle! No - just enjoying the scenery walking if I was going to catch the next bus headed West. I got to the stop and waited for about 5 min. - which felt like forever in the cold. Soon the #10 bus pulled up - this one was headed only to Wilson Road. That didn't really sink in at first. Then once I was settled in my seat - I looked up as the marquee on the bus and it flashed 6:00 p.m. - and I was on a bus headed only to Wilson Road. Okay - you are wondering why this is so significant...after 6:00 p.m. the pick-ups come every 20 min. If I had parked at the location closest to my home - I would have had to wait for next #10 bus - as this bus didn't take me that far West. Then I would have been out in the cold for almost 30 min., the sun would have been set and almost to bed at that point, and I would have been in downtown C-bus alone. Yeah - not a good situation to be in! But that's okay - I didn't have to experience it...because God knew the details and He took care of me! Even early in the morning, He knew what my day would hold and the details of my schedule wouldn't be the normal details. He knew! As I rode home last night - I just praised God for the way He provided even a COTA bus going to the right destination at the right time - to show me that He knows EVERYTHING about me and my needs! And that not only does He know...He provides!
What great peace it brings me to know that my God is not only loving, giving, merciful and kind - but that He also is Omniscient...about everything, including me.
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