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.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Simple Woman's Daybook...
Outside my window...the sun is shining, signs of Spring are displaying themselves!! I so wish I was out there! :)
I am thinking...about the phone interview that I just had. It's a perfect fit...the commute would be 45+ min. one way (something to consider).
I am thankful for...God's protection. In the last two days I've been reminded of how God protects me, even when I don't realize I'm in danger. A home invasion about 5 streets from me and an apartment fire last night - have caused this realization to be in the front of my mind.
From the kitchen...Meg's Meal Ministry has been busy and will be busy this week. Sunday I provided a meal to a family for my monthly "Thank You" gifts. Later this week, I'll be making dinner for a family while the Mom continues to recover and then a crock-pot of soup (Beef Veggie) for a small dinner at IBC on Friday evening.
I am wearing...a cute purplish sweater, black dress pants, black open-toed shoes and a very stylish necklace - LOVE my outfit today! :)
I'm remembering...Christ's death on the cross, and His Victory over the grave!
I am creating...a shopping list.
I am reading...same as previous weeks - "Single, Not Separate" and my Frazzled Female Bible Study. Purchased two more books...both dealing with Women of the Bible. One is a daily snippet of reading about various women/groups of women - with each day being different. I'll start that one tonight. The other is called "That I May Know Him", and it talks about God's grace to three very different women - Hagar, the woman at the well and Hannah. I'll start this one as soon as I'm done with my "Frazzled Female" study.
I am hearing...the radio, co-workers chatting and the cleaning lady's trash can rolling across the carpet.
Around the house...I'm hoping to work outside some this weekend - to get the house de-winterized. I turned the heat off today!!!
One of my favorite things...free lunches!! :)
On my mind...Ashley. Easter. Search Committee stuff. Amazingly, the job situation hasn't been on my mind much this week...just trusting!
Noticing that...my allergies are really bad this week, especially in the morning.
Praying for...my job situation, the IBC Search Committee.
A verse to share..."For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." I Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV)
A Lyric or Two:
"The Great Divide"
Silence
Trying to fathom the distance
Looking out 'cross the canyon carved
By my hands
God is gracious
Sin would still separate us
Were it not for the bridge His grace
Has made us
His love will carry me
There's a bridge to cross the great divide
A way was made to reach the other side
The mercy of the Father, cost His son
His life
His love is deep, His love is wide
There's a cross to bridge the great divide
God is faithful
On my own I'm unable
He found me hopeless, alone and
Sent a Savior
He's provided a path and promised
To guide us
Safely past all the sin that would divide us
His love delivers me
There's a bridge to cross the great divide
A way was made to reach the other side
The mercy of the Father, cost His son
His life
His love is deep, His love is wide
There's a cross to bridge the great divide
The cross that cost my Lord His life
Has given me mine
There's a bridge to cross the great divide
There's a cross to bridge the great divide
There's a bridge to cross the great divide
A way was made to reach the other side
The mercy of the Father, cost His son
His life
His love is deep, His love is wide
There's a cross to bridge the great divide
A few plans for the rest of the week: work, AWANA, Prayer Meeting/Olympians, Small Group, the grocery store, vaca day on Friday :), Good Friday Service and dinner with the gang afterwards, haircut & color, Easter meal prep and Easter.
I am thinking...about the phone interview that I just had. It's a perfect fit...the commute would be 45+ min. one way (something to consider).
I am thankful for...God's protection. In the last two days I've been reminded of how God protects me, even when I don't realize I'm in danger. A home invasion about 5 streets from me and an apartment fire last night - have caused this realization to be in the front of my mind.
From the kitchen...Meg's Meal Ministry has been busy and will be busy this week. Sunday I provided a meal to a family for my monthly "Thank You" gifts. Later this week, I'll be making dinner for a family while the Mom continues to recover and then a crock-pot of soup (Beef Veggie) for a small dinner at IBC on Friday evening.
I am wearing...a cute purplish sweater, black dress pants, black open-toed shoes and a very stylish necklace - LOVE my outfit today! :)
I'm remembering...Christ's death on the cross, and His Victory over the grave!
I am creating...a shopping list.
I am reading...same as previous weeks - "Single, Not Separate" and my Frazzled Female Bible Study. Purchased two more books...both dealing with Women of the Bible. One is a daily snippet of reading about various women/groups of women - with each day being different. I'll start that one tonight. The other is called "That I May Know Him", and it talks about God's grace to three very different women - Hagar, the woman at the well and Hannah. I'll start this one as soon as I'm done with my "Frazzled Female" study.
I am hearing...the radio, co-workers chatting and the cleaning lady's trash can rolling across the carpet.
Around the house...I'm hoping to work outside some this weekend - to get the house de-winterized. I turned the heat off today!!!
One of my favorite things...free lunches!! :)
On my mind...Ashley. Easter. Search Committee stuff. Amazingly, the job situation hasn't been on my mind much this week...just trusting!
Noticing that...my allergies are really bad this week, especially in the morning.
Praying for...my job situation, the IBC Search Committee.
A verse to share..."For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." I Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV)
A Lyric or Two:
"The Great Divide"
Silence
Trying to fathom the distance
Looking out 'cross the canyon carved
By my hands
God is gracious
Sin would still separate us
Were it not for the bridge His grace
Has made us
His love will carry me
There's a bridge to cross the great divide
A way was made to reach the other side
The mercy of the Father, cost His son
His life
His love is deep, His love is wide
There's a cross to bridge the great divide
God is faithful
On my own I'm unable
He found me hopeless, alone and
Sent a Savior
He's provided a path and promised
To guide us
Safely past all the sin that would divide us
His love delivers me
There's a bridge to cross the great divide
A way was made to reach the other side
The mercy of the Father, cost His son
His life
His love is deep, His love is wide
There's a cross to bridge the great divide
The cross that cost my Lord His life
Has given me mine
There's a bridge to cross the great divide
There's a cross to bridge the great divide
There's a bridge to cross the great divide
A way was made to reach the other side
The mercy of the Father, cost His son
His life
His love is deep, His love is wide
There's a cross to bridge the great divide
A few plans for the rest of the week: work, AWANA, Prayer Meeting/Olympians, Small Group, the grocery store, vaca day on Friday :), Good Friday Service and dinner with the gang afterwards, haircut & color, Easter meal prep and Easter.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Luscious Lemonade Pie...
One of my weekend "To Do" list items was making dinner for the family that would receive this month's (March) "Thank-You" meal (I believe I shared this idea in a previous post). As I was working on the menu - I ran into a minor hick-up. The meal had an Italian flare, and for some reason I was having a hard time coming up with a dessert. The family is not at all picky, and I have core menus/dishes that I use for Meg's Meal Ministry; therefore, this should have been a fairly easy task - but nothing was saying, "that will work!". So I went to the shelves of cookbooks.
The recipe had to meet a few criteria - in addition to going with the theme of the dinner...1) it had to be economically friendly - desserts can get pricey at times; 2) it had to be some what easy from beginning to end - I didn't want to spend my entire afternoon in the kitchen, as I needed to get a couple of other things accomplished; and 3) it had to transport easily. The family would be "picking-up" their dinner at a mutual location, so I wanted to make sure it could transport easily - both from Villa de Megalicious to their home. I soon came across a favorite of mine (both taste and preparation)...Lemonade Pie. It's super easy (only four ingredients - excluding the pie crust), it's rather economical and it transports almost too nicely! It met all the criteria, and lemon is always a nice addition to Italian - or so I think, anyway.
I planned to go to the store Sunday after church, and return home to pre-make the meal for delivery to the "pick-up" location. However, my plans didn't work out exactly as I had originally thought...so I ended up preparing the entire meal at IBC before a couple of meetings. This meant I could possibly have creepers in the kitchen - and I did. When making the dessert, several said (paraphrasing here) "Oh, Mmm, what is that?", "Lemonade Pie!", "Oh that looks very yummy!". And boy are they right - not only does it look and smell yummy...IT IS yummy!!! Even my extremely picky niece (not judging because I'm the same way) loves it!
So I thought I'd share this treasure of deliciousness with each of you. I mean why would I not want to share this lemony goodness with friends! :)
Luscious Lemonade Pie...
1 can frozen lemonade
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
2 (or so) drops of yellow food coloring
8 oz. container of whipped topping
9-inch graham cracker pie crust (Ready-Made or homemade crust - works just the same)
Mix together the lemonade and milk. Add food coloring for a lemony color (fyi - if you desire not use food coloring, your finished product will be a white, milky color...but will taste just the same). Fold in whipped topping, and pour into crust. Refrigerate a few hours or overnight. Enjoy!
(from Gooseberry Patch "The Cozy Home Cookbook")
Alternative Methods of Serving:
The recipe had to meet a few criteria - in addition to going with the theme of the dinner...1) it had to be economically friendly - desserts can get pricey at times; 2) it had to be some what easy from beginning to end - I didn't want to spend my entire afternoon in the kitchen, as I needed to get a couple of other things accomplished; and 3) it had to transport easily. The family would be "picking-up" their dinner at a mutual location, so I wanted to make sure it could transport easily - both from Villa de Megalicious to their home. I soon came across a favorite of mine (both taste and preparation)...Lemonade Pie. It's super easy (only four ingredients - excluding the pie crust), it's rather economical and it transports almost too nicely! It met all the criteria, and lemon is always a nice addition to Italian - or so I think, anyway.
I planned to go to the store Sunday after church, and return home to pre-make the meal for delivery to the "pick-up" location. However, my plans didn't work out exactly as I had originally thought...so I ended up preparing the entire meal at IBC before a couple of meetings. This meant I could possibly have creepers in the kitchen - and I did. When making the dessert, several said (paraphrasing here) "Oh, Mmm, what is that?", "Lemonade Pie!", "Oh that looks very yummy!". And boy are they right - not only does it look and smell yummy...IT IS yummy!!! Even my extremely picky niece (not judging because I'm the same way) loves it!
So I thought I'd share this treasure of deliciousness with each of you. I mean why would I not want to share this lemony goodness with friends! :)
Luscious Lemonade Pie...
1 can frozen lemonade
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
2 (or so) drops of yellow food coloring
8 oz. container of whipped topping
9-inch graham cracker pie crust (Ready-Made or homemade crust - works just the same)
Mix together the lemonade and milk. Add food coloring for a lemony color (fyi - if you desire not use food coloring, your finished product will be a white, milky color...but will taste just the same). Fold in whipped topping, and pour into crust. Refrigerate a few hours or overnight. Enjoy!
(from Gooseberry Patch "The Cozy Home Cookbook")
Alternative Methods of Serving:
- Serve between Vanilla Wafers - to make little Lemonade Sandwich Cookies
- Serve as a dessert dip with graham crackers, graham cracker sticks or vanilla wafers
- Fill individual serving size graham cracker pie crusts
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Spring has Sprung...
"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."
~ Charles Dickens
~ Charles Dickens
As of last Saturday at approximately 1:32 p.m. - SPRING ARRIVED!!! WOOT, WOOT!!
That means...Winter is OFFICIALLY over and we are closer to consistently warmer (hot!) days!! This past winter was especially hard and very emotionally draining - for several reasons...the news of my job, the death of a friend, temperatures were colder and we had more snow than usual. Cold, gloomy days seemed to be the theme of this winter, more so than usual -both literally and figuratively. So this year, I seem to be rejoicing more so than in the past that Spring has arrived. I'm ready to start anew!!
With the on-set of Spring I thought I'd share some of the things that make me LOVE and enjoy Springtime.
Meg's Top 15 Reason's for Loving Spring (in no particular order):
- Warm-Cool mornings and evenings, with bright sunny afternoons shoved in the middle.
- Budding Trees, blooming flowers and chirping birds!!!
- Flip Flops and open-toed shoes are more permissible!
- Baseball season starts!! :) Nothing like hearing the ting or crack of a the bat, or watching my favorite #3 at Short-stop!
- More hours of sunshine - Vitamin D is a good thing, and makes me HAPPY!!
- Being outside enjoying the beauty of nature.
- Easter - Remembering Christ's sacrifice and Celebrating His Resurrection!!
- March Madness - when it's over Spring is in full swing, and while it lasts it's okay if it rains or is cooler...there are hours upon hours of basketball to be watched!
- My Birthday - both physical and spiritual!!!! (Current Countdown is 57 days!)
- Having the windows and doors of Villa de Megalicious opened - love the cool breeze!
- Rain Showers & Thunderstorms! LOVE THUNDERSTORMS!
- Not having to wear a heavy coat, scarf, gloves and layer upon layer of clothing to stay warm.
- Ice Cream shops slide open their half windows - "Yes, may I have Mint Chocolate Chip on a sugar cone....please!!"
- Riding with the sunroof open!
- Summer is only two flips of the calendar away! :)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Simple Woman's Daybook...
Outside my window...is a cool, dark night - you can feel the change of season in the air!
I am thinking...of the different types of candy I'm going to make soon!! Let me explain...for some time now, there have been several candy molds I've wanted to purchase - but I've not take the money to purchase them. Well a co-worker that is moving to Pittsburgh - was going through her collection and found SEVERAL that she wanted to get rid of. When she asked if I'd use them I told her I would, and today she gave me a box overflowing with all sorts of candy molds FREE - and most of them were the ones I've been wanting to purchase! She even threw in three cake pans too!! GOD KNEW!!! I'm ready for Beth to come home, so we can have a candy making day!! :)
I am thankful for...a weekend away with friends!! A raise that will begin on April 1 and will be included in my severance package total - PTL!!!
From the learning rooms...working on a lesson for Olympians (Miracles of Christ series) - Christ calming the sea. Along those same lines - looking at ideas for May (theme Creation!)
From the kitchen...my food contributions to last weekend's trip were a hit. I'll spend some time in the kitchen this weekend, and looking forward to time in my comfort zone!
I am wearing...comfy clothes.
I'm remembering...what it was like to have a pallet expander and braces. Sophia is starting the process next week - and last night we discussed what she will be experiencing...including the not so fun stuff.
I am creating...a list of basic need items Hayden will need in his dorm room, so that I can start stocking up on a few things.
I am going...to have an agenda free weekend, and so looking forward to it!!! First time in SEVERAL weeks! :)
I am reading...same as last week - Single Not Separate, and working on my Frazzled Female Bible Study
I am hoping...to get a few projects crossed of the list this weekend - but nothing too major to interfere with the agenda free weekend.
I am hearing...from a few companies that I've submitted resumes, and I have two interviews on Thursday (10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)!!
Around the house...still working on the re-organization project.
One of my favorite things...my IBC family - their continual love for me. I can not comprehend (nor do I want to) how people survive life's trials without the love and support of an extended church family.
On my mind...Ashley. Hayden graduating and starting college - it seems to be coming very quick. My job situation.
Noticing that...I'm sleeping a little more this week! :)
Praying for...my job situation, a friend who is going through a rough time, and a friend who is traveling for work.
A verse to share..."But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Job 23:10 (NIV)
A Lyric or Two:
I am thinking...of the different types of candy I'm going to make soon!! Let me explain...for some time now, there have been several candy molds I've wanted to purchase - but I've not take the money to purchase them. Well a co-worker that is moving to Pittsburgh - was going through her collection and found SEVERAL that she wanted to get rid of. When she asked if I'd use them I told her I would, and today she gave me a box overflowing with all sorts of candy molds FREE - and most of them were the ones I've been wanting to purchase! She even threw in three cake pans too!! GOD KNEW!!! I'm ready for Beth to come home, so we can have a candy making day!! :)
I am thankful for...a weekend away with friends!! A raise that will begin on April 1 and will be included in my severance package total - PTL!!!
From the learning rooms...working on a lesson for Olympians (Miracles of Christ series) - Christ calming the sea. Along those same lines - looking at ideas for May (theme Creation!)
From the kitchen...my food contributions to last weekend's trip were a hit. I'll spend some time in the kitchen this weekend, and looking forward to time in my comfort zone!
I am wearing...comfy clothes.
I'm remembering...what it was like to have a pallet expander and braces. Sophia is starting the process next week - and last night we discussed what she will be experiencing...including the not so fun stuff.
I am creating...a list of basic need items Hayden will need in his dorm room, so that I can start stocking up on a few things.
I am going...to have an agenda free weekend, and so looking forward to it!!! First time in SEVERAL weeks! :)
I am reading...same as last week - Single Not Separate, and working on my Frazzled Female Bible Study
I am hoping...to get a few projects crossed of the list this weekend - but nothing too major to interfere with the agenda free weekend.
I am hearing...from a few companies that I've submitted resumes, and I have two interviews on Thursday (10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)!!
Around the house...still working on the re-organization project.
One of my favorite things...my IBC family - their continual love for me. I can not comprehend (nor do I want to) how people survive life's trials without the love and support of an extended church family.
On my mind...Ashley. Hayden graduating and starting college - it seems to be coming very quick. My job situation.
Noticing that...I'm sleeping a little more this week! :)
Praying for...my job situation, a friend who is going through a rough time, and a friend who is traveling for work.
A verse to share..."But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Job 23:10 (NIV)
A Lyric or Two:
Refiner’s Fire
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within
A few plans for the rest of the week: work, Prayer Meeting, two job interviews, Small Group (I missed it last week), hopefully a Fish Fry on Friday evening, watching the Buckeyes, attending Hayden's scrimmage on Saturday, grocery store.
A picture thought...
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within
A few plans for the rest of the week: work, Prayer Meeting, two job interviews, Small Group (I missed it last week), hopefully a Fish Fry on Friday evening, watching the Buckeyes, attending Hayden's scrimmage on Saturday, grocery store.
A picture thought...
A solider I pray for daily. A young man sacrificing his life for my freedoms - freedoms that I sometimes take for granted. May we never forget to thank a solider for their service to our country - no matter our thoughts or beliefs on war.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
My "New" Sunday Night Routine + A "New" Reminder from God = A "New" Reaction...
I've had a great weekend away with some friends (which is actually what I thought I'd blog about tonight - but, God's plan was different...so I'll post that tomorrow now instead). We had a great time of relaxation and forgetting about the "issues" of reality that we all left behind us. You know the usual goal for getting away for a day or two. But as soon as I pulled into the carport...reality was very much there - staring me in the face. I was greeted to today's paper at the back gate - reminding me of what I would be doing later this evening.
It's Sunday night. So, I've spent the evening (since about 8:00 p.m.) doing my "new" Sunday night routine...reading the Help Wanted Section in the Dispatch and searching job boards!! Actually this has become part of my daily routine...Sunday just seems to be the day when the majority of the jobs are posted. Monster.com. Columbusjobs.com. Careerbuilder.com. Craigslist (yes, I was surprised too, but they do have a job posting section - a very nice one I will add!).
Last week I attended a 3 hour seminar for people who are going through a job/career transition - some facing layoffs, some already laid off. A service DE pays for when they place employees back in the job market - a very nice gesture indeed. The facilitator of the seminar informed those of us in attendance, that we should spend 25-35 hours per WEEK, looking for a job. SERIOUS!! It should become a second full-time job!! I could swallow this concept, actually... as I spend most of my days looking for a job, in between scheduling meetings - booking airfare accommodations - planning a morale boosting activity for the office - etc. I find my mind continually thinking about looking for a job, networking, forwarding my resume on and thinking about back-up plans. I have found SEVERAL jobs that are a fit - but I'm waiting for the phone to start ringing...with someone on the other end telling me that they think I could be a fit for the position. Last week I also "applied" for a temporary service - should I need to work as a Temp in between jobs - or in case they come across a fit for a Full-Time permanent position. However, tonight I'm struggling with this job search process. You know the saying..."Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again - and expecting a different result." Well that is the feeling I'm getting with the job search process. I find a position - I submit my resume - I wait - I send a follow-up e-mail - I find a position - I submit my resume - I wait - I send a follow-up e-mail. I do the same steps over and over again - hoping that the result is different. Oh - I hope my end result in this process is not becoming (officially) insane!
However, as I was searching & struggling tonight a song came to mind. Not an unusual chain of events - songs pop in and out of my head continually all day long. Before long I was singing it out-loud, and then the truth/promise in words hit me. Duh, why didn't I think of this a few minutes ago - when the struggling was so bad? When I was in tears, because tonight there didn't seem to be anything that was fitting my resume, and I was questioning God? When I was worried about the future and how my life will be impacted/changed in just two short months? I guess the time of learning the lesson isn't always important - as long as you eventually learn the actual lesson. While I wish I could say I'm feeling 100% better about everything after learning tonight's lesson - I can't. But I can say that it does bring more comfort in knowing that God is trying me, purifying me and molding me into the woman HE wants me to be. And when this trial is over - I will be closer to HIS plan being accomplished in me...I will come forth as gold. Gold is bright, shiny, valuable and desired...a far cry from insane.
"Rejoice in the Lord" (from Patch the Pirate)
God never moves without purpose or plan.
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead,
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.
Now I can see testing comes from above,
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
Today's Closing Thought:
Equation options I have to determine the final outcome of this trial ...when it's all said and done.
Process + Repeating + End Result = Insane
Tried + Purified + End Result = Gold
I choose the last one!
It's Sunday night. So, I've spent the evening (since about 8:00 p.m.) doing my "new" Sunday night routine...reading the Help Wanted Section in the Dispatch and searching job boards!! Actually this has become part of my daily routine...Sunday just seems to be the day when the majority of the jobs are posted. Monster.com. Columbusjobs.com. Careerbuilder.com. Craigslist (yes, I was surprised too, but they do have a job posting section - a very nice one I will add!).
Last week I attended a 3 hour seminar for people who are going through a job/career transition - some facing layoffs, some already laid off. A service DE pays for when they place employees back in the job market - a very nice gesture indeed. The facilitator of the seminar informed those of us in attendance, that we should spend 25-35 hours per WEEK, looking for a job. SERIOUS!! It should become a second full-time job!! I could swallow this concept, actually... as I spend most of my days looking for a job, in between scheduling meetings - booking airfare accommodations - planning a morale boosting activity for the office - etc. I find my mind continually thinking about looking for a job, networking, forwarding my resume on and thinking about back-up plans. I have found SEVERAL jobs that are a fit - but I'm waiting for the phone to start ringing...with someone on the other end telling me that they think I could be a fit for the position. Last week I also "applied" for a temporary service - should I need to work as a Temp in between jobs - or in case they come across a fit for a Full-Time permanent position. However, tonight I'm struggling with this job search process. You know the saying..."Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again - and expecting a different result." Well that is the feeling I'm getting with the job search process. I find a position - I submit my resume - I wait - I send a follow-up e-mail - I find a position - I submit my resume - I wait - I send a follow-up e-mail. I do the same steps over and over again - hoping that the result is different. Oh - I hope my end result in this process is not becoming (officially) insane!
However, as I was searching & struggling tonight a song came to mind. Not an unusual chain of events - songs pop in and out of my head continually all day long. Before long I was singing it out-loud, and then the truth/promise in words hit me. Duh, why didn't I think of this a few minutes ago - when the struggling was so bad? When I was in tears, because tonight there didn't seem to be anything that was fitting my resume, and I was questioning God? When I was worried about the future and how my life will be impacted/changed in just two short months? I guess the time of learning the lesson isn't always important - as long as you eventually learn the actual lesson. While I wish I could say I'm feeling 100% better about everything after learning tonight's lesson - I can't. But I can say that it does bring more comfort in knowing that God is trying me, purifying me and molding me into the woman HE wants me to be. And when this trial is over - I will be closer to HIS plan being accomplished in me...I will come forth as gold. Gold is bright, shiny, valuable and desired...a far cry from insane.
"Rejoice in the Lord" (from Patch the Pirate)
God never moves without purpose or plan.
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead,
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.
Now I can see testing comes from above,
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
Today's Closing Thought:
Equation options I have to determine the final outcome of this trial ...when it's all said and done.
Process + Repeating + End Result = Insane
Tried + Purified + End Result = Gold
I choose the last one!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Simple Woman's Daybook...
A blogger that I follow, has been posting a weekly Simple Woman's Daybook post for several weeks now, and I enjoy reading her thoughts (well duh - I follow her blog, which essentially are her thoughts on many areas of her life!). For the last couple of weeks, I've considered doing the same - my own Simple Woman's Daybook post...to allow others to get to know more about me.
One of things about me is that I enjoy the simple things in life...lilies, dancing fountains, sunsets, crashing waves, time with family, laughing with friends, etc. In addition, as you know I'm working towards making my life to be simpler - not so hectic and busy. So I thought, what better way to assist in this process, than to force myself to stop and think about some of the simpler things around me and in my life. Not that I'm looking to be Amish simple - just slowing down to appreciate the simpler things in life...my life and to put things into proper perspective.
Below is my first of my weekly Simple Woman's Daybook posts...future posts to come on Tuesday (or that is the goal).
Outside my window...A cool dark night, I can hear cars driving in the distance.
I am thinking...about finding a job, getting everything done in the next couple of days, and what I'm going to wear to work tomorrow.
I am thankful for...32 years ago today, my Dad accepted Christ as his personal Savior. I'm thankful for the strong Christian foundation that both of my parents gave to our family. I'm realizing more and more each day the gift that they gave to us.
From the learning rooms...God is teaching me many things these days - this week it seems to be not getting anxious about God providing.
From the kitchen...I'm making Ranch Mix and getting things together to take with me on my weekend adventure! I'm in charge of dinner on Friday...menu to include Hawaiian Chicken (it needs to start marinating on Thursday), Asparagus (yum!) and grilled potatoes (oh yum!) - and breakfast on Saturday...menu is rather simple, Egg Casserole!
I'm remembering...that I need to take my planner with me to work tomorrow, to make sure I have my calendar & planner in sync and to determine dates/deadlines for projects. That I need to update my new bank card and account details - thanks to PNC.
I am creating...a list of things that need done over the next few days, and some lists/ideas for future things.
On my mind...Ashley, my job, loosing weight, and summer ministries.
Noticing that...I'm not getting enough sleep or making healthy food choices - both are affecting me in many ways and need to be changed. I'm not liking the person I am - without a healthy sleep and eating pattern.
Praying for...my job situation, IBC during this time of transition - especially for PR, the Deacons & the Search Committee, Summer ministry options.
A verse to share..."Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt. 6:34 (NIV)
A Lyric or Two:
Everybody falls sometimes
Two people from different worlds, who met - fell in love - and married. They found Christ - made Him the center of their lives - and their future (and the future of their family) was forever changed. Together they've experienced the best of times and the worst of times. They've impacted the next generations of their heritage by their example of unconditional love and dedication to each other - their family - and most of all their Lord. I'm blessed to call them my parents
One of things about me is that I enjoy the simple things in life...lilies, dancing fountains, sunsets, crashing waves, time with family, laughing with friends, etc. In addition, as you know I'm working towards making my life to be simpler - not so hectic and busy. So I thought, what better way to assist in this process, than to force myself to stop and think about some of the simpler things around me and in my life. Not that I'm looking to be Amish simple - just slowing down to appreciate the simpler things in life...my life and to put things into proper perspective.
Below is my first of my weekly Simple Woman's Daybook posts...future posts to come on Tuesday (or that is the goal).
~The Simple Woman's Daybook~
Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of the 'everyday moments'.
Posted on The Simple Women's Daybook blogspot.
Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of the 'everyday moments'.
Posted on The Simple Women's Daybook blogspot.
Outside my window...A cool dark night, I can hear cars driving in the distance.
I am thinking...about finding a job, getting everything done in the next couple of days, and what I'm going to wear to work tomorrow.
I am thankful for...32 years ago today, my Dad accepted Christ as his personal Savior. I'm thankful for the strong Christian foundation that both of my parents gave to our family. I'm realizing more and more each day the gift that they gave to us.
From the learning rooms...God is teaching me many things these days - this week it seems to be not getting anxious about God providing.
From the kitchen...I'm making Ranch Mix and getting things together to take with me on my weekend adventure! I'm in charge of dinner on Friday...menu to include Hawaiian Chicken (it needs to start marinating on Thursday), Asparagus (yum!) and grilled potatoes (oh yum!) - and breakfast on Saturday...menu is rather simple, Egg Casserole!
I am wearing...one of my favorite shirts and a pair of jeans.
I'm remembering...that I need to take my planner with me to work tomorrow, to make sure I have my calendar & planner in sync and to determine dates/deadlines for projects. That I need to update my new bank card and account details - thanks to PNC.
I am creating...a list of things that need done over the next few days, and some lists/ideas for future things.
I am going...to Hocking Hills this weekend. I've never been and I'm looking forward to it.
I am reading...Single Not Separate (just started), and working on my Frazzled Female Bible Study
I am hoping... for a fun, relaxing weekend
I am hearing...the Sports portion of the 11 o'clock news. Lots of negative chatter at work.
Around the house... I'm working toward re-organizing things - so I'm making some plans and thinking of ideas of how to make this practical and useful.
One of my favorite things...Girl Scout Cookies - Thin Mints, Samoas and Trefoils (esp. with Hot Tea!)
On my mind...Ashley, my job, loosing weight, and summer ministries.
Noticing that...I'm not getting enough sleep or making healthy food choices - both are affecting me in many ways and need to be changed. I'm not liking the person I am - without a healthy sleep and eating pattern.
Praying for...my job situation, IBC during this time of transition - especially for PR, the Deacons & the Search Committee, Summer ministry options.
A verse to share..."Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt. 6:34 (NIV)
A Lyric or Two:
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
t’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
A few plans for the rest of the week: work, grocery, packing, small group and Hocking Hills.
A picture thought...
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
t’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
A few plans for the rest of the week: work, grocery, packing, small group and Hocking Hills.
A picture thought...
Two people from different worlds, who met - fell in love - and married. They found Christ - made Him the center of their lives - and their future (and the future of their family) was forever changed. Together they've experienced the best of times and the worst of times. They've impacted the next generations of their heritage by their example of unconditional love and dedication to each other - their family - and most of all their Lord. I'm blessed to call them my parents
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