Simple Woman's Daybook 07.18.13

Outside my window...it is a very humid and muggy summer's evening. The air is thick and heavy...almost too heavy to breathe. The thickness hits you as soon as you walk out into the evening.



I am thinking...how I need to be asleep!! I've not slept well this week...and it is catching up to me!


I am thankful...for the opportunity to see my mom this evening, and to catch-up with her for a few minutes.


In the kitchen...I've tried to remain slightly busy - especially on the weekends, and this weekend will be no different. I'm making a couple of desserts (PB Pie and Triple Berry Cobbler) for an event an acquaintance is hosting on Saturday. I'm also going to make homemade pizza crust for Saturday evening's dinner! Love homemade pizza!


I am wearing...lightweight clothing to help keep me cool. Even with the AC running, it's hard to keep cool when the temps are so high and the humidity so heavy.


I am creating...many lists! I thrive on lists!! And I have many things coming up that require a list!


I am going...to the beach soon!! The beach is my happy place. The place I feel closest to God!


I am wondering...oh I could go on and on here! Wondering about so many things...but I'm trying not to worry, but just trust God. He is faithful, and I'm leaning heavily on Him over the next few months.


I am reading...a lot, as I prepare for the CPS test in November. So much to read, and I feel like I don't have enough time.


I am hoping...to find some ways to fill some of my open evenings, on occasion. Especially once the autumn and winter months arrive. I really need that interaction with others, and sitting quietly in my house most evenings - will not be good for me!!


I am looking forward to...Jenni & Ryan's wedding! Two weeks from today!!


I am learning...a LOT!! I'm really enjoying the summer Bible Study my church is offering on Wednesday evenings! In addition, I'm learning many new things as I study for the CPS exam!!


Around the house...doing some re-organizing. Going through and purging - that feel so good!!


I am pondering...a few changes!


A favorite quote for today..."Ayana told me you are her best friend" {my sister, Kari}


One of my favorite things...Chinese food, and tonight my {soon-to-be} Brother-in-Law invited me over for Homemade Cashew Chicken...it was divine!


A few plans for the rest of the week...Ayana is coming to spend the weekend with me. Hopefully Saturday {weather permitting} we will spend a large portion of the day at the pool, once we deliver the desserts. We will also make homemade sugar scrub {a new project I'm taking on} and homemade pizza, while enjoying some movies, a few hands of Old Maid and just hanging out. I love that she enjoys spending time with me.


A peek into my day...work; lunch with a friend; dinner with Ryan, Jenni, and Ryan's dad - Gary; and working on a few wedding things {mainly just marking off that Jenni has accomplished this week}


...find the simple things in life and enjoy them, they are what make life so much fun!!

Simple Woman's Daybook 06.27.11

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:

Simple Woman's Daybook 7.20.10

Outside my window...is a warm summer night, with the a hint of rain on the horizon.

I am thinking...about how the vote is going to go tomorrow night at church. We are voting for a new Sr. Pastor.

I am thankful for...the gift of a computer - so that I can be electronically connected again at home. I've missed blogging!! In addition, I'm so thankful with how well things are going with my new job!

From the learning rooms...well this week I'm looking into some classes at local craft stores. Classes I might take this Fall/Winter...as my evenings will be a little less hectic and there are some things I want to learn to do: complete the cake decorating course I started a few years ago; sewing using a sewing machine and possibly crocheting. In addition to a refresh course in candy making.

From the kitchen...during my recent "vacation" from work - I wanted to make sure that I was finding ways to stay active in my meal ministry, but also stay below my budget (since I was on a "fixed" income)...so I wasn't able to make meals - but I was able to bake little yummy treats during those four weeks - like cupcakes for my brother's family when they were all having a rough week; brownies the end of the year Ensemble dinner (Ayana was able to help with this project - and she told me I was the best cooker she knew!); Cherry and Apple Dump Cakes for Hayden's graduation party - only to find out that my Grandma Emma (who I completely resemble in more ways than one and who I would love to name my daughter after) used to make this same dessert, and my Aunt hadn't had it since Grandma died 34 year's ago. So while they weren't full blown meals - I was still able to bring some yumminess to the lives of those around me. I also plan to make a pan of Pumpkin Bars with Homemade Whipped Cream - as a thank you to the person who provided me with my computer - they won't let me pay them.

I am wearing...comfy attire

I am creating...a list of names of children to follow-up with from VBS this year - and names of people at IBC who could help with this process...SS teachers, Youth Workers, etc.!!

I am going...to a wedding this weekend!! :)

I am reading..."Ever After" by Karen Kingsbury. I've been reading it for several years now - but I've not found the time to just sit and read it the way I would like. However, since I ride the bus now - I have 35-40 min. one way to sit back and read. During my bus ride I've also been reading a chapter of Proverbs for what ever day it is - like today I read Proverbs 20.

I am hoping...for something to arrive in the mail, that is LONG overdue.

I am hearing...the quietness of my house. Which is often very nice - but at night time, I don't like it...it makes me realize that I am alone. Don't get me wrong - I know God is here with me - but in terms of a tangible someone...I'm alone. Singleness has been heavy on my heart in recent weeks.

Around the house...I've been crossing many different projects off my list. This past weekend it was gutter cleaning, carport painting and shrub trimming. Along with talking to a friend about some improvements to the front walk and front porch. This coming weekend it will be Air Duct cleaning. All of these are services I've had to "hire-out" - and honestly last weekend I had a hard time with that. I hated that I had to spend money to have someone come do basic home up keep types of things I couldn't do - and it made my singleness even more "there". I realize that just because someone is married doesn't mean they won't have to "hire-out" projects...but more than likely some of these things could be done...if I weren't so mechanically disadvantaged or if I had a handy husband around. On top of those projects I had two smoke detectors that started chirping due to low batteries - thankfully I was able to fix those. But the one project that I can't fix is the light bulb in my upstairs hallway blew - and I can't reach it to change it - nor can I stand on a ladder to fix it, because the fixture is above the stairs...so I'm currently without a hall light...until I can get a tall friend over to help me change it. And I need to replace my garbage disposal - but I'm hoping maybe I can have someone replace it (with me purchasing the parts) in exchange for a home cooked meal - menu of their choice!

One of my favorite things...watching Hayden play baseball. I watched him play this evening for the last time this season. Seems hard to believe that 13 Summers ago - we started out on this journey...who would of thought then how much I would fall in love with watching him play baseball. I knew I'd love the boy playing the game - but had no clue I'd love the game itself.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Special Business Meeting at IBC tomorrow night; attending the first meeting I've planned for my new job; going to a wedding; projects around the house; dinner and a movie; and listening to stories of the Knisley's experience at Family Camp!


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Simple Woman's Daybook...

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

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

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

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

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

Cucumber, Tomato & Red Onion Salad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A picture thought...















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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.

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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:

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...

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.

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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).

~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.

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...

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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