I LOVE this song by Kris Allen. It speaks to the urgency of each and every moment, and the importance of realizing that we have limited time - just because we assume we have more time to do this or that, doesn't mean we do. I love how it makes me think about how I'm spending my time and who I'm spending it with.
And it doesn't hurt that it has just the perfect cadence for my running stride. :) Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Decisions, Decisions
Sometimes it's a good thing to have options. And we are faced with so many decisions all day long. Some are much bigger than others.
The past week I've been facing what I consider to be a major decision in my life that has potential to change the course of my life, at least in the professional realm.
While I think I know exactly what I want to decide to do, any decision comes with risks along with the benefits. In particular, one of the risks for me in this decision is that I would be heading in a direction that will essentially be me picking up something new.
Now, I love change (really, I do!) - it keeps things challenging and interesting. But one of my lessons learned in the last season of change was to be content with my existing responsibilities and not overload myself by picking up things (volunteer commitments, business ownership, too much work, etc. etc) that I do not need in order to purely follow God's plan for my life. So, that's the rub. My prayer in our move when everything I had chosen was stripped away from me, was that I did not pick up anything that was not in God's plan. I'm notorious for charting a path of my own, starting out on it, then halfway through finally taking a look back to ask God which way I should go. I want it to be the other way around - that I ask Him first, then start out on a path with assurance that it is the right way.
I've decided with this decision to "marinate" (as a good friend says) in this for a bit before making a big move. I'm hoping that my path will become illuminated and my way cleared as a "go-ahead" from God. In the meantime, I'm going to (try to) be still and wait.
Just thought I'd post about this so you know why I've been so quiet. My mind is full of possibilities and endless chatter that I'm trying to quiet so I can listen. More details to come...
The past week I've been facing what I consider to be a major decision in my life that has potential to change the course of my life, at least in the professional realm.
While I think I know exactly what I want to decide to do, any decision comes with risks along with the benefits. In particular, one of the risks for me in this decision is that I would be heading in a direction that will essentially be me picking up something new.
Now, I love change (really, I do!) - it keeps things challenging and interesting. But one of my lessons learned in the last season of change was to be content with my existing responsibilities and not overload myself by picking up things (volunteer commitments, business ownership, too much work, etc. etc) that I do not need in order to purely follow God's plan for my life. So, that's the rub. My prayer in our move when everything I had chosen was stripped away from me, was that I did not pick up anything that was not in God's plan. I'm notorious for charting a path of my own, starting out on it, then halfway through finally taking a look back to ask God which way I should go. I want it to be the other way around - that I ask Him first, then start out on a path with assurance that it is the right way.
I've decided with this decision to "marinate" (as a good friend says) in this for a bit before making a big move. I'm hoping that my path will become illuminated and my way cleared as a "go-ahead" from God. In the meantime, I'm going to (try to) be still and wait.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Clean House
I've blogged a bit before about how I'm contemplating some things, changing course in some areas, and otherwise trying to grow. I'm happy to report that I'm making some progress and feel like I'm headed in the right direction, although I've still got significant ground to cover. The growth comes in the journey.
Earlier this week, I was feeling motivated to clean this dirty house of mine, which is dirty because I've neglected to consistently get it clean beyond the tidying up that happens each afternoon (shortly before my husband comes home so he doesn't think I've been sitting home all day eating bon bons and watching soap operas). But, I digress...
Anyway, so I was dusting and vacuuming yesterday, and D asks me, "Momma, why are you cleaning the house, is someone coming over??" I deserved that. I simply smiled and said, "No. I just think it is nice to have a clean home."
Without missing a beat, she replies, "A clean house is a sign of a clean heart," and walks away.
I have no idea where she heard that phrase. But, in light of the cleaning up I've been doing lately (physically and emotionally), I thought it was so timely. Do you ever wonder if our kids say things like that at just the exact time you needed to hear it because it isn't them saying it at all? In that moment, and even today, I have no doubt.
Earlier this week, I was feeling motivated to clean this dirty house of mine, which is dirty because I've neglected to consistently get it clean beyond the tidying up that happens each afternoon (shortly before my husband comes home so he doesn't think I've been sitting home all day eating bon bons and watching soap operas). But, I digress...
Anyway, so I was dusting and vacuuming yesterday, and D asks me, "Momma, why are you cleaning the house, is someone coming over??" I deserved that. I simply smiled and said, "No. I just think it is nice to have a clean home."
Without missing a beat, she replies, "A clean house is a sign of a clean heart," and walks away.
I have no idea where she heard that phrase. But, in light of the cleaning up I've been doing lately (physically and emotionally), I thought it was so timely. Do you ever wonder if our kids say things like that at just the exact time you needed to hear it because it isn't them saying it at all? In that moment, and even today, I have no doubt.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thankful for Friday, and 9 others...
It's been a bit since I've intentionally posted my top ten thankful fors. So, here they are, in honor of Friday:
- Well, duh, it's FRIDAY!!
- A wonderful friend who is my motivation in the darkness before dawn to get out of bed and get to spin class (or the workout of the day)
- Another awesome friend to go out on a girls' night tonight with - we're seeing a chick flick!
- BEAUTIFUL weather - it will be 65 today, and this weekend it is supposed to be 69! We seem to have passed the 50 degree winter curse.
- Returning health - I'm SO over this cold/chest congestion/cough thing.
- Another fabulous friend who called yesterday because she knew I have been struggling (love that the distance between us isn't diminishing our friendship).
- Yesterday and today, both of my girls got tangible reminders of how much their classmates love them in the form of valentine's and copious amounts of candy.
- In two days, I get to give a tangible reminder to my husband of how much I love him.
- A job that lets me work when I want and not when I don't, from home, and helps us stick to our budget.
- All of my blog readers and followers who make me feel like what I have to say matters to someone other than just me. :)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
And so it is with life
So, I've been pondering quite a bit lately. You can be sure when there's a lack of posting, I'm usually a) so busy that I can't see straight, or b) really struggling with something. This time, it has been both.
A couple of days ago, I was reminded of my last visit to Colorado and my time with friends there. It was a great trip and I really treasured my time. On the last day I was there, we went for a hike in Waldo canyon, near where I used to live, and a familiar route - one I had taken hundreds of times over the past 10 years. The five of us set out to get a good workout in, along with some long missed girlfriend time. The route was just over 7 miles, as we'd planned it - a loop in the forest overlooking a beautiful canyon and a stunning example of the terrain in Colorado. Nothing any of us were concerned about - this was a pretty usual distance for all of us.
We set out having great conversation and catching up with one another because of our separation caused by my move. We were all happily climbing and jogging and traversing the landscape, all the while engrossed in our discussion. It wasn't until we realized that we should have been much closer to the beginning point of our trail, but we weren't, and things weren't adding up as far as distance remaining. The familiar suddenly became confusing. Once confident, I became nervous and we were running out of water that warm day in September. We began to assess what we knew to be true about our location - the road is in that direction (we could hear the cars passing), the canyon faces this direction, our starting point must be in that direction. But our trail did not go that way from were we were standing. We got lost, and it happened so gradually that we never even knew it until we were three miles out of our way.
Isn't that so how it is in life? We're rolling along, feel like we have things together, so familiar with our routines that we go on autopilot and sail through our days with a few storms here and there. But, sometimes, we look up one day and realize that we are way off course. I did that yesterday. It hit me that I've been sailing in the wrong direction, but it seemed like familiar enough waters that I didn't realize it until I saw just how off course I really was.
The good news is that once we know we're off course, we immediately can begin to correct our direction. We take an assessment of where we are, where we've been, and where it was that we were planning on going.
That day in Colorado, my friends and I did make it back to our starting point, albeit 4 miles out of our intended way. We ended up hiking a total of 11+ miles, when we only set out to do 7. We had to get off the marked trail to go in the direction we knew we needed to go, and that path was rocky and steep and full of snakes and other natural challenges. But once we got to our cars and to a local restaurant to refuel our weary selves, we were so thankful to be home again.
While I'm a bit off the intended course right now, I know which direction to head. My return journey may be a bit rockier than it would have been had I never veered in the wrong direction, but how much sweeter the destination when I finally get there and am able to savor it.
We set out having great conversation and catching up with one another because of our separation caused by my move. We were all happily climbing and jogging and traversing the landscape, all the while engrossed in our discussion. It wasn't until we realized that we should have been much closer to the beginning point of our trail, but we weren't, and things weren't adding up as far as distance remaining. The familiar suddenly became confusing. Once confident, I became nervous and we were running out of water that warm day in September. We began to assess what we knew to be true about our location - the road is in that direction (we could hear the cars passing), the canyon faces this direction, our starting point must be in that direction. But our trail did not go that way from were we were standing. We got lost, and it happened so gradually that we never even knew it until we were three miles out of our way.
Isn't that so how it is in life? We're rolling along, feel like we have things together, so familiar with our routines that we go on autopilot and sail through our days with a few storms here and there. But, sometimes, we look up one day and realize that we are way off course. I did that yesterday. It hit me that I've been sailing in the wrong direction, but it seemed like familiar enough waters that I didn't realize it until I saw just how off course I really was.
The good news is that once we know we're off course, we immediately can begin to correct our direction. We take an assessment of where we are, where we've been, and where it was that we were planning on going.
That day in Colorado, my friends and I did make it back to our starting point, albeit 4 miles out of our intended way. We ended up hiking a total of 11+ miles, when we only set out to do 7. We had to get off the marked trail to go in the direction we knew we needed to go, and that path was rocky and steep and full of snakes and other natural challenges. But once we got to our cars and to a local restaurant to refuel our weary selves, we were so thankful to be home again.
While I'm a bit off the intended course right now, I know which direction to head. My return journey may be a bit rockier than it would have been had I never veered in the wrong direction, but how much sweeter the destination when I finally get there and am able to savor it.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Snow Day in Las Vegas!!
Bet you didn't think we got snow in the desert, huh.
Well, it's rare, and a few weeks ago we had a real snow day, where it was... well, sleeting. It was cold and really, really wet. (If you look super close, you'll see the streaks of snow captured by the camera as they came down)
Then, yesterday, we went sledding! On snow! Only this time, the snow was limited to one hill in town and it was 60 degrees and beautiful weather (this, I'm finding, is my kind of snow!!). One day a year, our neighborhood association does a snow day, and the kids can sled down a hill at a nearby park on snow they bring in from... somewhere. The kids had a blast and I was amazed at the turnout for a fun family event like this. It reminded us of our home in Colorado, and we didn't have to endure the storm before we could enjoy the snow this time! Win - Win. :)
The only downside was the wait in line - it got up to about 20 minutes. But, we didn't have to do any shoveling when we got home! Since everywhere else in the nation is getting pounded with a huge storm, we didn't want to be totally left out in Vegas!
Well, it's rare, and a few weeks ago we had a real snow day, where it was... well, sleeting. It was cold and really, really wet. (If you look super close, you'll see the streaks of snow captured by the camera as they came down)
Then, yesterday, we went sledding! On snow! Only this time, the snow was limited to one hill in town and it was 60 degrees and beautiful weather (this, I'm finding, is my kind of snow!!). One day a year, our neighborhood association does a snow day, and the kids can sled down a hill at a nearby park on snow they bring in from... somewhere. The kids had a blast and I was amazed at the turnout for a fun family event like this. It reminded us of our home in Colorado, and we didn't have to endure the storm before we could enjoy the snow this time! Win - Win. :)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Oh How I Love Thee, Preschool
We're now in week three of preschool and I've found the holy grail. Well, at least for mothers of preschoolers who have WAAAAAY too much time on their hands. And mine did.
D loves it, I love it, it's a win win.
...
The only thing is the nagging cough D brought home and shared with the rest of us. That same cough that I curse all day long now that it is plaguing me.
No, I'm not sure she got it at preschool. Goodness knows that her diet is lacking in anything nutritional that I don't sneak into a soup of some sort. It's no secret that she regularly sneaks candy and hoards it in her room to devour on her own schedule. Her diet does leave a bit to be desired.
I'm just guessing the nasty little virus (or bacteria)'s origin is the new-found preschool/holy grail, since her teacher is now out sick with a similar nagging cough, and is expected to be all week...
Anyway, we're loving preschool!
...
The only thing is the nagging cough D brought home and shared with the rest of us. That same cough that I curse all day long now that it is plaguing me.
No, I'm not sure she got it at preschool. Goodness knows that her diet is lacking in anything nutritional that I don't sneak into a soup of some sort. It's no secret that she regularly sneaks candy and hoards it in her room to devour on her own schedule. Her diet does leave a bit to be desired.
I'm just guessing the nasty little virus (or bacteria)'s origin is the new-found preschool/holy grail, since her teacher is now out sick with a similar nagging cough, and is expected to be all week...
Anyway, we're loving preschool!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Children, Don't Exasperate Your Parents
So, our 8 year old lately has been repeatedly asking the same question of every member of our family. She's obviously very interested in the answers we all give, but apparently, we're not giving her the answer she's looking for, so she just keeps asking. For her, hope springs eternal. For us, exasperation is setting in.
Maybe it's the way we think as adults, or maybe it is truly a question with such an obvious answer that it needs not be asked (as I have often thought to myself).
See if you can figure out if there's more than one way to answer this question, because, so far, neither the four year old nor the mom nor dad can seem to get it right. She asks, "What is your favorite part of going to sleep?"
To this random question (part of a series of "What is your favorite...?" from B lately), we have all independently (and more than once) answered, "the sleep part." Seriously, is there any other possible answer?
Finally, this weekend, Kyle had the inspiration and genius to turn the question back on her (we have neglected to try that route, thus far). As he asked her what her favorite part of falling asleep was, I thought, "That's perfect! Finally, we'll get the long-awaited correct answer to the question that won't die!"
As I sat on the edge of my seat, and Kyle and D listened intently for her response, she says simply, "I dunno."
sigh
Maybe it's the way we think as adults, or maybe it is truly a question with such an obvious answer that it needs not be asked (as I have often thought to myself).
See if you can figure out if there's more than one way to answer this question, because, so far, neither the four year old nor the mom nor dad can seem to get it right. She asks, "What is your favorite part of going to sleep?"
To this random question (part of a series of "What is your favorite...?" from B lately), we have all independently (and more than once) answered, "the sleep part." Seriously, is there any other possible answer?
As I sat on the edge of my seat, and Kyle and D listened intently for her response, she says simply, "I dunno."
sigh
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Time For Everything
I'm pondering this week some big questions (once again!), asking why, and wondering where things are headed. I once heard a wise man say that, in life, we are either in a storm, headed into a storm, or coming out of a storm.
My mind has often gone back to that concept over the past several weeks, as it seems something has shifted for me - I feel like I was finally out of the storm - the sun was starting to shine again. And, how sweet was the kiss of warmth on my face that I have missed all this time.
But, like everything in this world, nothing lasts forever. Call it a sixth sense, or intuition, or whatever you like, but I can sense something stormy headed our way. Like a hiker on a Colorado mountaintop, when their hair suddenly and strangely stands on end just before a lightning strike, I can feel something... different - I just don't know what. Yet.
And so, in this time of feeling just a bit helpless and vulnerable, I turn to the one source of strength and consistency that I know. And I'm reminded that it is in the storms of life that true character is built. It is in the storms of life that we are refined and strengthened to weather the next storm (and there will be plenty). The last storm sapped my energy during that season, but I have emerged feeling stronger and less fearful - after all, if I can survive that...
So, I'm leaving you with a portion of the third chapter of Ecclesiastes. For everything there is a time, and for everything there is a purpose. Our task is to stick with it, weather the storm, cling to our Rock, and help each other the best we can.
But, like everything in this world, nothing lasts forever. Call it a sixth sense, or intuition, or whatever you like, but I can sense something stormy headed our way. Like a hiker on a Colorado mountaintop, when their hair suddenly and strangely stands on end just before a lightning strike, I can feel something... different - I just don't know what. Yet.
And so, in this time of feeling just a bit helpless and vulnerable, I turn to the one source of strength and consistency that I know. And I'm reminded that it is in the storms of life that true character is built. It is in the storms of life that we are refined and strengthened to weather the next storm (and there will be plenty). The last storm sapped my energy during that season, but I have emerged feeling stronger and less fearful - after all, if I can survive that...
So, I'm leaving you with a portion of the third chapter of Ecclesiastes. For everything there is a time, and for everything there is a purpose. Our task is to stick with it, weather the storm, cling to our Rock, and help each other the best we can.
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.
a time for war and a time for peace.
Friday, January 15, 2010
TGIF-F!!
So, yesterday, I spent all day thinking it was Friday. I was planning a nice dinner (not that it has to be Friday for that), with a nice bottle of wine for my husband and I to share (after all, we'd be able to sleep in a bit later tomorrow). I was thinking about the weekend, and happily looking forward to some time off from the work of the weekdays.
Maybe it was the fact that I was ready for Friday (quite likely). Or maybe it was that my oldest daughter would not have school the next day because of an inservice day for the teachers (conveniently scheduled on a Friday AND the Friday before a holiday on Monday, but I digress...). Who knows what I was thinking, but I was totally convinced it was Friday all day long yesterday.
It wasn't.
It was only Thursday, and the realization hit me around 6 pm - HARD. You know the feeling - like when you suddenly remember an appointment you made at the very last minute, or when it occurs to you that you forgot your best friend's birthday, or when you realize your child is still at home when you ran out to the store in a rush, or something similar - not that I've ever done either of those things... I'm just saying.
Anyway, Thank God it's Friday - Finally! When I really think about it, whatever I didn't like about yesterday's Friday is gone, and today is like a do over Friday. I guess a week with two Friday's isn't a bad week at all...
Enjoy your weekend! :)
It wasn't.
It was only Thursday, and the realization hit me around 6 pm - HARD. You know the feeling - like when you suddenly remember an appointment you made at the very last minute, or when it occurs to you that you forgot your best friend's birthday, or when you realize your child is still at home when you ran out to the store in a rush, or something similar - not that I've ever done either of those things... I'm just saying.
Anyway, Thank God it's Friday - Finally! When I really think about it, whatever I didn't like about yesterday's Friday is gone, and today is like a do over Friday. I guess a week with two Friday's isn't a bad week at all...
Enjoy your weekend! :)
Monday, January 11, 2010
To Busy To Fill the Gas Tank
Have you ever had so much on your plate that you had a hard time prioritizing and instead decided to mindlessly surf the internet (or post on Facebook, or watch a movie, or...) and get NOTHING done you needed to??
I have all kinds of hopes for these extra 2.5 hours I've gained every day sans children. The first week went pretty well, I was able to prioritize all my daily tasks and stuff many of them into that itty bitty tiny eensy little window that preschool has afforded me five days a week. (Did I mention that timeframe is ridiculously small?!?)
This week, it's Monday, and time management = not so much. I considered going to spin class, but chose to stay home to get some work done (cue the guilt). Now I'm posting on my blog and researching random things I really don't need to be wasting time on at the moment. All the while, the clock is ticking, ticking, ticking...
sigh
All of it reminds me of one of Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" (one of which I'm obviously not right now) - Sharpen the saw.
In his book, he gives this example of the person who is so busy driving that they don't take time to fill the gas tank. I feel like that person right now.
Now, where is the nearest gas station?? Or maybe I'll just drive a little while longer.
I have all kinds of hopes for these extra 2.5 hours I've gained every day sans children. The first week went pretty well, I was able to prioritize all my daily tasks and stuff many of them into that itty bitty tiny eensy little window that preschool has afforded me five days a week. (Did I mention that timeframe is ridiculously small?!?)
This week, it's Monday, and time management = not so much. I considered going to spin class, but chose to stay home to get some work done (cue the guilt). Now I'm posting on my blog and researching random things I really don't need to be wasting time on at the moment. All the while, the clock is ticking, ticking, ticking...
sigh
All of it reminds me of one of Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" (one of which I'm obviously not right now) - Sharpen the saw.
In his book, he gives this example of the person who is so busy driving that they don't take time to fill the gas tank. I feel like that person right now.
Now, where is the nearest gas station?? Or maybe I'll just drive a little while longer.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Full Circle
My last post was all about how time has changed my circumstances and how I can now see past some of the flames that were engulfing me during the season of last year. In the midst of those struggles, I was blessed to be able to lean on some of my dear friends who, in so many ways, helped me stand during what was undoubtedly the most trying time I've ever been through. There were days that I could not put one foot in front of the other without their support, and I was (and still am) so thankful for them.
A few months ago, and then again this week, I learned of two separate friends who suffered miscarriages. Three weeks ago, I learned that a woman in my church and MOPS group is battling cancer again, and this time it is back with a vengeance. Four weeks ago, and again two days ago, I learned that two separate friends had an abnormal mass and the second is currently awaiting the results of her ultrasound. It feels like people all around me are going through their own refining fires, and I want to be useful in helping them stand. As a friend said to me in my time of need when I asked her for her help, "I feel like if God had me walk down this path, the least I can do is hold your hand while you walk it, too." (Love you, Laura!)
Maybe you are facing a trial in your life, too. It is my hope and prayer that this video will provide a tiny bit of comfort and strength to you or someone in your life who needs it.
A few months ago, and then again this week, I learned of two separate friends who suffered miscarriages. Three weeks ago, I learned that a woman in my church and MOPS group is battling cancer again, and this time it is back with a vengeance. Four weeks ago, and again two days ago, I learned that two separate friends had an abnormal mass and the second is currently awaiting the results of her ultrasound. It feels like people all around me are going through their own refining fires, and I want to be useful in helping them stand. As a friend said to me in my time of need when I asked her for her help, "I feel like if God had me walk down this path, the least I can do is hold your hand while you walk it, too." (Love you, Laura!)
Maybe you are facing a trial in your life, too. It is my hope and prayer that this video will provide a tiny bit of comfort and strength to you or someone in your life who needs it.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The sands of time
- A week ago, it was last year. NOW it is a new year, almost 100% full of unknown adventures and potential.
- A month ago, we were wrestling with a decision about what we could do to be better parents to our youngest child, in particular, who was clearly BORED OUT OF HER MIND (as evidenced by her artwork on our couch, among other places). I was trying to work from home and earn some much needed extra income, and I was being pulled in too many directions to do anything really well (yes, this is a repeating theme in my life). NOW we've taken a leap of faith and enrolled her in preschool, even though we were not sure at the time where the money would come from to fund this decision. Today, I'm so overwhelmed with work from my freelance jobs that I'm relieved to have both the extra money and the time to myself every morning with both girls in school. And she is THRIVING after only four days of preschool!!
- Two months ago, I was wrestling with my own demons around whether we'll have that third child (brought to the forefront by the anniversary of losing our third pregnancy a year ago in Nov) AND I was really upset at the prospect of having to go back to work at a time I thought I really didn't want to. NOW, while I still dream of having another baby to snuggle and nurture and raise, I'm starting to see around the corner and am getting excited for the future - whatever it may hold, instead of reminiscing in the past. I'm also hopeful that some additional prospective job opportunities that have recently been brought to my attention will come to fruition. (Isn't God so good? I'm ashamed I doubted Him at all when He told me there would be joy again.)
- Four months ago, as the weather here was quickly cooling (it literally drops 20 degrees overnight, then again a few weeks later, then again a few weeks later) and I was beginning to feel cheated (I mean, my consolation for having to come to the desert was perpetual summertime, right?!?), I started to become even more bitter that I had been stripped from my home in Colorado and plunked in the desert where it still gets cold (albeit not quite as cold as CO) and I was lonely. NOW, I'm able to get outside and run in 50-60 degree weather while I hear of the rest of the nation struggling through a winter cold front that has brought ice and snow and COLD for weeks on end. For the moment, it looks like we're sitting pretty good weather-wise.
- Six months ago, we had just arrived in our new hometown and I was LONELY. Really lonely. And I longed for friendship in my new town, but it alluded me. It seemed everywhere I looked I could see groups of women friends who were enjoying one another's company, but didn't seem to be interested in having me join them. I felt disconnected and sad, and I desperately tried to keep in touch with all of my friends in CO to make up for it. NOW I've found several women here in the desert who have been gracious to me and we're forming friendships that I can already tell will be strong, regardless of physical location in the future. We're finally feeling plugged in to our church home and there are people in this city who know our names and notice when we're out of town. I'm feeling some connection and that is huge. And, as an added bonus (because that is just how generous our God is), a friend of mine from CO will be relocating here in three week's time. Seriously, I couldn't not have made that up!! Can you say "RUNNING PARTNER?!?!"
- Eight months ago, we were preparing to leave our home, packing our things, saying goodbye, and shedding lots and lots of tears. We were headed to the unknown and it was scary and sad and frustrating and all of that tied into one. NOW, that is behind us and we are able to see the blessings of where we are versus where we've been, and while we still miss our friends and our home in CO, it is ok. We've made new kinds of connections with them, and those friendships transcend location.
Thank you for journeying this far with me, and thank you, in advance, for sticking with me - you are a blessing!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Where did the time go?!?
I cannot believe it is already almost two weeks since my last post. :( Yikes! Guess life has got me busy.
Here are a few pics from the last two weeks - we spent Christmas at home then the last week of the year traveling over 2000 miles driving from Vegas to northern California, then down the coast to San Diego. Whew!
We got home last night and it may take a week to recover. This morning, however, both girls were rarin' to get to school - D started preschool today. This morning, I overheard her asking her sister for advice about meeting kids in a new school. She wanted to be sure that she did all she could to make friends and thought B would have some good tips. (are they like 25 already?? so cute!)
When I went to pick her up, she asked me if we were going to have lunch then come back to school for the afternoon. She was disappointed to hear she'd have to wait until tomorrow to go back - guess she liked it. :) Then, later this afternoon when we got in the car to pick up her sister from school she said, "I'm not so lucky. B gets to go to school all day long."
This is a good thing, right?!?
Here are a few pics from the last two weeks - we spent Christmas at home then the last week of the year traveling over 2000 miles driving from Vegas to northern California, then down the coast to San Diego. Whew!
We got home last night and it may take a week to recover. This morning, however, both girls were rarin' to get to school - D started preschool today. This morning, I overheard her asking her sister for advice about meeting kids in a new school. She wanted to be sure that she did all she could to make friends and thought B would have some good tips. (are they like 25 already?? so cute!)
When I went to pick her up, she asked me if we were going to have lunch then come back to school for the afternoon. She was disappointed to hear she'd have to wait until tomorrow to go back - guess she liked it. :) Then, later this afternoon when we got in the car to pick up her sister from school she said, "I'm not so lucky. B gets to go to school all day long."
This is a good thing, right?!?
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Do Not Be Afraid
Quoted from http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home:
"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord." Luke2:10 Merry Christmas Dear Friends and Family! Enjoy and rejoice in the birth of our Saviour!"
I saw this today on Facebook from a dear friend of mine whom I'm missing this Christmas. I couldn't have said it better myself, Suzanne!
Merry Christmas to all of you
and may God bless your time with friends and family!
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