Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas is almost here



I had started this a month ago, which means it has been 2 months since my last blog entry.
Winter weather is definitely here. I wake up in the wee hours of the morning to the sound of the furnace kicking on (set at 63°). Still minimal amounts of snow which is great for the faint of heart when it comes to driving in the snow (ME).

I have made a lateral move at work and am learning my new job and training my replacement. It makes for a busy December.

My little girl just turned 21! Time definitely seems to move faster as we get older. I certainly don’t feel almost 45 (well, most days).

Other big news is my daughter's engagement (yep, on her birthday)  ~  I will be an empty nester before long.  A mother hen without a chick.

[Previous:  Wow ~ another month has gone by since my last update.
So, we decided to hold off on the raised garden beds until next spring. I have put the outside to bed and we are ready (as much as can be) for the winter.
I am so proud of my daughter’s accomplishments at G.U. so far this semester. She has a heavy load and has a work-study job, too. The bummer is that her bus commute time each week is about the same as the work-study hours! She is a trooper ~ I lift her up daily to the Lord for guidance and protection.]

Monday, October 3, 2011

Change in the Air

I lift up praises to the Lord!  He is infinite and I am nothing.  Each day I am amazed over and over as I relish the changes of the seasons :-)

I wish I lived next to some gorgeous scenery such as this; however, I can always drive a short distance (20 miles or so) and enjoy the beauty of flora and fauna alongside flowing water the Lord has provided.

My daughter and I have been enjoying life for the last two years; free of mental abuse and control.  We have a home of our own and are flourishing between work, school, volunteering and continuing to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I have recently joined a small group (mentioned in a past post) and we have begun a study on the Book of Daniel.  I am excited to continue learning, understanding and applying the awesome knowledge the Lord has given us.

My life has changed quite drastically in the past two years and I am grateful and blessed.  The Lord has protected me and blessed me beyond all measure.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Blessings abound


Women of Faith ~ what an amazing event! If you have never been, please consider going. The speakers each had a specific topic they spoke to. Each one touched my heart in a special way.

Mandisa and Amy Grant were wonderful as well as the Women of Faith worship group. The ladies led us in spots of praise and worship throughout the entire two day event.

News update:

I have joined a women’s small group bible study on Saturday mornings. What a blessing these women are and I’ve only been going a couple of weeks :-)

Promiseland has started back up at church and I am working in the 2nd-4th grade room.

We are holding off any landscaping in the front yard so it will be dirt through the winter. However, we are going to be building our raised beds at the end of the month for our vegetable garden.

The Lord is mighty and I am glad!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Living ~ is there more?

 

I am feeling dissatisfied and I do not know why. I have a job, a home, a daughter, parents, siblings, co-workers/friends, brothers, and sisters-in-Christ.

I do realize that feelings are of this world and do not mean much in the large scheme of things.

I am blessed with so much that even saying I am feeling dissatisfied seems wrong.

This is a rambling of sorts; however, sometimes rattling stuff off helps to discard the feelings whatever they may be.

Being proactive may be the answer. I am volunteering more at church and hope to join a Bible-study small group. I know these will strengthen my faith and enrich my life.

My daughter and I are also continuing to work on our front yard-landscaping project with thoughts of new projects all the time. Very exciting, yet daunting, as well.

Life is full of ups and downs and this moment appears to be on the lower end of the slide.

My faith is in the Lord and I know He is always with me, especially when I feel “down in the dumps.”

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Teaching Update

Teacher positions are few and far between.  I need a full-time position and none are to be found.  I know the Lord has a plan.  I am continuing to listen and wait; only He knows the path I am to follow.  Maybe a full-time teaching position isn't where I am to be; maybe using my degree and passion for reading in another arena...time will tell :-)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Passion




I continue to hear the Lord calling me to serve.  I went to school and got my teaching degree because I listened to Him.  I taught in a wonderful private Christian school due to His grace.  I left my teaching post under pressure from an abusive head-of-household.  I am currently not using my degree and miss teaching (I always have missed it!).

I am actively pursuing a teaching position.  I know that if I listen and obey, God will provide and lead me to the right place.

He is good and I am blessed!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Memorial Day

My daughter asked me about the meaning of Memorial Day.  A tradition our family has is taking flowers to the cemetery of those we love; however, those we love did not serve in the military.

Memorial Day is in honor of those in service presently, past and deceased.  It was first celebrated on May 5, 1868 for Union soldiers who had died in battle.  Throughout the years, the tradition gained popularity; however, it was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill which moved three holidays from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The holidays included Washington's Birthday, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971.

My family will continue our special tradition; however, my daughter's question was a great reminder of our "3-day weekend" and what it really means.

Monday, May 23, 2011

R.I.P.

Sadness abounds in my heart. As I ponder the inevitability of death, I am overwhelmed with emotions ranging from abandonment to confusion to peace. My Auntie Ruth had a full life, she was in her early 90s and was married to a wonderful man, had loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My grandmother’s best friend will be missed by many; family and friends alike.


Death is a familiar word these days. My office has had sadness after sadness: a co-worker’s friend’s husband, a co-worker’s husband, a co-worker’s cousin and now my great aunt. The horror of these deaths is that they have all been within the span of six weeks.

As a Christian, I know that there is life after death. I do not know the spiritual walk of any of those that have recently passed away. My prayer is that they all knew the Lord and believed in Him.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Life



A friend of mine just lost her husband due to a freak accident. He was only 47 and they had only been married since August, 2008.

I am mentioning this because it has great impact on me. Life is too short for nonsense. There are things I do without thinking of the effect it will have on others or me as time goes on. I do not want to live like that anymore.


I am not looking to have a “crazy, wild time” ~ actually,  just the opposite. I want to surround myself with the things that matter in the long run; family, faith, volunteering…

Hanging with friends is fun and gives a dose of laughter; however, I find that my focus has drifted from the important aspects of life.

I am not looking to be remembered for whom I am or what I did. I want to be remembered as one who shared the light of the Lord by who I was and what I did through Him.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Gonzaga

My daughter has now confirmed her acceptance into Gonzaga University for Fall, 2011.  Right on!  I am one proud mom.  She is transferring from a 2 year college and is currently debt-free.  I am very impressed with her motivation, thoughtfulness and persistence in moving her education forward.

She just finished finals and is on spring break.  After Spring quarter, she is even taking a class in the summer to get a bit ahead of the game for next school year.  She has chosen to live at home and I am all for that.  It is easing me into the "empty nester" season of life.  Even though she is living here, she is busy with school, work and her boyfriend. 

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Furniture

My latest purchase for my home.  Now I have a completed living room ~ two chairs, a loveseat and an oversized ottoman.  I eventually need to get a smaller dining set.  The one I am using is from my dad and his wife.  It is a wonderful oval-shaped table seating 6 or more; however, my house is too small for the set.  I need to find a 2-4 (at the most) chair and table set.  No hurry or worry :-)

I am so blessed to have been able to find my little home for my daughter and I ~ even though she is now 20 and won't be here much longer.  I will soon be an empty nester.  I am enjoying her input on the house and landscaping.  I thank the Lord for our relationship and bond that will last a lifetime.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Lent

I grew up Catholic ~ first communion, church on Sundays, confession, confirmation... As an adult, I belong to a Non-denominational Christian church.  I have decided to observe Lent this year.  I have in years past, but not the last few.  I am going to abstain from dairy products and I am going to read in the Bible on a daily basis.  I am writing this in my blog to stay accountable.  I will update on a regular basis, even if it is a sentence or two with another blog posting.

My goal is to have both of those habits ingrained by the time Easter is here and keep on going strong.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Not Quite Spring Yet

We got a bit of snow the last couple of days (over a foot).  Now we get to enjoy some sunshine and frigid temperatures ~ LOL.

We were talking at work that it wouldn't be such a disappointment to have more snow and cold weather if we hadn't had the lovely 40-50 degree temps recently.


Completely different subject:  My vacuum is on the fritz.  I want to pull up our carpet but will still have throw rugs or an area rug, so I think I will be getting a new vacuum.

February is almost over and soon spring really will be here :-)

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Where am I?

I am here.  It has been over a month since I posted anything.  The weather has been pretty nice ~ a bit of snow but for the most part some rain or shine.  Since the famous Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, we are in for an early spring (LOL).  The NW is such an awesome area of the U.S. to live - I love the four seasons we have.  I am ready for spring this year as I am sure so many people are after the heavy snow falls this winter.

My goal is to post regularly - not once month (haha); hopefully once a week.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Spring??

LOL ~ what a difference one week makes!  We have been having balmy weather the last few days; breezy, rainy and mid-40s to 50 degrees :-)  I would be so thrilled if the snow was done falling here in our city; but I'm sure that is not the case.  Christmas is put away and the house is almost back to normal - sweet.  At work we are starting another "Biggest Loser Challenge" from mid-January thru mid-May.  I am participating and will be trying to lose weight and get healthy (unlike last time) so I should lose even more than last time. New Year, New Me - it's keeping the momentum until the new changes are habits :-)

Monday, January 10, 2011

Winter

Brrr...it's cold outside!  We have some frigid temperatures in the Pacific Northwest ~ although it sounds like we are due for another snow dumping.  LOL, I wonder when I will be sure that winter homeownership is for me!

I am thrilled to be getting that little bit of extra light a day :-)


Haha - reading the above makes me sound like a whiner.  I better stop that!  I really do love the four seasons we have in this area of the U.S.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Hello?

Yikes!  The holidays have passed by.  We had a quiet, family Christmas and I celebrated "East Coast" New Year's :-)  I am looking forward to a fabulous 2011 ~ I hope all who read this have a wonderful year ahead.
As the penguins in the picture, let us enjoy the beauty around us.