Surprises are Awesome

Woohoo ~ our surprise birthday get together for my Dad was fabulous!  He had no idea when he walked in Saturday morning.  All his daughters (4) were there, his wife, his two sisters and we were able to skype with his brother.  What a great time was had by all ~ fellowship and food.  The weather was a bit crazy, rain and wind pretty much the whole time I was there (Wed-Mon).  My aunt was able to catch this picture on Saturday!

This, That & the Other

A week until I am on a mini-vacation.  I get to visit with family and slip away from my job and community for a few days.  I pray that it is a joyful time of fellowship and re-energizing for my body and soul.  The last 2 months have been hectic at work, although that hasn’t pushed into other aspects of my life (other than an eye tic that won’t stop!).

My small group is in the middle of a book we are reading and discussing.  We usually do some type of study; however, a couple of gals were interesting in this particular book.  More 'book news' ~ I have just finished reading most of Charles Dickens’ works [I think I may have missed one or two but will double check].  Hmmm, I am lagging behind in crocheting – I would like to make some items and maybe put them on www.Etsy.com to sell.

I am amazed that it has been about a year since I started wearing skirts and headcoverings all the time.  I wasn’t sure how it would be in the winter; however, this year we have not been inundated with precipitation as the East Coast has.  So all in all, the adjustment to wearing skirts (or dresses) only has been extremely easy.

Tax Time

Oh, my.  The delightful prospect of completing my 2013 tax return is invading my thoughts.  I have most of my documents gathered and have a couple which need to be printed.  My goal (haha) is to complete my return on Sunday – yes, Super Bowl Sunday.  I do not have TV or internet at home and frankly am not interested in watching the game or commercials that come with it ~ even though our state’s team (although I realize that not all states have a team) is playing on Sunday.

The days of 1040 EZ form are long gone—I miss them.  One 8 ½ x 11 page to fill out with easy.

However, the Lord has blest me tremendously with a little abode to reside in.  I know that as long as I (or the bank) own a home and work outside of it, I shall be filling out a tax return each year.

Success...Different Definitions

The end of January is looming on the horizon.  The beginning of 2014 is already coming to an end.

I have never given much thought to 5 year or 10 year planning.  I know that is what all ‘successful’ people do…I don’t put my head ‘in the sand’; however, I do my utmost to follow God’s lead.  Some years I am more successful at this than others.  I do give thought to being more Christ-like and studying the Word of God to know Him better.

Today, I received some disheartening news.  I had inquired about an order I had placed for a cowl (headcovering) from Garlands of Grace (www.garlandsofgrace.com) and through the USPS tracking, found that it had been delivered on January 23^rd.  Well, I don’t have it…either it was delivered to a wrong address or someone relieved my porch of a parcel.

Although I am upset/saddened by this news, my prayer is that whoever is in possession of the headcovering is blessed.  The family of sisters at Garlands of Grace put scriptures leading a person to Christ in with each order, so may that person be a blessed recipient.

Busy Here, Busy There

The Pacific Northwest has been light in the snow department and I must say that I am not complaining.  As long as we get snow in the mountains (to stave off drought), I am thrilled to have unencumbered roads to drive on!

My sister and grandmother flew to the islands for some rest and relaxation this week.  It looks like the weather is cooperating for them.

Tonight I am going to a fundraiser with my other sister; it is the romantic musical comedy ‘Crazy for You’ ~ should be a fun event.

The Lord is so faithful, even when we are not.  How thankful I am and sing praises for His mercy and grace.

Work

Work has been crazy over the last month with people on vacation, having surgery or out with colds/flu.  I enjoy my job when I can actually do my duties.  Filling in for others and not getting any of my own work (or little) done got a tad frustrating.

Sometimes I wonder if this is where I am supposed to be.  Is there something else out there for me?  I have to admit that I have not been praying about this; therefore, I haven’t received any answer.

Being unmarried doesn’t afford a woman to be a homemaker or work part-time or even volunteer instead of work-for-pay.  I may be in the minority, but I feel like I am missing out.  I am past the time of having more children (have a lovely 23 year old daughter); however, that doesn’t mean I am over-the-hill or meant to be an old spinster, or does it??

Praying to the Lord for guidance in all things is something I don’t always do.  Sometimes He seems so big and far away and my daily life seems so inconsequential.  I give thanks daily for His mercy and grace and need to give thanks for His guiding hand in all areas of my life.

Goodness, it is time to get on my knees and pray J

Bring in the New Year

I just reviewed my resolution blog from 2013 and see that I was able to keep some of them :~)

I am not stressing over resolutions for 2014.  However, I am excited to see where the Lord will direct my path this year!

My prayer for each of you this new calendar year is to follow God’s leading in your life!