Ok, I admit I've been sleeping in a bit later than normal. Partly because I can't always go right to sleep, although sometimes I do, and partly because of Marley waking me up in the middle of the night, although sometimes she does, and partly because I wake up singing, which I sometimes do, and partly because I have had enough sleep, which I sometimes have. My excuse today is that although I went to bed a little after 10PM, I could not get to sleep. My mind was awake. Could only attribute it to drinking green tea late and the caffeine kept me awake. That, and praying for a job, which is what I seem to be always doing.
Yep - still have heard nothing from the job I was waiting to hear on last Friday. I'm confused on that one, and can only mark it up to God doesn't want me to have that one. I haven't gone through my emails yet today so will see if I have any responses from any of those - although I would think they would call unless it is a rejection letter.
I've about decided that I have nothing to lose, and to go ahead and apply for a seasonal job with Kohls, Macy's or Sears. I don't mind doing that - I started out at age 15 1/2 being a clerk/cashier for a company in Marwood Plaza (now long gone) in Indianapolis, Indiana - W. T. Grant. Many of you may have heard of them. Or, since I am sure my audience is small, maybe none of you. I enjoy people and being around people and work doesn't scare me, so it may be what I am to do. My delay has been that I don't want to accept a position, then leave it because 'something better' comes along. I don't like doing that to people. I am at the position now that I really don't have a lot of choice; we need money coming in and unless God supernaturally provides, well, things will become quite difficult.
Anyway - talking about where is the time going.... I got up a bit later than usual, did my quiet time, took Marley on nearly a three mile walk, took a shower, and here it is about 10:45 already. I really do need to start setting my alarm, although there isn't any reason for me to get up earlier. Not right now anyway. I just don't like losing 'my time' to sleep. Life is too short to spend it asleep.
So now I am on the computer and as soon as I finish this I will start through my emails to see what has come in, then will start checking companies again and attaching resumes. I am seeing a different side that I haven't seen in years. I don't feel I'm 'desperate' yet, but I am sure many people are. My family will just have to understand come Christmas that no pay check means homemade gifts. Although I don't think they would mind that at all either. Especially my salsa. At least for the boys; my daughter doesn't like it. That's ok - we all love her 'white girl salsa'.
Today is Halloween. I wonder how many dressed up. I used to be in charge of everything at my office - just by designation. I would find judges, arrange the prizes, help with the tour, - all of it. I don't really celebrate Halloween, but it was always fun to see how the others make themselves into different 'things'. I remember one year about 25 years ago - I dressed up as... well, I don't even know what you would call it. Oh my goodness. I bought the makeup, the long green nails. The makeup was black and gray latex, which I put on my face and hands. I pulled my long hair (at that time) around my face and put a gray pillowcase inside out over my head, making it into a hood. I wore the gray sheet wrapped around my body, my feet also had latex on them and I wore flip flops. I still smile because no one knew who I was! As long as I stayed away from my desk, I confused everyone. I walked to the kitchen down the hall and was followed by several people, trying to figure out who I was. I got my coffee then I did walk back to my desk - and the CEO started laughing. She said she had no idea it was me. I won the prize that day for the most original costume. Other times I've dressed as a bride, a belly dancer (that was again, many, many years ago!!) and a hobo... wore a Hawaiian t-shirt one time. Can't remember what else. I don't dress up and haven't for a long, long time.
So what do you do come Halloween? Do you dress up? What are some of your favorite costumes? I love seeing my granddaughters in their Princess costumes. Of course they don't have to dress up to be my princesses!
Ok - this is it for today - seems like my blogs have turned to ramblings lately. I will need to ponder what to focus on. November 1 is tomorrow - a good time to start out with something fresh.
Be careful if you go out tonight - don't eat too many sweets!
Blessings!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
What to say.....
After staring at want ads all day yesterday I drew a blank on what to write about - so didn't. I did get my resume out to a couple new company via connections I have. That always helps - I emailed a doctor over the weekend whom I had worked with; her husband works at a place I applied at. She emailed me back today that he didn't work in that area, however, I could use her as a reference and she had called her husband to have them pull my resume. He said he would do what he could to help. Another friend sent my resume to a CMO at a hospital he is close friends to and gave me a glowing recommendation to go with it. I sent him a note back that if I had received that note, I would hire me!
I contacted another friend via Linked In because I couldn't find his email address. Before I left my last job he told me to let him know where I ended up at. He sent me his email address and I sent him my resume. He sent it on to HR.
It's nice to have friends in 'high places' - but even so, they can't always do any more than move the resume on to their HR departments to see if they could find something for me. Thus far I haven't heard from anyone this week. Still waiting on my other doctor friend to call me back.... his HR department had said I would be given an answer one way or another by last Friday. I emailed him last Thursday evening for an update - but he hasn't responded, nor have I heard from his office. So, I still wait.
I get an email from a friend who teaches at a nearby school today. Last Spring I read/listened to children at her school, and she has asked that I come back. I sent her a note back that I am looking for a job, but for now, I can come in any time during the week. She will let me know when. I really did enjoy it and was beginning to learn my way around the campus. I may be only able to do a couple weeks, or I may be at it for awhile longer. I should have started a month ago, but really thought that I would already be working.
Tomorrow night is Halloween and although we don't turn our porch light on and pass out candy (thanks to teenagers who get dropped off in this area and stroll through the neighborhood), I do fix up bags of candy for each of our grandchildren. I gave my youngest son's children their candy a week ago as they were to head back up to St. John. Wow, what a tragic mess that has turned out to be. Tragic in that my son's - and the children's - lives have been turned upside down due to their mother's instability. She admitted herself to a psych hospital here in Phoenix and my son was left with the children. He finally got them registered for school near him, and now his life has become totally involved with getting them to school, driving 50 miles one way for himself to get to work, driving back home to get them from school. He is checking to see if he can work from home for awhile until he can sort out whether he is coming or going.
I expect my middle child's wife to bring the three children by for their treats and for grandma to take pictures. It has gotten to be a tradition now. My daughter's children probably are too old to dress up to go out - so will be taking their treats over to them shortly as I need to leave in a few minutes to pick up my granddaughter from school. Don't get to see them much anymore; with living several miles away and so involved in school and church activities, they don't have time for grandma anymore. sigh.....
Need to head out the door - don't know of what to write about now anyway - nothing going on. Stay tuned; perhaps I will have something to share tomorrow. This morning was grocery shopping and you know nothing happens there!
Blessings!
I contacted another friend via Linked In because I couldn't find his email address. Before I left my last job he told me to let him know where I ended up at. He sent me his email address and I sent him my resume. He sent it on to HR.
It's nice to have friends in 'high places' - but even so, they can't always do any more than move the resume on to their HR departments to see if they could find something for me. Thus far I haven't heard from anyone this week. Still waiting on my other doctor friend to call me back.... his HR department had said I would be given an answer one way or another by last Friday. I emailed him last Thursday evening for an update - but he hasn't responded, nor have I heard from his office. So, I still wait.
I get an email from a friend who teaches at a nearby school today. Last Spring I read/listened to children at her school, and she has asked that I come back. I sent her a note back that I am looking for a job, but for now, I can come in any time during the week. She will let me know when. I really did enjoy it and was beginning to learn my way around the campus. I may be only able to do a couple weeks, or I may be at it for awhile longer. I should have started a month ago, but really thought that I would already be working.
Tomorrow night is Halloween and although we don't turn our porch light on and pass out candy (thanks to teenagers who get dropped off in this area and stroll through the neighborhood), I do fix up bags of candy for each of our grandchildren. I gave my youngest son's children their candy a week ago as they were to head back up to St. John. Wow, what a tragic mess that has turned out to be. Tragic in that my son's - and the children's - lives have been turned upside down due to their mother's instability. She admitted herself to a psych hospital here in Phoenix and my son was left with the children. He finally got them registered for school near him, and now his life has become totally involved with getting them to school, driving 50 miles one way for himself to get to work, driving back home to get them from school. He is checking to see if he can work from home for awhile until he can sort out whether he is coming or going.
I expect my middle child's wife to bring the three children by for their treats and for grandma to take pictures. It has gotten to be a tradition now. My daughter's children probably are too old to dress up to go out - so will be taking their treats over to them shortly as I need to leave in a few minutes to pick up my granddaughter from school. Don't get to see them much anymore; with living several miles away and so involved in school and church activities, they don't have time for grandma anymore. sigh.....
Need to head out the door - don't know of what to write about now anyway - nothing going on. Stay tuned; perhaps I will have something to share tomorrow. This morning was grocery shopping and you know nothing happens there!
Blessings!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
And we continue to wait....
I was to get a response one way or the other yesterday, according to HR, but did not. Makes me think that they made the offer to someone else and they are waiting on their response. Could be. Don't know. Could be the boss was out of town. But, either way, here it is the weekend again and I still have no answers.
So what am I doing this morning? Well, let me tell you about this 'morning'. About 1AM-ish Marley decides she needs to go out. I hear the whining, but hoping she was just having a dream, I paused before jumping out of bed to see. She continued and she got louder. I got up, turned off the alarm, and let her go out. She literally ran for her corner to complete her business. I got her back to bed, and I went back to bed.
Just setlting into the relaxed mode of early sleep when I hear her again. Softly, then louder and louder. I get up again, turn off the alarm and repeat the above process. Again I put her back to bed.
This happens a third time. By now it is around 4AM and I am debating even going back to bed at all. I finally pulled back the covers in the back room and curled up in that bed and tried to catch some sleep. I hear the 'whining' noise again, but realize that - and don't laugh - it is hubby snoring and somehow amongst the in/out push/inhale of air, he has a squeak. I probably do too. Anyway, about 5:30 AM hubby comes into the back room to ask why am I in there. I explained. He told me to go to sleep and he took care of Marley. I finally got up about 6:30 I think. No wonder I don't feel like I slept much last night.
No biggie - it happens to everyone as a parent - whether it is parent of a child or of a dog. I'll catch up on the sleep tonight.
Back to my question of what I am doing this morning - well, same thing I have done nearly every day this week - on the internet looking at jobs. I did find one at another company in which I know a doctor whose husband works there. So, I completed the application then sent my doctor friend an email for her to ask her husband to see if he could pull my application and possibly see if I would be a fit for their company. I've been told more and more often, you have to know someone in order to get somewhere. Lucky for me I have worked with lots of people over the past 26 years and most I still have their emails or know where they are. But still, the job must be a fit or getting it will be a disappointment for all.
And I don't like to be disappointed. I want a job where I will be a viable part of the team. I want my skills and abilities utilized and enhanced. I want to make the best, better. One would think any company would want me. They do, they just don't know it. :-) Actually, at this point the biggest stumbling block is salary. The above job asked if I would take $10-$11 an hour. I honestly said no. I know my skills are worth more than that and although I do not anticipate making as much as I did before in some companies, I know that if they will take a chance on me, they will not be disappointed.
This has been my week for meeting with my doctor friends for lunch. I met with one the other day before my interview at a company nearby. Yesterday I met with another doctor friend just because I wanted to. She reminded me of someone who I might check with for a job. Actually, I had thought of this person already but didn't see any jobs at his company that I felt would pay what I needed. Still, perhaps I will send him an email and ask him if I have any of the skills his company needs and what would he be willing to pay for them.
Kind of like 'you snooze, you lose' on the jobs I am waiting for responses on.
We are having a 'block party' at our church this afternoon in lieu of a Halloween gathering. Hubby and I have both volunteered to help with it - he will be grilling hot dogs and I'm not sure where they plan to put me. I just told them that I'd help wherever I was needed. I hope my boys remember to bring the grandchildren by - one way to work out some energy!
It is another beautiful Saturday in Phoenix. I hope you can enjoy it.
Blessings!
So what am I doing this morning? Well, let me tell you about this 'morning'. About 1AM-ish Marley decides she needs to go out. I hear the whining, but hoping she was just having a dream, I paused before jumping out of bed to see. She continued and she got louder. I got up, turned off the alarm, and let her go out. She literally ran for her corner to complete her business. I got her back to bed, and I went back to bed.
Just setlting into the relaxed mode of early sleep when I hear her again. Softly, then louder and louder. I get up again, turn off the alarm and repeat the above process. Again I put her back to bed.
This happens a third time. By now it is around 4AM and I am debating even going back to bed at all. I finally pulled back the covers in the back room and curled up in that bed and tried to catch some sleep. I hear the 'whining' noise again, but realize that - and don't laugh - it is hubby snoring and somehow amongst the in/out push/inhale of air, he has a squeak. I probably do too. Anyway, about 5:30 AM hubby comes into the back room to ask why am I in there. I explained. He told me to go to sleep and he took care of Marley. I finally got up about 6:30 I think. No wonder I don't feel like I slept much last night.
No biggie - it happens to everyone as a parent - whether it is parent of a child or of a dog. I'll catch up on the sleep tonight.
Back to my question of what I am doing this morning - well, same thing I have done nearly every day this week - on the internet looking at jobs. I did find one at another company in which I know a doctor whose husband works there. So, I completed the application then sent my doctor friend an email for her to ask her husband to see if he could pull my application and possibly see if I would be a fit for their company. I've been told more and more often, you have to know someone in order to get somewhere. Lucky for me I have worked with lots of people over the past 26 years and most I still have their emails or know where they are. But still, the job must be a fit or getting it will be a disappointment for all.
And I don't like to be disappointed. I want a job where I will be a viable part of the team. I want my skills and abilities utilized and enhanced. I want to make the best, better. One would think any company would want me. They do, they just don't know it. :-) Actually, at this point the biggest stumbling block is salary. The above job asked if I would take $10-$11 an hour. I honestly said no. I know my skills are worth more than that and although I do not anticipate making as much as I did before in some companies, I know that if they will take a chance on me, they will not be disappointed.
This has been my week for meeting with my doctor friends for lunch. I met with one the other day before my interview at a company nearby. Yesterday I met with another doctor friend just because I wanted to. She reminded me of someone who I might check with for a job. Actually, I had thought of this person already but didn't see any jobs at his company that I felt would pay what I needed. Still, perhaps I will send him an email and ask him if I have any of the skills his company needs and what would he be willing to pay for them.
Kind of like 'you snooze, you lose' on the jobs I am waiting for responses on.
We are having a 'block party' at our church this afternoon in lieu of a Halloween gathering. Hubby and I have both volunteered to help with it - he will be grilling hot dogs and I'm not sure where they plan to put me. I just told them that I'd help wherever I was needed. I hope my boys remember to bring the grandchildren by - one way to work out some energy!
It is another beautiful Saturday in Phoenix. I hope you can enjoy it.
Blessings!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Waiting is not fun....
As many of you on the job hunting cycle know, waiting is not fun. I was told by HR last week that the job I interviewed for, I would get an answer by the middle to the end of next week (meaning this week) and I would get an answer either way. Well, this is Friday and I still haven't heard anything as of yet. In fact, hoping to rush the answer a little bit, I took it upon myself to send the person I would report to an email (I had worked for him before so we are business 'friends') and told him I was interested in the position and would like to hear their decision. As of yet I have not received a reply. That could be for any reason; he could be out of town, he could have assigned that task to someone else, he could just be really busy. Either way, I would like to know soon.
I asked God this morning that if this job wasn't for me to receive, that the answer would be no. That if it wasn't one He wanted me to have, the answer would be no. Now why would I do that? Because He knows my heart and my abilities. God knows what I want to do and what I would enjoy. If I get offered this job, because of our current financial situation, I would have to take it. Not that I wouldn't enjoy it or couldn't do the job well. I just need to find any job right now. I dislike very much being put in this situation.
So, I have to depend on God to rout out the jobs He doesn't want me to have. The good part of my looking for a job is that hubby is also looking for a job. For five years he refused to find employment so this is a good thing. Unfortunately, it has also made things difficult for us financially. I have enjoyed my time not working and have been seriously looking for about three months. I just never believed I would have this much difficulty in finding something - but then, sometimes God intervenes and keeps things from happening because He wants me to hold out for the one He wants me to have. Well, as I tell Him, the time is NOW.
So while I wait on that email or that specific phone call, I am continuing to submit applications and resumes to different places. I'm actually thinking of places that I could have fun at - yes, even though being a sales person is hard work, or being a waitress is hard work, I think I would have fun because I love being with people, making new friends. But as I have no idea what God has planned, I will continue to submit applications and resumes with the hopes I won't have to take the first job that comes along.
Today is a cool, beautiful day here in Phoenix. Marley kept wanting me to play rope tag with her so I finally tied it to my chair so that I could type while she played. I think she is enjoying that for she sure is making a mess at my feet with the strings she has chewed off the rope!
I'm meeting one of my friends for lunch today to catch up on things. It has been a few months since we have made contact. There are a few from my old office that I still keep in touch with and try to lunch with on occasion. I chatted with another one briefly last night and he told me that he is praying for me to get this job (he had actually forwarded my resume to this company). These are true friends, who care about m e.
But as I said at the beginning, waiting is not fun. It's been over a week since I had the telephone interview. If I don't hear today..... well, I don't know what that would mean. I'll contact my girlfriend over the weekend for I interviewed at her company the other day. They did tell me it could take two months for them to make a decision! Well, I can't wait two months. But I also don't want to take the first job offered. But I also need a job now.
So, because I know I am starting to ramble and am repeating myself (as my children often tell me), I guess this is all I'm writing today. Perhaps tomorrow I will have news to share.
Blessings!
I asked God this morning that if this job wasn't for me to receive, that the answer would be no. That if it wasn't one He wanted me to have, the answer would be no. Now why would I do that? Because He knows my heart and my abilities. God knows what I want to do and what I would enjoy. If I get offered this job, because of our current financial situation, I would have to take it. Not that I wouldn't enjoy it or couldn't do the job well. I just need to find any job right now. I dislike very much being put in this situation.
So, I have to depend on God to rout out the jobs He doesn't want me to have. The good part of my looking for a job is that hubby is also looking for a job. For five years he refused to find employment so this is a good thing. Unfortunately, it has also made things difficult for us financially. I have enjoyed my time not working and have been seriously looking for about three months. I just never believed I would have this much difficulty in finding something - but then, sometimes God intervenes and keeps things from happening because He wants me to hold out for the one He wants me to have. Well, as I tell Him, the time is NOW.
So while I wait on that email or that specific phone call, I am continuing to submit applications and resumes to different places. I'm actually thinking of places that I could have fun at - yes, even though being a sales person is hard work, or being a waitress is hard work, I think I would have fun because I love being with people, making new friends. But as I have no idea what God has planned, I will continue to submit applications and resumes with the hopes I won't have to take the first job that comes along.
Today is a cool, beautiful day here in Phoenix. Marley kept wanting me to play rope tag with her so I finally tied it to my chair so that I could type while she played. I think she is enjoying that for she sure is making a mess at my feet with the strings she has chewed off the rope!
I'm meeting one of my friends for lunch today to catch up on things. It has been a few months since we have made contact. There are a few from my old office that I still keep in touch with and try to lunch with on occasion. I chatted with another one briefly last night and he told me that he is praying for me to get this job (he had actually forwarded my resume to this company). These are true friends, who care about m e.
But as I said at the beginning, waiting is not fun. It's been over a week since I had the telephone interview. If I don't hear today..... well, I don't know what that would mean. I'll contact my girlfriend over the weekend for I interviewed at her company the other day. They did tell me it could take two months for them to make a decision! Well, I can't wait two months. But I also don't want to take the first job offered. But I also need a job now.
So, because I know I am starting to ramble and am repeating myself (as my children often tell me), I guess this is all I'm writing today. Perhaps tomorrow I will have news to share.
Blessings!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Interview Day!
I have an interview scheduled this afternoon. I'm debating on meeting someone for lunch in that area so that I will already be through the traffic before I need to meet for the interview. Yeah, this is the 23 mile job. But you know what, I got to thinking about it and the drive really isn't so bad. I didn't want to have that drive every day because of the I10 traffic, but everyone has to get to somewhere from someplace. I think I was more weary from the stress of my job, stress at home, stress within the family - and all that wore on me. I feel I am in a 'better place' now. Yes, I have had a year off work and have done many things, and that has helped me get to where I am now.
I'm ready to go back to work. I'm ready to make new friends. I'm ready to learn new things. And if I need to drive 30 miles to do that, and the pay is sufficient to help pay our bills, then I will do that. I found 3 other jobs yesterday that I applied for.
I'm finding that since most of my qualifications are in the senior administrative assistant or executive assistant area that is what I have been pretty much applying for. However, the job I am interviewing for today is quite a bit down the ladder from that. It is almost down to the base floor within the company. Not that it is a bad thing, just that I will be starting out on the ground floor should I be offered this position and should I take it. They may decide I am over qualified, which is what has happened at times in the past.
People don't stop to think that if I apply for the job that I will do an excellent job and I do not job hop. Some people will accept a job and if something better gets offered to them - off they go to it. I'm not that way, which is why I have been slow in getting a job. I want the job offered to me - and accepted - as one that I will stay at for the rest of my working career. I don't want to bounce around jobs and not know where I am. I stayed with my last company nearly 26 years - and I think that is a testament that I can weather many storms within the company and still come out on top.
I have given God the glory and honor for my early retirement, for this year at home so that I can do various things. I've walked a mini-marathon, went on a two week vacation, have been on several 'mini' vacations, spent time with children and grandchildren (although not as much as I would like), played, got Marley, read, played some more, and still not completed every thing I had hoped I would while I was off. I didn't do it because there is always time to do it and it just didn't seem that important. So here I am now still unemployed, still putting applications in, still going on interviews, still waiting. I have reached the point now where I am saying, "what now, God? What are You going to do in this situation?"
Do I still believe He orchestrated my time off? Yes. Do I still believe He will provide for us - that I will find a job that will pay the bills? Yes. Do I still believe that God is in control of my life and any job that I am offered? Yes. There is no doubt in my mind that my God is still working on my behalf.
I just don't understand the delay. Yeah, I'm just like many of you. You know that you know that you know - and God is still on His throne and is still God. But why hasn't He acted on my behalf? Only He knows that answer. My job is to wait upon Him and continue to put applications in and continue to interview and continue to wait.
Is this wait to humble me? Perhaps. Is this time given to me because something is going to happen and I need this time to mentally prepare? I don't know. Is He preparing a job for me that He wants me to have and it isn't quite ready yet? I don't know.
My job is to just wait upon Him. Doesn't mean that it is easy. I get peace, and then others push their anxiety upon me and I get unsettled. I'm trusting, and that is what I am called to do.
Why about you? Are you struggling in this midst of your current storm? Have you applied for jobs and gotten turned down? Have you cried out to God for help and He doesn't seem to hear? Have you looked at your life to see what you may need to change, to work on, so that you can receive His favor? He doesn't honor sin. And sometimes He just wants you to be totally dependent upon Him. The waiting is half the battle. But know that when you wait upon Him, and trust Him completely, He will reward your faithfulness.
I'm still waiting. And trusting. And hoping. I can hear a yes or no before this week is over from my last interview and I have another company interview today. This interview could be the best one; it is at my friend's company and we have already talked of getting together to walk on breaks and stuff. She has been a positive influence in my life. I would love to work with her again.
So I'm in turmoil - but I'm waiting. And since I can wait, I encourage you to wait as well. Ask God, Seek Him. Tell Him what you need. And wait.
Blessings!
I'm ready to go back to work. I'm ready to make new friends. I'm ready to learn new things. And if I need to drive 30 miles to do that, and the pay is sufficient to help pay our bills, then I will do that. I found 3 other jobs yesterday that I applied for.
I'm finding that since most of my qualifications are in the senior administrative assistant or executive assistant area that is what I have been pretty much applying for. However, the job I am interviewing for today is quite a bit down the ladder from that. It is almost down to the base floor within the company. Not that it is a bad thing, just that I will be starting out on the ground floor should I be offered this position and should I take it. They may decide I am over qualified, which is what has happened at times in the past.
People don't stop to think that if I apply for the job that I will do an excellent job and I do not job hop. Some people will accept a job and if something better gets offered to them - off they go to it. I'm not that way, which is why I have been slow in getting a job. I want the job offered to me - and accepted - as one that I will stay at for the rest of my working career. I don't want to bounce around jobs and not know where I am. I stayed with my last company nearly 26 years - and I think that is a testament that I can weather many storms within the company and still come out on top.
I have given God the glory and honor for my early retirement, for this year at home so that I can do various things. I've walked a mini-marathon, went on a two week vacation, have been on several 'mini' vacations, spent time with children and grandchildren (although not as much as I would like), played, got Marley, read, played some more, and still not completed every thing I had hoped I would while I was off. I didn't do it because there is always time to do it and it just didn't seem that important. So here I am now still unemployed, still putting applications in, still going on interviews, still waiting. I have reached the point now where I am saying, "what now, God? What are You going to do in this situation?"
Do I still believe He orchestrated my time off? Yes. Do I still believe He will provide for us - that I will find a job that will pay the bills? Yes. Do I still believe that God is in control of my life and any job that I am offered? Yes. There is no doubt in my mind that my God is still working on my behalf.
I just don't understand the delay. Yeah, I'm just like many of you. You know that you know that you know - and God is still on His throne and is still God. But why hasn't He acted on my behalf? Only He knows that answer. My job is to wait upon Him and continue to put applications in and continue to interview and continue to wait.
Is this wait to humble me? Perhaps. Is this time given to me because something is going to happen and I need this time to mentally prepare? I don't know. Is He preparing a job for me that He wants me to have and it isn't quite ready yet? I don't know.
My job is to just wait upon Him. Doesn't mean that it is easy. I get peace, and then others push their anxiety upon me and I get unsettled. I'm trusting, and that is what I am called to do.
Why about you? Are you struggling in this midst of your current storm? Have you applied for jobs and gotten turned down? Have you cried out to God for help and He doesn't seem to hear? Have you looked at your life to see what you may need to change, to work on, so that you can receive His favor? He doesn't honor sin. And sometimes He just wants you to be totally dependent upon Him. The waiting is half the battle. But know that when you wait upon Him, and trust Him completely, He will reward your faithfulness.
I'm still waiting. And trusting. And hoping. I can hear a yes or no before this week is over from my last interview and I have another company interview today. This interview could be the best one; it is at my friend's company and we have already talked of getting together to walk on breaks and stuff. She has been a positive influence in my life. I would love to work with her again.
So I'm in turmoil - but I'm waiting. And since I can wait, I encourage you to wait as well. Ask God, Seek Him. Tell Him what you need. And wait.
Blessings!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
You gotta love Sleeping Beauty!
As I scanned facebook this morning, a friend had posted a picture of Sleeping Beauty and her prince with the caption 'I believe loyalty is built on TRUST'. That comment is more true today as it ever has been.
Checking on definitions -
Loyalty - 1. the quality or state of being loyal. 2. the tie binding a person to something to which he is loyal.
So - if I read that correctly, it is a tie (a bond?) that draws and holds (binds) a person to that someone, or some thing, to which he believes in and will stand beside. For example, a husband and wife (or a committed couple) do not look at other men or women because they are committed, and loyal to the person they have chosen to be with. It is a choice, but a committed one. Without that commitment from both parties, there is no loyalty.
Trust - 1. assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. One in which confidence is placed. 2. dependence on something future or contingent. a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship. to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of, to believe and place confidence in.
I feel the definition of Trust explains it well. You know you can believe in the character, the ability, the strength or the truth of someone. You put your heart in that belief.
But what happens when that loyalty is broken; that trust is destroyed? What does one do? You still have a choice. You can choose to walk away and focus your broken heart on the things that need your attention right now, to be the best that you can be. Or, you can run around like a whipped puppy and get kicked and beaten up with non-trust and non-loyalty time and time again.
I'm grateful that even with our issues, my hubby and I have never strayed from our commitment to each other. I think we both decided long ago that this commitment was here to stay, that to move into another relationship was only taking the issues with us. Or baggage into other relationships - which is what we both did when we started our relationship. We have had to work through some major issues. Still do at times. But we stick together, not taking our committed relationship to others.
Baggage. It can destroy you, or it can make you stronger. Some people bring baggage with them from their childhood. They have always done this so even though the results have always been the same, they want to keep doing it. They don't want to change.
Some people bring baggage from their previous relationships or marriage. Those people need to open their eyes to see that bringing old baggage that didn't work in the first (or second, or third) relationship will probably not work in the current relationship. And that goes for both sides.
Regardless of how you feel about a person - you can like them a lot, you can care for them - but that relationship can be toxic for you if you don't have trust and loyalty. If that relationship is one you can not trust the other person to be faithful to you and you alone, then you need to pull up your boot straps and walk away, regardless of how much it hurts. You need to withhold any comments, to not spread rumors whether true or not. You don't need to 'set the record straight' with family members. You need to hold your head high and walk away with integrity.
Life sucks sometimes. Life sometimes isn't fair. I've been there, I know what I'm talking about. When you hear that a loved one isn't being honest with you, is unfaithful to you, is unconcerned about you, it breaks your heart. But you determine you will be strong and you will get through it. Show them what you are made of. You aren't a blubbering idiot like they say you are - stand tall and be proud. Listen to those who love you and want only the best for you. Reach out to those who will walk the journey with you. You are not alone. You may hear 'I told you so' - and that's ok. Listen. Change your focus on those that need you.
God doesn't allow you to go through these journeys alone. He believes in you when others walk away. He will never give up on you. He will walk with you every step of the way. You can trust His loyalty. You can never do anything that will cause Him to turn his back on you. He loves you and chooses to have a committed relationship with you.
Michael W. Smith posted on facebook this morning the following words from his Healing Rain album:
"When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water"...from Bridge Over Troubled Water on HEALING RAIN (written by Paul Simon)
and a comment from Bill Johnson, evangelist:
Checking on definitions -
Loyalty - 1. the quality or state of being loyal. 2. the tie binding a person to something to which he is loyal.
So - if I read that correctly, it is a tie (a bond?) that draws and holds (binds) a person to that someone, or some thing, to which he believes in and will stand beside. For example, a husband and wife (or a committed couple) do not look at other men or women because they are committed, and loyal to the person they have chosen to be with. It is a choice, but a committed one. Without that commitment from both parties, there is no loyalty.
Trust - 1. assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. One in which confidence is placed. 2. dependence on something future or contingent. a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship. to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of, to believe and place confidence in.
I feel the definition of Trust explains it well. You know you can believe in the character, the ability, the strength or the truth of someone. You put your heart in that belief.
But what happens when that loyalty is broken; that trust is destroyed? What does one do? You still have a choice. You can choose to walk away and focus your broken heart on the things that need your attention right now, to be the best that you can be. Or, you can run around like a whipped puppy and get kicked and beaten up with non-trust and non-loyalty time and time again.
I'm grateful that even with our issues, my hubby and I have never strayed from our commitment to each other. I think we both decided long ago that this commitment was here to stay, that to move into another relationship was only taking the issues with us. Or baggage into other relationships - which is what we both did when we started our relationship. We have had to work through some major issues. Still do at times. But we stick together, not taking our committed relationship to others.
Baggage. It can destroy you, or it can make you stronger. Some people bring baggage with them from their childhood. They have always done this so even though the results have always been the same, they want to keep doing it. They don't want to change.
Some people bring baggage from their previous relationships or marriage. Those people need to open their eyes to see that bringing old baggage that didn't work in the first (or second, or third) relationship will probably not work in the current relationship. And that goes for both sides.
Regardless of how you feel about a person - you can like them a lot, you can care for them - but that relationship can be toxic for you if you don't have trust and loyalty. If that relationship is one you can not trust the other person to be faithful to you and you alone, then you need to pull up your boot straps and walk away, regardless of how much it hurts. You need to withhold any comments, to not spread rumors whether true or not. You don't need to 'set the record straight' with family members. You need to hold your head high and walk away with integrity.
Life sucks sometimes. Life sometimes isn't fair. I've been there, I know what I'm talking about. When you hear that a loved one isn't being honest with you, is unfaithful to you, is unconcerned about you, it breaks your heart. But you determine you will be strong and you will get through it. Show them what you are made of. You aren't a blubbering idiot like they say you are - stand tall and be proud. Listen to those who love you and want only the best for you. Reach out to those who will walk the journey with you. You are not alone. You may hear 'I told you so' - and that's ok. Listen. Change your focus on those that need you.
God doesn't allow you to go through these journeys alone. He believes in you when others walk away. He will never give up on you. He will walk with you every step of the way. You can trust His loyalty. You can never do anything that will cause Him to turn his back on you. He loves you and chooses to have a committed relationship with you.
Michael W. Smith posted on facebook this morning the following words from his Healing Rain album:
"When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water"...from Bridge Over Troubled Water on HEALING RAIN (written by Paul Simon)
and a comment from Bill Johnson, evangelist:
Monday, October 22, 2012
The week of waiting.....
This could possibly be a l-o-n-g week - or it could be a short week. Depends on how one looks at it! From my interview last Friday, I was told that 'one way or another, I will be notified the middle to end of this week as to the outcome'. In other words, they'll let me know sometime this week if I get the job or not. Personally, I'm praying they will notify me sometime today. I know, it isn't the middle of the week but I have the possibility of three more interviews this week - and why waste their time - and mine! When that company calls today to schedule the interviews, I am going to try for Wednesday or Thursday so that I will hear about this job first. I hope. The distance is a big issue right now - the job I'm waiting to hear on is only 7 miles away. Very good for gas prices and time on the road. The other job(s) are 23 miles away. Which means long driving time. But, I've done it in the past and I can do it again. I'm anticipating the pay to be different as well. Not even comparable. But, I'm praying, as are others, that I will hear soon so that I will know how to plan and what to do. Either way, am hoping - sorta - that this is my last 'free' week before getting back into the work force. I just don't want it to be laden down with concern if I have a job or not. Time will tell. I will either be concerned by the middle to end of week or celebrating I have a few more days.
In my quiet time this morning I came across a scripture in Proverbs which has great meaning right now.
Proverbs 27:19
As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.
There is a lot of 'stuff' going on in my family right now, some very painful, and it grieves my heart to see that one's Christian witness has gone down the drain with their behavior over a very difficult situation. All the good they have done is worthless. And it saddens me to see it. All I can do is pray for wisdom and strength for those involved. I have tried to encourage and help them to see this is a valuable opportunity for them to show their strength and ability to handle this task thrown in their lap. But the enemy keeps knocking them down with 'threats' and 'demands' and one whom they truly believed loved them has shown their true colors and turned their back on them in this midst of this stressful situation.
What happened to standing by someone when they are going through difficult times? A few more scriptures to make my point.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 19:4
Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man’s friend deserts him
Proverbs 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered
Just a few scriptures to get you thinking this morning. Friend could also be relative. It is someone who is close. Sometimes I just want to grab hold of their neck and just shake them really, really hard! In Jesus' name, of course. No need to go into details, but would appreciate prayers for those involved. Sometimes that is the best we can do. We all have our limitations on what we are 'allowed' to do. And I'll stop with that. Big sigh.
We made a quick run up to Prescott Valley after church yesterday to visit a friend who is in the hospital. It was good visiting with he and his wife, and towards the end of our visit, we found he was getting a little distracted in his thinking. When the nursing assistant came in she found his oxygen line had separated from the wall. She plugged it back in and kept telling him to breathe through his nose and out his mouth, finally saying that she would be back later to check it again. It was after we prayed for him and were getting ready to leave that we noticed how much he had perked up and was more alert and responsive.
As I think about that this morning, I am reminded of the song 'This is the air I breathe'.
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence
Living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word
Spoken to me
And I ... I'm desperate for you
And I ... I'm lost without you
This is air I breathe
This is air I breathe
Your holy presence
Living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word
Spoken to me
And I ... I'm desperate for you
And I ... I'm lost without you (eh hey, yeah)
And I ... I'm desperate for you
And I ... I'm lost without you
And I ... I'm desperate for you
And I ... I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you (Father)
I'm lost..without you
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
As our friend's body was desperate for the oxygen it needed, we are designed not only for air to breathe to keep us alive, but we are designed for the air of the Holy Spirit. Are you desperate for the Holy Spirit to fill you, complete you? Do you long for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, the strength that can only come from being His? Are you dependent upon the air of the world, or the Air of the Holy One to complete you and walk with you through the many journeys you are taking?
I know that I'm desperate for Him. I shudder to think what I would have become had I not given my life over to Jesus. He has permission to do anything with me that He wants. He can take me through any battles, any struggles, He wants; for in these He walks with me and helps me to know how to walk with others. And we all need others to walk with us through these struggles. Even so, you are never alone.
Breathe deep, and long. He is all you need to get you through this. You CAN get through this. You WILL get through this, and you will be stronger and wiser because of it. Don't have a pity party for yourself, although it could be justifiable. Determine you will rise up and be strong in the midst of the crisis. We're praying.
Blessings!
In my quiet time this morning I came across a scripture in Proverbs which has great meaning right now.
Proverbs 27:19
As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.
There is a lot of 'stuff' going on in my family right now, some very painful, and it grieves my heart to see that one's Christian witness has gone down the drain with their behavior over a very difficult situation. All the good they have done is worthless. And it saddens me to see it. All I can do is pray for wisdom and strength for those involved. I have tried to encourage and help them to see this is a valuable opportunity for them to show their strength and ability to handle this task thrown in their lap. But the enemy keeps knocking them down with 'threats' and 'demands' and one whom they truly believed loved them has shown their true colors and turned their back on them in this midst of this stressful situation.
What happened to standing by someone when they are going through difficult times? A few more scriptures to make my point.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 19:4
Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man’s friend deserts him
Proverbs 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered
Just a few scriptures to get you thinking this morning. Friend could also be relative. It is someone who is close. Sometimes I just want to grab hold of their neck and just shake them really, really hard! In Jesus' name, of course. No need to go into details, but would appreciate prayers for those involved. Sometimes that is the best we can do. We all have our limitations on what we are 'allowed' to do. And I'll stop with that. Big sigh.
We made a quick run up to Prescott Valley after church yesterday to visit a friend who is in the hospital. It was good visiting with he and his wife, and towards the end of our visit, we found he was getting a little distracted in his thinking. When the nursing assistant came in she found his oxygen line had separated from the wall. She plugged it back in and kept telling him to breathe through his nose and out his mouth, finally saying that she would be back later to check it again. It was after we prayed for him and were getting ready to leave that we noticed how much he had perked up and was more alert and responsive.
As I think about that this morning, I am reminded of the song 'This is the air I breathe'.
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence
Living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word
Spoken to me
And I ... I'm desperate for you
And I ... I'm lost without you
This is air I breathe
This is air I breathe
Your holy presence
Living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word
Spoken to me
And I ... I'm desperate for you
And I ... I'm lost without you (eh hey, yeah)
And I ... I'm desperate for you
And I ... I'm lost without you
And I ... I'm desperate for you
And I ... I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you (Father)
I'm lost..without you
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
As our friend's body was desperate for the oxygen it needed, we are designed not only for air to breathe to keep us alive, but we are designed for the air of the Holy Spirit. Are you desperate for the Holy Spirit to fill you, complete you? Do you long for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, the strength that can only come from being His? Are you dependent upon the air of the world, or the Air of the Holy One to complete you and walk with you through the many journeys you are taking?
I know that I'm desperate for Him. I shudder to think what I would have become had I not given my life over to Jesus. He has permission to do anything with me that He wants. He can take me through any battles, any struggles, He wants; for in these He walks with me and helps me to know how to walk with others. And we all need others to walk with us through these struggles. Even so, you are never alone.
Breathe deep, and long. He is all you need to get you through this. You CAN get through this. You WILL get through this, and you will be stronger and wiser because of it. Don't have a pity party for yourself, although it could be justifiable. Determine you will rise up and be strong in the midst of the crisis. We're praying.
Blessings!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Enjoying the morning....
What a beautiful morning it is outside! The air is cool, the sun is shining and the hubby is gone for a meeting and the dog is outside. It couldn't be better! Ok, just kidding! Well, all I said was true. I was kidding about the 'couldn't be better' comment. (big smile)
I am enjoying the quietness of the morning. I haven't even put a CD on yet to listen to. I have been on the computer for a little while, printing information for an upcoming interview. YES! I have a telephone interview scheduled today at 11AM. I printed off information about the company so that I will know something about it. Well, I do know some things, but not all.
I do know my doctor does not like this company and won't accept their insurance. Should that be reason for me to say no? I don't think so. In the past he hasn't taken other insurance and we've had to pay and submit ourselves, and if I get this job I may just have to do it again. At least I will have a good paying job with good benefits.
So if you read this blog before 11AM Phoenix time, would you please offer up a prayer for me that I will do well on the interview and will have God's favor for the job? It's a position that I know well and have done for several years. I have been praying about these jobs for a few weeks. I really expected the three jobs I applied for at my friend's company to have already contacted me and set up interviews. I have prayed though that God would send the job He wanted me to take. I haven't heard from the other company at all, in spite of my friend contacting HR to set it up.
Please pray also that if I am offered this job, I will know this is the one to take. It is about seven miles away from my house, if it is that location. I'm still a little confused as to where I have applied. My friend who submitted my resume is in one location, but when I applied, the name of the company came up different. I don't know where I am applying at this moment. I am hoping to find out what the connection is between the two names - are they merging or what.
Ugh! Interruptions by phone! This is the second time in ten minutes that 'Ann, from ?? regarding your credit card and we can lower your interest rate' recorded message calls. I am paying off the credit cards - and don't want any more! Leave me alone! Since my call is coming from Minnesota this morning, I want to make sure I answer every odd number I don't recognize. Who knows, they may have to call early - or late.
I Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
I am relying on that verse. I don't need anxiety in my life, so I am giving it all to God, so that He can take care of this situation for me.
What about you? Do you feel overwhelmed with your job situation, with your financial situation, with your children? Your spouse? I think we all do at times. But what do you do with that anxiety? I have learned over the years it is much easier to give it to Him to take care of than hanging on to it. It only causes me to be angry, frustrated, irritable - things that I don't want to be.
Take a few minutes and think over your attitude lately; how has it been? Have you been cranky because of financial issues or other things going on in your life? GET OVER IT! (my favorite saying!) Do you really think YOU can do anything about it? Well, yes, you can work on getting things straightened out, but you can only do it with His help. Trust Him. He says to trust Him. I do.
God has brought me through many, many trials and tribulations. He covered me with His hand when I was being beaten down, and He held me in His hand when I needed carrying. He does that for you too.
It's a beautiful day outside and I hope that you can enjoy the beautify of the day. Stop and look about you at the beauty of God's creation. The trees, the blue sky, the, well, I thought I saw a cloud but it's gone now. The green of the grass if you have any. The peacefulness of silence. Thank Him for all that you have. If you are reading this, you have more than most people. If you have a bed to sleep in, food to eat, a roof over your head, that is much more than many. Be grateful, and thankful.
Enjoy your day. God created it for you to enjoy. If you are struggling, give it to Him and then sit back and enjoy the ride, for when God is in control, you are going places!
Blessings!
I am enjoying the quietness of the morning. I haven't even put a CD on yet to listen to. I have been on the computer for a little while, printing information for an upcoming interview. YES! I have a telephone interview scheduled today at 11AM. I printed off information about the company so that I will know something about it. Well, I do know some things, but not all.
I do know my doctor does not like this company and won't accept their insurance. Should that be reason for me to say no? I don't think so. In the past he hasn't taken other insurance and we've had to pay and submit ourselves, and if I get this job I may just have to do it again. At least I will have a good paying job with good benefits.
So if you read this blog before 11AM Phoenix time, would you please offer up a prayer for me that I will do well on the interview and will have God's favor for the job? It's a position that I know well and have done for several years. I have been praying about these jobs for a few weeks. I really expected the three jobs I applied for at my friend's company to have already contacted me and set up interviews. I have prayed though that God would send the job He wanted me to take. I haven't heard from the other company at all, in spite of my friend contacting HR to set it up.
Please pray also that if I am offered this job, I will know this is the one to take. It is about seven miles away from my house, if it is that location. I'm still a little confused as to where I have applied. My friend who submitted my resume is in one location, but when I applied, the name of the company came up different. I don't know where I am applying at this moment. I am hoping to find out what the connection is between the two names - are they merging or what.
Ugh! Interruptions by phone! This is the second time in ten minutes that 'Ann, from ?? regarding your credit card and we can lower your interest rate' recorded message calls. I am paying off the credit cards - and don't want any more! Leave me alone! Since my call is coming from Minnesota this morning, I want to make sure I answer every odd number I don't recognize. Who knows, they may have to call early - or late.
I Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
I am relying on that verse. I don't need anxiety in my life, so I am giving it all to God, so that He can take care of this situation for me.
What about you? Do you feel overwhelmed with your job situation, with your financial situation, with your children? Your spouse? I think we all do at times. But what do you do with that anxiety? I have learned over the years it is much easier to give it to Him to take care of than hanging on to it. It only causes me to be angry, frustrated, irritable - things that I don't want to be.
Take a few minutes and think over your attitude lately; how has it been? Have you been cranky because of financial issues or other things going on in your life? GET OVER IT! (my favorite saying!) Do you really think YOU can do anything about it? Well, yes, you can work on getting things straightened out, but you can only do it with His help. Trust Him. He says to trust Him. I do.
God has brought me through many, many trials and tribulations. He covered me with His hand when I was being beaten down, and He held me in His hand when I needed carrying. He does that for you too.
It's a beautiful day outside and I hope that you can enjoy the beautify of the day. Stop and look about you at the beauty of God's creation. The trees, the blue sky, the, well, I thought I saw a cloud but it's gone now. The green of the grass if you have any. The peacefulness of silence. Thank Him for all that you have. If you are reading this, you have more than most people. If you have a bed to sleep in, food to eat, a roof over your head, that is much more than many. Be grateful, and thankful.
Enjoy your day. God created it for you to enjoy. If you are struggling, give it to Him and then sit back and enjoy the ride, for when God is in control, you are going places!
Blessings!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
AC fixed and continuing stories....
Day 2 - Late last night my sissy sent a few more stories of her childhood so I want to add these before I delete them off my phone. I'm hoping I can get the entire story in the few sentences that she shared. I'm still cracking up about the dishtowel pinned on her backside for tattling. I remember mama many time threatening to sew lace on Little Mike's pants for tattling. Anyway, here are a few more of my sister's remembrances.
There was a time that my little sissy wanted to run away, but there were dogs down the street and she didn't think she could get past them. I know those dogs! There were two dobermans about a block from our house. I had to walk past them every day to catch the school bus. I was terrified. Back then dogs did not have to be kept in a fenced yard; they could roam the streets. These two dogs would bark and follow me all the way to the bus stop. I was terrified every day.
It is my sissy's fault our family stopped with our youngest brother! She said that she was given a choice of getting a little brother or a swing set. She chose the swing set. I think we all would probably choose that over another sibling - mainly after they are grown! Then there was a big tree in our backyard that had a door on it and she just knew the three bears lived in that tree. She kept knocking on the door but they wouldn't answer. I don't remember that tree!
One of our older brothers was a prankster. I guess after our youngest brother was born our older brother was carrying him, wrapped in a blanket, when in reality he had one of my sissy's dolls. Then he 'tripped' and dropped the 'baby' - which threw our little sissy into a tizzy! And last of all, my sissy shared at one time in her life she thought she was a princess because her big brother Sam said she was.
Hmmm. My granddaughters know they are Princesses..... because Grandma says the by are!
I'm trying to remember some of my own stories, but I think that would be for a time I would dedicate the entire blog to any remembrances I could think of. I may have to think awhile on those.
I did get somewhat good news this morning - I received a telephone call from one company I had applied at and they will call back tomorrow at 11AM for a phone interview. This job is within a ten mile radius, which is what I have been asking for. I don't know what the salary is, but I am confident it would be comparable to what I made before as it is a very similar job. It would be good if I could start next week.
After I received the phone call this morning I went back to my journal to see what I wrote in my prayers. Sure enough, I asked God for His favor today, that I would get a telephone call for the job He wants me to have. That is the only call I have received thus far today. I am trusting in Him that this will be where He wants me. The plus side is I know the 'boss' already and he has actively been involved in getting my resume to the right people. I had worked with him before at my previous company so he knows me, knows my work ethics. It will be good to get back to work again. Now if only hubby could find a job too, that would help immensely.
We took Marley to be weighed this morning and get her heart worm pill at the vet. She is up to 51.3 pounds now (6 months old). From there we took her to the dog park nearby. We have always been somewhat protective of her since she isn't around other dogs much. While we were at the dog park other people came in with their dogs. Two dogs were huge English Mastiffs. Adorable, but huge. Then another couple brought in two lab/chow mix dogs. They talked me into removing the leash from Marley. We kept her on the leash because we weren't sure how she'd act - but once she was off it - she took off running and playing with the other dogs. DUH. From now on we will remove the leash when we get there and just let her run. Made me wish we had another dog for her to play with. She had a fun morning at the dog park. I gave her some doggy ice cream this afternoon along with her heart worm pill. She lapped it up. Currently I am sitting on the recliner couch and she is laying next to the couch. I have found if I am on the computer at the desk, she will lay down on the kitchen tile. If I am in my recliner, many times she is under it. When I am here on the couch, she will lay next to the couch or under my feet. She definitely wants to protect me.
Don't have much to share so guess I'll close for today. Just don't have my thoughts in blogging mode, I guess. Perhaps tomorrow.
Oh yeah - the thingy on the air conditioner was pitted and stuck in fan mode. Got it replaced and it is working fine now. :-)
Blessings!
There was a time that my little sissy wanted to run away, but there were dogs down the street and she didn't think she could get past them. I know those dogs! There were two dobermans about a block from our house. I had to walk past them every day to catch the school bus. I was terrified. Back then dogs did not have to be kept in a fenced yard; they could roam the streets. These two dogs would bark and follow me all the way to the bus stop. I was terrified every day.
It is my sissy's fault our family stopped with our youngest brother! She said that she was given a choice of getting a little brother or a swing set. She chose the swing set. I think we all would probably choose that over another sibling - mainly after they are grown! Then there was a big tree in our backyard that had a door on it and she just knew the three bears lived in that tree. She kept knocking on the door but they wouldn't answer. I don't remember that tree!
One of our older brothers was a prankster. I guess after our youngest brother was born our older brother was carrying him, wrapped in a blanket, when in reality he had one of my sissy's dolls. Then he 'tripped' and dropped the 'baby' - which threw our little sissy into a tizzy! And last of all, my sissy shared at one time in her life she thought she was a princess because her big brother Sam said she was.
Hmmm. My granddaughters know they are Princesses..... because Grandma says the by are!
I'm trying to remember some of my own stories, but I think that would be for a time I would dedicate the entire blog to any remembrances I could think of. I may have to think awhile on those.
I did get somewhat good news this morning - I received a telephone call from one company I had applied at and they will call back tomorrow at 11AM for a phone interview. This job is within a ten mile radius, which is what I have been asking for. I don't know what the salary is, but I am confident it would be comparable to what I made before as it is a very similar job. It would be good if I could start next week.
After I received the phone call this morning I went back to my journal to see what I wrote in my prayers. Sure enough, I asked God for His favor today, that I would get a telephone call for the job He wants me to have. That is the only call I have received thus far today. I am trusting in Him that this will be where He wants me. The plus side is I know the 'boss' already and he has actively been involved in getting my resume to the right people. I had worked with him before at my previous company so he knows me, knows my work ethics. It will be good to get back to work again. Now if only hubby could find a job too, that would help immensely.
We took Marley to be weighed this morning and get her heart worm pill at the vet. She is up to 51.3 pounds now (6 months old). From there we took her to the dog park nearby. We have always been somewhat protective of her since she isn't around other dogs much. While we were at the dog park other people came in with their dogs. Two dogs were huge English Mastiffs. Adorable, but huge. Then another couple brought in two lab/chow mix dogs. They talked me into removing the leash from Marley. We kept her on the leash because we weren't sure how she'd act - but once she was off it - she took off running and playing with the other dogs. DUH. From now on we will remove the leash when we get there and just let her run. Made me wish we had another dog for her to play with. She had a fun morning at the dog park. I gave her some doggy ice cream this afternoon along with her heart worm pill. She lapped it up. Currently I am sitting on the recliner couch and she is laying next to the couch. I have found if I am on the computer at the desk, she will lay down on the kitchen tile. If I am in my recliner, many times she is under it. When I am here on the couch, she will lay next to the couch or under my feet. She definitely wants to protect me.
Don't have much to share so guess I'll close for today. Just don't have my thoughts in blogging mode, I guess. Perhaps tomorrow.
Oh yeah - the thingy on the air conditioner was pitted and stuck in fan mode. Got it replaced and it is working fine now. :-)
Blessings!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
AC problems and stories from the past....
This morning I heard Tom get up and open up the front and back doors. Nothing unusual, as it is really nice and cool out in the early mornings. As I sat in my room, I kept feeling cold air come in through the vent, and heard a motor running. I tried to change the temp on the air conditioner as it seemed the air was on. Nothing happened, and the motor kept running. Long story short, we can not get the motor on the air conditioner to shut off so have a call into the repair company to get someone out to fix it. We called at 8AM and here it is 1:34PM and they still haven't arrived. They did call about 30 minutes ago and said about an hour and a half before they could get here. In the meantime, the motor is still running. Hopefully it is covered under our service warranty. Cost $59 for them to come look at it. They were happy to hear it is on the ground (the air conditioner) and not on the roof as many are out here. And the temps are only in the 90's versus the 100's.
Sitting here chatting on my phone (IM) with my brother and sister while trying to decide what topic I should talk about today. My bro said I needed to talk about my sister. I asked which one (I have two) and of course he started on the youngest one.
I will type what my sissy said to put...... "How she put her hand out for another 25 cents... or twange that guitar one more time? or how she would have to have a kitchen towel penned to her backside because she tattles on Little Mike or how...??"
And she told me not to mention the 'Miracle Baby' for it makes someone upset. LOL
So now I've shared something to get you thinking. Did she really have a kitchen towel pinned to her backside because she tattled on Little Mike? LOL And the Miracle Baby story.... well, it IS her story. She says mama told her that, so I have to believe her. I know our brother doesn't believe it, but he's a man.
I'm waiting to hear if they have any other gossip to share....
Stories from when we grew up.... I have blocked so much from my childhood memory that I don't remember much to tell. I do remember my older sister beating me with a belt a lot. But I don't remember being bad. I remember when I was in high school and my older sister still lived at home, that I borrowed one of her pullover short sleeve sweaters. It was pink, my favorite color. I had an 'N' initial pin and wore it alot, so when I borrowed her sweater, I pinned my 'N' on it. When I got home from school, I carefully made sure it was clean and hung it back in her closet. Sigh. Yeah, that's what I forgot. She asked me if I had worn her sweater. Now why would I do that? Yet, the 'N' left pinned on the sweater accused me and I had to confess. Did I ever get into trouble for borrowing it!
I remember my high school years in which I had to hand wash and dry dishes every night. I also loved to read and could read an entire novel (usually Grace Livingston Hill books) in one evening. Phyllis Whitney was another favorite author. Anyway, I would prop the book on the back of the sink and read a page, do a dish, read a page, do a dish. If I neglected to make sure all the dishes were put away and nothing left on the counter before going to bed, my stepfather would wake me up at 1AM to find all the dishes in the cabinets setting on the counter and being told to wash and dry them again and put away. It only took once, that I recall. We didn't have a dishwasher machine; I was the dishwasher person.
They aren't sharing any more stories and I need to save some for another day so guess that I'll hush for today and move on.
What are some stories you remember and would like to share? I know I need to do what I always told my mama to do - write them down so that we can pass the stories on to the grandchildren. Maybe it would make them smile.
Blessings!
Sitting here chatting on my phone (IM) with my brother and sister while trying to decide what topic I should talk about today. My bro said I needed to talk about my sister. I asked which one (I have two) and of course he started on the youngest one.
I will type what my sissy said to put...... "How she put her hand out for another 25 cents... or twange that guitar one more time? or how she would have to have a kitchen towel penned to her backside because she tattles on Little Mike or how...??"
And she told me not to mention the 'Miracle Baby' for it makes someone upset. LOL
So now I've shared something to get you thinking. Did she really have a kitchen towel pinned to her backside because she tattled on Little Mike? LOL And the Miracle Baby story.... well, it IS her story. She says mama told her that, so I have to believe her. I know our brother doesn't believe it, but he's a man.
I'm waiting to hear if they have any other gossip to share....
Stories from when we grew up.... I have blocked so much from my childhood memory that I don't remember much to tell. I do remember my older sister beating me with a belt a lot. But I don't remember being bad. I remember when I was in high school and my older sister still lived at home, that I borrowed one of her pullover short sleeve sweaters. It was pink, my favorite color. I had an 'N' initial pin and wore it alot, so when I borrowed her sweater, I pinned my 'N' on it. When I got home from school, I carefully made sure it was clean and hung it back in her closet. Sigh. Yeah, that's what I forgot. She asked me if I had worn her sweater. Now why would I do that? Yet, the 'N' left pinned on the sweater accused me and I had to confess. Did I ever get into trouble for borrowing it!
I remember my high school years in which I had to hand wash and dry dishes every night. I also loved to read and could read an entire novel (usually Grace Livingston Hill books) in one evening. Phyllis Whitney was another favorite author. Anyway, I would prop the book on the back of the sink and read a page, do a dish, read a page, do a dish. If I neglected to make sure all the dishes were put away and nothing left on the counter before going to bed, my stepfather would wake me up at 1AM to find all the dishes in the cabinets setting on the counter and being told to wash and dry them again and put away. It only took once, that I recall. We didn't have a dishwasher machine; I was the dishwasher person.
They aren't sharing any more stories and I need to save some for another day so guess that I'll hush for today and move on.
What are some stories you remember and would like to share? I know I need to do what I always told my mama to do - write them down so that we can pass the stories on to the grandchildren. Maybe it would make them smile.
Blessings!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Still waiting....
I have two companies that people there (yes, friends) want me to come work there. One is about 23 miles away and my best friend works there along with the doctor who delivered two of my grandchildren, a former CFO I worked with as well as another co-worker and another medical director. I have applied for three different jobs at this company, none of which I have experience in. But I can learn and I am willing to learn. Supposedly HR was to contact me today to set up interviews for all three jobs so that I can do it in one trip. I haven't heard anything yet. That's ok, it is very possible something came up. I can wait another day or two before contacting them.
The other job is closer and in the field for which I have great experience. I had noted a rejection 'thank you but you don't meet our requirements' in the folder previously and figured that was the end of that. But then yesterday I received an email to identify my gender and race and something else, I forget. So I did that. Then I got an email from the CMO that I needed to submit my resume with the application as they didn't get it. Well, I couldn't add the resume because the company had removed the job posting entirely. So I attached my resume to the CMO's email and sent it back to him. Told him I couldn't attach it. Now I'm waiting to hear back from him.
So I'm still waiting. I should hear something from someone within the next day or so. I did send off several resumes to other companies over the weekend. Haven't heard anything from them. And, yes, I'm still trusting that God will direct me to the one that He wants me to have.
Today has been an interesting day. We actually got up early and went to the gym to work out. I'm going to try to do this every day - get up at 4AM and get to the gym for my workout. Once I start work my work out times will be limited; I need to get in a routine while I can still take naps in the afternoon if I want to. :-) Worked out on the elliptical for an hour then we came home and did our quiet time. After a light breakfast we waited on the youngest son to come over and we met the middle son and all went to lunch at Outback to celebrate the youngest's 38th birthday. 38 years. Why, I still remember when he was just a baby......
Well, I do! Born at 9:37AM on October 16, 1974. 7 lb. 15 oz. 19 1/2 inches long. My smallest baby! Took awhile for him to grow tall, but he has. And he is my Army boy. As a youngster he sure managed to get into a lot of trouble. I think it was the 4th or 5th grade of school that we were called about him fighting at school on numerous occasions. Sigh. I wonder if it was more bullying and he was defending himself. I remember his 5th grade teacher was a male teacher. The teacher called and told me that in the previous 4 grades Stuart's teachers had been women who thought Stuart was so cute, and because he was small, he got to sit on their laps during stories. True or not, I don't know, but seems I was told that. I was assured by this male teacher it was not going to happen in His class; his first thought, he said, when he heard Stuart was going to be in his class was 'on no!!'. Yes, he did tell me that! But I think it all turned out well.
Back in 1979 when we lived about a mile or so from my mama, I received a call from mama asking me where Stuart was. I told her he was outside playing. She asked if I was sure. I thought I was, and went out looking for him. I couldn't find him. Come to find out, he had walked through neighborhoods and found his way to grandma's house. That meant so much to her, and it has become a story told and retold in the family.
I probably could tell story after story about Stuart but will stop for this blog would get too long. He is my third child, the baby of the family. Spoiled at times, yes, but all the children were at some point. Loving and caring, and always giving to the point I could kick his butt if he doesn't quit it. He would help a buddy out in a heart's beat, although it would be difficult for himself to make up the loss.
Some day I hope he grows up. I'm sure he will, but at 38..... one can only continue to hope. Love you son. Happy 38th birthday.
Take a moment to tell your child you love and care for them. I just did.
Blessings!
The other job is closer and in the field for which I have great experience. I had noted a rejection 'thank you but you don't meet our requirements' in the folder previously and figured that was the end of that. But then yesterday I received an email to identify my gender and race and something else, I forget. So I did that. Then I got an email from the CMO that I needed to submit my resume with the application as they didn't get it. Well, I couldn't add the resume because the company had removed the job posting entirely. So I attached my resume to the CMO's email and sent it back to him. Told him I couldn't attach it. Now I'm waiting to hear back from him.
So I'm still waiting. I should hear something from someone within the next day or so. I did send off several resumes to other companies over the weekend. Haven't heard anything from them. And, yes, I'm still trusting that God will direct me to the one that He wants me to have.
Today has been an interesting day. We actually got up early and went to the gym to work out. I'm going to try to do this every day - get up at 4AM and get to the gym for my workout. Once I start work my work out times will be limited; I need to get in a routine while I can still take naps in the afternoon if I want to. :-) Worked out on the elliptical for an hour then we came home and did our quiet time. After a light breakfast we waited on the youngest son to come over and we met the middle son and all went to lunch at Outback to celebrate the youngest's 38th birthday. 38 years. Why, I still remember when he was just a baby......
Well, I do! Born at 9:37AM on October 16, 1974. 7 lb. 15 oz. 19 1/2 inches long. My smallest baby! Took awhile for him to grow tall, but he has. And he is my Army boy. As a youngster he sure managed to get into a lot of trouble. I think it was the 4th or 5th grade of school that we were called about him fighting at school on numerous occasions. Sigh. I wonder if it was more bullying and he was defending himself. I remember his 5th grade teacher was a male teacher. The teacher called and told me that in the previous 4 grades Stuart's teachers had been women who thought Stuart was so cute, and because he was small, he got to sit on their laps during stories. True or not, I don't know, but seems I was told that. I was assured by this male teacher it was not going to happen in His class; his first thought, he said, when he heard Stuart was going to be in his class was 'on no!!'. Yes, he did tell me that! But I think it all turned out well.
Back in 1979 when we lived about a mile or so from my mama, I received a call from mama asking me where Stuart was. I told her he was outside playing. She asked if I was sure. I thought I was, and went out looking for him. I couldn't find him. Come to find out, he had walked through neighborhoods and found his way to grandma's house. That meant so much to her, and it has become a story told and retold in the family.
I probably could tell story after story about Stuart but will stop for this blog would get too long. He is my third child, the baby of the family. Spoiled at times, yes, but all the children were at some point. Loving and caring, and always giving to the point I could kick his butt if he doesn't quit it. He would help a buddy out in a heart's beat, although it would be difficult for himself to make up the loss.
Some day I hope he grows up. I'm sure he will, but at 38..... one can only continue to hope. Love you son. Happy 38th birthday.
Take a moment to tell your child you love and care for them. I just did.
Blessings!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!!
I watched Tangled recently with one of my granddaughters and as her long brown hair and brown eyes remind me of Rapunzel, I gave her my Rapunzel doll I bought from Ashton Drake several years ago. From the moment I had seen the doll in the catalog, I knew I had to have it. When I finally was able to purchase it, I knew whom I would pass it on to. It was a joy for me to give it to her for her 21st birthday. Hopefully it will mean as much to her as it did to me.
I have also passed on my Quinceanera doll to another granddaughter on her 16th birthday, only to be told those happen on the 15th. Oh well. I had always said that doll would belong to this granddaughter because she is my Hispanic granddaughter. Hopefully it will mean as much to her as time goes by as it did to me.
As I sit here and think about my dolls and about my beautiful granddaughters, I am reminded of something that happened when we moved into this house - probably about 16 years ago or so. The real reason we had to buy this house - other than it was 'pink' - was that when our granddaughter, who was about 5 at that time walked in, her first comment (or thereabout) was "this is a grandma house!" End of story. SOLD.
Shortly after we moved in, hubby left to go get something. As he does every time, he locked all the doors and left. A few minutes later my daughter pulls up, wanting to come in and see how we were doing on getting settled. She got a huge laugh out of this, and actually began calling out - "Rapunzel, Rapunzel! Let down your hair!!" Why? Because at that time we only had one key, all the locks on the doors are key locks, and Tom had the only key and had literally locked me inside the house! The windows had been painted shut years ago by the previous owners. I could not get out of the house - could not open window or door. Needless to say, we had more keys made shortly after that incident!
But, my darling hubby has always had this fear issue. He is always afraid something is going to happen to me; happen to the car; happen to the dog; happen to the house, well, you get the picture. There is reasonable fear, and then there is uncontrollable fear, which is my diagnosis of what he has. It drives me crazy. Sometimes his fear transfers to me on some issues, and I find I can be afraid of my own shadow, unless I give myself a real talking to and remind myself Whom I belong to. If something happens to me, it is because He has allowed it and will work through it. Nothing anyone can do - hubby or otherwise - is going to change something God has already planned to happen. God works through these situations, accidents, problems. There are far greater things people should be afraid of.
I John 4:7-21 " Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears' is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
That section of scripture is so good I had to take it to the end of that section. Perfect love drives out fear. I'm thinking of the subject fear because just this morning it was a topic of conversation- and not from me. Fear the dog would try to get in my lap while driving if I was driving alone with the dog. Since I have never driven with the dog with me, I have always sat in the back with her, I don't understand the fear. Imagination can be the worst fear, I think.
So now I will probably get a comment or two because I have put it 'out there' for you to read. Although I don't know of very many that read my blog; mainly hubby and my children.
Fear. It can control you. It can destroy relationships. It can destroy you. In the movie Tangled the witch had stolen Rapunzel for the secret of her hair. She tried to make her afraid of the world beyond her tower home. Once Rapunzel escaped, she knew she needn't be afraid of everything. And I know that too. Sometimes I feel like Rapunzel, only I have really short hair and couldn't possibly escape if that was my escape route.
I choose not to be afraid of life. To be afraid of circumstances. To be afraid of those things I don't need to be afraid of. I know in WHOM I have believed, and I believe that He will keep me until that day He chooses to call me Home.
God tells Joshua many, many times to 'Be strong and courageous'. 'Be strong and very courageous.' 'Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I believe that God is telling us today that as well. Do not be afraid, for the Lord our God will be with us wherever we go.
When my oldest granddaughter was a toddler, my greatest fear was that something would happen to her. I prayed intensely for the safety of this granddaughter, so great was my fear. One day God sharply asked me if I trusted Him with the life of this granddaughter. "Yes" was my response. "I trust You, God, to take care of her." He reminded me that when I released my precious granddaughter to Him, she became His responsibility, no matter what happened. The burden lifted from my shoulders, the fear I had carried for so long. I knew I could trust God to care for her, no matter what. And I entrust her to him even yet today. Thank you, God, for watching over all my grandchildren and keeping them safe.
What is fear keeping you from? Is your life more enjoyable because you have this fear - whatever it is of - or do you find yourself uptight and intense? Who are you trusting more in - your ability to protect, or God's? I prefer to let go and let God. After all, He is with those I love always, even when I can't be.
Let go. Let God. R-E-L-A-X!!
Blessings!
I have also passed on my Quinceanera doll to another granddaughter on her 16th birthday, only to be told those happen on the 15th. Oh well. I had always said that doll would belong to this granddaughter because she is my Hispanic granddaughter. Hopefully it will mean as much to her as time goes by as it did to me.
As I sit here and think about my dolls and about my beautiful granddaughters, I am reminded of something that happened when we moved into this house - probably about 16 years ago or so. The real reason we had to buy this house - other than it was 'pink' - was that when our granddaughter, who was about 5 at that time walked in, her first comment (or thereabout) was "this is a grandma house!" End of story. SOLD.
Shortly after we moved in, hubby left to go get something. As he does every time, he locked all the doors and left. A few minutes later my daughter pulls up, wanting to come in and see how we were doing on getting settled. She got a huge laugh out of this, and actually began calling out - "Rapunzel, Rapunzel! Let down your hair!!" Why? Because at that time we only had one key, all the locks on the doors are key locks, and Tom had the only key and had literally locked me inside the house! The windows had been painted shut years ago by the previous owners. I could not get out of the house - could not open window or door. Needless to say, we had more keys made shortly after that incident!
But, my darling hubby has always had this fear issue. He is always afraid something is going to happen to me; happen to the car; happen to the dog; happen to the house, well, you get the picture. There is reasonable fear, and then there is uncontrollable fear, which is my diagnosis of what he has. It drives me crazy. Sometimes his fear transfers to me on some issues, and I find I can be afraid of my own shadow, unless I give myself a real talking to and remind myself Whom I belong to. If something happens to me, it is because He has allowed it and will work through it. Nothing anyone can do - hubby or otherwise - is going to change something God has already planned to happen. God works through these situations, accidents, problems. There are far greater things people should be afraid of.
I John 4:7-21 " Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears' is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
That section of scripture is so good I had to take it to the end of that section. Perfect love drives out fear. I'm thinking of the subject fear because just this morning it was a topic of conversation- and not from me. Fear the dog would try to get in my lap while driving if I was driving alone with the dog. Since I have never driven with the dog with me, I have always sat in the back with her, I don't understand the fear. Imagination can be the worst fear, I think.
So now I will probably get a comment or two because I have put it 'out there' for you to read. Although I don't know of very many that read my blog; mainly hubby and my children.
Fear. It can control you. It can destroy relationships. It can destroy you. In the movie Tangled the witch had stolen Rapunzel for the secret of her hair. She tried to make her afraid of the world beyond her tower home. Once Rapunzel escaped, she knew she needn't be afraid of everything. And I know that too. Sometimes I feel like Rapunzel, only I have really short hair and couldn't possibly escape if that was my escape route.
I choose not to be afraid of life. To be afraid of circumstances. To be afraid of those things I don't need to be afraid of. I know in WHOM I have believed, and I believe that He will keep me until that day He chooses to call me Home.
God tells Joshua many, many times to 'Be strong and courageous'. 'Be strong and very courageous.' 'Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I believe that God is telling us today that as well. Do not be afraid, for the Lord our God will be with us wherever we go.
When my oldest granddaughter was a toddler, my greatest fear was that something would happen to her. I prayed intensely for the safety of this granddaughter, so great was my fear. One day God sharply asked me if I trusted Him with the life of this granddaughter. "Yes" was my response. "I trust You, God, to take care of her." He reminded me that when I released my precious granddaughter to Him, she became His responsibility, no matter what happened. The burden lifted from my shoulders, the fear I had carried for so long. I knew I could trust God to care for her, no matter what. And I entrust her to him even yet today. Thank you, God, for watching over all my grandchildren and keeping them safe.
What is fear keeping you from? Is your life more enjoyable because you have this fear - whatever it is of - or do you find yourself uptight and intense? Who are you trusting more in - your ability to protect, or God's? I prefer to let go and let God. After all, He is with those I love always, even when I can't be.
Let go. Let God. R-E-L-A-X!!
Blessings!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
See the morning....
I'm listening to Chris Tomlin's album, See the morning, and just as the message was for me this morning at church, this song is speaking to my heart. I guess I'm needing encouragement today, for the past few days have been a struggle to get through for various reasons. "Listen" to the words of this song 'How can I keep from singing your praise?'
"There is an endless song, echos in my soul, I hear the music ring.
And tho the storms may come, I am holding on, to the Rock I cling.
How can I keep from singing your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love?
How can I keep from shouting your Name?
I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.
I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives,
And I will walk with You, knowing You'll see me through, and sing the songs You give.
How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love?
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.
I can sing in the troubled times, sing when I win, I can sing when I lose my step,
and fall down again,
I can sing 'cause You pick me up, sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer.
I can sing with my last breath, sing for I know, that I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne.
How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love?
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing."
And that is where I'm at. I was reminded of Romans 8:28 this morning in the message where Paul shares that "all things work for good for those who are called according to His purpose." I've shared that before in my blogs, how I know that God is going to take the 'now' and make it into something good. I believe that. I know that He can.
This song has always been one of my favorites to sing along to. Especially the part where it says I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, and I know my Savior lives. No matter how dark and desperate my heart feels, I know that my eyes are fixed on my Heavenly Father, who is looking down on me from above. He sends His encouragement through friends, through messages, through comfort He brings through my longing for Him.
He is my everlasting God. He won't faint, won't grow weary. He patiently listens to me when I run to Him with my fears, my struggles, my pain, my joy, my excitement - all of me. He is willing to stop whatever He is doing and listen to me.
We as parents often wish we could do that to our children without losing patience with them. But we can do that with our Abba. He opens His arms wide and receives us, right where we are.
In fact, I think I'm so relaxed I could take a nap. And as I drift off, my mind and heart will be praising Him and loving Him and submitting to Him.
Blessings!
"There is an endless song, echos in my soul, I hear the music ring.
And tho the storms may come, I am holding on, to the Rock I cling.
How can I keep from singing your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love?
How can I keep from shouting your Name?
I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.
I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives,
And I will walk with You, knowing You'll see me through, and sing the songs You give.
How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love?
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.
I can sing in the troubled times, sing when I win, I can sing when I lose my step,
and fall down again,
I can sing 'cause You pick me up, sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer.
I can sing with my last breath, sing for I know, that I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne.
How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love?
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing."
And that is where I'm at. I was reminded of Romans 8:28 this morning in the message where Paul shares that "all things work for good for those who are called according to His purpose." I've shared that before in my blogs, how I know that God is going to take the 'now' and make it into something good. I believe that. I know that He can.
This song has always been one of my favorites to sing along to. Especially the part where it says I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, and I know my Savior lives. No matter how dark and desperate my heart feels, I know that my eyes are fixed on my Heavenly Father, who is looking down on me from above. He sends His encouragement through friends, through messages, through comfort He brings through my longing for Him.
He is my everlasting God. He won't faint, won't grow weary. He patiently listens to me when I run to Him with my fears, my struggles, my pain, my joy, my excitement - all of me. He is willing to stop whatever He is doing and listen to me.
We as parents often wish we could do that to our children without losing patience with them. But we can do that with our Abba. He opens His arms wide and receives us, right where we are.
In fact, I think I'm so relaxed I could take a nap. And as I drift off, my mind and heart will be praising Him and loving Him and submitting to Him.
Blessings!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
It is then than I carried you.....
Can I just be honest with you today? Can I just open up and share what I'm feeling? Perhaps you are in the same position. Perhaps you feel the same as I feel. Will you let me share my heart today and not think less of me? Or even not think more of me. I want to share the goodness of our God. His faithfulness. His love. His comfort.
Last night I felt like I hit bottom. The overwhelming responsibility of needing to find a job right away, plus the reminder of my brother's children dying years ago - which always makes me cry - caused me to feel completely defeated and without hope. I cried, my heart in anguish over my helplessness. I didn't know where to turn; except to my Heavenly Father. I cried out to Him in my pain, my anguish.
This morning I wrote in my journal about what I felt last night, and what I was feeling this morning. I am reminded of these things; things that I believe have all been in His hands.
* I believe I am loved by God and He has my best interests at heart.
* I believe that God orchestrated my early retirement because He has something good for me.
* I believe that God walks with me through this journey and will continue to walk with me.
* I believe that God has the job being prepared for me and that it will be mine in His timing.
* I believe that God is completely in control.
* I believe that God is my Peace, my Hope, my Comfort.
Remember the story of Footprints In The Sand by Mary Stevenson?
And that is where I feel I'm at. Right now I see only one set of footprints - and I can still smile, for I see that the footprints (which is from another story) are in scattered circles, which means I am not only being carried, He is dancing with me. He is holding me close. He loves me.
I was reminded today that when I got involved in ministry I felt I shouldn't move away from my children/grandchildren; I felt I needed to be here. I still feel that way. However, I have missed opportunities of being in ministry. Recently I have told God that if I am to move away so that I can do whatever He wants me to do, I am willing to sell all I have and go. No, I'm not doing it in hopes He will provide. I'm doing it because I am sold out to Him. If He wants me to move, He will provide all I need and will let me know clearly that is His plan. I don't know what His plan is, I just have to trust Him in it and be available to Him.
Perhaps you are struggling and feeling overwhelmed with life. Please know that you are not alone, just as I know that I am not alone in this journey. Sometimes our struggles come from our own choices; other times from the choices of others. But one thing I am sure of is that if you surrender everything to God, He will walk with you through that journey. You will not walk it alone. True, it doesn't mean you won't have a meltdown session as I felt I did last night, but it does mean that you can trust God to get you through it.
I want you to know that even in the little things, God hears and answers the prayers of you, His beloved. Nothing is too big or too small for Him. If it matters to you, it matters to Him. The more you are conscious of the fact that you are His beloved, the more you will walk in His unmerited favor in every situation! (stolen from Joseph Prince)
Trust Him; let Him dance with you. I am.
Blessings!
Last night I felt like I hit bottom. The overwhelming responsibility of needing to find a job right away, plus the reminder of my brother's children dying years ago - which always makes me cry - caused me to feel completely defeated and without hope. I cried, my heart in anguish over my helplessness. I didn't know where to turn; except to my Heavenly Father. I cried out to Him in my pain, my anguish.
This morning I wrote in my journal about what I felt last night, and what I was feeling this morning. I am reminded of these things; things that I believe have all been in His hands.
* I believe I am loved by God and He has my best interests at heart.
* I believe that God orchestrated my early retirement because He has something good for me.
* I believe that God walks with me through this journey and will continue to walk with me.
* I believe that God has the job being prepared for me and that it will be mine in His timing.
* I believe that God is completely in control.
* I believe that God is my Peace, my Hope, my Comfort.
Remember the story of Footprints In The Sand by Mary Stevenson?
| Footprints in the Sand |
| One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. |
| Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. |
| In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. |
| Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, |
| other times there were one set of footprints. |
| This bothered me because I noticed |
| that during the low periods of my life, |
| when I was suffering from |
| anguish, sorrow or defeat, |
| I could see only one set of footprints. |
| So I said to the Lord, |
| "You promised me Lord, |
| that if I followed you, |
| you would walk with me always. |
| But I have noticed that during |
| the most trying periods of my life |
| there have only been one |
| set of footprints in the sand. |
| Why, when I needed you most, |
| you have not been there for me?" |
| The Lord replied, |
| "The times when you have |
| seen only one set of footprints, |
| is when I carried you." |
I was reminded today that when I got involved in ministry I felt I shouldn't move away from my children/grandchildren; I felt I needed to be here. I still feel that way. However, I have missed opportunities of being in ministry. Recently I have told God that if I am to move away so that I can do whatever He wants me to do, I am willing to sell all I have and go. No, I'm not doing it in hopes He will provide. I'm doing it because I am sold out to Him. If He wants me to move, He will provide all I need and will let me know clearly that is His plan. I don't know what His plan is, I just have to trust Him in it and be available to Him.
Perhaps you are struggling and feeling overwhelmed with life. Please know that you are not alone, just as I know that I am not alone in this journey. Sometimes our struggles come from our own choices; other times from the choices of others. But one thing I am sure of is that if you surrender everything to God, He will walk with you through that journey. You will not walk it alone. True, it doesn't mean you won't have a meltdown session as I felt I did last night, but it does mean that you can trust God to get you through it.
I want you to know that even in the little things, God hears and answers the prayers of you, His beloved. Nothing is too big or too small for Him. If it matters to you, it matters to Him. The more you are conscious of the fact that you are His beloved, the more you will walk in His unmerited favor in every situation! (stolen from Joseph Prince)
Trust Him; let Him dance with you. I am.
Blessings!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Buddy's Story..... October 10, 1986
I wrote this brief story last year when I participated in the smoke alarm walk at my former company. Today is the 26th anniversary of Amy Renee, Kara Jean, and Irvin Hankins III (aka Little Buddy) death due to an apartment fire. It feels appropriate to put out a reminder to choose life.
--------------
My youngest brother, Buddy, had gotten up early and left his wife and three young children in bed to go to work. Within minutes after he left, a wire in an extension cord shorted out and a fire started in the apartment. The apartment, being old and framed in wood, didn’t take long for smoke, fire, and heat to spread throughout the small rooms and awaken Lori, his wife. She was able to feel the walls to get to the door of the bedroom, but could not find the children – Amy, age 5, Kara, age 4, and Little Buddy, age 1. Lori stumbled out of the apartment, hands and face burned, screaming for help to save the children, but to no avail. The heat was so intense and the building so engulfed in flames, even the fire department could not reach them. Amy and Kara were last seen standing next to the upper window and their bodies were found next to it. Little Buddy was found in his bed. All three died of smoke inhalation and burns.
--------------
October 10, 1986. It
started out as a typical work day here in Phoenix ,
and also in Indianapolis , Indiana Indiana
My youngest brother, Buddy, had gotten up early and left his wife and three young children in bed to go to work. Within minutes after he left, a wire in an extension cord shorted out and a fire started in the apartment. The apartment, being old and framed in wood, didn’t take long for smoke, fire, and heat to spread throughout the small rooms and awaken Lori, his wife. She was able to feel the walls to get to the door of the bedroom, but could not find the children – Amy, age 5, Kara, age 4, and Little Buddy, age 1. Lori stumbled out of the apartment, hands and face burned, screaming for help to save the children, but to no avail. The heat was so intense and the building so engulfed in flames, even the fire department could not reach them. Amy and Kara were last seen standing next to the upper window and their bodies were found next to it. Little Buddy was found in his bed. All three died of smoke inhalation and burns.
There was no smoke alarm in that building. There were four apartments and not a one had
a smoke alarm. Had there been one, it
could have made all the difference. Our
family has never been the same since that date.
Please do not let tragedy such as this change your family, when you
could prevent it. If you have a smoke alarm at home – check the
battery on it every month to ensure it is working. If it is old, replace it. If you don’t have one, get one. The lives you save may be your very own
children.
--------------
I hope this reminder of how precious life is will cause you to get up from your computer and check out the smoke alarm in your home. It can make the difference between life and death.
Deuteronomy 30:15-20a - "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him."
Blessings!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
When life comes crashing down....
We met a friend and her husband for dinner last night. Linda and I used to work together and have been friends for years. We still try to meet once a month for dinner and just catch up on things going on at my former place of employment and in each other's lives.
Last night I was told a few things that sent my world spinning. Well, maybe not that drastic, but it surprised me enough that I was at a loss for words. Seriously. What was all this stunning news? For one, the spouse of one of the high executives in the company had passed away in August. I knew her for we had sat together at the last board retreat I attended. It was unexpected.
I used to go on the smoke alarm walks that the fire department worked with the company on. In fact, one year I got to share the story of my two nieces and nephew dying in an apartment fire, where there was no smoke alarm. This year, Linda gave me the advertisement for it. A young man whom I sat near when our area was being remodeled a couple years ago, died recently in an apartment fire. I asked how this could happen. I knew this man as a healthy young man who would often go for walks on his breaks and was always very polite and kind. What had happened after I left was that he had recently gone through a divorce and had moved to an apartment. He took up smoking, something he had not done in years. But, in his loneliness he looked to things to take it away. He fell asleep one night smoking a cigarette, catching his bed or couch on fire. There wasn't a smoke alarm in his apartment, and he died. I don't know if he had been drinking and had passed out. I don't know if the fire had smoldered enough that he had died of smoke inhalation. But what I was told, this young man who had so much to live for, died in a stupid fire.
I was also told of about 160 (nationwide) management people that recently were released from their positions. I probably knew a few of those as well, but wasn't told the names. Their world came crashing down as they had to face looking at jobs.
As I was told all these things, I realized once again how fortunate I am. Yes, I don't have a job, but I can look and I am still trusting and believing that God will direct the right job to me. (On a good note, two jobs I applied for yesterday at the company that had already sent me three rejection letters - I have not gotten the rejection email yet.) I am healthy. I thank God that He keeps me healthy and strong. Even when I break bones in my wrist and toes, He heals them. Even when my head hurts at times, He provides relief. Even when my heart is breaking over various things, He brings His healing balm to cover me.
God meets every need He knows is a need (and not a want). Well, He does supply some of my wants too, but my greatest need is to know Him intimately. I strive for that daily. With God on my side, I will not have wants, for He will supply all I need. Why wouldn't I lean into the One who can supply everything?
The hardest part is waiting on Him. He knows the perfect timing and even though I get impatient, I pray I don't make the wrong choices because I am impatient. Sometimes He just lets me make the wrong choice, and learn from it. Some times it takes awhile to learn what I did wrong, other time it is very quick. But His patience for me is far greater than my own for myself.
Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible, tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.
The familiar chorus I learned as a child just came to me. Why am I so trusting of Him? Because Jesus loves me. He wouldn't do anything to harm me, but would do everything to love me. How do I know this? Because He went to the cross and died. Just for me. And just for you. His love for me is far greater than my love for Him.
And His love for you is far greater than your love for anything or anyone else. Jesus suffered and died on the cross, so that you can live. Don't waste opportunities to go to Him and just say 'thanks'. Tell Him you love Him. Tell Him He is LORD.
I Peter 2:21-24 - "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."
Blessings!
Last night I was told a few things that sent my world spinning. Well, maybe not that drastic, but it surprised me enough that I was at a loss for words. Seriously. What was all this stunning news? For one, the spouse of one of the high executives in the company had passed away in August. I knew her for we had sat together at the last board retreat I attended. It was unexpected.
I used to go on the smoke alarm walks that the fire department worked with the company on. In fact, one year I got to share the story of my two nieces and nephew dying in an apartment fire, where there was no smoke alarm. This year, Linda gave me the advertisement for it. A young man whom I sat near when our area was being remodeled a couple years ago, died recently in an apartment fire. I asked how this could happen. I knew this man as a healthy young man who would often go for walks on his breaks and was always very polite and kind. What had happened after I left was that he had recently gone through a divorce and had moved to an apartment. He took up smoking, something he had not done in years. But, in his loneliness he looked to things to take it away. He fell asleep one night smoking a cigarette, catching his bed or couch on fire. There wasn't a smoke alarm in his apartment, and he died. I don't know if he had been drinking and had passed out. I don't know if the fire had smoldered enough that he had died of smoke inhalation. But what I was told, this young man who had so much to live for, died in a stupid fire.
I was also told of about 160 (nationwide) management people that recently were released from their positions. I probably knew a few of those as well, but wasn't told the names. Their world came crashing down as they had to face looking at jobs.
As I was told all these things, I realized once again how fortunate I am. Yes, I don't have a job, but I can look and I am still trusting and believing that God will direct the right job to me. (On a good note, two jobs I applied for yesterday at the company that had already sent me three rejection letters - I have not gotten the rejection email yet.) I am healthy. I thank God that He keeps me healthy and strong. Even when I break bones in my wrist and toes, He heals them. Even when my head hurts at times, He provides relief. Even when my heart is breaking over various things, He brings His healing balm to cover me.
God meets every need He knows is a need (and not a want). Well, He does supply some of my wants too, but my greatest need is to know Him intimately. I strive for that daily. With God on my side, I will not have wants, for He will supply all I need. Why wouldn't I lean into the One who can supply everything?
The hardest part is waiting on Him. He knows the perfect timing and even though I get impatient, I pray I don't make the wrong choices because I am impatient. Sometimes He just lets me make the wrong choice, and learn from it. Some times it takes awhile to learn what I did wrong, other time it is very quick. But His patience for me is far greater than my own for myself.
Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible, tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.
The familiar chorus I learned as a child just came to me. Why am I so trusting of Him? Because Jesus loves me. He wouldn't do anything to harm me, but would do everything to love me. How do I know this? Because He went to the cross and died. Just for me. And just for you. His love for me is far greater than my love for Him.
And His love for you is far greater than your love for anything or anyone else. Jesus suffered and died on the cross, so that you can live. Don't waste opportunities to go to Him and just say 'thanks'. Tell Him you love Him. Tell Him He is LORD.
I Peter 2:21-24 - "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."
Blessings!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Drawing a blank....
Each day we start with a blank sheet. What we do with that blank sheet can determine how our day will begin - and end. Today I am starting with a blank mind. I've already gone online and applied for two jobs. I've checked emails for any job correspondence. I've gone to my son's blog (which when I checked he had not updated). I've glanced through facebook. I've completed the games that I'm playing and it is 'their turn'.
And here I sit, still drawing a blank as to what to write about - and I haven't written in two days. I know I had some thoughts during these past two days that I could write about, but at this moment I can't think of them. It could be that Marley woke us up at midnight, and against around 5AM this morning, wanting to go out. Just enough disruption in our sleep to not be of sound mind, perhaps.
I could stop and go take Marley out for a walk. It's already starting to warm up - oh my! just realized it is nearly 10AM. Too late to take for a walk today. She has been in and out of the house this morning - but currently lying on the tile floor under the table; her favorite place to hide. Well, she was. I got up to close the back and front doors as we had them open early this morning since it was so nice out. She had already gotten up and moved to her bed to rest. She should, with waking us up twice during the night. She has gotten to where she goes to bed around 8PM and doesn't wake up - or want up - until around 7 or so. That's been pretty nice.
I just got on the scale. Wow. Didn't like that picture at all. Think I will get Tom to go to the gym when he comes home from his morning meeting. Need to get on my training. I want to get started doing some walks while I work towards the mini-marathon in May. Mud runs and ones like that don't interest me. I have looked at the Neon Splash Dash but don't think I will have the money to do that as it comes up in November. I'm hoping to do The Color Run in January. Why not have fun while you are walking! One son has already signed up for the January walk/run. It would be fun if his siblings would do it too. Something they could all do together - and they all need to work on getting healthy. In fact, they could make it a nice family affair and get their families involved. :-) I'm sure I will be ignored on that comment. I wonder if my middle child has made it back to the gym since his 'break'. We have friends that go at 4AM to the gym. I keep thinking that maybe I would get up and go meet them there - then I could be accountable to someone that isn't related - but then, I go NOT when the alarm goes off. I need to quit being lazy and 'just do it'.
All these things that I have said I never had time to do while I was working - guess what? They still aren't getting done. I guess they aren't as important as I thought they were. I do need to get busy on Christmas gifts though since some will be handmade this year. Just need to get my mind set to do it. I have really enjoyed this time not working, though.
I don't have anything of great value to share today - could start a story but will save that for another time. What is your story for today? Mine is getting ready to begin.... stay tuned!
Blessings!
And here I sit, still drawing a blank as to what to write about - and I haven't written in two days. I know I had some thoughts during these past two days that I could write about, but at this moment I can't think of them. It could be that Marley woke us up at midnight, and against around 5AM this morning, wanting to go out. Just enough disruption in our sleep to not be of sound mind, perhaps.
I could stop and go take Marley out for a walk. It's already starting to warm up - oh my! just realized it is nearly 10AM. Too late to take for a walk today. She has been in and out of the house this morning - but currently lying on the tile floor under the table; her favorite place to hide. Well, she was. I got up to close the back and front doors as we had them open early this morning since it was so nice out. She had already gotten up and moved to her bed to rest. She should, with waking us up twice during the night. She has gotten to where she goes to bed around 8PM and doesn't wake up - or want up - until around 7 or so. That's been pretty nice.
I just got on the scale. Wow. Didn't like that picture at all. Think I will get Tom to go to the gym when he comes home from his morning meeting. Need to get on my training. I want to get started doing some walks while I work towards the mini-marathon in May. Mud runs and ones like that don't interest me. I have looked at the Neon Splash Dash but don't think I will have the money to do that as it comes up in November. I'm hoping to do The Color Run in January. Why not have fun while you are walking! One son has already signed up for the January walk/run. It would be fun if his siblings would do it too. Something they could all do together - and they all need to work on getting healthy. In fact, they could make it a nice family affair and get their families involved. :-) I'm sure I will be ignored on that comment. I wonder if my middle child has made it back to the gym since his 'break'. We have friends that go at 4AM to the gym. I keep thinking that maybe I would get up and go meet them there - then I could be accountable to someone that isn't related - but then, I go NOT when the alarm goes off. I need to quit being lazy and 'just do it'.
All these things that I have said I never had time to do while I was working - guess what? They still aren't getting done. I guess they aren't as important as I thought they were. I do need to get busy on Christmas gifts though since some will be handmade this year. Just need to get my mind set to do it. I have really enjoyed this time not working, though.
I don't have anything of great value to share today - could start a story but will save that for another time. What is your story for today? Mine is getting ready to begin.... stay tuned!
Blessings!
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