I like the way we did THIS eighteenth birthday.
It started about midnight on the 28th with a Carvel ice cream cake and presents. It ended at close to midnight with friends and lazer bowling and a late dinner.
Happy Birthday, Jhinel
Jhinel got her voter registration card in the mail today.
cept she can't actually use it til Tuesday.
hehe
The problem with dancing in the rain... is that ya show up to work soaking wet!!!!!
Life is Good!
God is Good!
just realized that i still haven't posted graduation or prom pictures.........
check out my facebook page for the photos.
AND pics of Alana and baby Walker.
so.......................we're at City Place, parked, ticketed (movie, that is) and we still have some time until Jhinel and I see STAR TREK. 10:05 pm show. We decide to get a drink at Panera's. As we're waiting at the beverage bar for our drinks - green tea and a frozen lemonade TYVM! I notice that there is a college-aged looking young man and a father-aged looking gentleman standing a bit further down, where the food is prepared. I observe that the elder is wearing a grey T-shirt that says, "Georgia Tech". My girl is wearing an FSU T-shirt that says, "FEAR THE SPEAR". Jhinel and I comment amongst ourselves. I'm looking forward to a trip to Tally on October 10th, I have tickets for the FSU v. Georgia Tech football game at Campbell Doak Stadium.
Our drinks arrive and as we pass the "boys", my girl brazenly turns and says, "You're going downnnnnnn October 10th". I'm shocked that she actually did it. This IS the one that wouldn't ask for ketchup at McDonald's. I'm laughing sooooo hard. This is fun!
It took them a bit to figure out what this crazy girl was saying, but then they realized the shirts and shot back their own comments and we were ALL laughing.
(lol)
Nel just IMed me from Tallahassee. Silly girl.
Go practice being a college kid!!!
A friend suggested that I hook up skype when she leaves.
I will. I will also be mindful that this is a new season of letting her grow.
It's the most beautiful, rainy Sunday in south Florida.
The sauce is on.
Naptime!!
Today reminds me of when I was a child and we would go to Grandma's house after church, take our pretty dresses off and climb into her big bed in our slips to nap. (so as not to mess up our "good" clothes). Often dinner was home-made spaghetti with meatballs -- did jar sauce even exist?? Sometimes Uncle John's homemade kielbasa or Grandma's fresh pierogis or golumpki were the fare. But nothing compared to Grandma's homemade pies. Apple, lemon meringue, chocolate cream, banana cream, coconut cream. Warm memories.
Jhinel left today for Tallahassee. She'll experience campus life for a few days. And although they, "can't stand each other", she and Angii sat next to each other in church this morning and were quite affectionate in that "teenaged sister, sibling rivalry" sorta way.
It feels like a trial run to me but I didn't cry.
I was awakened by some "stirrings" at 1:00 a.m.
Saw my girl coming down the hall, and told her to get to bed Puh-leeeeezzzzzzzz
She replied, "I got in"
My girl is a Seminole!
A neldream realized.
Yay!
Last nights dinner was two slices of bread with (your choice, mayo or mustard) deli meats and cheese, a bottle of water, banana if you please or cheetos if you want. On a beach in the dark with family and a friend. It was waaayyyyyyyy kewl!!
oh! and there was a space shuttle involved too.
who forgot the flashlight in the car??
Sometimes our Father surprises us with such wonderful and special gifts. A friend who has meant so much, who has shared laughter and love and joy and pain is allowed back into our lives.
Father, help me to love more like you.
Help me to be a better friend this time.
and thank you.
I remember as a new mom, the excitement and joy at sharing the wonders of the world with this new precious and beloved lil person.
I remember feeling at times, that it was like a "do over" of my own childhood moments and yet even better because I was sharing it with my own child. It was as if we had "new eyes" to experience God's creation.
These days, she is anxiously awaiting so much. Colleges, scholarships, summer jobs. Fervent prayers envelop all of our graduating youth.
Last night an Email came. The dreamed of summer job. WAITLISTED. I see that wrinkled forehead look, the one that is disappointment, why wouldn't God want this for her?
I say it although she has heard it a million times, I say it even though she already knows it. I say it with tears in my heart for her. As the words come out, I wonder if it sounds rote, insensitive. "If it is God's will for you to be there this summer, you will be there. If it is not his will, then he has other plans for your life for this time. You can trust him". I'm not sure that it's enough. But it is all I have. It is who I am.
I have learned that God's will is better. He is faithful in all things. His grace is sufficient.
Sometimes we ask for things and His answer is yes.
Sometimes we ask for things and His answer is no.
Sometimes we ask for things and He says, wait.
I think the "wait" one is the hardest.
Ask, Seek, Knock.
we smiled together when a peer messaged the same response as I had conveyed (she has beautiful friends too). Sometimes you can hear it better when it's not your own mom.
DEAR GOD:
I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed;
I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.
God is just so good, and he's good all the time. THANK HIM.
Yeah, funny things happen at my house.
Blogs get "hacked" into and embarrassing video's appear for all the world to see.
This morning I'm taking a shower, washing my hair. I look up to see graffiti all over the tile!!!
Someone (obviously) "borrowed" the granddaughters soap crayons, "Have A Great Day".
I smile
I laugh
I almost cry
The people I live with are such a blessing.
I spent some time this morning trying to contact Jennifer.
She was released from the hospital; I am told that she is refusing placement and treatment recommendations.
A few moments ago, I flipped the page on my "desktop" devotional:
"When we release our children into the Father's hands, and acknowledge that He is in control of their lives and ours, both we and our children will have greater peace."
Thank you, Lord.
#2 will be leaving home in a few weeks, and I have finally resolved to give up "mother guilt" about cooking.
Because of OUR schedules, many nights we get home from our day, 7 or 8 p.m. or later - even if it's not a night of late meetings or events, I'm just not emotionally into preparing, cooking and cleaning up a traditional MEAL. Thus far, no one has starved to death.
After all these years, I'm changing my attitude. Instead of feeling like I failed at this aspect of parenting, we'll just have fun with our peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and CELEBRATE the few days when we do cook a meal.
Boar's Head is my FRIEND!!!
I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, "you are my servant"; I have chosen you and not rejected you.
So do not fear. for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
(Is 41: 9-10)
He speaks to me, in His promises to the ancients
Lord, what is your will for me today?
Walker John arrived by C-Section at 9:09 p.m.
weighing in at 6 lbs 7 oz and is 19 inches.
Mom and Dad and baby are well.
Praise God!
it's a wooHoo day. again.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
please disregard the black sock which is hanging on the side of my purse (hmmmmmmmm which child is wearing only one sock today???) And yes, it is "sock weather" in South Florida today.
It started with an ear of roasted corn to share with Alana. He approached saying, "If you like corn, you should come back for the CORN FESTIVAL in April", then a comment on how beautiful Alana looks just like her "momma"; "oh! you're her grandma?!!"; I knew then. but when he commented that "some of us men"..."like a woman who doesnt look like a stick" I about lost it.
I'll admit that I do not, and have never been confused with a stick, but did that guy just call me fat???
ROFL
I was picking up another prescription for a kid. And really annoyed at how much money had been spent in the past few months for medical stuff...............in the past month, well over a month's income. savings depleted again. bills coming in. one step forward, two steps back in the finance arena that is..........
That's when it happened. Standing at the counter. a horrible, terrible, snarky IMPULSE buy. Dave Ramsey would have words for me, fer sure! The girls were confused. not typical mom behavior, not a typical mom activity. "Mom, we've never been to the SF Fair, are you okay?" "NO, but were going anyway". And a Monday off from work as well.
The teens of course, arranged to meet up with friends, So I asked her Dad if Alana could come. It may have been the best eighty-nine dollars I ever spent.
This came in my Emails today. I don't know who wrote it, but i know who sent it to me..........God's timing is perfect.
DEAR GOD:
I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed;
I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.
God is just so good, and he's good all the time. THANK HIM.
Beautiful Alana wanted to help "dramma" check her Email today.
She was sitting on my lap, checking out the keyboard and pictures.........
when she pointed and said, "eegeee" (2 year old enunciation of "Angii")
I looked and there on the bottom right of the screen was some advertisy thing with a photo of Britney Spears.
lana thinks Britney is her aunt eegee.
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
(weird week it was)
This past week Jhinel was away on a ski trip with high school and college aged youth from our church. Each day of skiing ended with dinner and a youth conference. The musical group Shane and Shane performed. Jhinel was especially impressed with the speaker. It sounds like she had a fun trip, I like that my kids know that being a Christian includes fun. That our faith is a part of our everyday experience, and that when other's look in.....they don't have to see perfect, but they will still know that "there's something happening here". This was the snowiest and coldest year yet.
On Monday, she'll have all four of her wisdom teeth extracted. Then she can get back to the business of being a second semester high school senior - scholarship applications, IB exams, etc. In a couple of weeks we are sending her on a Chrysalis event, a spiritual weekend where she will have the opportunity to take another step in her faith walk with other young women. I feel like A finish line is just around the bend, and I'm hurryinging to equip her with additional resources for the next leg of the race. (like seventeen years of living it isn't enough all of a sudden!!)
LOL....pieces of our bible study sneaking in. Maybe the race is an "IronWoman" event.
And while she was out, Angii and I did some girl thangs together....things that typically have been MOM and NEL stuff, my Angii is growing into. Yesterday we set out for HOME DEPOT - including the Nathan's Hotdog Stand. I got A/C filters, Angii got black light bulbs for her bedroom. From there we just happened to be in the neighborhood of a spa and Angii had her first eyebrow wax. Well, she actually had both of them done. Then we took a left instead of a right and ended up at Sephora "to browse". Earlier in the week she had opted for a new hair style. The fun part is just waiting to see how long it takes folks to notice. Jhinel was pretty quick on all accounts.
When Nel's stuff came home into the shared teenage room, the new black lights came on to reveal "graffiti" all over the walls. from "I love Nick" to "Welcome Back Jhinizzle" (laundry detergent has phosphorescence which is revealed in black lights) (Today, they'll get to wash the walls)
Of course, as I type this, they are both getting back to the business of "normal", arguing like teenaged sistahs.
(Lord, have mercy!)
I arrived at home at 10:00pm. Angii and Alana were still up. (Hmmphf!)
I spozed it was because Angii just didn't want to deal with the nightly "going to bed tantrum". Alana is growing into the most beautiful personality, but two sticking points continue to be bedtime and hair brushing! You HAVE seen that head full of delightful curls. As soon as she sees the hairbrush and detangler, she exclaims, "yoo hur me dramma".
Angii's explanation for the delayed bedtime, "we're having so much fun". A quick game of "where's lana" whilst I prepare for the battle. "Time to go to bed, Miss Alana Lynn", then the most amazing sight as I watched her get up and walk down the hall into her (formerly my) bedroom. I'm not quite sure what to make of this. Is it a joke? Is she playing? I give her a minute and creep in to find her in gramma's "big bed" pulling the fluffy down comforter up so that she can snuggle inside. Angii joins her with a bedtime story. A smile and prayers and Alana goes to sleep.
There WILL be ice cream today!!!!
(grandma's prerogative)
Then at 3:00am as I'm tossing in my living room chair again, I realize that there is an empty bed in our house - that is, an empty bed other than the ELMO adorned toddler bed. As Jhinel is en-route to West Virginia -brrrrrrrrr, a real bed lies vacant!!! What a treat!!! And yes, I slept through the alarm going off......but it was such a wonderful rest!
Praising God in the little things!!!
November 24, 2008.
In the past two days, Alana has asked and effectively used the potty chair twice "WHO-RAAAAAAAYYY!!!"
Today myNel announced that she has been nominated by her school for the Pathfinder Scholarship/Award.
My life is so cute.
Thank you, Father.
Yes, I am stressed. Somehow, it feels a bit "unChristian" to admit that. And I've come to the conclusion that it's easier to be ill myself than to go through the same with my children.
Please lift in Prayer today:
Jennifer (she had a colposcopy last friday)
Jhinel - who is in severe back pain (we are waiting on the appointment for an MRI, she recently finished a course of physical therapy)
Holly and Walker and family for a healthy pregnancy
Alana Lynn (she's two and living with her grandmother!! - nuf said)
Baby Luke that his lungs will heal - and his family who are waiting for him to come home.
UPDATE 11/25: Jhinel's MRI showed a herniated disk. She is being referred to a pain management program. Our doctor said this is certainly better than what could have come back. So far her ski trip and softball season can stay on the calendar, but no conditioning until after we meet with the specialist. Please keep her in prayer.
"We'd better stop before she asks us to sing this at her funeral"
(in a very distorted Bri-ish accent): "there'll be no tissues for your issues"
(They're crazy I tell ya!!)
(The mime is not mine, but we often pick em up as we go!)
I LOVE CHICKEN!!!!
Younguns who aren't mine call me "mom"
What an awesome blessing this is.
Funny............the things that we think of as treasure as we get older!
A football game and ice cream date with a the most beautiful band nerd, her kid sister, neice and Jeni!! The perfect Friday night. K-girls rule!
and who WAS that "cross-dressing (?)" fool that Katherine brought over on Wednesday??? (yes, he IS wearing a tiara!!!) hehe
(Thank you, Father)
She sang to me all the way home. Her enunciation is limited, but the tune and the gestures are unmistakable. It' funny how quickly those pre-school songs come back to me.
I'll be glad when she can go home to her mommy, and I can be a real grandma again.
And I'll miss her.
Just a bit ago, I realized that I'm having an attitude problem this afternoon.
It's curriculum night at my daughter's school. And I'm mad.
I'm of the opinion that September 11th should be a national holiday.
As it's not, I want the "officials" to at least let us spend the evening at home with our families; or at a church with friends; or on the beach.
But a "good mommy" goes to curriculum night and meets the teachers, rushing around campus with a thousand other parents. So that was my plan. leave work at 3:30 to pick up Angie from School; drop her off at home. Go back to work. Have her meet me at my office at 5:30. Pick up Alana at daycare. Pick up Jhinel from high school. And to the scheduled event.
When I picked Angie up, I said "do your homework and meet me at my office at 5:30" at which point she said she couldnt go to school tonight. The administration had made it clear that students were to stay home to accomodate all of the parents. I'm guessing that if they don't want Angie there, then my granddaughter and myNel aren't welcome either. By the time I pick them up and get them home and get to school, they should pretty much be wrapping up the event.
oh well, so much for being a "good mom"
I guess I'll just go home and spend the evening with my family. which is really what I wanted to do afterall.
Seven years ago this day, we pined to see our kids and our spouses and to take them home. We stood in line to give blood. We went to church together as family and friends and prayed. On that day thousands of Americans went off to work or off to school or on a plane and didn't have the opportunity to come home to their families. Because of hate.
Today, I almost thought that we'd forgotten.
I cried. I'm going home with my kids!
She is scheduled to be at residential treatment until mid-September. She had an intake at a halfway house today and was accepted - this means that when she leaves the residential program she will have an opportunity to be in a safe place while she continues outpatient treatment, gets a job and finds an apartment.
She sounded so great last night, happy, excited about life.......I asked her when was the last time she felt this way. Her response, "I don't remember........maybe five years ago".
Praise God!!! Praise God!!! Praise God!!!
Praying that Jennifer continues to heal and that Alana can live with her mommy soon!
August 23, 2008
Nel drove on I-95!!! :-)
August 25, 2008
After breakfast an Alana initiated trip to the potty chair - and success!!!!
August 26, 2008
This morning I commented that I feel as though my home has been invaded by aliens - partly due to the fact that I'm sorting and cleaning and organizing a car full of personal effects, loaded by Jennifer in a frenetic escape.
MyNel's response was...................uhhhhhhhh, mom you have!!!
Having had my feelings validated, I actually felt better!!!!! (lol)
Yes, Alana Lynn is living with us while her mommy is seeking help with addiction to opiate pain medication.
Today "myNel" is seventeen
She (finally) (insert rolling momma eyes here) got her driving permit
Today she "officially" became an organ donor
and she pre-registered to vote
What a special day today is.
Things that I am grateful for at this very moment:
Another wonderful attribute of teenagers...........................
They don't wake me up at 3:30am and say, "Grandma, PLAY!"
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthinas 10:31
This morning the girls let me kiss them when I dropped them off for their trip to camp.
As we were waiting to pray and send them off, I remembered that my mom made this Monday morning trip last year as I had been released from the hospital on Saturday.
Which reminded me that I have been cancer free for a year!
Dinner with Dad and Nancy. Her last day of "work" - a celebration of retirement!
And a sleepover with my beautiful granddaughter!
God is Good
(all of the time)
and today he was especially kind to me.
ETB!
Mynel is officially a Senior in High School
And she got her SAT scores today! oh my ........this is becoming more real each day!
I'm excited for her!
I'm proud of her!
I promise that I am smiling through these tears.
Monday we got home at 1:30am
Tuesday I got home at 10:30pm
Wednesday we got home at 9:30pm
Thursday we got home at 8:30pm
This is why I need to go AWAY for a vacation.
'Cept the girls are trying to schedule activities for our week away!
Should be interesting to see how it all turns out
My "almost seventeen" joined me for the game tonight. Our team lost. Mr. Ken Griffey Jr. hit #600. We had fun. Together.
I cherish these moments, especially from my "Senior" (H.S.)
Three years ago an Overcomers group had prayerfully decided to discontinue meetings. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we had come together weekly to share our lives, the good, the bad and the ugly. Some had been gathering for many years. A typical meeting included prayer, a lesson or testimony, then small groups where more personal challenges and victories were shared. We prayed for each other, encouraged each other and matured in our faith-walk. Folk from all walks of life, from various churches and communities, sharing a piece of our journey.
Through these past three years, I have spordically encountered some, once in a shoe store, at a concert, at our beautician's. I'd been called to pray for a brother for healing. When I was going through my drug trial and cancer last year, beautiful Diana came each week to visit and bring dinner. She didn't care that I was in my jammies, my family was truly blessed.
Recently, we got together for dinner at Beth's home.....
The first thing that I realized as I entered her home, was a sense that we'd all seen each other just last week. It was an immediate familiarity and joy to be together again. When I saw "mom"Arlene.........I cried. For some reason, she and I had bonded in special way those years ago, I dont think I understood until that moment how very much I love her. A son who was in treatment three years ago was vibrant and healthy and married! Children growing and grown up. Our lives moving into new directions.
After dinner, well, after DESSERT we gathered in one room, we prayed and then took turns updating the others on our lives since our last meeting, then prayed again. It was a very special evening.
Since than, I have found myself wishing........that everyone could have this kind of extended family.
I got two new pair of shoes this week........and they're girly shoes!!!
It was so nice of myNel to clean out her closet!!!
k................ so i slept in until 2pm on Saturday.
got up just in time to get ready for work - a fundraising event for work; had family time yesterday with both of my dad's (Father in heaven and earth dude!)
Today I'm on "vacation" yep..............took the teenagers to school and playing hookey! cept its raining, so my plans to go to the beach with a book are delayed. think I'll put some "socially acceptable for going out of the house" clothes on and maybe find an oil change and a pedicure!
Nel keeps trying to tell us that she's a Senior, but not til I see her report card.......(I'm not ready yet)
Yall have a blessed day.
Nancy, I love you and I miss Amy too.
I've been noticing lately, that my energy is finally getting better.
I still love my naps, but I don't feel as though every day I must go home and sleep!
I don't go to track meets or Lake Ida with an umbrella to keep out of the sun.
At Mom's birthday party, I didnt need to take a nap.
Almost a year since the interferon and cancer surgery,
Praising God for daily miracles!
(Apparently KEEPING THE WEIGHT OFF REQUIRES EXERCISE!!!!)
Nel,
Thanks for taking me out to lunch at the Ritz Carlton for my birthday!
(hehe)
yer my "favorite".....
She got home at 4:30am.
Chelsea never left the prom to go to the concert, because she was having fun.
Jordan commented about the strangers who were taking pictures in the parking lot
and.............they DANCED!
This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
"Napoleon" is now "Scarface" (temporarily)
Funny the seam and thread of the softball are visible on her cheek, kinda Frankensteinish. And she even seems a bit proud of her "boo boo". Not so bad for a geek, eh?
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.
There was a time in my life when attending church services was a thing i did for me. It was about seeing all the "cool people". It was about singing the praise songs. And sometimes it was even about hearing a good sermon. If the music was good enough, and the message was good enough, my mood could be tranformed. I'd get high.
But sometimes, it fell short. And I would leave feeling disappointed, unfullfilled, dissatisfied. Something was wrong here, as i prayed on it and listened, i began to understand. It wasn't my church. or my friends. or the music. It wasn't the pastor or the sermon. It wasn't even the fact that the seats were filled with hypocrites. It was me. It was my attitude. And the Lord began to change my heart.
What I came to know has changed me. Sunday services aren't about Dawn. They're not about getting my weekly "fix". Sunday service is about worshipping God with other believers. This revelation has transformed my relationship with the Lord, and I am grateful. Some Sundays, the music makes me dance, or cry. More often then ever God reveals himself to me through the scripture. But if it doesnt, I don't walk away feeling disappointed anymore, because the praise that I lift up has been accepted as a fragrant offering and pleasing to my Lord.
Thank you, Father
Chrystus zmartwychwstat. Alleluja.
Moc szczescia, wiele dobroci od ludzi spokoju ducha oraz Radosnego Alleluja!
A trip to the spa - sharing a cup of tea and a foot soak
"dropping in" at a tattoo parlor with her Dad's permission (he laughed at me)
playing 5 innings
wearing "jewel encrusted princess crowns" (plastic, of course) in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel
On Monday night at a gathering the observation was made that we tend to "remember" negative things from our past more vividly than the positive.
Therefore I am on a mission to make sure that my children have good memories. Actually, this may just be my own justification for what my girls refer to as "weird" ("ooooooooo mo-om", and roll yer eyes!)
The TALKING CAR was a beautiful blue FJ Cruiser. Saturday, February 16th, 2008. CarMax, HEHE Napoleon!!!
"I love how you pretend to be a prude (mom)"
"Patchouli body wash and hemp shampoo & conditioner", "You're weird".
I knew I didn't have time for this blogging thang!!! hehe. (faithful readers will get it!)
I must admit that I spend much less time on the computer these days. That I attribute to better health and energy! Praise the Lord!
But to appease the "mass" (you know who you are, too few to claim as "masses") (lol):
Of course the past few days others have wished, "the best year ever" in 2008; some who know my 2007, have offered encouragement that "this year will be better."
I kinda chuckle. WHAT could be better than healing from cancer?
So many blessings the Lord has given, I've mentioned them all before in this forum. It would seem that 2007 was a time of trial for our family........and yet the greatest gifts can be found in and through our times of need. Friendship, faithful prayers, appreciation for "the little things", the realization that most of our "big things" aint so. The realization that our God is greater than ALL things! The understanding that everyone has their own story and that each is unique and special.
So...........In 2008, I wish you God's perfect love, strength and grace, whatever circumstance you encounter along the way.
I find that I don't spend so much time on the computer anymore. Now that I'm feeling better, I don't need to interact with my "friends" through the screen.
Thus, I'm blogging less frequently. Activities are much more "normal". Family and work fill my schedule. And I rest alot when I do get home. (I still don't cook!) At 10pm I prefer to be on the phone with John, reading scripture, devotions and sharing details of our day.
Today, though I took a few moments to re-read this journal. It was a reminder of where we have been, the trials that God has brought our family through.
I am filled with gratitude, for the healing.
I am filled with more gratitude and awe at the faithfulness of our God. At his truth and perfect love.
I am reminded again, that the trials that we encounter along this journey are simply opportunities. Opportunities to see the true nature of God. Opportunities to grow in our faith. There will be more. I can lean into his arms and trust him in all things.
Father, may your will be done in my life this day. Use me according to your kingdom purpose!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
"my nel"
The bumper sticker says something like this..........
We'll the fourteen hour days have begun again and I haven't even returned back to work full-time yet!!
Sometimes I still find myself starting to "whine" - the whole working single parent with brilliant, beautiful and BUSY teenaged kids...........
This morning I started to have one of those moments............then caught myself and thought, "I'm blessed for two"!!!!
It was the night before the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL and a 16yr young daughter remarked rather loudly (so's her 12yr old sis could easily hear), "Mom, I just wanna tell you what I'm wearing to school tomorrow so you can tell A.........."
The twelve year old 7th grader jumped in, "Mom, I'm wearing my pink polo shirt with jeans!!"
Her comment was met with an almost blood curdling scream or something resembling one.........."NO!!! I'm wearing MY pink polo shirt with jeans.....SHE CAN'T"
I laugh again............these drama queen moments of little or no significance, just a thang between sisters.
Today, we're at the bank (yes our bank is open on Sunday)
The young man behind the desk commented, "Is it grey T-shirt day?" we looked at one another, surprise and shock.........ALL THREE OF US had put on grey T-shirts!!!!! We each feigned embarrassment then went on our way.
In the check-out line at the grocery store a bit later, the man behind us in line asked if there were a special occasion for the grey T-shirts...........................
We really do have fun together!
I'm back to work part-time and moving and the girls are back to school and my computer isn't hooked up at the new apartment yet. I'll be back with more postings SOON -- well, even then it will have to wait until after the state affordable housing conference in Orlando!
keep praying!!!
1. Medication that makes you sick for 10 weeks
(consisting of at least 20 pills per day and one injection each week, self administered of course!)
2. Two surgeries – one outpatient, one major – including removal of organs
3. Six days in the hospital
4. Taxi service for two teenagers
(the best teenagers in the universe!!!)
5. A haircut
6. LOTS of water
7. NOT eating the “goodies” in the office kitchen
Don't even BUY them for home!
8. One large or two small bites of very dark, organic,
free-trade chocolate daily - quells the desire to eat a whole cake and has anti-oxidant properties as well!
"HEALTH FOOD!!!! YAY!!!!!"
9. Breast reduction surgery????????
(no, i didn't but its gotta be worth a pound or two!!!)
GUARANTEED results if you follow above guidelines
NOTE: NO EXERCISE IS REQUIRED!!
Love ya! hehe
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