Sometimes a break is a good thing. Sometimes time away does the body good. Sometimes an escape is just what one needs in order to heal or be refreshed. Sometimes you need to go away to find your way back. :-)
Not sure if I stopped blogging for one reason over another but I know that it wasn't one of those things where I woke up one day and said, "today I am going to stop blogging for six months and see if anyone notices" or "I think I will take a break from Facebook and see if anyone misses me". No, honestly, life happened and I think it was a good thing that the Lord allowed me to be away from this "public" outlet for a time. It could have become a temptation to vent about this season in my life where I feel frustration and emotional stress almost every second of every day.
Now, I am semi-back from my vaca or whatever I was on and hoping to share some things and hoping for advise in return.
Right now I am in an ever changing job at a hospital that I enjoy work for but next week my schedule changes again due to...wait for it...going back to school. Yes, you read correctly. Being a floater type job, I needed to decide where I was headed and what I wanted to do. I needed to find a job that I could thrive in and enjoy so I am going back to school for medical coding. It appears to be the next up and coming medical/business career with the changes in the coding system and my supervisors seem to think I would be good at it. Now, don't get me wrong, being a career woman isn't at the top of my list but this would be a job I could do from home one day if needed and it has flexible within the job itself. So, hopefully I won't have to be glued to a computer screen all day.
My ultimate goal, aside from glorifying the Father in all I do, is to be a wife and mother but during this season I believe He has called me to use the many talents He has given me in the medical community.
Pray for me, my family, and a whole host of others that are too long to list here. My heart is heavy with emotional stress and mental drain but even in this He refines us and purifies us into the image of His Son. What an amazing thought but what a painful process at times. I am trying to work on knowing Him more, knowing myself better, and knowing my vessel so that I can use it for Him.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Merry Christmas
It is Christmas morning and while many of my friends and family are busy opening gifts and telling the blessed Christmas story....I am sitting in a house that is not my own but one that belongs to someone who is very much like family to me and mine. This Christmas season is very different than any other as we have been living in a hotel for over two weeks while our hardwood floors have been getting repaired. While this was a necessary evil, it hasn't been easy over the last few days. I have been missing my home during this Christmas season...the process of putting up the tree, the holiday baking, and the special time with my family as we gather together.
So, here I am, with my sister asleep in the next room, as we take care of a friend's puppy for the day and await our family to arrive for breakfast...better get the food in the oven and grab some more coffee...by the way, I'm still praying it snows!
Merry Christmas to you and yours...remember that no matter where you are and whatever traditions you have, Christ is the reason for the season and being with your family is all that matters.
God Bless you, everyone!
So, here I am, with my sister asleep in the next room, as we take care of a friend's puppy for the day and await our family to arrive for breakfast...better get the food in the oven and grab some more coffee...by the way, I'm still praying it snows!
Merry Christmas to you and yours...remember that no matter where you are and whatever traditions you have, Christ is the reason for the season and being with your family is all that matters.
God Bless you, everyone!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Day #2 in New York
Wow...sorry for the delay but we were without a computer at our house for almost 3 weeks. We were relying on my brother's laptop for only the necessities but it doesn't have anti-virus protection so I couldn't risk posting pictures or anything other than email.
So here are pictures from our second day in New York. Hope you enjoy seeing the sights through my eyes.
Standing in line trying to get tickets for another Broadway show (which we were unsuccessful in doing)
Inside Trinity Church
Inside St. Paul's Church (served as a place for refugees during 9/11)
Standing outside St. Paul's Church and Cemetary (also across the street from Ground Zero)
On the Staten Island Ferry
On the Ferry
Self Portrait...on the Ferry
The sign was rather humorous considering not many people paid attention to it
This was also the day we had the chance to see our friend Jared Bradshaw make his Broadway debut in "Jersey Boys" but due to the heat and being exhausted from the day, among other things, we were unable to see this event. We are so proud of him for coming this far...although we are not surprised! If you are ever in New York, we suggest checking to see if he or his fiance (who plays Glinda in "Wicked") are performing. They are both fabulous performs!!!
Hopefully day #3 adventures won't be withheld from you as long as day #2 but be patient if they are.
Toodles!
So here are pictures from our second day in New York. Hope you enjoy seeing the sights through my eyes.
Standing in line trying to get tickets for another Broadway show (which we were unsuccessful in doing)
Inside Trinity Church
Inside St. Paul's Church (served as a place for refugees during 9/11)
Standing outside St. Paul's Church and Cemetary (also across the street from Ground Zero)
On the Staten Island Ferry
On the Ferry
Self Portrait...on the Ferry
The sign was rather humorous considering not many people paid attention to it
This was also the day we had the chance to see our friend Jared Bradshaw make his Broadway debut in "Jersey Boys" but due to the heat and being exhausted from the day, among other things, we were unable to see this event. We are so proud of him for coming this far...although we are not surprised! If you are ever in New York, we suggest checking to see if he or his fiance (who plays Glinda in "Wicked") are performing. They are both fabulous performs!!!
Hopefully day #3 adventures won't be withheld from you as long as day #2 but be patient if they are.
Toodles!
Monday, August 2, 2010
#100 and New York City!
In some ways it is sad that it has taken me so long to get to my 100th post but at the same time it shows that I take my time with this thing. I give my thoughts a little bit at a time and so what if it takes me a little over a year and half to get you, my dear readers, 100 bits of my life....that's just the way the cookie crumbles around here.
In honor of this, my 100th post in the blogger world, I give you pictures....yes, can you believe it, pictures from New York. My sweet sister, Margaret, and I went to visit longtime friends in Brooklyn, NY for about 5 days just recently and while we had our share of trials in adjusting to the walking city, we had a blast as well. I came home with a new respect for grass and trees, feeling like I could use a new set of feet, and a new appreciation for living on a "regular" schedule.
DAY #1 in the city consisted of a lot of walking, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and seeing the Broadway Show, Come Fly Away. It was a dance production set to all Frank Sinatra music.
Stay tuned for Day #2....
In honor of this, my 100th post in the blogger world, I give you pictures....yes, can you believe it, pictures from New York. My sweet sister, Margaret, and I went to visit longtime friends in Brooklyn, NY for about 5 days just recently and while we had our share of trials in adjusting to the walking city, we had a blast as well. I came home with a new respect for grass and trees, feeling like I could use a new set of feet, and a new appreciation for living on a "regular" schedule.
DAY #1 in the city consisted of a lot of walking, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and seeing the Broadway Show, Come Fly Away. It was a dance production set to all Frank Sinatra music.
Stay tuned for Day #2....
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Where do I start?
I have no idea where to begin. The date of my blog is a bit skewed because I created the titled on May 18th but I didn't post until almost a week after that, after I had lost my job.
Needless to say my world has been one big roller coaster since that event in my life but God has been good in causing me to become more stable in my personal time with Him and in remembering that He is the reason behind every season!
After losing my job I think I spent the first 2-3 weeks in mourning, 2 weeks teaching swimming lessons (which makes a little money, that always helps the unemployed), and took two trips!! It was during the 2nd of these trips that I received word that my former boss died suddenly!!! It is definitely a shock. But I sucked up that thing called pride and attended the funeral upon my return from Virginia and have been in contact with my former co-workers since then.
What good would it do for me or them if I were spineless and kept my distance just because I got fired? They need love too....they need compassion just like Christ showed us compassion. So, that's what I'm trying to do.
As for my job search, it's gone slower than needed and I'll be the first to admit that I didn't go about things the right way but through dear friends and supportive family members I am getting the job done and getting my name out there. I am hoping to have some interviews soon. But until then we have a full week of swimming lessons next week and I'm thankful that I get to help with that....I haven't been able to in several years!
Forgive my lack of writing over the last 6 weeks....but the blog realm (as for as writing goes) has been the last thing on my mind lately. But now I'm back and maybe I can impart some wisdom for someone who may in the future go through what I'm currently experiencing. It is only with God's help that I've been able to survive....better than I thought I would.
Needless to say my world has been one big roller coaster since that event in my life but God has been good in causing me to become more stable in my personal time with Him and in remembering that He is the reason behind every season!
After losing my job I think I spent the first 2-3 weeks in mourning, 2 weeks teaching swimming lessons (which makes a little money, that always helps the unemployed), and took two trips!! It was during the 2nd of these trips that I received word that my former boss died suddenly!!! It is definitely a shock. But I sucked up that thing called pride and attended the funeral upon my return from Virginia and have been in contact with my former co-workers since then.
What good would it do for me or them if I were spineless and kept my distance just because I got fired? They need love too....they need compassion just like Christ showed us compassion. So, that's what I'm trying to do.
As for my job search, it's gone slower than needed and I'll be the first to admit that I didn't go about things the right way but through dear friends and supportive family members I am getting the job done and getting my name out there. I am hoping to have some interviews soon. But until then we have a full week of swimming lessons next week and I'm thankful that I get to help with that....I haven't been able to in several years!
Forgive my lack of writing over the last 6 weeks....but the blog realm (as for as writing goes) has been the last thing on my mind lately. But now I'm back and maybe I can impart some wisdom for someone who may in the future go through what I'm currently experiencing. It is only with God's help that I've been able to survive....better than I thought I would.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Mad, mad world
The title of this post was created back on May 18th....just 3 days before my world was turned upside down, backwards, and sideways. Honestly, I feel like I have been on quite a roller coaster in the last month, really, and it wasn't until May 21st that I realized why.
I talked before about how much I try, and try some more, to read my Bible on a regular basis. It is not because I feel obligated to but rather because it's something that I know that if I don't do it then how else I can further my relationship with Christ? How else can I truly make Him my husband? How can we truly get to know our heavenly Father who cares for our every need when we know not where to turn in even our darkest hour?
It was 2 weeks ago that I realized that my priorities have been completely crooked and that God used my getting fired from my job to show me just that. So, during the last 2 weeks....I have screamed, cried, and worried more than I thought possible. However, I have felt relief, love, rest, and strength like I never knew before. My friends and family have come alongside me and made me realize that despite not having a job that life goes on and that God has a bigger plan (once again) for me than I had for myself.
So now I have more than enough time for reading His word and for doing those things that I keep putting off. Would appreciate prayers for another job though....not sure where I need to be at this point or even what I want to do but God knows and I pray that His path would be clearer than ever before.
Enough about that....on to a few pictures from my Memorial Day travels!!! Enjoy!
Can't believe I was a nanny for her 5 years ago...
Father/daughter dance was so sweet
Sweet Charlotte, daughter of my college friends, Steven and Katie
Memorial Day grilling at the lake
Picture I took of the bridge before crossing into Vicksburg (don't worry I was careful)
My friend, Calen's little girl, Sadie Macon: Isn't she precious?
I talked before about how much I try, and try some more, to read my Bible on a regular basis. It is not because I feel obligated to but rather because it's something that I know that if I don't do it then how else I can further my relationship with Christ? How else can I truly make Him my husband? How can we truly get to know our heavenly Father who cares for our every need when we know not where to turn in even our darkest hour?
It was 2 weeks ago that I realized that my priorities have been completely crooked and that God used my getting fired from my job to show me just that. So, during the last 2 weeks....I have screamed, cried, and worried more than I thought possible. However, I have felt relief, love, rest, and strength like I never knew before. My friends and family have come alongside me and made me realize that despite not having a job that life goes on and that God has a bigger plan (once again) for me than I had for myself.
So now I have more than enough time for reading His word and for doing those things that I keep putting off. Would appreciate prayers for another job though....not sure where I need to be at this point or even what I want to do but God knows and I pray that His path would be clearer than ever before.
Enough about that....on to a few pictures from my Memorial Day travels!!! Enjoy!
Can't believe I was a nanny for her 5 years ago...
Father/daughter dance was so sweet
Sweet Charlotte, daughter of my college friends, Steven and Katie
Memorial Day grilling at the lake
Picture I took of the bridge before crossing into Vicksburg (don't worry I was careful)
My friend, Calen's little girl, Sadie Macon: Isn't she precious?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Line in the sand
"Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under complusion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, 'He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.'" (2 Corinthians 9:7-9)
How many of you have ever loaned money to someone that wasn't related to you? How many of you would be quick to share that experience with a friend or family member who is considering doing the same for someone else with the hopes of changing their mind? How many of you have turned someone else down that needed a loan (with intent to repay) because you felt cheated by someone else? How many of us view our money, resources and time as, in fact, not our own?
All of these questions have been MAJOR food for thought in my life lately. It is all too sad that life revolves around money, time and resources that we would say sustain us. However, let me give you the verses above by way of a challenge. God loves the cheerful giver and I'm seeking every day to be just that. This is not to pat myself on the back but meerly to lend a life lesson to my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Some of you will remember my 40 days of purpose where I sought to do for others as Christ does for us, most days more times than we can number. So, this challenge stems from that journey because it was then that I grasped for the first time in my 27 years of life that we really don't own anything in this life. But the one thing that I focused, because I seeking to do for others, was money. So, now when I am in a conversation with a friend about financial struggles the one thought I try to leave them with is this: "My money is ultimately God's money and He's going to do with it what He wants to regardless."
In fact, just this week I was trying to help a friend work through some difficult financial struggles with past due bills and what-not, and encouraged her to trust God to provide where only He can. She is a tough nut to crack but I think I'm working through some of that tough outer shell. Last week I had loaned her some money to put in the bank to help cover her until we got paid so that a check wouldn't bounce. I gave the money to her without blinking really....it was like God was pushing me from behind or something. But yesterday when her bills and everything seemed to snowball I gave her the check she had written me back. I told her not to worry about it and that I didn't want that to be another source of stress.
It feels good to give even when it's someone who doesn't totally get it. Giving is so God-honoring...just in the last 3 months I have committed to giving to 3 additional organizations/friends. The groups really don't matter so much but I have felt God really pulling me towards this lately. And in response I have said, "yes, Lord, this is your money, do with it what you will." So, I am blessed to be a bigger part of some ministries that continue to bless others and to help another ministry/family get their mission work started next summer!
So, be cheerful fellow believer, do not complain about giving to others, about having to foot the bill when others can't, or about doing as God has commanded. Be a cheerful giver wherever you see the need. It may be a penny to some but the kingdom of heaven will be your reward.
God bless!
(Pictures of the last few days to come soon!)
How many of you have ever loaned money to someone that wasn't related to you? How many of you would be quick to share that experience with a friend or family member who is considering doing the same for someone else with the hopes of changing their mind? How many of you have turned someone else down that needed a loan (with intent to repay) because you felt cheated by someone else? How many of us view our money, resources and time as, in fact, not our own?
All of these questions have been MAJOR food for thought in my life lately. It is all too sad that life revolves around money, time and resources that we would say sustain us. However, let me give you the verses above by way of a challenge. God loves the cheerful giver and I'm seeking every day to be just that. This is not to pat myself on the back but meerly to lend a life lesson to my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Some of you will remember my 40 days of purpose where I sought to do for others as Christ does for us, most days more times than we can number. So, this challenge stems from that journey because it was then that I grasped for the first time in my 27 years of life that we really don't own anything in this life. But the one thing that I focused, because I seeking to do for others, was money. So, now when I am in a conversation with a friend about financial struggles the one thought I try to leave them with is this: "My money is ultimately God's money and He's going to do with it what He wants to regardless."
In fact, just this week I was trying to help a friend work through some difficult financial struggles with past due bills and what-not, and encouraged her to trust God to provide where only He can. She is a tough nut to crack but I think I'm working through some of that tough outer shell. Last week I had loaned her some money to put in the bank to help cover her until we got paid so that a check wouldn't bounce. I gave the money to her without blinking really....it was like God was pushing me from behind or something. But yesterday when her bills and everything seemed to snowball I gave her the check she had written me back. I told her not to worry about it and that I didn't want that to be another source of stress.
It feels good to give even when it's someone who doesn't totally get it. Giving is so God-honoring...just in the last 3 months I have committed to giving to 3 additional organizations/friends. The groups really don't matter so much but I have felt God really pulling me towards this lately. And in response I have said, "yes, Lord, this is your money, do with it what you will." So, I am blessed to be a bigger part of some ministries that continue to bless others and to help another ministry/family get their mission work started next summer!
So, be cheerful fellow believer, do not complain about giving to others, about having to foot the bill when others can't, or about doing as God has commanded. Be a cheerful giver wherever you see the need. It may be a penny to some but the kingdom of heaven will be your reward.
God bless!
(Pictures of the last few days to come soon!)
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