Change

Even thinking about change can be a scary thing. You think you're all ready...MORE than ready...then you feel your knees knock when you start to take steps. Some things just change all on their own...your kids grow up, you get older (and better!), seasons pass, life cycles. It's the changes that you choose to make that can be more overwhelming...where to live, where to work, where to worship, whether to remodel, when to start a family, dog or no dog, cut and/or color, this car or that, regular or decaf...okay, some may not qualify as overwhelming, but some do! I can tell you that you can trust God to open and close doors and work all things for good, but I may not believe it so easily when it's me. That's another reason why we need each other...to help us walk through all of the above. I've been using more than my share of that kind of support lately, so thanks to you all! I'll try to manage at least the regular or decaf myself!

Is a Change Coming?

It's been kind of a fun, lazy Saturday. This morning was rainy and dark with just a little thunder--YAY!!! I did get some laundry, errands, and cleaning done, but I also went to the library (we still have one...I almost forgot!) and got a new wallet. If you know me, and you do, you know that was a high spot of the day!!! I did a little writing, a little reading, but no 'rithmetic! Jon was working most of the day one place or the other then back again. Hopefully, no more today!! The plan for the rest of the evening is some supper and TV (maybe squeeze in a little more reading, too). Hope you all have a great weekend!!
I'm feeling like a change may be in order...waiting for God to show the way and the time (and the destination would be helpful, too :) ). I don't want to get ahead of Him or miss what He has! Pray for me!!!

Changes

Hey, guys, what's new? Jon went out on call last night from about 5:30 till after 8:00. Then he was called out again about 1:30 in the morning and had to work till 11:00 even though Monday is his "day off". He worked at Brad's in the afternoon and went to bed before 8:00...I would think so!! Me, I'm just doing nothing (at least in comparison to Jon). Tabbi and I have a pile of stuff to put on the garage sale Saturday...I hope we know what we're doing!!

Thought for the day

Life brings change...some of it we like, some of it we don't. One thing for sure changes will come. I have to remind myself sometimes that the changes that surprise me never surprise God. He is always and forever going ahead of us, preparing our way. I am grateful to know that He has everything in His hand and nothing catches Him off guard.

Moved Again!

Hi, everyone!!! Everything is moving quickly now for Greg and Megan. We helped her move from her 1 bedroom apartment to a 2 bedroom yesterday. Friends went with us with a pickup and trailer so we could bring back some things and get them out of the way. Tre went along with us and was very good help. Next weekend the truck will load in NC and will get to Megan about a week later. The house sale closing is on March 3 and then we'll know very shortly after that how soon Greg will be coming. What a huge relief for them!!! Thank You, Jesus!!!

Tabbi and Tru came for church this morning (Tre was here overnight) and went back home after lunch. I think we're tired. It was pretty quiet around here the rest of the day! Jon and Kelli's family had a very full weekend, too, and sounds like a good time...but I'll let her share!!

I'm still adjusting a little to my glasses, but I like them...now my hair is a little different, too. I did hear rumors about a windfall and makeovers, and I'm good to go as soon as you can get it all lined up, Kelli!?!?

I've got all my pieces in my Blurb project. I may do some rearranging yet, and I will be proofreading for a while. Megan has started to get together some image ideas, so I'm getting really excited. Things will be more hectic at work this week...I'm off for a dr appt on Tuesday and we have open house on Wednesday.

Thought for the day

Our pastor is leaving in three months, and it makes me think about what it is our church needs...pretty hard to put into a simple package to find in a new person, but I will be praying that God gives direction and clarity to those who will be making contacts and decisions. We wish them well...change can be hard, but God is faithful.

Sleep

Changes

It's for sure!!! We will move Megan up to a two-bedroom apartment on Saturday...and I mean up...the third floor!! Today was a change day for me. My glasses came, got a haircut and color after work, and changed over all my filing system at home to 2009 now that taxes are done. I even had to rearrange my desk at work to accommodate the change in my monitor position with my glasses. There is definitely a learning curve with these progressive lenses, but it's coming well and I'm sure I'll like them. I'm waiting impatiently for Kelli to get her computer up and running...GO, KELLI, GO!!!!

Thought for the day

Change is good...at least some change. I'm liking today's changes; they've given me a lift. Not all changes feel this good, and it reminds me again that we can never base our happiness or peace on circumstances. We must base them on God and His promises in the midst of any storm. He promises His presence and provision as we walk every path, and those are the things we can know and depend on.
"The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee." Isaiah 26:3

Time for Change

I brought some work home with me tonight, so that nixed the walking. Otherwise I just worked on laundry. Jon may have to go south to help with the outages from last week's ice storm...we should know more in the morning. Tonight we're just making sure that everything he needs is ready in case he needs to go.
It sounds like Megan and Greg will know more about the possible bidding on the house tomorrow...keep praying.

Thought for the day

I'm needing a change. I'm going to the eye doctor this week...probably to get bifocals. I'm tired of taking my glasses on and off, looking for them, and dropping them. I think I'm going to grow my hair out at least a little. Let's see, what else...? Going to the dentist later this month, but I'm not making any big changes there!! I'm still looking for your suggestions on a hobby or project of some kind (remember, no sewing)...where are you people? I'm not sure how this all qualifies as a "thought for the day"...except that I need some change. Lord, show me the real change that I need and want deep within. Help me to let you remake and transform me in ways that will be more real and worthwhile than my glasses and my hair.

Seasons

It's time for statements again...seems like I just posted that. Today was pretty nice, but tomorrow the high will be around 15 I think. I should check that cool little weather gadget on my blog! Things are looking more promising for Greg and Megan selling the house...next couple of days may be big...PRAY!!
We were so excited to see "Chuck" back on TV tonight...you know it's the simple things in life :) I'm hoping to get caught up on some things around here this week...still walking regularly (though not this weekend) and so far my foot is okay...YAY!!

Thought for the day

I apparently live in the right climate for me. I don't like the most extreme days of winter or summer, but it's February and I'm just starting to think I will enjoy seeing spring come even though I'm still okay with some more winter (6 weeks according to Phil today). I've probably said before that I like the change of seasons. They always make be think about the changes in our lives as "seasons" come and go. The spring of new beginnings of any kind at any age...the summer of growth and enjoyment...the fall of full maturity and reaping...the winter of rest or recharging...Throw in the occasional days of barrenness, dryness, celebration, quietness, and chaos and you have a complete life experience that takes the turns and cycles in stride. God promises lives of fruitfulness, days of peace, years of usefulness, all filled with His grace and love until He brings us home to be with Him...then there will be grace for that, too. Fully enjoy the season you find yourself in and don't fear the next...He is sufficient and promises special provision for each one.

Snow, Wind, and Change?

It's Monday again and this time with SNOW!!!! Wow, 4-5 or 6 inches of snow today with WIND, WIND, and more WIND. Megan gets to stay is Des Moines tonight...Alex is working there and could get a room for her overnight. We're very glad that she won't need to drive back here tonight. It looks like we'll be able to move her to her new apartment on Thursday, then she won't need to drive anymore and can get more sleep...always a good thing :) I hope you are all safely tucked in somewhere warm tonight!!

I can't help it...it's the new year and I find myself reading weight loss articles. I did find some good suggestions and facts, though:
1. Activity changes metabolism
2. De-stress
3. Sleep more (I like this one)
4. Cookies are addictive
5. Free radicals (what's that?) sabotage the signal that tells you you're full. Avoid them by
eating more fruits and vegetables
6. Be fit...walk...eat healthy...even if you stay overweight
7. Stretch
8. Stand tall
9. Get a hobby
10. Don't eat standing up
11. Brush your teeth after eating any meal or snack
12. Genetics are a huge factor and can only be overcome to a point.

Who knows? I may be able to use some of these...at least the ones I like :) Wouldn't mind just making healthy changes. No pressure...just opportunity (a Steve Peterson quote).

Thought for the day

It's really a life skill...contentment. Sometimes I think the hardest thing to be content with is myself...learning to accept how I am built inside and out, learning the limits and possibilities that God has placed within me, and so on. However, from a viewpoint of spiritual health and growth it is VITAL that I come to terms with these things...it is impossible to accept and receive all that God has for me if I don't see myself as He does. Look in the Scriptures and prove what He says about you. How much does He love you? How well does He know you? Did He knit and form you in the womb or did He not? Does He know every detail of your thoughts and life or does He not? Does He sing over you or not? You and I NEED to get this right in order to receive from Him. How would you answer these questions? Then read your Bible and answer them again.

Routine or Change?

I feel like I'm returning to a little more "normal" pace after being gone. I don't think I'm a creature of habit until I do something just a little bit different (like being gone for 3 days), then I realize how much I'm used to my routine. When I returned to work there was 3 days backlog (even though I was only gone one). Plus there was the end of the month, statements, and a pile of loads of corn both in and out (each of in and out has its own set of documentations). So today was spent writing numbers--writing, not entering by computer, much of it on triple thick settlement sheets. All that to say that my hand is a little sore tonight--keyboarding on my laptop right now is much easier. I got caught up on corn today, and hope to get about half done with posting tomorrow. I know none of this makes sense to anyone else...thanks for humoring me by letting me talk about it anyway!!

I believe there are still puppies available for Christmas...don't forget to keep your eyes and ears open for anyone who may be interested. Nothing better than a puppy for Christmas!!!

Thought for the day

How about the rest of you? Do you prefer routine or changing things up? I think I like change but probably only if I can choose the changes. Go to see the kids and grandkids...let's go!!! Spend time with a friend I haven't seen in a while...you bet!!! But changing my comfort level, reaching out to someone not so "respected", giving more of my time, getting older, having more aches and pains, undergoing any kind of pain, loss, or hardship...not so much. That's why it's so important to train ourselves in living a life of thanksgiving and trust. It doesn't come naturally...it is something we need to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. And we have the whole of God's power, presence, and help on our side...launch into it and step out of the boat and BE THANKFUL for whatever crosses your mind.