Find out who you are and live accordingly.
I am a Child of God.
I am a wife.
I am a mother.
I am a worship leader.
Get creative. The sky is the limit!
We're called to communicate the Gospel in anyway that we can.
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
'puters Stink 3/18/09
Oh, technology, how I despise thee.
...not really, but sort of.
I won't go into all the woes right now, but I've been working with file downloads and uploads and jump drives and external hard drives and wireless network cards and firmware updates and routers and brand new routers that don't work and Protools version 8.0 that won't load and plug ins that won't download and updates that won't update and the list goes on and on and on and on....
Ahh... I feel a tiny bit better now.
...not really, but sort of.
I won't go into all the woes right now, but I've been working with file downloads and uploads and jump drives and external hard drives and wireless network cards and firmware updates and routers and brand new routers that don't work and Protools version 8.0 that won't load and plug ins that won't download and updates that won't update and the list goes on and on and on and on....
Ahh... I feel a tiny bit better now.
Yahoo for Smart Dads 3/22/09
Mom and Dad came over today and helped me out. It was great.
Dad jumped on the bad 'puter and did a lot of troubleshooting and finally got the router issues straightened out and the network back in place. He also installed the wireless network card for the studio computer so I can get it back up to speed and download Protools 8.0. He is a man of great patience!
Mom worked in my yard some and took care of some things that I'm not able to do because of the chest injury. Speaking of which, I started rehab for my chest this past Thursday. That went really well. I really like the PT. She was a great listener and I think the exercises will help. I'm glad to have someone help me monitor my progress and help me determine what I'm ready for and when I'm ready for it. I have a tendency to over do it most of the time.
This morning was lovely, too. Eunyoung called from Korea to firm up plans for Pastor Kidoong's visit. It's only about a week away. I'm exited, but a little nervous about making sure all the details/logistics fall into place for all the folks I'm getting together. We've got 20 something counselors lined up to go. I need to get all that straight and line up 4 dinners and some gifts. Shouldn't be a big deal, but I still feel a little anxious about it all.
We had our second band practice tonight. It was just Pat, Zach and me. We had fun. It was kind of nice not having the drummer tonight because it made it a lot easier to hear and focus. Nathaniel, Zach's son kept us entertained with his drumming throughout some of the practice. He's only 2 and a half and he's extremely talented with some drum sticks. He's very articulate, too. Good job Sarah and Zach!
That's my day, in a nutshell.
Dad jumped on the bad 'puter and did a lot of troubleshooting and finally got the router issues straightened out and the network back in place. He also installed the wireless network card for the studio computer so I can get it back up to speed and download Protools 8.0. He is a man of great patience!
Mom worked in my yard some and took care of some things that I'm not able to do because of the chest injury. Speaking of which, I started rehab for my chest this past Thursday. That went really well. I really like the PT. She was a great listener and I think the exercises will help. I'm glad to have someone help me monitor my progress and help me determine what I'm ready for and when I'm ready for it. I have a tendency to over do it most of the time.
This morning was lovely, too. Eunyoung called from Korea to firm up plans for Pastor Kidoong's visit. It's only about a week away. I'm exited, but a little nervous about making sure all the details/logistics fall into place for all the folks I'm getting together. We've got 20 something counselors lined up to go. I need to get all that straight and line up 4 dinners and some gifts. Shouldn't be a big deal, but I still feel a little anxious about it all.
We had our second band practice tonight. It was just Pat, Zach and me. We had fun. It was kind of nice not having the drummer tonight because it made it a lot easier to hear and focus. Nathaniel, Zach's son kept us entertained with his drumming throughout some of the practice. He's only 2 and a half and he's extremely talented with some drum sticks. He's very articulate, too. Good job Sarah and Zach!
That's my day, in a nutshell.
True Story 5/8/09
So, I was shopping at Wal-Mart last week. It's not my favorite place to shop. I always feel a little overwhelmed by everything -- noises, people and lots and lots of stuff. There are choices to be made and people everywhere you look. I'm not a fan of shopping in general; it wears me out.
I was shopping specifically for groceries, therefore I stayed on the grocery side. I bought the usual: Bread, cereal, frozen pizzas, milk, fruit, etc.
At the check-out line my total came to $190. I was thinking that sounded a little high, so when I got everything unloaded into the back of the car I checked over the receipt. I saw a $40 item. I was racking my brain to try and figure out what food item I could have possibly purchased that would cost that much. The cryptic letters and numbers to the left of that dollar amount didn't give me any real clue as to what the item might be. I even got out of my car to check the trunk and look over the groceries. There wasn't anything that should cost that much.
Being the question asker that I am I decided to take my receipt back inside and inquire about the item. I stopped in at the greeter first and she said she had no idea, so I went to the customer service counter. When I handed the 50 year old, bleached blond sales associate the receipt and showed her the item line in question she started cackling and bellowed, "you bought $40 Gala apples!!! Ha ha!" All the sales associates laughed and hooted.
I was pretty shocked by the oversight. They started going into other stories about this. They told me they knew of a guy recently who bought an $11 steak and it rang up as a $110 steak. The associates all thought it was funny and par for the course. They said, "oh, they just punched it in wrong in the back." I was slightly horrified. Shouldn't this stuff be carefully monitored through a computerized inventory system? They made it sound like Wal-Mart was a podunk country bumpkin story not an international super-store bringing in trazillions of dollars of revenue daily!
How many people really check their receipts anyway? How many people actually have time to do that? Luckily the kids were at home with Barry. Had they been with me I seriously doubt I would have gone to all that trouble to discover and recover Wal-mart's error. Yeesh!
Check your receipts if you go to Wal-Mart.
I was shopping specifically for groceries, therefore I stayed on the grocery side. I bought the usual: Bread, cereal, frozen pizzas, milk, fruit, etc.
At the check-out line my total came to $190. I was thinking that sounded a little high, so when I got everything unloaded into the back of the car I checked over the receipt. I saw a $40 item. I was racking my brain to try and figure out what food item I could have possibly purchased that would cost that much. The cryptic letters and numbers to the left of that dollar amount didn't give me any real clue as to what the item might be. I even got out of my car to check the trunk and look over the groceries. There wasn't anything that should cost that much.
Being the question asker that I am I decided to take my receipt back inside and inquire about the item. I stopped in at the greeter first and she said she had no idea, so I went to the customer service counter. When I handed the 50 year old, bleached blond sales associate the receipt and showed her the item line in question she started cackling and bellowed, "you bought $40 Gala apples!!! Ha ha!" All the sales associates laughed and hooted.
How many people really check their receipts anyway? How many people actually have time to do that? Luckily the kids were at home with Barry. Had they been with me I seriously doubt I would have gone to all that trouble to discover and recover Wal-mart's error. Yeesh!
Check your receipts if you go to Wal-Mart.
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Yard Sale 6/13/09
Today we were reminded of the fact that we do not ever want to have another yard sale, ever, ever. We jumped in with Barry's mom and sister and neighbor and friends, etc. for a group yard sale. Yeah... We made $70. That's great and all, but considering all the prep time and then the almost 9 hours out in the heat I really don't think it's worth the trouble. From now on we will definitely stick to dropping everything off with Good Will.
Fried Green Tomatoes 6/18/09
We had fried green tomatoes tonight from our garden and it was WONDERFULLY YUMMY! I love eating stuff that we grew. It's free and it tastes good. I guess that's all I have to say about that.
Also, on the Blackmon front, we just had a Korea team meeting. It went really well. I feel like we're connecting well as a team and that we've been able to connect with the Lord about the camp. That is reassuring indeed. It's great to know that the Lord has His hand on things from start to finish.
Now I (with the Lord's help) need to finish the curriculum tweakage and development, pick out visual aids, make copies of them and then put them together with the team at our next meeting. I'm a good starter, but not a good finisher. If anyone actually reads this blog do me a favor and please, right now, just say, "Jesus, help her finish this!" Thank you.
So, our next meeting is in 2 weeks and then in July we'll start our training. We're all really exited about this. A couple of folks are nervous about the North Korean missile craziness, but I figure if there's a real problem our team in Korea will let us know. God's a lot bigger than some weird-o with bad hair and some missile threats.
Oh, and something that makes me incredibly happy that's not related to anything else in this post, which is perfectly logical for me since I tend toward complete randomness, a few months back the Lord very specifically let me know that I'm called to minister to His heart. I had really lost sight of that and anyway, He's opened up a door for me to do devo sets at IHOP. I loooove it because it's just about the worship. Nobody knows or cares who you are or what you look like or anything. You just sneak up there, worship in a very low-profile way and then leave. It's GREAT! It's the ideal environment for worshipping if you ask me and I am so very thankful that the Lord has shown me my niche with this. I love it, love it, love it! There's no power point to prepare, no music styles or preferences to worry about, it's just me and Jesus and that's it. Their only requirement is that you just really worship, which is what I need and want to do. It's a win-win situation. I'm actually leading a set from 10pm to midnight tonight. I'm a night-owl, so it sounds good to me...
Also, on the Blackmon front, we just had a Korea team meeting. It went really well. I feel like we're connecting well as a team and that we've been able to connect with the Lord about the camp. That is reassuring indeed. It's great to know that the Lord has His hand on things from start to finish.
Now I (with the Lord's help) need to finish the curriculum tweakage and development, pick out visual aids, make copies of them and then put them together with the team at our next meeting. I'm a good starter, but not a good finisher. If anyone actually reads this blog do me a favor and please, right now, just say, "Jesus, help her finish this!" Thank you.
So, our next meeting is in 2 weeks and then in July we'll start our training. We're all really exited about this. A couple of folks are nervous about the North Korean missile craziness, but I figure if there's a real problem our team in Korea will let us know. God's a lot bigger than some weird-o with bad hair and some missile threats.
Oh, and something that makes me incredibly happy that's not related to anything else in this post, which is perfectly logical for me since I tend toward complete randomness, a few months back the Lord very specifically let me know that I'm called to minister to His heart. I had really lost sight of that and anyway, He's opened up a door for me to do devo sets at IHOP. I loooove it because it's just about the worship. Nobody knows or cares who you are or what you look like or anything. You just sneak up there, worship in a very low-profile way and then leave. It's GREAT! It's the ideal environment for worshipping if you ask me and I am so very thankful that the Lord has shown me my niche with this. I love it, love it, love it! There's no power point to prepare, no music styles or preferences to worry about, it's just me and Jesus and that's it. Their only requirement is that you just really worship, which is what I need and want to do. It's a win-win situation. I'm actually leading a set from 10pm to midnight tonight. I'm a night-owl, so it sounds good to me...
2010 1/3/10
Three things I know:
1) God really is good.
2) God really does love me.
3) God really is shepherding my life with tender care and concern.
Those things remain. Throughout all the shaking that's happened in my life in the past few years, it's comforting to see that what matters most is what remains. Those things won't go anywhere.
With that being said, I really don't have any New Year's Resolutions. I'm just learning to lean into what I know to be true and let the rest fall where it may! I'm learning to keep my sticky fingers off the Shepherd's staff and just enjoy the journey, where ever it may lead. His plans are better than mine anyway. (Ephesians 3:20.)
Updates on the homefront: The Blackmons are doing well and I'm seeing the Lord do many new and wonderful things in my extended family. Barry's homeschooling the kids. Wow. And I'll be done with school in the Spring. Yay! After that I plan on just being Mommy and wife again and Lord willing, continuing with the music.
That's about it. I figured I stick up a new post before I'm swamped with school and neglect things again for a while.
1) God really is good.
2) God really does love me.
3) God really is shepherding my life with tender care and concern.
Those things remain. Throughout all the shaking that's happened in my life in the past few years, it's comforting to see that what matters most is what remains. Those things won't go anywhere.
With that being said, I really don't have any New Year's Resolutions. I'm just learning to lean into what I know to be true and let the rest fall where it may! I'm learning to keep my sticky fingers off the Shepherd's staff and just enjoy the journey, where ever it may lead. His plans are better than mine anyway. (Ephesians 3:20.)
Updates on the homefront: The Blackmons are doing well and I'm seeing the Lord do many new and wonderful things in my extended family. Barry's homeschooling the kids. Wow. And I'll be done with school in the Spring. Yay! After that I plan on just being Mommy and wife again and Lord willing, continuing with the music.
That's about it. I figured I stick up a new post before I'm swamped with school and neglect things again for a while.
4 Down, 1 to Go! 5/5/10
Okay, so my 16 hour semester at Georgia is winding down to a close. Hopefully, I've gained some helpful knowledge in the process. I have 1 more final on Thursday and then I'm done. What a relief that will be.
Next years Korea team formation is underway. I would've chosen to start that project after school ended, but it's not entirely up to me so... I'm in the middle of that also. We're taking 10 folks this year, which will be much more manageable compared to the 22 that went last year. Also, we'll only do 1 camp instead of 2 like we did last year. And... we get to write our own curriculum instead of using a VBS, like Crocodile Dock. Who wants to teach kids about the plagues anyway? Yeesh! I'm really exited about this year's camp.
Right now I feel like I'm in limbo with finishing school, getting camp stuff ready, summer trips, etc. But, it'll all fall into place and there's a great summer coming up SOON! Yay! Hopefully, I can be a little more consistent with blogging. It's a great outlet and now that I'm not typing up endless notes for classes my fingers can type here instead.
Next years Korea team formation is underway. I would've chosen to start that project after school ended, but it's not entirely up to me so... I'm in the middle of that also. We're taking 10 folks this year, which will be much more manageable compared to the 22 that went last year. Also, we'll only do 1 camp instead of 2 like we did last year. And... we get to write our own curriculum instead of using a VBS, like Crocodile Dock. Who wants to teach kids about the plagues anyway? Yeesh! I'm really exited about this year's camp.
Right now I feel like I'm in limbo with finishing school, getting camp stuff ready, summer trips, etc. But, it'll all fall into place and there's a great summer coming up SOON! Yay! Hopefully, I can be a little more consistent with blogging. It's a great outlet and now that I'm not typing up endless notes for classes my fingers can type here instead.
Friday, January 17, 2020
Catching Up 10/8/08
My computer hasn't let me log in to blogger for a few weeks now, so I've missed being able to leave comments and posts. For whatever reason it's cooperating today. Yay!
We've had a busy few weeks! We've visited Providence Canyon, Valdosta, Lake Jocassee and Barry and I have also hit some pretty intense issues of the heart and made some ministry decisions.
But, boy am I glad it's Fall! It's drizzly outside and the colorful sweetgum leaves are all over the sod, I've got the candles lit in the kitchen and if I were physically able I'd put a pot of soup on to simmer. It's just one of those wonderful Fall days. I hope and pray that all my blogging buddies are enjoying God's peace regardless of circumstances, and trusting in His kindness and faithfulness despite life's storms. He is good and He WILL restore.
Sam jumping off the cliff. Barry is next to her.
We've had a busy few weeks! We've visited Providence Canyon, Valdosta, Lake Jocassee and Barry and I have also hit some pretty intense issues of the heart and made some ministry decisions.
But, boy am I glad it's Fall! It's drizzly outside and the colorful sweetgum leaves are all over the sod, I've got the candles lit in the kitchen and if I were physically able I'd put a pot of soup on to simmer. It's just one of those wonderful Fall days. I hope and pray that all my blogging buddies are enjoying God's peace regardless of circumstances, and trusting in His kindness and faithfulness despite life's storms. He is good and He WILL restore.
Sam jumping off the cliff. Barry is next to her.
Monday, March 26, 2012
G.M.I. 3/26/12
In my Sunday night group we've started discussing some of the Grace Ministries International content. I took the course years ago and it's such good stuff.
The material examines the difference between the body, the soul and the spirit. It helps you understand the difference between dependence on Christ and dependence on your own resources aka "the flesh."
"Just as your salvation is accomplished by something that takes place in your spirit, so the solution to the problems that appear in your soul will not be found in the resources of your soul or body. The solution will be found in our spirit where Christ (who is your life) dwells (page 86)."
I will say that it has been very challenging to discuss this stuff with folks in their second language. Oh boy! I'm just hoping that the scriptures speak for themselves and that the Holy Spirit will teach them, just as he promised he would.
What we know and believe to be true determines our behavior, so it's vital that we really know what we believe and that we line that up with God's word.
The material examines the difference between the body, the soul and the spirit. It helps you understand the difference between dependence on Christ and dependence on your own resources aka "the flesh."
"Just as your salvation is accomplished by something that takes place in your spirit, so the solution to the problems that appear in your soul will not be found in the resources of your soul or body. The solution will be found in our spirit where Christ (who is your life) dwells (page 86)."
I will say that it has been very challenging to discuss this stuff with folks in their second language. Oh boy! I'm just hoping that the scriptures speak for themselves and that the Holy Spirit will teach them, just as he promised he would.
What we know and believe to be true determines our behavior, so it's vital that we really know what we believe and that we line that up with God's word.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Today. 6/15/11
Today is Wednesday, June 15th. I came in to school at 10:30am. Jenny and I led worship together for all the kids. After that I taught three 5 year old English classes in a row. At 12:30pm we ate a yummy Korean lunch. This is my planning time before my next 2 classes. I just wanted to continue the habit of writing a little.
This morning Barry and I had a really nice prayer time together. We want to continually combine faith and action as we follow after Christ. (I read James 2 today.) We took the step to come here by faith and the Lord was reminding me that we can continually live that way. Our ears are open to hear what He'll say next. Our eyes are on Him as we journey in faith. We're expectant about where He will lead us next, but for today, we'll just keep our gaze on Him and enjoy Him in the present. May today be a day where we do all we do (whether teaching, cleaning, etc.) as unto Him and for His glory.
I'm so thankful that we can enjoy fellowshipping with God throughout the day. Worship is a heart attitude, not a song. May our lives be in continual harmony with our Maker as we keep our hearts tuned into Him throughout our day.
This morning Barry and I had a really nice prayer time together. We want to continually combine faith and action as we follow after Christ. (I read James 2 today.) We took the step to come here by faith and the Lord was reminding me that we can continually live that way. Our ears are open to hear what He'll say next. Our eyes are on Him as we journey in faith. We're expectant about where He will lead us next, but for today, we'll just keep our gaze on Him and enjoy Him in the present. May today be a day where we do all we do (whether teaching, cleaning, etc.) as unto Him and for His glory.
I'm so thankful that we can enjoy fellowshipping with God throughout the day. Worship is a heart attitude, not a song. May our lives be in continual harmony with our Maker as we keep our hearts tuned into Him throughout our day.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Imagery, Both Old and New
Writing here feels a little bit like coming home. Long before the Korea move was on the horizon, this blog existed as a place to pour out my thoughts and process things. It's good to be here. Familiar things are a comfort amidst so much change.
So, everything is so new. I'm sitting at a simple black desk, in an unusually comfortable black office chair. There is a wall-sized window directly in front of me. If I stand and lean forward I can touch it. I am 10 stories high. Building "B" fills my view. Maybe 100 ft directly ahead, squares and rectangles of glass filled with various types of blinds, pots and plants are looking back at me. It is a motionless and boring view. To the far right I can see gigantic monitor atop a neighboring building. I sit 1 story higher than it and it gives a continual stream of ads for the crowded lines of cars below. I'm glad I have drapes so that I can make it go away.
Car engines revving and roaring, sirens and the sounds of noisy traffic will one day be familiar, but for now they are foreign. I'm used to hearing the wind shrieking past window panes that are slightly askew and the comforting rattle of it whipping through our vinyl siding while lying in my cozy pillow top bed with flannel sheets and toasty down. In the mornings I used to hear song birds, the Statham train, the squeak of the school bus brakes and the familiar whine of Lizzy, our dog, asking to go outside to relieve herself and exert her dominance over a few lingering squirrels. I feel a little too overwhelmed with the new to miss the old right now.
As I look to the left and right I see books bursting off of bookshelves. They are all in Korean, so I am unable to unlock their secrets and enjoy what they might have to offer. Behind me is a ruffly, pastel Korean comforter on top of a Korean style bed. The bed is considerably harder than any American mattress and yet it provides a haven for rest and my sweet down pillow from home greets me every time I crawl between the matching blue sheets.
I enjoy hearing the familiar sounds of Samantha on "Webkinz World" and Will clacking Legos as I type. I'm happy to be here, though I still feel fatigued from the drain of the unfamiliar and the 14 hour warp of time.
It has been especially meaningful to see Barry rise up into his role as English teacher and leader at the church. He has such a joy and energy about him that make all the paperwork and details worth it. Even working 5 days a week is a privilege that I know helped to pave the way for our visas so that we could be here. Yay! Our time with the English worship group has been very meaningful. We are reading through The 4:8 Principle as a group. It's been a neat time to share our hearts and grow together. I'm looking forward to getting to know them all better and see what the Lord will do.
So, everything is so new. I'm sitting at a simple black desk, in an unusually comfortable black office chair. There is a wall-sized window directly in front of me. If I stand and lean forward I can touch it. I am 10 stories high. Building "B" fills my view. Maybe 100 ft directly ahead, squares and rectangles of glass filled with various types of blinds, pots and plants are looking back at me. It is a motionless and boring view. To the far right I can see gigantic monitor atop a neighboring building. I sit 1 story higher than it and it gives a continual stream of ads for the crowded lines of cars below. I'm glad I have drapes so that I can make it go away.
Car engines revving and roaring, sirens and the sounds of noisy traffic will one day be familiar, but for now they are foreign. I'm used to hearing the wind shrieking past window panes that are slightly askew and the comforting rattle of it whipping through our vinyl siding while lying in my cozy pillow top bed with flannel sheets and toasty down. In the mornings I used to hear song birds, the Statham train, the squeak of the school bus brakes and the familiar whine of Lizzy, our dog, asking to go outside to relieve herself and exert her dominance over a few lingering squirrels. I feel a little too overwhelmed with the new to miss the old right now.
As I look to the left and right I see books bursting off of bookshelves. They are all in Korean, so I am unable to unlock their secrets and enjoy what they might have to offer. Behind me is a ruffly, pastel Korean comforter on top of a Korean style bed. The bed is considerably harder than any American mattress and yet it provides a haven for rest and my sweet down pillow from home greets me every time I crawl between the matching blue sheets.
I enjoy hearing the familiar sounds of Samantha on "Webkinz World" and Will clacking Legos as I type. I'm happy to be here, though I still feel fatigued from the drain of the unfamiliar and the 14 hour warp of time.
It has been especially meaningful to see Barry rise up into his role as English teacher and leader at the church. He has such a joy and energy about him that make all the paperwork and details worth it. Even working 5 days a week is a privilege that I know helped to pave the way for our visas so that we could be here. Yay! Our time with the English worship group has been very meaningful. We are reading through The 4:8 Principle as a group. It's been a neat time to share our hearts and grow together. I'm looking forward to getting to know them all better and see what the Lord will do.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Moving Sale, October 23rd, 8am-2pm 10/19/10
Barry and I are going through every nook and cranny in this house and clearing out all the excess junk. We're trying to get ready to rent the house out and hopefully make a little cash for plane tickets. It's all kind of overwhelming. Everywhere I look I'm constantly trying to assess whether or not the item under scrutiny should be sold, kept, returned to it's original owner, given away, trashed, packed or stored. In the word(s) of Mr.Page, my old AP History teacher, "YEEESH!!!"
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
"Be the Granny" 8/31/10
I just wanted to say that phrase -- for a few reasons. First off, we now own a granny-mobile. It's a Mercury Grand Marquis -- a ginormous boat of a car. Our other 2 cars died and we wanted to pay cash for something cheap and reliable so that we could get around before we leave. We'll sell the car back to the car dude when we move in January. It's a good arrangement.
Secondly, Barry wanted to start the p90x fitness and nutrition program today. I can do the nutrition deal with him, but my body is still messed up from the injury so my version of the fitness routine is physical therapy90x. I use 3lb weights and go really, really slow. I definitely don't go to failure and I don't do push ups or pull ups since that's my injury zone. Anyway, while I was doing my little dinky exercises I kept hearing the phrase in my head, "be the granny." I used to be really competitive with sports and athletic activity. Now that I'm "humbled" it's good to remember to be smart about how I do things and to be sure I don't push my limits. I will indeed "be the granny" as long as I must. Hopefully, I'll be able to work up to something more substantial and develop a little perseverance and patience in the meantime...
Secondly, Barry wanted to start the p90x fitness and nutrition program today. I can do the nutrition deal with him, but my body is still messed up from the injury so my version of the fitness routine is physical therapy90x. I use 3lb weights and go really, really slow. I definitely don't go to failure and I don't do push ups or pull ups since that's my injury zone. Anyway, while I was doing my little dinky exercises I kept hearing the phrase in my head, "be the granny." I used to be really competitive with sports and athletic activity. Now that I'm "humbled" it's good to remember to be smart about how I do things and to be sure I don't push my limits. I will indeed "be the granny" as long as I must. Hopefully, I'll be able to work up to something more substantial and develop a little perseverance and patience in the meantime...
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Date Night 8/24/10
Barry and I had a great date tonight. (Thanks Jessi for watching the kiddos!) We ate at Buffalo's. We had a $10 coupon. Nice! Afterwards Barry got McD's chocolate chip cookies and I got a Jittery Joe's Dutch Mocha (decaf). Yum! We finished off the night by flipping through radio stations on the way home and remembering and singing some of our favorite songs from years past. Twas fun.
I'm so thankful to be married to my best friend. It's also fun to share so much history. Though we're 5 years apart in age we both went to the same high school and grew up in the same area. If we move to Korea I'll miss hearing "y'all" and other fun colloquialisms from the South. You can take the girl out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the girl. Right?
It was good to reconnect with Barry and to just have fun being together. I finally feel like I'm hitting my stride again after all the trips and upheaval. Now that I know I'm NOT going to be back in school this Fall I'm having a much easier time getting focused and remembering my niche. I'm having a good time with the scheduling, cooking, cleaning, etc. Yay for that. It's so nice to just be home. I always was "just home" before I got hurt and then went back to school. I think I appreciate the role of wife and mom afresh these days.
Like the Word says, "Contentment with godliness is great gain." What a gift contentment is. The Lord has done so much. He is so, so good. I wish everyone could see and know the goodness that I've seen in Him, (even though I know my experience with Him doesn't even scratch the surface of who He is.) And I hope to get to know Him better and better everyday. He's just so wonderful. His attention to detail, His creativity and wisdom, and personal attentiveness are mind-blowing. Even in the fact that He decided to give us all different fingerprints. Why'd he do that? Why did He bother? He's just so amazingly personal. Here's a song to go with that thought. He made us all so unique and we all have a way to praise Him and love on Him that only we as individuals can bring. He loves the way we all relate to Him differently, just the way He made us to!
I'm so thankful to be married to my best friend. It's also fun to share so much history. Though we're 5 years apart in age we both went to the same high school and grew up in the same area. If we move to Korea I'll miss hearing "y'all" and other fun colloquialisms from the South. You can take the girl out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the girl. Right?
It was good to reconnect with Barry and to just have fun being together. I finally feel like I'm hitting my stride again after all the trips and upheaval. Now that I know I'm NOT going to be back in school this Fall I'm having a much easier time getting focused and remembering my niche. I'm having a good time with the scheduling, cooking, cleaning, etc. Yay for that. It's so nice to just be home. I always was "just home" before I got hurt and then went back to school. I think I appreciate the role of wife and mom afresh these days.
Like the Word says, "Contentment with godliness is great gain." What a gift contentment is. The Lord has done so much. He is so, so good. I wish everyone could see and know the goodness that I've seen in Him, (even though I know my experience with Him doesn't even scratch the surface of who He is.) And I hope to get to know Him better and better everyday. He's just so wonderful. His attention to detail, His creativity and wisdom, and personal attentiveness are mind-blowing. Even in the fact that He decided to give us all different fingerprints. Why'd he do that? Why did He bother? He's just so amazingly personal. Here's a song to go with that thought. He made us all so unique and we all have a way to praise Him and love on Him that only we as individuals can bring. He loves the way we all relate to Him differently, just the way He made us to!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Samantha is 11 8/22/10
Time really does fly. I can't believe Sam is 11 years old. Wowzers! She's a great kid and I'm so thankful and blessed to have had the honor of being her mom. I look forward to the years to come!
I feel the need to ramble now, so here's I go... (That's why I have this blog. I need a place to ramble and it takes too long to write it all out with pen and paper.)
I'm so glad that Fall is approaching. We've got some big changes coming up and there is a lot to be done in preparation. I was going to go back to school this fall, but I'm SO glad that I opted out of that. It was just one "iron" too many. I'm greatly relieved to have chosen not take classes right now. Did I mention that already? Because, I am so very glad that I'm NOT IN SCHOOL right now.
We're trying to get organized and get rid of our excess stuff. Speaking of which, I need to do the same for my physical body, too. I really need to be more intentional about dietary choices and exercise. I need help and motivation for that. I like the little myfitnesspal calorie counter deal. It's pretty nifty, but I seem to forget to use it.
Our best friends are house shopping. That's fun. I like to think that I'm an undercover real estate agent. I get a big kick out of researching. I'll be happy to see them settled into a bigger house soon.
Can you say "stream of consciousness?" It's 1am and the stream is flowing.
So, I have bronchitis and I'm taking steroids, which may explain all of this -- like why I'm typing any of this at all and why it's all so random. I will be completely med-free in 2 more days. Yay.
Did I mention that I'm exited about Fall coming. I am. I need to find some free mulch for the yard. Yep. We might be putting the house on the market. That's a big fat "might."
Homeschool is going really well. The kids are in a good rhythm with it. That's been nice. I had a min-breakthrough with Will. I'm letting him use my little computer desk in my bedroom sometimes for his school work. It has made such a difference for him to have a distraction-free zone. He's kind of like me -- easily distracted. I'm sure you wouldn't have any indication of that from this post, but actually I am pretty easily distracted.
Oh, and Barry got a massive pay cut. Like 30K less than what he was making. Not that we were rolling in it before. We both laughed when we found out because it was fitting in light of our possible future plans... to be unveiled later. The Lord keeps reminding me that His plans are GOOD. He has GOOD plans and He is a GOOD God. Yep. That's good to think about.
Welp, my back kind of hurts sitting in this position, I guess I'll go to bed.
And, and, AND... huh, huh... part of the reason I had to write this post is that I needed to vent on the previous post, but wasn't comfortable leaving that post up top. So, if anyone actually reads this, which I doubt, then you deserve to know the real thought process (or at least one of them) going on in my head as I aimlessly typed all of this.
I feel the need to ramble now, so here's I go... (That's why I have this blog. I need a place to ramble and it takes too long to write it all out with pen and paper.)
I'm so glad that Fall is approaching. We've got some big changes coming up and there is a lot to be done in preparation. I was going to go back to school this fall, but I'm SO glad that I opted out of that. It was just one "iron" too many. I'm greatly relieved to have chosen not take classes right now. Did I mention that already? Because, I am so very glad that I'm NOT IN SCHOOL right now.
We're trying to get organized and get rid of our excess stuff. Speaking of which, I need to do the same for my physical body, too. I really need to be more intentional about dietary choices and exercise. I need help and motivation for that. I like the little myfitnesspal calorie counter deal. It's pretty nifty, but I seem to forget to use it.
Our best friends are house shopping. That's fun. I like to think that I'm an undercover real estate agent. I get a big kick out of researching. I'll be happy to see them settled into a bigger house soon.
Can you say "stream of consciousness?" It's 1am and the stream is flowing.
So, I have bronchitis and I'm taking steroids, which may explain all of this -- like why I'm typing any of this at all and why it's all so random. I will be completely med-free in 2 more days. Yay.
Did I mention that I'm exited about Fall coming. I am. I need to find some free mulch for the yard. Yep. We might be putting the house on the market. That's a big fat "might."
Homeschool is going really well. The kids are in a good rhythm with it. That's been nice. I had a min-breakthrough with Will. I'm letting him use my little computer desk in my bedroom sometimes for his school work. It has made such a difference for him to have a distraction-free zone. He's kind of like me -- easily distracted. I'm sure you wouldn't have any indication of that from this post, but actually I am pretty easily distracted.
Oh, and Barry got a massive pay cut. Like 30K less than what he was making. Not that we were rolling in it before. We both laughed when we found out because it was fitting in light of our possible future plans... to be unveiled later. The Lord keeps reminding me that His plans are GOOD. He has GOOD plans and He is a GOOD God. Yep. That's good to think about.
Welp, my back kind of hurts sitting in this position, I guess I'll go to bed.
And, and, AND... huh, huh... part of the reason I had to write this post is that I needed to vent on the previous post, but wasn't comfortable leaving that post up top. So, if anyone actually reads this, which I doubt, then you deserve to know the real thought process (or at least one of them) going on in my head as I aimlessly typed all of this.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Congratulations to Ian and Leslie 7/17/10
The whirlwind weekend has almost concluded. Ian and Leslie had a lovely wedding today and an amazingly delicious rehearsal dinner last night at Mama's Boy. I know everyone is tired, but it really was a sweet time with lots of wonderful and memorable moments. If fell in love with Leslie's little nieces and nephew. They're such cute kids.
I actually introduced Leslie and Ian over 5 years ago. When things were rough I always felt bad about it, but today was a happy ending! I'm so thankful to have been able to witness the Lord's hand in bringing them to this point. He is so kind and patient with all of us.
Tomorrow is our last Korea meeting and band practice, then we're off to South Korea for 2 and a half weeks or so. Other than being momentarily wiped out I'm really looking forward to the trip. Our God is such a good, good God. It's indescribably nifty to belong to Him and be a part of His kingdom.
I actually introduced Leslie and Ian over 5 years ago. When things were rough I always felt bad about it, but today was a happy ending! I'm so thankful to have been able to witness the Lord's hand in bringing them to this point. He is so kind and patient with all of us.
Tomorrow is our last Korea meeting and band practice, then we're off to South Korea for 2 and a half weeks or so. Other than being momentarily wiped out I'm really looking forward to the trip. Our God is such a good, good God. It's indescribably nifty to belong to Him and be a part of His kingdom.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
oh great. 7/6/10
I've got to pick, practice, organize, etc. the music for our Korea trip and a friend's wedding. I'm avoiding that by coming to this handy little link called "new post."
I started the day off right by grazing some one's beautiful, brand new, massive truck that was parked on the side of the street this morning. I was creeping up the hill in the neighborhood with the sun in my eyes and the morning dew and condensation still thick on the windshield. My wipers were going and my defrost was on high and I couldn't. see. a. thing. It was 7am and I was thinking, gee I'm glad kids aren't out playing this early, cuz I'd hit 'em. Then THWAP! Bump. Bump. Bump. sliiiiiide.
oh great.
So I get out of my car to find out WHAT I hit since I couldn't see anything. Wonderful. A truck. And look it's like the perfect color to blend in with the world around it. No wonder I hit it.
I left my name and number on their windshield and told them I was SO SORRY, which I am of course. It's almost noon and they haven't called yet. I keep rehearsing in my mind that when they do I will keep it simple and accept full responsibility and promptly give them my insurance info. Sigh... (I've found that you can't sue the sun or the water on your windshield and that people really aren't interested in your very valid reasons for doing dumb things.)
This whole "accepting responsibility thing" keeps chasing me around. Obviously the spiritual posts as of late have been all about how the Lord is pointing out my part in our walk together. Even my mini bio up top says that I'm trusting Him to do the work. He's really pointing out that it's not all Him. I've got to put forth effort too. I think I'm having a hard time coming to terms with this. I don't really like the idea that my choices or lack thereof can alter the course of my life, even if it's just 1mm at a time. The big choices have obvious impact, but it's all the little choices that cause you to drift. As we all know, eating to much, over sleeping, choosing to be lazy, watching dumb TV, not giving time to the Word, not guarding your heart and thoughts etc. are the things that little by little create undesirable change. We can't just walk away from the guard post and expect to stay on track. Okay Lord, you're right. Please help me to make the right choices toward godliness.
I started the day off right by grazing some one's beautiful, brand new, massive truck that was parked on the side of the street this morning. I was creeping up the hill in the neighborhood with the sun in my eyes and the morning dew and condensation still thick on the windshield. My wipers were going and my defrost was on high and I couldn't. see. a. thing. It was 7am and I was thinking, gee I'm glad kids aren't out playing this early, cuz I'd hit 'em. Then THWAP! Bump. Bump. Bump. sliiiiiide.
oh great.
So I get out of my car to find out WHAT I hit since I couldn't see anything. Wonderful. A truck. And look it's like the perfect color to blend in with the world around it. No wonder I hit it.
I left my name and number on their windshield and told them I was SO SORRY, which I am of course. It's almost noon and they haven't called yet. I keep rehearsing in my mind that when they do I will keep it simple and accept full responsibility and promptly give them my insurance info. Sigh... (I've found that you can't sue the sun or the water on your windshield and that people really aren't interested in your very valid reasons for doing dumb things.)
This whole "accepting responsibility thing" keeps chasing me around. Obviously the spiritual posts as of late have been all about how the Lord is pointing out my part in our walk together. Even my mini bio up top says that I'm trusting Him to do the work. He's really pointing out that it's not all Him. I've got to put forth effort too. I think I'm having a hard time coming to terms with this. I don't really like the idea that my choices or lack thereof can alter the course of my life, even if it's just 1mm at a time. The big choices have obvious impact, but it's all the little choices that cause you to drift. As we all know, eating to much, over sleeping, choosing to be lazy, watching dumb TV, not giving time to the Word, not guarding your heart and thoughts etc. are the things that little by little create undesirable change. We can't just walk away from the guard post and expect to stay on track. Okay Lord, you're right. Please help me to make the right choices toward godliness.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road 7/6/10
I really am deeply convicted about my need to grow in the Word and continue to move forward in God. If I were to be honest with myself I'd have to say that I'm probably softer and lazier than I've ever been. I've grown so comfortable in my life that I just don't want to move. Ouch. I clicked on this link here and read my own Words from 2007. They applied so much to where I'm at that it was almost scary. Double ouch.
God, please help me to put action into these convictions. I'm so far from where I need to be. I know you give us goals not to condemn us but to give us direction so we know where to aim. Please help me to focus my effort and energy into Your direction and goals for my life.
God, please help me to put action into these convictions. I'm so far from where I need to be. I know you give us goals not to condemn us but to give us direction so we know where to aim. Please help me to focus my effort and energy into Your direction and goals for my life.
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