The minute you start reading
a book titled Unglued – you suddenly become aware that YOU, infact, do
have a tendency to come unglued. No
matter how often I tell myself, “I don’t want to come unglued!!!” I fail miserably. Having a book that shines light on my
struggles and offers help only seems to afford me a magnifying glass look in to
my struggle with remaining GLUED. ‘tis
sad but true. It’s like those times you
hear a sermon on patience…you sense this message might be a pre-req for the
trial about to befall you. Thankfully we
know God is with us and He allows trials, temptations, etc. for our good.
Sooo here I am…a work in
progress. We sing a song in Sunday
school – He’s still working on me. It
talks about how it only took God 7 days to make the sun and the moon and
Jupiter and Mars…but He’s loving and patient and still working on me. It’s a great truth…and a catchy tune.
I’ve not blogged in a couple
days. Everytime I think about blogging,
I struggle with what to write…
You see, tonight I will say
goodbye to a dear friend and her wonderful family. Even though I know that this move for them is
clearly, CLEARLY God’s will…I am still sad.
And it’s not wrong that I am sad because God gave me emotions. Goodness – Jesus wept when His friend Lazarus
died.
It’s been a year full of
goodbyes… I know eventually the tears
will cease but for now…for now they fall.
My email (and I am not sure which of the three) has been hacked. I did not send out a message with an attached link to it. Please do NOT open this email. It is NOT from the girl with curly hair.
Infact, let's observe a moment of silence for my completely deceased computer. :(
To get there, I will be arising from my slumber very early (as in 3 a.m.) to catch the 4:30 bus to O'Hare...where I will go down the escalator and follow the signs to the Blue Line Metra Train. I will insert $2.75 in to the kiosk (Note to self: Get cash!!!! One time, I only had a $5 and had to put the entire bill on the card.) and board the Metra. For the next 45 or so minutes, I will journey to the heart of Chicago.
Upon departing the Blue Line, I will walk 2 blocks to Union Station, take another escalator downstairs, and board the Amtrak train that will deliver me to Jackson, Michigan.
It seems like a lot of rig-a-ma-roll, right? Well...it's actually better than driving (in my humble opinion). There's something sooo un-nerving about the Chicago Skyway. If I can avoid it and spend 4 hours on-board a train knitting and reading and people-watching...I choose this!!!!! :) I actually really do enjoy the adventure of the train.
I did hear a rumor that Amtrak might come to Rockford. HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE???? I could board the train here and not skip the bus to the Blue Line and the Blue Line to the city!!!! FUN! FUN! FUN! It's one rumor that I hope is true!!!!
For the past 27 minutes, I've been sitting Indian-style on my ottoman, staring at my computer screen (the blank blog post form), contemplating what to blog about this evening. It's weird that the Olympics are over. And I would like to go on record for saying the closing ceremonies were awful. I only watched (and I use the term "watched" loosely as I had to turn away from the t.v. screen) about 6 minutes. The music was atrocious. The clothing...ICK! I just don't understand. The opening was...well, during the Industrial Revolution -- that part was a little slow...but it was the INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION! Back to the Closing...I wonder what kind of people are elected for the Olympic Ceremony Committee. (I say the title of the committee as if I know that it's the official name...Confession: I don't know that for a fact.) I just finished up my Picnic Committee duties and am free for another 11 months, I could be on the Olympic Ceremony Committee...we have 4 years to plan. Rio. Hmmmm...I wonder what the theme will be in 4 years. Actually, there will be Winter Games in 2 years. The other day I was thinking about how old I will be during the next Olympics and it made me a little morose. I mean, I will be 4 years wiser...let's hope. :) Anyway...Closing Ceremonies: TWO THUMBS DOWN! [Insert "Boooo!" and "Hiss!"] After enduring the 6 minutes of the closing, I turned the moving picture box (AKA: T.V.) off. The truth is -- aside from the Olympics and a smidge bit of news I really don't watch t.v. all that much. I get my fill of Fox News during my gym time. It's win - win...cardio and information. Speaking of the gym...tonight was the first night in about a month that I actually enjoyed working-out. For the past 4 or 5 weeks, I've only gone to the gym because I knew deep down, I needed it...but tonight, it was nice to enjoy being there. Thirty minutes of elliptical and I went home a happy girl. Home. (Sigh!) It's soo lovely to be home. You do realize for the next 3-5 days, this is all I am going to blog about, right? It's kinda like the first month of Sweater Weather...you know how I feel about Sweater Weather!!!!!!!!! I suppose I should remind you...Edward's Apple Orchard opens in 11 more wake-ups! Oh for a mug of warm apple cider... You see, I'm a simple sort of girl. A mug of warm apple cider, cooler temps, jeans, and a hoodie. I'm set. Oh, wait -- a good book. And a friend to chit-chat with. And maybe some of those gluten-free pumpkin muffins that I make using a gf boxed cake mix, can of pumpkin, and an egg. Today I was thankful for a busy day at work...I'm not kidding - I punched-in at 7:50-something and the next time I checked the clock it was 11 (time for break)! Around 1 p.m., I accidentally selected SHUT DOWN under my Start menu...so down went what I was working on and instead of letting that bother me, I laughed OUTLOUD and went to lunch. My co-workers, I'm fairly certain, thought that I was finally cracking-up. I wasn't. Not yet anyway...I'm sure that will come...eventually. At 2 p.m. we had a Picnic Committee meeting to wrap things up and talk about suggestions to make 2013's Picnic more fabulous! And the next thing I knew, it was 4:29 and people were proceeding to the timeclock to punch-out and yours truly was still sitting on her computer trying to get the thing to shut down. Why is it that at 1 p.m. when I accidentally shut everything down, the computer seemed to operate more quickly than at 4:29? Probably because I really, really, really wanted to leave. After work, I had to make a quick stop at the airport and drop something off at UPS. It's sounds glamorous saying that I stopped at the airport. It's not glamorous. It's Rockford's airport and it will forever be Rockford's airport - no matter the fact that they officially call it "Chicago-Rockford International Airport." They could add a bunch of other cool cities and it would still be Rockford's airport. :) No one ever asks my opinion...I think it's the naturally curly hair. After UPS, a quick stop at the eye doctor because my new and improved...all .05% of the right eye...contact lenses are in. I didn't feel like pointing out to the employee who called about my lenses that when I purchased them, the little man said he would ship them directly to the cottage. It seemed like a lost cause...and really, I could make the eye doctor on my way to Gloria's! Tonight I got to help a friend in need. It was a nice feeling being able to rearrange my schedule and help Gloria. I did a walk-through of her house and pretended that I was a potential buyer. I got to open drawers and closets and comment. It was kind of fun! After the walk-through and final touch-ups, we went to Pier One where we oooohed and aaaaahed over a beautiful red rug. It was truly a work of art. It was technically a rose but if I am going to be honest, it reminded me of a Poinsettia. It was beautiful! I'm pretty sure the Pier One guy was wanting to make a sale tonight...but instead he was stuck with two window-shoppers who happened to be in a hurry to get to Panera for nourishment. :) Said nourishment - Fuji Apple Chicken Salad. I did explain to the Panera girl, "Please no bread anywhere near my plate. No gluten. I will get sick here." I think it makes food workers nervous when you mention that you may get sick...in their restaurant. I learned that little tip from the Gluten-Free Girl book that I read. :) She is a genius! Salads and conversating. What a beautiful combination. At 7:00, I sent Gloria on her merry way to Indianapolis and I headed off to the gym. What a great way to end a Monday!!!
I feel as though I should make a t-shirt..."I survived house- / dog-sitting 2012!!!" If I were to create said t-shirt (and let's be honest, it would look fabulous on a coffee mug too), I would want the background color to be raspberry and we even add a picture of my two canine friends. Yes, we are friends...as, on Day #3, I found myself conversing with them. It was apparent that I had officially cracked-up. Before church this morning, I told the dogs, "Your humans will be home this afternoon!!!" and from that point forward those dogs were semi-neurotic. I hate to call them flat out neurotic and/or crazy...but FOR REAL...they were!!! We sat outside on the porch awaiting the arrival of the four humans that left them in my trusty care. Don't get me wrong -- those dogs were totally spoiled while I was there. SERIOUSLY...we ran out of dog treats....ummmm....3 boxes of treats!!! I let them lay beside me when we watched the Olympics. They were spoiled and they knew it. And let's face it, they loved it!!! Although my house-sitting gig was only 11 days (which happens to be 4 days shorter than the normal duration), I'm thrilled beyond words to be home. There's no place like home. Dorothy had it right. I do not have ruby slippers lest I might've been transported here sooner. Hmmmm...note to self: Find some ruby slippers. I will, however, miss... ...the dogs. Even though last night, they decided to obnoxiously bark until 11:30. I thought about reprimanding them but what if a burglar got in...would they think in their little dog brains, Angie Good does not want us to bark. Hope this big, burly guy doesn't hurt here. Goodnight. [Insert dog snores!]...even though they barked last night, I will still miss them. They are snuggly and lovable! ...the Keurig coffeemaker. (Sigh.) ...the huge bathtub. I think that's about it. :)
Leah and I met for coffee tonight. One final time.
After ordering, we asked the coffee girl to take our picture. [Shout out of the Meg's girls -- excellent coffee and great job with the picture!]
Leah's friendship is a wonderful gift. She has encouraged me time and time-again to seek to know our Heavenly Father on a deeper, more personal level.
We have the ability to make one another laugh. We've been there for the shedding of tears - both happy and not-so-happy.
She is a friend that I can text "Pray for me" and I know that no matter what she is doing, she will stop and pray. She is a faithful friend.
Today while trying to decide if we wanted a frozen treat (Red Mango) or coffee, Leah text me Meg's and then went on to explain, (and I quote) "It is more special." I could not agree more, friend.
For an hour, she gave me a wonderful gift....her time. I will treasure this selfless gift that she gave me.
I'm going to miss her terribly, but instead of ending this blog post being sad, I thought I would recall some of our fun memories...
Sitting on the Starbuck's patio
(back when Lauren and I had Executive Lunch Breaks at Terracon and could sneak away for couple of hours...literally HOURS! Eric was a great boss!!!)
Meeting for Unlimited Salad and Soup @ Olive Garden
Meandering through Anderson Gardens.
Pedicures
COFFEE
Roadtrip adventures to Vera Bradley's outlet
Watching Holiday Inn at the cottage
Knitting lessons at Border's
Edward's Apple Orchard trips
And there are so many other fun memories... I'm so thankful that the Lord allowed our paths to cross.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus concerning you.
I appreciate the order in which the Lord had Paul pen these
three verses.Rejoice 1st;
Pray without stopping 2nd; and lastly give thanks.
I’m not sure the exact date of his message, but Pastor
encouraged/challenged us that when trials come, we are to keep doing what we
know to do [reading our Bibles, praying, trusting, singing praise to the
Lord, etc…] and in time our hearts will catch-up to what our brains know.I cannot begin to explain how this
works.Good grief, I cannot even change
the oil in my car. But I know, I know, I
KNOW that this really works and it pleases our Heavenly Father…
If you are in the midst of a trial/storm…and you feel that
your ship is about to capsize because the waves are too strong, turn to the
Lord.Rejoice in what He’s done in the
past.Praise Him for what He’s going to
do in this current situation.Read your
Bible.Read Hebrews 11 and then go to
the particular passages that describe the “Heroes” of faith.Read about their journey.Find comfort in Psalms.If you have to start with Psalm 23…”The Lord
is MY shepherd, I shall not want…”Make
it personal.
Sing your favorite hymns even if you shed tears while doing
it.God sees those tears and He cares
for you.
I highly recommend praying and asking the Lord to put someone in your life that has gone through a similar situation. Someone who is willing to listen and pray for you. It is a comfort to know that someone else walked this path and they know exactly what you are going through.
James 1:2, 3 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye
fall into diverse temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith
worketh patience.” Notice in verse 2 that it says “when ye fall”…it’s not “if
ye fall” rather it’s WHEN.
God knows each trial and He’s there to help you
through.Keep doing what you know to do
and your heart will eventually catch up…I promise.
My storm – waiting for my mom’s test results – the results
came back and it’s not cancer.God is
good.And even if His will would not
have been that answer, I know (I KNOW! I KNOW! I KNOW!) He would’ve given us
grace…more abundant…to get us through.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
In The Resolutions for Women, in the chapter titled: My Blessing - A resolution to esteem others with my time, concern, and full attention, Priscilla Shirer begins this section with a short story in which she explains that she was at a seminar listening to a speaker that she had heard time - and - time again. The speaker's closing caught her so off-guard and I believe, changed her life and the way she considered the blessing of sharing time with others. The un-named quoted speaker stated, "'I'm aware that the greatest gift you can ever give someone is the gift of your own time. Thank you for giving me that gift today.' Time. Listening. A gift."
A couple pages later, Priscilla eloquently shares...
"When people give you their ear, they are offering you a sliver of their life they can never retrieve again - one of the few gifts that can never be returned or retracted." ~ p. 84
I'm thankful that AT THIS TIME in my life, we are reading THIS particular book. I understand and can honestly agree 100% with Priscilla when she writes, "Time. Listening. A gift."
Once when I went to Cedar Point (a huge amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio), my friend Michelle convinced me to go on this antiquated roller coaster, the Blue Streak. If I am remembering correctly, it was the oldest wooden roller coaster at the park. Translation: Totally not scary. Well, let me re-phrase that...NOT scary to everyone else.
I remember waiting in line...and it seemed like forever. It wasn't. Maybe 5 minutes top.
The Cedar Point employee directed us the middle of the cart. We sat down and buckled-up.
Slowly. Ever-so-sloooowy the ride began.
It was twists and turns and hills and dips. How did yours truly handle it? I believe "screamed like a girl" would sum up my response.
I was thinking about that roller coaster experience this mornng...how the waiting in line seemed like forever...kinda like the last 12 days. How the employee who helped us buckle in knew what we were in for...the Lord knows what we are in for tomorrow. How the ride itself was exhilirating...God's way is the best. His was is perfect...and whatever happens tomorrow, I know it's going to be ok.
Proverbs 27:1 -- Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
I am not a key-pounding typist. I like to just fly over the keys and have each letter appear as it should. Unfortunately -- and maybe as a test of my patience -- where I am house-sitting, the computer keyboard has some issues. The letters stick and randomly the cursor "spaces-out" and disappears for several seconds...thus making my blog posts not make sense.
I don't want to start the habit of being a key pounder. You know the type, right? I have a co-worker that is an "Angry typer." She pounds the keys. Peck! Peck! Peck! Well, it sounds more like BAM! BAM! BAM! When she comes to my cubicle to use the typewriter (YES, from circa 1984 -- and I love it so don't talk bad about it!!!!)....when she comes to use the typewriter, I sit at my computer trying with all (ALL) my might to not laugh outloud. It's funny to me. BAM! BAM! BAM! For all of her pounding, she does randomly strike an incorrect letter so then the noise is "BAM! BAM! BAM!" and then "Click-click-click" goes the correction tape.
Soooo blog-stalkers, if I do not post as frequently as per my norm, you now know why... Eight more days and my house- / dog-sitting days will be over...over for another 12 months. :)
Do you ever wish someone would say those words outloud? It happened today. To me.
I was talking on the phone with my crafty, stamping friend Nancy. When she suggested that we get together and stamp, I knew it was a blessing from heaven. The Lord knew I needed to laugh today so He sent Nancy. We laughed and stamped and laughed... I ran out to pick-up supper at Chipolte and dessert from Red Mango.
What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday.
Oh, and we actually made cards in-between fits of hysterical laughter.
Caleb: "My tractor's broken. Can you fix it, ANNNN-gie?"
Hmmmm...I wonder if there are an farm machinery repair videos on YouTube. Also, I am curious as to why I was chosen to the be tractor-fixer? I mean clearly...there are other more-qualified individuals in Caleb's world...yet HE CHOSE ME!!!! Awwwwwwwww.... I am smitten with that boy.
In the past 10-1/2 days I have learned some very valuable lessons...
1. Cards and notes - The ones I have received have been such a blessing and encouragement. They are a small reminder that someone cares. I, also, received several texts and emails - virtual mail. :)
What's funny is...I'm the card-making girl and I never really understood the impact of what I do. Sure, I mail cards and occassionally I put confetti in cards...yet I'm always the sender. Too be the receiver during a trying time has been a new experience for me and one I hope to never forget.
2. Words - Consider and weigh your words before saying them outloud.
3. Being there - More than cards, notes, emails, texts, and caring words...more than all those things, being there is the most important. A cup of coffee, frozen yogurt, a stroll through the craft store, sitting on the porch. Honestly -- this is the lesson that I hope I never ever, ever, ever forget. It was imparted on me today when my former college roommate said, "I wish we lived closer so we could have a girls' weekend and take your mind off all of this." I wish it too more than she will ever know. You see, saying "I need you" makes me feel so needy. I don't know why that is. Too quote my former, favorite boss, "It is what it is."
I found this list in my Resolution for Women book. I love them!!!!
He will never leave me nor forsake me.
Hebrews 13:5 ~ Let your conversation be without
covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I
will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
I do not look with disdain upon my weaknesses.I see them as opportunities for God to
display His powerful strength and grace through me.
2 Corinthians 12:10 ~ Therefore I take pleasure in
infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for
Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
The Lord guards my going out and my coming in, today and
forever.
Psalm 121:8 ~ The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy
coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
I rejoice in the Lord whether circumstances are good or bad.
Philippians 4:4 ~ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I
say, Rejoice.
I will not be afraid when I lie down, and my sleep shall be
sweet.
Proverbs 3:24 ~ When thou liest down, thou shalt not be
afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
I am the apple of my Father’s eye.
Deuteronomy 32:10 ~ He found him in a desert land, and in
the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him
as the apple of his eye.
Goodness and mercy will follow me not only today but all the
days of my life.
Psalm 23:6 ~ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
I only allow my mind to entertain what is honorable, right,
pure, lovely, noble, excellent, and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8 ~ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are
true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these
things.
I am a necessary and useful part of the body of Christ, and
I will use my spiritual gifts to edify others.
1 Corinthians 12:7 ~ But the manifestation of the Spirit is
given to every man to profit withal.
I extend mercy to others, and I will in turn receive mercy.
Matthew 5:7 ~ Blessed are the merciful: for they shall
obtain mercy.
Rivers of living water flow out of my inner being.
John 7:38 ~ He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath
said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Whatever I ask for in prayer according to the Father’s will,
I believe that I will receive it.
Mark 11:24 ~ Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye
desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
I will not be afraid because I know the spirit of fear is
not from Him.He has given me a spirit
of power, love, and a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 ~ For God hath not given us the spirit of
fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Matthews 5:13-14 ~ our, wherewith shall it be salted? it is
thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot
of men.Ye are the light of the world. A
city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
I will not fear because the Lord is my light, my salvation,
and the strength of my life.
Psalm 27:1 ~ The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom
shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Nehemiah 8:10 ~ Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the
fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is
prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy
of the Lord is your strength.
I trust completely in the Lord; therefore I will be like a
fruit-bearing tree that continually finds nourishment despite dry, parched
weather.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 ~ Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord,
and whose hope the Lord is.For he shall
be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the
river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and
shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding
fruit.
No good thing will the Lord withhold from me as I walk
uprightly before Him.
Psalm 84:11 ~ For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord
will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk
uprightly.
Not normally a book that I flip to read for comfort...I find myself drawn
to Psalms, but this morning I was compelled read this short letter...and I was
greatly blessed!!!!
Philemon 4-7:
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy
love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of
every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and
consolation in thy love, because the bowels (emotions,
heart, compassion) of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
They have a huge bathtub. In my little cottage world of only a shower, I love that my mini-vacation to the Village of Cherry Valley includes not one but TWO huge bathtubs. There's something ultra-girly and fabulous about a bath.
It's the lttle things in life...the simple pleasures...
1. I am being a blessing to a co-worker, his wonderful wife, and their two children. Also, I should add -- I am being a blessing to the dogs. :)
2. I am 10 minutes closer to work. 2 trips everyday x 10 minutes = 20 minutes daily....which means 100 more minutes of beauty sleep!!! Or 100 more minutes of Olympics!!!!
3. KEURIG COFFEE-MAKER...forget #3. I shall be my own coffee barista!!!
4. I like dogs. I know, I know....there is some unwritten rule SOMEWHERE that cat lovers cannot be dog lovers...but I am breaking that rule.
