surprise3060

This past month has brought me back to a closer relationship with God. I have fallen back into my "conversational" praying that I did all the time as a new believer 8 years ago. I have never been good at sitting still and praying to God. What has always worked best is just to talk to Him as I go through my day. I will ask for help for friends & family situations that come to mind, praise Him for things that go well, surprises, relationships, tell Him about my struggles, ask for forgiveness when I recognize my sin, etc. I am all over the place when talking to Him this way, but it works best for me.

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:28:44 +0000

This past month has brought me back to a closer relationship with God. I have fallen back into my "conversational" praying that I did all the time as a new believer 8 years ago. I have never been good at sitting still and praying to God. What has always worked best is just to talk to Him as I go through my day. I will ask for help for friends & family situations that come to mind, praise Him for things that go well, surprises, relationships, tell Him about my struggles, ask for forgiveness when I recognize my sin, etc. I am all over the place when talking to Him this way, but it works best for me.

awesome! that is super cool... God is amazing

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:18:36 +0000

awesome! that is super cool... God is amazing

I was having a bad day... and the final straw that sent my stress level over the edge was getting out this camera that we had bought the kids a few months ago... I don't remember how long ago. And when I went to put in the batteries I noticed it was damaged, beyond what I could fix. The kiddos were bummed, ok crying and whining actually. I called the company and they couldn't help me because I don't know where the receipt is. I called the store, Kohl's and expected to get a run around about how if you don't have a receipt yadda yadda... but the guy I spoke with, named Charles (Chuck) was SUPER nice and at the end of our conversation he said if I could come in today he would be able to refund me the amount that I paid! I went in and gave him the two credit cards it might have been purchased on and he was able to find the transaction and yippie he gave me my $25 and I felt like it was millions! I thanked him for being so kind and helpful (sometimes you don't get that from customer service). And what a gift from my Father God, on a day I felt so money poor he fed my soul some kindness from a stranger and then filled my empty coin purse (literally :) I am going to bed with a smile and prayer of thanks on my lips...

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:04:11 +0000

I was having a bad day... and the final straw that sent my stress level over the edge was getting out this camera that we had bought the kids a few months ago... I don't remember how long ago. And when I went to put in the batteries I noticed it was damaged, beyond what I could fix. The kiddos were bummed, ok crying and whining actually. I called the company and they couldn't help me because I don't know where the receipt is. I called the store, Kohl's and expected to get a run around about how if you don't have a receipt yadda yadda... but the guy I spoke with, named Charles (Chuck) was SUPER nice and at the end of our conversation he said if I could come in today he would be able to refund me the amount that I paid! I went in and gave him the two credit cards it might have been purchased on and he was able to find the transaction and yippie he gave me my $25 and I felt like it was millions! I thanked him for being so kind and helpful (sometimes you don't get that from customer service). And what a gift from my Father God, on a day I felt so money poor he fed my soul some kindness from a stranger and then filled my empty coin purse (literally :) I am going to bed with a smile and prayer of thanks on my lips...

"I guess I thought that I had figured You out.
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk
about how You were mighty to save.
Those were only empty words on a page.
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees"
- What do I know of Holy by Addison Road-
The hint of God today brought me down to my knees.

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:16:01 +0000

"I guess I thought that I had figured You out.
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk
about how You were mighty to save.
Those were only empty words on a page.
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees"
- What do I know of Holy by Addison Road-

The hint of God today brought me down to my knees.

Did anyone happen to catch a glimpse of that TRULY AWESOME sunset last night? My Father really blows my mind with the splashes of color so vivid across the sky WOW, now I know where I get my artistic flare and desire from! Last week Sam surprised me ,but I think God surprises us. Sam said he had a surprise for me, he opened up the back of his trailer and this big marble boulder was in the back. I JUST SCREAMED in delight. You see, I collect rocks and I've had my eye on this one for 3 YEARS, but it was on the land where his dumpster is. Well everyone abandoned the land and Sam had already asked, and they said it was fine if no one else took it. Well, I had pretty much given up on it, but Sam didn't. He knows how much I LOVE ROCKS, God knows too or it would have been gone already! I' amazed at My Father's uniquely shaped and colored creation! The other thing is how did Sam get it in there BY HIMSELF? Well, I'm reminded of Phili 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Sam said he wasn't sure how he was going to do it, but he obviously had some heavenly help. Thank you for the WONDERFULLY, HUGE surprise My Father and Sam. (You can see it in front of Sam's house)

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:34:02 +0000

Did anyone happen to catch a glimpse of that TRULY AWESOME sunset last night? My Father really blows my mind with the splashes of color so vivid across the sky WOW, now I know where I get my artistic flare and desire from! Last week Sam surprised me ,but I think God surprises us. Sam said he had a surprise for me, he opened up the back of his trailer and this big marble boulder was in the back. I JUST SCREAMED in delight. You see, I collect rocks and I've had my eye on this one for 3 YEARS, but it was on the land where his dumpster is. Well everyone abandoned the land and Sam had already asked, and they said it was fine if no one else took it. Well, I had pretty much given up on it, but Sam didn't. He knows how much I LOVE ROCKS, God knows too or it would have been gone already! I' amazed at My Father's uniquely shaped and colored creation! The other thing is how did Sam get it in there BY HIMSELF? Well, I'm reminded of Phili 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Sam said he wasn't sure how he was going to do it, but he obviously had some heavenly help. Thank you for the WONDERFULLY, HUGE surprise My Father and Sam. (You can see it in front of Sam's house)

I have been so surprised by God this week. I have seen God at work even in REALLY difficult situations. He has shown me that he takes care of every detail & brings the right people and circumstances together in ways that only He can. He has shown me that that He cares for his children & answers the prayers of His people. Thank you for your prayers this week. It was a comfort knowing my friends were praying me through.

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:29:34 +0000

I have been so surprised by God this week. I have seen God at work even in REALLY difficult situations. He has shown me that he takes care of every detail & brings the right people and circumstances together in ways that only He can. He has shown me that that He cares for his children & answers the prayers of His people. Thank you for your prayers this week. It was a comfort knowing my friends were praying me through.

I have been surprised many times this month and just reminded over and over of how great God is at working His plans. As we have prepared for the move to Champaign, he has blessed us with love and support from family and friends in both Texas and Illinois, we have been blessed to spend a lot of great time with our families before the move as our jobs have given us extra time off, and we have been able to watch our little girl make all sorts of leaps and bounds as we celebrated her first birthday. Overall, I think through both my times of prayer and reading posts on here, I have been reminded of the very simple truth of Jeremiah 29:13 that we will find God when we seek Him. I look forward to many more surprises to come.

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:36:40 +0000

I have been surprised many times this month and just reminded over and over of how great God is at working His plans. As we have prepared for the move to Champaign, he has blessed us with love and support from family and friends in both Texas and Illinois, we have been blessed to spend a lot of great time with our families before the move as our jobs have given us extra time off, and we have been able to watch our little girl make all sorts of leaps and bounds as we celebrated her first birthday. Overall, I think through both my times of prayer and reading posts on here, I have been reminded of the very simple truth of Jeremiah 29:13 that we will find God when we seek Him. I look forward to many more surprises to come.

I just won some monster truck tickets. Thanks for the surprise, God!

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:48:46 +0000

I just won some monster truck tickets. Thanks for the surprise, God!

I'm late in posting these surprises. This happened during a 2 day period on July 14-15. I was listening to a live previously recorded message on "Being Single in a Church Family". If you would like to listen to this go to http://www.foctuscola.com Click on Sermons, click on Launch Sermon Player and finally click on Being Single in the Church. This has quotes from 1 Corinthians 7:1-2,7-9,26,32-35 & 38 on what the Bible says about singleness. While listening to the audio, I felt my spirit asking me to address something on this subject and it went something like this. I hesitated bringing this up to God not knowing what His Will is for me on singleness vs. marriage. Everyone I've spoke with and who knows me FULLY is aware of I want to be married. OK this is what I said to God about this. Lord if it's not in Your Will for me to be married one day, then you need to transform me right now and not stall on this transformation because I'm tired of all the emotions I've been praying about on this subject of marriage and if it's not in Your Will for me to be married, You need to COMPLETELY take away my desire for marriage and replace it with something of equal value. I know what a transformation feels like, it's like lights out. I paused after addressing God and I didn't feel any transformation going on. To me it was good news so far. Then the following day, I was checking my email and read my daily devotional through Purpose Driven Connection. What do you know??? This had everything to do with this audio and stage in my life on the delay of God answering my prayer on this subject in particular. From Habakkuk 2:3 it states "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" We hate to wait!!! It's one thing waiting in line, in traffic, for an appointment, but, I think waiting on God tops the list of waiting. You're ready, but God isn't. A delay is not a denial. Many times we think God is saying "No", but He is saying "Not yet". This was a REALLY comforting surprise. I hope this encourages ALL people on any subject if it's in God's Will to happen.

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:50:39 +0000

I'm late in posting these surprises. This happened during a 2 day period on July 14-15. I was listening to a live previously recorded message on "Being Single in a Church Family". If you would like to listen to this go to http://www.foctuscola.com Click on Sermons, click on Launch Sermon Player and finally click on Being Single in the Church. This has quotes from 1 Corinthians 7:1-2,7-9,26,32-35 & 38 on what the Bible says about singleness. While listening to the audio, I felt my spirit asking me to address something on this subject and it went something like this. I hesitated bringing this up to God not knowing what His Will is for me on singleness vs. marriage. Everyone I've spoke with and who knows me FULLY is aware of I want to be married. OK this is what I said to God about this. Lord if it's not in Your Will for me to be married one day, then you need to transform me right now and not stall on this transformation because I'm tired of all the emotions I've been praying about on this subject of marriage and if it's not in Your Will for me to be married, You need to COMPLETELY take away my desire for marriage and replace it with something of equal value. I know what a transformation feels like, it's like lights out. I paused after addressing God and I didn't feel any transformation going on. To me it was good news so far. Then the following day, I was checking my email and read my daily devotional through Purpose Driven Connection. What do you know??? This had everything to do with this audio and stage in my life on the delay of God answering my prayer on this subject in particular. From Habakkuk 2:3 it states "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" We hate to wait!!! It's one thing waiting in line, in traffic, for an appointment, but, I think waiting on God tops the list of waiting. You're ready, but God isn't. A delay is not a denial. Many times we think God is saying "No", but He is saying "Not yet". This was a REALLY comforting surprise. I hope this encourages ALL people on any subject if it's in God's Will to happen.

I'm late in posting these surprises. This happened during a 2 day period on July 14-15. I was listening to a live previously recorded message on "Being Single in a Church Family". If you would like to listen to this go to http://www.foctuscola.com Click on Sermons, click on Launch Sermon Player and finally click on Being Single in the Church. This has quotes from 1 Corinthians 7:1-2,7-9,26,32-35 & 38 on what the Bible says about singleness. While listening to the audio, I felt my spirit asking me to address something on this subject and it went something like this. I hesitated bringing this up to God not knowing what His Will is for me on singleness vs. marriage. Everyone I've spoke with and who knows me FULLY is aware of I want to be married. OK this is what I said to God about this. Lord if it's not in Your Will for me to be married one day, then you need to transform me right now and not stall on this transformation because I'm tired of all the emotions I've been praying about on this subject of marriage and if it's not in Your Will for me to be married, You need to COMPLETELY take away my desire for marriage and replace it with something of equal value. I know what a transformation feels like, it's like lights out. I paused after addressing God and I didn't feel any transformation going on. To me it was good news so far. Then the following day, I was checking my email and read my daily devotional through Purpose Driven Connection. What do you??? This had everything to do with this audio and stage in my life on the delay of God answering my prayer on this subject in particular. From Habakkuk 2:3 it states "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" We hate to wait!!! It's one thing waiting in line, in traffic, for an appointment, but, I think waiting on God tops the list of waiting. You're ready, but God isn't. A delay is not a denial. Many times we think God is saying "No", but He is saying "Not yet". This was a REALLY comforting surprise. I hope this encourages ALL people on any subject if it's in God's Will to happen.

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:43:00 +0000

I'm late in posting these surprises. This happened during a 2 day period on July 14-15. I was listening to a live previously recorded message on "Being Single in a Church Family". If you would like to listen to this go to http://www.foctuscola.com Click on Sermons, click on Launch Sermon Player and finally click on Being Single in the Church. This has quotes from 1 Corinthians 7:1-2,7-9,26,32-35 & 38 on what the Bible says about singleness. While listening to the audio, I felt my spirit asking me to address something on this subject and it went something like this. I hesitated bringing this up to God not knowing what His Will is for me on singleness vs. marriage. Everyone I've spoke with and who knows me FULLY is aware of I want to be married. OK this is what I said to God about this. Lord if it's not in Your Will for me to be married one day, then you need to transform me right now and not stall on this transformation because I'm tired of all the emotions I've been praying about on this subject of marriage and if it's not in Your Will for me to be married, You need to COMPLETELY take away my desire for marriage and replace it with something of equal value. I know what a transformation feels like, it's like lights out. I paused after addressing God and I didn't feel any transformation going on. To me it was good news so far. Then the following day, I was checking my email and read my daily devotional through Purpose Driven Connection. What do you??? This had everything to do with this audio and stage in my life on the delay of God answering my prayer on this subject in particular. From Habakkuk 2:3 it states "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" We hate to wait!!! It's one thing waiting in line, in traffic, for an appointment, but, I think waiting on God tops the list of waiting. You're ready, but God isn't. A delay is not a denial. Many times we think God is saying "No", but He is saying "Not yet". This was a REALLY comforting surprise. I hope this encourages ALL people on any subject if it's in God's Will to happen.

I was surprised last night when I was outside getting ready to put clean water in my birdbath. A lady walking with a stroller came by and made the comment "you have beautiful flowers in your yard". We got to talking and I asked her where she was from and she said overseas. This lady was telling me how God brought together her and her husband. When she moved here, she wasn't looking and God surprised her one day when she got placed at the right place at the right time.Her and her husband have been married a year or so. What are the chances of someone walking by and hooking up on a conversation about God? Zero, zip, nadda, none. ONLY GOD could create something like that. As you all know recently, God brought together Matt and Jessica (my niece) It just goes to show how God (if you allow Him and trust Him) to bring together 2 believers as husband and wife. There's hope for every single person out there!!

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:37:40 +0000

I was surprised last night when I was outside getting ready to put clean water in my birdbath. A lady walking with a stroller came by and made the comment "you have beautiful flowers in your yard". We got to talking and I asked her where she was from and she said overseas. This lady was telling me how God brought together her and her husband. When she moved here, she wasn't looking and God surprised her one day when she got placed at the right place at the right time.Her and her husband have been married a year or so. What are the chances of someone walking by and hooking up on a conversation about God? Zero, zip, nadda, none. ONLY GOD could create something like that. As you all know recently, God brought together Matt and Jessica (my niece) It just goes to show how God (if you allow Him and trust Him) to bring together 2 believers as husband and wife. There's hope for every single person out there!!

Sunday was AMAZING! Everyone did an AWESOME JOB, and I AM VERY PROUD of everyone! The lady we helped just loved everything, I could tell by her hug, that said it all! I love to make others happy and give unto others. My whole life I tried to please my mom I would do anything to make her happy, but it never worked. God closes one door and opens another. Up till the last few years I've accomplished some pretty great thing's raising a family, college, and looking forward to marrying the man of MY DREAM'S, but way before that my life felt empty, I wanted to make a difference in my life, in someone's life. Sunday was the breaker "WOW" I know this is something I want to do. I realize that sometimes someone might just need me to be there for them, and that's a wonderful feeling to know that God put's me where he want's me, because sometimes I need that too. The 30/60 surprise has been a real eye opening learning experience for me, and I thank My Father for that surprise.

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:15:40 +0000

Sunday was AMAZING! Everyone did an AWESOME JOB, and I AM VERY PROUD of everyone! The lady we helped just loved everything, I could tell by her hug, that said it all! I love to make others happy and give unto others. My whole life I tried to please my mom I would do anything to make her happy, but it never worked. God closes one door and opens another. Up till the last few years I've accomplished some pretty great thing's raising a family, college, and looking forward to marrying the man of MY DREAM'S, but way before that my life felt empty, I wanted to make a difference in my life, in someone's life. Sunday was the breaker "WOW" I know this is something I want to do. I realize that sometimes someone might just need me to be there for them, and that's a wonderful feeling to know that God put's me where he want's me, because sometimes I need that too. The 30/60 surprise has been a real eye opening learning experience for me, and I thank My Father for that surprise.

Just finished some morning reading, Galatians has me thinking.....
"Do I seek the approval of man, or God?"
I have been "justified by faith" in Jesus
I am being "perfected by the Spirit"
Will I choose faith today or be given to the law?
Freedom!
I am a "new creation"
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control"
So, as I eat my muffin and drink coffee, I wonder, how will I choose to represent Jesus today?.....I choose the way of love!
Thank you God for a new day to live by faith and love.

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:10:24 +0000

Just finished some morning reading, Galatians has me thinking.....

"Do I seek the approval of man, or God?"
I have been "justified by faith" in Jesus
I am being "perfected by the Spirit"
Will I choose faith today or be given to the law?
Freedom!
I am a "new creation"
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control"

So, as I eat my muffin and drink coffee, I wonder, how will I choose to represent Jesus today?.....I choose the way of love!

Thank you God for a new day to live by faith and love.

Normally I wake up to my buzzer which is extremely loud, but I didn't hear it that day, I woke up to the very clear sounds of the Cardinals singing like they were right there in my room. What a wonderful song God created for me to wake up to that day. Also, yesterday while varnishing windows in the shop, I realized how I was so filled with the spirit and how "GOD'S LOVE HAS SET ME FREE " AND I KNOW "I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!"

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:39:22 +0000

Normally I wake up to my buzzer which is extremely loud, but I didn't hear it that day, I woke up to the very clear sounds of the Cardinals singing like they were right there in my room. What a wonderful song God created for me to wake up to that day. Also, yesterday while varnishing windows in the shop, I realized how I was so filled with the spirit and how "GOD'S LOVE HAS SET ME FREE " AND I KNOW "I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!"

Monday I read an email from a friend who had heard that our dog had recently died. She knew of a lady who was looking to sell a dog almost identical to our old one. Tonight we go to visit and possibly get the new dog. How cool is that? We have spent absolutely no effort looking for a dog yet and somehow things align so that an excellent dog lands in our lap. Thanks God for surprising me.

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:02:51 +0000

Monday I read an email from a friend who had heard that our dog had recently died. She knew of a lady who was looking to sell a dog almost identical to our old one. Tonight we go to visit and possibly get the new dog. How cool is that? We have spent absolutely no effort looking for a dog yet and somehow things align so that an excellent dog lands in our lap. Thanks God for surprising me.

the last couple of days i have been able to spend time reflecting on the past week. i was having a hard time thinking of ways that God had "surprised me." i think that instead of God not "surprising me," it is more that God is not giving me what i want. the way that God has been working in my life lately has been revealing a lot of things about myself and about who He wants me to be...things i wasn't really ready for. it just isn't much fun. when my phone beeps every hour my prayer time has been really tough. instead of God "surprising me" with a million dollars or a parking space that i really really really really need, He has been showing me my limitations, areas in my life that need improvement, and challenging some of my beliefs. maybe it's not that God just threw me a surprise and stepped up the realization in my life, but maybe it is that i actually took time out of my day to pursue Him. so just maybe the surprise is that i don't need to be surprised i just need to pay attention?

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:07:15 +0000

the last couple of days i have been able to spend time reflecting on the past week. i was having a hard time thinking of ways that God had "surprised me." i think that instead of God not "surprising me," it is more that God is not giving me what i want. the way that God has been working in my life lately has been revealing a lot of things about myself and about who He wants me to be...things i wasn't really ready for. it just isn't much fun. when my phone beeps every hour my prayer time has been really tough. instead of God "surprising me" with a million dollars or a parking space that i really really really really need, He has been showing me my limitations, areas in my life that need improvement, and challenging some of my beliefs. maybe it's not that God just threw me a surprise and stepped up the realization in my life, but maybe it is that i actually took time out of my day to pursue Him. so just maybe the surprise is that i don't need to be surprised i just need to pay attention?

God surprised me last night with a good family evening. We got our washer upstairs and running, finished Zach's weight machine, and I got my tools together to do some prework at Helen's house this afternoon. The best part was Mary and Zach just hanging out, helping, being excited, but most importantly just being there, my favorite thing. Zach and I lifted a little after we got the machine together, which gave us a chance to talk and figure out what the different pieces did on the machine. I got to bed late, but that was okay, I am really realizing that we are down to our last 4 years before he flies the nest.
(I am not the most outgoing person, but love hanging out with people. As an adult, I always think it has to have a purpose, or I am wasting people's time, but for myself, I love to just show up, hang out, and see what happens.)

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:39:06 +0000

God surprised me last night with a good family evening. We got our washer upstairs and running, finished Zach's weight machine, and I got my tools together to do some prework at Helen's house this afternoon. The best part was Mary and Zach just hanging out, helping, being excited, but most importantly just being there, my favorite thing. Zach and I lifted a little after we got the machine together, which gave us a chance to talk and figure out what the different pieces did on the machine. I got to bed late, but that was okay, I am really realizing that we are down to our last 4 years before he flies the nest.
(I am not the most outgoing person, but love hanging out with people. As an adult, I always think it has to have a purpose, or I am wasting people's time, but for myself, I love to just show up, hang out, and see what happens.)

oh and I was very surprised on Sunday evening, when some good friends had many questions about our church and what it was like and when it was. They seemed genuinely interested in checking it out, we (Byron and I) invited them to come check it out sometime and will be praying that they do.

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:13:51 +0000

oh and I was very surprised on Sunday evening, when some good friends had many questions about our church and what it was like and when it was. They seemed genuinely interested in checking it out, we (Byron and I) invited them to come check it out sometime and will be praying that they do.

I'm much happier just being reminded of God in the small things of daily life. As I sit here, spending most of my day in the quiet isolation of the world of libraries, I know God is here with me. No major surprises just nice remembering God all day long, when I can so easily forget that he is right in the middle of it all, even in a quiet library.

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:10:08 +0000

I'm much happier just being reminded of God in the small things of daily life. As I sit here, spending most of my day in the quiet isolation of the world of libraries, I know God is here with me. No major surprises just nice remembering God all day long, when I can so easily forget that he is right in the middle of it all, even in a quiet library.

Yesterday Lisa and Brittany invited Olivia and I over to do wedding invitations. It was very fun spending time looking at different options and images (these girls are very talented). But what God surprised me with was the time my friends took to help me, and how excited they were to help me! I felt SO GOOD going home last night, I felt like I had known these girls all my life and that God had put them in my life for a reason. Even though others might be missing from my life, that's ok. God has brought other people in whom love and care for me and will be their for me. One door closes and another one opens. Thank you God.

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:23:59 +0000

Yesterday Lisa and Brittany invited Olivia and I over to do wedding invitations. It was very fun spending time looking at different options and images (these girls are very talented). But what God surprised me with was the time my friends took to help me, and how excited they were to help me! I felt SO GOOD going home last night, I felt like I had known these girls all my life and that God had put them in my life for a reason. Even though others might be missing from my life, that's ok. God has brought other people in whom love and care for me and will be their for me. One door closes and another one opens. Thank you God.

Things felt hectic tonight as I drove home from work. My prayer of thanks turned into a mental checklist of all that I hadn't gotten done that day. I realized that I was going to either go back to work late tonight or go in extra early tomorrow morning to get caught up. I needed to get something to eat, play with the kids and figure out how to get our van to the garage for an over due oil change, and decide about work. We don't have enough space in the corolla for all the child seats, so Ann and I couldn't drop the car off together, I needed to get someone else to help out and drive out and pick me up at the garage in Urbana. I don't know what it is, but I have a hard time with dependencies like that. Its not that I'm so fiercely independent, I just don't want to bug anyone else...its stupid, because that kind of thing doesn't bug me. When I called Bill he not only said he could do it, but that he could do it after the boys were in bed, that around 10:00 or so would work fine. So suddenly my stress was gone (surprise) I've now had time to eat, play with the kids, tuck them in and still get the car dropped off, and it was clear that it would be stupid to head back to work that late (looks like I'm going in early). As I drove over to Urbana, I was just grateful for being surrounded by people who care, by family and friends who do crazy stuff like help you drop your car off at 10:30 on Monday night and don't even think twice. Thanks God for reminding me of that blessing and how important it is to ask for help.

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:36:28 +0000

Things felt hectic tonight as I drove home from work. My prayer of thanks turned into a mental checklist of all that I hadn't gotten done that day. I realized that I was going to either go back to work late tonight or go in extra early tomorrow morning to get caught up. I needed to get something to eat, play with the kids and figure out how to get our van to the garage for an over due oil change, and decide about work. We don't have enough space in the corolla for all the child seats, so Ann and I couldn't drop the car off together, I needed to get someone else to help out and drive out and pick me up at the garage in Urbana. I don't know what it is, but I have a hard time with dependencies like that. Its not that I'm so fiercely independent, I just don't want to bug anyone else...its stupid, because that kind of thing doesn't bug me. When I called Bill he not only said he could do it, but that he could do it after the boys were in bed, that around 10:00 or so would work fine. So suddenly my stress was gone (surprise) I've now had time to eat, play with the kids, tuck them in and still get the car dropped off, and it was clear that it would be stupid to head back to work that late (looks like I'm going in early). As I drove over to Urbana, I was just grateful for being surrounded by people who care, by family and friends who do crazy stuff like help you drop your car off at 10:30 on Monday night and don't even think twice. Thanks God for reminding me of that blessing and how important it is to ask for help.

Today, I enjoyed an afternoon just running errands with my son, Zach. This evening as I am reflecting on our time together, I am thinking how cool it is that I get to be Zach's mother. I thought I was done with kids when David and Andy grew up. What a wonderful surprise God had waiting for me a few years later when a 6 year old boy from Grace (Zach)started telling me what a cool car I was driving and wondering if he could have a ride. I tell Terry that I fell in love with Zach first. This afternoon was such a gift to just talk and spend everyday life with him.

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:50:40 +0000

Today, I enjoyed an afternoon just running errands with my son, Zach. This evening as I am reflecting on our time together, I am thinking how cool it is that I get to be Zach's mother. I thought I was done with kids when David and Andy grew up. What a wonderful surprise God had waiting for me a few years later when a 6 year old boy from Grace (Zach)started telling me what a cool car I was driving and wondering if he could have a ride. I tell Terry that I fell in love with Zach first. This afternoon was such a gift to just talk and spend everyday life with him.