Merry Christmas

Another Christmas gone... Yesterday we took down the tree. Couldn't deal with all the needles and M hammering all the ornaments. However, we are thankful to the friends and family who graciously and generously gave to our family. We are overwhelmed with the kindness. Here are some snapshots of the day.M with his Flicker attachment to the Handy Manny workbench. Thanks, Nanny!

L loved her little petshop stuff. Thanks, again, Nanny!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!

Melting Snowmen

Psalm 119:28 - My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!

California has held lots of sorrow for our family. In the nine years we have been here, five family members have died (3 in the last 3 years). I woke up this morning and planned on making Grandma Sol's jelly cookies and MomMom Sykes' cheesecake - all requests of my husband. I was reflecting on past holidays when I've been with different family members. There have been many holidays and anniversaries that will forever be etched in my mind. Then I turned to God's word and found Psalm 119:28. This verse touched my heart in a special way; mainly because of the word sorrow - I was already dealing with my grief stricken emotions. I thought about things that melt away and snowmen came to mind. Living in California with no snow for almost nine years, I have begun collecting snowmen. Have you ever seen a snowman melt? The process is most often slow and tedious as the sun warms the cold air. However, eventually, the snow melts and becomes a puddle. Sorrow is like that. It is strong, powerful, and overwhelming at first. Gently, it fades and melts (although it doesn't totally go away). What I have found in the past years is that God strengthens me through my sorrow. He ministers to my soul as the sorrow melts away. He is an awesome God who graciously blesses me.

A Quick Update and Christmas Pics

Life has been so busy...I went back to work for Macy*s for the Christmas season. This year, I am at the flagship store which is a little closer home and am working full-time - four days a week at 8 hour days. My computer time has been limited to just email and some Facebook. Glen and I are thinking it is time for another computer - one for Mommy and Daddy. L is doing more things on the computer and it seems that anytime I want to go on, there she is. Oh, well.

Last week, one morning before going into work, we started a new tradition. Usually, we take the kids to see Santa on the week-end or in the evening. This year, with homeschooling, we were able to go early on a school day; therefore there were no lines to see the big red man. We got a special treat too. After picture time, we went to Denny's for breakfast and who should walk in but Santa himself - more time for just the kids. Then later when I was at work, Glen took the kids to the zoo and guess who was there! The kids had three visits with Santa in one day. M believes that Santa is everywhere watching him....Here's some photos.

L with the zoo Santa.M with the zoo Santa.Together with the first Santa of the day!

Childhood Friends

Facebook has brought many old friends back into my life over the last year. I have so enjoyed connecting with each of them again. It's interesting to see how many stayed in Beaver County and how many left. Some are still in Rochester and are sending their children to the school we attended. Others have moved a little ways away and others, like me, have crossed the country.

My brother's funeral in July allowed me to reconnect with one of my closest childhood friends. Monica had heard from her brother that Bub had died. She called around looking for Nanny or me (and found both at Nanny's). We grew up next door to each other and looked at the other as a sister. Mom and I moved into our house when I was but 2 years old (it was the beginning of May 1968) and Monica's family moved in next door at the end of May. She had two older brothers; they all called my mom, Aunt Martha. I really don't remember much of my childhood that Monica wasn't someway involved - good or bad. Ya'll don't need to know about the bad....

One of the stories about us that I told my daughter (in encouragement to help her brother stop biting - M is getting really bad about it) involved Monica and I. We were walking home from the bus stop (her job was to get me home safely). For some reason I bit her on the arm. She came crying home and told my mom the story. Mom's response was for her to bite me back; let me know how it felt. Monica didn't want to do it and Mom told her to or Mom would bite Monica (yes, Monica's mom was part of this entire episode). To this day, I don't remember if Monica bit me back and now it is too late to ask. Monica had a heart attack and died the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

I don't know all the reasons why God had Monica come back into my life for such a short time. I know it gave me more opportunity to share His Word and the gift of salvation with her. And so, as I enter into my mourning at times, I know that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I know that He has appointed these times in my life. I know that He is in control and will carry me through any thing He chooses to send my way. I just need to trust in HIM and Him alone!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Busy Time of Year

As the holidays approach, life gets busy. Add to it a holiday job working retail and it gets crazy. I wasn't scheduled to work at Macy's until next week but they called me in early. Last year, I worked part-time (15-22 hours) most weeks. This year, by switching to a bigger store or signing on earlier, I got full-time (25-35 hours). I love people and have enjoyed my week so far. I'm due into work in an hour and a half. My blogging lack this week has been due to working. I forgot how hard it is to be on my feet for 8 hours. I also feel that sometimes I have nothing to say and just rattle on and on about mundane things. I'm trying to watch what I say, verbally and in writing. My postings may have a gap of time between them, but hopefully, they will be more meaningful.

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Watch for an upcoming post about our recent women's retreat and lessons learned. Gotta process it all before writing.

A Fish Story

Remember the person who could always tell a fish story? My brother was one to tell a great story, especially about the one who got away. Here's my brother with one of his real catches. Bub was always good for a story, a laugh, and just plain fun. He was such a tease and tortured me as a little sister; there are 17 years between us in age. As we go through our first Thanksgiving without him (I haven't been home for this holiday in 9 years), I will treasure the memories of the many family members who have gone on before me. I will treasure the moments we had together. Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and I am thankful for the friends and family God has given me. What fish story are you thankful for?

November

Well, time seems to be slipping away. I cannot get over that one-third of November is over as of tomorrow. Christmas is six and a half weeks away. I haven't started steady at Macy's yet. In fact they have me listed as Not Available next week. Gotta call and try to get that fixed.

Our annual women's retreat begins Friday! YIPPEE!!! Looking forward to hanging out with the girls. Pray for Glen as he is having multiple children (our two and three others) for the weekend. Thanks, Danny and Ben, for helping out. You men are such a blessing!

I haven't posted Halloween pictures or other photos I've recently taken. L is spending more time on the computer. I guess it's time to get the laptop hooked up to wireless and have more than one computer Internet available. I'll get to this soon.

Thanksgiving is coming quickly. I have a lot to be thankful for. God has been gracious to me time and again and I never give Him enough credit. We'll be having dinner at our house with many guests. What are your plans for this time?

Married to the Ministry

I have my blog listed as part of the M2M ministry at Lisa's The Preacher's Wife website. It's a fun way for other pastor's wives to connect. Here's my entry!

1. First Name. - Cora, after both of my grandmothers who were both named Cora and were both born on May 1st. I was born in October....

2. State and Country of Residence. - California, United States

3. Husband’s Ministry Title. - Senior Pastor

4. Length of time in Current Ministry Location. - 4 and a half years - this is our first pastorate after graduating from The Master's Seminary in 2005

5. Children? If yes, give gender and ages. - Two children - a 9 year old girl and an almost 3 year old boy - an adopted sibling set who are Native Alaskan

6. Number of unique homes in which you’ve lived during your marriage. - nine, five homes and four apartments. One sticks out because it was a parsonage that kept falling apart - my dog even tore the back porch off the foundation and the kitchen ceiling crashed to the floor one morning!

7. Cook Sunday lunch or eat out? Cook Sunday lunch (usually in the crockpot) and then TV or nap time - hubby usually returns to church after an hour or so home with us. My favorite days are the Sundays he cooks!

8. Typically on time for Sunday School or not? Ours is called Family Bible Hour. Usually I am on time or early - especially if I'm in nursery or teaching a women's class. However, the kids and I have a tradition; if they get ready early, we head to the local donut shop for breakfast. If they run late, no breakfast at all (at least for them)....

9. Favorite TV Show. - I love Nick at Nite and TV Land - Home Improvement and I Love Lucy are my two favorites to catch whenever I can.

10. Something you watch/like/do that you would never tell the church people. (Except now you just did…lol) - play the nickel slots at the local casino - give me $10 and I'll play as long as I can :)

11. Most annoying church-related pet peeve. - expecting my husband and I to do EVERYTHING!

12. One thing you need to throw away but can’t bring yourself to do it. - my teddy bear. It was a Christmas gift from my mother the year before she graduated to heaven. Teddy is over 20 years old and is falling apart - and yes, sometimes I still sleep with him, especially when Glen isn't home.

13. The one food you can not live without. - Milk or white chocolate...Is there any other food in the world? My current favorite is the Hershey's Milk Chocolate. I've had a long time addiction to Snickers.

14. Parsonage or have your own home? We rent a home about a block from the church. My dream is to someday own a home about a 30 minute drive from the church.

15. Freak when the doorbell rings or always ready for a visitor? Our policy is that the first time you are at our house you are a visitor, after that you're family. Therefore, I'm always ready for a visitor. We have an open door - come see us. However, if the door is closed and the blinds are closed, don't bother knocking. We won't answer if we're home.

Also, Lisa just wrote a new book. Here's the trailer for the book. I'm looking forward to getting my copy!

Today's Reading

From my reading of Scripture today:

Psalm 63:1-8
¹O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
²So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
³Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
⁴So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.

⁵My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
⁶when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
⁷for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
⁸My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

The phrase, a dry and thirsty land, really caught my attention. Lately, I've been feeling like a dry and thirsty land, especially in the area of being a Proverbs 31 woman. I feel like I've let my husband down by expecting so much out of him; that I haven't been the supportive wife I should be; that I've not really put forth my best effort in being an efficient housekeeper/cook. I feel like I've let my kids down - that I don't want to homeschool them or spend time with them. I look forward to time when they aren't around....but most of all, I've come to the conclusion that I've let down my Lord - this hurts worst of all! I've skimmed and skimped on my devotional life. I've spent the last week not reading, praying, or studying. I blamed it all on being sick. I've gotten by on the minimal...then Sunday afternoon, I realized my issue was with me not being faithful since God is always faithful. I was the one who choose the dry, thirsty land. I had stopped doing the things God has asked of me. But I remembered His goodness, His faithfulness, His love and care, and, most of all, His forgiveness. And so, today, my soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me!

Great Opportunity

Marnie is offering a great opportunity for women's ministry leaders. Create a blog post or mini-blog about her October giveaway - 32 Theme Sets. I am so excited about this! I love quilts and choose the Crazy Quilt Life as my favorite theme! Quilts offer such beauty and memories to me. My mom taught me how to quilt. If you're involved in women's ministry, go visit her site to see the wide variety of choices! Here's to the winner!!!

Thankful Thursday - Change

Change is so hard for all of us. I personally have a love/hate relationship with it. I love the change of weather, the change of scenery, and the change of house redecoration (especially for Christmas). I hate having to change my attitude, my habits, and my emotions. These are all hard to do because I am often fighting God over His direction in my life. I know in my head that if I just relax and let God have control, I would be better off. However, I am such a control freak at times; Glen would say all the time. God and I are going at it right now. I want a few things my way. Nevertheless, God is there gently reminding me that things are to go His way. I want to put my feet into the ground and bury my head in the sand. God is there patient with me, waiting, waiting for me to change to His way of thinking. It's hard. I don't like it. Yet, I know that in the end, I will submit and God will be victorious. Basically, I am just thankful that God knows more than I do and has more wisdom than I do and that He is so patient with this stubborn, hard-headed woman.

I want to thank Lynn for hosting Thankful Thursday, but more than that I want to thank her for the series, The Mind of Christ. Also visit Sonya Lee's Thankful Thursday.

Thankful Thursday - Things that make you go hmmmmm?

It's Thankful Thursday again. I caught Glen's cold this week and am fighting it off - hopefully my mind won't be cluttered by the medicine. Lynn, from Spiritually Unequal Marriage, entitled today's thankfulness as "Things that make you go hmmmmm?" Today I am thankful for:

• the delightful smiles and hugs of my children.
• the love of my Savior.
• the Word which teaches me something new every day.
• sleeping children (aren't they just so cute?).
  
• a temporary job for the holidays at Macy's.
• and as usual, my loving husband.

Go join Lynn and Sonya Lee for more thankfulness entries.

Monday's Gone...

Wow, I can't believe all the time that has passed since I last logged on! It's been a crazy and fun week. Friday was my birthday, as well as my daughter's. We had a terrific time at Disneyland. Glen couldn't go since he was feeling under the weather - caught the flu bug. L, M, Krista, and I went for the day. It was a lot of fun. While there, M lost his binky. We have been trying to lose that binky for 8 months. No matter what I did with it, he always found it. Well, now it is gone and he is grieving for his lost binky. We told him that Mickey Mouse has it and will give it to a baby who needs one. This morning, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse came on TV. M got up off the sofa, walked to the entertainment center, and changed the channel on the TV. When I asked him why he did that, the response was, "Mickey stole my binky. I mad at him. He not my friend." My little two year old was very mad and able to express his emotions. I have spent the day assuring him that Mickey did not steal the binky but that we lost it at Mickey's house... I'll put up pictures of the trip later.

I can't believe Monday has come and gone. I also interviewed at Macy's for Christmas holiday help and have been hired on full-time for the season. I feel a little like a traitor since I am switching stores this year (not by my choice - I'd love to go back to my old store). I'll be starting in November. Thankfully my full weeks will not begin until after Women's Retreat.

Psalm 121

As I picture the hills, I see the many colors of fall...

¹I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
² My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.

³He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷The LORD will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
⁸The LORD will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.

What scripture did you read today?

Exercise

If you've been reading my blog for a while you know that one of my favorite activities was to go to Curves for a work-out. Last month, with the encouragement of friends, I decided to leave my beloved Curves for the YMCA. Reason for the switch - childcare. I was having a difficult time getting to Curves for lack of discipline (not able to be up and out of the house at 6:30am) and lack of childcare. The local YMCA offers childcare services to members. This has been such a blessing to me - been exercising three to five times a week. Yea, me!

Tonight after a yummy lasagna dinner, cooked by Glen no less, I packed up the kids and headed off to the Y. Glen had a meeting at church. I took my headphones and CD player, but intended to watch the TV news. As I drove and prayed, I knew that I needed to listen to my CD instead of the news. I really wanted to watch TV, something I don't do a lot of anymore. However, I did listen to the Holy Spirit and plugged in the CD. What an awesome time of worship I had with the Lord! Not only did I exercise my physical body but I received a spiritual blessing from the Lord! It was an outstanding time of prayer and praise! Here's one of the songs I listened to (don't forget to turn of the playlist at the bottom):

Rambling Emotions

It has been a tough week. My emotions have been on overload. I've been thinking a lot about my brother who passed away this past July. It started last Sunday and is still continuing. Last week as I was getting ready for church, I put on one of my favorite skirts and sat down for a good cry. Not because it didn't fit, but because it was the skirt I wore 9 years ago to my brother's wedding. Couldn't wear the skirt...each day continued the same. Putting M to bed is hard because right across the hall from his door is a picture of my brother, two sisters, and I which was taken the last time we were all together. Silly things set me off - like reading a story about a cross-country truck driver (something Bub did) or telling my son I love him (I've shortened his "Bubba" nick name to Bub). Today would have been Bub and Kathy's 9th anniversary. I couldn't call Kathy because my copy of her phone number is in my cell phone which isn't working...but I haven't stopped thinking of her. May God bless her and keep her as she continues on with life. My sister-in-law is an awesome woman! Thank you for loving my brother.

Thankful Thursday

I can hardly believe that it is Thursday again and the day is almost gone. Lynn and Sonya Lee are hosting their Thankful Thursdays. We have been encouraged the "Count Our Blessings." Here's my list:

1. A Lord and Savior who gave His life so that I may have eternal life.
2. A husband who loves the Lord more than he loves me. A husband who still takes me out on dates and calls just to say "I love you."
3. Two wonderful children who teach me each and every day how to be more Christ-like.
4. An outstanding sister who is always there for me even though we live far apart.
5. The many family members who are far away and yet close to the heart.
6. Our church family who helps and supports us as if we were biological family - the true meaning of adoption.
7. The time alone with my son today to play with his train.
8. Sharing a great story (Pinky Pye) with my daughter.
9. My blogging friends (a special hello to my three new followers) who read what I write and sometimes leave comments.

Visit Lynn's and Sonya Lee's blogs for other entries of thankfulness.

AWANA Yacht Race, Scripture Memory, and Pie

Tonight was the annual AWANA Yacht Race. L was very excited. Here are pictures of the boat and her racing. She won one race and lost one race. It was the first year she won at all. Then to top the night off, L finished her third Discovery in the Truth N Training book (she completed the 21 sections since the beginning of September). This means that once again she gets to pie her pastor (Daddy) in the face. Getting to this goal was a race in and of itself. There is a young man who has also completed the same amount within the same time frame. Therefore, poor Glen gets two pies in the face. This will be L's second time achieving this goal. Check out last year's post.

Here's the finished boat ~ let's not talk about the process to get here....

L holding her boat before the races.

Using her lung power to push the boat. This is the race she won.

Of course, M had to get into the action!

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

One of my all time favorites! Please turn off the playlist at the bottom of the page before playing video. Visit Signs, Miracles, and Wonders for more Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

Show and Tell Friday

***UPDATED***

A new meme! Visit My Romantic Home for more entries.

I want to share one my favorite collections. I have always loved Barbies. Here are my Holiday Barbies (all gifts from my outstanding husband). This passion was started with my mother. I can actually count on one hand how many years I have not received a Barbie for Christmas.


Currently the only ones on display are the holiday ones (still up from last Christmas). They stand on the top of the entertainment center in the living room. I've also stored them on top of my china cupboard and many many bookcases. Currently, most are in storage due to lack of display area. It is my dream to put a shelf around the living room 15 inches below the ceiling to display all them. At last count, I had over 40 Barbies (most still new in boxes)!

fPhoto Friday

Peek-a-boo!

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday is being hosted by Lynn this month.

I have been absent from this meme and others recently. I've allowed my emotions and feelings to interrupt my blogging time (Facebook doesn't help either). I am thankful for second chances (or third or whatever number it may be). Those chances are examples of God's grace. I am thankful for my special time in the Word today. Thankful that God is in control of each and every aspect of our lives. I am thankful for a time of prayer (especially for my friend, Sharon, who is having surgery this morning and for Mama Kim and Shannon - cyber friends who pray and share with me). I am thankful for my outstanding, godly husband who adores me and the kids. The kids and their miraculous arrivals are a source of thankfulness. My heart is overflowing today with love and gratitude towards my Lord and Savior!

After completing this post and reading some from Lynn's site, I found this site as well. Visit Truth for the Journey, too

Come Worship with Me

Don't forget to turn off the playlist at the bottom!

Yesterday

It was such an awesome time to be in the house of the Lord yesterday. There were three baptisms and two new members joined. L was one of the baptism candidates! After this blessed time, we had three-fold communion. In the Grace Brethren Fellowship, we practice the love feast, the foot washing, and the bread and cup. Our church holds communion four times a year. This was such a special time after such a special morning!

Baptism Tomorrow

We are really excited in our house. Tomorrow is L's baptism. Watch for pictures! Praise the Lord!

Adoration

What are the things we adore? Where do we put our focus? I've put a lot of wasted time and devotion onto things that do not matter. I admit it. I can be so easily distracted from everything: I do believe that I am ADD. I have many unfinished projects (ask Glen - he's still waiting for his 10th anniversary present and we've been married for 18 years). I flit from one subject to another and often lose others in transition. Thankful Thursday's posting was to be on simplicity. Notice it has taken me over 48 hours to process everything. I need to simplify my life and start out (once again) making God the focus of my adoration. Tonight is Concert of Prayer at church. Having two little ones and an early start for tomorrow (Women's Retreat Committee meeting two hours away), I have chosen to attend only the early hour of Concert of Prayer. We spent an hour in adoration of our Lord. What a special time of prayer with the ladies of our church. We worshiped the Lord through our adoration. It was a blessing to be with these ladies and has put my focus back where it should be.

For those who have followed the blog for some time, you know the struggles we have had with our children going to bed at a decent hour. Tonight, God blessed me in allowing both children to shower, be in bed, and to be asleep before 8:30PM! I spent more time in adoration of my Lord for this special time alone with Him. So, I'm going to end my post saying, I'll see you all later. I'm off to pray with my church family (even though I'm alone in my house)....

The Forgotten One

My poor, poor blog...it must be feeling like a forgotten member of the family. We used to be so close...daily interaction. Then I defected - I went to Facebook... I'm sorry, my little one, my blog. I do love you. I do intend to write. I am sorry to have left you alone for a whole week. You are truly me: a place I can express myself and know that I am not judged - a place where I can call home - a place where I am accepted. And I've left you alone and ignored you for a whole week. I promise to spend more time with you. I want to write and talk with you all. I haven't forgotten you....

The Impossible

How many times do I ask the impossible of myself, my children, and my husband? What is considered impossible for them? In today's reading of Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar was asking the impossible from the wise men; he wanted them to tell the dream and interpret it. Their response was "There is not a man on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among men (Daniel 2:10-11)." Even the wise men acknowledged there is a God (although they said gods). I believe the king was power-hungry. I know that I can get that way - it's my way or the highway. Goal today - to reflect on what I'm asking of others and myself (I can be so hard on myself) and to relax in the Lord knowing that He is El Elyon - the Lord Most High who is in control of all!

Learning a New Thing

Here's M doing somersaults - his favorite new activity.

Second Degree Yellow Belt

15 minutes

What can you do in 15 minutes? I find myself living by 15 minute increments. I used to have a timer, set it for 15 minutes, and see how much housework I can do . Then I move on to a new section of the house (this tip from FlyLady). It's a great plan, and I've been able to accomplish a lot. However, my timer broke - thanks, M. Therefore, I've gotten way off task. Today, I set the alarm on my phone instead and got back into the routine - Yea, me! I even included my devotional time with this process today. I spent time in the book of Daniel (chapter 1 to be exact). I was thinking about how much Daniel and his friends lost when going into captivity. There is no record of them complaining or grumbling about their life situations - so unlike my recent thought and verbal communication. They didn't ask why. They didn't wish for it to be better. They didn't argue and beg with Ashpenaz. They quietly made their request known and allowed God to move the hearts of the authorities. So today, I've purposed to quietly make my requests known and allow God to move the children's hearts. I haven't screamed, begged, pleaded, coerced, or any other way let the kids know what I want done. I've spent a lot of time in prayer, specifically covering each child. It's been a better day - thanks to my timer but mostly thanks to God for answering the prayers of this crazy lady whom I've become.

Free Calendar

Okay, I'm not usually one to post about others freebies. I'm known for taking advantage of them not promoting them. The glitch is that you must sign up before September 15th. Check out the free calendar offer! Thanks to Molly at Econobusters for showing me this.

A New Day

Tomorrow is a new day. Each day is different from the day before and will be different from tomorrow. Many days recently my mood has been clouded, gray, and down right crabby. I know it is all a season of life: grieving for my brother, stress from just daily living (gotta learn how to better handle that), growing older (and having young children), living in an expensive part of the country. However, I've allowed Satan to influence me by casting doubt on that God is there for me. I've allowed the sin of laziness to creep into my life (and then blame it on my mood). So, I've purposed to start anew (once again), repent of my sins, and press on towards the plans God has for my life. Some days will be rough (especially now that I've taken a stand against Satan); other days will be gloriously joyous. But God is good; God is faithful; God is ever present.

Growing Up

I am amazed at how much the kids have grown physically over this summer. Both kids got new shoes the other day. L went up one size while M went up two sizes! Both need new clothes since the ones they have are getting smaller on them. M was doing somersaults yesterday all over the living room floor. He was so excited when he flipped himself over!

Academically, both are growing as well. L is in the fourth grade. Although we have our struggles with schooling, I have seen great progress when looking at the big picture. M is talking all the time now. The other day while I was correcting his behavior he put his hands on his hips and clearly said, "I'm so mad at you, Momma." We are working on potty training and bedtime routines. Last week the kids made their goals of doing their bedtime routines, room time goals, and falling asleep on their own. So far this week, M has made his goal and L is only stickers away.

Emotionally great strides have been made in L's life. She has graduated from two counselling programs and we are targeting a hiatus from therapy around Christmas time. Her counselors feel that she is growing into an emotionally healthy child.

Spiritually, they are learning more and more scripture and God is working on their hearts. L has made a profession of faith and seeks to please the Lord. AWANA has been a great tool for this. Personally, I need to learn to rely more on the Lord than on myself. I really struggle with wanting to be in control of everything and at times my stress level is through the roof. Tonight I am praising God for His work in our lives! It is because of Him and Him alone that I am who I am, faults and all.

Glen was so good to me today. He took the kids to the Wild Animal Park for the better part of the day. I had time to clean, do laundry, and read for fun. I know that this time today was vital to my mental state of being. I am so thankful for such a wise husband. All in all, today has been a blessed day!

Already??

I can't believe it is September 1st already. This summer has flown by; unfortunately, here in SD the summer temps just arrived. We've already started fourth grade and are struggling to stay on task - both mother and daughter. Twenty years as a teacher and I loved getting ready for a new school year. I had great hopes for starting this year off wonderfully; I really wanted to set down new goals and have a great attitude. I wanted that feeling of accomplishment that I got setting up a classroom for 15 to 30 children and accomplishing a great first few days. What I got was whining, complaining, attitudes, and refusals to do anything (some of it on my part). Can I go back to the middle of July and start things over?

Volleyball Camp and Mission Bay

A Changed Attitude

In response to yesterday's post on my bad morning, I'm going to post things for which I am thankful.

1.) not getting up to my alarm - I woke up on earth this morning.
2.) to having to wash last night's dinner dishes in order to cook breakfast - I had a wonderful dinner at home with the family
3.) to having children underfoot while cooking in a bad mood (thanks, Glen, for rescuing me from that quickly) - having L help me with making waffles (she wanted to learn how to use the waffle iron)
4.) to waffle mix and blueberry stains on the counter - all stains were washed away with a little OxyClean
5.) to waffles stuck to the iron - no waffles were burned in the process
6.) to hot and sticky can't move from my chair to let the family into the dining room - I have a large comfy house to live in
7.) to tears on the pillow - there was a soft bed, pillow, and teddy bear to cuddle with.

It's all perspective!

Dealing with Frustration

Okay, a very rough start today. It started with not getting up to my alarm, to having to wash last night's dinner dishes in order to cook breakfast, to having children underfoot while cooking in a bad mood (thanks, Glen, for rescuing me from that quickly), to waffle mix and blueberry stains on the counter, to waffles stuck to the iron, to hot and sticky can't move from my chair to let the family into the dining room, to tears on the pillow.... All before 9AM.

So after my cry-fest, what do I do? Go on the computer and in my email is this article: Dealing with Frustration Time to buckle up and get off my pity party and change my attitude!
Posted using ShareThis

Getting It All Together

August has been the month of putting things back together - getting back on track. I have been neglecting the blog this month in favor of Facebook and limiting my computer time to attend to household items and homeschool. As of today, we have completed five days of homeschool. This has been hard for L because she still wants summer and no structure. We're progressing though. This afternoon is her first day of volleyball camp (it only lasts four days).

We've also started a new nighttime routine. Both children (and parents) have gotten into bad habits and are starting fresh. We are trying to get M to go to sleep in his bed and stay all night. Our trip east through all sleeping habits into a tailspin. We've instituted room time where the children stay quietly in their room. The other habit to break is that Mommy and Daddy are no longer staying in the children's room until they fall asleep. M and L are to fall asleep on their own. The first two nights of this experiment worked well - the children earned all their hearts (our incentive chart reward). The last two...well, let's say they're close but not 100%. We shall continue and persevere through this and the children (and parents) will be happier for our faithfulness to the program!

I honestly feel that all I ever do is try to catch up: on laundry, on housecleaning, on paying bills, on discipline, on organization, on ministry, on everything...Will there ever be a day when it is all said and done? The answer is YES! When I'm in heaven with my Lord and Savior! Until then, I shall continue through!

Take Time to Praise!

Psalm 81:1-3

Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob! Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day.

The Man in My Life

Eighteen years ago today, I married the man of my dreams. For those who don't know my story, the guy who I dated in college and planned to marry left me the day before the wedding (complete with all the bills). I was devastated. I did not know God's plan for my life. He sent me to Washington, DC, to meet my future husband. Two years later, Glen walked into my life and I wanted nothing to do with him; he and my ex look a lot alike. I remember even turning around and walking a different direction because Glen was walking toward me. We met at Summit Lake Camp in the summer of 1990. Glen was persistent and even fell at my feet a few times (literally fell down). He wrote me a note that told me he loved me. We sat down to talk and I asked him where he felt this relationship was going to go. He told me that we would be married the next summer. I still remember sitting there in the rain by the lake with this conversation. We were married the next August and now have been married for 18 years. I can't believe it. It feels like yesterday. I wish I had a scanner to scan a wedding photo for you. Maybe I'll go to CVS and do that later today. So, thank you, Glen, for 18 wonderful years. I love you with all my heart!

Thank you, God, for one of the greatest blessings in my life! Thank you for meeting and exceeding all my dreams. Ephesians 3:20 - Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us

Family Ties

Family ties are never broken. Here's my two sisters, Nancy on the left and Nanny on the right. I'm standing in the back. This was at our annual family reunion.

This is my niece, Jennifer, and her daughter, Heather.


This is Jennifer's sister, Linda, and her two children, James and Anna.

Then there's my nephew, Charles, and his boys, Charlie and Logan (Anna, L, and James are in the photo too).

Although I didn't want to go home and see my family for the reason I did (my brother's funeral). I am grateful that I had a chance to do so. It was a week of friends and family. We saw lots of family and spent some great times together. Guess I'm feeling a little lonely out west and away from them all...

Busy Day

Yesterday was a greatly motivated day. I rearranged the furniture in our front living room/dining room area. I returned the table to the dining room area, brought a love seat out the family room, gathered miscellaneous tables, took the rocking chair out of M's room, and created a small front living room. It was really nice to sit and chat with friends in the front room. It also helped with the cleaning and unpacking. I still have a few areas of clutter to put away but for the most part it's done. Now why would I do all this you ask. For homeschool! What I found last year was sitting at the dining room table working with L for long periods of time hurt my back. So I thought if I could put some comfy chairs and have a choice of where to sit, we would be more comfortable and accomplish more. We'll see how that goes.

I really need to get pictures downloaded off my camera and onto the computer for Facebook and the blog (oh, and printing too - for scrapbooking). I can't even take pictures of my new living areas because the memory card is full! Maybe that's what I'll do next.

Thankful Thursday - Hope

Thankful Thursday is being hosted by Grace Alone this month. Today's topic is Hope.

With the struggles of grief, hours of driving, emotions run amuck, and the craziness I feel my life has turned into, I know that my true hope rests in the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I am thankful for the strength God gives me every day. I am thankful that when I feel totally alone and useless, God is with me and tells me I am of value to Him. I am thankful that when I feel lost He finds me. I am thankful for the opportunities to share His love with others as I wonder through this life. I am thankful for the time He has given me with my family. Someday I will soar as an eagle. CAN'T WAIT!

TSMSS - Trading My Sorrows

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - In honor of my brother who passed away last month - I'm trading my sorrows for the joy of the Lord. It is my Savior who sees me through each day, trial, sorrow, joy, and happiness.



Visit more at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

A Long Week

It's been one week since my last posting. What a long week. The kids and I left Pennsylvania on Saturday to meet Glen in Ohio. We spent the next two nights with Paul, Julie, and the kids before leaving on Monday. Monday night we made it to Springfield, Missouri, with a stop to visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis (pics to be posted later). Tuesday's travel went from Springfield to Amarillo, Texas. Wednesday found us from Amarillo to Holback, Arizona. Thursday was more fun - Holback to San Diego with two stops - Slide Rock Park in Sedona, AZ, and Phoenix, AZ, for lunch with Glen's cousin, Dawn. We arrived in San Diego late Thursday night and have spent the last two days unpacking, doing laundry, and trying to put life back to order. It's been a long week. Now to catch up on my blog reading....

California Here We Come...

Right back where we started from... Okay, this morning I left Western PA and my sister, my sister-in-law, my niece (and her children), and numerous cousins behind and began the trek west to sunny CA. As we passed the cemetery where my brother is buried, I admit to some crying and a heightened sense of loss. I know that I left a chunk of my heart behind again. Many more and I don't know if I'll have any left of my heart. Definitely hard to leave this time.

Nevertheless, leave we did, the kids and I (my sister drove us to Columbus to meet Glen who was attending the GBC National Conference). Then we transferred our belongings into the van and continued to Indiana to Glen's brother, Paul, and his family. We arrived safely and are getting ready for dinner. We'll leave Matthews on Monday morning and continue west. Stay tuned....

Thankful Thursday - Summer Fun

Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage is hosting Thankful Thursday this week. Visit her site for others sharing their thankfulness.

Here's my list:

• spending time with family
• sleeping in
• watching the sun set on the Pacific Ocean
• fireworks
• fresh cut grass
• the smell and sounds of a fresh rainstorm
  
• catching rain drops on my tongue
• zucchini bread baking in the oven

God has been so good. Even though we are going through a struggle right now and I often feel as if I am in a drought spiritually lately, I know that He is faithful and will carry me through whatever comes my way. I look at my list of thankfulness and know that God is in these small things as well as the large trials of life for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His Word, His love, and He will never change. This is what I am most thankful for.

Sights and Sounds Trigger a Trip Down Memory Lane

Okay, so here am I ~ hanging out in the country of Economy Borough, being born and raised in the small town of Rochester, Pennsylvania, who is usually in a large city in Southern California ~ just chilling and trying to get my life back together after the death of my one and only brother. It truly has been a trip down memory lane. I've seen family members who I haven't seen since my mom died 22 years ago. A trip to the cemetery to my parents' and brother-in-law's graves to place flowers from Bub's funeral. I spoke with my childhood neighbor whom I haven't heard from since high school. Monica is living about an hour south of here. Her brother, who lives in Rochester, called her and told her about Bub. She called information looking for me and Nanny. Found Nanny's number, called it, and got to talk with me. Then today, Nanny cut the grass. I know this sounds ridiculous but the grass smells different here when it is cut. This triggered memories of the grass being cut on the farm (that means 8 acres). Nanny's trailer and grass area is much smaller. Then the blessing of an hour alone and away from kids, family, etc. was given to me by my dear sister...so what do I do? I get in the car and drive. I drove past the home I grew up in: the one next to Monica. How different it is! Mom always had it painted a shade of mauve with dark trim. Now it's light pink with white trim. The garage and driveway are gone. Now there's more yard and a gravel parking spot in place of the garage. Instead of stairs to the right of the house going halfway up the hill from Chestnut Street, there's a full set of stairs straight up the middle of the yard. I drove through the neighborhood and, of course, recognized no one. I was just some lost stranger people stared at as I drove through their lives and homes. It is a place with character: each home is different from the one next to it. There are no fences or sidewalks; the yards just blend together (although the hedges mom planted between McBride's and our house have totally overgrown and now there is no walkway between them). I remembered the exact spot I fell off my bike in the dirt alley and skinned my left knee ~ two times, now mind you, in the same spot... I drove past Aunt Mary's and Teny's in Freedom, my alma mater, Grandma Daman's, and the church where I accepted the Lord as my Savior. Then I went down to Big Lots which used to be Kmart and Shop N' Save. One of my coping strategies for grief and depression is shopping...Not good on a budget. Thankfully, I was able to restrain myself this time. Memories flood my mind so quickly and the tears begin to well. Tears of joyous times together. Tears of past trials and struggles. Tears of grief and sorrow of days gone by. Oh, for another time to speak with family members who are no longer here on earth. Just to hear their voices one more time...

I wonder what the next three days hold as I wait to join Glen in Columbus and head back to Southern Cali.

Life Begins Over Again

Many times I have traveled the path of grief over the loss of a loved one. I can't believe my brother is gone. Knowing he's had a bad heart most of my life doesn't make it any easier. Don't forget my siblings are 16-20 years older than I am. It was great for my kids to meet so many of their cousins and other relatives on the Hardway side. I wish it was under different circumstances. It was amazing to watch my husband, the pastor, be a pastor to my family as well as a brother, cousin, uncle, etc. He did an outstanding job with funeral service. The gospel was presented and though there has been no known response, God has worked another seed into my family's heart. God is watching, protecting, and strengthening us in ways we don't even imagine. I did not feel like I could go through with this at all. My heart is broken and torn and yet, God is strong, healing, and comforting. Today was one of the most difficult yet touching days of my life. It was a day of sorrow and grief and joy and happiness. Now we begin to pick up the pieces of our lives and start over without my brother.

This is also the weekend of the family reunion. So tomorrow, we head off to Brady's Run Park for a day of family togetherness and fun. Bub will be missed...what a week!

Leaving Colorado

The car is packed and I'm leaving in a minivan (sing to the tune of "I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane"). I'm waiting on my niece to return with my children (they went to the park for a couple hours while we loaded up). It is with great sadness that I am heading back to PA. It was my desire to be back there this week but we felt we couldn't afford it. This is not why I want to go back. Pray for us as we drive like crazy across the country yet again. Pray for the children to handle the long hours in the car and for mom and dad's sanity. Pray for Glen as he drives long hours, tries to complete his course work for his doctorate, and prepare the sermon for Bub's funeral. I feel like I can't do this...

Struggling with my thoughts

Yes, I'm on vacation. Hanging out with family in Colorado. Yes, it's fun, but when the phone rings out west at 9PM from back east, it is always bad news. Sorrow clouds my vision (as well as my tears) and drowns my heart. My one and only brother passed away from a massive heart attack within the last hour. I don't know what our future plans hold...just feeling at a loss being so far away. Good news is I'm two days closer home.