December 30, 2011.

Been lax in posting this week.  Heading north this evening to spend the weekend with our friends The Garlands.  

Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!

December 27, 2011

“Of David. Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—” Psalm 103:1-2 NIV

December 26, 2011

Christmas Day is over.  It seems to come upon us so fast sometimes, then suddenly it's over.   Next we have New Years Day....then, we enter into the long months of January and February with cold and snow.  Though so far the month of December has proved warmer then normal and hardly any snow thus far!

I can't believe that the year 2011 is almost over.  In six weeks my husband will turn the age of 50.  It seems like just yesterday it was 1985 and we were getting married.  I am reaching the age that when I was 12 I thought was old. 

At the start of  a New Year, people often think back and reminisce on their past.  Not just of the previous year, but of other years gone by.  There are some things I do regret in our life.  One is not having children.  I'm very mixed on this decision.  Half of me regrets it, the other half of me doesn't.  Even as a young girl, I did not picture myself a mother.  My regrets on this is that Chris never has had the experience of being  father.  He has talked recently about possibly becoming foster parents, or maybe adopting an older child.  I am just not so sure.  I just really don't know if I could deal with such an abrupt shift in my life as this would be.  

The decisions in life.  Sometimes they are easy, sometimes they are not.

December 25, 2011 Christmas Day!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV

December 24, 2011. Christmas Eve.

“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:16-20 NIV

December 23, 2011

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” Luke 2:11-14 NIV

December 21, 2011

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:6-7 NIV

December 19, 2011

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven” Luke 1:76-78 NIV

December 18, 2011

One week from today is Christmas!  It's hard to believe, this month has gone by way to fast.  It's been a busy past week or so here.  Friday evening we went out to dinner with the employees of one of the places I work, Rensselaer Swine Services.  Dr. Tom and his wife Denise always take the employees out for Christmas dinner.  This year we went to a restaurant in Lafayette that I have never been to called, Hour Time. It was a really nice dinner and we had a good evening with everyone.  The Gillespie's passed out Christmas gifts to us all.  We all got several different gift cards to various restaurants.  It was a nice surprise!  I work there part-time and have done so since we moved here in 2004.

Then, Saturday we went to Wolcott United Methodist church and assisted in their food giveaway.  The doors open an hour before the giveaway, but people begin lining up outside even before this.  Chris made a big batch of hot chocolate and passed it out to those standing outside.  During the hour inside while people waited, I played Christmas carols on the piano and those who wanted to sang along.  There has been some difficulties in recent months there with people trying to move ahead of  others in the line waiting.  It is first come first serve.  There were no problems this month which was a blessing.  Times are difficult and it can been seen in the number of people who come to this food giveaway.

Today at church was the children's Christmas program. It was so cute and funny.  The kids and adults who helped put it together did a wonderful job.

All this is leading up to Christmas Day.  And what a day!  To celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.  I wish December would come around more then once a year...it's such a wonderful time!!!!!!!!!

December 17, 2011

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”” Matthew 1:20-21 NIV

December 16, 2011

“ And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.” Luke 1:46-47, 49 NIV

December 15, 2011

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”” Luke 1:30-33 NIV

December 13, 2011

Life is short and precious.  Most of us, as our days go along often forget that in the blink of an eye it can be over.  Or our lives can be changed quickly into something totally different then what we are used to.  This has happened to someone I am acquainted with.  I work part-time for the local swine veterinarian here in town.  In the years I've worked there, I have gotten to know many of our clients.  One of our clients lives in Iowa.  A few years ago, the girls in the office we took a road trip to Illinois.  We visited one of our distributors there, then we went the next day and visited this client in Iowa.  We had lunch, got to meet his lovely wife and just had a wonderful visit.  A true Christian man and family.  He is about 53 with 8 children, 7 boys and one girl, and several grandchildren.

Last Friday, this man was struck down by a severe stroke.  He is fighting for his life in a hospital in Iowa City.   It is a day-to-day thing, with the next couple of days being the most critical for him.  If he survives, he will not be the same person physically that he was before.  He is paralysed on the left side and right now cannot speak.  He is a long road of recovery ahead of him.  

I'm sure on Thursday he had no inclination that on the next day his life was going to change forever.  His family has a strong Christian faith and an even stronger Christian family within his church.  One thing he will not be is alone in his struggle to recover.

While things like this happen everyday in some form or another...whether it be a stroke, heart attack, car accident, etc....it really makes you step back and realize how precious life is.  This man is only a bit older then I am.  

A similar thing happened to my husband in 2002 when he was involved in a serious boating accident on Lake Michigan.  Chris lost the sight in one of his eyes and had to experience two surgeries to repair his forehead.  While he has made a full recovery, and has learned to adapt to only having one eye...it's one of those experiences that changes your life forever.  I have seen since this accident he is a bit different.  Some ways are good, some ways are bad.  It's kind of hard to explain.

One very important thing in all of this....a trust and faith in God.  I did not have that as strongly in 2002 as I have now.  Perhaps we both would have come through his accident a bit different had we been closer to the Lord then.  

I'm not really sure where I'm going with this blog post.  Just remember, life can change fast...keep a strong trust in the Lord to help get you through.

December 13, 2011

“When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”” Matthew 2:4-6 NIV

December 10, 2011

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” Deuteronomy 18:15 NIV

December 8, 2011

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV

December 6, 2011.

Somehow the month of November has ended and December has arrived!  The Christmas Season is in full swing and before we know it, it will be the year 2012.  For the past couple of years I have had not a whole lot of Christmas spirit.  Lots of stresses and problems in my life, I had let get in the way of enjoying the holidays.  I really didn't even want to put up any decorations the past couple of years.  In fact, the tree I put up in the front of the house...for the last two years stood undecorated.  Just lights turned on.  (couldn't tell it from outside!)

Anyway, this year...I am really looking forward to Christmas.  I still have some worries and stresses in my life (who doesn't), though not as bad but, I am finding it easier to turn all my worries over to God.  It's still not always easy, but it's getting there.  I put up more decorations in my home then I have the last couple years combined.  I would probably put up more if I had them!

 I'm full of the spirit of Christmas, and it feels good.  I'm looking forward to the services we will have at our church both Christmas Eve and Day.  I look forward to helping pass out the plates of cookies to people who have to work Christmas Eve.  I'm looking forward to being with family over the holidays, to Christmas dinner with my office, the children's program at church.  But, of course we all have to remember what Christmas is all about.  The birth of our Savior, Jesus  One of my most favorite renditions of the Christmas Story is from A Charlie Brown Christmas.  Enjoy!

December 6, 2011. Scripture.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 NIV

December 3, 2011. Scripture.

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 NIV

December 3, 2011

I'm finding it difficult to type on my laptop due to a missing "B" key.  I'm hoping Chris can fix it, but I have never had much luck getting a key to stay on once it comes loose.

It's having some other issues to, so I know it does not have a long life left in it.   It's time to save my pennies for a new laptop.  Hopefully by the spring I can buy one.  Until then, will have to make posts from Chris' computer. 

November 30, 2011. Scripture.

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” 2 Peter 3:10-11 NIV

November 29, 2011. Scripture.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1,26 NIV

November 26, 2011. Scripture.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28 NIV

November 26, 2011.

Thanksgiving week and it's been a busy week.  We went to my brothers for Thanksgiving Day, then stopped at my mom's for dessert.  (don't ask..small family feud going on)  Last evening we ventured up to Chicago for a birthday celebration.  It is Chris' dads 86th birthday.  We met the rest of the family at a restaurant called Greek Islands.  Probably not a good choice for yesterday.  Being black Friday and downtown Chicago, the place was packed!  We didn't have to wait as long as others because one of the owners is an uncle of my nephews.  Had a yummy dinner and a nice visit.  

Today is Thanksgiving Dinner number two with Chris' mom.  There will only be six of us today. 

It's funny the odd thoughts that come to my mind at different times.  I was peeling potatoes this morning for the dinner and running the water faucet to fill the pan.  It came to my mind that there are a lot of people in the world who clean, running water is not available for them.   And it's something most of us take for granted, and don't thank God for.  

A recent saying I've heard is..."What would happen if I woke up tomorrow with only the things I thanked God for yesterday."  

Makes one think.  Do we thank God everyday for all that we have?  Or do we moan and groan for the things we have not.  I know I don't thank God enough.  It is something I am striving to change.  Just like that water coming from the faucet.  I'm am very grateful to God for the luxury of clean, running water.

November 25, 2011. Scripture.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 NIV

November 24, 2011. Thanksgiving Day!

It's Thanksgiving Day and I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed day with your friends and family!

 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV

November 22, 2011

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 

November 21, 2011

 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—”  1 Corinthians 1:4-5

November 20, 2011.

Today is Sunday morning and in an hour or so we are going to head out for morning worship and fellowship time.  I really love Sunday mornings!  Yesterday morning we traveled to a church where a friend of ours is the pastor.  We went to partake and assist in a food giveaway they have once a month.  The giveaway is for anyone, no questions asked.  We've gone in the last couple months to this and it has greatly helped during the time Chris was off work.


Anyway, the time changes where the church is and this always messes me up.  We wound up getting up too early and got there a full hour before the doors opened.  A sign of our poor economy, there were already people there waiting in line.  By the time the giveaway began two hours later, the church was full.  They did a survey of the folks who were there and there was 145 people, representing 97 families covering about 355 people.  What a blessing that this church can provide food for all these people.  


Chris and I decided next month instead of partaking, we would just help.  Our financial situation is better, not great...we are getting by OK.  There were so many others there in a worse of situation then ours.  One couple I was near, it was there first time there.  She was handicapped and she told me her and her husband do not live together.  Mainly because this way she can get more state aide for her handicap.  I don't quite understand how the state works, but this struck me as very sad.  There is another mother and son who come each month.  I stood near them last month.  She mentioned in conversation that over the summer the had to live for a couple of weeks without power.  So indeed, most who go truly need the assistance of this food.


This week is Thanksgiving.   I am thankful that there are churches and other groups who provide such a blessing as a food giveaway like this.  It will truly make the holiday a little brighter for the folks who were there. 

November 20, 2011. Scripture

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”  Psalm 95:1-2

Good Psalm for a Sunday morning.

November 19, 2011 Scripture.

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.”  Psalm 1:1-2

November 18, 2011 Scripture

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”  John 17:17

November 17, 2011 Scripture

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.   Psalm 109:105
   

November 16, 2011

Our church participates in the Shoe Box Ministry program.  To learn more about it, you can go to this link: Shoe Box Ministry  I brought a box home on Sunday and today I went to the store to fill it.  You can choose whether you want the box to go to a boy or girl and also the age group.  I decided on a boy in the age range of 10 to 14.  Something told me that this was probably the one group who maybe gets the least donations.  Most people more enjoy buying for little kids and I'm sure girls are very popular. 

So. anyway...I went to the store and I purchased a blue t-shirt in a man's size small.  Also a package of pencils with a design geared towards boys, a pencil sharpener, a boys pencil case, a notebook, a tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush,  and a comb.  From home I had a new, blue bandana that I added in as well.  All these items went into the shoe box and it will get delivered to a boy somewhere in the world.  I'm also going to enclose a Christmas card for whatever little boy gets my box.

We take so much for granted.  The items that I placed into this box...like, the comb..may be an item this little boy does not own.  The t-shirt may be the first new shirt he has ever received.


When I came home and filled my box, I took a pencil to fill out the form.  I have many pencils in my junk drawer, I have combs and brushes.  These normal, everyday things we take for granted.  There are so many children in the world who don't have these basic necessities.

If you have a chance to participate in this ministry, I urge you to do so.  These boxes that go to these children may very well be the only thing they receive for Christmas!

 

November 16, 2011. Scripture.

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”  Psalm 119:18

November 15, 2011. Scripture.

“Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.”  Psalm 119:143

November 14. 2011 Scripture for today.

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”  Peter 3:18

November 12, 2011

For the first part of November, it was a pretty nice day.  It won't be long now before winter really sets in, so I made sure to get a walk in today.  Walked for over two miles.  Walking this time of the year is so nice with the cooler temps, not to mention it's a great time to think, pray and just release any stress.  Today I walked with music.  Sometimes I do and sometimes I just like silence.


The last song I heard before my two miles were up was Michael W. Smiths Amazing Grace/My Chains are Gone.  Truly an amazing and inspirational song.

Love the book of Ephesians.

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  Ephesians 1:16

November 10, 2011

Some more from Ephesians:
 In him we were also chosen,^[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, ¹² in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.   Esphesians 1: 11-12

November 9, 2011

Monday evening I attended a class on making bread at a local store.  There is a store in Remington called the Homestead Buttery and Bakery.  If you haven't been there, you need to check it out.  These ladies have a wonderful store and boy, do they know how to bake.  They also make fudge, ice cream and lots of other goodies.  Their cinnamon rolls are the best I've ever eaten.


Anyway, I have recently gotten into making bread from scratch.  I don't use a bread machine..do all the kneading by hand.  The ladies at the Homestead even grind their own wheat kernels, but they do use a really nice mixer that does all the kneading for them.  It's not a Kitchen Aide, but a machine by the Bosch company.  I now have extreme mixer envy and am going to slowly save up my pennies in the hopes of some day purchasing one.  Would also like a wheat grinder, but that can come later.  The ladies at the Homestead do sell the wheat they grind in bags out of the freezer.

Bread from the grocery store is good, but nothing compares to the bread we made that evening in class.  Taking wheat kernels, grinding them to a fine flour, going right into the mixer, kneading, rising then baking.  Most people associate true whole wheat bread with being kind of dry and coarse.  The bread made that evening was the softest and must scrumptious bread ever!  I bought some of their flour and am going to try my hand at making whole wheat bread this weekend.  The recipe they use also calls for honey and some oil.  Even though the class was taught using the mixer for kneading, I did get some tips from the ladies on kneading by hand.  And also successful dough rising techniques. 


Can you imagine how precious fresh bread was back in pioneer days?  They had to grind the wheat by hand..no fancy electric mills back then.  And no fancy electric mixers.  If you keep going back further, in Biblical times it was mostly unleavened bread. 

November 8, 2011.

Continuing today with Ephesians.  Ephesians 4:32

 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

November 7, 2011. Scripture for the day.

I used to post scripture often here in my blog.  I need to try and get back into doing that.  In a Sunday morning Bible study at church, we went through the book of Ephesians.  Lots of good rules for living a good life.  Too bad more people don't follow these rules.  As the image I found says...growing in Christ.

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.  Ephesians  4:29

November 1, 2011

Yep, October is done and November is here.  In two months it will be the year 2012!  Isn't that the year the world is supposed to end!  (yeah, right)  It's a beautiful fall day here today, so I took Charlotte for a one mile walk.  She and I have been doing a lot of walks lately.  Pretty soon it will be cold and snowy outside, so have to get as many in as you can.  I'm feeling a bit better today, not as down as I was in my last post.  Walking and prayer..they can do a body good.  Hey...that is kind of catchy!  

Prayer...it does a body good!

October 29, 2011

Sometimes I wonder why I keep this blog going.  I will post frequently, then just stop and not write anything down for several weeks.  No reason, just haven't taken the time.  Chris and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary last week.  It is so hard to believe that 26 years have past.  I can remember being a teenager and thinking that anyone married that long had to be really old!  And now I find myself at that point in life.  

Chris seems to be liking his new job better.  At first he found it fairly boring which made for long days.  But, the past couple of weeks he has been enjoying it much better and is having more responsibility and things to do.  He still does not have health insurance, so we both just pray each day that he stays healthy and injure free.  We keep a watch for other jobs that may pop up in the newspaper.  Times are tough and jobs are hard to come by.

Things at church keep me busy.  Being on the worship team, helping with a program we do on Wednesdays that runs for about 6 weeks has kept me busy this past month, then last evening was Trick or Trunk.  Busy, but very fulfilling activities at church.  We are a small, but busy and mighty church!

I do find myself being very down and depressed at times.  I have had well meaning people tell me it's common during "the change" as women like to call it.  I actually wonder if I am suffering from a mild clinical depression.  I have always been a moody person, but lately it is sometimes to the extreme.  One thing that helps is walks and I've tried taking the time for more walks this past month.   I know one thing, this winter my mood light will seriously need to be used to help ward of the winter time blahs.  

Ok..enough rambling.  I'm actually waiting for some bread dough to rise.  The cooler weather means homemade bread.  Can't wait to smell it baking in the oven. 

October 5, 2011

Here is a really cool video our minister showed us this evening in church.  Just has to share it here.  It is 9 minutes long, but is well worth watching.

October 4, 2011

This picture is circulating Facebook right now and I just really like it.

October 3, 2011

A good friend of mine did a post at her blog today on some of the earlier Christian music she remembers.  That got me to thinking about when I was first introduced to Christian music.  I can remember being in Junior High.  The youth group at my church went to another church that was having a youth group get-together.  The highlight of the evening was a performance by a local Christian band that was in northern Indiana at that time. They were called Isaac.  They were great and I loved everything they played.  I did a quick google search just to see if they were by chance still together, but didn't come up with anything.


I remember my first Christian record album. Yes, an actual album.  It was by Don Franscisco and it was his Live Concert album. My favorite song on that album was He's Alive.  This album was really the only Christian album I can remember owning.  I did not buy many record albums when I was a kid.


Something I often challenge myself in is to find Christian themes in secular music.  There really arn't very many of those, but if you look there are some.  An old Queen song called Jesus.  It is odd that Freddie Mercury wrote such a song as he was not a Christian.  And the song is typical Queen fashion, but the words are interesting.  They did another one called The Prophet's Song which is on the darker side.  The words in that song, I think are an interpretation of the book of Revelation.   Here is their song Jesus.  As I said, typial Queen rock.



Quite a few U2 songs have Christian themes, then there is Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven and others if I think on it enough.  Also, John Denver recorded a song called Gospel Changes.  Good song.

Ok..enough rambling memories for the night!

October 2, 2011

September 26, 2011

I just realized I haven't made a blog post in several days.  It's been a busy past week or so.  Chris does start a new job today.  He will be working at a local used car dealer. Part of his job will be spent working on their computers, the other part manning the office.  It's hourly so don't have to rely on commission.  He will have two days a week where he will help customers and if he sells a car does get commission.  It's not a perfect job, but it's a job!  He does not get benefits so for now, he does not have health insurance.  I told him to try and stay healthy and not injure himself anymore!!!!


He still has possibilities with other companies that do offer benefits, so if one of those gets offered to him he will take it.


But, for now...he is working!!!   Praise the Lord!

September 17, 2011

We are nearing the end of week 3 with Chris still on the job hunt.  He gets very frustrated with me as I tend to worry and be more concerned about things then he is.  He is able to put more trust in God, that he will take care of us then I am.  I try, I really, really try.  But, the end of the month is nearing when our bills need to be paid.  And he has no job, and there is no unemployment money coming through yet.  I don't make a whole lot in my two part-time jobs...so, yes, I worry. 


We are hoping and praying Chris gets a phone call this week with some kind of job offer.  He did have a offer to cook at  restaurant in DeMotte, but it was only on weekends and some evenings.  We both prayed about this.  It was not many hours, not consistent work and would have greatly inhibited the things he needs to do to pursue his ministry as a LLP in the Methodist Church.   He has several things coming up in the near future which he needs to do that fall on Saturdays and Sundays.  He decided to turn down that job.  Risky move?  Maybe.  But, he can now take the Basic Lay Speaker Course and he is also filling in for another minister at two churches down by Lafayette.  Things that will really help in his LLP work.

I did get  break from all my worries last weekend.  A friend of mine from church and I attended a ladies retreat.  It took place at a retreat center down by Nashville, Indiana.  It was sponsored by the church a good friend of my from high school attends.  There was a speaker, and other activities all with a great group of ladies.  The area down there is so beautiful and the retreat center is like going away to a nice hotel.  I am already looking forward to attending next year.



For now, one day at a time. 

September 9, 2011

Patience.  It is not my virtue.  I have struggled all my life with being patient.  Being an impatient person usually only results in causing undue stress on yourself.  It can also cause you to be careless.  Like when you are trying to do something, get impatient because it is taking too long...only resulting in whatever you are doing to take longer.  I'm sure if I looked I would find many Proverbs in the Bible on the evils of being impatient.

I am impatient right now.  Chris has only one actual job offer.  It's not a job that one can retire on, but it is a job.  Cooking for a restaurant on the weekends, about 20 hours a week.   In today's economy, I should be grateful he will be doing something that will bring in some money.  But, I am impatient.  Why can't he find a position that will pay better and help us pay our bills better.  He does have several job possibilities that would offer more hours and more pay...but, they are just possibilities.  And his unemployment still has not been approved.   I am impatient.  Impatient because the end of September is going to come upon us fast.  Then, October when what we have put away in the bank will need to be pulled out to cover bills.  Then, nothing in the bank.


Then today I found out the Angel Food program that our church uses has suspended service for the month of September.  It's a sad note when even organizations such as this, who strive to help people buy food at a cheaper price then the store, is hit by the tough economic times.  Chris and I have been buying through Angel Food for well over a year now.  I had already placed an order for a chicken box this month and I learned today, no orders.  The company is hoping to reorganize and restart in October.  

Patience, patience, patience.  That and a full faith in God.  Why do I struggle with these two things?  Why do I put so much stress on myself?  I envy people who just turn all their problems over to the Lord.   I need to search some of these people out and try to figure out how they have such peace within themselves.

September 8, 2011

We are at the end of week two of Chris being unemployed. He does have a few prospective job offers, but nothing official yet. His unemployment has still neither been approved or denied. We just keep moving along day to day.

I’m nearing the end of my “Read the Bible in 90 Day Class’. Second time through. I am still amazed at the things I’m noticing the second time through that I failed to notice the first time. I’m sure if I read the Bible 10 more times I would also find things I missed, or don’t remember from previous readings.

This weekend I and a friend from church are traveling to a ladies retreat. The church my best friend from high school belongs to puts on this retreat each year. I went last year and had a really nice time. This year LuAnn is going with. I have been looking forward to this for many months.

It is also the one year anniversary of the loss of our dog Rudy. It’s hard to believe a year has passed. He was a great dog and I still miss a whole bunch.

September 3, 2011

It is Labor Day Weekend. Today it's really warm, but tomorrow it's suppose to cool off to Fall like temps. Can't wait for that. We are at the end of the first week of Chris losing his job. It's been kind of an emotional roller coaster this week. He is confident he will be securing another job soon. My brain works differently then his, and I have been thinking ahead as to how we will be if he does not get a job...and also if he does not get approved for unemployment. Situations like this make you rethink anything you might want or need to buy when you go to the store.

We did venture to the Farmer's Market today and bought large bag of green beans. We both love homegrown green beans and are going to make them with dinner today. We also bought something we do not normally buy. A huge box of overripe tomatoes. They only cost 4 dollars. Tomorrow we are going to attempt to make homemade spaghetti sauce with these and freeze it for use later on. I've found several recipes that seem simple using fresh tomatoes. The most tedious part will be the pealing and seeding these tomatoes. Tomorrow is supposed to be cool and rainy...perfect day for something like this.

The practical side of my brain is thinking about how many meals I can get out of these tomatoes if our sauce is successful. Total cost for this whole thing will probably be no more then 10 dollars. I picked up a couple bags of onions and already have fresh basil that we grew. Might just need a little more olive oil. So, we'll see how it goes.

I also stopped yesterday at a local resale place because I really, really need a winter coat. Along with stress, I eat. And in the last year or so I have gained at least 50 pounds. Don't have many clothes that fit and can't afford to buy new. Resale shops have become my friend. I did find a new coat there..it is a tad big, but for 10 bucks I can deal with too big. Also got a couple tops and a pair of jeans. I'm going to stop back on Tuesday, which is half price day, because the lady there said she had a bunch more jeans to put out that were in my size. $2.50 jeans on half price day.

This morning I went for a walk and during that whole walk I had a long talk with God. I know he will take care of us and that he has his reasons for why Chris lost his job again. I just sometimes wish he would clue me in a little on what those plans are. My friend Karen and I both have what we like to call a "security gland". And my security gland has been on overload this week. Chris and I were just getting ourselves back on our feet after a rough year last year, and now this. I do realize there are a lot of folks way worse off then we are. People who have been out of work longer, but sometimes that doesn't make your individual situation easier to handle.

I realize this has been a long, rambling post. But, sometimes when your brain is filled with so much these kinds of ramblings are good.

September 1, 2011

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

August 31, 2011

Last day of August which means Fall will be here soon. Fall is my favorite season of the year. Cooler temps, beautiful colors. We were married the end of October mostly because October is my favorite month.

We are going on day 3 of Chris being unemployed. He has put his application in at many places around town. If nothing comes of these, he will expand out into nearby towns. He does have an appointment tomorrow with a company here to take a computer assessment test. I'm pretty sure it's one of those employment type tests a lot of companies are doing. They told him the test takes about an hour and a half. I will be doing a lot of praying between now and then.

I am also dealing with a very depressed husband. To be 49 years old and suddenly unemployed again...well, since Monday afternoon he has complained of a constant headache and is extremely tired. He did go to the doctor today since he is still insured for a few more days. Got checked out for his medication refills and his blood pressure is good. So, at least I know the headaches are not from high blood pressure.

It is in times like these you truly appreciate good friends and a good church family. We have had a couple people, both friends and family, step forward to help us out financially. (and a very special friend who listened when I needed someone to listen to me. (((Karen)))) Chris applied for unemployment and so far his application online says "open" and not "denied". If it gets approved we will be OK for a little while if he is unable to find a job right away. I feel the need to begin looking for a job that will give me more hours. I dearly love my job at the church and also my two day a week job at the vet clinic. But, the reality is...I need something that gives me more then 24 hours a week. That may not be so easy to find in with so many people also looking for work, plus living in a small town makes it harder.

So for now...one day at a time. And lots of praying.

August 29, 2011

Well, it's been really, really bad day. Last year was really bad year for us. This year had actually been going along well, things have been looking up. Then...BAM! Chris lost his job today. It was totally his fault, he accidentally sold cigarettes to a minor at Family Express where he works. The policy there is you card anyone who doesn't look over 30. He was busy, made a bad decision..thought the guy was over 30. Turns out, he was a government plant sent in to do just what he did...catch someone not carding for minors...and the guy was a minor. Zero tolerance, out the door you go. One day employed, then next not. It was just a year ago that we were dealing with this same thing. He lost a job a year ago, but found another within a week. I pray he is as fortunate this time around...but, we must prepare in case he doesn't. And it's doubtful he can collect unemployment since he was fired.

After an exhilarating weekend with the Emmaus Gathering, and me giving my Fourth Day speech, now this. And part of my speech was on how I handle adversity. I am not handling it so well today. I made it through the last half of my work day, and came home and did a whole lot of crying. We assessed our bills and what monies we have. If worse come to shove....my health insurance will be the first to go. Second will be life insurance. My biggest concern is keeping the house. With a second mortgage along with the initial mortgage...it's going to be tough.

My good friend Karen came by and just sat and let me cry and talk. She has been in my shoes, so knows what we're going through. I just don't feel that I am handling this adversity very well.

I will write more on this tomorrow. Just getting some thoughts down for the moment.

August 27, 2011

Last evening I had the privilege to give the Fourth Day talk at the Emmaus Gathering that took place at my church. It was a wonderful evening of worshiping Christ, fellowship with friends and singing. I thought I would post my talk here in my blog. This was my first talk given for an Emmaus get-together. I was nervous, but it all came together.

Hello, my name is Jodi Kosary. I am from the table of Abigail, Walk # 40.

I was what you might call a Reluctant Pilgrim. Chris and I were fairly new to Brushwood and I recall hearing talk about the Emmaus group. Up until then, I had never heard of them before and knew absolutely nothing about it. I did look it up to see if I could learn a bit more about it, but that was really as far as I went. It seemed a little different and I really didn't understand it, so I did not pursue it any further. Then, Karen asked me one day if I would like to go on the Walk. Now, I am someone who does not like to hurt other peoples feelings. I told her..."sure!" even tho inside of me I wasn't to keen on going. I don't really know why I was reluctant, perhaps it was the unknown factor in it all. I do know at the time there were some difficult things going on in my life, but I agreed to go. Leading up the that weekend, though, I kept trying to think of excuses that I could give for not going. And most of the excuses I came up with were pretty lame and silly.

Anyway, the weekend came and I went. I was the only pilgrim from Brushwood on that walk. I went and remember that first night it just all felt weird and different. The no talking thing was difficult, especially when you are in a room with other women you don't know at all. For some reason I thought that the time of silence was suppose to end with the ringing of the morning bell on Friday. So, when I heard that...I and the rest of the ladies in my room started talking again...and loudly. We sort of got a little reprimand about that. I felt bad because I had been the instigator in the early morning chatter.

The weekend progressed, and as I'm sure you all know it did become a life changing weekend for me and afterward I was so grateful that I did go. The whole experience, from all the talks, to the Dieing moments, to Saturday evening and closing....it was quite a weekend. I almost wish I could redo the whole weekend again, because many parts of it are just a blur because I had so many emotions going through me the whole time.

I have always been what I considered a Christian. But, I realized after the walk that I was one of the many people who really just go through the motions of a Christian. I attended church...most of the time,because it was what you should do. I was involved in somethings within the church...took some classes, was in the choir and even went on a few Appalachia Service Project mission trips. But, I rarely, if ever read the Bible...rarely, if ever did a daily devotion...and rarely....OK, never...prayed. Sure..I was one of the ones who prayed when I really, really wanted something. Anytime I may have prayed the prayers were always about me, me, me. When my husband was involved in a life threatening accident in 2002, I never prayed for his healing. When my dad was sick and dieing in 1992, I never prayed for him or my family. Now, I do pray...or should I say, I have conversations with God. Praying formally still seems awkward for me...so I just talk to God like I'm having a conversation. While I'm driving, doing house work, or whenever. Sometimes out loud, sometimes to myself. But, I will talk to him about people I know who need his help, who are sick, or anyone or anything that I feel the need for him to hear.

Since my walk I have become much more involved at church, recently completing Disciple 1 and have recently begun for the second time...Read the Bible in 90 Days. I am involved with our Praise Team, Ladies Book Club and recently initiated the start of a Ladies Bible Study/Prayer Group. For me to begin and get off the ground something like that is nothing I would have never done before. The difference with these things now is I'm involved in them because I want to be..not because I feel I should be.

My walk took place also at a time in my life of much stress. I was harboring a lot of anger and bitterness towards some people who we had been involved in a business with. The whole situation ended with us leaving a business we had spent a lot of sweat and finances to build. I am not going to go into details about that, but after my walk I was finally able to release all the bitterness I was holding onto. I was finally able to move past all this and it was like being reborn to have those burdens off my shoulders.

After my walk, I have found I deal with stress and adversity better. Prior, I would be known to stress-out and melt down. While dealing with stressful situations is still something I struggle with, I have evolved emotionally that I can handle things better. An example....the whole situation with our business also caused us to experience a personal financial crisis. To be blunt, we had to declare personal bankruptcy. During this, our van was repossessed. I remember the morning Chris discovered it gone, he came upstairs and I could tell by the look on his face something was wrong. He told me...and then he waited for me to lose it and freak out. But, I didn't. My first thought was...OK, how are we going to deal with this. He was more shocked at that point by my calm reaction then to the fact the van was gone.

I strongly urge all the new pilgrims and anyone else who has not worked on a walk to please consider doing so. I worked in the kitchen for one day on the men's walk in 2010 and then this past women's walk I worked on the Agape team the whole time. It was rewarding, it was tiring, but it was just as meaningful as when I was a pilgrim on my own walk. Serving the pilgrims behind the scenes was awesome. I still recall being in the Fireplace room (or as Marcia referred to it in her state of exhaustion as the “fire station room”) and hearing the singing and laughter from the conference room and it was all I could do to keep myself from going in there and joining in. I look forward to serving on more walks in the future.

The dates for the walks for April 2012 have been set. There is plenty of time to make sure you an get your schedules arranged so you can work on the walks. Even if you can only work one day, I urge all those who have never been on team to do so. It is quite an experience and one I really look forward to doing so again on future walks.

Also, try to find and get involved in a reunion group. Meeting and sharing in a small group like this is a wonderful way to keep your faith and spirit strong after the walks. The same goes for the Gatherings. Try to attend as many as you can. I have met and developed wonderful friendships with many at the Gatherings.

My fourth days....it's really hard to put into words all that I have gone through during my fourth days. As I've already said, I'm doing things I would have never done before. Thinking in ways I've never thought before. And just looking at life in a whole new perspective. When you truly open your life and heart to Christ to be your guide....wonderful things can happen. One particular Bible verse quite often comes to mind and I'm sure you have all heard it. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.:

De Colores

August 21, 2011

Chris and I have been going through rough patch for about a year and a half. We've been struggling some financially, struggling some emotionally and even struggling some spiritually. Losing a business, a job, a dog whom we loved very much, and now this year some medical issues....it does get one down a bit. Now, I know there are lots of folks struggling right along with us in their own lives...some much worse then we. For most of this time, we have both been coping in our own way. I hold my worries inside most of the time. I think Chris does that, too for the most part..but, he does deal with things better and is better at turning his worries over to the Lord. I am getting better at this, and am also getting better at not keeping things pent up inside as much.

This morning we were giving a check at church to help with medical expenses. This was totally unexpected, and left me speechless and in tears. I didn't know what to say. We have never received help like this, but then...we have never been in such a period of struggle as we have been. I was overwhelmed and touched. It is hard to accept help. Someone I work with who had been going through her own financial struggles, has been slowly climbing up out of her abyss. A few weeks ago she had an unexpected 30 dollars. Not a lot, but unexpected. And she gave it to me and insisted I keep it. That particular week I did need gas money...and I told her I would pay it back. She said, no...it's a gift. You can't give a gift back.

It is so much easier for most of us to give help to others. To offer assistance whether it be financially, a meal taken to some one's home, a ride in a car when needed or just someone to talk to. But, most of us find it hard to be on the other end of this and to be the one receiving it. I am one of these and as of late, I have had to swallow my pride and accept some assistance from others.

I have a wonderful church family...and a wonderful network of friends. When I moan and groan about troubles in my life...I really need to slap myself because I have so many things to thank God for. More blessings then I realize, but am slowly opening my eyes to.

God is good, all the time. And all the time we should be thanking him.

August 15, 2011

Well, tonight is my first night playing the piano for the Worship Team at my church. This night has been approaching for several weeks and I have had very mixed feelings about it. It's one of those situations where everyone else has much more confidence in me then I do. I have posted about this here in my blog before, but tonight is "the" night. And next Sunday will be "the" first Sunday.

We said goodbye last week to our wonderful friends Karen and Wayne and their family. Not goodbye as in moving far away, but in that they are going to be serving at another church in our area in the ministry. Thus, they left Brushwood and have officially become members of the Wolcott Methodist Church. This is why I will now be playing the piano for the Worship Team. Me and my rusty fingers.

I have a tote bag with my music in it that I have been making for myself over the past few weeks. This so I can work on different pieces here at home. I'm sure what I have here is only a small fraction of the music the team has accumulated over the years. Today I sat down and organized it somewhat in several folders. Here are my folders:

-Pieces we are doing in the upcoming two Sundays.
-Pieces I have pretty much learned and can play fairly well.
-Pieces I'm working on, but have along way to go.
-Pieces I haven't even touched.

And that is how these folders are labeled!!!! Kind of goofy, but works for me. I'm sure it will get easier as the weeks progress, but I won't deny I will probably be broke out in hives over the next several Sundays. Guess higher neck tops are in order for me to cover the splotches!!!!

August 13, 2011

I think there are about 5 classes left in my "Read the Bible in 90 Days" class. This is my second time through. We are currently in Isaiah into Jeremiah. I found this section difficult the first time through and it is equally difficult now. Plus, I got behind this past week, so I have been trying to read quickly and more often to get caught up. Sometimes, I will be reading along and my mind begins to wander and I realize...I don't remember what I had just read! So, I go back and reread it. But, it's funny....even when I don't seem to be comprehending what I'm reading some passages will pop up. Like the passage that is the head of my blog. Jeremiah 29:11.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Such a powerful verse! It is one that I know most Christians are familiar with, but it is one that never ceases to make me stop and really appreciate the wonders of God.

August 10, 2011

The weather has finally cooled down. It has been a really hot, humid summer and the cooler air is so refreshing. Not to mention it helps one to sleep better...at least for me.

Ever so often, I will look for people on the Internet from my past. Folks I have lost touch with, even if they are people I only dealt with in my life for a short time. One such person was a guitar teacher named Dan DeVries. When we lived in Lansing, Illinois, I had the desire to try to learn to play guitar the right way. I had self taught myself as a teenager, pretty much just learning cords and strumming. My dream had always been to learn finger-pick style guitar. This lead me to Dan. I tool lessons for about a year...never really getting the hang of it. Then, Dan went through a nasty divorce and he moved over by Valparaiso and began teaching for a store there called Front Porch Music. Dan was about my age. We lost track of him after a few years, but heard that he was doing well at Front Porch and was a much sought after teacher.

This past week, I looked him up on-line. On the Front Porch website there was no listing of him at all. I tried a google search, but the only info I could find was a blurb on a guitar collectors website. This website featured guitars and why that particular guitar was special. One guitar the collector mentioned as having been owned by the "late" Dan DeVries. And that Dan had "let the beloved guitar go near the end".

I sent an email to Front Porch, then, enquiring about Dan. I learned that he had died in 2002. That was almost 10 years ago. They did not reveal the cause of his death, but the little blurb at the collector's website leads me to believe he must have died from a fast moving cancer or something like that.

Not really sure why I'm writing about that here. It was a bit of a shock to discover this, even though it was not someone I was close to. I just remember Dan as being an excellent musician, excellent teacher and a really, really nice guy. And it also makes you realize...life is precious. And you just don't know when the Lord will call you home to him.

Since he died almost 10 years ago, I could not find any pictures of him at all on the Internet. Just the one picture of a guitar he used to own and must have sold right before he passed.

August 2, 2011

Wow, it's August already. Summer is almost over and as hot as it's been, I'm glad it's almost over. Fall is my favorite season anyway, and really looking forward to the cooler temps. We have been busy the past week. We took a drive up to Brookfield, Illinois to visit our friends and stayed a couple of nights. It's always nice visiting them and just getting away. One nice thing about when we go there, we can take Charlotte along. They have a little dog named Molly and they both get along great.

This coming weekend will be equally busy. Chris' mom is coming to visit for a few days. Chris is giving the sermon in church this Sunday and she is coming to hear him preach. She arrives on Thursday and will probably go home after church on Sunday.

Of course, things at church are keeping me busy. The ladies group I started meets on Monday evening. Tuesday evening is Worship Team practice and Wednesday evening I'm in the Read The Bible in 90 Days class. Tomorrow I am planning on not going to that class as I have to get the house ready for mother-in-law and that will be my only time to do it. Her room needs to be cleaned as well as the bathroom.

Now, if it would just cool off a bit!

July 27, 2011

I posted on this earlier in the month, but wanted to do a little update. I am taking the Read the Bible in 90 Days class again at my church. This class is with a different group of people. There is an older couple in the group who seems to be really, truly enjoying this class. They come each week with comments and revelations that they have discovered in their reading. They had borrowed the 90 day Bibles from others who took the class before them, but have become so involved they went and ahead and purchased there own. They also bought to go with them the book the explains each book of the Bible, along with another book that highlights individual people. (that book looks really interesting, may have to buy that one myself).

Anyway, this time through I am reading it on my Kindle. The 90 Day bible was available for it. Down at the bottom of the Kindle for each book it gives the percentage that you have read. As of today, I have completed 45% of the Bible. We are currently in the Psalms. One thing I like is as I read the Psalms I come across phrases and sentences that I recognize being sung in some of today's Christian songs. Like "his love endures forever". And, "rather have one day in his house then thousands elsewhere".

I took this class a second time because the couple leading it asked me if I would. I really didn't want to commit to another long class so soon after Disciple I. But, I must say....I am so glad that I did!

July 21, 2011

We are in the midst of a heat wave. It's been over a hundred for the past couple of days and very, very humid. I've heard several comments from other people that "if this is what hell will be like, I don't want to go there!" Also saw someone post on Facebook that..."Satan called, he wants his weather back!"

All funny...but, really....I'm sure hell will be even worse then this for those unfortunate enough to be condemned there!

July 16, 2011

Today is Saturday and it's a busy day for me. Chris is not working today, but we are each doing our own thing today. He is off to volunteer at the Hoosier Valley Railroad museum. I am going to be helping my brother with his restaurant at the Jasper County Fair. Today, I get to run the Snow Cone machine so I will be outside...and it's supposed to be hot today. Actually, it's supposed to be hot all week which is typical for our fair. Hot, humid....so it must be fair time.

Tomorrow I will at least be indoors where there is AC as I will be running the cash register. Then, I may be working later in the week on Thursday. Not sure yet. I had hoped to work for him more this week, but so far it's just the weekend and maybe Thursday. But, every little bit of extra money helps.

The fair is big in this town and in this county. When I was growing up the county fair for us was a 35 minute or so drive. I was never involved in 4-H so the fair was just someplace fun to go to for one day when it was going on. Here in Rensselaer, it is big and the kids involved in 4-H spend weeks and months preparing their projects. Whether it be something involving animals, or photography these kids work (and sometimes the parents, too) for a long time to get ready. Animals are big here, but then this is a big farming community. I sometimes wish I had been involved in 4-H as a kid. When I look at the sewing projects, the food entries, basket making...it really looks fun and educational.

I work at the fair till 3 today, then Chris should be home. We plan to buy and devour our usual once a year fair food. Fried veggies and an elephant ear. Once a year is about all my arteries can handle of fair food!

July 12, 2011

Been a busy recent couple of days. I have so much going on between my three jobs, activities at church, things with friends. While it's good to be busy, it can also make you overlook the little things you should be doing each day to remain on your walk with the Lord. Like a daily devotion.

When I get overly busy as I've been, I let this fall to the wayside. Or even praying. I don't take the time and praying is something you can really fit in anytime, anywhere. Even taking a shower..you can get in a prayer. I don't think God minds that your standing there naked with water falling on you.

Make sure you take the time to spend a few moments of your day with God. Praying or doing a daily devotion.

July 11, 2011

"Be strong and courageous, Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

July 9, 2011

"For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught." Proverbs 3:26

July 9, 2011

I've been asked to take over the piano playing for the Worship Team at my church. I learned to play the piano as a child, taking lessons through most of high school. There were several kids in my class who also took piano lessons. I was one of the kids who took the lessons, but did not do much practicing in between. The other kids who were taking lessons then were much better at playing then I was. I'm sure it was mostly because I did not apply myself and it is something I regret now, but I do know my abilities on the piano are not a hopeless cause.

For many things, I've had to go back to the basics. While I can play most intermediate pieces with some work and practice...some of the basics of music I have forgotten. Like exactly which note is which on the piano keyboard. If the music I'm reading is in the center part of the keyboard I'm OK, but go to high or to low...I have to stop and figure it out going back to basically following the scale...A, B, C, etc. Also the dynamics of when to repeat, skip forward, go back.

I am nervous about doing this, there is no doubt. Playing with people who are singing and also someone on drums and guitar..well, if you goof you can't just stop and restart. Plus, it's probably been over 15 years since I really played the piano regularly. Actually I would guess to say it was over a 15 year time span that I never even played at all! So, talk about being rusty.

I do have a good teacher who is helping me relearn a lot of this. Plus a new found desire to actually play again. And also the fact I will be playing for the joy and praise of worshiping the Lord it makes it much easier to face my fears of playing with a group like this.

July 8, 2011

Anyone who may be following my blog will notice I did change the name. What was once "The Pretend Christian" is now "Life, Christ and other things". The original title fit when I began this blog, but since I'm not pretending anymore I really wanted to change it. The new title just seems to fit with my meanderings and ramblings that I put down here.

July 7, 2011

I am going to try and keep my blog more current. I haven't posted anything in almost a month! And a busy month it has been.

One thing occupying my time is I am again taking the Read the Bible in 90 Days class at church. This involves a lot of reading each day. What I am finding this second time through the class is I am absorbing what I'm reading a bit more. The first time through, I was reading fast to try and keep up and some days I felt I really didn't "read" it. Kind of hard to explain. But, this time I'm reading with more purpose and also keeping a notebook beside me. I am pausing and writing things down, especially stories or passages that stand out to me.

Reading the entire Bible is not easy. Parts of it are really difficult and tedious. I made it through Leviticus which is one of the more difficult books...and Numbers. My next hurdle will be Isaiah. I remember that as being a difficult book to read the first time through the class.

But, what an accomplishment. I've read the entire Bible once..and at the end of this summer I will have read it again.

June 15, 2011

I have not been good as of late in keeping up this blog. Couple important things:

I've been asked to do the Fourth Day talk at the Emmaus Gathering that will be hosted by my church in August.

And today would have been Rudy's 8th birthday.

I will post more later today.

May, 28, 2011

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Isaiah 40:29

May 23, 2011

The women's walk is over, came home yesterday tired, but with a huge sense of accomplishment. There were 28 pilgrims on the walk and from what I sensed during the closing ceremonies, 28 lives were touched and changed. It was a very tiring weekend. Being on the servant/agape committee is a lot of work. Up early, to bed late and non-stop in between. But, I would do it again!

This was the second walk I worked on. I worked in the kitchen for one day at the walk Chris went on. The kitchen crew works as hard as the servant crew. The only difference is, kitchen pretty much stays in the kitchen and dining area. Servants are all over the place. I really wish I had worn my pedometer. I would have loved to have seen how many steps I walked each day!

One thing I want to try and do is work up some agape for the next walk. I can crochet and perhaps work with some plastic canvas. I want to try and make some rainbow bookmarks with crochet thread and some rooster magnets with plastic canvas. Both are fairly easy and quick to workup...except I would need to make at least 50 of any one item. So, maybe if I start now I can get them done by October!

God was there this weekend. He was there for the ladies on the walk, and he was there when the bad storms went through Rensselaer while we were at the walk. He kept everyone safe on the home front. It will definitely be a closing we will all remember.

Being at the walk behind the scenes, really made me want to take the walk all over again! But, working is very rewarding and I can see where others have told me they got more from working on the walk, then being a pilgrim.

God is good all the time!!!!

May 17, 2011

Tomorrow evening I leave to work on my first Emmaus walk. I'll be gone for 3 nights..home Sunday evening. It's going to be a wonderful experience, I'm sure..but, also a tiring one! I saw the schedule from the men's walk and the team membera get up at 5:30 AM and don't go to bed until after 10:30 PM. I am going to be one tired puppy come Sunday evening. But, it is all for the glory of God and to help the pilgrims on their journey.

I still think of how my life changed after my walk last year and I hope this weekend has the same impact on the ladies who will be attending.

May 15, 2011

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

May 13, 2011.

Well, Chris is on his way to work at his first Emmaus walk. He will be in the kitchen, no surprise there! He will be right at home working in the kitchen. He was really looking forward to working at the walk, I hope he has a good experience while he is there. Next weekend will be my turn. I will be on the Agape committee and will be there the whole weekend. I, too, have been looking forward to working behind the scenes on my first walk. I will post about all this as they happen.

In other things, I am still going to Weight Watchers, but may just attend meetings until the ones I have paid for are done. I am going to try working the program on my own. Affording the monthly cost of the meetings is proving to be a little difficult. I know the program, we will just see if I can stick with it on my own. Sometimes having to face a scale at a WW meeting tends to keep one working harder on the program.
As of tonight, I have lost 11.5 pounds. I think I’m going to move my “official” weigh-in to Sunday’s once I go on my own. I have to miss next weeks meeting anyway, because of the walk. That leaves me with one finally meeting that is paid for.

And in other things, I have been feeling a little insecure in my job at the vet clinic. A lot of my anxieties are probably just my own paranoia, but thing are very slow there. I sometimes fear for my job there. While it is only two days a week, it is the one job I have that does pay the most. Because of it, I can afford my health insurance. I have such a difficult time leaving all my problems and worries in God’s hands. I know that whatever happens, it is his will….there is always that little voice in my head that is in a mild state of panic!

May 5, 2011.

Small bit of success today since rejoining Weight Watchers. I have lost exactly 10 pounds as of today. I still would like to lose another 30 or so, but I am really happy with the ten. It's amazing how much better and it's not a huge weight loss. If I lose 10 more I will be back under 200 pounds! I still have good motivation to keep it up. And I so far have not plateaued. I have lost something each week, even if it was only less then a pound.

May 1, 2011

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6

A friend of mine has been relying on these verses lately. There are very powerful verses!

May 1, 2011.

First day of May! Summer is almost here. This month is a busy one!