Well, here it is the beginning of yet another year. Life presents so many challenges every day. Lately those challenges have been pretty minor.....the weather has been pretty cold and so the water pipes froze on the porch where our washer was. Well, that burned the pump and so we had to get a new one. Then, get the new one, put it in the basement and discovered that new faucets were needed to get the washer hooked up properly. Well....all is taken care of now and it is nice to finally be able to finish laundry at home once again. We are pretty fortunate.
I have been blessed lately to be back in contact with some old friends from when I was young. It makes me think back to those times of my life when I did some pretty crazy things. Not so crazy that I was wild or terribly out of control, but crazy that I didn't know much better in my own life at the time. I am glad that we all grow up and have the chance to change many things about ourselves. So much of that change comes by choice in our lives. We make those choices every day. We choose when to get up, when to go to bed, what to read, who to talk to - you get the idea....anyway, those choices can so affect our lives that we sometimes live with the side-effects of those choices. We may end up sick or in debt, or sometimes even wrapped up in our own thoughts about how we got to where we are.
I have been thinking back on my life about my choices in eating. There has been much about it that sometimes I can certainly blame someone, anyone, for my habits but, the truth is; I am the one who made those decisions to make those habits. I simply just need to make different choices in regard to that end. I simply don't know where to begin. I am looking to make changes in my heart and pray that by immersing myself in prayer and the Bible, I will be able to make better choices because I truly am a child of the King and he takes care of my every need. I will be making different choices today than yesterday and will be able to change those habits so that I will be able to glorify Christ The Lord.
God Bless you all each and every day!
Shirley
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The end of another year
Well, we have reached the end of 2009. There is much to be thankful for this year. I can say that since about 6 weeks ago, I have not had much trouble sleeping at night....wheew....I am happy about that.
There has been so much going on. Chris did manage to get healed after his surgery on his knee is Sept. That was a long, and long awaited, process. He is back to work (overnights) and seems to be doing well. This is temporary and he will come off sometime this next year.
Katharine has enjoyed her season of Volleyball as a Varsity player. That is what she has been striving for all along. She really enjoys her volleyball. Both sets of Grandparents were able to see her play here at different games each end of the season. I think that they enjoyed it.
OH! How dare I forget the fact that we are now facing the challenges of driving w/a new teen driver. She is improving and gets a little nervous and confused about directions from mom....LOL Oh well, she will make it past all of this and find herself in the real world of college and jobs in a few short months. She is still looking for that 'perfect' job to pay her portion of the insurance.
The house certainly has been taking better shape since early last year. There still is much to do; like the bathrooms. Both of them! Not sure where to even get started on that one. First, I think we need an exterminator before the spring comes so we can get rid of our nest of wasps that have invaded the small space in the roof between the actual ceiling and the roof tiles. Oh joy!
Now, convince the dad that he must come and visit again sometime next year to get at least one of the bathrooms done. This time, he shouldn't need to tow a U-Haul and bring all of my old stuff back to me from 12 years ago in NY.
Jessica has just gotten her ears pierced. (I didn't even think she would attempt anything remotely related to any pain)....to our surprise, she didn't flinch - much! She is really enjoying playing the Wii and trying to figure out how to get in touch w/her cousins in CA on the Wii.....I think we can figure it out; sometime.
Oh yes, we musn't forget the fact that we now have not one, but two, teenage girls in High School this year! And the load of homework just somehow got easier for the younger one! Surprise, she still is getting all A's, even with two math classes; 10th grade Geometry and Algebra II as well.
Joshua has been busy just growing and growing, and growing...he is getting really tall....He also really likes his basket ball practice. I think he is learning something. He sure does get pretty tired from it. He's also worried about his weight and I keep telling him not to worry about it right now, he's growing and will soon be OK.
Dare we forget the fact that school called us one lonely afternoon and said, "Joshua had his eyes tested, and we think you need to take him to get checked". Well, not liking what I heard and, of course, knowing that it was coming due to family genetics; he does now have glasses.....and he looks pretty smart too!
I have started working kitty-corner to our house at one of the local churches, along with doing work for our home church and prayer meetings still. Busy, busy, busy! I do enjoy being busy a little bit and contributing to the economics of our family.
Time has been short this year. I think about all the things that have passed and will come, but all that really matters is what I will actually do with my time and how I will use it to the best of the ability that God gave me. I love that He is so faithful that He sees every time we have a need and that we can ask for forgiveness and we can start over again with a clean slate; even those times when things are so far past us that no one will ever remember what we are asking forgiveness for.
Love and Peace to All in the New and Coming Year!
May you all be Blessed in Jesus' Name......
Shirley
There has been so much going on. Chris did manage to get healed after his surgery on his knee is Sept. That was a long, and long awaited, process. He is back to work (overnights) and seems to be doing well. This is temporary and he will come off sometime this next year.
Katharine has enjoyed her season of Volleyball as a Varsity player. That is what she has been striving for all along. She really enjoys her volleyball. Both sets of Grandparents were able to see her play here at different games each end of the season. I think that they enjoyed it.
OH! How dare I forget the fact that we are now facing the challenges of driving w/a new teen driver. She is improving and gets a little nervous and confused about directions from mom....LOL Oh well, she will make it past all of this and find herself in the real world of college and jobs in a few short months. She is still looking for that 'perfect' job to pay her portion of the insurance.
The house certainly has been taking better shape since early last year. There still is much to do; like the bathrooms. Both of them! Not sure where to even get started on that one. First, I think we need an exterminator before the spring comes so we can get rid of our nest of wasps that have invaded the small space in the roof between the actual ceiling and the roof tiles. Oh joy!
Now, convince the dad that he must come and visit again sometime next year to get at least one of the bathrooms done. This time, he shouldn't need to tow a U-Haul and bring all of my old stuff back to me from 12 years ago in NY.
Jessica has just gotten her ears pierced. (I didn't even think she would attempt anything remotely related to any pain)....to our surprise, she didn't flinch - much! She is really enjoying playing the Wii and trying to figure out how to get in touch w/her cousins in CA on the Wii.....I think we can figure it out; sometime.
Oh yes, we musn't forget the fact that we now have not one, but two, teenage girls in High School this year! And the load of homework just somehow got easier for the younger one! Surprise, she still is getting all A's, even with two math classes; 10th grade Geometry and Algebra II as well.
Joshua has been busy just growing and growing, and growing...he is getting really tall....He also really likes his basket ball practice. I think he is learning something. He sure does get pretty tired from it. He's also worried about his weight and I keep telling him not to worry about it right now, he's growing and will soon be OK.
Dare we forget the fact that school called us one lonely afternoon and said, "Joshua had his eyes tested, and we think you need to take him to get checked". Well, not liking what I heard and, of course, knowing that it was coming due to family genetics; he does now have glasses.....and he looks pretty smart too!
I have started working kitty-corner to our house at one of the local churches, along with doing work for our home church and prayer meetings still. Busy, busy, busy! I do enjoy being busy a little bit and contributing to the economics of our family.
Time has been short this year. I think about all the things that have passed and will come, but all that really matters is what I will actually do with my time and how I will use it to the best of the ability that God gave me. I love that He is so faithful that He sees every time we have a need and that we can ask for forgiveness and we can start over again with a clean slate; even those times when things are so far past us that no one will ever remember what we are asking forgiveness for.
Love and Peace to All in the New and Coming Year!
May you all be Blessed in Jesus' Name......
Shirley
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sleepless Nights
Yes, for some time now I have had sleeplessness......this doesn't seem to be just a once in a while kind of thing. It seems to be every single cotten pickin' night lately. I have had many nights of not being able to sleep over the course of my life but, lately it just seems to be never ending. I am getting so afraid that when I actually feel tired, I don't really want to go to bed because I am afraid that I will wake up.
I seem to be able to fall asleep most nights no problem. But, over the last week or two I have been waking at about the same time each night and then start tossing and turning and going over all kinds of things in my head and, of course, this makes things that much worse. My mind is telling me that I really want to sleep but at the same time it tells me that I need to get up and do things.
I say that all this waking up and thinking, tossing and just plain being awake in the middle of the nhight has caused most of my weight gain and failed attempts at losing it at all. I am extremly frustrated. I have tried exercise before sleeping. I have tried warm milk. I have tried just going to bed when I am tired. I have tried nice relaxing showers. I have tried a massage (of sorts). I have even tried some pills to get myself to sleep. All this to no avail.
I have yet to figure out exactly why this is happening to me. I feel like the incredible non-sleeping person. I can honestly say that I don't like noise of any sort while I sleep and if I happen to hear noise when trying to get back to sleep or can't just seem to get comfortable, it only makes the situation worse. I really can't tolerate it when I wake up and my husband is in bed and is snoring. That makes my heart race and makes it worse. But, if he doesn't come to bed by a certain time, then I wake up. I feel as though I am not able to win this battle.
Here it is now at 3:30 in the morning and I have probably been awake for more than 2 hours already. Went to bed at around 10:30 and went to sleep around 11 after reading. Woke at around 12:15 because the husband hadn't come to bed yet. Fell asleep and didn't hear him come in tonight, but at 1:30 woke up. Have been tossing and turning since then and finally got myself up out of bed and started crying and pacing and here it is at this hour in the night when all others have had at least 3 hours of sleep by now. I don't know what I am to do.....If I go to bed when I am tired, I can't sleep, if it exercise or whatever, I don't get enough sleep......guess the question is, 'what is the right amount of sleep for me?'
I am still waiting for that answer......and then, will I actually start losing weight if I can sleep through the night? I do notice that on most nights when this happens, I can actually not eat before bed, but will gain anywhere from 3-5 lbs!!!! How ridiculous!!!
well, guess I will ready/study for a while now before everyone gets up! See ya later!
I seem to be able to fall asleep most nights no problem. But, over the last week or two I have been waking at about the same time each night and then start tossing and turning and going over all kinds of things in my head and, of course, this makes things that much worse. My mind is telling me that I really want to sleep but at the same time it tells me that I need to get up and do things.
I say that all this waking up and thinking, tossing and just plain being awake in the middle of the nhight has caused most of my weight gain and failed attempts at losing it at all. I am extremly frustrated. I have tried exercise before sleeping. I have tried warm milk. I have tried just going to bed when I am tired. I have tried nice relaxing showers. I have tried a massage (of sorts). I have even tried some pills to get myself to sleep. All this to no avail.
I have yet to figure out exactly why this is happening to me. I feel like the incredible non-sleeping person. I can honestly say that I don't like noise of any sort while I sleep and if I happen to hear noise when trying to get back to sleep or can't just seem to get comfortable, it only makes the situation worse. I really can't tolerate it when I wake up and my husband is in bed and is snoring. That makes my heart race and makes it worse. But, if he doesn't come to bed by a certain time, then I wake up. I feel as though I am not able to win this battle.
Here it is now at 3:30 in the morning and I have probably been awake for more than 2 hours already. Went to bed at around 10:30 and went to sleep around 11 after reading. Woke at around 12:15 because the husband hadn't come to bed yet. Fell asleep and didn't hear him come in tonight, but at 1:30 woke up. Have been tossing and turning since then and finally got myself up out of bed and started crying and pacing and here it is at this hour in the night when all others have had at least 3 hours of sleep by now. I don't know what I am to do.....If I go to bed when I am tired, I can't sleep, if it exercise or whatever, I don't get enough sleep......guess the question is, 'what is the right amount of sleep for me?'
I am still waiting for that answer......and then, will I actually start losing weight if I can sleep through the night? I do notice that on most nights when this happens, I can actually not eat before bed, but will gain anywhere from 3-5 lbs!!!! How ridiculous!!!
well, guess I will ready/study for a while now before everyone gets up! See ya later!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Change
My how we all change over time. I sat last week and had some very challenging things to grow into. There was a ton of activity at home and then there was a teaching that I was asked to prepare for on Friday night. Our prayer team at church is called P.U.S.H. ; which means Pray Until Something Happens. Well, we had planned to do an all night prayer time of learning and teaching. At about the minute I was asked to prepare something to teach, I think I panicked and went numb.
What was I to teach, how was I to write something I didn't feel qualified to tell everyone else and how well would it be received. Then, I came to realization that no matter what I said, unless it was ordained by God that I do it, then I was never going to be good enough. I think I learned more from just putting all the teaching together than from actually being prepared for the time.
At the event, there was 4 teachers who were involved. It was a nice time. It was an easy time to be awake for all who came. We had a really good turnout. And we thank God that so many were able and willing to come. Then, there was the song preparation for Sunday morning. That was a whole nother idea in itself. I was petrified and didn't want to ruin it and didn't feel prepared. Well, there I was up on the stage prepared to sing and then the music began. I was lost and the music didn't want to cooperate. I had a lot of comments because I didn't sing. I think people were more impressed that I didn't sing than that I did. Oh well, not to be disappointed.
So, I was asked to prepare for the possibility of doing something that night at the evening service, well we had a wonderful spirit-filled service and I felt ok that it was almost over. Then, the pastor startled me and asked me to sing anyway, so I gave it a shot. I think it was ok.
Oh yes, change has come and gone over time. The oldest comes and asks me questions and I can't believe that time has brought me closer to the point where she will be able to make her own decisions for her life and base her own future on her own choices. I hope that I have done everything right by her and not done damage. I am so thankful that she is a beautiful young woman who is being formed by God to His will. I pray every day that she is strong enough to stand by her own convictions and do what is right and make good choices, and that she will marry a man who has the same beliefs that she carries.
It makes me cry to think that, now that all the changes I think I have been ready the handle are here, how much I am going to miss having the little girl around who just needed to be tickled to be calmed as a baby. And told that she is good person who I love and is loved by all around her.
What was I to teach, how was I to write something I didn't feel qualified to tell everyone else and how well would it be received. Then, I came to realization that no matter what I said, unless it was ordained by God that I do it, then I was never going to be good enough. I think I learned more from just putting all the teaching together than from actually being prepared for the time.
At the event, there was 4 teachers who were involved. It was a nice time. It was an easy time to be awake for all who came. We had a really good turnout. And we thank God that so many were able and willing to come. Then, there was the song preparation for Sunday morning. That was a whole nother idea in itself. I was petrified and didn't want to ruin it and didn't feel prepared. Well, there I was up on the stage prepared to sing and then the music began. I was lost and the music didn't want to cooperate. I had a lot of comments because I didn't sing. I think people were more impressed that I didn't sing than that I did. Oh well, not to be disappointed.
So, I was asked to prepare for the possibility of doing something that night at the evening service, well we had a wonderful spirit-filled service and I felt ok that it was almost over. Then, the pastor startled me and asked me to sing anyway, so I gave it a shot. I think it was ok.
Oh yes, change has come and gone over time. The oldest comes and asks me questions and I can't believe that time has brought me closer to the point where she will be able to make her own decisions for her life and base her own future on her own choices. I hope that I have done everything right by her and not done damage. I am so thankful that she is a beautiful young woman who is being formed by God to His will. I pray every day that she is strong enough to stand by her own convictions and do what is right and make good choices, and that she will marry a man who has the same beliefs that she carries.
It makes me cry to think that, now that all the changes I think I have been ready the handle are here, how much I am going to miss having the little girl around who just needed to be tickled to be calmed as a baby. And told that she is good person who I love and is loved by all around her.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Awesome love!
After spending time away from the girls last week, it gave me an appreciation of how much I really love and care for them. I miss their stories and their action around the house. It fills my heart to know that others also enjoy their company as well. I love hearing how much other adults love my girls. They are such a blessing to others around them.
I am so thankful that they are lovers of God and that He is deep inside their hearts. I pray throughout time that they never lose that love.
There have always been challenges in my life and this week will certainly be no different for me. I have much to do and little time to get it all in. The bulletin must be done by Thursday, there is also the orthopedic surgeon to be seen about Chris' knee, there are normal household things to be done and by friday night I have to be ready to present instruction in prayer at the church. Doesn't seem like much but my mind is just in a fog at the moment.
Yesterday, I think I learned something from the Sunday School class. I walked away knowing that I am not up to standards when it comes to my time spent at prayer and study, but that God still loves me anyway, I just have to keep at things every day.
My brother did call me and he is doing well in the wilds and is still safe. Also my grandpa is doing much better. No more of the ICU experiences for now, just healing.
Love you all and have a great day!
I am so thankful that they are lovers of God and that He is deep inside their hearts. I pray throughout time that they never lose that love.
There have always been challenges in my life and this week will certainly be no different for me. I have much to do and little time to get it all in. The bulletin must be done by Thursday, there is also the orthopedic surgeon to be seen about Chris' knee, there are normal household things to be done and by friday night I have to be ready to present instruction in prayer at the church. Doesn't seem like much but my mind is just in a fog at the moment.
Yesterday, I think I learned something from the Sunday School class. I walked away knowing that I am not up to standards when it comes to my time spent at prayer and study, but that God still loves me anyway, I just have to keep at things every day.
My brother did call me and he is doing well in the wilds and is still safe. Also my grandpa is doing much better. No more of the ICU experiences for now, just healing.
Love you all and have a great day!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Happenings
Well, there has certainly been some big surprises in my life lately. My grandpa, who is near and dear to my heart, is back in ICU right now w/a small bowel obstruction and urinary tract infection after his fall. If that is the worst of things, then I'm happy for that. I know that after things have cleared up all will be ok no matter what happens. I am learning everyday how to deal with so many new things in life.
I can't say I am not concerned, because I am. I am also concerned about my girls who are away at camp. I'm sure they are having a blast! Then there is my husband who has to see the orthopedic surgeon next week because of his knee pain. I know that all things will be taken care of because God is faithful in all things just that we must believe it and confess exactly what we want from our mouths!
Anyway, a little bit more info from this side of things here today.
God Bless and love you all
I can't say I am not concerned, because I am. I am also concerned about my girls who are away at camp. I'm sure they are having a blast! Then there is my husband who has to see the orthopedic surgeon next week because of his knee pain. I know that all things will be taken care of because God is faithful in all things just that we must believe it and confess exactly what we want from our mouths!
Anyway, a little bit more info from this side of things here today.
God Bless and love you all
Monday, July 20, 2009
Love and Mercy
Through this weekend, I have discovered that God has so much love and mercy for me. Not just me alone, but everyone. I truly am blessed when I think that I am in the midst of all life's greatest trials. I have suffered nothing compared to most in other countries. I don't know or understand what it is like to have literally nothing to clothe yourself or to eat or have clean water to drink or bathe.
I am truly blessed to have a God who cares so much for me that he uses others to help me out of times of despair in life. There is so much running through my head right now, all having to do w/things that can go wrong. I am trying to remember that it all will not make a bit of difference if I have so much 'stuff'. My true love and life comes from the Heavenly Father who loves and cares so much for each and every one of us.
Managing to get the girls off to church camp was pretty fun. Both for them and me. I was anxiously watching them pack and prepare everything for departure realizing that they are growing up so fast and that there will be so many changes coming in life over the next few years. I don't know if I am looking forward to it or now but, it will happen ready, or not!
The remainder of this week will be spent at home with one child who has his nose buried in his GameBoy. What an invention that is! Anyway, much in life is filled w/anticipation and anxiety. I just can't let the worst of it get to me at all. So, it is w/great joy that I am alive today and have God's greatest gifts of love and mercy!
Bless you all
I am truly blessed to have a God who cares so much for me that he uses others to help me out of times of despair in life. There is so much running through my head right now, all having to do w/things that can go wrong. I am trying to remember that it all will not make a bit of difference if I have so much 'stuff'. My true love and life comes from the Heavenly Father who loves and cares so much for each and every one of us.
Managing to get the girls off to church camp was pretty fun. Both for them and me. I was anxiously watching them pack and prepare everything for departure realizing that they are growing up so fast and that there will be so many changes coming in life over the next few years. I don't know if I am looking forward to it or now but, it will happen ready, or not!
The remainder of this week will be spent at home with one child who has his nose buried in his GameBoy. What an invention that is! Anyway, much in life is filled w/anticipation and anxiety. I just can't let the worst of it get to me at all. So, it is w/great joy that I am alive today and have God's greatest gifts of love and mercy!
Bless you all
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