Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas one and all! Don't forget to celebrate the real reason for Christmas!

2 days before Christmas...

2 more days! So much to do! I'm trying to finish crocheting a scarf for the daughter of one of my coworkers. I have to finish shopping, got paid today, and I MUST spend time with my brother. He is not here long enough! It goes so quickly! With having to work on Saturday, it makes it hard to spend the day with family.
God has surely met our needs this past year! We are so blessed! I'll do a recap of the year next week, kind of a year in review!
Enjoy your holidays! Merry Christmas! Keep Christ in Christmas!

They're coming!

Sean, Amie and the kids are on their way! I just can't wait!
So much to do and so little time! I am so not ready for Christmas! I currently have 3 projects going at once and I'm not even sure if I'll finish them before Christmas. Who needs sleep?! It's going to be a homemade Christmas this year.
Please pray for safety for my brother and his family as they travel today.
And just a reminder.... He provides for our every need!

Windy!

No, I didn't have to go up to the cabin to pick up Greg and Bill! Bill got the car started and they actually were home earlier than planned. When they got up to the cabin Thursday night, it was 13 degrees out and 32 in the cabin. That's cold!
Today is sooooo windy and cold!
During small group 2 weeks ago, we read these verses and I loved it, especially with the trying times.2 Chronicles 33:12 & 13-
And when he was in distress, he entreated the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. When he prayed to Him, He was moved by his entreaty and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God.
Some pretty powerful verses there!

Baby, it's cold outside

So glad we are getting closer to Christmas! We've had more snow flurries this year than any I can remember. I just love the cold weather and snow!
This weekend our church is putting on their Christmas play.I usher tonight but Greg and I will see it tomorrow night. Greg and his boss, Bill, are at the cabin hunting. They left Thursday and should be back tonight.
My brother, Sean and his family are coming up next week! I can't wait to see them!They come up once a year. We stopped to see them for 2 days in the beginning of the summer, but it's never enough time!
Greg just called as I am posting this and the car they drove up in, won't start. Battery is good. I may have to drive out there (3hrs) and get them. Greg gets spotty reception on top of the mountain.

Snow and other things

The awesome people of our church raised over 41,000$ at the One Day To Feed The World offering. Considering there are approximately 750 people that attend every Sunday, and it was an offering over and above the tithes, it was totally awesome!
We had snow again yesterday. Not enough to make too much trouble but enough to cover the grass. It's beautiful!
This is the first Christmas that I haven't done ANY shopping. I can't, I don't have it. It is totally depressing but I'm trying to do some homemade things. It just doesn't feel right. I really need to apply the principle of being content in all circumstances and I am trying.
Our small group is over until after Christmas. I'll miss it! It was nice to get to know a new group of people. We had a light meal this past Sunday as a group and some of the families came. I knew Josh had to work but was hoping Kristen could come. She had to work as an elf and it was later than she thought so Greg and I went. Yes, Kristen was an elf. She worked at Corey's mom's Christmas party as an elf, handing out gifts and assisting Santa. Complete with pointy ears!
Til next time...

A new day

Well, I just don't know where to begin. Things did not work out as I had hoped with Greg's situation at work. God knows best and it's easy for me to acknowledge that in my head, but not as easy for me to acknowledge it in my heart sometimes. Like David, in the Psalms, I question why evil wins over good. Why does someone get away with doing wrong? Why does one who did right, get punished? It is not for me to question God, I just get a bit disappointed at times. I know He is in control!
As far as my work goes, no changes yet. I knew it could be a while. I don't mean to sound so mysterious but there are others involved. It will eventually be brought to light!
This Sunday is "One day to feed the world" at our church. It helps Convoy of Hope and the idea is to give one day's wages to help feed the world. My daughter, Kristen, is a waitress at Ruby Tuesday's. She works part time as she is in college. She made up her mind that whatever she made yesterday, she would give this Sunday! I'm so proud of her! Most of what she makes is in tips. She picked yesterday because she "closed", meaning she was the last waitress and closed the restaurant for the night, meaning better tips!
I keep praying for her as she has a heart for Him!

More drama

Sean is home safely from China and it seems that Amie and the kids managed without him. Still no change at work, but I knew it may take some time.
Some unfair drama going on with Greg, can't get into that either, but please be in prayer that God's will be done and that the truth will come out.

Short post

October is almost over and November will be here in just 2 days. Kristen will be 19 on Monday! As I said in my last post, my decision is made, now it is all in God's timing.
Learning to wait, in many areas on my life... waiting at work, waiting at home, waiting on Him.
My brother is in China again so please pray for safety and for Amie and the kids while he is away.

God's timing

Decision made, but I can't get into it just yet. I feel at peace with it and Greg and I both agree that we're in a different stage of our lives as the kids are older and very independent. Sorry, this will all make sense when I can finally reveal what's going on. I'm waiting on things to happen at work, that are out of my control at the present time. And yes, this decision is work related.
Today is Michael's birthday. He would be 23! Greg and I will be heading down to place some flowers. We know he's in heaven but placing flowers is more for our benefit.
Mom and Dad are in Florida with Aunt Gail and Uncle Earl so Greg and I have Spike and Patch. They are not used to waiting on our unique schedule so it's a little more difficult. Max is so used to just "going with the flow". If I work 10 hrs, he eats when one of us gets home. With Patch and Spike, we have to make sure someone is there to feed them and let them out.
More to come...

Finally Friday

Love Fridays! Even when I'm on-call the weekend, still love Fridays! This will be a short post. I have a major decision to make and am really praying for God's direction. Not getting into it yet as it is confidential at the present time. I want to hear His still, small voice LOUDLY in my ear! Please pray that God would give me wisdom in this decision and that I would keep my heart and spiritual ears open to His leading.
No major plans for this weekend, maybe going to get a pumpkin. Fall is here and I'm thoroughly enjoying the cooler weather.

Beautiful Fall!

Sorry for the lapses, sure wish I could say it's been because I've been away on some exotic trip! No, just my busy life. Some exciting changes occurring in my life over the past few weeks.... Greg and I started a small group with our church. This in itself is exciting as Greg has not been brought up as I have and has never been comfortable with the concept of small groups. Our church started "Gro groups" which focus on what was taught from the pulpit that Sunday and expound and dig deeper. We've just begun the book of Phillipians and what a joy to dig into that encouraging book! Anyway, Greg is participating in group, which is a miracle in itself considering his initial comments to me were "Do I have to say anything?"
I'm excited to attend the Women of Purpose conference in Hershey in November! God worked that one out for me. I won't go into detail, but I actually get to attend this year. I'll be rooming with three women that I don't know, but am looking forward to making new friends.
Max tore his ACL while at the cabin 3 weeks ago. ACL= anterior crucial ligament. We had it surgically repaired and with 11 staples still intact, he is hobbling around. Staples come out this Friday. In 2 more weeks, we take him back to the vet that did the surgery, in Wilkes Barre, and then Max starts therapy on that leg! Can anyone else see money flying out of the wallet?!
Kristen had all four impacted wisdom teeth out (just days before Max's surgery!) She was a trooper!
We've been to the cabin as often as our schedules allow and actually went up 2 weekends ago with my mom's cousin and her husband, mom and dad, Greg and I. We had a very relaxing time and thoroughly enjoyed! Kristen was trying to get some friends together up at the cabin the end of October.
Took enough of your time! Enjoy the beautiful colors of fall!

Time flies...

Wow! I turned around and it is August! Not much of a summer yet, seems all I do is work! Greg and I did get to the cabin last Thursday, took a family from our church. The girls were 6 and 8. Ooooh, I remember when Kristen was that age! Time flies! We had a great time just getting to know Travis and Diane better and spending time in God's beautiful creation. Mom and dad are down at Sean's in Georgia. Sean's birthday is tomorrow. Greg's sister Tammy and her son Ryan are flying in from Utah tonight. We are hoping to have a family get-together at the cabin on Saturday. I say hoping as I'm on-call this weekend and I have to be at church early Sunday am to set up for communion.
Thoughts for the day: after reading Brandi's blog, how much time do I spend on my knees in prayer, petitioning Him and thanking Him for all He's done? I spend more time in prayer when I'm driving or walking. (I know, I'm a little crazy, but I totally enjoy walking outdoors, alone, and talking/praying out loud to Him!) I think I need to restart my prayer journal...

Mother's Day Wishes

The best job in the world is being a mother. I can't explain the feeling of having life inside your very body, feeling your child grow and move. It's incredible! The feeling when that little one finally makes his way into the world and you finally see that beautiful face, feel those tiny fingers and hold your newborn close to your heart, knowing that you would do anything for this brand new life. I have been blessed three times with the gift of birth, Michael, Joshua and Kristen. I would not trade each experience for anything in the world. Through all the difficulties have been joys unspeakable. One of my favorite things is watching them sleep, praying over them as they sleep peacefully, unaware of the many petitions I made for them. My God holds them in His hands and loves them even more than I do! Hard to imagine! I can only love in my human frailty, but He loves in perfection. More than anything I can imagine or hope is that my Josh and Kristen will truly know Him, experience His faithfulness and live for Him. This is my mother's day wish.

Way too Long!

To say I haven't been so faithful in posting is an understatement! Last week we drove to Sarasota Florida to pick up some furniture from my in-laws. Long time in a car, but it was a nice trip! Enjoyed seeing their place and them! We stopped at my brother's in Georgia on the way back up to PA. Way overdue! Our time together was too short and I think we will just have to visit for a longer time sometime soon. I just love my brother, Sean and his wife, Amie and their kids, Noah, Micah and Chloe to pieces! It was terrific spending time with them as short as it was!If I learn how to post some pics, I'll do that!Greg wasn't feeling well the past 2 days, but seems to be fully recovered today. Josh is looking for a new job and Kristen continues working at Ruby Tuesdays and going to college.We're having our corned beef, cabbage and red potatoes tonight as Greg was really not up to it yesterday and I ended up working until 11:30 pm last night. My dad had some medical tests done yesterday and the reports are good, no foreseeable issues.
Today is gorgeous outside, 70 and just plain beautiful!I feel so blessed! This Saturday is our Women of Purpose Tea and 420 tickets were sold and we had to close the ticket sales. Praise God! It's a fashion show, worship and speaker and will benefit a children's home.It will be a long day as mom and I are going early to help set up and serve. My niece's birthday celebration is that evenng-she turned 21 yesterday! Erin-go-bragh!
Until next time...

Snowy Saturday!

Finally feeling a bit better after spending most of the week lying down due to tonsillitis, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis and Strep throat! First sick time I've missed from work in a couple years!
Snow! Not as much as I would have liked, but snow none the less. What is it about a coating of snow that makes everything look so clean and fresh? Kind of makes me think about what God must see when He looks at me with a coating of Jesus! Fresh, pure, holy!

Too long!

It's been too long between posts. Not alot to say, just little stuff. Well, it looks like my overtime is gone. It was so helpful while it lasted and really helped us to have a Christmas. Still working on debt, but our goal is the end of the year. Josh is now working fulltime at Subway and still with Summer. He is doing well though not much interest in church. Keep praying for his heart to turn to Him. Kristen is working at Ruby Tuesdays as a hostess and going to school for Business admin. She is with Corey still. He transferred from Penn State main to Lehigh Univ this semester as he and Kristen hated being so far apart. With his grades, he can pretty much go anywhere on full scholarships!
Greg and I are doing well. As we are both working, we thank God for jobs! Especially in todays economy. Next weekend is the Sportsmans dinner at church. There is a well-known speaker each year and of course, supper is venison. It's an outreach for people who normally wouldn't go to church as well as a time for good fellowship for mostly men. I served last year and will this year too. But I'm really looking forward to the following weekend when Greg and I get to go away with couples from our church for a weekend retreat. It will be so nice to spend quality time with each other. There will be meetings and free time as well as a really nice dinner Saturday night. After the meeting on Sunday, we'll come home and what's even better is that it isn't real far. It's in Plymouth Meeting. Of course it's over Valentine's weekend! :)
Mom and Dad are doing well. It is nice having them so close.
Enough for now!

Changing my story

For 2010, we are reading "The Story". Today at the women's breakfast, Pastor Liz spoke about changing our story. It doesn't matter what our circumstances, how bad/good we were raised or what we have come from. If we allow Him, who is all powerful and loves us more than we can fathom, He can change our story! I don't need to wallow in self pity, depression, making excuses for everything I can't do because of this, that or the other thing. I CAN do anything He wants me to! If I follow His Word and live the life He wants for me, anything can happen! How exciting is that! What an adventure He and I will have this year! Can't wait to see what He will do through me!

A New Year!

Welcome 2010! I'm not one for New Year's resolutions but I do like to set some goals for the year. Greg and I have definitely benefitted from the Financial Peace University course we took and I want to continue that trend. I think this is the first Christmas I have come out of without credit card debt! Yay! That is more due to Greg than me. We would like to be debt-free this year, not including our mortgage. I want to increase my devotion time. It is really hard with the hours I've been putting in at work, but hopefully that will start to decrease and I just need to make it a point to spend longer time studying and talking to Him. There is more but I've bored you enough! What are you going to do differently this year?