Thanksgiving weekend

I LOVE Thanksgiving...some of the things I love about it include: time with my family, time off from work to relax, remembering all that I am thankful for, sleeping in and decorating for Christmas when it's all over!

Early last week I was struggling some with life. I know I have many things to be thankful for but I was having a hard time remembering in the midst of it. But the Lord met me where I was at and refreshed me this weekend. He helped me remember as I was laughing hysterically with my family over board games how blessed I am to have my FAMILY...He showed me I have FRIENDS who care through a phone call and a note...He showed me again His gift of my HOME as I enjoyed decorating it for Christmas...He reminded me of my good HEALTH as I heard about a friend in pain...He reminded me of his PROTECTION as I caught up on sleep and didn't have bad dreams...He reminded me of His BIRTH as I reflected on Christmas and sang in Church today...He is so good and faithful!

As you reflect on your blessings I pray you will treasure what you do have and give thanks to Him who deserves it!

Good news!

The chimney is gone...well partially gone :) After talking with several peolple I figured out the best solution to my leaking chimney was to take it down to the roof level. My uncle was able to come out today and do it. It wasn't as expensive as I thought and much less than taking the entire thing down. I'm glad it's done...no more leaking and no more birds laying eggs.

Besides that...I am super excited for Thanksgiving this week! I love holidays and it will be fun to sleep in, spend time with family, eat good food, then decorate for Christmas after it's all done :)

The verdict is in...

Well I found out from a good friend that my chimney needs to be taken down. It's old (I'm guessing it's original to the house which would be 83 years old!) and erroding. So I'm on the hunt for someone I can trust/won't charge me an arm & a leg to do it...I have friends standing by to help if needed.

So I was actually surprised I didn't totally FREAK OUT when I heard that...I [normally] would have huge anxiety over the unknown (mainly how I will pay for it). But for some reason I felt okay that day...and I figured out why ;o) Because this last week the Lord had been preparing me for something "bigger" (now to some that isn't a big deal but He knows what I need). I had a weird up and down week (see my last blog) so I had spent a lot of time in prayer. And I'm reading "Practicing the Presence of God" and I had just read about resting in God ALWAYS and when hard things come you'll be okay (paraphrase). So I realized that as I wait on Him...learn to trust Him...seek Him for the everyday things...He will provide all that I need! And this weekend I needed peace/hope. Wow...it seems so simple...why don't I always spend my weeks/days/moments resting in the Lord?

So if you know anyone who has experience in tearing down chimneys let me know :)

Storms and sunshine...

Wow! What a week! It has ranged from really stormy, wet, dark weather here in Portland to sunny, beautiful days! The weather has represented my week (well maybe I didn't have "storms" this week but for sure some rain in my life)...

Some of the "rain"...a horrible day at work Tuesday (it is not easy to make me cry and a student succeded)...a leak in my roof/chimney (to me that represents $$ and the unknown)...my sister lost her job...some hard realizations about myself...stressful moments just about every day of work...

But there was sunshine and for this I am SO GRATEFUL! I had a great time continuing to get to know my "new" home community...I have had super times with the Lord this week- in my stress I have turned to Him and He is right there giving me strength...an encouraging nursery leaders meeting...friends who care...a sweet puppy who seems to know when I am stressed...a friend coming out to look at my chimney and will be coming back to fix it...a job that though has been stressful had some great moments this week with grateful students, encouraging co-workers, rewarding moments...a friend having her baby...notes and presents...hugs...literal sunshine that gives me more energy and joy...Christmas music...health...

Wow...I suddenly realize how the sunshine really has outweighed the rain! :) Basically I am trying to let the good stuff be on my mind more than the bad...I really have SO MUCH to be grateful for and it is easy to forget during the stressful moments!

Thanks for listening to my process...I hope you all have had sunshine in your lives this week :)

The way the Lord provides...

I am really thankful this weekend for several things. Friday night held fun parties with great friends! Even had to say no to a few :o( Saturday was a celebration of THREE YEARS in my home! I am amazed by the way it all happened...maybe I'll blog about it someday. I have learned so much throughout these past three years...how to trust God with finances, security, etc. Still learn this one over and over :o) I like to control my money and sometimes when I think I'm going good something unexpectedly comes up...sound familiar? The life of a homeowner! But I know those moments teach me more about trusting God and helping me realize I am not the true owner of my money and home. He has entrusted me with this home and I have to hold it with open hands. He has always provided enough to pay my bills and even if I can't do all I'd like to do- both selfish spending and all that I'd like to give- He ALWAYS has provided for me!! So amazing!

Having a home has taught me that the Lord delights in blessing His children. Though it wasn't something I thought to ask for He gave me this blessing in this stage of my life. He is so good to me! There are many other things I've learned but this is getting long...

I just want to say how grateful I am for friends coming out and celebrating with me on Saturday. I'm so thankful for my home and want to use it to bless others in any way I can. My door is always open!!

The other eventful thing this weekend was saying good-bye to my good, good friend Kim. I've known this day was coming for a long time but I am still not ready. She and her husband are going to serve as missionaries for 2-3 years in the Czech Republic. A country of broken people who desperatly need the Lord!! Pray for them! But it's SO HARD to say good bye. Lord willing I can save up some money and visit her in the next year. She has been such an amazing friend to me. She is honest and discerning and having someone like that in my life has been vital. She speaks truth to the heart. She was also my first friend at Multnomah. She is friendly and welcoming and I was shy and new :o) We love to reminsce about our fun Multnomah memories including when we "stalked" her now husband ;o) I was able to stand up with her on her wedding day which was such an honor! I can't even describe all she means to me...it's been a life changing friendship. I know she will be used in the Czech for God's glory so I feel a little selfish not wanting her to go...

Well I could write more but don't even know if anyone got through this whole thing! I am SO BLESSED...with great friends, a beautiful home and a God who loves me!!