Hurryupsummervacationitis

I am a victim of hurry-up summer vaction-itis!! Words cannot describe just how excited am to spend more time with my kids when school is out.

For many years, my heart's desire was to be a stay at home Mom. God is just so good. Now that I work on the weekends, when my kids are not at home, it allows me to be home with them all week. How cool is that???

Granted, this came about in a way I could have never foreseen. Nevertheless, my God continues to care for me in so many ways. He never ceases to amaze me.

The thought of having my kids home every weekday is making me giddy!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!! There will be lots of swimming, hanging out with the Herrmann's, day trips, beach trips and sleeping in. AHHHHHHHH......

Let the countdown begin!!!

How about y'all?? What plans do you have for the summer??

Titles

When you stop and think about it, it really is amazing how many titles and/or roles we actually have. Here are some of mine:

Christian

Ex-wife

Mother

Daughter

Granddaughter

Sister

Cousin

Niece

Homemaker

Friend

Registered Nurse

Employee

Church member

Blogger (ha!!)

I am sure there are probably more that I am forgetting. As I am easing into 2011, I am striving to be conscious of all of these roles. I want to be the best I can be in everyone of these areas. God created me for a purpose and has equipped me to interact successfully in all of these relationships. I am sure there will be road blocks and detours along the way, but with His help, I will not give up! Watch out world. Here we come!!!

Perseverance

It's amazing what God can share with you during a late morning run.

I had coffee with a dear friend this morning. I left her house feeling blessed and sincerely thankful for her hospitality, wisdom and nurturing. I am a better person today because of her.

So, as I'm driving away in my work out clothes on my way to my 3 mile run, I'm contemplating just how hot my later than usual morning outdoor run was going to be. Let me sum it up for you....IT WAS HOT!!!!!

One mile in, I was already having to pace myself. At one and a half, I wanted to quit. Coincidentally, I forgot my headphones so I only had my thoughts of misery to entertain me. That's when it happened.

BOOM! Out of nowhere. God spoke to my heart.

So many times in our lives we're "running" along, things are going okay and we are doing pretty good. Until something begins to wear us down and we want to quit. Throw in the towel. Be done. I can't help but wonder how many times I've been on the verge of something great and quit before God had a chance to reveal it. WOW.

So, instead of quitting when we are exhausted or worn out, we need to simply slow down a little. Look around. Dig deep and pray like never before. We need to forge ahead with God leading the way. And then His strength will fuel us. His direction will lead us. His will will find us. Truly amazing.

So....a monotonous and hot morning run turned into an inspirational conversation with my Creator. An opportunity to grow even more. I slowed myself down, reflected on where I was and what my goal needed to be and finished the run I had started. I didn't quit. Even though it was VERY hard, I persevered.

Hmmm......maybe I need to forget my headphones more often!

When You Least Expect It

It's funny how certain revelations enter our consciousness without a moment's notice. It never ceases to amaze me when a moment between my Saviour and I arrives smack dab in the middle an ordinary day, transforming it into a cataclysmic event.

My work weekend was busy as usual. Three back to back weekend night shifts. On Sunday mornings I leave work at 7:00 am and go straight to the early service, coffee in hand, at Faith Baptist Church. Although my body is exhausted, having worked two nights and still having a third to go, my Spirit is energized and eager to hear from God's Word and to fellowship with an amazing group of Christ followers.

This Sunday was no different, except that I had to stay longer for a New Members class that I had signed up for. As is usually the case, I was blessed beyond measure through Pastor's words during the message shared to us as placed on his heart from God alone and yet again as he lead this new class to almost 50 of us. This was a double blessing indeed!!

As I was leaving and driving home for some much needed sleep, my heart was swollen with love and fulfillment for my magnificent God. Never in my life have I felt so at the center of God's will. I knew without a doubt that at that very moment, I was exactly where He needed me to be. I felt unbelievably loved and comforted. Completely and wholly at peace in every sense. It was if I could feel Jesus' arms wrapped tightly around me. WOW!!! It was amazing.

If you have ever had a moment like this, then you can relate to the intensity of such an event. If you have not, I can only assure you that when we live with Christ at the center of our existence, trusting Him with everything and living to bring Him glory, moments like this become more and more.

God is good. All the time.

The Sky's the Limit

Routine is good...right?? Of course. Except when it shadows the possibilities we have in Christ.

For so many years, I was caught in a cycle of routine. I was rigid in that routine. Anything that fell outside of it was not well received. It made me very uncomfortable. It was very hard for me to fully embrace God's best for me. Almost impossible.

I have learned that there is a freedom in living in the moment. Living spontaneously. Being willing to change direction when God calls me to. Wow. So many years spent worrying. Crazy.

The sky truly is the limit. My future is an empty slate. I will continue to trust God and live my life as He leads me. I will enjoy each precious moment.

Dear friends, please let go and let God. I know this sounds cliche, but it is heart felt. If you are stuck in the steel grasps of a rigid routine, know that you can break free and once again feel joy and anticipation for all that God has in store. Don't fear change. Don't fear tomorrow. Instead, embrace them both. Lean on those Everlasting Arms.

Back to Life...Back to Reality......

No, really. Truly, this IS a good thing!!!

We are back form vacation. What an awesome time in Orlando with family and great friends!! A much needed get away and time to connect. Priceless.

Coming home was ok. Strangely enough, it was good. Liv left for Space Camp the very next day....and I miss her like crazy!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!!

Will and I are kicking back and enjoying our week together. We have a return trip to Aquatica planned for Thursday...weather permitting.

All in all, coming home to life as it is, the reality of being divorced, living life one day at a time, is going to be ok. I continue to live my life for the glory of God. That will not change. I have learned so much about who God created me to be over these past couple of years.

With God's help, I will continue to transform into the person He wants me to be. I will laugh. I will live. I will cry. I will pick myself up and not feel sorry for myself. I will praise Him for everything He blesses me with. I will trust Him in all things.

Praise God. Everything's gonna be ok :)))

Vacation

Vacation.

Vacation.

Vacation!!!!!

It is my favorite word. The kids and I are escaping to beautiful Orlando for a week of much needed rest and relaxation.

I'm not sure how much R & R is in store for me, but my focus will be on my sweet kiddos...helping them to have as much fun as possible.

I hope you all have a great week. Praise God in all things!!!

God Bless :))))