Hello Friends,
This blog has gotten a new life. Please pop over to my Retirement Countdown blog to enjoy, with me, living abundantly during my last year of teaching!
http://donna-retirementcountdown.blogspot.com/
See you there!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Anniversary!
On Thursday, April 1, eleven years ago, I married my sweet little husband. I was 43. It was my first and only marraige. He was so worth waiting for. He is my best boy friend, my knight in shining armor and a Godly man. He is patient with all my flightyness. He is gentle with my self-doubt. He never raises his voice and we love being together quietly.
Love at its best.
I thank God for him in my life!
Love at its best.
I thank God for him in my life!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Finding Joy
As I walked this evening I listened to my friend, Patrick, talk about joy. He took great pains to point out that it is not happiness. Happiness is not bad in any way, but it is only superficial. Joy is soul deep and our safe harbour even when happiness is no where to be found. Joy is our safety and our hope. Joy is knowing that God knows us...and loves us to distraction anyway...and wants us to know him and the joy he assures us.
Having married late and only tallied up 10 years so far I am still often surprised by the joy being married to my husband brings me. Just last night, I woke up only enough to turn over and in doing so, brushed against the sturdy, warm presence of my husband. In that instant I was filled with the joy of having him there, sleeping quietly beside me (yes, he was not snoring at just this perfect moment...) and I was filled with joy. It was a physical sensation and I went back to sleep with a smile on my face and joy in my heart!
Where did you find your joy today?
Having married late and only tallied up 10 years so far I am still often surprised by the joy being married to my husband brings me. Just last night, I woke up only enough to turn over and in doing so, brushed against the sturdy, warm presence of my husband. In that instant I was filled with the joy of having him there, sleeping quietly beside me (yes, he was not snoring at just this perfect moment...) and I was filled with joy. It was a physical sensation and I went back to sleep with a smile on my face and joy in my heart!
Where did you find your joy today?
Friday, March 5, 2010
Lovely Children
Yesterday was one of "those" days. A member of our extended school "family" was killed in a horrific traffic accident. At lunch, my aide went home and found out that her father, who has been ill, had taken a turn for the worse and they wanted the family there. Another aide had to be taken home with complications of her diabetes. One of those days.
Today at recess, on Fun Friday, one of my lovely children decided to make a card for Miss Teresa, who was not back yet today. She decorated the front and went to everyone in the class explaining who it was for and why and getting them to sign it for her. She was so careful to get everyone. She was so happy to have something to give. All she asked of me was to mail it to Miss Teresa. Stevie delivered it and when Teresa got home she was so touched she had her husband call to thank me...and he could hardly talk either. Ahhh.
Another little darling comes in first thing, hugs me, looks up and says, "I'm so glad I got to come today. I love you." I love you, too, B.
Another was still thrilled with her day when she got home, singing, "I love Fun Friday, I love Fun Friday."
No wonder Jesus said to let the little children come to him.
What a great way to spend a day.
Oh, and the birds were singing this morning and the sun was out!
Thank you, Lord!
Today at recess, on Fun Friday, one of my lovely children decided to make a card for Miss Teresa, who was not back yet today. She decorated the front and went to everyone in the class explaining who it was for and why and getting them to sign it for her. She was so careful to get everyone. She was so happy to have something to give. All she asked of me was to mail it to Miss Teresa. Stevie delivered it and when Teresa got home she was so touched she had her husband call to thank me...and he could hardly talk either. Ahhh.
Another little darling comes in first thing, hugs me, looks up and says, "I'm so glad I got to come today. I love you." I love you, too, B.
Another was still thrilled with her day when she got home, singing, "I love Fun Friday, I love Fun Friday."
No wonder Jesus said to let the little children come to him.
What a great way to spend a day.
Oh, and the birds were singing this morning and the sun was out!
Thank you, Lord!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Blue Sky Miracle
So, it was maybe not the smartest thing I ever decided to do. We were in the beginning stages of the latest "mother of all storms" in this winter of 2010 and I NEEDED to get up the mountain to Thomas so I could deliver my art to Mountain Made for the scheduled show during the month of March. It seemed like the best day to go of the next few...and it turns out I was right, but it was still maybe not the smartest thing I ever decided to do.
So, I talked my friend, Stevie, in to going with me. We packed it all up and both drove up to Terra Alta. She is used to that drive and not too worried. Before we even got to Terra Alta or Evan's Curve (aka Whiteout World) I called her and said, "I don't think I can do this." The car was being jerked all around by the snow/slush on the road. There was nothing to do but keep on going, because there was nowhere to turn around. I started praying. I know...but, better late than never. When we went through Evan's Curve it was clear and beautiful. Amen.
So, we determined to continue on up into snowier country. But Stevie decided she should drive...OK by me! The trip up was uneventful and beautiful again. We did the delivery and started back so we wouldn't have to drive after dark. Because Stevie is such a great friend (and she had to get some hamburger for her famous meatloaf) she suggested that she lead me through Evan's Curve on my way back down the mountain. Yes! I accepted.
So, I started praying a little bit sooner this time. There was a bit of a white out this time, but I was able to keep her in sight most of the time. As she pulled off to turn around and go back through again we waved and I up sized my praying...I was on my own. Well, that part turned out to not be true at all.
This next bit is the best part.
I had not gone far enough for her to even be out of my rear view mirror when the snow pretty much stopped and the sky cleared over me. I mean blue sky! And just a small piece of the sky. The piece over me. I just started smiling, really BIG smiling, and saying, "Thank you, Lord". The blue sky followed me all the way down the mountain and home. And I wasn't home more than 15 minutes until the sky had clouded back up and it was snowing again!
Amazing, huh? Well, our God is amazing! It was kind of like the opening of the path in the Red Sea.
As an aside, I find it interesting that for years in my youth, I would have thought nothing of making this trip...on my own..no friend, no God. As I have grown older God has shown me how to lean into him and friends he puts in my life. It is a much nicer place to be. Amen. Amen. Amen.
So, I talked my friend, Stevie, in to going with me. We packed it all up and both drove up to Terra Alta. She is used to that drive and not too worried. Before we even got to Terra Alta or Evan's Curve (aka Whiteout World) I called her and said, "I don't think I can do this." The car was being jerked all around by the snow/slush on the road. There was nothing to do but keep on going, because there was nowhere to turn around. I started praying. I know...but, better late than never. When we went through Evan's Curve it was clear and beautiful. Amen.
So, we determined to continue on up into snowier country. But Stevie decided she should drive...OK by me! The trip up was uneventful and beautiful again. We did the delivery and started back so we wouldn't have to drive after dark. Because Stevie is such a great friend (and she had to get some hamburger for her famous meatloaf) she suggested that she lead me through Evan's Curve on my way back down the mountain. Yes! I accepted.
So, I started praying a little bit sooner this time. There was a bit of a white out this time, but I was able to keep her in sight most of the time. As she pulled off to turn around and go back through again we waved and I up sized my praying...I was on my own. Well, that part turned out to not be true at all.
This next bit is the best part.
I had not gone far enough for her to even be out of my rear view mirror when the snow pretty much stopped and the sky cleared over me. I mean blue sky! And just a small piece of the sky. The piece over me. I just started smiling, really BIG smiling, and saying, "Thank you, Lord". The blue sky followed me all the way down the mountain and home. And I wasn't home more than 15 minutes until the sky had clouded back up and it was snowing again!
Amazing, huh? Well, our God is amazing! It was kind of like the opening of the path in the Red Sea.
As an aside, I find it interesting that for years in my youth, I would have thought nothing of making this trip...on my own..no friend, no God. As I have grown older God has shown me how to lean into him and friends he puts in my life. It is a much nicer place to be. Amen. Amen. Amen.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Cowa-CataBunga, Dude!
In my new gig as a housewife I am busy this morning sweeping up the heaps of dog hair and bird seed that seem to multiply overnight. I use just a broom because the noise of the vacuum cleaner irritates me and I like seeing the pile I am making...shows my progress. I do have to place the dogs up on a piece of furniture to keep them from wanting to play "Catch the Broom"...well, they probably still WANT to but they are well trained enough to stay where I put them for awhile. Anyway, I have swept up a nice little, OK, not so little, pile right over by the trash can in the kitchen. I am ready to put it in. I put the broom down, turn my back to get the little scoppy thingy and I hear behind me the thundering of little cat paws and I see out of my peripheral vision a streak of gray cat and Mr. Skippy Jo Lohr, aka Skipper Doodle, launching himself from a running, leaping, slide into the pile! You just have to know he was saying to himself, "Catabunga, dude!"
After he finishes his slide he leaps up, turns completely around to go the way he came and charges back into the living room and up onto of the highest piece of furniture he can find (oak filing cabinet) and sits there with a look of supremely satisfied innocence upon his little feline face!
What a hoot.
Find the joy in your day!
Amen.
After he finishes his slide he leaps up, turns completely around to go the way he came and charges back into the living room and up onto of the highest piece of furniture he can find (oak filing cabinet) and sits there with a look of supremely satisfied innocence upon his little feline face!
What a hoot.
Find the joy in your day!
Amen.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Be Still and Know
Part of God's plan from the very beginning was to have a regular time of rest. It's called a Sabbath. Even God rested on the 7th day, right?
We need to refuel so that we can be God's hands, feet, heart in our world.
Church is part of that perhaps. It can be a place where we come to get fed. To grow stronger in our faith and love. With our full hearts, bellies, and souls we can go out and share.
I don't know about the rest of you, but our world is a tiresome place at times. It is a battle. I need a rest after awhile.
All of this snow reminds me to, allows me to take time to be refreshed and refueled. In the quiet whiteness I can be still and know that he is God, he loves me and I can continue on ... after I rest...and shovel!
Enjoy this time of rest and quiet and apartness from the world as usual.
We need to refuel so that we can be God's hands, feet, heart in our world.
Church is part of that perhaps. It can be a place where we come to get fed. To grow stronger in our faith and love. With our full hearts, bellies, and souls we can go out and share.
I don't know about the rest of you, but our world is a tiresome place at times. It is a battle. I need a rest after awhile.
All of this snow reminds me to, allows me to take time to be refreshed and refueled. In the quiet whiteness I can be still and know that he is God, he loves me and I can continue on ... after I rest...and shovel!
Enjoy this time of rest and quiet and apartness from the world as usual.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Peace-full-ness
After all of these days of not working I am getting a real feel for what reitred might be like and I'm likin' it!
I feel refreshed, eager, excited, happy, creative. Many of these things I have not felt in awhile. I am listening for God's word in my life and finding the peace-full-ness that comes!
I do not feel stressed, anxious, needy (for trips to Morgantown or Wal-Mart), tired. I he turned my focus from me to God more...still working on that, of course....recovering sinner and all.
There are still some bumps in the road now and again, but I have for sure entered a season of peace in my life. With this peace comes the desire to reach out again to God's big world.
Thank the Lord!
I feel refreshed, eager, excited, happy, creative. Many of these things I have not felt in awhile. I am listening for God's word in my life and finding the peace-full-ness that comes!
I do not feel stressed, anxious, needy (for trips to Morgantown or Wal-Mart), tired. I he turned my focus from me to God more...still working on that, of course....recovering sinner and all.
There are still some bumps in the road now and again, but I have for sure entered a season of peace in my life. With this peace comes the desire to reach out again to God's big world.
Thank the Lord!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Cute! Cute! Cute!
This is some of what I have been doing with our snowy vacation days. I think they are too cute, but I might be biased! Almost makes me wish I had little kids of my own to dress. What do you think?
This one is for Calan in NM. His brother, Liam, got the very first one I ever made...now Calan is wearing that one, too.
This one has a little felt flower and a rectangle that says "MEOW" on the back of the shirt. Too little to get a good photo to show you.
You can barely see the word TWEET down the side of the woolie.
This one also has a tag on the back that says WOOF! in green felt.
This one is for Calan in NM. His brother, Liam, got the very first one I ever made...now Calan is wearing that one, too.
This one has a little felt flower and a rectangle that says "MEOW" on the back of the shirt. Too little to get a good photo to show you.
You can barely see the word TWEET down the side of the woolie.
This one also has a tag on the back that says WOOF! in green felt.Aside from the one for Calan, the other three will be at Mountain Made for my show in March. I think I will put them on teddy bears to display. What do you think? Are they cute? What's a good price? Help me out mommas.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Surprise!
Lately, I am more and more surprised at the person God is currently forming me into. And sometimes he has to resort to serious measures.
Today my little husband started his new job as a supervisor with the 2010 Census. So, he had to go to work, but since I'm still a Preston County school teacher, I didn't have to go. Having the day to myself and no snow predicted for the day I am thinking I should get out and about...adventure time...see the snow in Terra Alta, take lunch to Stevie, drive about...
I get everything packed and start my car from the house so it will be all toasty warm and go out to get in. I can hear the CD playing, but when I try to "start" the car with the key, it dies. I lucked into a good samaritan who helped me for probably an hour and a half...the engine is dead. Not the battery and not a fuse for the ignition...
Decide to try our "new" Jeep (that I got title and tags for because I could walk there), so I repack everything, give the dogs their bones and get in the Jeep. It looks too scary to try and get it out of the driveway where my little husband very carefully put it so we can fit 3 vehicles for the time being.
Not going anywhere today.
I come back in the house, start dinner for my little husband and myself, fix me a bite of lunch and actually eat it on a plate, and clean house! What???? Who is this person? No pouting, no reading, no napping...all my usual first responses didn't kick in.
I am becoming the servant spirit that I have asked God to change me into. I am learning to be less selfish.
And weirdest of all....I enjoyed it.
Oh, did a little laundry, too.
House smells good, going to make a salad and play a little Bejeweled while waiting for my little husband to come home.
Life is good.
Thank the Lord. Amen.
Today my little husband started his new job as a supervisor with the 2010 Census. So, he had to go to work, but since I'm still a Preston County school teacher, I didn't have to go. Having the day to myself and no snow predicted for the day I am thinking I should get out and about...adventure time...see the snow in Terra Alta, take lunch to Stevie, drive about...
I get everything packed and start my car from the house so it will be all toasty warm and go out to get in. I can hear the CD playing, but when I try to "start" the car with the key, it dies. I lucked into a good samaritan who helped me for probably an hour and a half...the engine is dead. Not the battery and not a fuse for the ignition...
Decide to try our "new" Jeep (that I got title and tags for because I could walk there), so I repack everything, give the dogs their bones and get in the Jeep. It looks too scary to try and get it out of the driveway where my little husband very carefully put it so we can fit 3 vehicles for the time being.
Not going anywhere today.
I come back in the house, start dinner for my little husband and myself, fix me a bite of lunch and actually eat it on a plate, and clean house! What???? Who is this person? No pouting, no reading, no napping...all my usual first responses didn't kick in.
I am becoming the servant spirit that I have asked God to change me into. I am learning to be less selfish.
And weirdest of all....I enjoyed it.
Oh, did a little laundry, too.
House smells good, going to make a salad and play a little Bejeweled while waiting for my little husband to come home.
Life is good.
Thank the Lord. Amen.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Think About It...
From Josh Graves' blog...
In the entire history of the universe, let alone in your own history, there has never been another day just like today, and there will never be another just like it again. Today is the point to which all your yesterdays have been leading since the hour of your birth. It is the point from which all your tomorrows will proceed until the hour of your death. If you were aware of how precious today is, you could hardly live through it. Unless you are aware of how precious it is, you can hardly be said to be living at all.
(Frederick Buechner)
Live it up and know what you are doing...Thank God and love your neighbor.
In the entire history of the universe, let alone in your own history, there has never been another day just like today, and there will never be another just like it again. Today is the point to which all your yesterdays have been leading since the hour of your birth. It is the point from which all your tomorrows will proceed until the hour of your death. If you were aware of how precious today is, you could hardly live through it. Unless you are aware of how precious it is, you can hardly be said to be living at all.
(Frederick Buechner)
Live it up and know what you are doing...Thank God and love your neighbor.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Bucket List
After thinking about this for years and actually doing many of the things on my original list, (helicopter ride, sky diving, travelling, being vegitarian for awhile) I just read Shawn's Bucket List and was inspired to think about mine again.
A Bucket List, if you don't know, is a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket. Here's mine currently:
- see a moose standing in a lake with the mist rising up around him
-dance
-be a comfortable and charming hostess
-keep a clean house
-garden and "put up" food
-laugh a lot
-love a lot
So, that's my list for the time being. What does yours look like?
A Bucket List, if you don't know, is a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket. Here's mine currently:
- see a moose standing in a lake with the mist rising up around him
-dance
-be a comfortable and charming hostess
-keep a clean house
-garden and "put up" food
-laugh a lot
-love a lot
So, that's my list for the time being. What does yours look like?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Unexpected
All week the weather people have been predicting major snow that would be south of us...but they were wrong!
We didn't get major snow, but we got a lot of snow fast this morning. Beautiful, fluffy and frigid! Winter weather.
I tried to take my walk at the track without realizing how much snow we had already gotten. There were no tracks even in the parking lot at the high school and it was so slippery that I thought I wasn't going to be able to stop when I got to the wall... but I did. Walked around the track twice, but it was a sheet of ice under 5 inches of fluffiness and I only had on my tennies...remember, I already told you I didn't realize how much snow we had already gotten...
I finally gave up and walked in the tire tracks of my car in the parking lot for awhile and came home.
Listened to the Mountaineer game, created a couple of Whimsical Woolies, ate some homemade potato soup, took a nap...
This kind of snow causes you to slow down, maybe even stop completely. Appreciate that time - you need it. God is so smart. He knows we need a time to rest and slow down...He gave us winter in Preston County. Enjoy!
We didn't get major snow, but we got a lot of snow fast this morning. Beautiful, fluffy and frigid! Winter weather.
I tried to take my walk at the track without realizing how much snow we had already gotten. There were no tracks even in the parking lot at the high school and it was so slippery that I thought I wasn't going to be able to stop when I got to the wall... but I did. Walked around the track twice, but it was a sheet of ice under 5 inches of fluffiness and I only had on my tennies...remember, I already told you I didn't realize how much snow we had already gotten...
I finally gave up and walked in the tire tracks of my car in the parking lot for awhile and came home.
Listened to the Mountaineer game, created a couple of Whimsical Woolies, ate some homemade potato soup, took a nap...
This kind of snow causes you to slow down, maybe even stop completely. Appreciate that time - you need it. God is so smart. He knows we need a time to rest and slow down...He gave us winter in Preston County. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
It's All Good
Today was a stellar day of giggles and good news. Kids that made me laugh and prayers that were answered...big prayers!
Our God is amazing and wonderful and he loves us. He is the Good Shepherd, Abba and the Big Cheese.
How amazing it is to feel the relief of lifted worry. More giggles that make you realize it's been awhile since you laughed.
A perfect end to a fairly tense week! Thanks so much to all who prayed along side. Is there something you need prayer for? Ask! It is powerful.
Amen and amen.
ps One of the kid giggles: Stevie dropped something and one of our little men rushed over to help and when she commented that he was being very nice, he (kindergartener that he is) said with a straight face, "Well, I want to make sure I get good grades." (report cards go out tomorrow for the first time for K kids and we have been busy with them all week) When Stevie looked at him with an incredulous look, you could just see him thinking...did I say that outloud???
Another kid giggle: We "shopped" with our proud slips for the first time today and one of the little ones said, with a voice full of wonder, "I just can't stop smiling!"
And several had the best day of their lives, again!
Our God is amazing and wonderful and he loves us. He is the Good Shepherd, Abba and the Big Cheese.
How amazing it is to feel the relief of lifted worry. More giggles that make you realize it's been awhile since you laughed.
A perfect end to a fairly tense week! Thanks so much to all who prayed along side. Is there something you need prayer for? Ask! It is powerful.
Amen and amen.
ps One of the kid giggles: Stevie dropped something and one of our little men rushed over to help and when she commented that he was being very nice, he (kindergartener that he is) said with a straight face, "Well, I want to make sure I get good grades." (report cards go out tomorrow for the first time for K kids and we have been busy with them all week) When Stevie looked at him with an incredulous look, you could just see him thinking...did I say that outloud???
Another kid giggle: We "shopped" with our proud slips for the first time today and one of the little ones said, with a voice full of wonder, "I just can't stop smiling!"
And several had the best day of their lives, again!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Birthday Beginnings
Another year come and gone. Makes you stop and think...
I had a sweet birthday. Funny cards from friends, sweet cards from the husband and handmade cards from kindergarteners...it just doesn't get much better than that. Well, there was the cake and the other fine gifts. Phone calls, gifts in the mail...and it's snowing again!
After today I want to make a good effort to make the coming year more about others than me. More about God than anything...after today, which is, of course, all about me!
Just kidding...mostly, sort of...
Spent the evening with strong friends of faith, praying for healing of various issues for various folks....wow...just wow.
Happy Birthday, to me!
And Shirley Smith.
I had a sweet birthday. Funny cards from friends, sweet cards from the husband and handmade cards from kindergarteners...it just doesn't get much better than that. Well, there was the cake and the other fine gifts. Phone calls, gifts in the mail...and it's snowing again!
After today I want to make a good effort to make the coming year more about others than me. More about God than anything...after today, which is, of course, all about me!
Just kidding...mostly, sort of...
Spent the evening with strong friends of faith, praying for healing of various issues for various folks....wow...just wow.
Happy Birthday, to me!
And Shirley Smith.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Too Much?
It has been building up for a bit. Now, I have to ask the question...is it too much?
There are so many people who need prayer. At church the list is lengthy, but I feel like we share the responsibility so I am not completely overwhelmed. But, now, for me,personally, there are babies and parents and friends that have asked me to pray for them.
Quandry - they know I am Christian and a prayer...that's good...how to do them all justice...that's bad.
So, again, I am learning. In order to be effective for all these in need, I must seek God first for strength and wisdom. I must be full of God before I can share. Learning...again! And praying.
God doesn't expect me to fix things...as I am wont to try and do...he wants me to lean into him on behalf of these others.
Lean and hang on! It isn't too much...for God or for me.
Amen...
There are so many people who need prayer. At church the list is lengthy, but I feel like we share the responsibility so I am not completely overwhelmed. But, now, for me,personally, there are babies and parents and friends that have asked me to pray for them.
Quandry - they know I am Christian and a prayer...that's good...how to do them all justice...that's bad.
So, again, I am learning. In order to be effective for all these in need, I must seek God first for strength and wisdom. I must be full of God before I can share. Learning...again! And praying.
God doesn't expect me to fix things...as I am wont to try and do...he wants me to lean into him on behalf of these others.
Lean and hang on! It isn't too much...for God or for me.
Amen...
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Drip Drip Drip
You know how they say you don't realize how much you love something until it is gone? Well, I must be a little slow because I didn't realize how much I missed something until I got it back. Stay with me here. Today, when driving to Morgantown, I got to drive fast! I love driving and unfortunately, I love driving fast...not dangerously fast, I am older and wiser afterall, but speedy fast is good. All the snow prevented that for oh, so long.
Here's the other thing I got back...a full length stride when walking! I could go fast again and not worry about crashing! So, I walked twice today!
Hope you got to get out and enjoy the drips today!
Lot of exclamation points in this post...wakie, wakie lemon cakie...
OK. I'm going now.
smile
Here's the other thing I got back...a full length stride when walking! I could go fast again and not worry about crashing! So, I walked twice today!
Hope you got to get out and enjoy the drips today!
Lot of exclamation points in this post...wakie, wakie lemon cakie...
OK. I'm going now.
smile
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Answered Prayer
A week ago tonight, I woke up in the middle of the night and thought I might be having a heart attack. I had pain down my left arm, over my shoulder and up my neck. I felt like the air I was trying to breathe was heavier than usual. I couldn't lay on my left side. There was no sharp pain, but massive discomfort. I got up and took an aspirin just in case...you're supposed to do that, right? I lay flat on my back for about an hour and fell back to sleep.
Having never been any kind of sick or hurt really, and having a high pain thresh hold AND most importantly, having had an ER nurse for a mother, it never really occured to me to wake my little husband over this event.
On Saturday, I was still having a little trouble breathing that heavier than normal air. Did finally tell my little husband. He turned the heater on in the bathroom and told me I could take my shower before we went to the ER. I talked him out of that.
By Sunday after church even I decided I should be well by now. I went to Med Express. They did an EKG and wanted to put me in the hospital over night for blood work and a stress test. I voted no and came home. She did say I wasn't a likely candidate, but at my AGE she felt compelled to recommend the hospital visit! Should you say something like that to a person who might be having heart issues???? I was still breathing heavy air, but mostly only when I didn't have anything else to think about.
Monday after school I went to the doctor here. He gave me nitroglycerine tablets and said I should get a stress test.
Monday morning I had stepped out of my comfort zone, admitted I had a weakness and a need for prayer. Now, my little husband and I had been praying regularly since this happened. Not enough. God was inviting me to invite others into my life...not just the surface living but the whole messy wonder of me. I let them in and they came gladly and wholly.
I am convinced that my friends at school prayed me whole and well again. I haven't had any problems since Monday...none, nada, zilch, zippo!
Thank you, God. Thank you, friends.
God's people are powerful.
Amen.
Having never been any kind of sick or hurt really, and having a high pain thresh hold AND most importantly, having had an ER nurse for a mother, it never really occured to me to wake my little husband over this event.
On Saturday, I was still having a little trouble breathing that heavier than normal air. Did finally tell my little husband. He turned the heater on in the bathroom and told me I could take my shower before we went to the ER. I talked him out of that.
By Sunday after church even I decided I should be well by now. I went to Med Express. They did an EKG and wanted to put me in the hospital over night for blood work and a stress test. I voted no and came home. She did say I wasn't a likely candidate, but at my AGE she felt compelled to recommend the hospital visit! Should you say something like that to a person who might be having heart issues???? I was still breathing heavy air, but mostly only when I didn't have anything else to think about.
Monday after school I went to the doctor here. He gave me nitroglycerine tablets and said I should get a stress test.
Monday morning I had stepped out of my comfort zone, admitted I had a weakness and a need for prayer. Now, my little husband and I had been praying regularly since this happened. Not enough. God was inviting me to invite others into my life...not just the surface living but the whole messy wonder of me. I let them in and they came gladly and wholly.
I am convinced that my friends at school prayed me whole and well again. I haven't had any problems since Monday...none, nada, zilch, zippo!
Thank you, God. Thank you, friends.
God's people are powerful.
Amen.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Back to Work
Back to work tomorrow. It's a good thing. Although I have seen more and more clearly that I am going to be able to do this retirement thing pretty well. I just love the relaxed pace of my own time schedule.
I get to think, create, think, read, think, enjoy...
I got a new camera with my Christmas money and am enjoying it totally. I had about given up taking pictures although I used to take lots. This might get me into it all over again. You might be seeing more and more photos on here...
Enjoy your week!
I get to think, create, think, read, think, enjoy...
I got a new camera with my Christmas money and am enjoying it totally. I had about given up taking pictures although I used to take lots. This might get me into it all over again. You might be seeing more and more photos on here...
Enjoy your week!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Creating
I have been spending parts of each day this week at school getting ready...I am assuming that they will be back eventually. I love this part of my job. It is the creative part where I get to think and plan and imagine the best, most exciting way to get the needed information into their brains and hearts. I wonder if there is a job out there where people could say, "I need to teach "this", can you figure out a fun way for me to get it across to my kids?" I would LOVE that job! I love my job now, too...most days.
This is a photo of one of my new Whimsical Woolies. The title is, "Two Peeps in a Pod". I will have a show at Mountain Made in March, so I have to be creating! Tough life. Great way to spend snowy days.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Snow Snow Snow
It's still snowing! I love the snow. It is so quiet and clean. I have loved walking in the snow each evening. It sparkles so beautifully in the lights. I feel like I am walking in a snow globe. This last bit of snow has been so fluffy that it doesn't even look quite real.
One evening I sat down on one of the benches on Price St that was full of snow. The next evening it was full again. I drew smiley faces on top of the planters that are heaped with snow. Simple pleasures!
Last night my little husband and I were snug in our house with a fire in the wood burner and fresh bread out of the oven! Ahh. Yummy.
I'm thinking this is practice for retirement and I'm thinking I can do it!
Off to create some woolies!
One evening I sat down on one of the benches on Price St that was full of snow. The next evening it was full again. I drew smiley faces on top of the planters that are heaped with snow. Simple pleasures!
Last night my little husband and I were snug in our house with a fire in the wood burner and fresh bread out of the oven! Ahh. Yummy.
I'm thinking this is practice for retirement and I'm thinking I can do it!
Off to create some woolies!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Finnegan
Don't you love that song? Michael Finnegan...begin again. It just feels good in your mouth when you say it. Go ahead and try it...am I right?
OK. Aside from that, I love beginnings and this is certainly the time of the year to be thinking of beginnings. Although I am not inclined to make any "resolutions" this year, I am inclined to continue to strive living my life abundantly and out of my abundance to share generously.
The one thing I do want to do is lose the weight I have gained back. Not very original, I know, but necessary...and doctor's suggestion - might need an order, but we'll see. Haven't done too badly for 2 days! Yippee! Tonight, my little husband and I even went for a walk together in the 12 degree snow storm. It was wonderful. We bundled up, walked fast and sang like crazy people. It was a walk made for the song, "Oh, the weather outside is frightful..." We sang a bit of "Walking In A Winter Wonderland", too.
That's the kind of abundant living I'm talking about and I love sharing it with my sweet little husband.
Happy New Year. Celebrate your beginnings and your abundance!
OK. Aside from that, I love beginnings and this is certainly the time of the year to be thinking of beginnings. Although I am not inclined to make any "resolutions" this year, I am inclined to continue to strive living my life abundantly and out of my abundance to share generously.
The one thing I do want to do is lose the weight I have gained back. Not very original, I know, but necessary...and doctor's suggestion - might need an order, but we'll see. Haven't done too badly for 2 days! Yippee! Tonight, my little husband and I even went for a walk together in the 12 degree snow storm. It was wonderful. We bundled up, walked fast and sang like crazy people. It was a walk made for the song, "Oh, the weather outside is frightful..." We sang a bit of "Walking In A Winter Wonderland", too.
That's the kind of abundant living I'm talking about and I love sharing it with my sweet little husband.
Happy New Year. Celebrate your beginnings and your abundance!
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