When I moved here I purchased a new bed. It's my first real bed. Headboard, footboard, rails, its beautiful. Simple. I love it. Trying to cheap out, when I purchased it from my favorite Swedish based furniture company, I opted out of the wooden slats that they sell with every bed. Normally if one has a boxspring and mattress (I was told) one doesn't need the wooden slats. So I put together the bed, and my roommate and her boyfriend put the boxspring and mattress on the frame. It was awesome. A couple of weeks later, I sat on the edge of the bed, the boxspring and mattress shifted and there was a decided tilt to my sleeping space.
My roommates boyfriend helped me get it back where it was supposed to be, but last weekend after it shifted for the third time, I realized I was now climbing gingerly in and out of bed. I was holding my breath for the next drop. I went back to the famous swedish store and purchased the slats. Since I was there, I got a few other things...
Tonight I came home, mentally pooped from an afternoon of sitting through training. I needed some physical exercise. So yes, I muscled the mattress and boxspring off the bedframe, found instructions on installing the wooden slats (go google!!), and after installing, put the boxspring and mattress back on the bed.
I topped off the triumph by putting together this awesome little chair I found for $20. Now all I need is a bedside table and I'll be set...
I am WOMAN, hear me ROAR!!! I am tired.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
I'm not who I was....
And I'm not who I'm going to be, either.
I'm not the same person who, less than six months ago was a bundle of hidden pain. God is so GOOD. He does not let us stagnate and fester, but performs surgery where needed to cut the dross and infection away.
I have put to rest the bitterness and rage that I was carrying last summer. It is a beautiful thing, and allows me to move forward. It allows God to do amazing things in my life. Not that He wasn't before, but now I can actually appreciate them, even when I don't completely understand.
I recorded a testimony for Divorce Care at my church. It can be viewed HERE. Put on earphones and turn it WAY up, because I was sick so my voice is VERY soft.
This is only the beginning of God making me into the woman He always intended me to be. I can't wait to see what He has in store. I'm NOT who I was, thank you Jesus.
I'm not the same person who, less than six months ago was a bundle of hidden pain. God is so GOOD. He does not let us stagnate and fester, but performs surgery where needed to cut the dross and infection away.
I have put to rest the bitterness and rage that I was carrying last summer. It is a beautiful thing, and allows me to move forward. It allows God to do amazing things in my life. Not that He wasn't before, but now I can actually appreciate them, even when I don't completely understand.
I recorded a testimony for Divorce Care at my church. It can be viewed HERE. Put on earphones and turn it WAY up, because I was sick so my voice is VERY soft.
This is only the beginning of God making me into the woman He always intended me to be. I can't wait to see what He has in store. I'm NOT who I was, thank you Jesus.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Saying "Yes" to God...
My New Year's resolution is to say Yes! to God. Last year I committed to a deeper prayer life, and saw some pretty amazing changes occur. This year, I decided if I don't want God to discipline me the hard way, I had better develop better "listening" skills and say "YES" when I heard Him speak.
I had plans. Funny how I keep doing that. I think God must just shake His head and smile when I do that. Don't think for one moment I am saying it's not good to have goals, and work towards them. However, we need to be flexible enough to recognize when the plan isn't what we should be doing. I have a goal: have my degree by my 36th birthday. To reach that goal, I need to complete 10 classes by May 2011. There are (with 3 summer sessions) 5 semesters before I hit the big three-six. My plan was to take 3 this semester, 3 in the summer, 2 in the fall and 2 in the spring. The problem with the plan is it does cost money. While my company provides tuition reimbursement, not all the costs are covered, and the money still needs to be paid upfront. Up till this semester, I would put it on my credit card, then pay it back at the end of the semester.
Putting the tuition on my credit card will not work this semester. Nor do I have cash on hand to pay $1600 (not including books) up front for tuition. So I have a choice: Get a loan or take fewer classes. I wrestled with this, and finally put in an application for a loan.
Meantime, I have also been looking for ways to get involved with my church. I have been attending services since September, and am looking for ways to serve the local body. I already know I am going to South Africa next fall, but I also wanted to volunteer locally. Like usual, I have been praying sincerely for guidance, because I do not want to put a foot wrong in this matter. Last night, during the Communion service, I got my answer. Take only one class (online) and sign up for Leadership Development Training at the Church. Get involved with the intercessory (prayer) team.
So there you have it. Just like that, the plan has changed. It's going to be an interesting, exciting year. I am saying YES to God in this matter. I am diving in, going deep, letting go of the status quo, and whatever else you might want to call it. I know some people who read this will think I'm crazy. But I keep thinking: "In light of ETERNITY, which is more important? Saying YES to God, or getting a college degree?" Worldly wisdom vs Godly wisdom. No contest there.
I had plans. Funny how I keep doing that. I think God must just shake His head and smile when I do that. Don't think for one moment I am saying it's not good to have goals, and work towards them. However, we need to be flexible enough to recognize when the plan isn't what we should be doing. I have a goal: have my degree by my 36th birthday. To reach that goal, I need to complete 10 classes by May 2011. There are (with 3 summer sessions) 5 semesters before I hit the big three-six. My plan was to take 3 this semester, 3 in the summer, 2 in the fall and 2 in the spring. The problem with the plan is it does cost money. While my company provides tuition reimbursement, not all the costs are covered, and the money still needs to be paid upfront. Up till this semester, I would put it on my credit card, then pay it back at the end of the semester.
Putting the tuition on my credit card will not work this semester. Nor do I have cash on hand to pay $1600 (not including books) up front for tuition. So I have a choice: Get a loan or take fewer classes. I wrestled with this, and finally put in an application for a loan.
Meantime, I have also been looking for ways to get involved with my church. I have been attending services since September, and am looking for ways to serve the local body. I already know I am going to South Africa next fall, but I also wanted to volunteer locally. Like usual, I have been praying sincerely for guidance, because I do not want to put a foot wrong in this matter. Last night, during the Communion service, I got my answer. Take only one class (online) and sign up for Leadership Development Training at the Church. Get involved with the intercessory (prayer) team.
So there you have it. Just like that, the plan has changed. It's going to be an interesting, exciting year. I am saying YES to God in this matter. I am diving in, going deep, letting go of the status quo, and whatever else you might want to call it. I know some people who read this will think I'm crazy. But I keep thinking: "In light of ETERNITY, which is more important? Saying YES to God, or getting a college degree?" Worldly wisdom vs Godly wisdom. No contest there.
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year
Happy New Year!!
Where I've been:
January of 2009 started out with me separated from my husband, hurting in ways that only God could understand, but focused on Him.
April found me singing my first solo ever. I survived.
The divorce was finalized in May, and started the summer of the name change.
June took me to Oklahoma on a missions trip: building a new sanctuary for First Indian Baptist Church. Oklahoma was awesome, and I didn't want to come home.
July found me in Daytona with the FBL Youth Group. Worship with Chris Tomlin morning and night for four straight days. God made clear His calling that I was to make myself available to go to Africa.
August brought an abrupt change of direction. From planning a move to Lutz, and becoming a leader in the youth group, to moving to Riverview and being called to an entirely different church.
September brought me to the new church, my awesome Lifegroup, and Divorce Care. I discovered God doesn't make JUNK!
October found me wrestling down bitterness and unforgiveness, so I could walk with God as He intended.
November brought peace and the open door to Africa.
December brought assurance that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. I am at peace, and God is romancing me -- drawing me ever closer to Him.
Where I'm going:
2010 is going to be an awesome year. It's going to be a BUSY year. It's going to be a BLESSED year. No matter what curveballs are thrown at me, like Paul, I will say, "Whatever state I am in, I am content."
The PLAN (subject to change, of course, lol):
3 courses in the Spring semester
3 courses over the Summer semester
Travel to South Africa in September.
Where I've been:
January of 2009 started out with me separated from my husband, hurting in ways that only God could understand, but focused on Him.
April found me singing my first solo ever. I survived.
The divorce was finalized in May, and started the summer of the name change.
June took me to Oklahoma on a missions trip: building a new sanctuary for First Indian Baptist Church. Oklahoma was awesome, and I didn't want to come home.
July found me in Daytona with the FBL Youth Group. Worship with Chris Tomlin morning and night for four straight days. God made clear His calling that I was to make myself available to go to Africa.
August brought an abrupt change of direction. From planning a move to Lutz, and becoming a leader in the youth group, to moving to Riverview and being called to an entirely different church.
September brought me to the new church, my awesome Lifegroup, and Divorce Care. I discovered God doesn't make JUNK!
October found me wrestling down bitterness and unforgiveness, so I could walk with God as He intended.
November brought peace and the open door to Africa.
December brought assurance that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. I am at peace, and God is romancing me -- drawing me ever closer to Him.
Where I'm going:
2010 is going to be an awesome year. It's going to be a BUSY year. It's going to be a BLESSED year. No matter what curveballs are thrown at me, like Paul, I will say, "Whatever state I am in, I am content."
The PLAN (subject to change, of course, lol):
3 courses in the Spring semester
3 courses over the Summer semester
Travel to South Africa in September.
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