Yes, it's been at least forever since I've updated my blog .... but I have missed it and I plan to do so with much greater frequency in 2013!
So I have been in New Hampshire for the past couple of months and I have the most amazing job. I'm working as a patient advocate for those who have been in auto or work accidents. I help them get their hospital bills paid so they don't end up seeing a bill or even be put into collections. It puts together a lot of my favorite things and (i think) plays to my strengths! The company is wonderful, my co-workers are friendly, and my boss is incredible.
Other than that, I am not crazy about NH. I have not acclimated well. I miss Michigan. Thanks to God and my very selfless family, my dad drove all the way to NH to bring us home for Christmas! I've been here for a week and it has been really great! Spending time all together as a family was the best Christmas present!
I'm working on my NY's resolutions. I know a lot of people hate resolutions. Or they hate calling them resolutions. Or maybe they just despise change in general ... but I love planning. I love making lists. I want to put things down in writing and give myself the hope of a better me in the future. Nothing harmful in that as along as you try, right? Doesn't mean you have to accomplish everything on the list - but at least strive for improvement.
On a different note, I hit some great after-Christmas sales. I got a few work blouses for 60% off and some really inexpensive makeup and perfume with sales and coupons! Now I have to put the shopping bug away and save, save, save so I can get my family into a cozy little home so I can stop living like a nomad!
So that is what I have been up to. I hope anyone reading this is doing well and feeling blessed!
Sherry
Friday, December 28, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Happy Homemaker Monday from New Hampshire
For the next few months I am going to be a displaced homemaker. We are in New Hampshire for awhile, staying with my best friend in the world. The job market in Michigan was so bare that I had been looking for work for nearly 5 months to no avail. I've been in NH for a week and have had 7 interviews! I hope to start one of these jobs within the next few days :)
The weather: It's been pretty gray and dismal most of the time that we have been here. It's been anywhere from 25 (at night) to nearly 80 one day. I think the weather is crazier here than in Michigan. But oh, is it beautiful!
Right now I am: Coloring my hair! The roots and white hair were showing through much too much! I am also puppy-sitting my Goddaughter's sweet little Charlie.
Thinking: About several job interviews that I have lined up - and how I will fit homeschooling around work. My best friend works from home, so she will be there to make sure that the work gets done! LOL But the important time spent together learning and growing will have to be a priority.
On my reading pile: I just finished reading a really cute mystery set in an inn in Maine. I've already forgotten the name - it was a freebie on my Nook. Reading Pride and Prejudice with Emily for homeschool. Hopefully will start another book tonight.
On my tv: Mostly have been watching kid/teen shows (a lot of Drake & Josh!) but I plan to watch Glee, Grey's Anatomy, and Bones this week.
Menu: Well this is a bit different since I am staying with my friend - some nights we all eat together as a family and other nights it's just us. I do plan on making a baked bowtie pasta casserole and I've been wanting some homemade guacamole and breakfast burritos.
On my to do list: Job interviews! Laundry, homeschooling, puppy-sitting, sight-seeing, picture-taking and spending as much time as I can with my bestest and Goddaughter while we are here.
What I am creating: Well, we did make some nature art this week - but that is about it at the moment!
From the camera: We visited this cemetery yesterday - it was just so incredibly beautiful!
In my prayers: My kids, my friends, the country & the election.
Bible quote/devotional: I am doing the Adventurous Prayer Bible study right now (my church is doing this back home and I am following along here somewhat)
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know" Jeremiah 33:3
Have a very blessed week,
Sherry
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Thoughts for Tuesday
Weather-wise this is my favorite time of the year. The sky is such a saturated blue with fluffy white clouds, most of the trees are still green with a teasing of brilliant red and orange. The morning glories are full and abundant, growing over hurricane fences, up drain spouts and rose trellises. Potted mums are popping up on front porches next to early pumpkins, bales of hay and scarecrows.
I pulled out my winter clothes today. My favorite denim jacket, black cardigan sweater, flannel nightgown, and soft, warm loose-knit fair isle sweater. I folded up all my summer clothing yesterday in preparation to be boxed up and stored for the next 6-7 months.
The plan for tonight was chicken stir fry, but I think I might change it up and do this super simple chicken and dumplings made with biscuits. The cool air coupled with my need of comfort food makes this a great choice! LOL
Emily and I have a heavy school load for today. Biology, world history, grammar, literature with Little Women and Pride and Prejudice, math, Shakespeare, Bible, current events, president study, etc.
I'm stopping by a friend's house to help her with a quick task, doing laundry, and have to stop and get some dishwasher detergent, toilet paper, and garbage bags.
Tonight I'll be watching some episodes from Criminal Minds season 2! My current addiction.
That's about it for today. Life is going to be turned upside down in the next week, so these last quiet days at home are really ones I'm cherishing!
My Scripture for the day: Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
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The plan for tonight was chicken stir fry, but I think I might change it up and do this super simple chicken and dumplings made with biscuits. The cool air coupled with my need of comfort food makes this a great choice! LOL
I'm stopping by a friend's house to help her with a quick task, doing laundry, and have to stop and get some dishwasher detergent, toilet paper, and garbage bags.
Tonight I'll be watching some episodes from Criminal Minds season 2! My current addiction.
That's about it for today. Life is going to be turned upside down in the next week, so these last quiet days at home are really ones I'm cherishing!
My Scripture for the day: Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Happy Homemaker Monday
The Weather::: I'm loving the fall weather. It was in the 30's last night! The afternoons are in the mid-60's to lower 70's. *love*
On my reading pile::: I am about 1/2-way through two books this week - "A Year with Austen" about a woman who travels through South America having book groups and discussing Austen novels (true story) and "The Covenant" by Beverly Lewis.
On my tv::: I watched the 1st Glee episode for this season with my girls. Other than that I watched season 1 of Criminal Minds on DVD.
On the menu for this
week:::
Sunday - Spaghetti and Meatballs
Monday – Crockpot bbq ribs, green beans, brown rice w/ spinach
Tuesday - Ham, scalloped potatoes and corn (also Crockpot!)
Wednesday - Chicken stir fry over brown rice
Thursday – Jake’s football game & then dinner with
family
Friday - Baked chicken legs and french fries, steamed broccoli and carrots
Saturday - Dinner at my parents’ house
On my to do list:::
Homeschooling
Laundry
The usual
Looking around the
house::: It's cool with the kitchen window open and it smells like cranberries from the burning candle in the entryway.
From the camera:::
On my prayer list:::
Friends from church
My best friend who is going through testing for breast lumps
Upcoming election & our country
Scripture::: Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay
alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a
roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him,
and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and
sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering
you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory
by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he
will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a
firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:7-10 NLT
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Bifocals....Seriously?
It seems I have a very good prospect for a job. I feel full of hope as if this is the interview which will lead to the job God has in mind for me!
As for this morning, it was so chilly I actually donned a sweater and turned on the heat in the car to drive Jennah and Jacob to school! Jennah looked so cute in her favorite knit beret and two-tone gray-striped, button-up cardigan! Some fingerless gloves too
Jacob is having yet more football troubles. After practice he is so tired he is falling asleep while doing his homework and not getting it done. He has a few English papers that we will have to do together in order to turn them in late. He is the most difficult of my three to help with homework. (or to teach anything for that matter) He has a very short attention span, but thankfully up until now his intelligence has gotten him through with good grades. Now that he is in highschool, he has to actually study and do homework!! So we are working on a new schedule and place for homework to be done - one that is NOT easy to fall asleep at!
My homeschooled girlie is sick today. She got me up about 445 this morning with stomach pain on the left side. I gave her some Pepto which soothed her somewhat and she is finally back to sleep here in the living room.
I have a breakfast concoction in the oven ("crust" of hashbrowns topped with breakfast sausage, spinach, eggs, and cheese) I think it will be quite tasty for a late breakfast with some yogurt & fruit.
I am supposed to go and pick up my new glasses today. BIFOCALS. OMgoodness. But I do so much reading and computer work that they are needed. And I will use them and appreciate them! But I will still feel old :/
I have some errands to run today as well, depending on how Emily feels. We may have a shortened school day if she still has a stomach ache. I'm sure it will get her out of some math at the very least! LOL
I found a recipe for homemade Carpet Fresh online using baking soda and herbs. Lots of different ways - some use 1/2 baking soda, 1/2 borax + herbs & spices. I made mine with baking soda, ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Costs about 50 cents to do the whole place! 25 cents if I can catch a really good sale on baking soda! One way I want to try is to use ground up lavender. Also you can use essential oils (it says to leave it mixed overnight before using it so the powder absorbs all the oil)
I have a load of towels in the dryer and I just love folding them and putting them away. Fresh smelling and warm.
Have a blessed day and remember to enjoy the little things.
Sherry
As for this morning, it was so chilly I actually donned a sweater and turned on the heat in the car to drive Jennah and Jacob to school! Jennah looked so cute in her favorite knit beret and two-tone gray-striped, button-up cardigan! Some fingerless gloves too
Jacob is having yet more football troubles. After practice he is so tired he is falling asleep while doing his homework and not getting it done. He has a few English papers that we will have to do together in order to turn them in late. He is the most difficult of my three to help with homework. (or to teach anything for that matter) He has a very short attention span, but thankfully up until now his intelligence has gotten him through with good grades. Now that he is in highschool, he has to actually study and do homework!! So we are working on a new schedule and place for homework to be done - one that is NOT easy to fall asleep at!
My homeschooled girlie is sick today. She got me up about 445 this morning with stomach pain on the left side. I gave her some Pepto which soothed her somewhat and she is finally back to sleep here in the living room.
I have a breakfast concoction in the oven ("crust" of hashbrowns topped with breakfast sausage, spinach, eggs, and cheese) I think it will be quite tasty for a late breakfast with some yogurt & fruit.
I am supposed to go and pick up my new glasses today. BIFOCALS. OMgoodness. But I do so much reading and computer work that they are needed. And I will use them and appreciate them! But I will still feel old :/
I have some errands to run today as well, depending on how Emily feels. We may have a shortened school day if she still has a stomach ache. I'm sure it will get her out of some math at the very least! LOL
I found a recipe for homemade Carpet Fresh online using baking soda and herbs. Lots of different ways - some use 1/2 baking soda, 1/2 borax + herbs & spices. I made mine with baking soda, ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Costs about 50 cents to do the whole place! 25 cents if I can catch a really good sale on baking soda! One way I want to try is to use ground up lavender. Also you can use essential oils (it says to leave it mixed overnight before using it so the powder absorbs all the oil)
I have a load of towels in the dryer and I just love folding them and putting them away. Fresh smelling and warm.
Have a blessed day and remember to enjoy the little things.
Sherry
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Typical Tuesday
You would think that a woman who is diligently looking for a full-time job would have a lot of time on her hands. Not so! My days are full and I wonder how I will ever fit it all in once God places me in the job He wants me to have!
Today is Tuesday and it started just like most days do - up at 6:45 to take Jennah and Jacob to their respective schools! Jennah is in 11th grade now and she is involved in the Spanish club, a book club, and another school club I forget at the moment! LOL She is fully focused on her studies and I couldn't be more proud of her!
Jacob is all about football. Every year in late summer and fall he is at practice 5-6 days per week and has a game every Thursday evening. His asthma has really been giving him problems this year. He had pneumonia when he was 8 which weakened his respiratory system and he has had minor asthma since. For some reason this year it has worsened and he has to use his inhaler daily before practice. He is in 9th grade this year, and out of my 3 kids, he is the one most concerned with name brand shoes and shirts, the "RIGHT" way to wear a baseball cap, and pretty much having the need to just blend in.
Emme started 7th grade this month - but she is my homeschooled kid! This year has started off SO well. 7th grade is a lot more work than any other year we've done. Biology, world history, math, French, nature study, grammar, literature, election study, president study, religion, phys ed, Shakespeare, art, and more, more! I'm more involved this year - even though she is able to work independently in many subjects, we are working on note-taking, outlining, etc in several subjects so I am helping her get the feel for it. We also have homeschool group and just started a girl's middle school book club! This is a typical Em photo:
I got back home at about 7:50, put a load of laundry in the washer, and unloaded, reloaded and started the dishwasher. (I've been under the weather the past few days and got a little behind!)
Popped in a CSI DVD and have been doing little odds and ends.
Emily and I will be going to Walmart today to replace our broken printer. I have needed a printer so many times since school started! Then going to Kroger to finish up our 2-week grocery shop. Then I am going to see about getting my cable turned back on. Thought we could live without it - but it's just not happening!
Emily and I will do school work through the afternoon and I will do housework while she is doing independent work.
Dinner tonight is going to be chicken fajitas with blue corn chips and fresh guacamole.
We are supposed to go to a Lia Sophia party tonight, but I am not sure if I am up to it. I've been in bed most of the past 2 days - cough, headache-y, and an on & off again fever. If I can make it through all my plans today and still feel alright, then I will be spending time looking at jewelry!
Have a blessed day!
Sherry
Today is Tuesday and it started just like most days do - up at 6:45 to take Jennah and Jacob to their respective schools! Jennah is in 11th grade now and she is involved in the Spanish club, a book club, and another school club I forget at the moment! LOL She is fully focused on her studies and I couldn't be more proud of her!
Jacob is all about football. Every year in late summer and fall he is at practice 5-6 days per week and has a game every Thursday evening. His asthma has really been giving him problems this year. He had pneumonia when he was 8 which weakened his respiratory system and he has had minor asthma since. For some reason this year it has worsened and he has to use his inhaler daily before practice. He is in 9th grade this year, and out of my 3 kids, he is the one most concerned with name brand shoes and shirts, the "RIGHT" way to wear a baseball cap, and pretty much having the need to just blend in.
Emme started 7th grade this month - but she is my homeschooled kid! This year has started off SO well. 7th grade is a lot more work than any other year we've done. Biology, world history, math, French, nature study, grammar, literature, election study, president study, religion, phys ed, Shakespeare, art, and more, more! I'm more involved this year - even though she is able to work independently in many subjects, we are working on note-taking, outlining, etc in several subjects so I am helping her get the feel for it. We also have homeschool group and just started a girl's middle school book club! This is a typical Em photo:
I got back home at about 7:50, put a load of laundry in the washer, and unloaded, reloaded and started the dishwasher. (I've been under the weather the past few days and got a little behind!)
Popped in a CSI DVD and have been doing little odds and ends.
Emily and I will be going to Walmart today to replace our broken printer. I have needed a printer so many times since school started! Then going to Kroger to finish up our 2-week grocery shop. Then I am going to see about getting my cable turned back on. Thought we could live without it - but it's just not happening!
Emily and I will do school work through the afternoon and I will do housework while she is doing independent work.
The weather has cooled to where it is perfect open-window temperature. But thanks to the little guy below (Jasper) I need to reinforce the screens this afternoon. He has a bad habit of pushing the screens out and going out on the town! Thank God he has always come back to us!
Dinner tonight is going to be chicken fajitas with blue corn chips and fresh guacamole.
We are supposed to go to a Lia Sophia party tonight, but I am not sure if I am up to it. I've been in bed most of the past 2 days - cough, headache-y, and an on & off again fever. If I can make it through all my plans today and still feel alright, then I will be spending time looking at jewelry!
Have a blessed day!
Sherry
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Happy Homemaker Monday - 9/17
I am linked up to Sandra at Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday :)
The Weather::: It has been simply gorgeous here most
days – upper 70s and sunny during the afternoon and brisk in the lower 50s in
the mornings and evenings.
On my reading pile::: Last week I finished “The Widow of Larkspur Inn” by Lawana Blackwell, “Return from Tomorrow” by George C. Ritchie, and “Inescapable” by Nancy Mehl. The first was my favorite and it really made me want to go and live in a small, country village! I started “The Keeper” by Suzanne Woods Fisher on Saturday and ended up finishing it on Sunday. Four out of five of these books are about the Amish – I have been reading so many books about them lately!
On my tv::: Our cable has been off for a week now and I think I may just have to get it turned back on :/ It’s not going so well just watching DVDs in the living room! I’ve watched nothing aside from CSI: Miami and CSI: NY all week.
On the menu for this
week:::
Sunday - Surf n Turf with baked potatoes and
green beans (Em’s request)
Monday – Crockpot chicken fajitas with homemade
guacamole & blue corn chips
Tuesday - Having
dinner with a friend from church
Wednesday - Stuffed shells with steamed broccoli
Thursday – Jake’s football game & then dinner with
family
Friday - Tacos & Mexican rice salad, baby carrots
Saturday - Dinner at my parents’ house
On my to do list:::
Grocery shopping
Lesson planning/homeschooling
Washing the walls
What I am sewing,
crocheting, knitting or creating::: I’ve been working on Scripture journals. Sort of like a smash book with Bible notes,
scripture, hymns, inspirational quotes, etc.
Homemaking Tips::: I’m starting to think there is nothing better than hot, soapy water!
Looking around the
house::: I
made some pumpkin spice “Febreeze” to spray my bedroom linens with and I just
love the scent. My bed is comfy and cozy
with lots of pillows and 3 quilts!
From the camera:::
On my prayer list:::
Friends from church
Friends and family members who are not
saved
Upcoming election & our country
Countries praying for this week: Phillipines & Poland
Scripture:::
Come close to God, and He will come
close to you. James 4:8
Friday, August 17, 2012
The Least of These
I've lived most of my life in fear, in one way or another. I have anxiety issues. I'm claustrophobic. I feel intimidated and uncomfortable in large groups of people. I am deathly afraid of public speaking.
I'm also a very shy person. Timid. It's difficult for me to meet new people. Make friends.
I have low self-esteem. I've always been heavy and I am sure that has a great deal to do with it. I'm worried about what people will think of me.
Why am I telling you all of this?
God has been working on my heart. A LOT. For quite awhile now. And He wants me to get involved with missions. ME?!?!?! My life certainly has not prepared me for this! I can't talk to strangers let alone go to a foreign country amidst a whole GROUP of strangers!
I'm old!
I'm fat!
I have bad knees!
Ohhhhhh ...... What was that?
HE is going to prepare me?
He's been really gentle so far - but He is ready to push me. Am I ready to be pushed?
He wants me to write and He wants me to work in missions.
Wow. That is a lot to process......
There was a prophet who spoke at my church once - and he told me similar things about 6-ish years ago. And I scoffed. God doesn't have big plans like that for me! I'm not special! I'm just a mom. A plain, ordinary mom!!!
Then my pastor told me once that God told him that I was supposed to do something important with music. Maybe sing? He wasn't exactly sure. But he said it was music for God and the church. Again I scoffed. In fact, I scoffed and laughed and maybe even guffawed......because I CANNOT SING!!!
About a year ago - I started getting nudges. Well let me back up a little bit. I've loved to write since I was 12. Short stories, poetry, even a few novels. But a LOT of people do that. I just do it for fun as a hobby. But then a year ago, I got ideas for song lyrics. I started writing them down and tweaking them a bit .... and then I'd get the music in my head too. Sometimes I'd be falling asleep and have to get up and write the words down. It was a very strong urge. And I'd have to sing them aloud, right? Just to myself. And to God. And it took several months - but it hit me what Pastor John had told me all those years ago. It was true. I was writing (and even singing!) music for God.
So I could scoff once again at this idea that I am supposed to do missions. Then several years from now when I find myself on a plane to Mexico or Africa that "aha moment" will hit me. The one where God says...."See? I TOLD you so!"
Right now He is pushing me to do a few things. I'll blog about them as they happen. But I am listening, and I am obeying. I know they are things meant to push me (in small steps) outside of my comfort zone. They are to "prepare" me for what is to come.
If I look at my life now, I cannot fathom how I will ever be in the place (physically, mentally, & financially) to do much for missions. But He has a plan. And who am I to question Him???
I'm also a very shy person. Timid. It's difficult for me to meet new people. Make friends.
I have low self-esteem. I've always been heavy and I am sure that has a great deal to do with it. I'm worried about what people will think of me.
Why am I telling you all of this?
God has been working on my heart. A LOT. For quite awhile now. And He wants me to get involved with missions. ME?!?!?! My life certainly has not prepared me for this! I can't talk to strangers let alone go to a foreign country amidst a whole GROUP of strangers!
I'm old!
I'm fat!
I have bad knees!
Ohhhhhh ...... What was that?
HE is going to prepare me?
He's been really gentle so far - but He is ready to push me. Am I ready to be pushed?
He wants me to write and He wants me to work in missions.
Wow. That is a lot to process......
There was a prophet who spoke at my church once - and he told me similar things about 6-ish years ago. And I scoffed. God doesn't have big plans like that for me! I'm not special! I'm just a mom. A plain, ordinary mom!!!
Then my pastor told me once that God told him that I was supposed to do something important with music. Maybe sing? He wasn't exactly sure. But he said it was music for God and the church. Again I scoffed. In fact, I scoffed and laughed and maybe even guffawed......because I CANNOT SING!!!
About a year ago - I started getting nudges. Well let me back up a little bit. I've loved to write since I was 12. Short stories, poetry, even a few novels. But a LOT of people do that. I just do it for fun as a hobby. But then a year ago, I got ideas for song lyrics. I started writing them down and tweaking them a bit .... and then I'd get the music in my head too. Sometimes I'd be falling asleep and have to get up and write the words down. It was a very strong urge. And I'd have to sing them aloud, right? Just to myself. And to God. And it took several months - but it hit me what Pastor John had told me all those years ago. It was true. I was writing (and even singing!) music for God.
So I could scoff once again at this idea that I am supposed to do missions. Then several years from now when I find myself on a plane to Mexico or Africa that "aha moment" will hit me. The one where God says...."See? I TOLD you so!"
Right now He is pushing me to do a few things. I'll blog about them as they happen. But I am listening, and I am obeying. I know they are things meant to push me (in small steps) outside of my comfort zone. They are to "prepare" me for what is to come.
If I look at my life now, I cannot fathom how I will ever be in the place (physically, mentally, & financially) to do much for missions. But He has a plan. And who am I to question Him???
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
I Am Poor.....& Richly Blessed
I haven't written a post in over four months. It seems like I go through seasons with blogging. Summer just isn't a season I seem to feel creatively inspired enough to share what is going on in my world.
Speaking of seasons in life, my finances are about as dry as the rest of the country this summer. Dry as the crumpled up, sad-looking withered corn in Southern Indiana.
I might as well put it out there, I am POOR.
But American poor isn't the same as third-world country poor. I did have a couple of weeks there where I felt really sorry for myself and got all complain-y. But then I woke up and realized I have more clothing in my closet than a lot of people may own in their lifetime. (Again, not by American standards) I am still holding on to my apartment, my utilities, etc by my very fingertips. I have Internet. A computer. A comfortable bed. Central air!!!!!!! Yes, it's hard sometimes to look at your world on a WORLD scale. We were raised with American standards of comfort! We were raised in a time where people have 2 and sometimes 3 new cars per family, several computers and televisions, every child with a cell phone.
So I quit comparing myself to the "typical American" - because to God, I am a daughter, no different than the daughter in Africa who has to go to a dirty river each morning to get enough water for her family. I am the same as the woman who has to divide a small amount of rice (when she has it) between her 7 family members. So where do I get off feeling sorry for MYSELF?
At the end of this month there is a 50/50 chance that I will be moving in with my parents. Again - do I feel humiliated that I am 42 years old and have to go live with my parents until I can find a job in this unforgiving economy of Detroit? Well ok, I do feel somewhat ashamed. But I know I have applied to over 400 jobs in the past several months and have not been offered one. I know I have done everything necessary to pull myself out of "poverty" and as of yet, my attempts have been unfruitful.
In this season of drought, I have become closer to God. I have praised Him more often. Written songs for Him, sung at the top of my lungs while driving through farmland, wondered at the Awe of Him while racing across Patoka Lake in my first speed boat ride, and have been comforted by His presence every moment.
I have casted my anxieties and worries to Him - and He has taken them all! Whether I am here, cramped into my parents' house, or living in a motel room somewhere - I know that He will take care of me. He will show me where to place my feet in order to get back to a place where I can financially sustain myself and my children without having to lean on anyone other than Him for support.
Blessed isn't even the right word. There is no word to describe how Awesome He is. He cares about me! He cares about what is going on in my piddly little life! He will show me the way out! I have no doubt in my mind.
So as I wind my way through this season of my life, I am listening. I want to hear everything He has to say to me. I am busy building the foundation for the rest of my life & each massive stone He gives to me, I am placing in that foundation.
Thank you Father God for sending Your Son to die for MY SINS! I am unworthy. I am undeserving. Yet You loved me enough to send Your only child. I will be forever grateful.
Speaking of seasons in life, my finances are about as dry as the rest of the country this summer. Dry as the crumpled up, sad-looking withered corn in Southern Indiana.
I might as well put it out there, I am POOR.
But American poor isn't the same as third-world country poor. I did have a couple of weeks there where I felt really sorry for myself and got all complain-y. But then I woke up and realized I have more clothing in my closet than a lot of people may own in their lifetime. (Again, not by American standards) I am still holding on to my apartment, my utilities, etc by my very fingertips. I have Internet. A computer. A comfortable bed. Central air!!!!!!! Yes, it's hard sometimes to look at your world on a WORLD scale. We were raised with American standards of comfort! We were raised in a time where people have 2 and sometimes 3 new cars per family, several computers and televisions, every child with a cell phone.
So I quit comparing myself to the "typical American" - because to God, I am a daughter, no different than the daughter in Africa who has to go to a dirty river each morning to get enough water for her family. I am the same as the woman who has to divide a small amount of rice (when she has it) between her 7 family members. So where do I get off feeling sorry for MYSELF?
At the end of this month there is a 50/50 chance that I will be moving in with my parents. Again - do I feel humiliated that I am 42 years old and have to go live with my parents until I can find a job in this unforgiving economy of Detroit? Well ok, I do feel somewhat ashamed. But I know I have applied to over 400 jobs in the past several months and have not been offered one. I know I have done everything necessary to pull myself out of "poverty" and as of yet, my attempts have been unfruitful. In this season of drought, I have become closer to God. I have praised Him more often. Written songs for Him, sung at the top of my lungs while driving through farmland, wondered at the Awe of Him while racing across Patoka Lake in my first speed boat ride, and have been comforted by His presence every moment.
I have casted my anxieties and worries to Him - and He has taken them all! Whether I am here, cramped into my parents' house, or living in a motel room somewhere - I know that He will take care of me. He will show me where to place my feet in order to get back to a place where I can financially sustain myself and my children without having to lean on anyone other than Him for support.
Blessed isn't even the right word. There is no word to describe how Awesome He is. He cares about me! He cares about what is going on in my piddly little life! He will show me the way out! I have no doubt in my mind.
So as I wind my way through this season of my life, I am listening. I want to hear everything He has to say to me. I am busy building the foundation for the rest of my life & each massive stone He gives to me, I am placing in that foundation.
Thank you Father God for sending Your Son to die for MY SINS! I am unworthy. I am undeserving. Yet You loved me enough to send Your only child. I will be forever grateful.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
My Motivational Song
You know I dream in color, And do the things I want.
You think you got the best of me
Think you had the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone.
Think you left me broken down
Think that i'd come running back
Baby you don't know me, cause you're dead wrong.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean i'm over cause you're gone
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me myself and i
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean i'm lonely when i'm alone
You heard that I was starting over with someone new,
They told you I was moving on, over you,
You didn't think that I'd come back,
i'd come back swinging
You try to break me but you see
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
stand a little taller
doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause your gone.
what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
Thanks to you I got a new thing started
Thanks to you I'm not the broken hearted
Thanks to you I'm finally thinking 'bout me
You know in the end the day I left was just my beginning.....
in the end...
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, Myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.
I'm not alone
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Points & Pounds
So I went to Weight Watchers last night with my sister and my daughter. They were all very nice and
supportive.
I can already tell that the amount of points they gave me is WAY too many calories :( I know they tell you to eat all of your points - but WHY if you've eaten 3 healthy meals, had a couple of good-for-you snacks and you are not at all hungry? I'd love to sit down with one of the creators of the Points Plus plan and find out all the scientific evidence! It works for thousands of people - so who am I to question?
Again - I think WW is a wonderful program and I am grateful to be going with my sister and daughter! I also LOVE our leader. She lost over 160 pounds - so she can really relate to us!
I still haven't really gotten the exercise bug. I keep telling myself 'self - you really SHOULD go outside & walk' but then i answer myself 'naaaaah i don't wanna' - i need a kick in the pants!!!
Tomorrow I will be moving boxes at work again so that is at least some activity - but I need to get my walk on!
Have a very blessed Sunday all - keep it healthy and real!
Sherry
I can already tell that the amount of points they gave me is WAY too many calories :( I know they tell you to eat all of your points - but WHY if you've eaten 3 healthy meals, had a couple of good-for-you snacks and you are not at all hungry? I'd love to sit down with one of the creators of the Points Plus plan and find out all the scientific evidence! It works for thousands of people - so who am I to question?
Again - I think WW is a wonderful program and I am grateful to be going with my sister and daughter! I also LOVE our leader. She lost over 160 pounds - so she can really relate to us!
I still haven't really gotten the exercise bug. I keep telling myself 'self - you really SHOULD go outside & walk' but then i answer myself 'naaaaah i don't wanna' - i need a kick in the pants!!!
Tomorrow I will be moving boxes at work again so that is at least some activity - but I need to get my walk on!
Have a very blessed Sunday all - keep it healthy and real!
Sherry
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Weight Watcher Day with Cake in it
So today wasn't the best eating day in the world - but in WW lingo I only went over one point - and in calories only about 50 calories - so all in all, I call that a win! Oh - it's my baby sister's 30th b-day - and we got Mexican food. I planned ahead and ate light during the day. I ordered shrimp fajitas with corn tortillas. I ate a handful of corn chips. I had a small piece of cake. One scoop of ice cream. I tracked EVERY bite!
*NOTE - I try never to use my activity points or weekly points. I know it works great for a lot of people, but I do better just eating my daily points :)
I've been struggling with a sinus infection or something equally glamorous for the past three days. Yesterday I worked for 2 hours picking up and moving packing boxes for work (long story) and that is about all the exercise I've gotten so far. The good news is - 2 hours of picking up and moving boxes burns a LOT of calories!
Tomorrow is supposed to be our last totally gorgeous day. 81 and sunny. I WILL fit a walk in! I've been too congested/coughy/body-achy/headachy for the past few days to do it, but tomorrow I shall! I also pulled out my summer shoes and clothes and I am hopeful that I will stay motivated and positive.
Here is a printable 2012 walking log - I'm going to use it to track my progress. I walk SLOW and I start out not going very far - but I hope that using this will encourage me to KEEP going :)
10 pm. I'm off to bed. Going to watch an episode of Eureka and then (hopefully) get a sound night's sleep!
Never give up!
Sherry
*NOTE - I try never to use my activity points or weekly points. I know it works great for a lot of people, but I do better just eating my daily points :)
I've been struggling with a sinus infection or something equally glamorous for the past three days. Yesterday I worked for 2 hours picking up and moving packing boxes for work (long story) and that is about all the exercise I've gotten so far. The good news is - 2 hours of picking up and moving boxes burns a LOT of calories!
Here is a printable 2012 walking log - I'm going to use it to track my progress. I walk SLOW and I start out not going very far - but I hope that using this will encourage me to KEEP going :)
Or if you prefer - here is a weekly walking log
or daily :) Things like that help me - I like visuals!
10 pm. I'm off to bed. Going to watch an episode of Eureka and then (hopefully) get a sound night's sleep!
Never give up!
Sherry
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