This Life isn't what I signed up for

Have you ever heard that?  We going along in life with certain expectations and goals, then when they don't happen, we don't like life anymore.  I have come to realize that when I was trying to be in control, life did not "happen" for me and I experienced disappointment after disappointment.  I now know that when God is my life and direction, that is not the case.  I may still have certain expectations and goals, but when they don't happen the way I think they should happen, the disappointment does not come because His result is much more.  God designed it an planned it and it is better than I could have ever imagined.

When I started this blog, I was hurting and disappointed because of circumstances going on.  Hindsight is 20/20.  God was there all along, but I didn't see Him because I was blinded by my expectations.  I am so thankful that His Grace is sufficient.  My life is still not what I expected, but knowing Christ is there every step of the way and has a better plan, is more comfort than one can ask for.

Summer Stuff

Preview of the floor and wainscoting.  We still have to finish painting before the final reveal

You can see the old floor that we cannot change, so we work around it and incorporate the colors.  Hoping to get a high shine on it soon.

We have been extremely busy.  We had our annual Memorial Day "Turkey Fry"  and about killed ourselves trying to redo the bathroom in the three day weekend plus get ready for our church family to come on Monday.  We barely got the toilet set before the first guests arrived.  We know we work better under pressure, but I don't think I want to cut it that close again.  We took up the floor, put in wainscoting and painted, only one coat though.  I had to let something go in order to get done.  We also ended up putting in a new sink.  Still more to do, but we are taking our time.  Mike also got the kitchen painted, albeit we forgot the ceiling in our rush to get done.  Always lots of projects in an old house, but it is fun finding our style. 

Lack of Blogging

I have not blogged in a long time for many reasons, but foremost, my life is not very interesting.  I believe that I am blessed beyond measure, I just forget to notice (sigh).  I also have lost the charger to my camera and cannot take pictures.  This is also the end of the school year, and it can be total chaos.  I do love this outlet of blogging, but I am not die hard about it.  I confess I would rather read other blogs of more interesting people.

Kick the cat and Grace

You know the proverbial story, where the man comes home and kicks the cat (who has done nothing wrong, just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time).  Well yesterday, Mike was my cat.  He had done nothing wrong, but yet I "kicked" him verbally because I had been kicked at work.  He did what I did not, he showed me grace.  He knew I had a bad day, and that I was sick and he did not reprimand me (as he should have).  He said maybe I would feel better if I drank some hot tea and went to bed.  In other words, he met my needs and did not react to my actions.  That is grace in action and for that I am blessed. 

Brokenness

It has been a long season of brokenness, tears, prayers, more tears.  When it comes to adult children, I've come to think it is a state of being.  But I am grateful that His grace is sufficient for me.  And who am I to complain?  Has not God been broken over his children since the fall?

Thankful

I have not made the time to be creative over the last year.  I know that it is a gift from God, but I put it on the "side burner" for a long time.  I felt I did not have the time.  But I know that God will help with your priorities when you ask.  I have been blessed this last week with two snow days.  I have been able to cook and bake for my family (potato soup and rolls with peanut butter cookies last night.  Chili, cornbread and berry crunch tonight) as well as spend time in my craft room (you can see my creative side here).  God has been helping me get things in order that He knows I procrastinate with and put before Him and blessings from Him.  I guess that is my word for this year, Priority.  Emphasis on asking God what they should be.  Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Blessed

I am listening to Casting Crowns, Who Am I.  What a simple and beautiful message of God's grace.  I have struggled with the simplicity of God's Salvation.  Oh, I have been saved for many years, but I don't believe I have lived freely in his grace until recently.  I am so thankful for my church, and the gospel that is preached every Sunday.  I am now seeing what being saved by grace means and I am blessed. 

Jeremy Camp - Walk By Faith

You Are God Alone-Craig and Dean Phillips

Tangible Christ

Watching the History channel, they have so many programs that are "about" Christ.  Of course it is a secular view, a scientific viewpoint.  My question is why?  Will having or seeing something that was Christ's, make their faith stronger?  Do I need to know what Christ really looked like?  Do I need to touch the Shroud of Touran?  Will this make me a better Christian?  I believe what God's word says.  I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to die for me so that I could be reconciled to God.  Why?  Not because I have seen the Shroud; not because I have a piece of the actual cross that He was crucified on, but because God sought me.  He sought me because He loved me and for that I am thankful.  Because of that I have the Holy Spirit indwelling in me.  If you want something tangible, look around at His beautiful creation in awe.  

By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.  - Hebrews 11:3 (NLT)

1-1-11

No I do not believe in numerology.  I just think that it is a cool date.  I like the beginning of the year, it does feel like a fresh start.  I used to think that I had to make new year's resolutions.  That I had to have a checklist to improve my life.  That is what I was taught.  If I followed the rules and did everything right, my life would be improved and enriched.  So blessed to know now, that God's grace is sufficient for me.  This year I hope to understand His grace even more.  I hope to love others through his eyes.  I want to be in His word more, but I am not going to flog myself if I don't.  I am praying this year, that I am still and listen to what He has for me, so that I do not miss a blessing or an opportunity to bless someone else.  The first verse I ever memorized and claimed as my life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.  I pray that I live that in 2011.  Blessings to all, may your 2011 be filled with God's grace.