The kids came over for Sunday dinner tonight, though it was Tuesday. I had splurged and bought a roast for Sunday dinner two days ago, but then they had lunch plans with friends. So we made it today. We--it was mostly David. He got the roast started before I got home. The kids (our new name for Zach and Marie), plus resident daughter Natalie, and David tried my new recipe for creamed corn. It calls for a 3-hour stint in the crockpot, but we skipped that and microwaved it to death. It tasted great, but didn't look like the corn I had when I got the recipe. I guess next time I'll use the crockpot! The good thing is that marriage has expanded Zach's food choices. He won't turn down Marie's meal, even though she used mushroom soup or something else he hates. He used to give me major grief. So it was important that the cream cheese in the creamed corn melt so he wouldn't know it was there! :)
Today a man we know from church was featured in a major news story, not in a good way. It really gives you a sick feeling, both for the possible crime and for what the person is going through. I'll never forget the time a couple of years ago at work when I started chatting with a young guy who worked for the caterers at the cafeteria. It doesn't make sense not to make conversation when you see the same people every day. He was a friendly guy, with a gentle quietness. Then one day he was on the news, arrested for physically abusing his child. It was so hard to believe. Truthfully, that sinful behavior lurks inside all of us; it is just the people on the news who do it and are caught.
This is random, but I saw a website today with cute photos. I don't recall the address, but if you search "piglet" and "dachshund," you'll find it. Such a sweet story of a mama dog and her adopted baby pig!
Well, that's two blogs in two days. I know you can't believe it. Thanks, Renee, for your encouragement!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
I'm trying this again, plus My Wedding Day
Well, I'm going to try to write again. I write everywhere else, so I might as well do it here.
The last year has been so difficult. Thankfully, the Lord has provided a job with sweet, loving people that allows me to heal. I have to admit that I have occasional setbacks, but I guess that's normal.
To start things off, I thought I'd start with a questionnaire that my friend Renee posted on facebook. It was fun to do.
My Wedding Day
1. What was the date of your wedding?
July 5, 1980. We scheduled it for a holiday weekend so that family would have an extra day to travel.
2. Was this your first wedding?
Yes for both of us.
3. How many times were you a bridesmaid?
At least 6. I was a flower girl in a couple and photographed a couple. Now I can say I've been mother of the groom at one.
4. Did you get married in a church?
Yes. Two Rivers Baptist in Nashville, where I belonged.
5. Did you write your own vows?
No
6. Who walked you down the aisle?
My uncle Lacy. My dad had died 4 years before.
7. What were your colors?
cornflower blue and peach, so 80's!
8. How many attendants did you have?
5, all bridesmaids. I'd wrestled too many flower girls in my time to have children in my wedding.
9. What was your something old?
I think I wore an old handkerchief within my dress
10. What was your something new?
my dress and veil
11. What was your something borrowed?
earrings from Mom, I believe
12. What was your something blue?
Garter
13. What kind of flowers did you have in your bouquet?
white roses and gardenias
14. What were your centerpieces at the reception?
no. We kept the flower budget low--one main arrangement for the church, my bouquet, and silk arrangements for the girls.
15. If you could go back is there anything you would change about your wedding?
spend more time with people. Our photographer rushed us through the whole process.
16. How old were you when you got married?
I was 25 and David 29.
17. What was your first dance song?
did not dance
18. Did you have alcohol at your reception?
no. It was a simple punch and cake event inside the church
19. How many guests did you have?
About 200
20. How long were you engaged before the wedding?
5 months
21. How long did you date before you were engaged?
1 month. We married 6 months to the day that we met. And we met on a blind date.
22. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Florida. We spent one night in Birmingham, AL, then several days in a travel trailer park in Panama City Beach, FL. We left there for the Tampa area and visited a little lady in her 80s who David knew.
23. What did your wedding band look like?
gold band with cut swirls, same as what we wear today
24. What was your most memorable moment about your wedding?
the first moment in the foyer after coming down the aisle after the ceremony
25. Were you nervous at your wedding?
no, just excited
That's all for now!
The last year has been so difficult. Thankfully, the Lord has provided a job with sweet, loving people that allows me to heal. I have to admit that I have occasional setbacks, but I guess that's normal.
To start things off, I thought I'd start with a questionnaire that my friend Renee posted on facebook. It was fun to do.
My Wedding Day
1. What was the date of your wedding?
July 5, 1980. We scheduled it for a holiday weekend so that family would have an extra day to travel.
2. Was this your first wedding?
Yes for both of us.
3. How many times were you a bridesmaid?
At least 6. I was a flower girl in a couple and photographed a couple. Now I can say I've been mother of the groom at one.
4. Did you get married in a church?
Yes. Two Rivers Baptist in Nashville, where I belonged.
5. Did you write your own vows?
No
6. Who walked you down the aisle?
My uncle Lacy. My dad had died 4 years before.
7. What were your colors?
cornflower blue and peach, so 80's!
8. How many attendants did you have?
5, all bridesmaids. I'd wrestled too many flower girls in my time to have children in my wedding.
9. What was your something old?
I think I wore an old handkerchief within my dress
10. What was your something new?
my dress and veil
11. What was your something borrowed?
earrings from Mom, I believe
12. What was your something blue?
Garter
13. What kind of flowers did you have in your bouquet?
white roses and gardenias
14. What were your centerpieces at the reception?
no. We kept the flower budget low--one main arrangement for the church, my bouquet, and silk arrangements for the girls.
15. If you could go back is there anything you would change about your wedding?
spend more time with people. Our photographer rushed us through the whole process.
16. How old were you when you got married?
I was 25 and David 29.
17. What was your first dance song?
did not dance
18. Did you have alcohol at your reception?
no. It was a simple punch and cake event inside the church
19. How many guests did you have?
About 200
20. How long were you engaged before the wedding?
5 months
21. How long did you date before you were engaged?
1 month. We married 6 months to the day that we met. And we met on a blind date.
22. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Florida. We spent one night in Birmingham, AL, then several days in a travel trailer park in Panama City Beach, FL. We left there for the Tampa area and visited a little lady in her 80s who David knew.
23. What did your wedding band look like?
gold band with cut swirls, same as what we wear today
24. What was your most memorable moment about your wedding?
the first moment in the foyer after coming down the aisle after the ceremony
25. Were you nervous at your wedding?
no, just excited
That's all for now!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Maybe I'm back!
Well, after quite a while off, I thought I'd crawl back here. Let's see if I can stay with it!
I'm still waiting for God to reveal what is next in my life. It has been 7 1/2 months since I lost my great job of ministry. It has very nearly killed me. I don't know when I've felt so broken and wounded.
But God is faithful and provides! I know He has a plan and my responsibility is to be obedient. I'm hoping I'm climbing out of the valley I've been walking of late. It will be nice to feel normal again.
I'm still waiting for God to reveal what is next in my life. It has been 7 1/2 months since I lost my great job of ministry. It has very nearly killed me. I don't know when I've felt so broken and wounded.
But God is faithful and provides! I know He has a plan and my responsibility is to be obedient. I'm hoping I'm climbing out of the valley I've been walking of late. It will be nice to feel normal again.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I'm going to try this again!
Well, nothing like about spending 10 weeks away! I haven't been sure what to post or if I had anything post-worthy these days.
Nothing is new on the job field. I've averaged a little more than 1 application a week since August 1, and only 1 interview with no result of that yet. The whole process is getting old and I'm praying that God will reveal something soon! There just aren't any editorial jobs open and few others that I qualify for.
Natalie has moved home since the last time I wrote. Even though we don't have much extra space, it has been good having her back. And it came at the perfect time, just before she left her last job. The office situation there was terrible, so I don't blame her a bit. But she is having as much trouble as I am finding new work. So our unemployment rate at home is 50 percent! Yikes!
I did have a three-week period of a little steady work. The job interview I had in October was for a small publisher that produces children's books and teacher supplies, such as certificates, games, and workbooks. Well, they called and needed some freelance work done. I worked about 15-18 hours a week for those three weeks. The drive into Nashville was bum for only half a day's work, and their hours stink
(8:30-5:30), but it was some cash and I am grateful. Plus, the work was fairly enjoyable. But I wonder how serious they are about hiring someone full time, since they haven't made a decision yet.
I'm still working at church for 2-3 hours a week. Budget trimmings affected the publishing of a newsletter, so the 12-15 hours I used to work have disappeared. Oh well. I still hope that God will give me full time work at church. If I can't be at LifeWay, I'd love to be at church.
Natalie and I went to a job fair last week that my career placement guy told me about. But what a disappointment! We drove the 45 minutes to Smyrna to spend 10 minutes walking around a small ballroom with less than 15 vendors/employers set up. And then the job choices were security guards, insurance sales, and cellphone customer service. We walked the circle, then hit the road again. Our time together was fun, though.
Last week I had the opportunity to be part of a writers conference for Student Ministry at LifeWay. It was strange to be a writer/participant instead of the editor/facilitator. They put me up for 2 nights in the Holiday Inn and bought a few meals, so that was nice. I did get to experience my first visit back inside the LifeWay building for lunch one day. I was a little concerned about it, but it was OK. Several folks seemed glad to see me. And being at the conference with my good friends was great!
So, if I don't have any other major freelance work in the next couple of months, I have my hands full writing youth Bible studies. This is a new challenge and I pray that I won't be a disappointment.
Other than that, nothing much is going on. I still work the church library on Thursday evenings and enjoy that.
Today I pray for another family who lost a LifeWay job and the wife was just diagnosed with breast cancer. A health event isn't fun in itself, much less with an unemployment issue.
I'm so thankful for God's provisions! He is faithful and I trust Him.
Till next time!
Nothing is new on the job field. I've averaged a little more than 1 application a week since August 1, and only 1 interview with no result of that yet. The whole process is getting old and I'm praying that God will reveal something soon! There just aren't any editorial jobs open and few others that I qualify for.
Natalie has moved home since the last time I wrote. Even though we don't have much extra space, it has been good having her back. And it came at the perfect time, just before she left her last job. The office situation there was terrible, so I don't blame her a bit. But she is having as much trouble as I am finding new work. So our unemployment rate at home is 50 percent! Yikes!
I did have a three-week period of a little steady work. The job interview I had in October was for a small publisher that produces children's books and teacher supplies, such as certificates, games, and workbooks. Well, they called and needed some freelance work done. I worked about 15-18 hours a week for those three weeks. The drive into Nashville was bum for only half a day's work, and their hours stink
(8:30-5:30), but it was some cash and I am grateful. Plus, the work was fairly enjoyable. But I wonder how serious they are about hiring someone full time, since they haven't made a decision yet.
I'm still working at church for 2-3 hours a week. Budget trimmings affected the publishing of a newsletter, so the 12-15 hours I used to work have disappeared. Oh well. I still hope that God will give me full time work at church. If I can't be at LifeWay, I'd love to be at church.
Natalie and I went to a job fair last week that my career placement guy told me about. But what a disappointment! We drove the 45 minutes to Smyrna to spend 10 minutes walking around a small ballroom with less than 15 vendors/employers set up. And then the job choices were security guards, insurance sales, and cellphone customer service. We walked the circle, then hit the road again. Our time together was fun, though.
Last week I had the opportunity to be part of a writers conference for Student Ministry at LifeWay. It was strange to be a writer/participant instead of the editor/facilitator. They put me up for 2 nights in the Holiday Inn and bought a few meals, so that was nice. I did get to experience my first visit back inside the LifeWay building for lunch one day. I was a little concerned about it, but it was OK. Several folks seemed glad to see me. And being at the conference with my good friends was great!
So, if I don't have any other major freelance work in the next couple of months, I have my hands full writing youth Bible studies. This is a new challenge and I pray that I won't be a disappointment.
Other than that, nothing much is going on. I still work the church library on Thursday evenings and enjoy that.
Today I pray for another family who lost a LifeWay job and the wife was just diagnosed with breast cancer. A health event isn't fun in itself, much less with an unemployment issue.
I'm so thankful for God's provisions! He is faithful and I trust Him.
Till next time!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
I've Been a Bum!
I'm back! Yes, I've spent too much time not writing here, but with all the emotions I've felt over the last 4 weeks, it was probably best not to write.
The four of us spent a good day in Dover today with Mom. And Aunt Linda was there too. We six went to our favorite Cindy's for lunch and it was good as usual. Then we spent the afternoon just hanging out. I took a nap! and David hung a curtain rod for Mom. Then got back home around 7:30.
I've been staying pretty busy lately. I'm going in to church on Tuesdays and Thursday to work on the bulletin and newsletter. Then I've had a little freelance writing/editing from a friend that has been fun to do.
The job search is pretty slow. I met with the transition placement guy that LifeWay pays for. I've had to revamp my resume and learn the new mentality of job searches. And I've spent hours online searching every job site I can find and various companies in Nashville. A couple of jobs did come up this week that I applied for, but haven't heard anything yet.
Nat completed her 2nd week of work at the ENT office. So far, so good. She likes it well.
I'm thankful we had a good trip today and for safety on the road. I'm also thankful for God's providing. About one day a week I struggle with things and question why and how. But I know He's in control and I have to wait.
Till next time.
The four of us spent a good day in Dover today with Mom. And Aunt Linda was there too. We six went to our favorite Cindy's for lunch and it was good as usual. Then we spent the afternoon just hanging out. I took a nap! and David hung a curtain rod for Mom. Then got back home around 7:30.
I've been staying pretty busy lately. I'm going in to church on Tuesdays and Thursday to work on the bulletin and newsletter. Then I've had a little freelance writing/editing from a friend that has been fun to do.
The job search is pretty slow. I met with the transition placement guy that LifeWay pays for. I've had to revamp my resume and learn the new mentality of job searches. And I've spent hours online searching every job site I can find and various companies in Nashville. A couple of jobs did come up this week that I applied for, but haven't heard anything yet.
Nat completed her 2nd week of work at the ENT office. So far, so good. She likes it well.
I'm thankful we had a good trip today and for safety on the road. I'm also thankful for God's providing. About one day a week I struggle with things and question why and how. But I know He's in control and I have to wait.
Till next time.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
It's a new world!
Well, things have changed. God is in control and I'm trusting.
LifeWay deleted about 100 jobs last week, including mine. I had been there over 14 years. Perhaps I can go back someday!
The news came on Friday and I stayed the day, instead of leaving early upon getting the news, as offered. Saturday, David and I went in and packed up much of my stuff, which was too, too much. We filled the car! You forget about how much stuff you accumulate over the years, plus a lamp or two, and 5 years of seminary books.
Then I worked all day on Monday. The work was at a good stopping place and the rest of my team was out of the office this week. So I worked the day, emptied the last couple of desk drawers, and said my goodbyes.
I have many, many friends who I'll greatly miss. This will make reasons to try to connect with folks socially, every now and then.
In the meantime, I'm sleeping in some (except that I still wake up at 4:45 a.m.), stay up late some (I'm naturally a night owl), and bumming some. I've had several phone calls from friends, checking on me, and many emails of encouragement. I am blessed! I hope to spend a little time doing some stuff at the house--you know, those things one has trouble getting to. And I hope to find some projects at church to help with.
Thankfully, after a few days of processing, the Lord has given me peace about everything. He is in charge and will order my next steps, as He has the last steps. As one of my writers encouraged me: "God is our Provider and the God of great surprises!" Like a kid at Christmas, I'm ready for my next surprise!
I'm praying for the several others who're experiencing job loss. Also, for little Kennedy, who I've written about before. She's fighting a new infection of some sort that complicates other conditions.
I am so thankful for God's hand! He is Abba Father!
Till later!
LifeWay deleted about 100 jobs last week, including mine. I had been there over 14 years. Perhaps I can go back someday!
The news came on Friday and I stayed the day, instead of leaving early upon getting the news, as offered. Saturday, David and I went in and packed up much of my stuff, which was too, too much. We filled the car! You forget about how much stuff you accumulate over the years, plus a lamp or two, and 5 years of seminary books.
Then I worked all day on Monday. The work was at a good stopping place and the rest of my team was out of the office this week. So I worked the day, emptied the last couple of desk drawers, and said my goodbyes.
I have many, many friends who I'll greatly miss. This will make reasons to try to connect with folks socially, every now and then.
In the meantime, I'm sleeping in some (except that I still wake up at 4:45 a.m.), stay up late some (I'm naturally a night owl), and bumming some. I've had several phone calls from friends, checking on me, and many emails of encouragement. I am blessed! I hope to spend a little time doing some stuff at the house--you know, those things one has trouble getting to. And I hope to find some projects at church to help with.
Thankfully, after a few days of processing, the Lord has given me peace about everything. He is in charge and will order my next steps, as He has the last steps. As one of my writers encouraged me: "God is our Provider and the God of great surprises!" Like a kid at Christmas, I'm ready for my next surprise!
I'm praying for the several others who're experiencing job loss. Also, for little Kennedy, who I've written about before. She's fighting a new infection of some sort that complicates other conditions.
I am so thankful for God's hand! He is Abba Father!
Till later!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy 4th of July!
Hope everyone is enjoying this Independence Day! I love having the day off!
I've about decided that I have been suffering from Patio Furniture Envy. Now, for the first time in all these years, I'm the owner of real patio furniture. I'm a regular person now!
I guess over the years, my outdoor furniture matched the potential of the outdoor space.
First, I think in my single years I owned a matching set of aluminum and woven web lawn furniture--a chair and a chaise lounge. My space back then was a wooden balcony in my apartment complex. The set just hung out out there until I'd decide to chill on the balcony sometime.
I brought this set into marriage, and when it fell apart (the set, not the marriage!), I bought a plastic-ribbed chaise lounge--one that could be flattened for those periods of sun worshiping that was so "in" back then. It didn't last long either, but not necessarily from use. During this time, we had another small wooden balcony at our Erlanger apartment, then had the backyard with garden at the farmhouse-in-the-suburbs in Florence. Though the backyard wasn't conducive to entertaining and sitting, we did spend a fair amount of time on the front porch, where there was an old-fashioned porch swing! Most excellent! Even though that house had limitations in space and age (a 1920s Sears kit house), I think I enjoyed that place the most. Maybe it was because it was our first real house (not apartment).
The next furniture we owned were two white plastic-coated wire mesh stacking chairs--popular back then. At that point in the mid-80s, we were in our newly built brick ranch in Burlington. There we had this most excellent brick patio that David made with his own hands. He'd be out there digging in the sand and placing those bricks, while 2-year-old Zach poked around the yard, playing. Those chairs fit the bill for a time, then rusted and fell apart. Also during this time, David's siblings and families gave us a stationary bench swing. We enjoyed that on the front porch!
I think the next time we bought patio furniture was maybe to have a couple of the above-mentioned aluminum folding lawn chairs. One had to have something to take to a church picnic!
Our move to Lawrenceburg brought us to the 1920s bungalow house that was never finished, complete with no back door, but a side door. The floor plan just didn't work for having much going on in the back, except for the swing set. Life was hectic at that house, but the neighborhood was great for front-porch sitting. We had a nice large, covered front porch, and had the swing there for a time. I can still see Natalie riding her pink and white Big Wheels up and down the sidewalks.
Our Gallatin house in Tennessee had our first deck, with potential for outdoor activity. But the back of the house faced west and there weren't mature trees to block the setting sun. It was so hot in the summer. The swing was in storage, plus the corner lot exposed the yard to major neighborhood traffic, so we never pursued outdoor life there.
Now in Hendersonville, we have a patio surrounded by tall trees. The old patio is quite sad in appearance, with a few cracks in the concrete. Personally, I'd rather have a deck with a screened area. But until that happens, we're going to make an outdoor space with what we've got! At our nearby big-box store we found a nice wicker-type love seat and chairs with cushions, plus a glass-topped coffee table. Plus, it was name brand and half off! I know we'll be spastic about keeping it protected from weather and bringing it inside occasionally, but it is definitely time for this purchase.
Last night David constructed the two chairs and we sat on the patio watching our town's fireworks display tonight from somewhere in the backyard! Just one mosquito bite, that I know of! I'll have to get some citronella candles for this outdoor living!
So, on my long list of outdoor furniture, that's one marked off. Next will be the screened porch with outdoor dining furniture, then maybe someday some Adirondack chairs under the trees!
Till next time!
I'm thankful for our country's freedom! And praying for Kennedy, who's recovering from spine surgery!
R
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