I realize it's been over three months since I've blogged. I guess for a while I just couldn't find the inspiration to write. Then when I got ready to, something happened that hindered my ability to type (which I'll talk about later). But I think it's about time that I start getting some of my thoughts down and maybe sharing some things with you that will help, I hope.
Remember in 2009 when I made a list of goals here? I'll admit I haven't done so well with most of them. This year has not been my finest so far. I blogged shortly after I lost my job at the end of January about the difficulty of that. When I blogged then, I was so optimistic and had pretty much no idea what the next few months would hold. I'm still learning things just like I was then.
I guess everything really started even before 2009. My grandmother had surgery for breast cancer in September of last year and the thought of possibly losing her was more than I could bear. Shortly after that, I went through the loss of what was pretty much a three-year friendship/relationship. Then 2009 hit and things have happened that I never could have imagined.
After losing my job, my dad had to be tested for possible prostate cancer and my aunt had her second stroke of the year around the end of February. Not long afterward, she was diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer and two weeks later she was gone. That's when I started struggling with the idea of bad things happening to good people - something I'm still having a really hard time with.
A week after my aunt passed away, I broke my left hand in a fall. It was an added financial burden, but more than that just a little deflating and discouraging. Okay, a lot deflating and discouraging.
But through those difficulties, I've also seen some blessings and answered prayer. My grandmother's surgery was successful and she is now cancer-free. During this time, God has given me some close friends who have become my more special to me than they'll ever realize. My dad's test came back negative (which I learned later was very rare). Although my aunt is gone, she wasn't allowed to suffer for weeks and months like some people with terminal cancer do and now she is healthy and whole. My hand has healed well and the cost is far less than what I had anticipated. Losing my job has allowed me to spend time substitute teaching and helped me find what I truly am supposed to do - return to teaching. I finish my last recertification course this week and I know God has the perfect job for me. I've found a summer job that will allow me the time off to do something I never thought I'd be able to do after I lost my job - go to Thailand with my church this summer.
There have been times that I've thrown myself a grand pity party, cried and prayed, and felt like the world was caving in on me. But even at the worst times, when I really thought about it, I've been able to find wonderful things that the Lord is doing even when I can't see it. Sometimes the storms blind us and we can't always see Him, but He's there. Sometimes those blessings are disguised very well. Or maybe God just waits until the right time to let us see them. Either way, that's where faith comes in. Because the definition of faith is believing without seeing. At times it's hard to have faith and I start to panic and want to handle things on my own. But I see the here and now and He sees the eternal. He promised to work everything out for my good and I have to believe Him because He's never let me down. And He'll never let you down either.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
What I'm Learning...
This past week has been one of the roughest I've had in a long time. I've been through some difficult things in my life, and you always think that you are strong enough to handle anything, but then life knocks you down a few notches and you realize that you're not as independent and invincible as you sometimes think you are. I lost my job of 6 1/2 years due to the continued economic mess and further cutbacks. Even though in the back of my mind, I always knew that anything was possible and I tried to prepare myself for whatever might happen, I was still shocked and saddened by it. I still haven't completely gotten over the event itself and having something that was such a big part of my life for so long be suddenly ripped away in a matter of moments. I woke up Friday morning at my usual time without an alarm clock and didn't quite know what to do. It's not that my identity was ever wrapped up in my job, but I think that little TV station became as much a part of me as I was of it, and it's as if there's a big hole in my life now.
In the last few days since all of this happened, I've been learning some things that I want to share with all of you.
I'm learning that when all you have is Jesus, Jesus is all you need. I've sung a song with those words, but it's a lot different when you live it. Although, having the support of people that He sends your way doesn't hurt the cause any. Which brings me to...
I'm learning that you find out how many friends you have at the lowest points of your life. There are people in this world who you may not even know care about you, but they do. And they'll show you when you need it most. From the many, many messages from people who tell you they are praying for you, they will help any way they can, they know you can do it. The people who have offered job references, from here to Virginia to Indiana and beyond. The people who share Bible verses, articles and inspirational writings just when you need it most, even in the middle of the night. The people you leave behind who make you feel missed and valued at a time when you're feeling so dispensible. The hugs from people who have never hugged you before. And those friends who just say, "Come hang out with me for a while," because they know you just don't need to be alone right now.
I'm learning that sometimes you can't hear God's voice until you are at a point where you have to listen. And that if you don't have the time to spend with Him that you should, hold on and there's a chance He'll provide you all the time you need. And you'll find out that on your knees and in His Word is where you should have been all along.
I'm learning that some of life's greatest adventures come in the situations that seem like they should be the most devastating. That when we get into our comfort zones in the safety and security of the norm sometimes it causes us not to dare to dream or seek greater opportunities. But when that safety and security is gone and you're hanging by end of that rope, guess what? You're gonna swing. And it can be the most thrilling ride of your life. You can envision possibilities that you never would have before. It's scary and exciting all at the same time, but regardless of what happens, you know your life won't be the same.
I'm learning that there are few things you can count on in this world. And you know what? Your job isn't one of them. Your bank account isn't one of them. The government certainly isn't one of them. Faith...family...friends. Those are the three things you can rely on even in the most uncertain times. We have to work to provide for ourselves and, in some cases, our families. And it's great to enjoy what we do for a living. But don't wrap yourself up in your work so much that you miss out on what's really important. Your company can remove and/or replace you in a matter of moments. No one can ever take your place among those who care about you. So wrap yourself up in your relationship with God, with your family, with your friends. Because if everything else goes away tomorrow, that's what will remain.
In the last few days since all of this happened, I've been learning some things that I want to share with all of you.
I'm learning that when all you have is Jesus, Jesus is all you need. I've sung a song with those words, but it's a lot different when you live it. Although, having the support of people that He sends your way doesn't hurt the cause any. Which brings me to...
I'm learning that you find out how many friends you have at the lowest points of your life. There are people in this world who you may not even know care about you, but they do. And they'll show you when you need it most. From the many, many messages from people who tell you they are praying for you, they will help any way they can, they know you can do it. The people who have offered job references, from here to Virginia to Indiana and beyond. The people who share Bible verses, articles and inspirational writings just when you need it most, even in the middle of the night. The people you leave behind who make you feel missed and valued at a time when you're feeling so dispensible. The hugs from people who have never hugged you before. And those friends who just say, "Come hang out with me for a while," because they know you just don't need to be alone right now.
I'm learning that sometimes you can't hear God's voice until you are at a point where you have to listen. And that if you don't have the time to spend with Him that you should, hold on and there's a chance He'll provide you all the time you need. And you'll find out that on your knees and in His Word is where you should have been all along.
I'm learning that some of life's greatest adventures come in the situations that seem like they should be the most devastating. That when we get into our comfort zones in the safety and security of the norm sometimes it causes us not to dare to dream or seek greater opportunities. But when that safety and security is gone and you're hanging by end of that rope, guess what? You're gonna swing. And it can be the most thrilling ride of your life. You can envision possibilities that you never would have before. It's scary and exciting all at the same time, but regardless of what happens, you know your life won't be the same.
I'm learning that there are few things you can count on in this world. And you know what? Your job isn't one of them. Your bank account isn't one of them. The government certainly isn't one of them. Faith...family...friends. Those are the three things you can rely on even in the most uncertain times. We have to work to provide for ourselves and, in some cases, our families. And it's great to enjoy what we do for a living. But don't wrap yourself up in your work so much that you miss out on what's really important. Your company can remove and/or replace you in a matter of moments. No one can ever take your place among those who care about you. So wrap yourself up in your relationship with God, with your family, with your friends. Because if everything else goes away tomorrow, that's what will remain.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Life and Times...
Wow, I knew I hadn't updated my blog in a while, but I didn't realize just how long it had been.
Life has been pretty crazy. Work is hectic as usual, with it being the beginning of a year, quarter and month all at the same time. Things are still pretty unsteady, with more budget cuts and such, but thankfully, I still have my job. And it's a good job for which I'm very grateful. I work with and for some amazing people.
I wrote some goals for this year the last time I blogged. I'm doing...well...okay on those. I've decided to take a kickboxing class that has added to my hectic schedule. But it will help me reach some of my health and fitness goals for this year.
I started another online class, this one offering graduate credit through the Citadel. It's not too hard, but probably a little stricter than my last one.
Our singles theater group at church is doing another murder mystery dinner in April and I'm in it again this year. I'm looking forward to it, but it's something else to add to my schedule.
The best part about my busy life is the time I get to spend with my family and friends. I'm realizing how valuable true friends are. Through Facebook, I've been able to reconnect with a lot of old friends, some I've had since kindergarten, and because I'm a naturally sentimental person, it's made me reminisce about my life from the time I was a child and all the people that God has allowed to cross my path during that time. There have been very true and loyal friends, and maybe some not so true or loyal, but they all served a purpose in making me the person I am today. Those who may have betrayed me have made me a stronger person better able to handle the trials that life has handed me. Those who have stood by me have shown me how important it is not only to have true friends, but to be a true friend. Those who have made me cry have shown me that tears and hurts are a part of life and how to let God heal them. Those who have made me laugh have taught me how to find the funny parts of all life situations. So I'm thankful for all my friends, past and present, and the way they have shaped my life. And I'm thankful that God has shown me how some of my friends are more faithful than I ever realized.
Life has been pretty crazy. Work is hectic as usual, with it being the beginning of a year, quarter and month all at the same time. Things are still pretty unsteady, with more budget cuts and such, but thankfully, I still have my job. And it's a good job for which I'm very grateful. I work with and for some amazing people.
I wrote some goals for this year the last time I blogged. I'm doing...well...okay on those. I've decided to take a kickboxing class that has added to my hectic schedule. But it will help me reach some of my health and fitness goals for this year.
I started another online class, this one offering graduate credit through the Citadel. It's not too hard, but probably a little stricter than my last one.
Our singles theater group at church is doing another murder mystery dinner in April and I'm in it again this year. I'm looking forward to it, but it's something else to add to my schedule.
The best part about my busy life is the time I get to spend with my family and friends. I'm realizing how valuable true friends are. Through Facebook, I've been able to reconnect with a lot of old friends, some I've had since kindergarten, and because I'm a naturally sentimental person, it's made me reminisce about my life from the time I was a child and all the people that God has allowed to cross my path during that time. There have been very true and loyal friends, and maybe some not so true or loyal, but they all served a purpose in making me the person I am today. Those who may have betrayed me have made me a stronger person better able to handle the trials that life has handed me. Those who have stood by me have shown me how important it is not only to have true friends, but to be a true friend. Those who have made me cry have shown me that tears and hurts are a part of life and how to let God heal them. Those who have made me laugh have taught me how to find the funny parts of all life situations. So I'm thankful for all my friends, past and present, and the way they have shaped my life. And I'm thankful that God has shown me how some of my friends are more faithful than I ever realized.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Resolved
Okay, so I know it's been a couple of weeks since I blogged. I guess I took the holidays off? Anyway, it's been an up and down couple of weeks and incredibly busy, as I'm sure it was for you as well.
I wanted to share with you some of the goals I've set for 2009. (I prefer to call them goals rather than resolutions - I think resolutions are easier to break.) I figure if maybe I share them with all of you, I might hold myself accountable.
Several of them are diet and exercise-related, which are popular this time of year, but there are others as well...
1. Cut back to one fast food meal a week. (Hard one for a single person.)
2. Eat more veggies and fruits.
3. Only two soft drinks a week. (Another hard one for a Diet Dr. Pepper junkie.)
4. Drink only water during the day and with most meals.
5. Walk the dog at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes.
6. Hit the treadmill or do an exercise DVD at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes.
7. Get at least two house-related projects done per month...even if they are little ones.
8. Finish a book every three months. (Sounds simple, but considering I've been reading the same one for a year and a half...)
9. Write one letter to somebody every month.
10. Do better at keeping in touch with old friends. (Probably should quantify that one, but I don't want to limit myself.)
11. Take at least one bubble bath a week.
12. Spend more time in prayer and Bible-reading, and be able to say I'm closer to God at the end of this year than I was at the end of 2008.
There are probably more goals I'd like to set if I thought about it some more. I know there are a few vague ones in there that make it hard to be accountable, but if I put it in writing, hopefully I can hold myself to it without any quantifiers.
What about you? What are your goals for 2009?
I wanted to share with you some of the goals I've set for 2009. (I prefer to call them goals rather than resolutions - I think resolutions are easier to break.) I figure if maybe I share them with all of you, I might hold myself accountable.
Several of them are diet and exercise-related, which are popular this time of year, but there are others as well...
1. Cut back to one fast food meal a week. (Hard one for a single person.)
2. Eat more veggies and fruits.
3. Only two soft drinks a week. (Another hard one for a Diet Dr. Pepper junkie.)
4. Drink only water during the day and with most meals.
5. Walk the dog at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes.
6. Hit the treadmill or do an exercise DVD at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes.
7. Get at least two house-related projects done per month...even if they are little ones.
8. Finish a book every three months. (Sounds simple, but considering I've been reading the same one for a year and a half...)
9. Write one letter to somebody every month.
10. Do better at keeping in touch with old friends. (Probably should quantify that one, but I don't want to limit myself.)
11. Take at least one bubble bath a week.
12. Spend more time in prayer and Bible-reading, and be able to say I'm closer to God at the end of this year than I was at the end of 2008.
There are probably more goals I'd like to set if I thought about it some more. I know there are a few vague ones in there that make it hard to be accountable, but if I put it in writing, hopefully I can hold myself to it without any quantifiers.
What about you? What are your goals for 2009?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
