Time Passes Quickly

Time passes so quickly and while I was so excited to establish this blog time and life events have caused me to neglect this outlet.

Let's see if I can catch everyone up without being overly winded . . . 

1.  Seth is home from college on Winter break.  It is really nice to have him here again.  

2.  I was laid off from work in November . . . deeply depressed (more on this later).

3.  Nathan's midterm grades were less than satisfactory.  He is failing all classes with the exception of Math.

4.  Tyler is doing amazing in school . . . A, two B's and a C in his core classes, FANTASTIC!!  I am really proud of him.  If he keeps this up he may get accepted into the Vo-Tech program.

5.  I have been unsuccessful finding employment . . . deeply depressed (more on this later).

6.  Finally, Keith is the same old, same old . . . comfortable.

We recently had our family pictures taken  . . . can't believe how far we have come.

I will catch everyone up on my job search soon, in addition, I will post additional pictures of the family.  However, let me leave you with this . . . Jeremiah 29:11-12  11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  

Homecoming Weekend

Wow, how time flies!  I can't believe the whole week shot by without a blog.  So many good things have happened this week, my first business to business EXPO with work took place on Wednesday.  I believe the Lord provided many business prospects.  In addition, I am working on my first political campaign. What a challenge!!  But the best news is . . . Seth came home for the weekend!!

It is the first time he has been home since he left for college.  All the family was here to greet him; the hugs and kisses were flowing like water.  It was certainly a challenge getting him home and I thank my brother for taking the day to drive to the college and bring him home.  Since his arrival the front door seems to be revolving!  

It's funny how with all the technology we have (iChat, video conference and cell phones) that we all still miss him so much.  I guess all the technology in the world can't compete with have your loved one under the same roof.  

Big plans for today, Seth will undoubtedly hang out with Laura and the guys, the family will watch the homecoming football game and we will, I am sure, stay up late into the night playing cards while talking and laughing.  As the weekend unfolds, I will certainly add to this post and I may even include some pictures.

Homecoming weekend will come and go but the memory of Seth's face walking through the door (for the first time since leaving home) will never leave me.   

Memory Verse

As I reviewed my post from yesterday, the following words came clearly to my mind . . .

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

WOW, what an impact!  So much is packed into two verses.  Sometimes it is hard to get your hand around that fact the God knows EVERYTHING about you, from the number of hairs on your head to the number of breaths you will take.  

With all of life's variables and the choices we make, are we not our own worst enemies (at least some of the time)?  Why is it so difficult sometimes to live by the Word of God, making choices using His guidebook?  We are a people that have come to expect things immediately.  We want instant gratification.  With everything at our finger tips and so easily accessible, why pray and wait for an answer?

What is a relationship without give and take?  Jesus gave His life for each of us.   In return, what will you give Him?  

Major Life Changes

WOW!  So many major changes have occurred in my life this year.  I have wanted to create a blog for sometime now, in order to document those changes, and finally it is done. 

So here it goes . . . 

In February, after eight years of service, I was laid off from my job as a Staff Auditor.  Due to a merger my position was eliminated. Many would have thought this alone would have caused a crisis; however, I had planned for this very thing.  I knew without a doubt that I would be one of those individuals without gainful employment and I knew the reason - no college degree.  WOW, what a blow!  The funny thing was, I wasn't upset about this.  I KNEW without a doubt that this was by God's hand.  I was unhappy in my position for sometime with no potential of additional growth and/or promotion.  I am by nature a very committed individual and needless to say would have stayed, unhappy as I was, until retirement.  Thank the Lord that He had bigger plans for me and I am grateful that He pushed me off and over the fence!  I was scared but I KNEW the He would provide for my family as I looked for a better job.  

He has given me the opportunity to work with other Christians while advancing HIS kingdom.  WOW, what a change for normal corporate America.  I am excited about going to work, can pray over lunch, and I know I am in a safe environment.  Does He provide or what!?!  Not only did he provide this wonderful position, it is four blocks from home, which needless to say is a blessing with rising gas prices.  

I am sure you are saying, 'changes' that's plural.  Well, in addition to all that I mentioned, my eldest son, Seth, went off to college and is attending a wonderful University in Altoona, PA (about 4 hours away).  He is majoring in Chemistry.  I am so very proud of his achievements; however, the house does seem empty without him and his many friends coming and going.  He is and continues to be a shinning beacon, even from a distance.

Close to his heels I have Tyler who entered High School this year and his younger brother Nathan who is in Middle School.  Both have taken on new household duties in Seth's absence (with a little encouragement from Mom and Dad). They too have been effected by Seth's move and can't wait to video chat, IM or talk on the phone.

As you can see, many major changes have occurred and I am sure there will be more before the year is done.  I am blessed and at peace to KNOW that God is still on HIS thorn and is in control of everything, even when I think things are falling apart.

God Bless!