"OMG" and Me

Before 2014 is over with, I will turn 50.  Truthfully, on some days my body does feel as if I'm old enough to join AARP, but in my mind, I'm still 21.  Yes, that's it; a wiser & more mature 21.  Except when it comes to all the techno gadgets and their effect on society.

When I first graduated from college and began working, I remember how annoying I found fax machines to be.  Someone from the corporate office could fax you information, and BOOM, you instantly had more work to do.  I can't imagine being in an office today and being bombarded with email, texts, tweets, Facebook updates AND faxes!

I resisted Facebook for a very long time (and my husband still does).  I finally caved 3 1/2 years ago when my great-niece was born.  I knew I would see photos of her much faster if I was on Facebook, and I was correct.  The reason behind my resistance was that I wasn't very sure I wanted each and every person from my past to be able to reconnect with me.  I think it took me almost 3 years before I got to 100 "friends".  However, I must admit that I find Facebook to be a fun way to communicate with people whom I can't see on a daily basis and with those whom I never thought I'd hear from again.  I never dreamed I'd see or hear from an elementary school friend who moved out of state when we were in 5th grade!  Or that I'd be "friends" with people whom I've met through blogging!

Twitter...I've never tweeted.  I don't really understand the point of it for someone like me; although, I can see how it is a useful tool if you own a business or have a product to sell.

Then there's texting.  I didn't begin this form of communication until about 2 years ago.  Why?  Because I can't stand what it has done to the written English language.  LOL, LMAO (ugh), IDK, JK, WTF (bigger ugh) and my personal favorite (NOT!), OMG.  In my old fashioned school of thought, this text talk is just bad spelling!

So let's talk about my personal favorite (again, NOT!); OMG.  Now some people may say it can mean "oh my goodness" or "oh my gosh", but I think we all know it really means "oh my God".  I am a Christian and do not use that phrase.  In the Bible, the third commandment is, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." (KJV)  I give my husband and teenagers a hard time if I hear them use the phrase.  And it's definitely not something I want to hear coming out of my 2-year-old's mouth!

About a month ago, the almost 50-year-old in me was compelled to send an email to PBS regarding one of their new children's shows.  I was watching the program with my little guy and enjoying it because it is both cute and educational.  This particular episode featured some teenage characters.  I was stunned when I heard them say, "O...M...G!"  I immediately went online to find out how I could contact the people responsible for the show.  It seemed the best way to do this was to email them, so that's what I did.  My message was brief and respectful; I just expressed my concern over the use of OMG in a PBS children's program.  I pointed out that preschoolers mimic everything they see and hear.  It took a few weeks, but I did get the following response back from them:

A goal of this series is to get children engaged in the content, and build the math skills taught in each episode, by making the program feel relevant and relatable to today’s children.  To that end, the producers have the three older girls, known as “The Teens,” display exaggerated behavior often associated with adolescents, such as loving pizza, texting and using contemporary slang including “O.M.G.,” which the producers felt could also mean “Oh, my gosh.”

 

We are sorry to learn that you are disappointed with this material and have shared your comments with the PBS KIDS staff and the creative team responsible for (name of show here). The response of viewers – both positive and negative – is an important guide for determining future programming decisions.

 

Your interest in our content is greatly appreciated.  We hope you continue to watch and enjoy your local PBS station.

 

I appreciate the fact that someone did get back to me, and that they were respectful and professional in their response.  I have to say though that I don't agree with the producers over what OMG could stand for.  I think we all know what it really stands for.  And I think our Lord knows what it stands for as well.

 

So, do I abbreviate, use acronyms, or simply shorten words when I text?  I didn't at first out of principle.  However, my almost 50-year-old fingers and thumbs began to protest, so I do use such things as "u" for "you" or "ur" for "your" or "btwn" for "between".  I still don't LOL and definitely won't WTF.  And OMG?  Well...hmmm...maybe...since it could mean "oh my gosh"; HAHAHA...JK!

"I Get To" Tuesdays

The thought behind this is to list a few things that could come under the category of "Ugh...I have to (you fill in the blank)." However, I want you to look at these "have to's" as blessings of "I get to". We all take for granted such things as our health, jobs, family, friends, etc. and sometimes don't appreciate them or see them as blessings as we should. So here are a few things for me this week.

Like most of you, I got to "spring" forward this weekend. I also got to get up extra early Sunday morning because I needed to be at church an hour and a half earlier than usual! I ended up taking a nap after dinner Sunday night!

I got to go to the chiropractor unexpectedly yesterday. I had had a headache for three days, so my husband got me an appointment. I hadn't been to the chiropractor since before I was pregnant. It usually feels good, but this time it hurt!! My headache has subsided though. I get to go for a re-check on Friday.

I get to walk five miles today...HA!! I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'm participating in a walking program through my church. I'm supposed to walk five miles a week. Our weeks go Wednesday through Tuesday. Due to my three day headache, I haven't walked even a mile this week, so it's all come down to today!

I've also mentioned before that my oldest son got his permit. I've ended up riding with him a few times, and I know I'll continue to get to do this. Every time I have to ride with him I feel as if my heart is in my throat!! It's not that I feel he's a bad driver; I just don't like not having any control over the car!

Well, that is my "I Get To" list for this week. Remember, try to find the blessings in your "I Have To's" and turn them into "I Get To's"! Please feel free to post your own "I Get To" list and link up here. I would love to hear how you're being "blessed" this week!

"I Get To" Tuesdays

The thought behind this is to list a few things that could come under the category of "Ugh...I have to (you fill in the blank)." However, I want you to look at these "have to's" as blessings of "I get to". We all take for granted such things as our health, jobs, family, friends, etc. and sometimes don't appreciate them or see them as blessings as we should. So here are a few things for me this week.

I'm posting this later than usual just because I'm a mom! If you're a mom, you know that your schedule has to revolve around everyone else's day! This week my "I Get To" list includes the following:

I got to take my oldest son to the dentist for a check-up today and pay out of pocket for the appointment...no dental insurance. But at least we're able to pay for this, even if it does hurt the checking account a bit. Plus, he didn't have any cavities!

I get to be a single parent for the next two nights, and Daniel usually is not a happy camper in the evenings. On the flip side, I get to go do something fun with friends on Thursday night! I'm blessed that my hubby is willing to share the child-rearing duties.

We will be "springing" the clocks forward this Saturday night! YAY! On Sunday morning I need to be at church 1 1/2 hours earlier than usual. BOO!

Last night, I got to spend the evening doing our grocery shopping. Ugh...food prices are killing me!! However, I did get some deals like free milk and free oranges! Since CVS is right next door to our grocery store, I went in there first. I actually made $2 buying a bottle of Olay Body Wash! I had a coupon to get the body wash free if I bought an Olay cleanser. Well, I needed cleanser & it was on sale. If you're familiar with CVS's extra bucks, you may have noticed that this week you can earn $2 extra bucks if you buy Olay Body Wash. Even though I had the coupon to get it free, I still technically bought it, so I got the $2 extra bucks too! WOO HOO!! After I went to the grocery store, I went back to CVS and used my $2 extra bucks to buy a 24 pack of water bottles. I only had to pay 44 cents for them! I also made a penny a box on three boxes of tissues due to coupons...go me!

Remember, try to find the blessings in your "I Have To's" and turn them into "I Get To's"! Please feel free to post your own "I Get To" list and link up here. I would love to hear how you're being "blessed" this week!

My New Blog

Well, I'm probably crazy, but I've begun writing a third blog!! My Sonshines Three & Me is where I'll write about being an older "new" mom while mothering two teenagers...the humorous side and the struggles. Please come over and visit!

My Three Sons and the Furry One

This son of mine turned 17 in January and finally decided it was time to get his driver's permit! He has found that driving isn't as easy as it looks, but he's persevering! (And Mom is having a nervous breakdown as his passenger but is keeping it to herself!)

This kiddo has suddenly gotten into basketball, although, he didn't make the school team (big frowny face). He hasn't hit his growth spurt yet, so maybe next year he'll have better luck. Baseball will be starting soon anyway. He's also getting used to life as the middle child! After 14 years of being our youngest and the youngest grandchild on my side of the family, he has lost his position to his little brother.

As for this little guy, he has been busy working out a sleep schedule, doing some teething (his big brothers got teeth early), and discovering the joys of Sesame Street! He just coos and babbles as he watches his favorite show! (Okay, I know this is kind of bad since he's only 3 months old, but he just loves Elmo!)

Then there is this crazy mutt! He doesn't know what to think of his littlest brother. He licks him as soon as he gets a bath and is very interested in the new baby toys, especially the stuffed animals (which he must also lick)! However, he does make an attempt to share his dog toys with his new sibling!

That's my family update! Praise God that everyone is adjusting nicely to all of our recent changes!

Church Sign - So True

On our way home from church on Sunday, I spotted a sign at another church which said: A worn out Bible probably belongs to someone who isn't. This is so true, and I've always admired the look of a well-worn or well-loved Bible! It's an indication that its owner spends a lot of time in God's Word, and I find that so wonderful!

"I Get To" Tuesdays

The thought behind this is to list a few things that could come under the category of "Ugh...I have to (you fill in the blank)." However, I want you to look at these "have to's" as blessings of "I get to". We all take for granted such things as our health, jobs, family, friends, etc. and sometimes don't appreciate them or see them as blessings as we should. So here are a few things for me this week.

I probably should have prefaced last week's "'I Get To' Tuesdays" post by explaining why my "I get tos" have more meaning for me now than when I first began listing them. Originally, I started this because when I saw the trials of others, I knew I should consider the mundane or the irritations in my life as blessings rather than taking them for granted or wishing they'd disappear altogether. Now, after having gone through the past year, I appreciate these ordinary things even more.

Being pregnant at 46 was much harder than being pregnant at 30 and 32! The "morning" sickness was about the same, but once the baby and my belly began getting bigger, the harder it became for me to get around or to do everyday things. The bigger I got, the slower I walked and the more I huffed and puffed. Going up and down stairs was the worst. We only have one bathroom in our house and it's upstairs!

I was told early on in my pregnancy not to lift anything heavy. I couldn't lift laundry baskets, so my husband and boys had to take all the dirty clothing to the laundry room for me. If they brought the baskets of clean clothes to me, I could fold everything while sitting on the couch or on my bed. I couldn't empty the kitchen trash can let alone lug the trash outside to the cans by our garage. We have a portable dishwasher that has to be pushed over to the sink and hooked up to the faucet. By October, I could no longer do this. I also couldn't vacuum because that motion really bothered me. I couldn't walk our dog, take him to the vet for his check-up, or even play tug-of-war with him. (The poor guy kept bringing his tire to me and bumping me in the belly with it!)

My husband works from home and one of our three bedrooms served as his office. With the baby coming, we had to play musical bedrooms. My husband moved his office to the attic (which had to be cleaned out); he & I moved our bedroom into his old office; the boys moved into our old bedroom; and then we made the boys' old bedroom the new room for the baby. As you can imagine, I was of no help, so my three men had their work cut out for them.

In November, the day before my 47th birthday to be precise, I began getting sick. My doctor said I had an ear infection and put me on an antibiotic, but it didn't help. I ended up with congestion, clogged ears, and a cough for the remainder of the month. I was pretty much in bed for the entire month. Then I went into labor on November 28th...3 weeks early!

Between being sick and then having a c-section, I was out of commission for almost 10 weeks! Recovery from a c-section at 47 is a lot harder than at 30! During those weeks, the only time I left my house was to go to the doctor or to the hospital. I didn't drive at all during this time, so my husband had to take me to all of my appointments.

As you can see, I have every reason to be thankful for being able to take part in the ordinary, even boring, details of everyday life! So, in light of this past year, I'm thankful that I GET TO:

• Do the dishes
• Do the laundry
• Drive to the grocery store by myself and push the cart around the entire store without having to rest
• Run up and down the stairs every time I need something (or have to use the bathroom!)
• Take out the trash
• Cook & bake
• Walk the dog
• Scrub the tub
• And MANY, MANY MORE DULL, PAIN IN THE NECK TASKS...PRAISE GOD!!!

Remember, try to find the blessings in your "I Have To's" and turn them into "I Get To's"! Please feel free to post your own "I Get To" list and link up here. I would love to hear how you're being "blessed" this week!

"I Get To" Tuesdays

The thought behind this is to list a few things that could come under the category of "Ugh...I have to (you fill in the blank)." However, I want you to look at these "have to's" as blessings of "I get to". We all take for granted such things as our health, jobs, family, friends, etc. and sometimes don't appreciate them or see them as blessings as we should. So here are a few things for me this week.

I get to wake up each night with an almost 3 month old baby! (But what a blessing he is!)

I get to change diapers and wash baby bottles again today. This routine gets tiring, but it's worth it!

Our oldest son finally got his driver's permit last week, so I get to worry each time my husband takes him out driving. (I'm not ready to do it myself yet!) It's another step toward independence for him!

I get to begin a walking program tomorrow that will officially last 12 weeks. Our church is participating in a Lenten/Easter activity called Walking to Jerusalem, hence the walking. (We're taking it through Mother's Day though.) I'm hoping to lose a pound or two.

Well, that is my "I Get To" list for this week. Remember, try to find the blessings in your "I Have To's" and turn them into "I Get To's"! Please feel free to post your own "I Get To" list and link up here. I would love to hear how you're being "blessed" this week!

I Want to Hear Some Happy News

This has been a week full of sad news. Everywhere I turn I'm bombarded with the news of someone's death. And no, I'm not referring to Whitney Houston. (Her story is sad but has received more publicity than necessary.)

My friend's friend was killed in a car accident on Valentine's Day. Her dog died also in the wreck. From what I understand, she leaves behind 2 young daughters. Her husband was driving their vehicle and for some reason ran off the highway. Since the accident, her husband has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, and it was probably what caused him to lose control of the truck.

Yesterday, I heard about a school bus accident while watching our local news. An 11-year-old girl was killed and three other children are in critical condition. Two of those kids are her sisters....they were triplets.

I went for little over a year without blogging. This week I've been trying to catch up with people whom I follow. Tonight I checked in with Gitz only to find that she passed away in September.

Even though I never knew any of these people, I'm heartbroken for them and their families. It has made me count my blessings...both big and small.

Please, someone just give me some happy news!

An Emerald Covenant

I mentioned in my last post that I discovered I was pregnant on Palm Sunday last year. I took the home pregnancy test early in the morning and didn't wake my husband up to give him the news. He didn't even know I was taking the test, and I figured it wasn't news that he would want to wake up to. Plus, I needed to digest this info myself.

For reasons I can't remember now, I went to church alone that morning. I sat in the pew with my right arm resting across the back of the pew. As I listened to the sermon, out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of the ring I wear on my right hand. The ring has a heart shaped emerald on it.

At that moment, my heart sank a bit as I wondered if I'd be adding another heart shaped gem to my ring. My emerald ring represents the baby I miscarried in 2008. The baby was due in May and emerald is the birthstone for that month. I had calculated that this new baby would be due in December. I sat wondering what December's birthstone is.

In the book of Revelation, the apostle John describes a throne set in Heaven:
"At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne." (Revelation 4:2-3 NIV ) From what I understand, the rainbow which God sent after the flood is a covenant, or a promise, that He will never destroy the world by flood again. (Read Genesis 9:9-17)

I find it interesting (and comforting) that John saw a rainbow around God's throne and described its appearance "like an emerald". My emerald ring...a covenant from God that he wouldn't take this baby too? That I actually would have another child here on this earth? After all, when my oldest son was about 5 years old, he had said that I would have another baby because "Jesus told me so!" (My own brother had told my mom the same thing, and I was born a year after he died.)

If you have read my last post, obviously I have since given birth to another beautiful son. I thank God everyday for this newest little gift...for the fulfillment of his covenant with me.

A New Normal

A new normal...that has been the story of my life for almost a year now. Our family has had to make several adjustments since last April. On Palm Sunday, I discovered I was pregnant again. This news was met with mixed emotions by my husband and I and our two teenage sons. We feared another miscarriage, and there was much trepidation about what a new baby would mean for our household.

Don't worry, this story has a happy ending, but getting there was a challenge and resulted in our future (the one we had planned anyway) being rewritten. (I know it's what God had planned for us all along.)

I've been wanting to continue with this blog, but for several reasons, I was unable to write any posts while pregnant. Since giving birth, I've just been too busy and tired, but now I'm finally ready to give it a try. I'm also toying with the idea of starting a third blog but thought I should first ease my way back into writing on this blog.

I know I need to update some things on here in addition to posting and am hoping to start doing that over the next few weeks. I'll also fill you in on my pregnancy and the changes we've had to make around here. I've missed writing and blogging and hope you'll join me as I muddle through my new normal!

Daniel Finn

Welcome 2011!

The Wailing Wall

For three and a half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. . . . But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. Revelation 11:9, 11

I knew that TV would make the above possible, but I never thought about live streams online or even iPhone apps.

I just happened to see an article online this week that talks about a new iPhone app that streams live from the Wailing Wall and allows users to email prayers to be placed in the crevices of the wall. Amazing! (You can read the article here.)

Go to The Western Wall Heritage Foundation and you can find out more info about the iPhone app and also watch live streams from the Wall. I find this technology both fascinating and disconcerting at the same time. It just makes me wonder if it's a sign of the (end) times?

Who'd a Thunk It?

Me? A romantic? Nah! I do like the occasional love story, but we're talking The Notebook or Marley & Me (yes, I know it's about a dog), not like Harlequin romances. And I always ask my husband of 20 years when he's ever going to get around to proposing. Although, I think if he had ever gotten down on one knee, I would have laughed.

I happened to see an article online yesterday about the top 10 most romantic gifts. I decided to read it to see what I was missing. The article was aimed at men and what they should be getting for their significant other. Upon reading, I discovered that I actually got a romantic gift for Eric this year! Among the top 10 gifts, buying tickets for an event that your spouse would enjoy is considered romantic. Hey, I did that!

Let me explain. Eric has always liked Neil Diamond even though he won't claim to have lived through the 1970s because it was such a "tacky" decade as he puts it. He has suffered much teasing from family & friends for enjoying Mr. Diamond's music. In the past, we have given him Neil Diamond Cd's for Christmas. I think last year I gave Eric one of his Christmas Cd's (and have had to suffer through listening to it!). Not that I don't like good old Neil's music; I just don't go out of my way to listen to it. (Wait a minute. I think I may have the 45s of You Don't Bring Me Flowers and Forever in Blue Jeans up in our attic. Don't tell anyone!)

Back in November, I happen to find out that Real Diamond was playing at a local theater the day after Christmas. Real Diamond is a Neil Diamond tribute band. Since the real Neil is off touring in Australia and Africa for the next 8 months, I decided to get tickets for this local show. We've seen a Beatles tribute band, so I figured it couldn't be all that bad. Besides, it would be something different to do together and we could have a nice date. (Plus, the theater serves beer & wine!)

Thankfully, I got tickets for the late afternoon show because I was thinking we could go out to eat afterwards. The snow storm that hit us yesterday cancelled the evening show, but not ours'. So we went and had a really good time! They were actually very good! Our seats were in the second row, and "Neil's" mom was sitting two seats away from me. She went around talking to people in the audience during the intermission, and you could tell she's his biggest fan! After the show, "Neil" and the band came out to the lobby to thank everyone for coming. I was standing about 3 feet away from him while Eric missed it since he had to visit the little boy's room.

We decided against going to dinner since the roads were a mess and because Eric has been doing an elimination diet (for medical reasons under the guidance of a doctor). But, all in all, it was a fun time! AND I discovered that I am romantic after all (at least according to that article)! Perhaps I'll start humming You Don't Bring Me Flowers to give the hubs a hint!

Merry Christmas

"O Come Let Us Adore Him"

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:11-12

Seeing the Blessings Despite the Heartache

On Tuesday night I began making my rounds taking some goodies to my neighbors. Sadly, none of us chat very often with one another because we're always running to our jobs or other commitments. Only one of these neighbors lived here when we first moved in. We've seen families come and go in the other homes.

I went over to drop off the Christmas treats with this long time neighbor first. The youngest daughter answered the door, and I handed her the plate and then saw her dad come up behind her. I wished them a Merry Christmas, we made some short small talk and then I left. I thought it was odd that we didn't speak longer because we usually do at this time of the year.

Yesterday, I visited three other neighbors and as I was walking home, I ran into the dad from the night before. He was walking his son's new puppy. His son is 22 and has been married for a little over a year. His bride was diagnosed with brain cancer about a year before they were married. I stopped to meet the puppy and to ask my neighbor how his daughter-in-law is doing. The cancer is back and she may need surgery again. Then he told me that his wife also has cancer. Breast cancer that has spread to her lymph nodes. I couldn't believe it. The news just really saddens me. The whole family is very private and tends to keep things like this to themselves, so I'm not surprised that I didn't know before now. (Hence, I'm not mentioning even first names.)

We continued with our conversation, and he told me how it has been so amazing because they have been able to share Jesus with so many people on this new journey they're on. I told him about another friend of mine who experienced the same thing with her husband as he battled colon cancer for 4 years. Only with God's help could these couples witness to others during such personal, difficult trials.

My heart is very heavy for this family, but I'm trying to concentrate on the miracles that are playing out as a result of their circumstances. God can do anything! Please say a prayer today for this family, but also thank God for the blessings that are coming out of this!

The Nativity Has Gone to the Dogs!

A friend of mine sent this picture out in an email to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I thought it was very cute and forwarded it to several friends. Then I decided to post it here too. I don't know who is responsible for this photo, so I can't give the proper credit. Hope it gives you a chuckle!

Are You Ready?

Is your tree up? Is your house decorated yet? Have you finished your Christmas shopping? If so, are all of the gifts wrapped (and mailed if need be)? Don't forget those stocking stuffers! Have you sent your Christmas cards? How about those Christmas cookies...are they baked and decorated? Have you planned and shopped for your Christmas dinner?

Yes, my tree is up and the house is as decorated as it's going to get. (I chose not to put everything out this year so that packing it all up won't be such an ordeal.) I'm done shopping for the hubby & kids but still have to get some things for the dog. (He gets very excited about gifts!) I haven't wrapped anything other than what needed to be mailed. (And that stuff has been sent.) I do have the stocking stuffers! I actually decided to send Christmas cards this year and have mailed some of them thus far. I've made fudge but haven't gotten to the cookies yet, mainly because I've had a cold recently & didn't want to spread my germs. Christmas dinner? Well, I still have 5 whole days to plan and shop for that! It seems as if I'm in pretty good shape, especially considering that I don't have anywhere that I have to be this week and the kids will be in school through Thursday. I still have plenty of time to get ready!

I wonder if Jesus sees how ready I am to celebrate His birthday? In addition to the above mentioned, I've been in church on most Sundays. I attended the Christmas concert since Cooper had to sing with the Youth Choir and Sam was asked to help with the lighting. And hey, I went to the Youth Group Christmas party with my boys where we ate yummy food and played games. Today, my family did one of the readings and lit the Advent candles during the service! Well, okay, Eric actually did the reading and Cooper lit the candles, but I stood up there with them. Yes, I've been in His Word if my Moms In Touch prayer meetings and watching Joyce Meyer count. I've certainly been charitable with some of my money but not my time by participating in Operation Christmas Child and giving to some less fortunate families and troubled teens in our area.

Oh dear. Maybe I need to rethink how ready I am to celebrate our Lord and Savior's birth. What do you think? Are you ready?

All photos from FreeFoto.com

Musings from Mayhem

Mayhem is what life has felt like for the past six months. Not that things here are awful or I'm unhappy. I just feel like I'm looking at things while upside down. I quit my job to return to school, and I haven't been able to get into a rhythm yet in my new "normal". My kids love to tell me now that I'm lazy because I don't have a job anymore. In fact, this morning after I told my family once again that I'm not the maid around here, my oldest asked, "Well, if you're not the maid and you don't work, then what do you do?" (He was kidding around, so no, he didn't get into trouble for that comment!)

I feel as if all I do is read text books and write papers. Therefore, reading your blogs and updating my own blogs haven't been a priority or even enticing to be honest. My down time seems to consist of doing mindless things like watching TV or playing solitaire (with actual cards, not on the computer). Sadly, I've even considered doing the dishes as down time because I really don't have to think!!

I'm enjoying my classes, but I really do miss teaching preschool. Preschoolers are just the right anecdote when you're raising teenagers! I still sub occasionally at my old school. I love doing that because I get to play without all the responsibilities of being a head teacher! Still, I do think to myself, "What have I done? Why did I quit a job that I loved and was quite comfortable with? And one that was so family friendly?"

I've been watching Joyce Meyer on TV recently. She's been talking about how she was in a ministry for 5 years and had a difficult time obeying God when He told her it was time to leave and do something else. She liked what she was doing, was comfortable, and was "somebody". I can relate! Joyce says, "If you can't conceive in your mind that God can do something with you then you will never take even the first step toward a better life than what you have right now." Just like a woman cannot become pregnant unless she is able to conceive, we can't move forward in our lives if we can't conceive that God will show us where he wants us to be and what He wants us to do.

FreeFoto.com

I've been mulling this over for the past few days. I know God was calling me to move on, and I'm sure I'm moving in the right direction. It's just hard to leave the old things behind. If you go to Joyce's website, you can watch this series at your convenience. It is entitled What do You Want Out of Life?