The in-between

 

The best things in life are the in-between. We say, if only I get through this, if I make it through then everything will be good. But when we do that, we are missing out on what is happening in the in-between.

God has put blessings for us in the in-between. If you were so focused on what has happened in your past or what is going to happen in the future, YOU MISS YOUR BLESSING IN THE MOMENT. Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for the good.

Some of my moments that I learned to focus on the in-between is:

- Not concentrating on my kids growing up, but enjoying the moments with them, like teaching them how to drive, experiencing their life in college, helping them move and their new careers.

- My cancer struggle, I chose not to concentrate on what was happening and the uncertain future at the time, but take each day and live it to the fullest. Now I don't look back but I have learned to pay attention to the details around me. The beauty in the world, not the ugly.

So don't focus on getting through BUT focus on what is happening in the in-between.  

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 (NIV) The Living Bible translation words it this way: “And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.”

Love to all,

settled in

 

Well, Erin is settled in and looks like she is doing ok. I am surviving. We have facetimed so many times! She seems to be doing well as an adult. I had no doubt that she would succeed, but the mom in me wants her to stay a little girl! Ty is home now, so still not an empty nester yet. I think God is pacing me so I can work through this momma thing with my kids getting older.  Funny how life throws things at you and it shows you how strong you are. 

Jeremiah 29:11-12 – 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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Love to all,

It's almost time...

 

It is almost time for me to leave. I can't believe it is already Friday. I only have today and tomorrow with Erin before I have to leave her!!! I can say that it is really hard to not think about leaving her here and not have tears. The hardest part of being a parent is being a parent. You do what you can to help them survive but at some point you have to let them spread their wings and fly. And when they fly, it is away. 

I have enjoyed my time with her this week. It has been a blessing to help her move and unpack and help her decorate her apartment. Although it has been back breaking! I have learned that I can use a hand drill and I have put together a bed, bar stools, end tables and other things! (I hope my hubs doesn't read this because he will have me doing more of this at home!)

We have brought some of Kentucky with us, as you can see in the picture. No matter where she lives, she will always be a southern girl! 

We have a big day today and tomorrow to go see the sights. I saw where she is going to be working and it is beautiful. Please pray for her. 

Here is my prayer: to NOT be lonely, overwhelmed, scared. BUT TO KNOW she IS LOVED, SHE CAN DO IT, to just BREATHE.

And that GOD is with HER.

(and pray for her momma! That I don't run out of kleenex)

Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Love to all,

Find it!

Find something thankful in everything that you do. I have learned this over my years of growing up. Mostly since I have been grown up and looking back on my life. But moving forward, I try to see these things daily. Whether it is driving in my car and a really good song comes on, or I stop to savor a donut that I haven't been able to eat in a long time! But also my time with my family. I love all the time we have together, but I know that time is precious. My kids are growing up and moving out. I am moving my sweet baby girl this week so she can grow up.  It's hard. I thought I would be ready for it since I did this last year with my sweet, handsome son. But as I can tell you now, you will never be ready for it.

All of life's adventures are usually firsts for us all. Like for me, this was the first time I had to fly by myself!! I tell you....I do NOT like it. And to make it worse, the man sitting next to me brought his own food, boiled eggs! I thought I would just throw up there. Why would you do this??

So what adventure are you on? Are you finding joy in this adventure or are you letting the stress over take you? Choose to throw it off and find something you are thankful for in what is happening. don't look at what is overwhelming you, but what is the good. The boiled egg smell was not good, but thankful for ginger ale! The flight was long, but thankful for the egg man to have netflex on his ipad and I snuck a watch. I didn't have sound but still a good thing to keep me occupied!

2 Timothy 4:17 "But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength"

Love to all,

 

Mountains

 

Have you heard the saying, "you are making mountains out of mole hills."? Have you ever thought about how big your mountain is and if you would ever be able to get over it?

I was driving down the highway this morning and just driving through some hills. There was a small fog on the top of the trees. If you let your mind go, you can almost feel like you are driving through a mountain. When you get to the top of your mountain, and see the tops of the trees, it looks like a hill or a forest. How many times have we taken some small obstacle and made it into something bigger. 

I know I do this with some obstacles in my life. If I would only take a step back, take a deep breath and then look at it with fresh eyes, it would be manageable and not turn into a mountain. I have a lot going on in my life right now and feel I am being pulled in so many different directions. My job and the commitment and responsibilities I have and want to do. My family. That is a big part!! I will have stock in kleenex by the end of this summer.  It all started when the kids went to high school 10 years ago! Letting go is hard. then there was college. Then more college. Then Ty moving out last year. E moving out this year..actually in 2 DAYS!!! and then Ty moving back home in a month.  What is going on?????

I just have to say, no wonder I am the way I am.  But.....I love it. I love seeing my family grow, to see all of us be successful. I love my work family. I try to help where I can and give support. It is hard to balance that, but I think I do a pretty good job. My biggest barrier is I wish everyone could be as happy as I am, content, and have joy.  In order to have joy in your job, you need joy in your life. That's not to say you won't have those days that are hard to manage. But if you try to find the good in everything, it will be a little easier. 

Easy living and joy like the coon and turkey I saw at my parents house. Turkey walking around looking for food and the fat, lazy coon, laying on his side and eating! Both carefree and happy.

Psalm 51:10 ESV 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Love to all,