october 29,2011 snow pictures

looks like winter came early this year. here are some snow pictures from the first snow fall..and one picture that mom put on the refrigerator door..just because. dayzee loves the snow..i throw snowballs in the air and she tries to bite them while in mid-air.  enjoy. going to get another cup of hot tea to drink on this cold day. 

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a fall prayer request

Fall is my favorite season. Last weekend I went with my cousin into a corn maze at night. That was a fun adventure. Also, last weekend my church had its annual Chili cookoff, another fall favorite of mine.  I love to see the bright reds, yellows, and orange tinted leaves as they glow in the sunlight and glide to the ground.  Fall is a transition season..a bridge from summer to winter..a time of change.  

Right now is kinda like fall for my family too because my aunt went into the hospital with asthma symptoms.  The doctors operated on her spine due to some fluid or blood built up around the spine, and now she is paralyzed from the waist down. They say there is a chance that she could fully recover and walk again but there is also the possibility that she will remain paralyzed.  Please pray for my aunt and for wisdom for the doctors.  I'm not sure how my aunt will handle this drastic change in her life and i'm not sure if she is saved.  I know that through the changes and trials of life that God remains the same. He alone is the sure foundation for life.  I know that He is in control.

Sunday School Joys

Today in Sunday School the lesson was on the friendship of David and Jonathan.  We talked about how Jonathan gave David gifts to show him how much he appreciated him as his friend. After the lesson, I asked a few little "gamers" if they would give their wii with all of their games to their friends.  These little pre-schoolers said no.  It was so cute.  now, they said that they would share their wii and the games with their friends but they would not give them this treasure of theirs.  But their unwillingness to give their treasure to another got me thinking.  I'm just like them. When I have a chance to bless or to hold on to what is dear to me,..sad to say is that I cling to the treasure in my hand instead of letting God use it to bless those around me.   interesting what I learn from those adorable kids...

small group question

Lately I've been considering the dynamics of a small group.  I'm looking to join one at church and think that its important to have a vision of where the group is going.  Previously I was a small group leader so I understand maybe a little more about the importance of having a vision and getting others to see that vision for the group.   There is a college and career Bible study that occurs during Wednesday night church.  Last semester this group, also known as Revolution, met Sunday nights.  It was mostly college aged people, both single and married, along with a few older adult leaders.  Since then things have changed and they are now meeting on Wednesday nights.  I feel that there is no vision in this group.  I feel like meeting is just another thing to check off my list of things to attend during the week.   I guess i'm stuck inbetween a rock and a hard place because I know the importance of meeting together with other believers but are small groups any profit if they exist without a clear vision?

I think not

Someone on Twitter tweeted the following statement, "Change usually requires bending, especially backwards."

I just feel that this statement isn't right. I agree with the first portion that change requires bending but not the backwards part of the statement.

Sure, there are good and bad changes.. and when change occurs in life or a circumstance it will require those involved to adapt and adjust to those changes.   So I get the point that change requires bending but why backwards?  Change prompts for a better tomorrow. Think of any modern invention..when it first was invented it was different and it created a change in lifestyle to those who first didn't have the invention but then became accustomed to the new change in lifestyle.   No bending backwards was required to adjust to a new invention. Changes have happened in my life..some good and some bad yet I would say have never bent over backwards just to allow change to have its way in my life.  God showed me areas that weren't aligning with His word and called me to a deeper surrender of my life.  That was a hard change. Total surrender. But if I did a backwards bend as stated by this tweet I wouldn't have surrendered.  Instead I would of held on to those things which I shouldn't of.
But, bending backwards is more difficult than bending forwards so maybe that's what the author of this means.

I think I would say that "Change requires adjustments and sacrifices, but if you can't accept change then it will require the bending backwards that will destroy you."

(I just felt like disputing this tweet..and I needed to do so in more than 140 characters so that's why I blogged instead of tweeting my thoughts...because that would of taken quite a few tweets just to vent on this topic.)
~AmberLeigh~

background change and rambling

I just changed my background to this blog to a fall theme...and that makes me happy.  I love the fact that fall is almost here. My favorite things of fall include but are not limited to cooler weather, the colors of the leaves right before they fall, pumpkin pie (and other pumpkin baked goods), and football. Just thought I'd share that although many people complain about the cooler weather and that it gets dark earlier, I actually like it a lot.  The end.

schedule change.

today, i did something different which made my day much better.

i got up early.

that's right. i'm not much a morning person but i decided that it was time that i put first things first, even if that means getting up early to do so.

so this morning...i got up early, had breakfast, and then spent time in the Word. Lately, i've been waiting until later in the day before i spend time with God but I decided that if spending time with God was first on Jesus' priority list, then it should also be first on mine.

and that single change in my day allowed me to begin correctly with God and man.

but now, I must say , its time for me to go to bed so that i can get up when my alarm blasts in the morning.

River Watching 2011

went for a ride tonight up to falls to see  the river.

some of the homes closer to the river were flooeded.

the area smelled like gasoline. 

we stood on the bridge and just stood amazed at the river. it was a lot bigger than i've ever seen it.

branches, porches, a red lunch cooler, trees, were just some of the things i saw floating down the river. 

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behind the smiles

I guess its been a while since I just blogged. lately I've taken the easy way out and posted pictures with some brief story behind them...and that's mainly because my brother is away at school and I prefer to blog my pictures instead of posting them all over facebook.
speaking of facebook, its really not good for me. sure its nice to stay "connected" with people but i've come to the conclusion that facebook is not good for me. its not that i'm on facebook for hours a day but after going on it even for a few minutes I feel discontent.  so many of my friends that are my age are either in a relationship, married, or already beginning a family. i know its wrong to be jealous but that's what happens when i get on facebook and see their happy lives.  i know that God has plans for my life and I know that I just have to continue to trust Him for my future. But its hard to wait when i'm bombarded with facebook newsfeeds of relationship status and all the other social updates.   And so my solution to this problem of mine is to go on facebook less and to pray more.
Anyway, i think i've come to like twitter better anyway.

better late then never...pictures from Irene..mainly puddle pictures of Dayzee

Here are the pictures I took Sunday, August 28, 2011..a snapshot of the impact of Hurricane Irene on our backyard.  Church was canceled Sunday due to a lack of power. So we played out in the rain puddle in the backyard with Dayzee..and then we lost power also.  I promised my brother that  I would post these as soon as we got power restored..but I'm a few days late. (Sorry Sean).  So i'm taking a little break to upload them right now...as Dayzee sleeps beside me.

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and a random side note..i'm really glad my camera is waterproof.
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also, even though we did have to go without power for almost 36hours, that is small in comparison to what other people suffered because of this storm. our house didn't flood. no one in my family was injured from it. we lost power which at the time was a major "problem" to us because of the food in the freezer and other minor issues that come from no power.  but the loss of power was a "major" minor problem, for that i am grateful.  Now I am so thankful that when i turn on the light switch the room lights up.
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I am also thankful for the rainbows that we saw in the backyard late Sunday afternoon.  God's visible promise never to flood the earth again. He is faithful.
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have to go for now, but hope you enjoyed these pictures

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a letter to @LaBar89

Dear Sean,

 i have a card on its way to you but you wont have it on your birthday, so I had this crazy idea to write this little note to you and hope that you have a chance to read it soon. while i'm typing this dayzee is taking up 2/3 of my bed and is sleeping.  here is a dayzee update for you:

i just had her outside for a good 45minutes. let me tell you, she smelled something down by one of the ponds..so she went sniffing and sniffing..which got her leash all tangled. so i finally got tired of untangling the leash and just let her sniff.  i figured mom was out shopping so all would be good. Dayzee goes back near the ponds edge and sniffs..I just watch from the path that goes inbetween the two ponds..and while she is sniffing out pops a little bunny. the bunny goes to the other pond side and hides, or so i thought. dayzee then appears and i point to the other side of the path. she sniffs and finally goes in pursuit of the rabbit. i then see that rabbit hopping away toward grandpa's big burn pile. Dayzee soon realizes that the rabbit has gone that way also and runs toward the rabbits trail.  to make a long story short, dayzee was sniffing and sniffing..and then i put her leash back on her. 10 seconds after i leashed her, out comes the bunny...dayzee was maybe 2 feet away from this little thing..so its a very good thing that i had the leash on her..and then once again we go chasing the rabbit.

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in other news, I just want you to know that i'm praying for you. its a big adjustment for you, from tiffin to DC, but you can do this. I'm also praying that you get that republican internship  that mom told me about.  Just think, God will use this time in DC to prepare you for down the road. Its not a mistake that you are in DC at this time. Continue to rely on God for strength and He will help you day by day with this semester in DC.  I love you and am so proud of you. I think its a great opportunity that you have to spend a semester in the nation's capital.  If you ever need to talk or vent I'm here for you.

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I hope you have a wonderful birthday.  I LOVE YOU.

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a few pics from my new camera

Last weekend I got a new camera. It is awesome because it is water proof.
here are a few memories that I've captured with it so far.

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Also, i do apologize for slacking on blogging. life just has been busy.
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3 months today is race day for me. so i've been balancing work, sleep, and working out in the mornings. at night, sometimes i dont even get on the computer.
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and that green pool picture...that has been the status of the pool this summer. when we opened it on memorial day, i had high hopes of doing a lot of swimming, but the opposite has proven true. its been a little swim summer so far.
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i'm looking forward to going camping in early August with my family. that will be fun, especially since Dayzee is coming along with us. Look out fellow campers!

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*Special Day*

Today is my dad's birthday :)  I had 3 pieces of cake today... yummmie.  But on a more important note, I am so very thankful to call him dad. 

Happy Birthday Dad!

a challenge for the week.

This is the week leading up to Easter. I know it will be a busy week for myself. So much to do. However, one thing that I want to do every day this week is read Isaiah 53. I know there are many other BIble reading plans for the week leading up to Easter Sunday, but I think this chapter in Isaiah pretty much sums it up. Each day this week I will set aside time to read it and I hope that you will too.  . I've included some different versions- maybe stick with one version for the whole week or read through different versions. It's all up to you. . May you draw closer to the cross and to the open arms of Jesus this week.  ////////////// < Isaiah 53 >> New American Standard Bible

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The Suffering Servant

1Who has believed our message?
         And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

2For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
         And like a root out of parched ground;
         He has no stately form or majesty
         That we should look upon Him,
         Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.

3He was despised and forsaken of men,
         A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
         And like one from whom men hide their face
         He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

4Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
         And our sorrows He carried;
         Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
         Smitten of God, and afflicted.

5But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
         He was crushed for our iniquities;
         The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
         And by His scourging we are healed.

6All of us like sheep have gone astray,
         Each of us has turned to his own way;
         But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all
         To fall on Him.

7He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
         Yet He did not open His mouth;
         Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
         And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
         So He did not open His mouth.

8By oppression and judgment He was taken away;
         And as for His generation, who considered
         That He was cut off out of the land of the living
         For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due?

9His grave was assigned with wicked men,
         Yet He was with a rich man in His death,
         Because He had done no violence,
         Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.

10But the LORD was pleased
         To crush Him, putting Him to grief;
         If He would render Himself as a guilt offering,
         He will see His offspring,
         He will prolong His days,
         And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.

11As a result of the anguish of His soul,
         He will see it and be satisfied;
         By His knowledge the Righteous One,
         My Servant, will justify the many,
         As He will bear their iniquities.

12Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,
         And He will divide the booty with the strong;
         Because He poured out Himself to death,
         And was numbered with the transgressors;
         Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,
         And interceded for the transgressors.

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<< Isaiah 53 >> New Living Translation   1 Who has believed our message? To whom has the L ORD  revealed his powerful arm? 2 My servant grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. 3He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. 4Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrowsa that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. 7He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. 8Unjustly condemned, he was led away.b No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream.c But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. 9He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. 10But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s good plan will prosper in his hands. 11When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. 12I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. ////////////////// << Isaiah 53 >> GOD'S WORD ® Translation   1Who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD's power been revealed? 2He grew up in his presence like a young tree, like a root out of dry ground. He had no form or majesty that would make us look at him. He had nothing in his appearance that would make us desire him. 3He was despised and rejected by people. He was a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering. He was despised like one from whom people turn their faces, and we didn't consider him to be worth anything. 4He certainly has taken upon himself our suffering and carried our sorrows, but we thought that God had wounded him, beat him, and punished him. 5He was wounded for our rebellious acts. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so that we could have peace, and we received healing from his wounds. 6We have all strayed like sheep. Each one of us has turned to go his own way, and the LORD has laid all our sins on him. 7He was abused and punished, but he didn't open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. He was like a sheep that is silent when its wool is cut off. He didn't open his mouth. 8He was arrested, taken away, and judged. Who would have thought that he would be removed from the world? He was killed because of my people's rebellion. 9He was placed in a tomb with the wicked. He was put there with the rich when he died, although he had done nothing violent and had never spoken a lie. 10Yet, it was the LORD's will to crush him with suffering. When the LORD has made his life a sacrifice for our wrongdoings, he will see his descendants for many days. The will of the LORD will succeed through him. 11He will see and be satisfied because of his suffering. My righteous servant will acquit many people because of what he has learned [through suffering]. He will carry their sins as a burden. 12So I will give him a share among the mighty, and he will divide the prize with the strong, because he poured out his life in death and he was counted with sinners. He carried the sins of many. He intercedes for those who are rebellious.

a little bit of this, a little bit of that...( picture updates for @LaBar89)

So, they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are some good picture stories that happened recently.

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The story behind the post-it notes: It was my little brother's birthday last SUnday so I pranked him.  I originally wanted to cover his Jeep with post it notes, but decided that he would be very angry with me if I did that.  He would of been late to church, and if a post-it note peeled a little bit of paint from his Jeep, I would never hear the end of it. So I was nice and only did the windshield, and  the driver and passenger windows.  I also spent time and wrote happy birthday and smiley faces on some of the notes. 

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THe picture of the 2 boys and Dayzee: We had the Children of the World come and sing at our church.. and a host family got sick.  So we were able to have 2 boys in our home for 2 nights.  Dayzee loved the extra company but I'm not sure if the boys enjoyed her energy...especially since she would help dad wake them up - and would end up jumping on them sleeping in bed.

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And the picture of Mom and Dad dressed up.  They were headed to Jason and Donna's wedding and needed a picture. We insisted that Dayzee be in the photo shoot since she is part of the family.  IF only Dayzee would sit still sometimes....

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Ok.. now back to being productive. :) 

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weekend...

Ahhh yes...

Friday is here..finally... and now that the workweek is over its the weekend.

Oh weekend... why must you go by so fast?

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anyway, this weekend I hope to discover a new way to work - just in case I need to go another way...like what I could of done on Thursday if I knew of another way. Thursday I was late to work because of an accident.  IT was a very trying day altogether.  But I think the Lord was trying to teach me patience. If i wasn't stuck behind a slow moving garbage truck, I could of been the one in the accident.  So arriving late to work but in one piece was completely worth the wait in my book.  And thankfully, I was able to make up my late time.  God worked it all out for me...after I was so stressed and worried about being late.  ... but I still think I need for find a 2nd way to work sometime this weekend. 

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I also want to go for a nice long run. I've been so busy its been crazy. I just want some me time to run.

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And I hope to accomplish lots of schoolwork and maybe enjoy some fresh air as well.

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I would like to get extra sleep this weekend... but somehow I don't see that possible. 

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I realize that this is a pretty boring post... but the weekend is my highlight right now. I think I'll try to make it a good weekend.. and hopefully another very productive one. 

Short Saturday Post.., Reflections on a Stepping Stone.

So glad its Saturday :) 

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 Feels good to have a day off.... well, that's another story in and of itself, but I took today off from work to get my schoolwork done. That's a priority before slave labor in retail is concerned with. 

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And I've got a lot done today..and I had a head start because I somehow managed to stay up late last night and still be productive after a long week of training.

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Speaking of work, it was definitely an interesting week of training.  I am so THANKFUL that God provided this new job.  I realize that its just a stepping stone in my life, but nonetheless, I am thankful for this new opportunity.  I am also thankful for the better pay, benefits, and that it is a full time job. Also, I know that the only reason I really got this job was because of Him.  This week in training, there were ten of us..and somehow when all the weeks of training are over, I think we are going to be really close.  Anyway, this one lady has been trying to get into this company for 3 years.  Another guy applied 2 previous times and was rejected but got the interview this time.  And for me, this was my first time applying and first time hearing about it.  I applied because my mother heard about it and thought I would be better off.  I only applied because she wanted me to.  I only had the phone interview because I figured that God was opening another door.  I had the in person interview because I know that God never fails and where He leads He provides.  It was all a matter of trust...however, after the in person interview I had my hopes up and really hoped that God would give me the job.  And He did.  Not only did He give me the job but He gave me strength each day to get up and go to work and then to come home and work on m studies. Surprisingly, I am almost done with all that I needed to get done today (but its still a good thing that I called off work).  

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Simply put it - I am thrilled at God's faithfulness and have been encouraged because He has believers at my job place that attend my church! I was shocked to go in to work on Monday and be greeted by a security guard who attends my church.  Then, later on when getting ID pictures taken, the lady said that i looked familiar and asked if i go to her church.  She then asked if I was Donnie's daughter.  I told her she has the right family but the wrong brother.  I did find it odd that she didn't know my dad because my dad is a talker, especially at church and I think he knows the majority of the people there. 

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Anyway, keep trusting in God. He works everything together for good.  Sometimes our dreams don't work out as we want them to because they aren't God's dreams for us.  His dreams for us are always better than our little dreams.  Rejoice in the Lord!  Have a great Saturday!  

things that make me smile on my run today.

Today was a perfect day for a run outside. I was going to get up early and run but I decided to turn off my phone alarm and sleep in some. I ran in the afternoon.. was a much better decision because not only did I get to sleep but I had some company for part of my run.  I invited mom with me to run the block. She agreed and we had an enjoyable run around the block. It took us a half hour.  Then I went out for part two of my run. I couldn't waste a beautiful day like today..so I did some of the block again and Lake Louise Road (a steep hill road). On the way back home from Lake Louise, I noticed a few things that made me smile.  First off, homemade "No trespassing signs".  These were very original. A white board with blue lettering.  I saw these signs on both sides of the street..so basically the only part that you can trespass on is the road.  Then, I saw an updated sign that read: "No trespassing. No Hunting."  I thought it was funny that whoever made the sign added the second part.  Obviously there shouldn't be any hunting if there is a "no trespassing sign".  Unless, someone hunts from the road... (can anyone say "Redneck"?)

The second thing that made me smile was the "Easter tree." Maybe you have seen one of these where you live.  Some people really get into the holidays and feel if we have a Christmas tree then we should have a tree for all the holidays.  The "Easter tree" that I passed on my run was a tree with colorful Easter eggs hanging from it.  Personally, I think the "easter tree" is ugly and highly unnatural.  Eggs never appear hanging off trees...until now. 

Shortly down the road from the "Easter tree" was another tree that made me smile.  I think I'll call this tree..."Bird Hotel Tree."  Once again, it was a single tree but full of birdhouses and two golden snowflake decorations from Christmastime.  When I mean full of birdhouses, I truly mean it.  These birdhouses were all different shapes, sizes, and colors.  On my way past this house, I didn't want to stop and stare at their "Bird Hotel Tree" but I quickly counted ten birdhouses in this rather tiny tree.  I wanted to stop and ask if they are planning on putting any bird feeders in the tree anytime soon... that way it is a "bed and breakfast" for the birds.   

And that's my running adventure for today.  188 days until race day... oh boy... this is just the beginning of many running stories i'm sure I'll have by race day.

The End of march 2011

Wow... It's nearing the end of March... have an hour and half left of this month.  I thought I would blog one final time for this month..since I have been slacking at blogging lately.  Life got busy and I put off blogging.  It's all a matter of priorities... I like to vent and share my thoughts, my life, but when I have more important things to do, then blogging gets booted out of my day. And that's been the story of my life for the past few days...  .

 Yet, through it all God has been faithful and good.  I am still recovering from being blessed with a new job.  I am so thankful for this.  The other night at work, I informed my manager but since it was rather short notice, I asked to be put back on the FLEX (floaters, part time) team.  She asked me questions about it, and then had me fill out my resignation form. She said that I had to resign from my part time in kids before they are able to put me back on the FLEX team.  It seemed a little odd to me, but I did it anyway.  And I must admit, if I need to spread news, I should just tell her.  I mean, I only told my manager about my new job and going back to the FLEX team.  One day I come into work and my co-workers are asking me about it.  Even today, I was working in kid's department and around 4pm the phone near the register rings.  I answer it, "Hello, Macy's children's department, this is Amber, how may I assist you?" and the person on the other end is Diane.  I worked with her yesterday when I was working in shoes for a little while.  Anyway, she called because she heard that  I got a new job.  I wanted to ask who told her this...but refrained.  It is interesting how word spreads...

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Schoolwork... that's mainly why I haven't blogged lately...and its what I'll be doing all day tomorrow.  Ahhh, the joys of life...schoolwork and a coffee date for me tomorrow.

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Today, Dayzee chewed a chunk out of my parent's 2 seater couch.  Needless to say, Dayzee is in the dog house for sure tonight.. (just kidding..but she should be). 

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I won hand lotion made in France the other day but since I didn't like how it smelled I gave it to mom.  She loves the stuff.  

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I read this passage on my lunch break and wanted to share it with you..so enjoy and keep walking with the Lord.

Ephesians 3:14-21

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For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family^a in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

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some key phrases that caught my eye and made me think about them:

* "being rooted and established in love" - just as a tree has roots that soak up water and other nutrients for the entire tree and is fruit, we too are supposed to be soaking up God's love and internalizing His love for us.  Being rooted in love allows us to be fruitful in love.  Other people can receive blessings from our fruit if we are rooted in God's love. 

* "together with all the saints" - makes me a saint!  I'm forgiven and a saint in the Kingdom of God.! Praise the Lord!

* "Him who is able to do immeasurably more" - God is able to do!  Nothing is impossible for Him! Sometimes I have a small view of God and a big view of my problems.  When instead I need to have a small view of my problems and a big view of my God. 

Looking back...

Last year at this time, my life was so different. I'm so glad God had other plans for my life than I had.  God is so faithful and good.  I can honestly say that I've grown closer to Him this past year with all its ups and downs.  Its so neat to look back on last year and see how God has been working in my life.   He is so faithful and to think that for too long I was the one in charge of my life.  How foolish was that! Very foolish...I know.  I am so thankful that God can use my shortcomings for His glory.  He truly can make all things new and He can make everything work together for good because He is the Creator and Lord of all. Too often I find myself looking back and having regrets when I should be looking forward and trusting Him.  Each day is a new day to walk closer with Jesus. I am so blessed to serve Him. 

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Keep walking with the Lord.  

what a Monday. :)

Today was a most interesting day. 

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Today was the first full day of spring but when I woke up there was snow/ice on the ground. 

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At the morning meeting at work they discussed a new attendance policy. An interesting start to a Monday. 

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I had a full shift at work - which is unusual for a Monday (but its only because it was Kim's day off). 

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A co-worker offered to hook me up on a blind date. I declined. 

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The day at work went by fast even though it was a slow day for business. 

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I was offered a new full time job. I accepted. 

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Stopped at Wegmans for some more Cho-bani yogurt.  And also bought a new nail polish color...it was on sale for 99 cents and I needed a new color for my finger nails anyway.

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My last half of work today was full of thankfulness and praise to God.  I am so thankful that He has provided this new job for me.  So thankful.  Now, I just need wisdom on what to do about my old job.  Should I talk to my manger and go to an on call position?  Or should I just give them my 2 weeks notice?  Prayer is appreciated on this matter.  Lately I've learned that no decision is too small to make on your own strength.  Prayer is so important yet so often we overlook the importance of prayer and hastily make decisions on our own strength. 

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Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 

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1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

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Matthew 6:28-34

And why are you worried about clothing?  Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?  you of little faith!  Do not worry the, saying, "What will we eat?" or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?; for the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

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Praise the Lord! He knows my needs and has answered my prayers.  He truly is my Provider.  He is Faithful and I can trust in Him.

Thank you to all who prayed for my during this time.  Please continue to pray that God will give me wisdom on whether to quit my current job or stay at it part time.

Have a great day!

Keep walking with the Lord and trusting in Him. 

Lost Adventure with @LaBar89 and Dayzee.

A lovely Friday late morning/early afternoon adventure with my brother and our puppy.  We started out on a yellow trial at Frances Slocum State park.  Somewhere we crossed paths with the red trail.  We stayed on this long red trail.  It ended up being part of a big loop.  We have no idea where we were at for this trip.  We would highly recommend that the park people properly label the trails so that we know which trail we are on.  Just a tip. It would also help emergency units reach an injury if the trails were not only named but had mile markers.  

Anyway, Dayzee had a great time.  She was sniffing and at times Sean let her pick which way to go when the red trail split. It was a beautiful almost spring day.  The only thing that I didn't plan for was all the mud. The trails were either a big puddle or a muddy mess.  I guess that's my fault for wanting to go on the trails too early in the season.  

It was perfectly enjoyable.  Next time I will take a compass along.  

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