Random Monday Thoughts

• Two days in bed will certainly make you appreciate your health, once restored. Oh my word, last time I was sick I discovered a Jon and Kate marathon, and became temporarily hooked on that show. This time, Tori and Dean was running a day long catch up on the last season... fascinating in my fever induced state. Not so much in retrospect. Oh, well, it go me through the day!
• Loving my chai latte today, soothing the last of this sore throat away.
• Crazily, at the height of feeling sorry for myself Friday, Rusty called with the news that the contract from the other people fell through on the house we wanted. (Oh yeah, we pulled our bid out Tuesday because we felt like it was too much stress to carry two mortgages, and we truly believed it shouldn't require such jumping through hoops if it was Gods plan. Still really felt it was "our" house, and trusted God to make it work.) So yesterday I frantically organized the pantry and bagged food to take to the food pantry (Who needs 3 cans of crushed pineapple or 3 bags of flour? I clearly need a better shopping system- we don't even use crushed pineapple!), while Rusty sorted and purged. I guess our house goes on the market today or tomorrow, not quite sure, I'm still in a stupor over the turn of events. As long as our house sells first we should be fine, but if the other one is sold, we are staying and not looking anymore.
• I tore apart the scarf I am knitting, for the second time. Geesh! It was turning into an afghan instead of a scarf, and since we don't live in the arctic, I don't really need that much wrapped around my neck. I'm trying it again with only 18 stitches, we'll see if it grows, too. I hope I get it completed before spring... trying to appreciate the hobby, and not necessarily just the outcome.
• My house is a mess, the shelves in my office collapsed under the excess weight I loaded on them, and missing one day of work seems to have set me back a week. It feels like I will never get caught up today, but I am trusting God to just carry me through:-) I made the time to do today's homework from Esther, and it feels so good to be back in an organized Bible study. I love my daily devotions, and my own studies, but there is something to be said for a concentrated study of one book over 10 weeks time. I love the continuity, and Beth Moore truly seems to bring to the surface things I never would have noticed on my own.
• I need to sign Cailin up for spring field hockey, and write the congratulatory ads for the girls play (due weeks ago!), and also help Cailin write a formal rsvp for her junior cotillion formal dance. Oh, that reminds me that I still haven't returned the dresses from the semi- formal in December that she opted not to wear. Have mercy, do you see how behind I am. Guess blogging isn't the best use of my time, and on that note, I'm off to work.

Fun ??? Friday

If you happen to catch your daughters cold, and feel like doing nothing other than burying your head under the covers until the 3:00 carpool, I recommend the above items. You probably will also want to put the puppy in her crate, so she won't be trying to lick your nose when you fall asleep.

I'm off to follow my own advice:-)

A Big Day

I want to remember the hype surrounding todays inaugeration, because like all major life events, soon this will be nothing more than a memory, as our country gets back to focusing on the business at hand.

The local news shows image after image of traffic snaking along, trying to find parking in the metro lots which were already 90% full at 6:00 a.m. Police predicted that we, 50 miles south of DC, could be in gridlock for 24 hours. Locals are renting rooms for $1000.00 a night, while I saw on t.v. that others opened up their home for free, hosting Germans, students, and middle Eastern guests.

It's a crazy time, as so many celebrate our new president as a savior for our country. I don't see him as such, and honestly oppose much of what he stands for. However, as the leader of our country, I choose to pray for him, and ask God to give him the wisdom he needs to protect and lead the United States.

In the midst of the hoopla for the inaugeration, Rusty and I wait to hear if our offer on a new house has been accepted, and if we are going forward with this move. It has been incredibly stressful to weigh the pros and cons in a pretty iffy real estate market, but we have sought God and feel He is guiding us. Once again I am reminded that we have to "step out of the boat" if we want to allow God to do great things in our life, and honestly, I struggle with this. I realize I am often content to keep paddling along, safe and comfortable, instead of trusting that God will carry me and allow me the blessing of walking with Him, in unknown territory, if I just step out in faith.

So today is a big day for our country, and a big day for our family. I'm so thankful that I have the assurance of God's sovereign grace for both circumstances.

What A Difference A Day Makes

Yesterday I was looking forward to a long overdue dinner with my husband and close friends. At Bonefish. One of our favorite date restaurants.

Instead, I spent 2 hours in the pediatricians office, waiting for the results of strep and flu tests. By the time we left their office the lights were off and the parking lot was empty. Cassidy was starving, so I caved and said yes to nuggets and milkshakes from McDonalds. Bad idea for the sister who has been coughing uncontrollably for the better part of two days. Daddy will be cleaning up the floor mats tomorrow morning. 'Nuff said.

Thanks to the drive through window at CVS I was able to obtain the magical cough potion that promises sleep for us all tonight. I'm especially hoping it is effective, as the little sister started sneezing this evening, and is apparently nipping at the heels of the cold Cailin has been battling. Ugh!

Yesterday I believed this would be the view of the laundry room entry of my new home...

Today the realtor called with the heartbreaking news that another offer had been made for "our house". The "good" news is that if we are willing to sell our soul, sacrifice equity, and attempt to own two homes indefinitely in a plummeting housing market, I can still have my dream home. Hmmm tough decision.

Yesterday I was very proud of my ability to trust God in everything.

Today I realized it is easy to trust God, when things are going my way.

Father God, please keep my eyes and heart focused on you. Always and in everything.

The Little Things

Soft music playing, refrigerator humming, taco soup simmering, and warm bread rising.

Nothing special, but it fills my heart with contentment this cold January day to know that all is cozy in my home.