Sympathy mixed with disgust

I hope that the estimates are wrong and there aren't thousands dead in Louisianna! They said that it could be hundreds or thousands - I hope that they are wrong about such high numbers.

But really - a man who was looting the grocery store just said "I've got 6 or 7 grandchildren to feed." Now come on, how could you not know how many grandchildren you have to feed??? Ok maybe he is still hoping to have someone rescued but it just hit me wrong.

It could be 2-3 months until they get electricity back down there. Lord, use this time in whatever way you need to, to reach the lost.

It's the first week of school - and I am at home cooking, doing laundry and helping Mom with projects. It is a much more relaxed time frame!

Change

I have been wrestling with change lately - letting it worry me. Change in my life, my former school, my church. As I read my bible - and copied much of 2 Peter, chapter one (I love those lists!!!), I prayed for God to direct my life forward, and keep me from worry and concerns.

After I read my bible and pray and occasionally journal some, I have been reading from a daybook for women my age called "Younger by the Day". This is not a Christian book; however, I have been enjoying the perspective from someone a little older than I am on focusing on what is important in life and the changes we make as women once our nests are empty.

Here is today's reading - straight from God to me I think - and I am just substituting the word God for the word life in the last two or three sentences!

"August 25: Let Life (God) Flow
I love the title of the play 'Your Arms Are Too Short to Box with God.' We all have short arms when trying to manipulate life to suit us.
Life has its rhythm and we have ours. They're designed to coexist in harmony, so that when we do what is ours to do and otherwise let life be, we garner acceptance and serenity. Certainly we're supposed to envision what we want and work toward that, but we'll stress ourselves into the geriatric ward early if we think we can control the nuances, detours, and timing along the way. Even the ultimate outcome is out of our hands, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. What we want just might get us into no end of trouble, or it could keep us from something better, or from learning some truth we've waited a lifetime to discover.
Perhaps you remember the hippies' mantra, 'Go with the flow.' They had a point. Obsessing over the way things proceed just makes you worried, and fighting against it just makes you weary. Instead, stand back and look as a neutral observer at the twists and turns life takes, all the while putting one foot in front of the other and doing what is before you to do. When you aren't getting in life's (God's) way, it (He) does all it (He) can to help you out.
Revitalize your life with words: I flow with the current of life (God). I am secure and content."

This was a timely reminder and affirmation to me - stay out of God's way, let Him work, and wait for His best to happen in my life. Thanks Lord for the provision of Your wisdom and peace!

Going to work

What? going to work? what?

Actually I am mentoring the new director at Montessori this year so I will be going in every 2nd week this fall, every third later this winter and then once a month or so through the spring, until she knows her way through the work of a school year. Today we're talking about the key work of back to school weeks!

E and E stayed last night and this morning he's helping Mark put the three garage doors in at the church garage. Mark is anxious to finish the project, returns to work next week and has had a difficult time keeping the project going, getting help, etc. If he can get the concrete in professionally he'll be able to work on finishing during the fall.

I'm off to get ready for work! go figure!

We're Home!

It is so great to sleep in your own bed! too bad I make these old ladyish comments - but, after all, I AM the middle aged blogger! We had a relaxing trip and my mom did very well with us. I am, however, very used to the beach trips now where you just hang out and knit, read, talk and relax. It was a change to spend a week in hotels - cause you feel more like you need to be out and on the go all the time. I think I like the "down-time" vacations better, but we did have a good time.

We have come back to a very changed life. Anna called me off and on with school news, and we talked with Lars and Pastor Scott along our travels to keep up with the church news. Pastoral transitions are always painful - yet God does bring these changes to us, and we must wait... Pray that all have God's direction as decisions are made!

I'm beginning to work on putting together my fall schedule. It will help my sense of purpose. Mark and I looked over the week to come on the calendar Saturday and he said I have plenty to do! I want to wait on God for other things to add or subtract to my life so that this time remains available to Him the way it should.

Travel prep

I am getting this family of 3 ready to travel for 8 days - and today is laundry day!!! There aren't too many details left to take care of but there's always some. And I don't want my mom to fret so I'm working to stay ahead of the game!

It looks like we are selling the condo to the school mom who wants it. We changed the price to match the appraisal and then she had to have everything re-approved. So, before we leave for Illinois on Friday I'm going to closing at 9 a.m. Then I have to go to the bank ! and do a few things with the money we get from closing! and then we will leave! How's that for exciting last minute work!?

Things are going well here for the most part. And I am continually thankful for God's abiding peace. Even though the weather got hot and sticky again! :)