My parents and I picked the kids up from school early on Tuesday so we could head to the airport. The school had already announced they were going to close at 1:00 due to the snow storm that was on it's way.
When we arrived at the airport in Greensboro, I was shocked to learn that our flight to Charlotte was cancelled. I guess the snow hit Charlotte first and was moving north towards us but in my packing frenzy I wasn't paying attention to the fact that snow would mean airport delays.
Luckily, we were quickly rebooked through Philadelphia and from there we went to Boston. We got to the gate and realized that the flight to Philadelphia that was supposed to take off an hour before our flight was still sitting at the gate. They rebooked us onto that flight and we luckily made it out without any furture delays. All in all we ended up in Boston only two hours later than we should have.
It was all fairly smooth sailing considering all the potential problems and as we were taking off from Greensboro, the kids were excited to see all the tiny powdery snowflakes swirling to the ground.
The kids have only flown once before so they were thrilled to be flying again. Sarah was a little nervous during the takeoffs but other than that, it was pure excitement for them. And they were champs trudging through the Philadelphia airport trying to find our gate which got switched between the time we got off the plane and read the departures board and got something to eat and double checked the departures board again.
The excitement for me came when I got to see Dan. Boy, did I miss him. I'm used to him travelling for work and being gone for a week at a time but this time felt different. I guess just the uncertainty of the trip and how long he was going to be gone and knowing that ultimately it was all going to end in a funeral left me a little more unnerved than I normally would be.
The wake, funeral, and burial were all lovely. I think Dan's mom would have been pleased by everyone that was able to attend and how nice each service was.
One of her brothers is a priest and his homily was beautiful. In fact, all of his homilies are so well thought out and well delivered that I wish I could hear him every week. There were 6 priests (one of them a Bishop) in attendance and I think that would have made her very happy. Although, knowing her, she would have wondered what all the fuss was about!
I'm glad Dan was able to spend the week before her death with her and I'm glad the kids and I were able to make it up there as well. (I was a little nervous that the doctor wasn't going to let me fly, but apparently that's a little myth that has been perpetuated through television sitcoms. At least that's where I've always seen pregnant women not being allowed to fly!)
And now we are back home. The normal schedule for the week is underway and music lessons, basketball practices, make-up tests and homework, regular tests and homework, laundry, grocery shopping, and more laundry all await.
But, I don't mind at all. Because that sounds like a normal week.
And normal is pretty good.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
RIP IMC
I wanted to share my mother-in-law's obituary. She was a very smart woman and well ahead of her time. She loved her family and her Catholic faith. She was fiercely loyal and had a bit of an Irish temper. She was a wonderful role model for me as a wife, a mom and a Catholic.
COTELL, Irene Mary (Browne) Was born in Boston, MA on 9 June 1927 to Jeremiah and Brigid Browne, who had come to America the previous year from Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.
She attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic Grade School in Roxbury followed by Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury. She was a 1948 graduate of Emmanuel College with a B.A. in Mathematics. She later earned a M.S. in Mathematics from Boston University in 1951.
After her graduate degree, she returned to Emmanuel where she taught math. In 1953, she went to work for the U.S. Air Force at Cambridge Research Labs (CRL) as a geophysicist. She conducted extensive analytical work on accumulated data that were used to track the movements of Fletcher's Ice Island, which was a U.S. Air Force glacial ice station in the Arctic Circle.
Her duties involved radio communications with researchers on the island to acquire and process data from the ice station. In 1960, she was invited to travel to the ice island for on-site duty in the Arctic. This trip above the Arctic Circle by Irene and her female colleague represented one of the earliest forays above that latitude ever undertaken by women.
While working for CRL, Irene met her husband, Robert Cotell, who had been on the earliest mission to the ice island. They were married in 1959 and had four children. In 1964, the couple moved to Wellesley, MA where they raised their four children.
Irene became an active member of St. Paul Parish, and a substitute teacher at St. Paul School. She was also a prominent leader in the Scouting movement where she served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Boy Scout Troop Committee member, and served various roles in the Norumbega Council.
She also enjoyed spending summers on Cape Cod, where her family owned a home in West Yarmouth. As a lifelong, devoted Catholic, she attended daily mass at both St. Paul church in Wellesley and St. Francis Xavier Church in Hyannis.
Irene is survived by her four children: Catherine of Alexandria VA, Robert of Fort Detrick, MD, Richard and his wife, Jennifer of Needham, MA and Daniel and his wife Elizabeth of Lexington, NC; her three grandchildren: Jillian of Needham and Peter and Sarah of Lexington, NC; and her two brothers: Gerald Browne and Rev. Robert Browne, both of Marlborough, MA. Irene was pre-deceased by her sister, Catherine Brigid.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street (Rt 16), WELLESLEY, Thursday at 9AM. Funeral Mass in St. Paul Church, Wellesley at 10AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8PM. Interment will be held on Friday, January 31, at 1PM in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Centerville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Knox Trail Council or the Alzheimer's Association .
For directions and guestbook, gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=irene-cotell
We will miss you, Nana.
COTELL, Irene Mary (Browne) Was born in Boston, MA on 9 June 1927 to Jeremiah and Brigid Browne, who had come to America the previous year from Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.
She attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic Grade School in Roxbury followed by Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury. She was a 1948 graduate of Emmanuel College with a B.A. in Mathematics. She later earned a M.S. in Mathematics from Boston University in 1951.
After her graduate degree, she returned to Emmanuel where she taught math. In 1953, she went to work for the U.S. Air Force at Cambridge Research Labs (CRL) as a geophysicist. She conducted extensive analytical work on accumulated data that were used to track the movements of Fletcher's Ice Island, which was a U.S. Air Force glacial ice station in the Arctic Circle.
Her duties involved radio communications with researchers on the island to acquire and process data from the ice station. In 1960, she was invited to travel to the ice island for on-site duty in the Arctic. This trip above the Arctic Circle by Irene and her female colleague represented one of the earliest forays above that latitude ever undertaken by women.
While working for CRL, Irene met her husband, Robert Cotell, who had been on the earliest mission to the ice island. They were married in 1959 and had four children. In 1964, the couple moved to Wellesley, MA where they raised their four children.
Irene became an active member of St. Paul Parish, and a substitute teacher at St. Paul School. She was also a prominent leader in the Scouting movement where she served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Boy Scout Troop Committee member, and served various roles in the Norumbega Council.
She also enjoyed spending summers on Cape Cod, where her family owned a home in West Yarmouth. As a lifelong, devoted Catholic, she attended daily mass at both St. Paul church in Wellesley and St. Francis Xavier Church in Hyannis.
Irene is survived by her four children: Catherine of Alexandria VA, Robert of Fort Detrick, MD, Richard and his wife, Jennifer of Needham, MA and Daniel and his wife Elizabeth of Lexington, NC; her three grandchildren: Jillian of Needham and Peter and Sarah of Lexington, NC; and her two brothers: Gerald Browne and Rev. Robert Browne, both of Marlborough, MA. Irene was pre-deceased by her sister, Catherine Brigid.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street (Rt 16), WELLESLEY, Thursday at 9AM. Funeral Mass in St. Paul Church, Wellesley at 10AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8PM. Interment will be held on Friday, January 31, at 1PM in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Centerville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Knox Trail Council or the Alzheimer's Association .
For directions and guestbook, gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=irene-cotell
We will miss you, Nana.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Updates and Belly Shot
Dan's mom passed away early on Saturday morning. We will all miss her but thankfully she is no longer suffering. And I know she is celebrating in heaven with Dan's father right now! In that, we all take great comfort.
The kids and I will be heading to Massachusetts on Tuesday. We are looking forward to seeing Dan. Even though he travels for work frequently, I believe the longest he has ever been gone for work is 9 days. We will have been a part 11 days by the time we see him. (I have a couple of friends with husbands in the military who are currently deployed, and even though I pray for them frequently, I always seem to ramp up my prayers for them when Dan is traveling.)
We kept busy this weekend. We had basketball games on Saturday afternoon and Mass on Sunday morning. On Sunday afternoon, Peter went to a friend's house to play while Sarah and I worked our shift at the Girl Scout cookie booth. Luckily it warmed up to the 40s so we didn't freeze!
And then of course, there was homework and studying for tests and now it's Monday and we just keep rolling along.
Here is the belly this week. Week 28, Day 6
The kids and I will be heading to Massachusetts on Tuesday. We are looking forward to seeing Dan. Even though he travels for work frequently, I believe the longest he has ever been gone for work is 9 days. We will have been a part 11 days by the time we see him. (I have a couple of friends with husbands in the military who are currently deployed, and even though I pray for them frequently, I always seem to ramp up my prayers for them when Dan is traveling.)
We kept busy this weekend. We had basketball games on Saturday afternoon and Mass on Sunday morning. On Sunday afternoon, Peter went to a friend's house to play while Sarah and I worked our shift at the Girl Scout cookie booth. Luckily it warmed up to the 40s so we didn't freeze!
And then of course, there was homework and studying for tests and now it's Monday and we just keep rolling along.
Here is the belly this week. Week 28, Day 6
Friday, January 24, 2014
Seven Quick Takes
Well, it's Friday so I'm going to do what I do best. Seven Quick Takes!
--1.-- Today is the school Spelling Bee. Both Peter and Sarah qualified to be in it. And two weeks ago when they both found out they were going to be in it they were all excited to study and learn the words so they could win.
And then homework, play dates, basketball games, and normal regularly scheduled life took over. I mentioned studying for the Spelling Bee several times to them and they both blew it off. I didn't force them, figuring they would learn a good life lesson in being prepared.
On Wednesday they both freaked out a little bit when they realized that the Spelling Bee was two days away, they were going to be standing up in front of the entire school and they were totally unprepared. That led to some frantic "studying" and I guess we will find out this afternoon how it goes.
--2.-- I know they won't win. An 8th grader will win. An 8th grader always wins and I'm fine with that. I'm just hoping that they learn that in the future they need to actually study and be prepared. And I think just getting up in front of the school and participating in the bee will be good experience for them.
But secretly I'm hoping that they both at least make it past the first or second round.
--3.-- Dan's mom is still hanging in there. I think it's the Irish in her! However, the end is nearing as her temperature was up yesterday and her breathing was becoming labored throughout the day. Please pray for comfort and peace for all of them.
--4.-- My Aunt Barbara and Uncle Chuck and cousin Meredith and her husband J.D. sent us the nicest Tower of Treats from Harry and David yesterday. I was a bad blogger and didn't take any picture before the kids and I dug into it but it was such a nice surprise.
Here's a stock photo from the Harry and David website:
It was loaded with pears, truffles, nuts, cookies, candies and baklava. And trust me when I say we dug right in!
--5.-- For Christmas, Sarah got a microphone stand with a mic. The mic plugs into Peter's guitar amp and I can hear her singing all through out the house. But lately, I have found the stand and mic (with plug removed) parked in front of my full length mirror. I usually find Sarah in front of it performing for herself and checking out how she looks in the mirror. But I have also found Peter with his guitar (also unplugged) standing in front of the mic and the mirror checking himself out as well. I guess a future star has to know how they are going to look on stage?!
--6.-- This morning as the kids were brushing their teeth, I overheard Peter say to Sarah, "You better never expose your boobies in public!"
Good advice, son. Sarah, I hope you were paying attention to wise older brother.
--7.-- And since I'm all out of takes, how about if I use my last one to beg for votes? If you so desire, please head over to Bonnie's and vote for me. CLICK HERE! Find Best Blog Written By A Mom and scroll all the way to the bottom of that category until you see A Mom's Life and vote.
And I also just realized I am also in the category of Best Under Appreciated Blog as well. So if you've got it in you, vote for me in both categories! If not, no worries. I'm still just happy to have been nominated and all that jazz.
I hope you all have a great weekend and stay warm! Oh, and don't forget to head over to Jen's to see what everyone else has been up to this week.
--1.-- Today is the school Spelling Bee. Both Peter and Sarah qualified to be in it. And two weeks ago when they both found out they were going to be in it they were all excited to study and learn the words so they could win.
And then homework, play dates, basketball games, and normal regularly scheduled life took over. I mentioned studying for the Spelling Bee several times to them and they both blew it off. I didn't force them, figuring they would learn a good life lesson in being prepared.
On Wednesday they both freaked out a little bit when they realized that the Spelling Bee was two days away, they were going to be standing up in front of the entire school and they were totally unprepared. That led to some frantic "studying" and I guess we will find out this afternoon how it goes.
--2.-- I know they won't win. An 8th grader will win. An 8th grader always wins and I'm fine with that. I'm just hoping that they learn that in the future they need to actually study and be prepared. And I think just getting up in front of the school and participating in the bee will be good experience for them.
But secretly I'm hoping that they both at least make it past the first or second round.
--3.-- Dan's mom is still hanging in there. I think it's the Irish in her! However, the end is nearing as her temperature was up yesterday and her breathing was becoming labored throughout the day. Please pray for comfort and peace for all of them.
--4.-- My Aunt Barbara and Uncle Chuck and cousin Meredith and her husband J.D. sent us the nicest Tower of Treats from Harry and David yesterday. I was a bad blogger and didn't take any picture before the kids and I dug into it but it was such a nice surprise.
Here's a stock photo from the Harry and David website:
--5.-- For Christmas, Sarah got a microphone stand with a mic. The mic plugs into Peter's guitar amp and I can hear her singing all through out the house. But lately, I have found the stand and mic (with plug removed) parked in front of my full length mirror. I usually find Sarah in front of it performing for herself and checking out how she looks in the mirror. But I have also found Peter with his guitar (also unplugged) standing in front of the mic and the mirror checking himself out as well. I guess a future star has to know how they are going to look on stage?!
--6.-- This morning as the kids were brushing their teeth, I overheard Peter say to Sarah, "You better never expose your boobies in public!"
Good advice, son. Sarah, I hope you were paying attention to wise older brother.
--7.-- And since I'm all out of takes, how about if I use my last one to beg for votes? If you so desire, please head over to Bonnie's and vote for me. CLICK HERE! Find Best Blog Written By A Mom and scroll all the way to the bottom of that category until you see A Mom's Life and vote.
And I also just realized I am also in the category of Best Under Appreciated Blog as well. So if you've got it in you, vote for me in both categories! If not, no worries. I'm still just happy to have been nominated and all that jazz.
I hope you all have a great weekend and stay warm! Oh, and don't forget to head over to Jen's to see what everyone else has been up to this week.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Guess what?
Guess what?
Someone nominated me for a Sheenazing Award!
For all of you non-Catholic bloggers out there who aren't aware, the Sheenazing Awards are hosted by Bonnie at A Knotted Life. And in her words:
"The Sheenazing Blogger Awards get their name from Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, who was amazing at using the newest forms of media to communicate the beauty of the Catholic Church and his love of Christ to the world. They are a fun way to celebrate the excellence of the Catholic blogosphere."
I was nominated in the category of Best Blog Written By A Mom. And while there are tons of wonderfully funny and extremely well-written blogs in that category, if you feel the desire I would appreciate a vote.
Head over here to vote. And then scroll down to Best Blog Written By A Mom Category and then keep scrolling waaaaaaaaaaay down until you see A Mom's Life. I'm the very last one so you can't miss me!
I'm certain that I won't win but as they say at all the major award ceremonies, "It's such a privilege and an honor just to be nominated."
Someone nominated me for a Sheenazing Award!
For all of you non-Catholic bloggers out there who aren't aware, the Sheenazing Awards are hosted by Bonnie at A Knotted Life. And in her words:
"The Sheenazing Blogger Awards get their name from Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, who was amazing at using the newest forms of media to communicate the beauty of the Catholic Church and his love of Christ to the world. They are a fun way to celebrate the excellence of the Catholic blogosphere."
I was nominated in the category of Best Blog Written By A Mom. And while there are tons of wonderfully funny and extremely well-written blogs in that category, if you feel the desire I would appreciate a vote.
Head over here to vote. And then scroll down to Best Blog Written By A Mom Category and then keep scrolling waaaaaaaaaaay down until you see A Mom's Life. I'm the very last one so you can't miss me!
I'm certain that I won't win but as they say at all the major award ceremonies, "It's such a privilege and an honor just to be nominated."
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Just another Wednesday around here.
My mother-in-law continues to defy the hospice odds and is still hanging on. My husband said that yesterday that he and his sister had a very hard time getting her to wake up. She was in a very deep sleep for most of the day. And they were basically unsuccessful at getting her to eat any food.
The hospice nurses are still declaring that it will be any day now so they continue to wait.
The kids and I are doing fine here. I miss him but I know he's exactly where he needs to be.
We are up to our eyeballs in homework and music lessons and sports practices so things are fairly normal here.
I took my glucose test on Monday and am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't hear back from the doctor's office. No call means all clear. A call means I get to have the fun of a three hour glucose test.
The weather forecasters were predicting snow yesterday evening so Peter's basketball practice got called off in anticipation of a "weather event" that never happened. (That's how we do things in the south. We call off things just in case it snows because no one here can drive in it and the snow plows are few and far between.) But, ultimately, it ended up being okay because Peter had a ton of homework and he got to play online with one of his friends from school.
Today I am taking Sarah to get her hair trimmed. We typically only do this once or twice a year and it really needs a good whacking. Previously she has been very hesitant to get even the slightest bit trimmed off but today she wants several inches cut off. And I think it needs it because there's a lot of split ends happening.
Baby Rebecca continues to kick and punch the living daylights out of me. Occasionally her kicks will be so hard they make me jump. But I'm enjoying every single one of them. Thank you for your continued prayers for her.
And that's about all that's going on around here.
The hospice nurses are still declaring that it will be any day now so they continue to wait.
The kids and I are doing fine here. I miss him but I know he's exactly where he needs to be.
We are up to our eyeballs in homework and music lessons and sports practices so things are fairly normal here.
I took my glucose test on Monday and am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't hear back from the doctor's office. No call means all clear. A call means I get to have the fun of a three hour glucose test.
The weather forecasters were predicting snow yesterday evening so Peter's basketball practice got called off in anticipation of a "weather event" that never happened. (That's how we do things in the south. We call off things just in case it snows because no one here can drive in it and the snow plows are few and far between.) But, ultimately, it ended up being okay because Peter had a ton of homework and he got to play online with one of his friends from school.
Today I am taking Sarah to get her hair trimmed. We typically only do this once or twice a year and it really needs a good whacking. Previously she has been very hesitant to get even the slightest bit trimmed off but today she wants several inches cut off. And I think it needs it because there's a lot of split ends happening.
Baby Rebecca continues to kick and punch the living daylights out of me. Occasionally her kicks will be so hard they make me jump. But I'm enjoying every single one of them. Thank you for your continued prayers for her.
And that's about all that's going on around here.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Aaaaaannnnnddd.....
Both kids are playing basketball again this year. This is Sarah's fifth year and I am excited to report that: SHE FINALLY GETS IT!!!
I'm not sure what is going on this year but she actually finally understands the difference between offense and defense and she knows what to do on both!
Not only is she shooting AND scoring, but she is also stealing the ball and and attempting to block shots!
This is only Peter's second year playing and he's still a little timid. He's not aggressive on defense yet but he wants the ball and will shoot when he gets the chance.
I love watching these two play. And the absolute best part about basketball? It is played indoors! (And that's a big plus for me!)
Here's some shots of this past weekends actions.
I'm not sure what is going on this year but she actually finally understands the difference between offense and defense and she knows what to do on both!
Not only is she shooting AND scoring, but she is also stealing the ball and and attempting to block shots!
This is only Peter's second year playing and he's still a little timid. He's not aggressive on defense yet but he wants the ball and will shoot when he gets the chance.
I love watching these two play. And the absolute best part about basketball? It is played indoors! (And that's a big plus for me!)
Here's some shots of this past weekends actions.
 |
| Sarah shoots! |
 |
| Aaaaaannnnndddddd..... |
 |
| She scores!!!! |
 |
| Jumping up to block a shot. |
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| And he shoots and scores too!!!!! |
Sunday, January 19, 2014
WIWS, Belly Shot, Update
I'm rolling a lot into one post:
WIWS (Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple)
Belly Shot
Update
WIWS:
Please excuse the overexposed shots. I still had my camera set for taking pictures in the gym at the kid's basketball games. And my little camera girl was in no mood to take extra pictures this morning.
Sweater: Kohl's (1/2 off!)
Pants: Kohl's
Boots: Target
Belly: Week 27 Day 6
Update:
Dan called me from work on Friday. It seems his mom had taken a turn for the worse and Hospice was expecting her to live only a few more days.
He had a business trip to Ireland planned for Monday and had to do some quick scrambling at work to get someone to fill in for him. While he was doing this, I got online and booked him a flight to Massachusetts and a rental car and started packing his bag.
When he got home from work that evening, the kids and I drove him to the airport.
And now we wait.
The kid's had basketball games yesterday so we went to those. And Peter had a sleepover scheduled for last night so we picked up his friends. We attended Mass this morning. And now Sarah has a friend over.
I am waiting for the phone call from Dan saying it is time to book tickets to join him in Massachusetts. At the same time, I am also expecting a call from him saying he is coming home because she continues to hang on.
When we first found out that his mom had Leukemia and had 6 months or less to live, one of the first things that popped into my head was the timing of it all.
What if she died at the same time I delivered Rebecca? What if there were two funerals scheduled at the same time and we were only able to make one? What if Dan was in Massachusetts and I went into labor and he wasn't here to be with me? What if I delivered Rebecca and she was hanging on and his mom passed away? Would he go up there and miss precious time with Rebecca or would he stay here and miss precious time with his Mom?
And then I stopped the questions and the worry and and laid it all at His feet. And I felt relief.
What better place to leave my worries about timing and my crazy pregnant lady what-ifs? Because, after all, He is the one in control of the beginnings and the endings. No amount of worry or planning on my part is going to change anything.
So I am trusting God's timing and not worrying because...
WIWS (Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple)
Belly Shot
Update
WIWS:
Please excuse the overexposed shots. I still had my camera set for taking pictures in the gym at the kid's basketball games. And my little camera girl was in no mood to take extra pictures this morning.
xxx
Sweater: Kohl's (1/2 off!)
Pants: Kohl's
Boots: Target
Belly: Week 27 Day 6
Update:
Dan called me from work on Friday. It seems his mom had taken a turn for the worse and Hospice was expecting her to live only a few more days.
He had a business trip to Ireland planned for Monday and had to do some quick scrambling at work to get someone to fill in for him. While he was doing this, I got online and booked him a flight to Massachusetts and a rental car and started packing his bag.
When he got home from work that evening, the kids and I drove him to the airport.
And now we wait.
The kid's had basketball games yesterday so we went to those. And Peter had a sleepover scheduled for last night so we picked up his friends. We attended Mass this morning. And now Sarah has a friend over.
I am waiting for the phone call from Dan saying it is time to book tickets to join him in Massachusetts. At the same time, I am also expecting a call from him saying he is coming home because she continues to hang on.
When we first found out that his mom had Leukemia and had 6 months or less to live, one of the first things that popped into my head was the timing of it all.
What if she died at the same time I delivered Rebecca? What if there were two funerals scheduled at the same time and we were only able to make one? What if Dan was in Massachusetts and I went into labor and he wasn't here to be with me? What if I delivered Rebecca and she was hanging on and his mom passed away? Would he go up there and miss precious time with Rebecca or would he stay here and miss precious time with his Mom?
And then I stopped the questions and the worry and and laid it all at His feet. And I felt relief.
What better place to leave my worries about timing and my crazy pregnant lady what-ifs? Because, after all, He is the one in control of the beginnings and the endings. No amount of worry or planning on my part is going to change anything.
So I am trusting God's timing and not worrying because...
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. - Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, January 17, 2014
Just get through it. Maybe there's more.
All the good bloggers dutifully post their New Year's Resolutions at the beginning of the year. And the really good bloggers will actually work on them throughout the year and post periodic updates on their progress.
Well, being a semi-good blogger I have posted resolutions in years past. But being a normal person (read: lazy, busy with life, unmotivated) I never completed my list. And honestly, rarely even got half way on many of them.
So this year, with everything going on, I knew there was no way I was even going to pretend to come up with a list of resolutions. My main goal for this year is simple: just get through it.
A lot of good bloggers, in addition to posting their resolutions, will also come up with a word for the year. They pray to God asking him to give them a word for the year and then they use the word to guide them through the year.
Again, I wasn't planning on doing even this because, well, my plan for the year is to just get through it.
And honestly, just getting through it seems like a big goal for me this year. Not sure if I've mentioned this or not, but in addition to all that we are facing with Rebecca this year, Dan's mom has been diagnosed with leukemia. It will not be treated because of her age and her Alzheimer's. She has been given between 2 - 6 months to live. Dan's work is crazy busy right now and he's always stressed out about that. Peter and Sarah are both tired of school and homework and are ready for summer vacation. And, not sure if you've checked the calendar or not, but it is still 5 months away.
So at this point, just get through it seems like a pretty tall order.
But after reading post after post with other peoples words, I thought, perhaps I should just ask God for a word and see what happens. So, for several days, I prayed that God would give me a word to lead me through this year.
Nothing happened. No word dropped down from the sky in flashing lights. No one sent me an email that contained only one ward in bold print. No word just mysteriously popped into my mind with angelic singing in the back ground.
So I went on my way. Trudging through yet another day, just trying to get through it.
But then, a couple of days ago, as I was praying for my kids and my husband from my Stormie Omartian books (The Power of a Praying Wife and The Power of a Praying Parent), I realized it had been a very long time since I prayer for myself from her The Power of a Praying Woman book. So I picked up mycopy and began praying some of the prayers for myself. And several of the prayers that I prayed and Bible verses referenced contained the word joy. (I scoffed a little knowing that I had no joy. None!)
I was reading my daily devotion from Jesus Calling right after praying and the word peace was prevalent. (I scoffed again knowing that I had no peace. None!)
And then throughout the next couple of days the words Peace and Joy continued to float through my mind.
And I realized. God had given me not one word but two!
So, I am marching bravely into the new year knowing that with God by my side, I can make it through all of these trials. And not only just get through them, I can have Peace and Joy in the process.
And here is how I plan to have both peace and joy in the midst of what promises to most likely be one of the most painful years we have experienced as a family.
1. I will thank him for my problems. I will thank him for my trials. I will thank him for everything and I will let him take control. I will let his plan unfold.
Well, being a semi-good blogger I have posted resolutions in years past. But being a normal person (read: lazy, busy with life, unmotivated) I never completed my list. And honestly, rarely even got half way on many of them.
So this year, with everything going on, I knew there was no way I was even going to pretend to come up with a list of resolutions. My main goal for this year is simple: just get through it.
A lot of good bloggers, in addition to posting their resolutions, will also come up with a word for the year. They pray to God asking him to give them a word for the year and then they use the word to guide them through the year.
Again, I wasn't planning on doing even this because, well, my plan for the year is to just get through it.
And honestly, just getting through it seems like a big goal for me this year. Not sure if I've mentioned this or not, but in addition to all that we are facing with Rebecca this year, Dan's mom has been diagnosed with leukemia. It will not be treated because of her age and her Alzheimer's. She has been given between 2 - 6 months to live. Dan's work is crazy busy right now and he's always stressed out about that. Peter and Sarah are both tired of school and homework and are ready for summer vacation. And, not sure if you've checked the calendar or not, but it is still 5 months away.
So at this point, just get through it seems like a pretty tall order.
But after reading post after post with other peoples words, I thought, perhaps I should just ask God for a word and see what happens. So, for several days, I prayed that God would give me a word to lead me through this year.
Nothing happened. No word dropped down from the sky in flashing lights. No one sent me an email that contained only one ward in bold print. No word just mysteriously popped into my mind with angelic singing in the back ground.
So I went on my way. Trudging through yet another day, just trying to get through it.
But then, a couple of days ago, as I was praying for my kids and my husband from my Stormie Omartian books (The Power of a Praying Wife and The Power of a Praying Parent), I realized it had been a very long time since I prayer for myself from her The Power of a Praying Woman book. So I picked up mycopy and began praying some of the prayers for myself. And several of the prayers that I prayed and Bible verses referenced contained the word joy. (I scoffed a little knowing that I had no joy. None!)
I was reading my daily devotion from Jesus Calling right after praying and the word peace was prevalent. (I scoffed again knowing that I had no peace. None!)
And then throughout the next couple of days the words Peace and Joy continued to float through my mind.
And I realized. God had given me not one word but two!
So, I am marching bravely into the new year knowing that with God by my side, I can make it through all of these trials. And not only just get through them, I can have Peace and Joy in the process.
And here is how I plan to have both peace and joy in the midst of what promises to most likely be one of the most painful years we have experienced as a family.
1. I will thank him for my problems. I will thank him for my trials. I will thank him for everything and I will let him take control. I will let his plan unfold.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:6-7
2. I will not continue to obsess over my problems and my worries and my fears. I will give them to God and trust that he will take care of them.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:6-7
3. I will continue to write my 1000 Gifts List even on days I don't feel like trying to find something to be thankful for. Some days it can feel like a chore to find something to be thankful for but once you start looking for all the small things God sends you each day, you will realize that even in stress and strife, there is beauty, love, and yes, joy and peace. Some days for me it's a sunflower, a cheeseburger, and a hug from my kid. Other days it's a job offer, a refund check and a great report card. The little gifts combined with the big gifts, make a truly beautiful life even in the midst of sorrow and pain.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I guess in a nutshell, my plan for joy and peace in a year where I will be struggling just to get through is to lay my worries before God, thank God, and trust in God. And really, isn't that what he wants from each one of us everyday?
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13
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