Back to school

So, after a 25 day break for Christmas and New Years, the kids finally headed back to school. Garrett trudged off to the Academy and Olivia trudged to her chair in the dining room. It was a good day. A little rough getting started, but good non-the-less.

Matt started a podcast with his childhood friend, Joe Masar and our friend, Kerr Ballantyne. It is very interesting, but mostly, a lot of fun seeing him do something that he really enjoys with people that he enjoys being with. I am proud of him/them and am having fun listening to them.

Life is good. I thank God for the reminder from His word today that He created the world with his outstretched arm and NOTHING is too difficult for Him! What a blessing to know that He holds the world in His hands and we are in that world.

Rest

Today's sermon was about resting in God. Our assistant pastor pointed out that God warns us not to pass by the rest that He offers us. So, today, I rested. I read, cruised the internet and took a short nap. I played on the Wii and enjoyed being irresponsible. It was fun. Now, how to squeeze that rest into regular life once we get back from Christmas break? I guess I will have to ponder that one for a while. Until then I leave you with this...Hebrews 4:1 " Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it."

Day 2: Choosing Joy

Today was my first day back to work in a few weeks. I have been struggling b/c I am the second receptionist for Saturday mornings at Weight Watchers. I LOVE my job. The thing that I am struggling with is that we have to have 30 members in order for me to stay. If there are less than 30, I don't get to work. Today, we had 27. :~( I will work next Saturday and if there aren't 30 I have to wait until there are two weeks in a row with at least 30 members. SO, what I am thankful for today is that our coordinator has given me every other Wednesday. That way, I can still work even if Saturdays don't work out.

I am also thankful for an hour and a half long conversation with my dearest friend, Gill ("Jill"), in Moscow. What a wonderful time of being encouraged in my Christian walk. How I thank God for Gill and her husband Don; for the roll that they played in Matt's and my life as well as how they are mentoring others. Those that do and do not know the Lord as their Savior. They are definitely "Salt and Light" in the world.

Joy

Happy 2010! I have to say, I am cautiously optimistic about this year. I know that things aren't going well in the world and there won't be peace until Christ comes again to take us home. However, I have decided to Choose Joy this year. It is amazing how I already feel more positive today. In James 1 verse 2 it says "Count it all joy, my brothers, WHEN you meet trials of various kinds." Did you notice the "When", not "if", you face trials? That means that they will come, trials, that is. The great thing about it is that God is the Potter and we are the clay and He uses these things to mold us and make us into the vessels that He wants us to be to be used for His glory. Amazing, isn't it? That the God of creation would take the time to work in such personal ways in our individual lives? He is so Good. I just thank Him and praise Him for all that He has blessed me with. So, this year, I choose joy. There are hard times to come for sure, but I rest in the fact that He is using those things in my life. I will be posting in the sidebar something to be thankful for each day! God bless you and keep you and make His light to shine upon you!