A Day to Rest

I certainly missed a lot of sleep this week. I woke up with a huge (sleep) hangover this morning too. I had to hold my head as I got up to walk to the bathroom. I got right back in bed to lay down for a few more hours. Once I got out of bed a few hours later I was feeling better. Made some pancakes with the Trader Joe's multigrain mix the girl's neighbor had left and poured in your chocolate chips from France. Thanks! They were very good. I cleaned up a lot after eating. Researched a few things online.

This afternoon I walked down to the pool and went swimming along with several families with children and a few older people. It was overcast but no rain. It was good to get some exercise. Came home. Showered and off to the hospital to visit one of our Mom's and babies. Sweetheart! Ran an errand on the way home and then Panera because I really wanted something healthy to eat and I did not have plans for the night.

I was sitting by myself when a young black man who had a friendly face got up to walk to the bathroom. He smiled and asked how I was doing as he passed. I wasn't expecting a conversation and had my mouth full. So, with my mouth closed full of salad I smiled and said, "great, thank you." Wish I could have seen myself. I know I would have laughed! I made up for it though as he was leaving. I made sure there was no food in my mouth and smiled and said "good night" and he smiled back. To top it all off, on my way out I was looking for the trash can. These days they bring your food to the table and take it from you. So, when I did not see one in the whole resteraunt I just figured they might have gotten rid of them. (They had a small trash can near the cups, but nowhere for plates, silverware, etc). I should have asked, "excuse me, where is your trashcan?" Instead, I found myself asking, "ma'am, do you still have a trashcan?" It was actually right behind me by the time I made it over to her. I'm sure they think I am weird:).

Back home. A lovely walk around the neighborhood at dusk. I walked by a group singing Tom Petty in their garage and later passed a racoon walking across the street. Read some, phone call from a patient needing instructions with breastfeeding, and checked emails. Now, to bed!

Abbapoola

I finally got to spend time with Dad yesterday afternoon and it was so good. He just had a few stops to ride around in the truck. Just what I love! So, first we headed to Rackity Hall. When we turned onto the dirt road we discovered it had rained. The rain gage showed 3 inches though we think that may have been for the past two days. There were puddles in the fields. Dad drove into the field behind Frederick's house to pick a couple of cantelopes while I sat in truck and watched. It looked like a good place for snakes to me.

Next, we drove out to the dock to check on the boat since it had rained. Dougie met us out briefly to talk to Dad for a minute. Then, since we were out there and it was high tide and gorgeous we took the boat out. Ah, beautiful. Two days in a row on the beautiful Bohicket. After the boat ride we drove out to Gangee's on Bohicket Rd instead of Edenvale which apparantly Dad never does cause he doesn't like the trees. He told me a hunting story from when he was a boy that I had never heard. Cute:). Quick stop to Susie's to drop off a cantelope then Gangee's. Got to see Sinclaire who looked absolutely adorable.

Last stop was Abbapoola also known originally as "the farm." I was blown away by how amazing it is out there. I am not sure how long it has been since I had been out there, though it is possible it had been fifteen years. The funny thing is I did not even realize there are rivers on both sides of the farm. Who knew "the farm" was on a peninsula? This time I got out to help Dad pick some tomatoes for me to bring to Florida. We both realized I don't know much about picking tomatoes though. The few I pointed out were no good. So, Dad nominated me to be the box holder which I was glad to do. He picked out a lot of good tomates- a few reds, several orange, and several green. They should be ready soon.

Finally, back to home. I ended up staying over to watch the Wimbledon finals and eat a sandwich. Mom was sweet to crochet in the den so I could watch it with someone. Way to go, by the way, for keeping the secret. A good end to a good afternoon of a good day and a really good week... Ah, refreshed.

Isle 14

It was a WONDERFUL and FUN weekend in Gainesville/Tallahassee this weekend. Friends... lots of good food... fun... lots of laughs! Not too bad of a drive back to Jacksonville and of course, a stop to Publix to pick up a few groceries for the week.

It was supposed to be a quick stop, but you just never know what amazing sale you might miss if you don't just check out certain isles. Well, they did not have those yummy healhty version onion rings on sale as I was hoping. But the onion rings happen to be on the same isle as the ice cream. And, Publix brand ice cream IS on sale. So, I was standing for a longer time than anyone should stand in front of the ice cream flavors trying my hardest to pick a good flavor. The ones that sounded good were fake and even one that said "all natural" had high fructose corn syrup so I just left afterall and will go back when I can decide. But, in the meantime...

A man around our age was standing not too far from me taking about as long as I was looking for ice cream. I had walked to the right and then back. He was still there and with a perplexed look on his face. He looked over my way and asked, "have you seen chocolate chip cookie dough, by any chance?"

Me: No! (with an intenation that said, "can you believe it?!"

Him: (with the same intenation) Is that what you are looking for too?

Me: No, but I had noticed that I didn't see it.

Him: I just can't believe it.

Me: Maybe they don't make it.

Him: No, I have it!!

Me: Oh, that's too bad. I'll let you know if I see any.

Him: Please do (desperation)

Him again after a pause: I guess I will just have to settle for the next best... cookies and cream, oh well.

Me: sympathetic smile

Afterthought: Should have told him to ask for a raincheck!

For All Who Wait

Waiting is on purpose, a plan from the Lord to prepare our hearts for what is next. His purposes. He is here. He is with you. Love Him. Worship Him as you wait- the highest praise. He is worthy. This is RIGHT (to wait).

The way is ahead though you can't see it. It is good. GOOD. It glorifies Him. His purposes will be fulfilled.

Waiting is only a season. Let the strivings, ambitions, hopes die. He will return them, purified. Ready for the service of the King. Many will see and praise Him because of it.. His work.

Don't fear. He will sustain you and give you new strength. Strength for days to come. He knows what He is doing.

from the Holy Spirit Dec 2010

The Word of the Lord

"Then Job replied:

Doubltess you are the people, and wisdom will die with you!
But I have a mind as well as you; I am not inferior to you.
Who does not know all these things? ...

To God belong wisdom and power;
counsel and understanding are His.
What He tears down cannot be rebuilt;
the man he imprisons cannot be released.
If He holds back the wters, there is drought;
if He lets them loose, they devestate the land.

To Him belong strength and victory;
both deceived and deceiver are His...

He reveals the deep things of darkenss
and brings deep shadows into the light.

My eyes have seen all this,
my ears have heard and understood it.
What you know, I also know;
I am not inferior to you.
But I desire to speak to the Almighty
and to argue my case with God.

You, however, smear me with lies;
you are worthless physicians, all of you!
If only you would be altogether silent!
For you, that would be wisdom...

Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him;
I will surely defend my ways to His face.
Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance,
for no godly man would dare come before him!

Now that I have prepared my case,
I know I will be vindicated..."

and this is the word of the Lord. Amen.

Job 12: 1-3, 13-16, 22 and 13:1-5, 15-16, 18.

Class of 2010

So, I realized that closure is important in life. I should not leave my blog unfinished even though we are seeing each other on a weekly basis now. The last month in Gainesville was busy in a good way. Final presentations... NARM in Orlando (boy, were we nervous and braindead afterward)... visit home to Charleston wonderful...graduation... moving back home. Waiting...

It is good to be finished. I marvel at what God did in those three years. He is so faithful. Now, resting some to recover and be ready. Enjoying the family. Charleston. Praying for what is ahead. Excited about Perspectives this spring! Missing birth.

Last night at church: Out times are in His hands. We don't have to understand. My trust is in You.

Taking a Break...

Well, sort of. I'm writing my next entries in a blog for my time in the Philippines. Katie mentioned I write one and since there is so much to tell, I went ahead. I want to write about so much, but will try to write once a day. We'll see. Can't wait to hear about your travels as well. It is www.eachnewdayphilippines.blogspot.com. Check it out!

Christ in You the Hope of Glory

When you are forgotten, neglected, or purposely ignored and you don't sting or hurt with the oversight, but your heart is happy being counted worthy to suffer for Christ... that is dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice is disregarded, your opinions ridiculed and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence... that is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, irregularity, any annoyance; when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, and spiritual insensibility and endure it as Jesus did... that is dying to self.

When your're content with any food and offering, any clothing, any climate, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God... that is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown... that is dying to self.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor questions God while your own needs are far greater desperate circumstances.... that is dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself an can humbly submit, inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment raising up within your heart... that is dying to self.

Taken from Corrie ten Boom's writings