Catching up

Good morning, my dear friends!

It has been way too long since my last post.  I've been taking time to enjoy the ... bits of freedom that come with an empty nest.  Oh, I miss my kids terribly but I've been doing things just for me and DH and it's been nice to reconnect again as a couple.

We've just hung out and watched TV together, we've gone to dinner together and shopping together.  We've talked a lot and enjoyed comfortable silence together.

I've done a little picking up here and there of the house and started working on Christmas gift ideas.  It'll be here before we know it!  

I've started dwelling on several different sermon ideas and I've been spending time thinking, reading and planning for the next few months in my new position as Lay Pastor.

I guess it's been a few weeks of contemplation around here but this week it's time to get busy!  I've got lots to do!  And I hope to back blogging regularly too.

How have you been spending your summer days?

NEWS!

I am so excited, I'm about to bust!  I have news that I just can't wait to share though I've been waiting a while now...  It how things roll in the United Methodist Church.

Monday night I met with representatives of two wonderful congregations and was introduced to them as their new Lay Minister or District Superintendent Assignment.  It's funny to say I was introduced to them because I have been preaching at these churches for while now.  One of them I provided pulpit fill once a month and the other several times a year.  It's the formality of it all, but we already love each other and so it's was just a great meeting. 

I can't wait to get started!  My head has been swimming with ideas for a while now. I hope I am able to live up to what has been set before me and together, I think WE can!

Oh What a Beautiful Morning!

I've trying to get back to my walking this week.  Going at least once in the morning and once in the evening.  I didn't get the morning walk in yesterday but walked extra last evening so I'm calling it good.  :)

This morning is such a lovely morning.  In shade the breeze blows and it feels so very nice and almost cool.  I love the  breeze.  There is something so soothing and calming about it.   It always makes me want to just stop and close my eyes and enjoy it.

Maybe the breeze is my version of roses... you know, the saying stop and smell the roses...  Take time to enjoy the moment, life and appreciate the little things.  Well, my allergies keep me from smelling too many roses but I sure do enjoy the breeze and it does make me stop and be right there in that moment and I think that's good for me.

Do you love the breeze?  What makes you stop and enjoy the moment?

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:11-12).

Empty?

Yep, that's my nest for the next 6 weeks, Empty...  I dropped DD off yesterday for her summer dance intensive.  It was an exciting and sad and wonderful

day all at once.  We had a 5 hour drive there and got her checked in and found her room.  WOW.  She is in a suite with one other girl and the each have their own bedroom and bathroom.  A FULL bathroom, tub and all!  We got her all set up and unpacked and then made a mad dash to Wallyworld for all the things we didn't think about bringing so I didn't leave as early as I thought I would.  I got back home late around 10:30 or so and then talked to her on the phone for another 30 minutes.  Her suite mate is having a hard time so she was staying pretty much to herself so DD felt a bit lonely but she will be making friends today and hopefully having a blast and learning lots.

Me?  Well, I guess I'll do a little cleaning, a little writing, a little reading and little walking.  It will be strangely quiet here and that will take some getting use to but I shouldn't get too used to it!  It's only for 6 weeks for crying out loud!

More Life

This morning we waved bye to the newlyweds.  It was hard to say good bye.  I'm so excited for them to start their new life together but I sure will miss them!  

They are getting right on life too.  DS is getting ready to head off to school for like 3 or 4 months and DDIL is heading off to Zimbabwe for a month!

Then before long she'll be back in our area for her student teaching and she will join DS at Ft. Campbell, KY!  Yep, already following in his dad's footsteps.  :)  I'm so excited for them!

DD is has just a few days left before she heads off to a Dance Intensive in OKC for 6 weeks!  She is so excited!  She is grow so much in these next few weeks.  I'm so proud of her!

But what is this momma to do without any kiddos for all this time??  I'm sure I'll find something.  Crocheting, cleaning, organizing, writing sermons.  I preach at least 3 times while DD is gone so I guess I'll keep pretty busy.

Maybe I'll even be able to blog a little more regularly!  I hope so.  Next week, I plan on being back with my regular posts.  Till then, go check out my last post as I updated with a lot of new photos and added a story too.

Many blessings my friends!