Is there a lesson in this!!

I am writing this as my letter to the Lord. I know I won't get a divine answer written on the wall, maybe I will! That would be so COOL!! But nonetheless, I want to document this.

Dear Lord,

I can only think that I am supposed to be learning a lesson from all this house stuff. I am frustrated Lord, I don't know what you want me to learn. I don't know what to do next. So now there is a problem with this house too. Where do we go from here. Do we look at more houses? Do we give up and rent something? Do we stay where we are? I am so confused. I don't know how long I can do this. I know I should be grateful for this apartment we are living in but....
I want my stuff! I want my dressers to put my clothes in so I do not have to keep them in tote boxes any more. I want my own bed with my own pillows and blankets. I want my washer and dryer.
Am I being prepared for something? Is there something for me to learn? Please Lord! Let me know.
Everything else about this move has been positive. DH has a job he likes and they respect him and his opinion. I have a job that I like. We found a church to go to that we both like. I am close to home and can go to see dad whenever I want even if it is only for a day. We can go home for birthdays and holidays now. So I know this the right thing to do. I just don't understand why this part is taking so long.
I don't know why the house in SC is not selling, and why we can not find a home here. I know You only want the best for DH and me so this move with all the good things was Your plan for us. I am just confused why we have hit this road block. Is it the evil one trying to discourage us; because if it is he is doing a good job and I need Your help to PUNCH HIS LIGHT OUT! Seriously, I need Your help to not fall into the pit of depression that this sometimes brings on me. I also need Your help to keep DH encouraged. I am loosing my positive attitude.
Please help
Your Loving daughter
Becky

Hodge Podge Wednesday

1. Share something you loved about your Christmas day.

This was the first Christmas in about 6 or 7 years or more that my hubby and I got to spend with my family. I'd love to upload pictures but the computer is running V---E---R---Y----S---L---O---W tonight.  So maybe at a later time.

2. You get to put five items in a time capsule to be opened in 100 years, what items would you choose and why?

A Picture album of our family because it would be nice for future generations to see how it was back when all would have explanations as to who they are because I have tons of pictures now of people I do not remember; and my mom will say "O you know 'so in so' don't you? when we look at them.
A cell phone, no a smart phone  just because we think we are so cool with them.
An I Pod touch loaded with music just so the future can know what we or I listened to.
A Bible to show the future that it is the word of God and does not change.
A book maybe Dr Sues or something like that because I am sure they will be obsolete by then.

3. What do you like on a cracker?

OK, I will eat almost anything on a cracker, I'm just saying I am not picky. I will eat pb&j, cheese, meat of some kind (ham, turkey, pepperoni). I also like crackers with soup and will dunk them in to get them soggy with the juices from the soup...HMM! 

4. Do you make resolutions? How'd that work out for you this past year? 

I try not to make reservations any more because I do not keep them. So when I think I need to do something or make a change I mull over it for a while then do it.

5. What's a song or song lyric you'll associate with 2011?

I would have to say Broken Hallelujah by Mandisa because of the loss of my grandmother this year it has much more meaning to me.

Oooh
Oooh
With my love and my sadness
I come before You Lord
My heart's in a thousand pieces
Maybe even more
Yet I trust in this moment You're with me somehow
And You've always been faithful so Lord even now


When all that I can sing is a broken Hallelujah
When my only offering is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration will rise up from these ruins
And I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise is a broken Hallelujah
Oh Father, You have given
much more than I deserve
And I have felt Your hand of blessing
on me at every turn
How could I doubt Your goodness,
Your wisdom, Your grace
Oh Lord hear my heart in this painful place


When all that I can sing is a broken Hallelujah
When my only offering is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration will rise up from these ruins
And I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise is a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
I lift my voice
Your spirit moves
I raise my hands
I reach for You
'Cause all that I can sing is a broken Hallelujah
And my only offering is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration will rise up from these ruins
And I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise is a broken Hallelujah


Hallelujah             http://youtu.be/cH16B5449Iw

6. How will you ring in the new year?

Probably on face book, watching TV or something like that. I have to work New Years Day night shift so I will be awake all night and my hubby I am sure will be sleeping just like last year and the years before. Haven't been into the party scene for a few years now. As always I will call my mom at midnight. ( I always called my grandmother in years past too.)

7. What is something you look forward to in 2012?

I have several things. First I am headed to the west coast to see my daughter and her family on the second of January! I am so excited!! We are not telling my six year old grandson; we have a plan to surprise him. I can't wait!! Then when I get back new home, should be in by Jan 13 if all goes well this time. Visit to my son shortly after that as we head to SC to get our stuff ready for movers.

Feb or March I am taking a test for my certification, please pray for me on that I am a terrible test taker. Then I am going to go back to school for my Masters degree in Nursing Education. I have just been  offered a volunteer position to blog for the Oncology Nursing Society.....What can I say I just like to keep busy!

 8. Insert your own random thought here.

I think of everything I listed above I am most excited about surprising my six year old grandson. He has had a rough couple of months at school and even has to go to a counselor. I just want to hug him and let him know it will be ok and this too shall pass as gentle as you can for a six year old. I will be with him when he goes to his next counselor visit. 

Besides I always have so much fun and laugh until I have to run to the bathroom when I am with them. 

I hope you all have a wonderful and happy new year!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! This is truly a special day!

This is the first year in about 10 ten years that I get to spend the day with my dad, my brothers and sisters. We have been 12 hours away in SC. This is the reason why we moved closer to home. Now all I wish is that my son and daughter would move back closer that would be perfect. But, today I am here with my dad and its a great day!! 

Next year maybe Christmas dinner at my house!

My Mom's friend

http://www.sunjournal.com/news/city/2011/11/27/auburn-couple-copes-theft-savings/1120570#.TvREeyHzF7

This is a story that was in the newspaper in the town where my mom lives. Sharon is her best friend, she helps take care of her.  The were robbed by the person they trusted to take care of her before my mom started to take care of her. I am sharing this because mom posted on facebook her best friend this dear lady is in the hospital. This terrible disease is taking her quicky. please pray for her, her family and my mom.

Thank you

A Confident Heart Week 3 Questions

For some reason I have been stalling to answer these questions. It is time to get moving and get this done.

1.What is the craziest thing you have ever done for love?

When I was a teenager I stole my best friend's boyfriend.  It was not a soap opera type thing she was away at some kind of camp and he told me they broke up. I believed him. I did a lot of crazy things for this guy including sleeping with him at the ripe old age of 15. All of which I am not proud of. My friend and I are still in touch in fact we found each other via facebook last year and got together with another friend; we will always keep in touch. The guy we have no idea where he is, but we both would not mind finding out how the years have treated him.

2. Think about your desire to find a relationship, a job, a calling, or something else that would satisfy the longing of your heart. Like Sam (the woman at the well) and me (the author of the book), have you ever looked to something or someone else to fulfill you? describe how that might have shaped the pattern of your thoughts, decisions and pursuits.

This is a very deep question. Before I ask Christ into my life I had a running song in my head. It was popular in the 70s when I was a teenager. The song "Alone Again, Naturally." I tried to fill my heart with many things when I was young, drugs, alcohol (to the point of when I turned 21 I never wanted to drink again and have not.) Even now when I am alone I sometimes let this song sneak in and take hold of me. I hate when I do that!

3.Are your closet, your schedule, your mind, and your life full? How about your heart? Are there empty places that you need and want to trust God to fill? If so list them.


Hmm, my closet, schedule and mind are always full. So full that sometimes I get totally overwhelmed and stay in the house in front of the TV to just escape. I guess there still is the empty space where I feel alone and lonely at times for absolutely no reason at all. I try to make everyone happy. I neglect myself some times to the point of I have no idea how I feel. Sounds silly huh, but when you always put others needs in front of yours sometimes you get lost in their needs. But then again sometime I feel like I am having the life sucked out of me by the very people I want to help.


4. "The origin of the word worship comes from the blending of two words 'worth-ship'. When we worship something or someone, we give great worth in them."(p.58) Where are you tempted to find worth? In what area is it hardest to let God define you-and not the world's standards (i.e., career, financial, success, motherhood, marriage, ministry?

I guess it is hardest to let God define me in my work. I try to let God lead my path but i get caught in the rate race and want to succeed.


5. Read Proverbs 19:22; Psalm 63:2-4 and Psalm 90:14. What do these verses tell you about God's unfailing love? have you ever wondered how God's love could be enough?


They tell me he is my Rock and my Fortress and will never leave me. He will protect me from my foes.  I have been a Christian for a long long time and sometimes I still have doubts about how God's love could be enough. It makes me sad and embarrassed to say that but it is true.

6. What is the difference between salvation and satisfaction in Christ?

The difference is salvation is for ever God sent His son Jesus Christ to die for me to wash me clean of all my sins. Once I except that it is done; my salvation is sealed! He did it; He loves me; He died for me. Satisfaction is a completely different story that comes from me am I satisfied in what I perceive of what my life should be.  I do not think as humans we can ever be completely satisfied. 


7. "We were made for love that isn't measured by our last accomplishment but marked by God's measureless grace." (p.62) Write a few when-then statements for areas in your life where you can apply this truth. example When I am tempted to measure my value by how well I am doing as a ______, I will stop. Then I will thank God for His measureless grace that fills my gaps and determines my value, which is not measured by my accomplishments but by His love for me.

When I am tempted to measure my value by how I preform as a nurse, I will stop. Then I will thank God for His measureless grace that fills my gaps and determines my value, which is not measured by my accomplishments but by His love for me and how I pass it on.

This one was a deep set of questions I imagine the only get deeper in the future. The book Is A Confident Heart by Renee Swope of 31 ministry. I recommend you take the journey also.

Its Hodge Podge time!!!

1. Are you cooking Christmas dinner? How many will be round your table this year? What are we having?

I am not cooking for Christmas. I think I am going to my dad's house and my step mom will cook. She is the best and cooks great. We will have ham, potatoes, some veggie and desserts.

2. What is one must-have Christmas cookie in your house?


My husbands favorite cookie is a snickerdoodle.
 Mine is pizzelle. My Nana made them all my life we had an abundance of them every holiday. I won't have them this year. I miss that .

 
3. Santa likes a glass of milk with his cookies-do you? What kind of milk is on tap at your house-skim, almond, soy, full fat (Gasp!)


I do like milk with my cookies but very rarely have it in my house. We do not drink much milk. Actually I just through away a quart that was expired in November. LOL!
 
4. Time magazine recently named its Person of the Year for 2011. This is the person the editors believe has had the greatest impact, for better or worse, in the past year. This year they chose 'The Protester'. Your thoughts? Who would you name person of the year for 2011?


I looked at this last night and I am apalled! There are many people out there who could have been named person of the year who actually did make a difference in peoples lives instead we are paying homage to the protester who stands on the streets and causes a scene. I ahve been at a peaceful protest before at an abortion clinic we were quiet and did not cause a scene or get in the way. I do not believe this is what we have come to.

5. December 21st is National Flashlight Day...when was the last time you needed a flashlight? Did you know right where to find one?

I did not know there was a national flashlight day! Wow that is interesting. I actually do use them here at work when I do neuro checks. I have to flash a light in the patients eyes to see if the pupils dilate. I do not think I have one in the apartment; I think I would have to buy one.

6. candy canes...yum or yuck?


Yum for me!! I love them. Usually carry around a bag at this time of year. I have been distracted this year.
I like the story of the origin of the candy cane although snopes.com says it is no true I still like the story of how it was shaped in a J to represent Jesus. The color is red and white to symbolize the blood of Christ that washes us white as snow.


7. What Christmas carol lyric means the most to you?


I love the song O come O come Emanuel! It is my most favorite ever. If I can figure out how to do I will post here.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roy3Ft6Fvbk  at least I got the link here yeah me!!

I don't know why it is my favorite maybe because it something I remember from church when I was a child and then I also sang it in church as an adult. I just absolutely love this song!
 
8. Insert your own random thought here.
I know you are tired of hearing this like I am tired of telling you but we put an offer on a house again this week it is a lovely updated splt entry. The did not except but offered only $1000.00 more added to our offer so we excepted. We will hopefully if all goes well close on a new home Jan 13! Yes Friday the 13!! Maybe that is the sign that this will all work this time!!

Wrap it up

hello, I have not been here for a while I have been sulking and whining. I thought I would spare you that. We put an offer on a house; it offended them, really! So they decided to go ahead with another buyer and a lease purchase deal. Then we had to start looking all over again. We had a glimmer of hope when the people from the other house we really wanted agreed to make the changes FHA wanted and lower the price a little. Bottom line they did not agree with the FHA appraiser and backed out. So for the last few days we have been driving around looking at houses AGAIN!

We had a nice break last night going to my hubbys Christmas Party at the Hilton in Downtown Columbus, nice place. No contential breakfast like the cheaper hotels, guess thats how they make their money, just sayin. The room was amazing but reminded me of a cruise ship where whatever you touch cost money, extra money. We did have a great time, we ate, we hung out with friends and finally slept good and that is what it is all about.

Today we went to look at two more houses with the realtor. One we really liked till we got inside! Lots of clutter weird floor plan. The other is a split entry which I said I would never buy because a certain aunt has a house like that and somehow although I never see them I would be copying them which believe me I am NOT!! Anyhow, it is a maarvelous house and beautifully decorated, (nothing like theirs). We are making an offer and hoping, praying this is the one and everything goes through this time! So maybe we will have a great Christmas present!

House Hunting

Tomorrow, actually later today because I work the night shift and am off for the weekend now (WooHoo!), we are going to look at a few houses.  I know I should be excited about this and don't get me wrong I am but it is getting a little monotonous. I mean after a while its like which house was it. Since we got here to central Ohio in July we have literally looked at about 100 houses, I swear, we have! Our realtor is completely wonderful, so if you need a realtor here just let me know she is great! She has been patient with us when we first looked at more expensive houses because we were going to sell our house in SC pictures above if anyone is interested and move into a nice BIG house here. Well 6 months later that has not happened so we have to find something we can afford to pay along with the mortgage from SC. The realtor, Georgia has sent us several houses a week and we go look and move on.  So tonight, as I am blogging while I work ssshhh don't tell, I am also praying silently that we find the ONE. I'll let you know how the search goes.

Hodge Podge time

1. Will you be hosting any house guests between now and the end of December? Does that thought make you happy or crazy? Do you do anything special to make your house guests feel welcome? How long should a guest stay?
Af far as I know I am not my husbsabd and me will be the house guest, most likely at my dad's house. I hope it makes them happy. We actually get along very well at one time between moves we stayed for 6 months. I think that was too long, but dad di not seem to mind.

2. Walter Elias Disney was born this week back in (Dec 5) 1905...what's your all time favorite Disney movie? Here's a list in case you're struggling...and yes, you have to pick one.

Ok if I can only pick one my favorite is Alladdin. Because I watched it a million times with my kids. I love the Jeanie and we sang all the songs it was so great!


3. What's the last thing you purchased that you realized was a mistake after the fact?


I have this obsession with shoes and purses. I have to get them and then think why did I need that. But it is an ongoing thing with me. My husband always asks did I NEED those and of course I did!
 
4. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?
 
I do a bunch on line because it is easier to ship when they do it.
 
5. Amaryllis...snowdrop...poinsettia...your favorite winter blossom?



Since I had no idea what the other flowers are I would have to say poinsetta.



6. What is one thing on your personal wish list this year? I think we all want peace on earth so let's make this an actual item.

I would love an i phone or a new zoom lens for my camera.

7. If you could only use one word today what would it be?



The first word that came to mind was Great; and not because all is great because I can use it for mutiple. My assignment at work is not good. Great! The washing machine in our laundry room is broke AGAIN, Great. I am having a good day; Great! You see mutipurpose word.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am at work tonight and my sister has been texting me. My niece's boyfriend, who is in his 30s was admitted to the hospital tonight they think he has Crohn's disease. Not good

Simple Women's Daybook at night

I haven't done one of these for a while so I decided to do one tonight. I am a night shift person and its my day off so here I am in my office at 12:53 am blogging.....O well!

Out my window it is dark and on the horizon I can see the Christmas lights of some of the houses in the sub division down the road.

I am thinking I am going to get up tomorrow and go Christmas shopping. I want to get a small tree, clean and decorate this apartment.

I am thankful for every day the Lord gives me and a roof over my head even if it is not in the place I plan. I am safe and warm in this apartment and I praise the Lord for that.

From the kitchen nothing! We had pizza for dinner and I am so not into the baking thing. 
  
I am wearing my favorite pj's and warm fuzzy slipper socks. It's midnight people! LOL!

I am creating this pretty little blog! really I have no room here to create anything....but I wanna try to make a wreath. Keep ya posted!

I am going to bed soon so I can get up early than my usual tomorrow and create CHristmas magic here.

I am reading A Confident Heart by Renee Swope, wonderful book. I am also listening to Cape Refuge by Terri Blackstock the first book. Actually I got the whole series..I actually listened to them backwards.. LOL

I am hoping that we will find a home soon and sell ours in South Carolina. I won't moan or groan about it anymore. 

I am listening to the TV in the living room Law and Order Criminal Intent. The trickle of the water running down the building from the rain outside.

Around the house it is a royal mess. It is amazing to me how much mess can get made by not being home much. I will have to do a total clean before I decorate tomorrow; but the beauty of a small apartment is quick clean up even when it is a royal mess.

One of my favorite things Christmas! I love it! I love to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior!

Hope you have a wonderful day where ever you are! 

Enough Already its Christmas

After reading a blog from Rebecca, not me someone else silly, I realized I need to stop feeling sorry for myself. God is Great and He is taking care of me every step of the way in this journey and I need to focus on him and not me! Its Christmas time after all! It is time to worship my Lord and saviour with all I have. Time for me to let the world know what He has done for me! He never promised me a life of leisure; he promised me He would stay with me through whatever this worl d threw at me! And, now its throwing some, for a lack of a better word, crap, um I mean stuff. So I have to duck when I need to look up always and move on. Know that this is all the Lords will and I am supposed to learn something; and not just sit around and whine!

So Merry Christmas to all! I am going to decorate my small apartment and send Christmas cards and celebrate the spirit of Christmas, which is a Christ the Lord who came to die for me and you!

Merry Christmas all!!

Bummed

We were on our way to a new home. All was well. First inspection was good. Funds were in order everything was going good. House was great! Then today BAD NEWS we are getting an FHA loan and the appraisal for the FHA loan did not go through. First he said the price is $20,000 less than the price of the house and then the well and septic are too close together by 3 feet! So this is an unfixable! So we can not get this house. I am so bummed!!!! I am literally tired of looking at houses. We have not sold the house in Sc and now can not find one here. Everything else for this move has fallen into place except this!!! I am trying to figure out what the Lord wants me to learn from this but I am STUMPED!!! All I can figure is patience, which I definately have NONE OF!
Apartment living is a pain in the neck. The washer machines are broken in my building, and my dog had a poop problem yesterday! We are on the third floor it is not like I can open the door and let her out!

I know Take a deep breath Becky...........Just had to get that all out!