12/30/2010

December 29 - 30, 2010

Yesterday was AWFUL! It was humiliating and, at the time, very disconcerting.
But today was better. Jerry is amazing. Tender, kind and at the same time, tough and straight-forward. That's what was good about yesterday - Jerry's love.

Today was good because the sun shone all day. It was our second day of sunshine but I didn't appreciate it as much yesterday. It was snowing, hailing, windy all around Oly, but so pretty here. Today I am thanking the Son for the sun.

12/28/2010

December 28, 2010

On days like today, when I feel really cruddy, I sometimes have to reach for the good.
Today I am grateful for kindness.
I have a kind husband. He did my work for me today. He even called me from work to see how I was doing. What a tender heart. I am loved.
I have kind people who employ me. They flex with my needs and communicate their caring.
I have kind children who help me whenever they can.
My friends pray for me regularly.
My parents are sympathetic and loving.

This is the reason I write this blog. So I can remind myself of the good things I have despite the hard things I'm going through.

December 26 and 27, 2010

December 26, 2010
We had more family time for which I am so grateful.
Alyssa and An Aka (Aunt Erika) and Guncole Dawen are BUDS! Finally. They play the balloon game and Alyssa follows Aunt Erika here and there.
I discovered prime rib makes good leftovers.
Speculations were confirmed that the grown-up girls like to have pedicures together. It was fun to hang out and talk without interruptions.
Jason and Kristen went out for awhile and we babysat. It was just Papaw and Gigi and Alyssa watching Thomas the Train and The Backyardigans. Wonderful.

December 27, 2010
A couple of my girlfriends and I have been meeting on Monday mornings at my house to touch base and pray together. Today one of the girls came in and sat down and said, "Ah, peace." That is a wonderful compliment to me. My house isn't the best on the block and it's never perfectly tidy, but the Spirit of God dwells here and I'm so glad others are comfortable in my home.
At one point our conversation had all four of us crying. I am so grateful for friends I can be really honest with. They are safe. We have each said the same about each other. Thank you, Jesus, for good friends.

12/25/2010

December 25, 2010

Today I choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He is my God, my King, my Lord, my
Savior, my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Friend, my Brother, my Husband, my Father, my Peace, my Hope, my Joy...He is EVERYTHING to me!

I am so very, very grateful for His grace and mercy. For His choice to come to earth and make Himself subject to my situation (human-ness), so that eventually I can be 'subject' to His situation (heaven.) For His sacrifice (death on the cross) for me so I can sacrifice for Him (give my life.) For His good plans for me, for a hope and a future. He has made the way. I declare today that I trust Him with my life, my heart, my family and friends.

Mere words cannot express my love for Him. My heart is full.

Thank you, My Jesus, for loving me so. It's amazing and wonderful and more than I could ever express in human words. I love you, My Jesus.

12/24/2010

December 24, 2010

So this is Christmas.

All those years ago (maybe in December, probably in September) Mary started labor.

She'd been walking or riding on a bony-backed, plodding donkey. Every jolting step must have caused her more pain, but the fatigue also made it impossible to walk. 

She was eighty miles from home and help and comfort. No mama to coach her through the process, to reassure her about what is normal or not. Mary, so scared & so alone.

The city was so crowded there was not one warm room available. Joseph's relatives must've moved on, too.

Did she wonder: How can I have my baby in a flea-full, stinky, poopy, drafty, dark, cold, wet cave? How will he survive? Is this really God's plan? These are the questions I would have asked.

Mary did it, though. She made it through these dire circumstances - trusting in the Truth; delivering her Deliverer; comforting her Comforter; suffering for the One who would suffer for her at His passion.

I cannot talk to her now, but when I get to heaven, I will thank her for her faith, submission, determination. And for giving birth to our Savior.

12/23/2010

December 23, 2010

    Today I woke up feeling a bit better. I am taking a new medication that makes me have really wacky dreams. Just plain, old, silly stuff. I often wake up laughing about the dreams. But last night, or more accurately, this morning - I had a somewhat meaningful dream. So I woke up feeling like I've made progress in certain areas.
    I found a perfect gift for Jerry. We said we weren't going to give gifts, but how can I not get him 'the perfect gift'?    
    My mom got the package I sent and then chastised me about the note on the box that said to not open before Christmas. We'll see if she can hold out. I love surprising her.
    I went to the Olympia Library today. What a great place. It's one block away from where I work and I plan to spend more time there. The atmosphere was much different than the one closer to my home. It was friendly, helpful and open. And I found the books I was looking for. Nice!
    We finished cleaning the church and don't have to come back before Sunday. This way we can enjoy Christmas. I love working there.
    I got to read four stories to StarBaby after her dinner, playtime, "WonderPets" and bath. Such a sweet girl.
   I just realized this may be really boring to the reader, but I love recounting the good in my day. It really helps my perspective. Even when the day seems especially painful or fatiguing, I can find good in it and see God's touch. I love my Jesus.

12/22/2010

December 22, 2010

    I finished my gifts today and played Santa at Dorothy's. She liked her new lavender pajamas. It was really nice to see Chris Spengler for a little while, too.
    I found some great recipes for prime rib. I hope Jerry lets me participate in cooking it. We are going to have a very simple elegant meal on Christmas Day. I am so looking forward to having my family here.
    In years past, I have dreaded the Christmas season - not sure why. But this year I am enjoying things more and am relaxed. Guess that's one of the good things about my current physical situation.
    When I went to see Alyssa, she cried when I told her I was going to leave. I went over to where she was crying and hiding and said, "Can I hold you?" She said, "Not." Then she said, "Yes. Yes, hold me, Gigi." We cuddled and played with Play doe after that. I mean, how could I not stay for a bit longer when it broke her heart for me to leave. Have I mentioned that she is my Sunshine. Can't wait to have a couple more babies to love like this.
    So I'm ready for Christmas and just have a couple days of work, then I can be home for a couple of relaxing days with my family.
    Even though I'm hurting...I'm happy. God is good.

12/21/2010

December 21, 2010

    I was able to send my packages from Ralph's Thriftway without having to wait. There was no one in line when I got there. I also was able to park right next to the shopping cart stall so I didn't have to do a lot of walking or carrying. I also ran into two people I don't get to see very often.
    Today my tender-hearted husband encouraged me to go home early even though we still had work to do. Flexibility and partnership are wonderful. So is a kind husband.
    I got a roll of plastic table covering for $3 - usually over $12. This will be great for my spring bulletin boards.
    When I got home, I turned up the heat and went to bed. I like my pretty, dark room on days like this.
    The guys (Jerry and Keith) fixed their own dinner.
    Jesus blessed me with these two.  

12/20/2010

December 20, 2010

GOOD ABOUT TODAY:
    Jerry's 66th birthday. I am so glad we've stayed married for 30 years and that we are happy. He is the husband I always hope for and dreamed of.
    I got to stay home all day. I love days where I don't have to go out. I got boxes ready to mail and had a meeting with my girl friends.
    I had a great prayer time with Lori and Laura. It is good to spend quality time with women who know God and are long-time friends. We can be real with each other.
    I got a package from my mommy that had stuff in it like what she would've put in my stocking in the past. I loved the little surprises of washcloths, candy canes, foot scrub, cookie cutters, chocolate, crayons, a bracelet and a novel. Stockings are supposed to be filled with fun stuff and this was. Made me feel happy and loved.
    Kristen called me three times: once for a recipe, once to discuss Christmas dinner and once for...I can't remember, but I like it when she calls. I like it that we're friends and family. Darren sent me an email to make sure I knew they were home safely. How thoughtful.
    Jesus is my savior and the lover of my soul.
IT WAS A GOOD DAY