Perfectly Fall

Today is the kind of day that makes me want to stay under my quilts a few extra minutes. It's the perfect weather for reading my Bible next to a fireplace and talking to God in the quiet of the morning. It's just the kind of day that makes me want to cook chili and try a new (and delicious) homemade cappuccino recipe. The cool temperatures is perfect for cuddling next to the fire place to watch a movie with my family. . . while drinking that delicious cappuccino! And it only seems natural to bake a homemade pumpkin pie to enjoy durring this lovely fall season. Yes, today is just perfectly fall-ish!

Check back later for a pumpkin pie recipe . . .

My Answer to the Poll

Okay, now it's time for me to answer my own poll. But first I'd like to say how surprised I am by the response. I just knew that the majority of the voters would say they didn't like being teenagers, but actually 53% said they like being a teenager and only 30% disliked it, leaving the other 15% with those who are content in every age they find themselves in which you could actually add to the 53% making a total of 68% who enjoy being a teenager. (I hope I didn't' confuse you!)

So I'm sure you've probably already guessed my response by now. I don't mean to sound critical and I certainly don't want to complain or throw myself a pity party, but quite frankly, I don't' like being a teenager. The reason for that is because I know I have an attitude at times, I know I am a "know it all" every once and a while, I realize that I am picky about my clothes, AND I DON'T LIKE IT! I don't want people to see me as the "teenager". Now truly, mama would probably tell you that I am not near as bad as most teenagers, but I am still a teenager. My age still has a 1 in front of it!

Another reason I don't want to live these years over again (when I get through them) is because I never fit in and I always felt awkward. Somehow I think that this may be the case for the rest of my life sense most of the world is living contrary to the Bible which puts me in the minority and feeling awkward may just be a part of my shy personality.

Nevertheless, ever sense I have been working at the hospital as an "adult" with other adults doing adult things, I have felt less pressure. In fact, everyone in my department is either old enough to be my mother or grandmother . . . and I love it! Most adults are much better at controlling their attitudes and they are mature enough to know that it's rude to stare at you with this look on they face that says, "You're weird."

Yes, I realize that I will probably have to deal with attitudes from time to time no matter how old I get and life will never be easy, but I agree with mama: the teen years are not the best part of a person's life. That is a very comforting thought!

What about you?

I've heard both opinions. Some people say they wish they were teenagers again others say they wouldn't go back to those years for anything in the world. Of course I have my own opinion on this matter, but I thought it would be neat to see how many teenagers actually enjoy their young life or how many can't wait to be an adult! This season is definately a big part of our life because this is when we usually make some pretty big decisions that we'll have to live with for the rest of our lives.

So what about you? Do you like being a teenager? Be sure to answer the poll honestly.

I've Made My Resolutions!

Last night we had a relaxed, very enjoyable new years eve. We invited our neighbors over to sit around the bomb fire with us while we drank hot chocolate & coffee, made smores, and munched on some snacks. After our guests had left we watched a few episodes of Leave it to Beaver, a good old show that is great for the whole family! I didn't stay up to see the new year come in, but it came in just the same and I welcomed it at 8:00 this morning after a peaceful nights rest! : )

I suppose all there is left to do now is make my new years resolutions. I'm debating on whether I should go back and look at last years or not. I'm afraid I didn't get around to accomplishing them all, so this year I am going to type my list up and frame them on my desk. That should be a clear reminder of what I need to get done before 2010. There are a few things on my list that simply demanded to be added to the list, while others I chose myself. Here are a few . . .

1. 1. Become a certified coder. (Yes, I've finished college for coding, but now I want/need to be certified.)
2. 2. Read I Promise by Dr. Gary Smalley, a gift from my Sunday School teacher. I've never read any of his books, or even heard of him for that matter, so I am looking forward to seeing what advice he has to offer.
3. 3. Read Let Me Be a Woman by Elizabeth Elliot.
4. 4. Sew a romantic style dress designed by Mrs. Jennie Chancey at Sense and Sensibility.
5. 5. And as always . . . learn more about my God and how to better serve Him.

What are some of yours?

Thoughts of Soups and Comfort

This morning I woke up at 6:15, content to stay right where I was - on the couch by the fire place under my warm blanket. Yes, I have my own bed, but the warm living room with cozy flames burning in the fire place was just too inviting. Thus I slept on the couch! As soon as I got out from underneath my covers I got a cup of fresh coffee to warm my insides. Coffee never tasted so good! As I got ready for work I picked out a long sleeve shirt and a long thick skirt hoping that they would do their job of keeping me warm.

As I worked away in our office at the hospital I couldn't help but notice how slow the day was going by. Maybe it was because I knew I had to face the piercing winds after my work day was over, or maybe it was because I couldn't wait to be home with all it's comforts. Every one that came through our department was wearing a long sleeve shirt or sweater . . . a sure sign that winter is on it's way!

This evening I drove home a little tired. As I walked inside my home I was welcomed by warmth and smells of mama's chicken noodle soup. As I ate supper with my family and talked of the day's events I realized just how blessed I am to have such a family. Ah, it is good to be home!

Winter always seems to give me warm feelings about my home. If I had come home to a cold house with only smells of the dryer linen and cleaning supplies I doubt I would have felt the same way. Those good smells that linger in our house and warmth that fills the air gives me a sense of security and reminds me that I am taken cared of and loved. Having experienced this after a long day at work makes me see how my future husband will feel when he comes home from an exhausting day earning our living. It makes me look forward to being able to make our home a happy, comfortable, inviting place that my hubby will look forward to coming home to. Though actually he should want to come home because he knows I will be there! What more could he ask for? (Just kidding!) Ah, the comforts that only winter can bring!

A Walk Down a Country Road

I love Saturdays! It is a day that I can sleep in (if I don't have to work), get up and eat a good breakfast with my family with a fresh cup of coffee, and start my day off relaxed.

This morning after I ate the breakfast, my sister Bethany fixed me, I was able to spend some time alone with God before I started my day. While I made my bed and got dressed I opened my window blinds to let the sunlight flood my room with it's cheerful beams while I listened to a new CD. It was so refreshing!

This afternoon Bethany and I went on a walk down our country rock road. The fresh air and warm sunlight was too inviting to resist! As we started walking down our long driveway I "drank in" the delightful surroundings (as Anne Shirley would say). Everything seemed to speak of Spring. The wild purple and white flowers (actually weeds) filled the ditches and fields, making the perfect place for butterflies to land and flutter around. The dragon flies buzzed around in the refreshing breeze while the horses nipped at the green grass with not a care in the world. Even the little ponds seemed so peaceful, yet alive as the wind blew their water into ripples. It was the perfect day for a walk!

It all reminds me that Spring is here . . . and I believe it has never been more beautiful than this year!

Happy Spring!

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. ~Virgil A. Kraft

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. ~Doug Larson

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night. ~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. ~William Shakespeare

Contentment

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Life is full of seasons. Things constantly change, whether it’s a new job, a new church, new friends, or a change in the way we do things. I’ve learned that some good things only last for a short while. It makes me wonder, do we enjoy every season of our life as much as we possibly can? Or do we instead, dream of what we want in the future, or long for the past?

God sends these changes for a reason. I believe we should live our best in the season we are in and soak up every moment. If we are constantly longing for and reliving memories of the past or dreaming about our future, we will miss the present blessings. Yes, it is good to relive fond memories and dream a little, but there is a certain point where it needs to stop. If we are constantly wishing we were back at our old church, it may prevent us from being blessed at where God has us now. Or if all we do is long to be married to the man of our dream, we may not see what God wants us to do while we are single.

J. O. Fraser put it all into perspective very well. “Have we any right to be so dissatisfied with our present condition, which God has ordained for us, that we should hanker after something in the future? I can hardly see that we have.” When you think of it as God ordained then it does seem wrong to wish for something better. Even though it is so hard sometimes not to let your mind wander, it can be done. Maybe it would be easier if we all keep Paul as our example. He said in Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” That should be our goal.