It's that time of year again, time to make resolutions that most of us will never keep. I know I usually don't keep mine. I'm going to try to be more determined this year and make changes that I'm pretty sure I'll be able to keep.
First and foremost, in 2011, I plan on gaining weight. Should be an easy one for sure. =P (Although so far in my pregnancy I've lost 14 pounds, I think it's the lack of eating and throwing up.)
Second, I plan on writing more. My sister-in-law bought me a beautiful pregnancy journal for Christmas and I figure it will be a really great start.
Third, I joined a weekly photo group on Flickr. I miss Flickr. I miss my Flickr friends and I miss the joy of posting my photos and viewing other's photos. I figure commiting to one photo a week shouldn't be too hard.
Fourth, I want to become more involved in our church. It's so hard going from a small church where you know everyone and have known everyone for many years to going to a much larger church that has so many programs and activities. It's hard to figure out which ones to choose and it's even harder to put yourself out there and just try to make new friends. Jeremy and I have been so lucky to know so many supportive people within the congregation, but it's time to make big moves and get involved.
Fifth, I'm going to make a commitment to myself and to my family to keep our place more tidy. Sometimes the smallest things get tossed to the side until the next day or the next day although they take two minutes. (Like, folding the laundry instead of letting it sit in the dryer or throwing out left overs when they're a few days old.) I know it's silly but I want our baby to be born into good habits and I'm determined to make some better ones in the near future.
Overall, I want to do a lot of things honestly. Jeremy and I have a lot of big decisions coming up and big (very big) changes as well. These are just the things that come directly to my mind and I'm going to try to be more determined. We hope 2011 finds you all well and blessed!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
When Ordinary People Change Your Life
I had a lady come into work today that I'm sure I will not forget for a very long time. The first thing she did was warn me. She warned me that this photo session was going to be different for me, that emotions were going to run high and that I must excuse them if things don't go according to a 'usual' plan. I didn't mind. I like to shake things up a bit and they were one of my last sessions of the night.
I have to say, I held back tears all evening long.
She told me that she was meeting her granddaughter for the very first time. She had four others there with her but this one had been denied by it's father (her son) although there was clear evidence pointing otherwise. So she walked in and there were tears and one scared little girl and we took pictures and everytime I snapped a photo, she cried. They were all there together and that memory was going to get to stay with her because this session was taking place. I could barely hold back the tears myself.
They gave the little girl presents there, shared hugs and pieces of gum. I felt so blessed to be witnessing such a beautiful little miracle of love and togetherness. It was clear that all this lady wanted was to be a part of her granddaughter's life even while having so many others surrounding her.
So she continued.
She continued to tell me that her husband had just found out earlier in the week that he was going to have to have a heart transplant. She told me that the insurance was threatening to drop them and that although they will cover the surgery itself, they refuse to cover any of the medication that he has to take to prepare for it. She said they'd already spent $20,000. She just kept crying. I again, could barely hold back.
So we picked out our favorite pictures and she placed her order and I swear she told me a million times that I had such amazing patience. I swear it's not true although I hear it all the time. Then she went to tell me that she had 4 children, all of them with children...none of them married. And one son without any children whom she worries so much about because he's so innocent and loving and God-fearing, that she fears he will never find someone to love.
I told her not to worry and to keep praying. God has answers to all of her concerns.
Then I did cry. I cried as they walked away and I heard them plan exchanging the pictures while her son was away at drill. I cried at how sad the situation was and how much I wished I could help this lady. But all I could do was pray and so I did...and I know it will help, even if she doesn't know so.
I have to say, I held back tears all evening long.
She told me that she was meeting her granddaughter for the very first time. She had four others there with her but this one had been denied by it's father (her son) although there was clear evidence pointing otherwise. So she walked in and there were tears and one scared little girl and we took pictures and everytime I snapped a photo, she cried. They were all there together and that memory was going to get to stay with her because this session was taking place. I could barely hold back the tears myself.
They gave the little girl presents there, shared hugs and pieces of gum. I felt so blessed to be witnessing such a beautiful little miracle of love and togetherness. It was clear that all this lady wanted was to be a part of her granddaughter's life even while having so many others surrounding her.
So she continued.
She continued to tell me that her husband had just found out earlier in the week that he was going to have to have a heart transplant. She told me that the insurance was threatening to drop them and that although they will cover the surgery itself, they refuse to cover any of the medication that he has to take to prepare for it. She said they'd already spent $20,000. She just kept crying. I again, could barely hold back.
So we picked out our favorite pictures and she placed her order and I swear she told me a million times that I had such amazing patience. I swear it's not true although I hear it all the time. Then she went to tell me that she had 4 children, all of them with children...none of them married. And one son without any children whom she worries so much about because he's so innocent and loving and God-fearing, that she fears he will never find someone to love.
I told her not to worry and to keep praying. God has answers to all of her concerns.
Then I did cry. I cried as they walked away and I heard them plan exchanging the pictures while her son was away at drill. I cried at how sad the situation was and how much I wished I could help this lady. But all I could do was pray and so I did...and I know it will help, even if she doesn't know so.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Peanut
I'm just posting this here because I like the little widget for myself and I don't really want to put it on Facebook. Jeremy and I are very excited about our little peanut though!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
In the year 2010
It's hard to believe that 2010 is almost over. I can't tell you what we did, or what we didn't do or what dreams we had hoped to accomplish and have yet to. Time moves so quickly and it's impossible to slow it down, as much as I wish we could. Tomorrow we celebrate Thanksgiving and I'm so very thankful for so many things, we are truly blessed beyond anything we could possibly deserve. We give all the glory to God, without Him we would be no where...and I assure you that Jeremy would say the same.
In less than a month Jeremy and I will celebrate our two year anniversary. What an amazing journey these two years have been! I wouldn't trade any of it for the world, through ups and downs, we have discovered the hidden sides of one another and it has brought us so much closer together. There is a secrecy about marriage, that look that's shared across the table, small gestures and phrases, things that no one else around you understands. I love that, having someone to share every bit of your life with with no judgement or misunderstanding. We get each other and that in itself is priceless.
We both started new jobs this year. Jeremy worked hard to get a place at Ray's Tune-Up and he's very happy there. I think his dreams are to do the same as the current owner did and work there until he can own the place himself. I love walking into those doors, I love thinking about how it's been 'handed' down and how a pattern has formed. I know my husband would keep that legacy going.
I just started working at the PictureMe Portrait Studios. I'm loving it so far although being dropped immediately into a management position has ruffled a few of my coworkers feathers. I'm sure everything will smooth itself over with time. It feels good to work again and it feels even better to know that the more effort I put in, the more I'll be compensated. It's not often that you find a place that works like that. I'm hoping in the near future to do more photography on my own outside of the studio.
As far as 2010 goes, things went pretty well. We both found jobs that we love. We finally got health insurance. We took a wonderful cruise and did some other traveling as well. We moved out of the city and into the sleepy village of Pleasant Hill, which I personally love. We've been to concerts and parties, made new friends and spent time with old ones.
One of the biggest decisions we made this year was to bring another member into the family. Little Mason will be one in January and he's grown sooo much. He's spoiled rotten. He sleeps right between us every night in bed and has the pleasure of going every where that we go (with a few exceptions, of course). He really is our kid and we treat him accordingly. Stinky on the other hand, still does not like his younger brother. Oh well, tough love!
With 2011 right around the corner, we've already started making big plans. We're hoping to buy a house and have been looking a lot lately. We're asking that we have a lot of prayer in this process because we've been saving for 2 years for this purpose and are hoping to avoid loans of any huge amount. We're also hoping to add another addition to our family...only this time the human kind. We're not exactly trying...yet. But we feel as if we're ready and we know the time will come soon. Prayers in this aspect as well, please! In the meantime we're focusing on our jobs, our lives together and perhaps another vacation. (We cant' stand to sit still long.) We hope that 2010 ends well for you all and that 2011 brings you great joy and peace.
In less than a month Jeremy and I will celebrate our two year anniversary. What an amazing journey these two years have been! I wouldn't trade any of it for the world, through ups and downs, we have discovered the hidden sides of one another and it has brought us so much closer together. There is a secrecy about marriage, that look that's shared across the table, small gestures and phrases, things that no one else around you understands. I love that, having someone to share every bit of your life with with no judgement or misunderstanding. We get each other and that in itself is priceless.
We both started new jobs this year. Jeremy worked hard to get a place at Ray's Tune-Up and he's very happy there. I think his dreams are to do the same as the current owner did and work there until he can own the place himself. I love walking into those doors, I love thinking about how it's been 'handed' down and how a pattern has formed. I know my husband would keep that legacy going.
I just started working at the PictureMe Portrait Studios. I'm loving it so far although being dropped immediately into a management position has ruffled a few of my coworkers feathers. I'm sure everything will smooth itself over with time. It feels good to work again and it feels even better to know that the more effort I put in, the more I'll be compensated. It's not often that you find a place that works like that. I'm hoping in the near future to do more photography on my own outside of the studio.
As far as 2010 goes, things went pretty well. We both found jobs that we love. We finally got health insurance. We took a wonderful cruise and did some other traveling as well. We moved out of the city and into the sleepy village of Pleasant Hill, which I personally love. We've been to concerts and parties, made new friends and spent time with old ones.
One of the biggest decisions we made this year was to bring another member into the family. Little Mason will be one in January and he's grown sooo much. He's spoiled rotten. He sleeps right between us every night in bed and has the pleasure of going every where that we go (with a few exceptions, of course). He really is our kid and we treat him accordingly. Stinky on the other hand, still does not like his younger brother. Oh well, tough love!
With 2011 right around the corner, we've already started making big plans. We're hoping to buy a house and have been looking a lot lately. We're asking that we have a lot of prayer in this process because we've been saving for 2 years for this purpose and are hoping to avoid loans of any huge amount. We're also hoping to add another addition to our family...only this time the human kind. We're not exactly trying...yet. But we feel as if we're ready and we know the time will come soon. Prayers in this aspect as well, please! In the meantime we're focusing on our jobs, our lives together and perhaps another vacation. (We cant' stand to sit still long.) We hope that 2010 ends well for you all and that 2011 brings you great joy and peace.
Monday, November 01, 2010
I'm Letting Go...
You know that song by Francesca Battistelli? It goes:
'I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams.'
That's where I'm at right now. Letting go and letting God, despite how much it hurts deep down to bury the things that I want the most in life. I found myself sobbing in the shower last night, praying and begging that God would just comfort my soul and relieve me of the hurt that was tearing at my heart.
It was silly, really...all because what I want in life right now is not in God's plans for me yet, or ever. That's all in his hands, in his control. And I was being selfish, petty. I was like a little child stomping their foot, demanding that I have it my way, right now despite knowing that Daddy knows best and what He says goes.
So I'm taking deep breaths, I'm praying for patience and knowing that with God at the wheel, I cannot be steered in a wrong direction. I know in the end I'll look back and be surprised that I was ever upset because Daddy knows best and for all I know, He has something great planned for me now...and those dreams that keep tugging at my heart, well, they just had to wait.
'I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams.'
That's where I'm at right now. Letting go and letting God, despite how much it hurts deep down to bury the things that I want the most in life. I found myself sobbing in the shower last night, praying and begging that God would just comfort my soul and relieve me of the hurt that was tearing at my heart.
It was silly, really...all because what I want in life right now is not in God's plans for me yet, or ever. That's all in his hands, in his control. And I was being selfish, petty. I was like a little child stomping their foot, demanding that I have it my way, right now despite knowing that Daddy knows best and what He says goes.
So I'm taking deep breaths, I'm praying for patience and knowing that with God at the wheel, I cannot be steered in a wrong direction. I know in the end I'll look back and be surprised that I was ever upset because Daddy knows best and for all I know, He has something great planned for me now...and those dreams that keep tugging at my heart, well, they just had to wait.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
When God is in control..
About a week and a half ago my husband and I were attending our old church when a friend shared some very upsetting news with us. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to do. My first thought was to go, to help...but I soon realized that I was beyond helping. I was heartbroken. We both were.
We've thought about it a lot since then; the situation and our feelings surrounding it. We've talked about it almost every night and well, I think I've finally gotten my thoughts together.
We are too quick to judge.
We are selfish.
We have forgotten that GOD is in control!
All things work together for His greater good. Everything. Even this and all that led up to this.
I do not feel sorry for this man. My opinion of him has not changed. His own opinion has, I know...but I will always view him as a father figure. He will always be the man that I know he is in my mind's eye...and my husband's as well.
We all fall from grace. We all have battles that we feel we can not fight. I mostly wish I could tell him how much he means to me without it seeming like...sympathy, I guess. I'm at peace with it all at this point. I know that God will take care of him and all that he's been through. God loves him and so do I. I just ask that any and all who read this keep him in your prayers. I know he needs them and would appreciate them greatly.
We've thought about it a lot since then; the situation and our feelings surrounding it. We've talked about it almost every night and well, I think I've finally gotten my thoughts together.
We are too quick to judge.
We are selfish.
We have forgotten that GOD is in control!
All things work together for His greater good. Everything. Even this and all that led up to this.
I do not feel sorry for this man. My opinion of him has not changed. His own opinion has, I know...but I will always view him as a father figure. He will always be the man that I know he is in my mind's eye...and my husband's as well.
We all fall from grace. We all have battles that we feel we can not fight. I mostly wish I could tell him how much he means to me without it seeming like...sympathy, I guess. I'm at peace with it all at this point. I know that God will take care of him and all that he's been through. God loves him and so do I. I just ask that any and all who read this keep him in your prayers. I know he needs them and would appreciate them greatly.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Ah-ha!
I've had quite a few 'ah-ha' moments lately and I have to say, it's not so bad. Realization can be a really good thing. I'm very content with where my life is right now. It's pretty much fantastic, even on the bad days. I am so very blessed. God is so very good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)