Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Thieves, Verizon and ISAIAH

Thankfully the damage to my school was not huge; however, items were stolen. I am praying that the culprits will be caught in a speedy manner.

Long story short...Katie's cell phone stopped charging...I made a phone call to Verizon. She went to a Verizon store where there was a technician...they checked her phone and then gave her a new phone...no questions...no cost...end of story. I applaud the customer service of Verizon - at least the cell phone department. I am always treated respectfully and my issues dealt with and corrected. Hooray for Verizon!

Over the past few years I have at times asked God for a glimpse of what He is doing and what He has in store for me and John and ministry. Interestingly enough, every time I have prayed that we have gotten a phone call or some form of contact about a new ministry situation within 72 hours. Each time we have wondered if this was what God had for us next...and each time we would get 3-5 steps into the process only to have the whole thing fall through. I've told God that at times it feels like the horse and carrot trick and I was tired of carrots. I KNOW God does not really play games or use carrots. Today when I was writing in my journal to God (thank you Becky Tirabassi), I told God I still would like a glimpse of what He was up to even though I realize that it could mean one of two options: 1) what He has in mind for us is not ready for us yet or 2) we are staying here (and yes, I honestly told Him I wasn't thrilled about what it appears option 2 means). Anyway, I began reading the passages for today and low and behold words from the prophet Isaiah spoke to me. Granted, I am nowhere neat as in touch with God as Isaiah was and I am only taking pieces, but it was those pieces that jumped off the page for me - I love how God speaks to me that way.

Here's my promise for the day and future from Isaiah 49:4 and 49:8a...

"I replied,'But my work all seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose at all, Yet, I leave it all in the Lord's hand; I will trust God for my reward.'" (4)
"This is what the Lord says: 'At just the right time, I will respond to you...'" (8a)

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Busy Weekend...

Friday night we headed to Rhode Island for a surprise 25th anniversary party for Jim and Paula totally planned by their 4 children. We knew a few people, other than family, but not many. I applaud the kids for taking on the big job of planning the party.

Happy 25th Jim and Paula!

Saturday John got up early and rode his bike to his parents house in Connecticut for a visit and then came back around noon. That was about 40 miles round trip. I left around 10 AM to go get the food and etc. for the party. Ryan and Fud were at football practice and Terry was at a baby shower. Pippin and Tucker had a LAB party while we were gone. Hilary and Andrew arrived from Quincy, MA around 11:30. When I got back at 12:30 they were happy to help unload since I had brought New York System Weiner and a gallon of FRESH MADE A & W ROOT BEER! Woo Hoo!! John fell asleep after lunch, Hilary did some reading and then she and Andrew took a walk. I got the food ready and when Terry came home she made a big salad for us...and I do mean us...John, Fud, Terry and I like salad...the rest of his family are NOT big salad eaters. Everyone had arrived by 5:30ish and we had a BIG meal of Southern pulled pork BBQ, pizza strips (a Rhode Island specialty that Hilary loves), dip and chips, layered Mexican dip and chips, salad and Jack brought some of his beans left from the party the night before...Terry and I don't like them, but the boys grew up on them...THEN there was the cake...

On Thursday I had called the bakery and ordered a "50th Birthday cake", no real description of what I wanted. When I went to pick it up the lady said she thought it was the best cake she had ever seen...tell me what YOU think...

Hilary thought the Grim Reaper was the best part. Click on the link below to be taken to the rest of the photos from the party. Then set it to slideshow and enjoy.

We went to church Sunday and then headed home. Pippin had a great time running free with Tucker and I spoiled him and took him to the river for a swim after we got home.

The WORST news of the weekend came when I got home...my school was broken into!!! All staff has to be there early for a meeting. I hope there was not too much damage, but no matter how much there is it is sickening to think someone would break into a school...have a great week and enjoy the photos.

John's 50th Birthday Party with Family

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Birthday Bash!

Yesterday John turned 50! I knew this would be a hard birthday for him - not because he was turning 50, but because none of the girls would be here. The church had a cake and gift for him, plus they told him to take next Sunday off! Nice! After church I told him we were going out to eat and I'd tell him where to go. I also asked that he pack at least some shoes that he didn't mind getting wet or dirty. When we got to the restaurant I told him we would be waiting for some friends. He assumed our friends in Dover; however, I had something BETTER in store...About 10 minutes later our dearest friends, Mark and Denise, arrived with 5 of their 7 children. We LOVE these kids!!! What a great time we had - caused a bit of noise in the restaurant with our constant laughter...but who cares! Mark and the boys had gotten John some fishing things and after lunch we headed to Maranatha Ministries where the guys went fishing and Denise and I visited and watched the kids play. It was a great afternoon even though it got quite cool towards evening. I am SO glad John enjoyed himself and that we both have such good friends - no, they are more than friends...they are FAMILY! Below is the phone video I made of a message Mark sent to our three girls. Sorry it is pixelated, but it did come from a cellphone...




You can view the photos here. Click slideshow once there and the photos will get bigger. Thanks Mark/Denise for the ones you sent.

John's 50th Birthday Party with the Cedras Gang

This weekend we are going to see John's family in RI/CT and will have a family bash on Saturday. Hilary will be able to join us...hooray!

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Not much new...

School is going well. I am still in 5th grade, but not one:one and not with the same 5th grade teacher. I am with the 2 other 5th grade teachers. I enjoy the kids I'm with and have been with most of them since they were in 1st grade. The weather is finally feeling like September. Monday-Thursday it was in the 70's Friday and Saturday in the 90's. It was 95 degrees in my classroom on Friday afternoon! Today it is 65 degrees and rainy! Go figure...

The girls are doing well. Lindsey is enjoying having a real classroom this year. Hilary is enjoying being back at Eastern Nazarene College; although she isn't sleeping very well and Katie is adjusting to college life at Eastern University. She's joined the Swing Dance Club. Her only complaint is that she is tired and can't seem to get enough sleep. I hope she adjusts soon - I don't want her sick like she was last year.

John has the pleasure of studying HazMat laws for his CDL license renewal this week. It's a lot more involved since 9/11 than it used to be. One Voice started again Saturday. The drama is still in formative stages, but the music has been chosen, but I'm sure some of it will be deleted as we deal with time constraints. I have never helped with the Christmas performance. I'm already thinking through all of the things I need to get done early for here at home. I don't want to be too stressed during the holidays.

I was reading a few blogs today and reminded that even though I feel like the past few years John and I have been in a holding pattern, as far as ministry goes, God is in the process of completing His plan in His time. (Thanks Lindsey and Bethany.) I hope you've had a great weekend and are looking forward to Monday.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

New use for a travel iron...

Today was my first day of school and it went well - more on that another day.I bought Katie a travel iron for college - she said she'd never use it....I guess she was wrong as you can see in these photos...



GRILLED CHEESE! That's my girl...