Friday, February 27, 2009

company

What a week! Monday morning, 3:30..... Rick was out snowblowing over 18 inches of heavy white stuff. Mailbox was plowed down, power was out; no piano lesson for Kendra, and homeschool co-op ... cancelled.
Thus, a regular school day. But, Monday was really our only normal day!

I have been praying that God would use me and my family in some real way. I want to love people better. So, Kendra asked if we could give her friend, Kelley, a 16th b-day party Tues. She's going through a tough time and had a terrible party at her house. "Ya, sure," I said. Well, everything was going so smoothly.... until I was about to serve up dinner. Kell is pretty dramatic; and burst into tears, called her dad and asked him to pick her up! No, it wasn't the food; just a tough time in her life. Thankfully, she decided to stay, and we had a really good time.

Wednesday was a make-up school day for our co-op. We hosted the high school classes at our house; with kids coming around 2:30. Of course their younger brothers and sisters and moms were here, too. What fun! After class, people stayed for go-cart rides, sliding, ping pong, some played the piano and guitar, and then we roasted hotdogs and marshmallows around the wood stove. What a cool bunch of people!

Thursday, I had invited a homeschool mom and two of her children over because our Rec. director mentioned that this family would like to know more Poland homeschoolers. He asked if I'd call her. I did, she came, and we had a lovely time. Cindy has seven children, three grown. She and her husband attend the same church as some of our friends. They have a son Chris's age, so I really hope this could be an opportunity for him to connect with someone. This boy wasn't here yesterday, so we'll probably get together again.

Then, last night, the kids and I went to Mark and Robin's Bible study. Rick was at a late meeting with one of his reps., so couldn't be there. A man came for the first time, he attends our church, but may or may not know Jesus yet. That's one thing I love about our church, there are so many different types of people who attend; lots of opportunities. Anyway, the kids and I enjoyed the group, as well as having a chance to talk about faith, salvation, and other topics. It's a good discipleship-teaching class.

Today, I thought..... Friday, a normal day. Well, my friend, Nancy called and asked if I could watch her two boys while she went to work this afternoon. It was another chance to love people. You know, with all the activity, the kids still finished their schoolwork for the week, and we were all blessed! The crew, myself included, might be a little tired, but we are happy.

Tonight, we're wrapping up with a family movie.

Loving people is very rewarding.

Friday, February 13, 2009

activity update--Feb.13-09

I am at the library, waiting for Mariah's band lesson to finish, so thought I'd blog. The next few days, if all goes according to schedule, we will be swimming in the East Autralian Current of the Ocean of Life! Rock on, man! I need to get my house cleaned and food purchased before acceleration.... plus homeschool finished for the day!
FRIDAY
12:30-1:00 p.m - M/Band
2:15-3:30 - K/Track
6:00-8:00 -C/Basketball (coach will pick him up)
6:30-9:00 -Fireproof (movie at the church)

SATURDAY
8:00a.m.- mid-afternoon - C/Basketball tournament
8:00 -K/Track practice
4:15 p.m.-CJ/church practice for women's group
5:00 C/church
7:00 - Burgess' over for dessert
8:00 - Teen church

SUNDAY
8:30 a.m. -church (both services)
2:00-4:00 p.m. - The Event practice (Easter drama)
5:45 - friends over for supper

MONDAY
State Track Meet

I could get seriously overwhelmed..... but am not :) We will walk where God wills us in that moment. I believe it will be great!

One thing Chris has learned...... He likes basketball for fun, not for the intense competition. Next year, we will stick to Rec. games and not the extra tournaments.

OK, Mariah should be ready and I'd better get to the school.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

January 31-Feb. 1

Last night, all of us went to Bates College and saw a performance entitled, "Shangi Asia". WOW- the college has many Asian students, so they put on a show demonstrating their native dances, music and costumes. Beautiful, fun and well-done. Even our 7-year old enjoyed it! Our oldest normally goes to teen church on Sats., and wasn't too happy to miss. She was glad she went, too!

College, sigh! We're thinking, exploring and praying about it.

2 years to go....

Rick update, update

For those of you who read my Rick update, I feel like I'd better update my update. Rick's cold has run its course, thankfully! So, he's full-steam ahead.

Of course, economic times haven't changed, BUT, we get to change through them. We all get to grow as people and as Christians, and my husband is growing. Work is a faith-stretching time; as well as the financial decision we have made to God. The Lord has never been unfaithful, though, SO, unless that happens, we will obey.

Just for the record, Rick and I are also growing closer as married -- best friends --. I'm thinking we're getting better with age.... TOO COOL! We've been married for 18 1/2 years! Other than becoming a Christian, it was the best decision I ever made!

That closes the Rick update.... for now :)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

what's going on with Rick

What's going on? I've decided to update this journal one person at a time.

Rick is sick. He has had a terrible chest cold since last week; but with lots of sleep, hopefully, he will beat it soon.

Work has been difficult, as well. Corporate is in a tither because profits are taking a nose dive. Lay-offs are just around the bend, and leadership doesn't seem to be coping too well. Execs. seem to be intensely micro-managing. Rick does so well; unfortunately, others in the region are not experiencing success. Region 1 went from being first, to dead last in the company. Ouch. Economically, the NE. has been hit hard; but of course, there are also management flaws which contribute to the problem.

Rick is still teaching Sunday school, too. The 4th graders love him. He is Ranger Rick to them. He does a terrific job.

I believe next week, Rick and I are going to step out in faith re: our money...... This is a big deal for us. We are going to try to be obedient to God, so will see what happens.

OK, that's about it for the #1 guy. He's great and cute, too. What more could one ask for?

Thursday, January 15, 2009

thought

Once in a while, I have a thought worth thinking about.

"If you run from failure, it will define you-
If you face your failure, you will succeed."

Being back in the teen world; via homescooing co-op; Atmosphere, track..... can bring back many feelings and memories. Well, one of the most unpleasant experiences has to be seeing some other kid live the same mistakes I have lived. Ouch!

Too much false pride, an inability to acknowledge failure, and rationalization of that failure, sure does make for a tough way to live. Eventually, if one is a Christian, God will get to him or her..... but until then, deep down, it doesn't make for much peace; and it's hard to watch.

Having been there.... I have to think that getting to the bottom of oneself; praying and making oneself accountable; not only to God, but others is a beginning for change. Also, to be loved unconditionally through failure has to be the last missing ingredient. Being cared about, no matter how much of a whackadoo one is; gives people the freedom to be open about failure and learn how to change.

Those are my thoughts, what are yours?

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Grandpa W. and Peter

It's late, but I want to give an update.

Sunday morning, 1-04-09; 6:45 a.m., Grandpa Webster died. He was 100 year old and is now born into eternity. Wow. Of course, there will be things that will remind me of him; camp, especially, also, his bedroom in Georgetown at my in-laws, also, holidays, because Grandpa W. always prayed before the meal. But, mostly, I am glad for him. He was such a godly, loving man. Grandpa lived well and now goes to such a better place.

Grandpa Ws funeral was on Thursday. He inspired people to run their liferace well and gave us a great example to follow. The message and eulogies were so memorable. David titled his, "Are You Ready?" He pointed out that Grandpa W. was ready to die because of His faith in Christ and the life of obedience he lived. Grandpa was ready; are we? Excellent.

The kids and I sang "What A Day That Will Be", and I played piano for the service. It was a privilege, and I was so thankful to keep my mind on serving.


We left of Georgetown the Monday after Grandpa's death. So, Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to drive Peter to his radiation and chemo treatments. Peter showed me around the facility....state of the art. The radiation room looks like something from NASA. No one can be in the room while he's being "radiated", and the actual machine looked something like a rocket!

The chemo room he was in was large and had seven recliner-type chairs. Pete is being given one of the strongest chemical combos available. However, he also takes a cocktail of drugs to prevent side effects. Miraculously, so far, his only complaints are fatigue and hiccups! :) I was so thankful to have gone with him. Everyone there is kind and professional. I really appreciate the insight into his treatment.

OK, it is very late, and I have to get up early tomorrow morning. I'm afraid I'm not as prepared to teach my history class as I'd like. SOOOOO, had better catch some zzzzz's so I can work and smile at the same time.