Fall Quarter 08

As anyone who knows me... knows ... Fall Quarter has been about the hardest ones of my life. I have never struggled so much with ALL of my classes as I did this time. Even though 2 of them were in my strongest subjects... English... I still had a rough time. I am glad to say I survived them and didn't lower my GPA as much as I thought I would.

But these 3 months were harder for me for other reasons. Just as in my schoolwork, I wish to excel in life. I want to be a good wife, mom, daughter, grandma, friend, and servant. I didn't fair as well in these areas this quarter. I doubt I would have 'passed' if there had been a grade given for the quarter. However, the good thing is that, with new quarters, come fresh opportunities. Do overs. Mulligans.

And isn't that just like Jesus? He helps us learn from our failures and gives us a hand to start over again. So, with the knowledge that He is beside me, I look forward to January, with all its busy-ness, and with a fresh viewpoint.

There are so many things to work through... like what is it that God wants me to do with my life... how can I order my day better... understanding the family issues that seem to overwhelm my life at times...

but... there are so many things to look forward to... a new granddaughter in May/June... new opportunities with our youth group... hope for those who don't know Jesus in our family... more time spent with family... more challenges in learning at Clark... more time spent mentoring young people...

so, as the piles of snow melts in our front lawn, I can feel the pull to 'get going' again. I have much to do. I am just glad for another opportunity. Hope I do better in Winter 09. :-)

failing

hard times right now.
don't feel i am doing anything right.
can't get a handle on it.
just know that i need jesus more than ever now
'cuz he understands
and he is patient
and he is always there for me.
glad for that because that is what i need right now.
maybe that is what this trial is all about, huh?
thanks, lord...
did i mention how grateful i am that you are patient?
yup, i am.
really.
love,
me

One more thing

I need lessons on how to post to this blog!
Mine is dull compared to others!
Caylan! Help! :-)

School is hard

That's all I have to say.

Can you see the time of this blog? 3:00am

That's all I have to say.

Except... it is a good thing I like college... or I would want to quit

Grandchildren and other wonderful stuff

I am a blessed woman. I have 4 wonderful and beautiful grandchildren and NOW another one is on the way! Life is so fun with grandkids. Hard sometimes, I know... especially when all they want to do is play and you are tuckered out... but a blessing nonetheless.

even when you travel 3400 miles with them in an RV!

even when they turn your toy room into a shambles with playdoh and kiddie tools.

even when they fill their diapers right after you change them.

even when they are MILES away and you don't get to see them very often.

even when you are feeling your age and don't BEND like you used to and they want you to give them a horsey ride or sit on your shoulders.

And now... after a LONG YEAR of trying... CAYLAN is PREGNANT again... YIPPEEEE!!!!
Congrats, TRAVIS AND CAYLAN!

In other news... Sammy broke his wrist on those blow up play toys you find at kids parties. Has a nice new orange cast! He seems to like it! Climbed into my pickup with one arm. Nothing stopping him!

Jack and Shannon get married in about 12 hours! I am catering the reception. Lots of work but worth the effort... what a blessed day this will be!

I start school again on Monday. Yeah.... looking forward to it but a little nervous. New direction this year. Addiction Counseling. Lots of work. Hope I am ready for it! Thank you, Jesus, for scholarships!

I believe I have 2 of the best daughters-in-law EVER. They are women of God who seek Him in the midst of their struggles to be the best wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend. They care so much for giving their children the BEST example possible. They are healthy, wise, and careful about their choices for their family.

Even at at 52, I am learning so much from them. I love to listen to their hearts and to share in their joys and sorrows. One of my greatest desires as I contemplated being a mom in law was that I would be a blessing to them. Having no daughters of my own, I missed that connection. I was determined to be a lover and supporter of the women my sons would choose.

And they have chosen well. Very well. Quality women. I couldn't ask for more.

I love them so much. I am blessed.

Thank you, Jesus

Missing the mark

Life is good but life is hard. Sometimes I disappoint. Sometimes I get it right. Not today, but sometimes. Help me, Lord, to be brave when I fail. Seekin' Your face. Sigh............

I am very grateful for spring break. A time to get away from studying and get other things DONE! Put life in perspective. Put something else on the top of the list besides another chapter in a text book.

But in one week it is back to the books. And I am looking forward to the challenge. Odd... but I am. Still sitting with a 3.86 GPA. Loving it.

However, THIS week... taxes, scholarship information, mentoring, cleaning, and volunteer work.

AND... heading down to Lebanon to see Nalia, Travis, and Caylan! Finally! Can't wait!

AHHHHHHH....
yes, i love school.
college is amazing.
even at 52.
glad i am there.
BUT... do the professors think that is all we have to do in our life?
So... the rule of thumb is that you should put in 2 hours of work daily for every one hour of class.
I am EASILY filling this and beyond. I feel like I am fulfilling my part of the bargain.
Studying at all hours of the day AND night.
No sleep.
Trying to absorb material.
Trying to test well.
Trying to get the best possible grade.
ONLY to be faced with endless new assignments before you even absorb the material.
Speech is the worst.
Barely enough time to learn the material before you have to prepare to do another one.

trying to be a good
wife
lover
gramma
mom
daughter
mentor
leader
AND
student

Not doing well.

So, feeling discouraged.
Feeling defeated in some ways.
Persevering in spite of it.

Glad the quarter is almost over.
Looking forward to the next one.
I think I am crazy!

The main thing today is to remember that life is fragile. My sister's mom-in-law is facing hard times with ovarian cancer right now. It is good to remember that we never know how long we have on this earth. For me, serving Jesus is the MAIN thing in my life. My prayer is that all who do not know Him would find that eternal assurance for that time when we leave this earth.

This week will be so busy. In additon to beginning college classes again, youth group resumes and I am leading a girl's retreat Jan 10-13. It is call Chrysalis and God is blessing us so much as we prepare. The MAIN thing is that Jesus is proclaimed and presented to these young ladies. Pray that we all are able to focus on Him next week as we get busy with the many items on our schedule.

For me... I am blessed with fine sons, wonderful daughters-in-law, tremendous and beautiful grandchildren, and the best husband in the world... my best friend, Ron. I simply can't ask for anything more. Holding tight to the precious understanding of this in light of the fragile nature of our life.