New Jersey can be paradise on it's own- when there's not hurricanes or flooding, or ditches jumping out at your car.
But when that just won't do, we get out of Dodge. And let me tell you- we needed this vacation like a southerner needs their sweet tea.
A week in paradise- total bliss for the entire family. The photos aren't yet in, so I'll make you wait. Suffice it to say, we had an AMAZING time AGAIN. St. John, USVI is our new favorite spot. We snorkel, we boat, we sightsee, we pool floozy, we relax, we float, we snorkel. You get the idea. My only worry all week, was which bathing suit to wear each day. Rough.
Hope your week was great too!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
We're making a dent!
Today is September 20. We moved in on August 22.
Yesterday was the first day we began hanging things on the wall. We're not normally slackers around here.
There were a few things that set us off course:
Irene came for a visit.
School started.
The sink overflowed.
Hubby traveling.
We're just plain tired some nights.
Now that our pictures and decor are gracing the walls, it's FINALLY feeling like our home. I've missed seeing favorite photographs and posters. Numerous items have traveled with us from house to house, and in a way, that means each house comes with us every time we move.
I told myself I wouldn't clean the house until things were hung.......now that we've made a dent in that job, I guess I'll be playing Cinderella.
Yesterday was the first day we began hanging things on the wall. We're not normally slackers around here.
There were a few things that set us off course:
Irene came for a visit.
School started.
The sink overflowed.
Hubby traveling.
We're just plain tired some nights.
Now that our pictures and decor are gracing the walls, it's FINALLY feeling like our home. I've missed seeing favorite photographs and posters. Numerous items have traveled with us from house to house, and in a way, that means each house comes with us every time we move.
I told myself I wouldn't clean the house until things were hung.......now that we've made a dent in that job, I guess I'll be playing Cinderella.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Last piece of the puzzle
Church shopping is NOT the kind of shopping I enjoy.
Normally, shopping is relaxing, productive and dare I say?- Fun.
Church shopping is productive, but NOT relaxing or fun. See the problem?
We just left a church in Oakville that raised our standards considerably in every department. From proclaiming the gospel, to believing in the power of prayer, to preaching the truth without apology- they had it covered. In 7 years, we were blessed to watch God grow this congregation from two services to four, packing out the sanctuary each week, making overflow rooms necessary. People are hungry for the TRUTH.
Our children grew up in this church, it's all they know and remember. For them, this is the standard by which they measure every church we visit. It's good to have a standard. Nelson and I knew in leaving Oakville, that we had to expect God to do great things. It was inconceivable that a God so loving and so faithful would bring us all this way to let us down.
Every thing, and I mean EVERY thing we have prayed for God to provide, he has. The kids have a wonderful school, they have met kids on the block that are their friends, we love our neighborhood, we have settled into our home (as much as one can in a few weeks), and are seeing friendships blossom. The one missing piece of the puzzle is finding a church that we can call home.
Some might think that finding "the" house is the pivotal piece. A house is important in a move, but you can alter it to suit your needs. It doesn't have to be "perfect". Our home is a prime example of that- slap on some paint, throw away the carpet, and oila!- you have a new home. A church, however, can't be changed to suit the whim of it's congregants. What we encounter in their service, has to be enough for us. That's a difficult concept to take in when we're coming from a place of extreme satisfaction.
Why is He making us wait on this one piece? Is there a church where all the components that are of importance to us, can be found? Would he put that desire within us to find such a place, only to have us be disappointed? I have to believe that he keeps his promises. He does not want us to be without His word, His truth, or His promises in this desert.
Neither of us wants to settle for a church that's "good enough", and we shouldn't have to. Our God doesn't give us blessings that are merely "good enough" he gives us His BEST. If I only expect him to give mediocrity, what do you think he's going to give me? Even in His word he says "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph 3:20). Did you read that? God will exceed our expectations, and be abundant in them too! He knows our tendency is to settle. We are content with mediocrity too often. We assume it's the best we're going to get, and then live with it. But what if I decide that I'm not satisfied with it and expect God to go above and beyond where my requests and head won't let me?
This is what I'm going to do. For the next 30 days, I'm going to sit and pray, waiting, expecting God to do something powerful when it comes to guiding us to "the" church. We've got some other churches to visit, and maybe there's one we haven't yet heard of that we need to see. Either way, he's got us covered. I can't wait to see how He does it.
Normally, shopping is relaxing, productive and dare I say?- Fun.
Church shopping is productive, but NOT relaxing or fun. See the problem?
We just left a church in Oakville that raised our standards considerably in every department. From proclaiming the gospel, to believing in the power of prayer, to preaching the truth without apology- they had it covered. In 7 years, we were blessed to watch God grow this congregation from two services to four, packing out the sanctuary each week, making overflow rooms necessary. People are hungry for the TRUTH.
Our children grew up in this church, it's all they know and remember. For them, this is the standard by which they measure every church we visit. It's good to have a standard. Nelson and I knew in leaving Oakville, that we had to expect God to do great things. It was inconceivable that a God so loving and so faithful would bring us all this way to let us down.
Every thing, and I mean EVERY thing we have prayed for God to provide, he has. The kids have a wonderful school, they have met kids on the block that are their friends, we love our neighborhood, we have settled into our home (as much as one can in a few weeks), and are seeing friendships blossom. The one missing piece of the puzzle is finding a church that we can call home.
Some might think that finding "the" house is the pivotal piece. A house is important in a move, but you can alter it to suit your needs. It doesn't have to be "perfect". Our home is a prime example of that- slap on some paint, throw away the carpet, and oila!- you have a new home. A church, however, can't be changed to suit the whim of it's congregants. What we encounter in their service, has to be enough for us. That's a difficult concept to take in when we're coming from a place of extreme satisfaction.
Why is He making us wait on this one piece? Is there a church where all the components that are of importance to us, can be found? Would he put that desire within us to find such a place, only to have us be disappointed? I have to believe that he keeps his promises. He does not want us to be without His word, His truth, or His promises in this desert.
Neither of us wants to settle for a church that's "good enough", and we shouldn't have to. Our God doesn't give us blessings that are merely "good enough" he gives us His BEST. If I only expect him to give mediocrity, what do you think he's going to give me? Even in His word he says "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph 3:20). Did you read that? God will exceed our expectations, and be abundant in them too! He knows our tendency is to settle. We are content with mediocrity too often. We assume it's the best we're going to get, and then live with it. But what if I decide that I'm not satisfied with it and expect God to go above and beyond where my requests and head won't let me?
This is what I'm going to do. For the next 30 days, I'm going to sit and pray, waiting, expecting God to do something powerful when it comes to guiding us to "the" church. We've got some other churches to visit, and maybe there's one we haven't yet heard of that we need to see. Either way, he's got us covered. I can't wait to see how He does it.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thing 18
The good thing about high taxes and hurricanes? Free pick-up of you fallen tree parts!
Guess I know what I'll be doing the next few days....
Guess I know what I'll be doing the next few days....
Monday, September 12, 2011
Thing 17
We all remember where we were on 9/11. It was my generation's day of infamy.
Some people don't mind watching the video clips over and over, or seeing documentaries on the event. For me, I find it incredibly difficult to relive that day. My world changed and for awhile, everything stopped.
Now, 10 years later, my eldest is old enough to understand the events of that day. We live 30 miles from the epicenter, where those two towers used to stand tall. Just last week, we visited the site, and fortunately for me, we were unable to see much due to the large fence encasing the area. It never would have dawned on me that ten years later we'd be emotionally invested in this event in a different kind of way.
Where we live, thousand of people comment into NYC every day. Given that fact, it's highly likely that people around us either lost someone they love, or know someone who lost a loved one on that fateful day.
That day defined history for all of us, but for the people here, it was a catastrophic definition. Their backyard was attacked that morning, and it shook the people of this region in a way that we who were thousands of miles away, could never understand.
We opted to attend a Sunday evening church service this weekend. Figuring there'd be some sort of a 9/11 tribute, we were prepared for something. We couldn't have envisioned what took place, however. Two large cranes in front of the sanctuary held up the largest American flag I'd ever seen. Surrounding the cranes were a plethora of first responders; fire men, police men and EMTs. Would you be surprised to learn that my eyes were moist walking into the church?
A packed church welcomed us, and at the beginning of the service, the first responders walked in as a unit, followed by a lone bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace". There wasn't a dry eye in the place. The entire service was a memorial with testimonies from various responders who were there, as well as a 9/11 widow.
It was a beautiful tribute and the right way to honor those that fell that day. Had we been living anywhere else, I'm positive there wouldn't have been the same attention paid to the memory.
Thing 17 about this move, is the opportunity to reflect and remember those that fell on 9/11. This locale provides for us, the chance to experience it with new eyes and a better understanding of the damage done that day. May we never forget.
Some people don't mind watching the video clips over and over, or seeing documentaries on the event. For me, I find it incredibly difficult to relive that day. My world changed and for awhile, everything stopped.
Now, 10 years later, my eldest is old enough to understand the events of that day. We live 30 miles from the epicenter, where those two towers used to stand tall. Just last week, we visited the site, and fortunately for me, we were unable to see much due to the large fence encasing the area. It never would have dawned on me that ten years later we'd be emotionally invested in this event in a different kind of way.
Where we live, thousand of people comment into NYC every day. Given that fact, it's highly likely that people around us either lost someone they love, or know someone who lost a loved one on that fateful day.
That day defined history for all of us, but for the people here, it was a catastrophic definition. Their backyard was attacked that morning, and it shook the people of this region in a way that we who were thousands of miles away, could never understand.
We opted to attend a Sunday evening church service this weekend. Figuring there'd be some sort of a 9/11 tribute, we were prepared for something. We couldn't have envisioned what took place, however. Two large cranes in front of the sanctuary held up the largest American flag I'd ever seen. Surrounding the cranes were a plethora of first responders; fire men, police men and EMTs. Would you be surprised to learn that my eyes were moist walking into the church?
A packed church welcomed us, and at the beginning of the service, the first responders walked in as a unit, followed by a lone bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace". There wasn't a dry eye in the place. The entire service was a memorial with testimonies from various responders who were there, as well as a 9/11 widow.
It was a beautiful tribute and the right way to honor those that fell that day. Had we been living anywhere else, I'm positive there wouldn't have been the same attention paid to the memory.
Thing 17 about this move, is the opportunity to reflect and remember those that fell on 9/11. This locale provides for us, the chance to experience it with new eyes and a better understanding of the damage done that day. May we never forget.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
What next?
Anyone have a great joke to tell? Because I could use some laughter right about now.
It's fast becoming the running joke around here, to ask "what next?" Surely in reading this blog, you've been prone to think the same.
Let me put to rest the notion that we're back to normal. The plumber has been called- our kitchen sink overflowed and the entire kitchen floor was covered in water. Suffice it to say, it was NOT a good evening. Or the normal one I'd been aching to have. Thank God for two helpful kids who could run and get the neighbors. Who couldn't use a little neighborly bonding over a broken pipe?
Laughter IS the best medicine, and I intend on overdosing today.
It's fast becoming the running joke around here, to ask "what next?" Surely in reading this blog, you've been prone to think the same.
Let me put to rest the notion that we're back to normal. The plumber has been called- our kitchen sink overflowed and the entire kitchen floor was covered in water. Suffice it to say, it was NOT a good evening. Or the normal one I'd been aching to have. Thank God for two helpful kids who could run and get the neighbors. Who couldn't use a little neighborly bonding over a broken pipe?
Laughter IS the best medicine, and I intend on overdosing today.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Dodged a bullet
It's been raining for the last 24 hours. Rain in and of itself is a good thing. When you have to drive on the highway, however, it can become ugly.
New Jerseyans (is that a word?) are notorious for their driving. It can be a bit frightening at times if you're not used to it. This morning, I took the inlaws to the airport so they could head home. On the way, we encountered an accident where someone skidded off the highway into the mud and on into the bushes. Not a good way for one to start the day.
En route to coming home, with both kids in the back, we were chatting about something when it came time to take the 3 lane exit onto another highway. Things were starting to back up so I slowed down. Ahead were vehicles slamming into the guardrail, and behind me cars were spinning, trying to get into the shoulder. In every direction there was damage- and I had to refrain from looking in the rearview mirror. It was UGLY. Everything came to a stand still and I just kept praying for protection. Miraculously, my car and the one or two in front of me- which weren't all but a few feet apart- were spared any damage. In a quarter mile stretch- if not longer, there were at least 10 vehicles damaged. The road would be blocked for quite a while. We managed to make our way through the wreckage slowly, completely shocked by what just took place.
A doozy of a morning. My life has been anything but normal these past few weeks. I'm craving normal, need it.....desperately. A life without hurricanes, and ditches, and highway accidents, would be just fine by this here housewife. Any one else for mundane?
New Jerseyans (is that a word?) are notorious for their driving. It can be a bit frightening at times if you're not used to it. This morning, I took the inlaws to the airport so they could head home. On the way, we encountered an accident where someone skidded off the highway into the mud and on into the bushes. Not a good way for one to start the day.
En route to coming home, with both kids in the back, we were chatting about something when it came time to take the 3 lane exit onto another highway. Things were starting to back up so I slowed down. Ahead were vehicles slamming into the guardrail, and behind me cars were spinning, trying to get into the shoulder. In every direction there was damage- and I had to refrain from looking in the rearview mirror. It was UGLY. Everything came to a stand still and I just kept praying for protection. Miraculously, my car and the one or two in front of me- which weren't all but a few feet apart- were spared any damage. In a quarter mile stretch- if not longer, there were at least 10 vehicles damaged. The road would be blocked for quite a while. We managed to make our way through the wreckage slowly, completely shocked by what just took place.
A doozy of a morning. My life has been anything but normal these past few weeks. I'm craving normal, need it.....desperately. A life without hurricanes, and ditches, and highway accidents, would be just fine by this here housewife. Any one else for mundane?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)