Well, look at that...it's been a whole month--exactly one month today since I last posted! Wow! How things change when one goes back to work!
My new job is going well. It has it's "up" days and it's "down" days -- days when I hope it doesn't last long, and days when I think it's a "keeper". It's hard going back to work at age 58, when one hasn't worked in several years. There are days I love being back at work, and days that I want to quit! Am I too old to do this? I don't know.
What I do know is that God gave me this job, and I will keep it until I believe He says it's time to quit. Until then, I'll just keep depending on Him to help me through each day and each struggle.
Larry flew down to San Francisco this morning to go through a series of "final interviews" -- eight, to be exact, after already having several telephone interviews. Hopefully we'll know more soon--maybe even by this Friday.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The New Job
It's going very well, if you discount the stress of the learning curve. There's so much to learn! Some days I think, "Aha! Now I've got it!", only to realize the next day that I still don't! Fortunately, the good days and bad days seem to alternate with each other, rather than coming in succession with each other. And, it seems that the more I learn and begin to understand the systems and sequence of events, the more I realize how much I still don't know. I'm eager to know it all! I like being an expert in my job, and I dislike intensely a lack of expertise, which might cause other people to think I lack intelligence.
I like the people I work with, and I like the place and the "atmosphere" of the place. I even like the type of work I'm doing. I just don't like being new, and "dumb" at what I'm doing.
Even the getting up early and getting off to work by 7:30 A.M. hasn't really been as tough on me as I would have expected. However, I find that by Friday, I'm really looking forward to staying in bed longer on Saturday morning. And, I'm always really eager for the two-day weekend.
All-in-all, I'm happy to be back in the work world. It's been really good for me! I'm comfortable in this world, and it makes me feel alive and well. God knew what would be good for me, and what kind of job/workplace would suit me to a "T".
God is good, and my new work-world is good for me!
I like the people I work with, and I like the place and the "atmosphere" of the place. I even like the type of work I'm doing. I just don't like being new, and "dumb" at what I'm doing.
Even the getting up early and getting off to work by 7:30 A.M. hasn't really been as tough on me as I would have expected. However, I find that by Friday, I'm really looking forward to staying in bed longer on Saturday morning. And, I'm always really eager for the two-day weekend.
All-in-all, I'm happy to be back in the work world. It's been really good for me! I'm comfortable in this world, and it makes me feel alive and well. God knew what would be good for me, and what kind of job/workplace would suit me to a "T".
God is good, and my new work-world is good for me!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Business as Usual
At 8:00 on Monday morning I will be sitting in a front office, in training to be the new receptionist at a company called Idearc. (It's the publishing company for the yellow pages of our local phone company, Verizon.) The job is full-time, 8:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday. They are looking for "stability" in this new hire -- getting tired of the young gals who come and go quickly, always looking for something better. Hmmmm....I wonder how "stable" I am. I guess time will tell.
On Tuesday morning during the ladies' Bible I attend weekly, I shared my dilemma regarding going back to work. We prayed that God would give wisdom and direction, and that He would provide the right job, if I need one. We prayed about it again in our Wednesday night prayer group at church. On Thursday morning I received an email from one of the gals in my Tuesday morning group. Her husband had just informed her that the receptionist where he works would be leaving, so there was an immediate need to fill that position. On Friday morning I went in for an interview and was offered the job, to start on Monday morning! How's that for quick?
The company I will work for is located only about three miles from home, and happens to the same building/suite that Larry worked in for awhile when he first began working in this area. How's that for "coincidences"?
When I first began praying that God would direct me in this matter of going back to work, I asked Him to make it very clear to me that it was in His plan, rather than mine. He clearly answered that prayer also. I know this is from Him, and I thank Him for it! And, that gives me joy and excitement!
When God answers prayer, it can be immediate, although sometimes we may wait a long time for the answer. Larry is still waiting and looking at job possibilities all over the country. He has now submitted about 70 resumes/applications for job postings he finds on the internet every day, since last August. Our wait for that one continues...
On Tuesday morning during the ladies' Bible I attend weekly, I shared my dilemma regarding going back to work. We prayed that God would give wisdom and direction, and that He would provide the right job, if I need one. We prayed about it again in our Wednesday night prayer group at church. On Thursday morning I received an email from one of the gals in my Tuesday morning group. Her husband had just informed her that the receptionist where he works would be leaving, so there was an immediate need to fill that position. On Friday morning I went in for an interview and was offered the job, to start on Monday morning! How's that for quick?
The company I will work for is located only about three miles from home, and happens to the same building/suite that Larry worked in for awhile when he first began working in this area. How's that for "coincidences"?
When I first began praying that God would direct me in this matter of going back to work, I asked Him to make it very clear to me that it was in His plan, rather than mine. He clearly answered that prayer also. I know this is from Him, and I thank Him for it! And, that gives me joy and excitement!
When God answers prayer, it can be immediate, although sometimes we may wait a long time for the answer. Larry is still waiting and looking at job possibilities all over the country. He has now submitted about 70 resumes/applications for job postings he finds on the internet every day, since last August. Our wait for that one continues...
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Picture Preview
Here's a link to our wedding photographer's blog, with some fun pictures of Jim and Patti, plus observation comments from the photographer.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year to One and All!
We have now been home from San Diego for just about 24 hours. Our son's wedding was beautiful and perfect! We're still reliving the scenes and memories of our week with family and friends. It will not soon be forgotten.
We have gained a daughter and a whole new family bunch. They are a fun bunch of people that we are delighted to know and call "family" now.
2008 has begun, and we are looking forward to the changes it will bring into our lives. Here's to a brand new year and a wonderful new beginning for us and ours! Here's hoping you also enjoy a new beginning!
We have gained a daughter and a whole new family bunch. They are a fun bunch of people that we are delighted to know and call "family" now.
2008 has begun, and we are looking forward to the changes it will bring into our lives. Here's to a brand new year and a wonderful new beginning for us and ours! Here's hoping you also enjoy a new beginning!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A Night of Celebration
Today is Patti's birthday. Isn't she lovely? This is what she wore (or should I say how Jim dressed her up) last night for her birthday party. It was a fun evening of celebrating birthdays (Jim and Patti's--both), and "Christmas Eve" for all of us!
Okay, now we can get on with the wedding!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Is it Christmas Eve yet?Sort of...at our house...
Tonight we will will celebrate Jim and Patti's birthdays (Patti's is Dec. 22nd; Jim's is Dec. 30th), and we will open our Christmas presents together. Tomorrow morning they will begin their drive to California, beginning their journey as two single individuals, and eventually returning to Portland as newlyweds (their wedding is Dec. 29th).
We will fly to San Diego on Christmas morning and spend the afternoon with Patti's family. On Christmas night our daughter's family will arrive in San Diego also. From that point on, other family members and friends will be arriving for the wedding. What a grand celebration and reunion it will be! What a way to draw 2007 to a close! What a way for Jim and Patti to begin the new year -- as husband and wife!
Tonight we celebrate Christmas. Next weekend we celebrate the joyous wedding of our son and soon-to-be new daughter! Let the celebrations begin!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Four years ago . . .
Today I am back in Montana--in my memories. It seems like it was only yesterday, but it was actually four years ago today that my mom went home to be with the Lord.
While we were in Montana last week, I couldn't help but think back to the same time and place four years ago. We traveled there at the same time of year, across the same snowy mountain passes, and stayed in the same place--the home of our friends, Louis and Cary. This time they were gone and we were caretakers of their place and their animals--three horses, six sheep, two dogs (Golden Retrievers), one cat, and one bird.
Our trip of last week was for another funeral--the "home-going" of another mother. We buried our son-in-law Andy's mother just three days before the date we drove to Montana four years ago, for my own mother's death. Four years ago my daughter traveled with us from her home near us in Vancouver, Washington, to say her final goodbyes to her grandmother. This time we traveled to our daughter's home in Montana to join her in saying our final goodbyes to her "other mother". Four years ago our granddaughter Elliana went with us to pour out comfort upon my dad, her great grandfather. This time she was already there to pour out her comfort upon her grandfather, Andy's dad.
Both times were joyous family reunions, filled with tears of loss and grief, and hugs of comfort. The Bible tells us that when God's children are absent from the body, they are present with the Lord. What a blessing to know that these two dearly-loved mothers are "at home" with our Lord and Savior." We look forward to being reunited with them some day in Heaven.
"And, so shall we ever be with the Lord."
While we were in Montana last week, I couldn't help but think back to the same time and place four years ago. We traveled there at the same time of year, across the same snowy mountain passes, and stayed in the same place--the home of our friends, Louis and Cary. This time they were gone and we were caretakers of their place and their animals--three horses, six sheep, two dogs (Golden Retrievers), one cat, and one bird.
Our trip of last week was for another funeral--the "home-going" of another mother. We buried our son-in-law Andy's mother just three days before the date we drove to Montana four years ago, for my own mother's death. Four years ago my daughter traveled with us from her home near us in Vancouver, Washington, to say her final goodbyes to her grandmother. This time we traveled to our daughter's home in Montana to join her in saying our final goodbyes to her "other mother". Four years ago our granddaughter Elliana went with us to pour out comfort upon my dad, her great grandfather. This time she was already there to pour out her comfort upon her grandfather, Andy's dad.
Both times were joyous family reunions, filled with tears of loss and grief, and hugs of comfort. The Bible tells us that when God's children are absent from the body, they are present with the Lord. What a blessing to know that these two dearly-loved mothers are "at home" with our Lord and Savior." We look forward to being reunited with them some day in Heaven.
"And, so shall we ever be with the Lord."
Monday, December 3, 2007
Back at Home
It was a wonderful, sad, sweet, fun, tearful, beautiful, memorable week in Montana with family and friends from all over: California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Montana. Today my heart is still full of the sights and sounds of a bittersweet reunion for the purpose of a final farewell to one so dear to all of us. It still doesn't seem real that she is gone from our lives.
My son-in-law's mother (like a dearly-loved sister to me) filled our lives with grace and sweetness, fun and quiet laughter, inspiration and hope, peace and joy, dignity and poise, and, above all, the beauty of Jesus so alive within her and flowing out to all who knew her. She is now with the One who filled her life and enabled her to reflect Him to all around her. She seemed to love everyone and everything around her. We all felt special to her.
It makes no sense to us left behind, that God would call her home now. Perhaps, she had successfully completed her course of life, and God said to her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Now it's time for you to enter your well-deserved rest."
We will miss her greatly.
My son-in-law's mother (like a dearly-loved sister to me) filled our lives with grace and sweetness, fun and quiet laughter, inspiration and hope, peace and joy, dignity and poise, and, above all, the beauty of Jesus so alive within her and flowing out to all who knew her. She is now with the One who filled her life and enabled her to reflect Him to all around her. She seemed to love everyone and everything around her. We all felt special to her.
It makes no sense to us left behind, that God would call her home now. Perhaps, she had successfully completed her course of life, and God said to her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Now it's time for you to enter your well-deserved rest."
We will miss her greatly.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
In Montana
Greeting from Christmas wonderland! There is snow, more snow, and lots more snow here, plus icicles hanging from eaves and ice under foot. Incredibly beautiful landscapes surround us, while the local deer add to our enjoyment of the scene.
We began our journey here on Sunday morning, hoping to arrive before the impending death of our son-in-law's mother, but she passed away while we were enroute. I'm so glad she didn't continue to struggle for breath throughout the day. In mid-September (while we here for a visit), she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, stage 4, and given less than a year to live. In the end of September, while Larry was in the hospital, the doctor informed her that she probably had only 2-3 months left to live. In mid-November, that prognosis was upped to only two weeks or less. I began praying that God would take her "home" during the Thanksgiving weekend, before the famly gathering ended, so that her oldest son's family wouldn't have to leave before her time on earth was over. (I'm sure many others were also praying that way.) God graciously answered those prayers, and took her home on Sunday morning. What a way for her to spend Sunday--truly in the House of the Lord!
The memorial service is on Saturday. Our son will arrive on Friday. Our plans are up in the air right now, since Larry doesn't have a job to return to. We will leave here on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
You know the old saying: "When it rains, it pours!" That's how it feels for all of us right now. Fortunately, God's blessings are also being poured out for us, and we will continue to trust and rest in His goodness. Thanks for your prayers!
We began our journey here on Sunday morning, hoping to arrive before the impending death of our son-in-law's mother, but she passed away while we were enroute. I'm so glad she didn't continue to struggle for breath throughout the day. In mid-September (while we here for a visit), she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, stage 4, and given less than a year to live. In the end of September, while Larry was in the hospital, the doctor informed her that she probably had only 2-3 months left to live. In mid-November, that prognosis was upped to only two weeks or less. I began praying that God would take her "home" during the Thanksgiving weekend, before the famly gathering ended, so that her oldest son's family wouldn't have to leave before her time on earth was over. (I'm sure many others were also praying that way.) God graciously answered those prayers, and took her home on Sunday morning. What a way for her to spend Sunday--truly in the House of the Lord!
The memorial service is on Saturday. Our son will arrive on Friday. Our plans are up in the air right now, since Larry doesn't have a job to return to. We will leave here on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
You know the old saying: "When it rains, it pours!" That's how it feels for all of us right now. Fortunately, God's blessings are also being poured out for us, and we will continue to trust and rest in His goodness. Thanks for your prayers!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Two Months
Today marks exactly eight weeks since Larry's heart surgery. He is continuing to do really well!
- His cholesterol level is now done to 118 (previously over 200).
- He is no longer anemic.
- His heart rate is normal and stable.
- His incisions have healed up just fine.
- He now longer has the chills.
- He now longer tires quickly with any exertion of energy.
- Most of his medications have been eliminated or cut in half.
In addition to that, we now have medical insurance with coverage retroactive to September 1st (prior to these enormous medical expenses). This is all in answer to prayer, by you and us, and many others who will probably never read this blog. We thank you and we thank God, more than words can express!
Please continue to pray for employment, just the right job, in just the right place, at just the right time -- all in God's perfect plan. Thanks!
Oh, by the way, Larry is outside working in the yard -- raking and blowing leaves. He is well and we are truly thankfulfor his new lease on life!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Giving Thanks
My "quiet time" reading yesterday:
(From Psalm 75:1,9; 76:4; 77:11-13)
We are giving thanks today for many wonderful things God has done in our lives -- too many to list. Mostly, we are thankful that we belong to Him, and that we have the assurance that our lives are held in His mighty, protective, loving han
"We thank you, O God!
We give thanks because You are near.
People everywhere tell of your mighty miracles.
As for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
I will sing praises to the God of Israel.
You are glorious and more majestic
than the everlasting mountains.
I recall all You have done, O Lord;
I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.
[and of the present]They are constantly in my thoughts.
I cannot stop thinking about them.
O God, your ways are holy.
Is there any god as mighty as You?
You are the God of miracles and wonders!"
We give thanks because You are near.
People everywhere tell of your mighty miracles.
As for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
I will sing praises to the God of Israel.
You are glorious and more majestic
than the everlasting mountains.
I recall all You have done, O Lord;
I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.
[and of the present]They are constantly in my thoughts.
I cannot stop thinking about them.
O God, your ways are holy.
Is there any god as mighty as You?
You are the God of miracles and wonders!"
(From Psalm 75:1,9; 76:4; 77:11-13)
We are giving thanks today for many wonderful things God has done in our lives -- too many to list. Mostly, we are thankful that we belong to Him, and that we have the assurance that our lives are held in His mighty, protective, loving han