Present State of Being

I’ve been thinking about the state of being of so many of our friends and family, as well as our own situation at present. This state of waiting and wondering; knocking on doors unanswered; desirous to move forward and yet the way seems to be blocked and barred; a hint of possibility with no apparent outcome. It strikes me as strange that so many of us seem to be in this same state and it makes me wonder if there’s more to it than meets the eye. Could it be a byproduct of the spiritual state in this day and time? I think of the story in the book of Daniel where the angel tells him that the answer was sent as soon as Daniel prayed, and yet its arrival was hindered by a battle waged in the spiritual realm. Perhaps this is the case for us as well. The answer is on its way, but is delayed by the principalities and powers with which we wrestle.

If this is so, I wonder about the significance of our requests and why the answer would be a threat to the enemy? Is the delay a means of discouragement to blind us from what God is doing and will do? Does God have mighty plans for us that Satan shudders to see fulfilled? Or maybe it is meant as a distraction to keep us agitated and unfocused in the present time; unawares and not pressed in to the presence of the Lord.

In my heart there is a battle cry that calls us to press on and not give up; to take hold of all God has planned for us and the purpose He holds for each one of us. Let’s not become bogged down and succumb to discouragement as we wait and hope and look for that purpose and plan to be realized. God is faithful! As I write this, I’m aware that this is just what I needed to hear. I’ve allowed the waiting and the unknown to distract me from my relationship with Jesus. I’ve let all the thoughts of events outside my control to crowd out thoughts of the Lord and His kingdom. I don’t want to do this any longer! Lord, please help me to walk with You, through whatever you take me, wherever You lead, even if that means continued waiting. Help me to trust You…….

From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.' Acts 17:26-28

365 days and nights

365 days and nights together. Yesterday we celebrated a year of marriage. It's been wonderful!!! I couldn't be more thankful for my sweet husband and the wonderful, thoughful man of God he is! All the waiting and praying and tears wondering when God would bring that special man into my life were worth it. I couldn't be happier with my love!

We spent a lazy day. Went out for breakfast, put up the Christmas tree, watched a movie. R made reservations for us for dinner. He reserved this great little nook at a local Italian place and he decorated with candles. We had our own private dining with plenty of great food and service. Yay! Fun times!!!!

Thanksgiving Feast

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year with R's family. Mom C and R's sisters prepared the feast. And feast we did! The food was great! Think Texas meets Louisiana! Seafood galore! Yum! We had a wonderful time with the family. It was a good chance for me to get to know everyone better. Needless to say, we have much to be thankful for!

First Married Thanksgiving

Thank the Lord

Dad C

Astride the Golden Elephant

Our nephews

Fully Educated

In the face of time’s passage, I often feel behind in the completion of my degree. I have no regrets for how I have spent the years since high school graduation. I’ve learned a lot and met some wonderful people. There’s just the pressure to be fully educated, not to mention the glass ceiling I’ve knocked my head against more than once!

This morning I heard a brief story about a Kansas college student. It certainly makes me feel better!! Maybe it’s not so important how old I am when I finally have my degree in hand……….

Morning Edition, November 21, 2006 · Kansas college student Nola Ochs, like many of her classmates, will likely do some studying over Thanksgiving break. But unlike them, Ochs can remember the events taught in her history class. She turns 95 tomorrow. Ochs remembers World War I, the formation of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Ochs has one semester to go before she graduates. That would make her the world's oldest college graduate.

"All Rise!"

Monday morning found us in Austin, Texas where R., along with 2,500 other newly licensed lawyers, was sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. It was fun to witness the formality of the court, including the use of Latin to call the court to order. Those who addressed the inductees stressed the responsibility upon each new lawyer and the need for them to serve with integrity. I was proud to observe from the audience and know that my husband was among those making his pledge.

On Edge

I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t admit that I’m on edge and a little anxious wondering what’s going to happen with R’s job and where we’ll be living if we have to move. This not knowing is unnerving. And it’s not for lack of faith. I KNOW that the Lord has a place for us that He has already determined. It’s simply that I want to know! When will R. get the job? Will it be somewhere there’s a school I can attend? Do I prepare myself to say goodbye to the friends we’ve made here and the fabulous church we love? Or do I have the freedom to put down roots?

Then there’s my own struggle to know what I really want concerning school and education. I’m feeling more and more uncertain whether I want to be a full-time music student again. I recall how madly stressed out I was before and I just don’t know if I want to go back to that level of stress. Nor do I want to have my time with R. get crowded out, especially since he has just finished his education and we’re still unencumbered by the responsibility of children.

A part of me simply wants to enjoy the freedom and flexibility we have right now and then in a couple years to start a family and focus on being a good mom. Then there’s this nagging voice in the back of my head that says I’m somehow less if I don’t complete my degree. I want to complete my degree, but sometimes I think it’s just to prove something; maybe to myself and maybe to the world.

I’m sure I’m stressing over nothing and will look back as I have many times before and see how perfectly God worked everything out. It’s possible that we’ll move to a place where there’s a school that will accept transfer credits from Prairie and I can complete my degree at a more moderate pace. Meanwhile, I’m on the edge and wondering.

Introducing!

My husband: Attorney at Law

Employee's Testament

I am a whole person
My life consists of more than 8 to 5
I’m more than just an employee
I am a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend

While I am at work, I dedicate myself to working hard
But when 5 comes around, I will leave
I will not apologize for leaving right on time
Just like I don’t apologize for my prompt arrival

While I am at work, my time is yours
But I will use up every last hour of vacation leave
I will not apologize for taking time off
I’m more than just an employee

I am a whole person
I have hobbies and interests and charm
I have a family and they come first
I am more than just an employee

You the employer should know
Good employees are hard to find
And harder to find is to keep them
Perhaps the answer lies with you

I am a whole person
And as such I deserve your respect
Don’t come between me and my husband, my child
For they’re more to me than this job

I may be one among many employees
But I’m the only wife and mother they have
If a whole person’s more than you bargained for
Perhaps it’s a robot you want

by Mollie

The Importance of Being Earnest

Now that the Bar results are in, the job search has begun in earnest. Please pray that the Lord will guide us and open the door that is best for us. Please pray that we will trust Him to care for us and that we won't get impatient as we wait. It's all a little overwhelming. The last seeming obstacle has been removed and yet we must still rely on the Lord to make a way for us. And sometimes trusting is hard, especially when circumstances are difficult in the waiting room............

Ladies and Gentleman!

After much anticipation and jitters, I am THRILLED to report that my sweet husband has successfully passed the Texas Bar Examination!!!!!! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, my gosh! Yikes! I can't breathe, I can't breathe!!!! Phew! Wow! Yeah...we're a little excited!

Results came out a day earlier than scheduled and I had the great privilege of giving R. the wonderful news. I’m soooooooo proud of him and the many, many hours of study and hard work that went into this success!

We spent the weekend celebrating with family and friends. Friday night found us at the Elite with a relaxed time of conversation and laughter and jazz music. Then on Saturday we drove to R’s parents and were wined and dined at a “superior” restaurant in Louisiana. It was a great time with the whole family together!

Today we’re back to work and the anticipation of the next thing for us now that this very large hurdle has been passed! Congratulations, darling! I’m so proud of you, not just for this great accomplishment, but for who you are. I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy November!

It finally feels like Fall here today, though Texas style that still promises a high of 60 degrees for this afternoon. Still, I dug the turtleneck out of the drawer and feel all cozy and warm. I love Fall! I love the smell of the air and the holidays coming just around the corner. It's beautiful and refreshing and I feel like celebrating the day!

Blessings to all!!