Updates

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15 (NIV)

Sorry I have been away for a while. Busy, busy, busy. Here is an update on recent posts in case you were wondering.

Oldest son is back in Pensacola looking for a job in his field (environmental law and policy) while working temporarily at a retail job he had in college. He loved Hawaii, learned much, got great experience and letters of recommendation, but missed his girlfriend. We had a short, but good visit when he made a quick trip home to pick up his car and birthday presents.

Youngest son finished high school, LOVES EMT School and is already on a team to compete at a state competition for EMT skills. At his old school, he coached three competitive teams for ROTC which finished first, second and third at the regional competition this past weekend.

I got the results from my MRI. I have arthritis starting in my spine. It runs in my family so I probably would have gotten it sooner or later, but the fracture from the fall off my horse six years ago probably exacerbated it. I have started physical therapy, and they are optimistic that they can alleviate the pain. It has a lot to do with my posture and the way I sit at work which explains why horseback riding makes me feel better. Really, I am serious. Horseback riding is good therapy. I wish I could write off my horse expenses as medically necessary.

All of my artwork at the fair won something and nothing got broken! The black and white necklace got a red rosette, the sunflower picture and mullet mobile got blues ribbons, and everything else but the black box which took third, got red ribbons for second place. I was quite pleased.

My work has been very busy with helping with plans to revitalize our downtown through arts and culture and training teachers to be better historians and teach their students using primary sources. Throw in some speaking engagements and a shift at the county fair, and I haven’t been home much in the evenings.

My free evenings are at church meetings, but we are making some progress coming to terms with some upheaval and building new stronger relationships among the congregation.

Husband went to the doctor with chest pains. We thought it stress from work and the layoffs that created more work for him. Turns out he pulled a muscle and cartilage in his chest wall, picking up something at work that he shouldn’t have as he is an old man (just kidding, honey). But, he is afraid to report it for fear he too will be laid off.

We got through the recent cold snaps without losing any plants, though our lawn looks dead and brown. The horses are bummed. I have worn my leather motorcycle jacket more this year than I have in the five years since I bought it.

My mom turned seventy six. I made her a patchwork heart wind chime out of glass and we had a big party though oldest son stole most of her limelight. That’s just the way she is preferring to stay in the background. My dad turns seventy seven next week. He will not stay in the limelight! Never has. Never will. LOL

So, what’s the point of all these news items? Just a reminder that no matter what happens, God is still in control. A few years ago, a few months ago, even a few days ago, I would not have imagined that some of these things would be happening. Yet, I know that I can trust God to take care of it all. And not just halfheartedly either, but miraculously in most cases and amazingly in all. So, why do I worry and fret so much when God knows what’s best and will do it in His timing? I don’t know, but really, looking back over all that has happened in the last few weeks, don’t you think I ought to quit?