A Plan for 2014

Those who know me well know that I am an extreme planner. I have already transferred important info from my 2013 agenda into my new 2014 agenda, set up my calendar of bill payment reminders for the year, and making plans for 2014 at work.... I would be thrilled if I could fill in the plans of everyday for the entire year of 2014. If possible, I would have work schedules, traveling plans, Dr. appointments, grocery lists, meal plans, date nights, laundry times, cleaning times, studying times, etc, etc, all "penciled in" for the rest of the year. Unfortunately, life does not work out this way. And oddly enough, not all people prefer to function this way. I can't image! ;) Even more so than wanting to be able to fill in all the little details that will make up the year's schedule, I just would like to know what the year has in store overall. Once again, I luck out in that department. What I am coming to realize, though, and trying to remind myself of daily, is that even though I do not know and cannot plan for what the future holds, I can find comfort in knowing that my Heavenly Father does know and is in control of my future. The hard part for me is trusting, waiting, and not worrying.

Throughout different struggles in life, I find that we often ask God, "Why?". Why is this happening, why isn't this working, why I am going through this, why me and not someone else, etc. As I have been facing a somewhat personal issue (a little too personal for the internet) throughout 2013, I have struggled with asking Why?, I have struggled with trusting, I have struggled with patience (among many other things). A dear family we know who had to bury their 8 year old son this week, said that they realized they should not being asking God, "Why?". They are finding comfort in the fact that God is in control. Who are we to question the Lord Almighty, the Creator of the universe, our loving Father?

Instead of wondering why things turn out the way they do, my goal for 2014 is to remember that my Heavenly Father has everything under control. Even if things don't work out the way I would have planned, I pray that I always remember that He loves me, is with me always, and that is truly all I need in this life.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding" Prov 3:5
"He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he." Prov 16:20

My Cup will be Half Full

With no permanent residence, the last 2-3 weeks have been quite the adventure for me and Jordan. I would be lying if I said it was all fun and easy! Several times we have expressed our frustration with the situation. “We are so tired of lugging our suitcases around everywhere” “We are so tired of eating out” “We are so tired of unloading and repacking every night or two” Complaint, complaint, complaint…

After visiting with a good customer and friend at work yesterday, I began to have a different outlook on our current situation. As she was shopping, we started visiting about the holidays and about the pillows her mother in law had previously purchased from us for her birthday. She mentioned using them in her guest room, and I told her we are getting a new house and I thought that would be a great idea for our new guest room as well! Turns out, she and her husband are in the same situation as Jordan and I. As we continued discussing the similarities of houses we had looked at, places we are staying, and so on, she said something that made me stop in my tracks. She mentioned that throughout this time period, they have really become so grateful for the things they do have and less concerned with material blessings. (They, also, have nearly all of their belongings in storage and have been living with the “bare minimum”.) In more or less words, as her eyes began to water, she told me how she really felt that they needed this time to get their priorities straight in life and to realize the things that are most important. Eventually, our conversation came to a close, we wished each other well, and she went on her way. The rest of the night, this conversation ran through my head. How terrible of an attitude I have had! Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful for all of those who have housed and fed us and am so excited to get to move into a new house, but all the while we have been waiting, my attitude has not proved to be one of thanksgiving. Life really could be a lot worse and more difficult for us than it is! 

Each year at Christmas, Jordan and I have a tradition of giving each other one ornament. We carefully choose which ornament to give to one another, whether it be a silly ornament or a "meaningful" ornament. This year Jordan made me the best ornament yet! He made a wooden house and wrote several things on it, including our new address. One thing he wrote, though, really stuck out: "Our first house, but not our first HOME". All of the actual structure, furniture, decor, etc make a house, but love and family make a HOME. I have realized that the old saying is true "Home is where your heart is". Although we don't have a house right now we have many homes (time share, friends houses, families houses, etc). And we will always have many homes as our hearts will always be in Yoakum and in Dripping, but OUR home is wherever we are together! (if I had the ornament with me, I would add a picture. Maybe some day I will get it up here!) :)

With running a business, I encounter so many people on a day to day basis. I often wonder what I can do to influence their lives for the better. In the meantime, this customer in particular, has influenced my life for the better! So grateful for her and all the sweet people we have met throughout the past 3 years with the store. I pray that I always portray a Christ-like attitude that will encourage our customers and all those I encounter.  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:16

I resolve to see my “cup” as half full rather than half empty this year. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice” Phil. 4:4

Who knew a conversation about these pillows could turn in to so much?!