An Honest Post

I have had today's post rolling around in my mind and on my heart for many days recently.  Time after time I would sit to write and things just seemed to be stuck.  The name of this blog is "FourEightThoughts".  Does this mean I always need to be positive??  

I would like to think that I spend most days in a state of continual optimism.  As nice as that might be, I cannot truthfully say that it is so.  This week has been a case in point.

TAPM got word that his contract has been extended.  Prior to hearing the news I was thinking how sad it would be to have to leave in 4 week's time, and hoping to be able to stay longer.  Now that we have the extension, waves of homesickness seem to roll like the waves in the harbor on a stormy day.  There are so many things here to be thankful for...steady income, our needs (and many wants) are met on a weekly basis, we are healthy...and just as many things that I miss...family and friends, picking black raspberries by the edge of the woods and blueberries at the orchard...

At this very moment I realize that it is a give and take.  I am thankful for the years I had in Lynchburg.  It was there that I fell in love with Jesus again.  I got to know family and friends that are now very precious to me.  I don't know if I took these things at the expense of my marriage, but they are what I had to give up in order to take the opportunity for my children to be near their father and to hopefully give my marriage room to grow in a positive direction.

So, what am I trying to say in all of this?  That I need to focus on these things - things that are right, true, pure, lovely, of good report.  God is not a bully, nor does He stand over me waiting to yank the good things away.  Lord, help me to be ever thankful for what You have given during the many different seasons in my life.

Optimism with some experience behind it is much more energizing than plain old experience with a certain degree of cynicism.
~Twyla Tharp 


 

More Time on Foreign Soil

Today I am thankful that TAPM's contract has indeed been extended for 3 more months!

I have been thinking on many things lately.  Things that need adjustment...like my attitude about greeting the morning, for one thing!  I have gone through ups and downs and seem to be in a down right now at getting to bed at a reasonable hour, and then getting out of the bed after the allotted time is up for rest.

Hopefully next week I can be thankful for progress having been made in this area.  :)

Hmmmmm...

Today is full of wonder at what the week will bring.  TAPM is waiting to hear if his work contract will be extended or not.  I am split as to wanting to go or stay.  Cut me in half and I'll be fine!        :)

The kids and I have taken the day off to celebrate the Queen's birthday along with the rest of the country.  Not much pomp and circumstance here, but a day off, nonetheless.

Looking forward to what the future holds.  I'm glad I know Who is holding it for me!

Wise Words

To keep your marriage brimming, 

With love in the loving cup, 

Whenever you're wrong, admit it; 

Whenever you're right, shut up.

~ Ogden Nash

Thankful

• for blue skies and sunshine
• for the happy Tui bird in the tree outside my window
• for healthy children
• good communication with TAPM
• for technology that allows me to join US team mates on a conference call
• for technology that connects me with my AUS mates for training
• for reminders to "sit up straight, drink your water, move your body, etc"
• for breath in my body and a smile in my heart!

For This I Breathe

• That my family and friends may know Him, the One I love and serve.
• That all whose paths I cross may receive my smile and be pointed to Him.
• That my children will know how much they are loved.
• That the one that I love best on this earth will know where to find me.

A New Month

I sure do like the first day of the month!  A fresh page on the calendar...a clean slate, if you will.  June, for me will hold growth in the area of balance and fulfillment, as I move on to the next chapter in my Sourcebook and see what Katherine Lee has for us.

Last month's life area was gratitude and attitude, and there was much to be thankful for.  The month ended on a high note as I had a wonderful time at the Juice Plus+ conference in Australia.  I would have never thought that my feet would be on Australian soil at any time in my life!

What will June hold??  I'm not quite sure.  But whatever it is, I'm sure it will be full of adventure!