Packing and Monday's Prayer

Our official move date

is this coming Saturday.

However, Mike and some buddies 

have started taking stuff over,

so we will have a good bit moved before 'the day'.

One of Mike's sisters came over yesterday to help me pack boxes.

She helped immensely!

She moves faster than I do!

Several friends had offered to help me pack,

but I didn't take them up on it.

Robyn just showed up, so I put her to work;

her husband Allen was helping Mike move big stuff.

(Mike spent a lot of days working on the building 

Allen bought for his auto body shop, especially

climbing up and down scaffolding while putting in

a new ceiling--

we're talking high ceilings.  So Allen is now helping Mike;

My husband is a firm believer in the barter system.)

This is one side of the living room/dining room built-ins.

The one to the left of the entrance to dining room is empty too.

This is a view into the dining room from the living room.

One of the built-ins in the dining room.

I will really miss them.

All the plans I had chosen for building a house

were Craftsman style---it is my absolute favorite style.

I will miss all the Craftsman touches in this tiny bungalow.

There is nothing similar in the farm house.

My son brought our dining room table to us yesterday.

It was in storage after Mike moved up here from Cincinnati, 

so we lent it to Doug when he was setting up his 'single Dad home'.

But he inherited his paternal grandparents' dining room set,

so we get ours back.

It will stay here in the bungalow for renters.

The antique table that came with the house

is making the move to the farm house.

It needs spruced up a bit,

but we really like it.

Doug also brought one of our sets of washer and dryer

that he was also no longer using.

We will switch out the dryer here 

and  either sell or store the washer.

T here is a very nice set in the farm house.

The grandkids accompanied him,

but I forgot to take pictures.

Peyton, bless her heart,

made a point of looking over the farm house

and making nice comments.

The two younger ones became bored

when they realized:

1. no food

2. no toys

3. no TV.

That's it for now.

I will be working on getting the farm house kitchen organized.

Mike brought over all the boxes

 from the Cincinnati's house kitchen

and put them in the farm house kitchen.

I am struggling with concentration

because everywhere I look there is a pile to go through.

This is one aspect of the fibromyalgia

that family members have a very difficult time comprehending---

we are easily overwhelmed

when our surroundings become crowded and chaotic.

But it has to be done.

Monday's Prayer

Lord,

in my thoughts and my words,

I want to always confess

that You are my sufficiency.

Help me to be ready for anything

because You empower me.

Amen.

I have learned in any and all circumstances

the secret of facing every situation . . .

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me

(I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him

Who infuses inner strength in to me:

I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency).

Philippians 4: 12-13

Blessings to you!

Work Continues and Monday's Prayer

 It is week 4 of owning the farm house.  We hope to get to move in next week.
We did get a mattress and box springs upstairs.  The guys from Lowe's took it up for us when they took the dry wall up to the smaller bedroom. (Mike will drywall that soon.)
To the right you can see the first two items in the long storage closet.  It is my paint box which I got for The College of Art and Design classes I took when Doug was 10 -- 25 years ago.  I've kept it all this time.  I hoped one day to use it again. My dream is closer.  The other is my scrap booking bag.  I've had it almost 10 years and use it sporadically.

This is our neighbor's fridge. We are borrowing it to see where

we want to put a new one.  

This is where the previous owners kept theirs.

However it will only take 30 inches, which is at 

most 22 cubic feet.  That is small.

We are considering taking the Vermont stove

out on opposite wall, installing baseboard heat,

and putting a much bigger fridge there.

If we go with a smaller fridge, we will need to keep an old one

in the basement, especially for holiday dinners.

The previous owners took their German refrigerator,

which they bought for its quietness.

Does anyone hear their fridge?!

The ice maker, yes, but the actual fridge?

 Below you can see that Mike has the dry wall up in the living room ceiling..

He has also wired the ceiling for 3 lights,

one in each section and a place for track lights over 

the window seat that he will build.

 I had to choose paint and that took 11 trial containers.
You can see the colors I chose: pure white for the
2nd bedroom and blue cruise for its floor; downy for walls and trim of dining room, living room, and laundry room (that is off of dining room); and resolute blue for the two accent walls in the half-bath.  The bedroom is done.  Mike is finishing up the living room today and tomorrow and the painter will return on Wednesday.

I ended up buying 5 sample paints for the living area

and am glad I did, because it was the 5th one that I went with.

It is the one furthest to the left. 

It is called Downy and is a light cream.

The two darker ones were not right, one was almost white,

and one looked almost exactly like what was there (has a yellow tint).

As you can see below, that one did not even show on the trim.

The floor in the half bath is royal blue,

so I went with a blue for the accent walls.

It is Resolute Blue and is the 2nd from the left.

I chose the blue closest to my feet, the nails of which are painted blue.

It is called Blue Cruise.

The walls and trim will be Pure White. 

It will be my studio and office and I want a bright, clean 'slate'.

I will add colors through pictures and accessories.

Mike decided to put drywall on the long living room wall.

Its cracks were too severe and we didn't really want wall paper.

He is also doing the wall where the front door is--to the right of this wall.

Both areas had old plaster.

You can see the ceiling is all done and ready for paint.  Mike does an awesome job and I'm quite aware of how fortunate I am to be married to such a handy man!








Monday's Scripture and Prayer:

If one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; 
if one member is honored, all the members share in 
the enjoyment of it.  Now you are Christ's body and you 
are members of it,  each part severally and distinct
with his own place and function.
I Corinthians 12: 26-27

Lord, help me to be Your hands and to reach out to those
in need around me.   Help me to do all that I can.
Amen.

Blessings to you all as you begin this week.

Explanation and Monday's Prayer

I have been absent from blogging.

Sometimes, I have read some of your blogs,

but did not comment.

At other times, I didn't read any.

I have not posted for almost two weeks.

Explanation: A switch of medications.

Something I researched and agreed to do.

I have a good doctor and I believe I am in good hands.

The body has not liked the change

and I have felt anti-social 

and/or too tired to think of something to write.

I am rounding a major bend and in three weeks

I will be completely switched.

My body is finally adapting

and thus, my brain is beginning to want to function.

I don't know how much I will blog or comment,

but know that I care for all of you -- my blogger friends.

My silence only means my body is adjusting.

A HUGE moment occurred yesterday:

I joined a local church.

It is where my dad pastored when I was in high school.

It is the church God has been instructing me to join.

I've always been a bit rebellious,

but the rebellion often manifests as passive aggression.

I don't 'do' as much as I 'do not do'.

So I did not join though I've lived here nine years.

Well, yesterday I became a conscious (not simply on paper)

 member of a church.

Below are some pics of the house.

We have possession 

and my husband has started on the living room ceiling.

He and a friend tore out the ceiling in the living room.

He is wiring places for lights.

Then he will put dry wall up and do the finishing touch.

We've got a guy lined up to paint it then.

MONDAY'S PRAYER:

Lord,

I commend my day to You 

and ask You to be in charge of it

from beginning to end.

Enable me to do all

I need to do successfully and well.

Help me to do it 

carefully and not carelessly.

Help me to do it all diligently 

and not lazily.

Help me to do everything skillfully 

and not shabbily.

I know I cannot do all I need to do in my day

without Your help.

I don't want to ever take for granted that,

just because I have done some of these things before,

they are always going to turn out right

each time.

I know that sometimes

even the simplest things

can become a problem or a challenge,

so I don't want to assume that 

everything will automatically go smoothly.

That's why I submit 

my entire day to You

and ask You to be in charge of all I am doing.

Specifically, what I need the most help

with today is:

(fill in).

The ways I want You to guide me today are:

(fill in).

What I am most concerned about today is:

(fill in).

The things I want to accomplish today are:

(fill in).

The people I need to see and talk to are:

(fill in).

What I hope will happen today is:

(fill in).

What I don't want to happen today is:

(fill in).

Lord, I thank You that You are in charge

of my day and all that happens.

Be in charge of the surprises,

the unexpected,

and the things that turn out differently

than I planned.

Enable me to hear Your voice

speaking to my heart,

telling me the way I should go

and what I should do.

In Jesus' name I pray.

WORD POWER:

This is the day the Lord has made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Blessing to you all as you go about your week.

A fellow teacher retires and Monday's Prayer

Marvin came to us after he retired from another school district.

He began the year I did and we both have just finished our tenth year.

Marvin will be an adjunct professor now

along with all the other extras he already does.

I didn't ask him, but I imagine he wants out 

before the state's red tape-paper work

buries him.

At least that is how a few others of us,

close to retirement, feel.

One of the teachers bought M. the t shirt.

However, M. will not be sitting at home,

driving his wife crazy.

He is just not that type of guy.

In cleaning out several storage rooms,

this old slide-ruler was found.

C. on the left, one of our two math teachers,

wrapped it up

and we gave it to Marvin.

Marvin was the only one who knew how to work it.

School is done.

I am heading in to finish up my room.

One of my students is dropping by later

to help decorate the display window

for summer.

From 100 DAYS OF GRACE for WOMEN

"How much of our lives are,

well, so daily.

How often our hours

are filled with the mundane,

seemingly unimportant things

that have to be done,

whether at home or work.

These very 'daily' tasks 

could become a celebration 

of praise.

'It is through consecration,' someone has said,

'that drudgery is made divine.'"

Gigi Graham Tchividjian

I will instruct you and show you the way to go;

with My eye on you,

I will give counsel.

Psalm 32:8

We know that all things work together

for the good of those

who love God:

those who are called

according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

TODAY'S PRAYER OF GRACE

Dear Lord,

You are the Creator of the universe,

and I know that Your plan for my life 

is grander than I can imagine.

Let Your purposes be my purposes,

and let me trust in the assurance

of Your promises.

Amen.

Graduation and Monday's Prayer

This past Saturday was the graduation at the high school

where I teach.

The first picture shows how beautiful the surroundings were.

One of 'my girls' getting her diploma and a hug.

This does not capture the best decorated caps, but it gives you an idea,  

Just about done with diplomas and getting ready to switch the tassel

to the other side or their caps.

Our tiny band.

Here they begin the parade out to the middle of the football field

where they will toss their caps.

It is a tradition to decorate the senior hall the night before awards day

and graduation practice.

The girls 2nd and 3rd from the left and the one on the rt. end

are three of 'my girls'.

Monday's Prayer

Lord, I can't change the world around me,

but I can bring my life and requests to You.

May Your peace guard my heart and mind today.

Thank You that I can rest in You.

Amen

Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God'

and the peace of God, 

which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7 NKJV

 From The Confident Woman Devotional

by Joyce Meyer

This is finals week.

Teachers' last day is Friday.

I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel

called this school year.

Blessings to you all as you go through this week!

Mother's Day flowers and Monday's Restoration Prayer

My daughter sends me live flowers specially packaged to my school

for special occasions.

This is what I received for Mother's Day.

It is just beginning to bloom.

The photos of the entire arrangement are not the best,

but the light and my choice of camera setting combined to create a dubious outcome.

There were tiny purplish blue flowers that were a bit flimsy after a day of bloom,

so I cut them and put in a tiny vase (they are not shown).

I love fresh flowers.

I love that my daughter realizes and honors that.

Hebrews 4:15

For we do not have a High Priest 

who is unable to understand and sympathize 

and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses

and infirmities 

and liability to the assault of temptation,

but One who has been tempted in every respect as we are,

yet without sinning.

"Jesus understands us when nobody else does.

He even understand us when we don't understand ourselves.

He knows 'the why behind the what'.

Jesus knows why we behave the way we do.

He sees and remembers all the emotional wounds

and bruises in our past. .  .

He understand our weaknesses--every fear, every insecurity,

every doubt,

all our wrong thinking. . .

He loves us unconditionally,

and He is committed to working with us through the Holy Spirit---

and He does not condemn us while He is at it."

Monday's Prayer

Lord, who You are making me into is so much more important 

than the doing that others expect from me.

Help me to trust Your hand

and the shaping You are doing in my life.

Amen.

From "Restoration is a Process"

The Confident Woman Devotional

by Joyce Meyer

Blessings to you as you begin your week.

Feeling like an old tire and Monday's Prayer

Ever feel like an old tire?

Most days I feel useful, but some I don't.

I lay around like an old tire, 

praying and hoping for the strength to overcome the chronic illness

and rise up with energy to "go forth and be fruitful."

It didn't help that this ope-floor-plan 600 sq. ft. house

got to me yesterday.

No room with a chair in it to go and close the door

and have peace and quiet.

So I headed to the local nursery.

Asked by one of the owners, who knows me,

what I was looking for,

I replied,

I'm just escaping an open-floor-plan 600 sq. ft house.

He laughed, "Enough said--I get the picture totally!"

I did buy flowers though I had to cover them up last night

since I didn't get them planted 

and temps dipped to 32 degrees.

Monday's Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for Your grace that covers my weakness.

Thank You that Your power shines through my powerlessness.

In times of suffering or trial,

I pray for an added sense of Your presence

so I can grow stronger in You and not weaker.

Help me to know that Your grace covers my inadequacies.

In Jesus' name I pray.

------------GOD'S PROMISE-----------

My grace is sufficient for you,

for My strength is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Blessings to you as you begin this week.

Spring has come here and Monday's Prayer

Spring has come to my part of Ohio--southeastern.

I took time Saturday for a drive out west of town.

This water area had definitely perked up with bright greens.

These pinkish/purplish trees winked at me

everywhere I looked.

A 4-wheel drive version of a golf cart pulled over to let me pass,

not realizing that I was enjoying the scenery too.

They had to pass me here as I snapped photos of this row of color.

One of my favorite spots--it is still untouched by stripping or fracking.

"When you don't take enough time to be alone with God,

you can become depleted.

You may feel like an eggshell

 that could be crushed with every little outside pressure.

That means you need more of God in your life.

There is nothing on earth more important than Him.

There isn't anything else that can satisfy the hunger you feel inside

except more of His presence."

Stormie Omartian

Monday's Prayer

Lord,

You are my light and my salvation,

You are the strength of my life.

Of whom, then, shall I be afraid?

I will be strong and of good courage,

for I know that You are with me wherever I go.

If I have gotten my mind off of You and on my circumstances,

help me to reverse that process

so that my mind is off my circumstances and on You.

Help me to be strong and unshakable

so I can serve You all the days of my life.

In Jesus' name I pray.

---GOD'S PROMISE----

If anyone thirst, let him come to Me and drink.

He who believes in Me,

as the Scripture has said,

out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.

John 7:3-38

From: THE POWER OF PRAYING--

HELP FOR A WOMAN'S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE

By Stormie Omartian

Blessings on you as you begin your week!

More Prom and Monday's Prayer

I've known this young lady since she was a new-born.

Her dad has been vice-president of my ex's family company for many years.

I have been friends with her mom before this young lady was born.

She does not go to our high school,

but to a vocational school.

The boy is from our high school,

but goes to the same vocational school as the girl.

Ah-ha!

I was surprised but pleased to see her there.

The parents gathered inside the convention center and it was a bit chaotic.

Several of us teachers 'new' at these things 

have some different plans in mind for our years,

such as a red carpet

and seats for the parents---outside.

We would like to make it an event

 where the couples get center stage

walking into the prom.

The high school where my kids went

did this.

The fathers were valets.

But we parents did not have seats

and that was fine too.

I wanted to show you the camouflage dress from the front.

This is definitely a 'country' girl's choice--from a hunting family.

The counselor and I were taking pictures of the girls.

I got mine printed today.

Tomorrow Diane and I will put our pics up on a bulletin board

for all to see.

Then when we take it down, the kids can take the pic of their choice.

These colors are so VIVID!

And underneath . . .

BOOTS!

The theme was "A Country Tale"

and boots were encouraged.

Diane and I thought this was a cool choice of a dress

that this young lady will be able to wear in college.

The one on the left is usually not flamboyant,

but the one on the right dresses with pizazz at school.

The one on the left has her cell phone tucked into the middle of her top!

Only K. would do that and forget about it for a picture!

Classic model type.

Some of us teachers.

The teacher in the white and black skirt with boots

is our art teacher.

She was the advisor for the prom.

I'm behind her in classic long black skirt

with black heels and a simple gold metallic v-neck.

The prom king and queen begin to dance

as everyone snaps pictures.

They really got into it.

He twirled her around---was fun to watch.

They are good friends but are in long relationships with others.

Then everyone got to join in the dance.

A lot of the boys take their jackets, shirts, and ties off

and just wear their vests on top because of the heat.

The girls take their shoes off.

One huge difference since my high school days

is not just the style.

Yes, we wore long sleeves and modest necklines,

but most of us did not have much to hold up a strapless dress! Ha!

I am constantly amazed at how old the high school girls look today.

It's got to be all the additives and such in our food---surely.

(The counselor Diane got such a kick at of how all the girls

would simultaneously grab their tops and hoist them up

before a picture.

Actually they 'hoisted' them up most of the night!)

Monday's Prayer

Thank You, Lord, 

for Your Infinite love.

Make me an optimistic Christian, Father,

as I place my hope and my trust in You.

Amen.

Short and sweet and to the point this week!

Hope you have a wonderful week!