Stepping stones

It is amazing to me how God walks each of us through seasons in our lives... stepping stones, if you will, preparing us for the next phase in our lives. I look back on the decisions that I have made in the last few years... some that were seemingly smart decisions, some not so smart... but it seems to me that God has used my swerving path for my good.

Romans 8:28
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

And we think we are so smart... making "informed decisions" and doing what we think is best for our lives. But we only see a small part of the picture. Only God knows the future.

The Hallelujah Chorus

HALLELUJAH!

I am turning in my notice today... God provided not one but TWO jobs for me this week. It was a great step of faith for me to take a job that pays less (even though I will be SO MUCH HAPPIER in it...) but knowing that we will HAVE to depend on God for our financial stability. But I prayed about it and felt peace about it. Andy prayed about it and he felt peace about it... so I took the job. Then I get a phone call offering me a part time job that will suppliment the money I would be losing!!!! GOD IS SO GOOD!

I start my new jobs after Labor day... YAY!!!!!

Not myself

Today I came to a realization. This is not something I'm proud of... I'm just warning you.

I am not myself here... (no I'm not crazy... keep reading...) I have been at this job for over a year now. I do not believe I have had a "good day at work" since probably November... give or take a few days that my boss was on vacation. I think the stress and irritation is starting to get to me.

Someone asked me today if they had offended me... not understanding why they would ask me such a question, I inquired the reason. They said that I have been a bit short and testy with them lately. I honestly had not noticed. I sincerely apologized and assured them that there was nothing that they had done to upset me. I felt about three inches tall.

This is not ME. I am not like that. I want to be a servant and love those around me. I try to be patient and help whoever I can... at least that's who I've striven to be. Now that I think about it, I've been bringing this irritation and testiness home with me. Poor Andy. (Sorry honey... in case you are reading this.)

I think it's time for me to move on and get a new job. I have tried and tried to make myself just deal with it and grow up and quit whining. I keep reminding myself that this is not permanent and that I should just depend on God and ask Him to help me through each day. I have been attempting to do that and it has helped some but I do not know how much longer I can handle this position... this office... this manager. I do not want to be the person that people "walk on eggshells" around, for fear of a blow up. Maybe I'm just giving up too soon... I do not want to be the one that runs from her problems, either. *sigh*

I do not have any motivation to do my work. I have a hard time concentrating. I get depressed just about every Sunday night remembering that Monday morning is the next day... (although I believe most people deal with that... *smile*).

God please help me with this. I am ill-equipped to handle this situation.

A few of my favorite things...

Andy hugs
Babies... gotta love them
A good sermon
My parents
The smell after the rain
Unexpected messages from friends
A new worship song... and reviving old hymns
Indian food
Pug kisses
Sweet tea
A new skein of yarn
Consignment sales

New day... new blog... random thoughts...

Question... is it impossible to find a place to work that actually appreciates their employees? Pays them well and does not expect them to work their hands to the bone? That gives them GOOD benefits and does not make them pay dearly for the privilege? Just wondering if a place like this exists...

I made cappuccino muffins this weekend. They were not very good... wheat flour instead of all purpose flour and baking powder that refuses dissolve in the batter... not a good combination. I should try again.

I included a pug slide show in my blog now... My pugs make me happy.

The choir sang a song on Sunday. Angie and I had a duet... I think it went well. Only because God was in it. That song was hard for me... but I prayed that God would anoint it and that it would not be about me or Angie or the choir but that it would glorify Him. I think that is the only reason it went well. I honestly felt His presence and anointing like a blanket on my shoulders. It was an amazing experience.

King David dealt with depression... you can read it in the Psalms... so it must be okay for me to have days that I struggle with depression. I wonder if everyone struggles with depression at some point in their lives. But God is faithful... I sometimes feel guilty for being sad... like I am denying the work of God in my life. But I think He understands... He certainly has not deserted me yet. *smile* And I am thankful to have a husband that endures with me and does not think me strange... but loves me through my hard times.

UGH

Ever had one of those moments where you can't even believe how rude and selfish someone is acting? Especially a professing Christian person who KNOWS BETTER and claims to be better than that?!?!? Now, I know we as Christians all screw up. I do more than most. But I guess I just expect more from a Deacon/Chaplain type person in authority. UGH!!!!

Sorry... I just needed to vent a bit.

PUGS

I woke up this morning with one pug laying in my spot and another laying on my pillow. Not sure how they both were able to move me out of my spot and into the middle of the bed, but they are crafty little creatures.

Non plastic grocery bags

I've heard in California, they are outlawing plastic bags... sounds good to me. I hope that spreads across the country. My mom is panicking and hoarding plastic bags for good measure.
I've been happy to buy the non-plastic grocery bags... one at a time so as not to break my small piggy bank... but I think they are cool little reusable bags. Always hated the plastic bags. I think they are tacky. I guess they remind me of the slums in Nairobi... They say that the plastic bag could be the national "flower" of Kenya... seems about right.
And can't we go back to brown paper bags? They always seemed to work and they are so useful.

Just a thought.