Stay-cation II

I took off this week since my kids were out of school. It was another busy stay-cation since I worked on painting and cleaning my son's room. I was simple amazed at the number of holes and nicks in his walls. It took hours to fill them and sand it down. Actual painting didn't begin until Wednesday. I shied away from working too much on Thursday to cook, eat and go for a short hike. I did pick up a brush and start on the trim that evening.

Friday, I was planning to finish the room, but my 10-year-old wanted to experience Black Friday shopping. Almost 4 hours later and a little poorer, we returned home. My son declared that I must help him with a History project. He read info to me for hours while I painted the trim in his room and offered suggestions on his project. 

Saturday was the day to touch up any painting mishaps, rehang the curtain rod and closet shelf, and clean the carpet in that room. Just after lunchtime I was bringing up the Christmas tree from downstairs. I got it assembled by 2:30 then quickly got ready to go to Six Flags for "Christmas in the Park". My daughter had never been, so we decided to just take it easy and let her see what it was like. The kid who tends to be afraid of roller coasters actually rode the Dahlonega Gold Mine Train twice, the second time holding her hands up. The Christmas lights were beautiful, but it was so cold! It was 60 when we got there and 46 when we left! I was ever so glad to have heated seats in my car. ;-)

Tomorrow I will return to work with the understanding that I accomplished most of what I planned to do this week. It was a great week to be home.

Proverbs 31:27 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Pain

On Thursday I received the permanent crowns on two of my molars. I was actually looking forward to it because I really dislike the plastic temporary crowns. It was 3 pm and I was ready. My dentist administered two shots. A few minutes later, he attempted to take off the temps. Nope, too sensitive. Here I must tell you that my heart has an uncomfortable reaction to epinephrine, so I have to use an alternative numbing medicine which is not as effective and doesn't last as long. Two more shots and we are in business.

However, the 30 minute procedure took 40 and the medicine started to wear off. It was the first time I've ever tried to curl up in a ball in a dental chair. With my fists in the air and my knees up, he got the crowns glued in. He apologized profusely, telling me how much he hated that drug and how the whole thing made him sweat. I just shooed him out of the room and waited for the assistant to finish so I could take some pain reliever. Before I ever left the front desk, I took 2 ibuprofen and proceeded to sit in my car for 15 minutes before driving home. Thankfully an hour later the pain was gone.

It's during times of pain that I think about the promises of heaven. 

Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There will be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

An Art-Full Day

I had an art-filled day on Saturday. First, I took my daughter to the Gainesville Theatre Alliance presentation of "Beauty and the Beast." It was magnificent! We both had a wonderful time watching the beautiful story, with amazing costumes and songs. What talent these young people have!

Later, my son informed me that 'we' had to work on a 3D unit circle as an extra credit project. Uh, ok. We headed to the craft room and 3 hours later, we had a large cardboard circle covered in purple fabric, with sticks and beads for the necessary angles. My son learned how to use a hot glue gun and I got to spend some fun time creating something with him.

Ecclesiastes 9-11a What profit has the worker from that which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. 

Whether Fine Arts or arts and crafts, God has made everything beautiful!

Too Much

I woke up early this morning because the time changed on Sunday. I began last weekend with a bad cold and the last seven days have been almost too much for me. I felt like I was in a race and didn't win. Here's a rundown of events.

Monday: worst day of the cold, attended a Board meeting out of town, trick-or-treating for an hour+

Tuesday: dental appointment for two crowns, pain medication was a must

Wednesday: returned to work and had 6 meetings, a record for me

Thursday: drove to Macon for a state meeting, 5 hours on the road

Friday: catching up at work, was notified we will have a federal program review in December, and took my 10-year-old to her school's fall festival 

Saturday: cleaned house, helped her research volcanoes for a project due Friday 

Sunday: church, laundry, volcano project, groceries, helped son with Trig, special communion service

What I didn't get done that I need to do this week: decide on insurance coverage for next year, make sure she finishes the volcano project, work on more trig identities with my son, work on an application for my daughter to attend a charter middle school and finish this post. 

It's all too much, but God has us in this time and place for a reason. I want to look beyond the busy-ness and seek a better way.

James 4:7-8,10 Therfore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.