Strong Winds

Last Tuesday we quietly waited for a predicted storm to roll through the area. It seemed to be staying north of us. However, around 8:45 pm, the winds began to increase and the lights flickered off - but only for about 15 seconds. My daughter was nervous so I suggested that we go climb in my bed to wait for the stormy weather to pass. A couple of times I looked out the window and noticed the trampoline was nowhere to be seen.

The next morning, we left as dawn was slowly creeping in. We still could not see the trampoline until we headed down the road. We scanned the pasture next door and there it was, tilted to the side, being braced by the net supports. It had cleared two fences (about 12 feet apart). The wind had lifted it up out of my yard and dumped it about 150 feet away. Wow!

Ecclesiastes 11:5 As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything.

Friday afternoon we were able to take off the slightly bent net supports, roll it onto a trailer and cart it home. The supports were straightened and the pieces put back together. Within 2 1/2 hours, my daughter was jumping on the trampoline that had no punctures in the base or the net. I am amazed at the strength of that wind. I need to pay more attention to the works of God. I bet I would find them even more amazing.

The Walk

I'm going to really try to stay active this spring. Tomorrow begins our team efforts at work. We are to walk more, drink more water and participate in acts of kindness. Today for practice, I kindly asked my mom to go for a walk with me. We headed off to a nice wooded trail and walked about two miles. I drank more water. I even exceeded 10,000 steps today, according to my Fitbit. I got to spend a couple of hours with my mom.

Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. 

Do I feel better? Yes. It kept me from sitting in my chair all afternoon. Does she feel better? Probably - and for the same reason. We both had fun and forgot about everything except putting one foot in front of the other. It was a wise way to spend the afternoon. 

Time to Move

At work I feel like I'm always on the go, with more things to do than can possibly get done. I push hard because it's my job and I want to earn what I'm paid. At home I feel lazy because I see still more things than I can possibly do, but I would rather sit and read a book to let my mind and body rest. Some of this is going to change.

Last week I signed up for a wellness program at work which is designed to get us moving, drinking more water and just trying for a healthier lifestyle. To keep up with all of that, I bought a Fitbit. I'm almost intimidated by the thing. It measures heart rate, steps, and sleep time. I wore it for the first time last night and laughed when I saw that the results. Apparently while I'm sitting to read or watch tv, it records that I am asleep! 

Proverbs 6:9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?

I guess I should set a timer to remind me to stand up every now and then. :)

Abundant Life

As I looked back over this week, no particular event stood out. My mind wandered through each day without stumbling over an idea. My week was average, but full of events that I won't remember until I return to read this post, i.e. good memories.

Sunday: My daughter and I went shopping for a couple of hours. I smiled watching that 11 year old prance around in heels that were way too high.
Monday: With no supper plans, Chick-fil-A became the winner.
Tuesday: My son needed some help with math, but couldn't begin until after his CAP meeting. Homework and supper for him didn't get started until 9:30 pm. He finally let me go to bed at 11.
Wednesday: I got home a little early after working at another campus. Because of bad weather, my son's track practice was cancelled. He proceeded to eat the remaining leftovers. When I picked up my daughter, we had to eat out in order to get to Backpack Love on time. My son went along so he could get dessert.
Thursday: My son monopolized the evening while studying for a math test. He didn't really need help. I think he just wanted someone there to tell him to stop checking his phone for numerous messages from his friends (at least that's what I seemed to be doing).
Friday: My daughter had two friends visit for a sleepover. I let them make their own pizzas. Around 10:50 pm, the power went out. Once the flashlights were found, they were ok. About midnight they wanted me to join them in the living room. "No way! Get in your bed to stay warm." Another hour passed before the power returned, and they so graciously woke my up to let me know. ;)
Saturday: The girls stayed until 4 while I did 5 loads of laundry and watched Hallmark movies on my iPad. I did make some soup and clean out the laundry room, so I wasn't a complete slug.

Life sometimes seems the same, yet life is unique in the basic experiences you have each day.

John 10:10b I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.