Life Changes

I've been listening to a song called "Life Changes" this week. There's a part I really like: "You make your plans and you hear God laughing. Ain't it funny how life changes. And I wouldn't change it for the world." It makes me smile when I think about all of the varied plans I've had over the years that got derailed, edited or simply trashed.

During my last year in college, I sent out applications all over the southeast. I was willing to move wherever the job took me. I ended up back in my hometown teaching at my alma mater. Later, I was going to make sure my kids ate good food. Unfortunately their diets consist of lots of take out, but I still have visions of us eating better. I'm also still planning to clean out my garage (don't laugh Daddy!).

No matter what, Someone a whole lot smarter has plans for me. :)

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Hurricane Irma

I was having internet issues last weekend, so I was unable to post my blog. We were also preparing for the first ever tropical storm to hit our area. Typically hurricanes are downgraded to tropical depressions by the time they reach north Georgia, but not Irma. The strong winds took out trees and power lines in great numbers. Almost everyone lost power, some as many as 5 days. We were fortunate in losing power only 15 hours. The local school system remained closed all week.

I spent yesterday cleaning up the mark Irma left on my yard. Not severe, but enough to keep me busy all day. I sit here now enjoying the sunshine and 90 degree temps. Such a change from less than a week ago. We have electricity, internet and clear roadways. We arrived at church with no issues. We even got to leave our own marks on a mural that will go in the new sanctuary. Mom, my kids and I left our hand prints on boards that will show we were there and are ready for the NEXT chapter at our church.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Labor Day

It's Labor Day Weekend and I'm not in Pigeon Forge. That's my usual destination to go shopping and welcome fall. With the 'hard to forecast' weather and just pure exhaustion, I elected to stay home and regroup. Oh, I still went shopping on Friday night and my daughter and I had breakfast at Cracker Barrel as usual. But Saturday afternoon was spent cleaning up the blue room (aka play room) and Sunday was spent at church, then helping my son with calculus.

Now I sit here alone listening to the clock tick. I feel like melting and becoming one with the chair. I'm so relaxed. It's that time when I don't think about what's left to be done or what I should do next. I just am. It's peaceful, it's welcome, it's needed. It's a gift that I gladly accept.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.