Rainy Day Rest

I may be unlike many people, but I love rainy days. Especially those days when I can stay home. Days like that feel rare because there are always too many things to accomplish, at least in my mind. I view it as a day to choose to rest and I welcome those days when I can curl up with a book and a cup of Hawaiian coffee. I can sit for hours just listening to the quiet of the rain and being captivated by a well-written story. 

Saturday was just such a day for me. There was nothing on the agenda, except for one goal of vacuuming the floors. I was up around 8, sitting in my oversized chair in the bay window, sipping on decaf Kauai coffee, and starting on a Christian suspense novel. I vaguely remember getting up on occasion, but honestly I was completely absorbed. I finished the book by 1:30, but instead of starting on the floors I picked up the sequel to that book and began again. After reading 1/3 of that book, I finally made myself get up and start cleaning - so I really did get that one goal checked off the neverending list. 

I am so thankful for the rain and for the rest. 

Psalm 147:7-9 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises on the harp to our God, who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains. 

The Next Friend

When I was in 8th grade, I knew exactly where I would be going to high school and I knew that all of my close friends and acquaintances would be there with me. Not so in this generation. Our county has what is called Program of Choice. That means that an 8th grader can apply to any high school in the county and have their parent drive them to their selected oasis. Except it's not that simple. First they must decide which program is a good fit for them, then apply with essays, video responses, and teacher recommendations. It's like interviewing for a job. Talk about stressful and they are only 13!

We attended a couple of high school presentations and we agreed on the right program for her. It will add an hour of commute time each day, but I'm willing to do that. However that is not the issue. It's friends, or lack of friends that are planning to attend that high school. Yes, I know that is scary. I remember that the first month of high school is a terror. She has a great friend group right now and it's going to be broken up as they go to different high schools. She's worried about meeting and making friends who are believers and will like her. The insecurities at her age are endless and I seem to be ill-equipped to guide her through these choppy waters. 

Proverbs 12:26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. 

May I appeal to you to help pray for her to be placed in the right school and with at least one friend who is a true believer? 

Adventures Galore

I should always be a little wary of complacency. I've been feeling a stirring for change over the past few months and I certainly received it big time over the past two weeks. Let me just list what I've done.

1. Drove to Savannah to work for 2 days
2. Drove to Clayton State for a conference (also presented a session)
3. Attended a state organization board meeting
4. Participated in a 48 hour ladies retreat (wow!)
5. Visited 2 high schools with my daughter (it's time to choose!)
6. Cooked a couple of meals (that's so rare!)
7. Washed 6 loads of laundry (I couldn't do any last weekend.)
8. Walked in a 5K on Saturday (It was in the 40s!)

Needless to say, I've been busy. However I see it as a grand adventure and I feel very alive now (except for the part where I need a little extra sleep). :D

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.