This and That June 8, 2010

Looking at my life, I should be worried, stressed, sleeping poorly, etc. It’s an interesting time. I’m building a house (well, technically, I’ve hired someone else to build it) ,

I’m effecting major change in my job descriptions and in my company,

and 3 of my 4 kids are scattering about the earth and the fourth is coming to live with me. (I know they don’t look old enough in this picture to go across the street, let alone across the oceans and drive wherever they need to go. However, this picture was taken over 10 years ago, so I’m really not as irresponsible as I may seem. 🙂 )

Lately, I’ve been working more purposefully on my walk with God, and He’s been showing me His love and faithfulness in ways I haven’t seen in years. I’m reading the book of Daniel now. As I see God show His power to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, I’ve been asking Him to show His power in my life. I’m working on obedience and on honoring the commitments I make to God and to others. One thing I’ve learned is that the best way for me to avoid worry is to pray for someone else (my kids, my folks, my friends) whenever I start to panic about how my life is going (or not going).

Just in the last week, He’s helped me in several ways. I found the checks totaling $350 that I’d lost and a 3-month prescription for both the medicines I take every day. My mom found the ankle bracelet that Jeanice had given me to wear while she was in Europe (it took a lot of energy not to see this as an “Apollo 13” bad omen). I found my favorite straw (a seemingly small thing, I know, but one of my best friends gave it to me). By being patient, calm, and kind, I saved my company $1500. He’s shown me specific ways He wants me to pray for my parents. And yesterday, a $200+ car repair cost me less than $40 (in spite of, or maybe because of, my being such a girl in trying to describe what was wrong with it). Yesterday evening, I was short with one of my roommates and made her feel bad just for trying to help me. God immediately told me to go apologize for my rudeness and to treat her the same way He treats me (with love and grace).

My house is coming along beautifully. The frame inspection is Friday. According to those who really seem to know what they’re talking about, this means that the house is framed and the plumbing and electrical stuff is in. I’ll go out again this evening to look at it. I love my house!! 🙂

As for big changes at my company, I’m bringing HR and Payroll in-house and changing 401k companies… all while having a house built and sending three of my babies off to the far reaches of the globe. Very exciting times this summer!

I haven’t been consistent with my exercise, but I’ve been eating very healthful foods. Here’s is what today’s lunch looks like.

In Him, Joni

Another update June 1, 2010

My house is coming along quickly. It’s very exciting! It has a roof and windows. The frame inspection is next week, and they should be able to give me an approximate closing date around the same time. The best thing about all this? My daughter recently said to me, “Mom, the more we spend time together, the more I can’t wait for us to be living together!” Oh! My mommy-heart is thrilled!

On Saturday, Julia and I helped our good friends move from the confinement of city living to an expansive farm outside of town, complete with cows, goats, ducks, dogs, and horses. Because their needs are mostly provided for out there, they VERY generously gave me most of their household. Instead of having to spend a lot of money on move-in, I have been given: washer, dryer, beds, dressers, a plethora of storage shelves, a vacuum cleaner… even trash cans! And as I was leaving, my friend noticed that her across-the-street neighbor was selling a refrigerator for $65. Now, I never carry cash, but that day I had $60 in my wallet. I asked, they accepted, I now also have a refrigerator! God is so good!!

I’ve met my new neighbors, and they’re very nice. I think it’s going to be a really good neighborhood. There’s a bit of a commute, but I don’t mind it at all. I’ve driven it a few times. In the morning, it’ll take about half an hour; in the evenings, it’ll take closer to 45 minutes if I leave right at 5.

The neighborhood includes a couple community centers. Julia and I will have close access to pools, weight rooms, and exercise classes.

It’s all I hoped it would be.

In Him, Joni