How many times have you said, or heard someone else say, "it was such a coincidence the way it happened"? Personally, I don't believe in coincidence. That indicates that things happen by chance, accidentally, for no good reason. I believe that everything happens as part of a plan, purposefully, and for every good reason (though it may not be discernible to us). I believe that God guides all those things that seem to just happen, from life-changing events to the smallest details. I call them "God-incidences". I'll admit that I didn't come up with that myself, I heard it from a speaker several years ago.
I've experienced God-incidences numerous times in my life. Actually, I've probably experienced them countless times without recognizing them. I try to be consciously aware of such events, but my humanness gets in the way. It's too easy to just flow through life without seeing how God has ordered things to follow His plan.
Have you ever been considering a new job? Eleven years ago I was. I liked the place worked and the type of work I did, but our small satellite office wasn't generating enough work to keep our 3 engineers and 2 planners busy on a consistent basis. I updated my resume as I spent days with little to do other than surf the internet and play solitaire (doesn't sound bad, especially if you're getting paid, but it gets old quickly). I thought and prayed about what to do for a few months. I liked the small privately-owned firm that had given me a chance to expand my traffic engineering experience and I was truly friends with the others in my office. And, as an engineer, change is not something I necessarily embrace, at least professionally. Then came the day when the firm's partners visited with a bombshell: our office was closing. We had 30 days to find a new job or move 250 miles away to the main office. God answered my question of whether it was time to move on.
There's the little stuff too. A song came on the radio the other day, and from the first few notes I thought to myself, oh it's that one that says "all you gotta do is turn around", I really like that song. It wasn't, but guess what was the very next song to come on.
I could go on, but I think you get the point. So, the next time you're running late and therefore miss the truck whose brakes go out; or you feel compelled to stop for milk on the way home and run into a friend who needs a shoulder to cry on; or whatever other unexplainable event occurs in your life, remember that God knows our hearts and knows exactly what we need at every moment. It's not about chance or luck or accident, it's about our Creator and Father directing things to complete His plan for each one of us.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Writing the Next Chapters...
It has been way too long between posts. All I can say for myself is that a lot has happened in the last couple weeks.
After replacing the water heater we have determined that only a portion of the wood flooring needs to be replaced in Amy's bedroom. That is such a relief. Now we just need to dedicate some time to getting it done and finishing up her apartment. She's still trekking upstairs every time she needs dresses or any other hanging clothes, not to mention the boxes with so much of her stuff still packed up.
Amy's boyfriend visited from Cincinnati for several days giving them more time together, and me a chance to get to know him a little more. They are so natural together. It's so nice to see her in all her silliness and craziness, and not afraid to show her true self. I like that he sides with me in calling her a brat, but with a smile on his face. We both acknowledge that we aid and abet her in being spoiled. Amy & Andrew continue to work hard at growing their relationship. At least the distance of 200 miles makes visits every few weeks possible, even with occasional unplanned trips (more on that later).
On the plus side, we had the plumber fix the downstairs shower when he installed the water heater, so Amy is no longer running up and down to clean up. New towel bars, toilet paper holder, and over the toilet shelves and she's got her bathroom pretty well set up too. Thanks are owed to Andrew who helped out with that. Not that we aren't capable of using a screwdriver and drill, I mean, come on I've been on my own for 23 years, I can handle simple tools.
In other news, my son Jerry and his fiancee Jessica recently found out they're expecting a baby. Which means I'm going to be a grandma! I am so excited and hope all goes well for them over the next 7 months or so, with a healthy baby come winter. They have their first doctor appointment this week and we should have a due date then. I am so looking forward to having a grandbaby to spoil, but refuse to let being a grandma make me feel old. Though my boss (who's five years younger than me) thinks it's hilarious and makes comments about how well I'm keeping up for a grandma. Ha! This coming from a man who had open heart surgery at age 35.
Back to the unplanned trip from Cincinnati. Amy got in a minor car wreck this past week. Unfortunately it was her fault, and the front end of her car was damaged way more than the other person's. That'll happen when a Ford Explorer meets a Honda Accord. Lacking full coverage and trying to save money we were on a search for used parts (hood and headlight...the bumper cover was knocked off but can be reused). So glad Jerry has enough skill and experience to do the repairs himself, short of any painting. Of course, after calling 20+ scrap yards nobody in the area had a used hood, but could gladly order a new one for us. Lo and behold, Amy located a used hood at a junkyard in Springfield, thinking that's only 20 minutes away. Turns out they means the City of Springfield near Dayton, not Springfield Township near Akron. That resulted in Andrew picking up the hood and driving to Columbus, and me meeting him to transfer it to my car. Yes, the hood of an Accord can fit in the back of a Kia Soul. I wanted the mini-SUV/crossover to be able to haul things, just never thought if would be car parts! And, as I told Andrew, he must like that girl an awful lot (to which I just got a crooked grin in response).
Most recent news is that I got new ink today. No, not for the printer (although we do need that too). I got a new tattoo on my left shoulder. It's my second one, and came 6 years after the first. I need to really feel strongly about something to get it permanently inscribed on my body. My first is a small heart with my kids' names in it on my right shoulder. I plan to get small hearts with grandkids' names as they come along. Today's is just as personal but in a completely different way. It's a road with a signpost, you know the old wooden ones pointing to different destinations. On the various signs are my favorite scripture references. It represents my journey of faith, and how these verses have guided me. This pic isn't great because it's still red from being new and I took it over my shoulder, but hopefully you get the idea.
After replacing the water heater we have determined that only a portion of the wood flooring needs to be replaced in Amy's bedroom. That is such a relief. Now we just need to dedicate some time to getting it done and finishing up her apartment. She's still trekking upstairs every time she needs dresses or any other hanging clothes, not to mention the boxes with so much of her stuff still packed up.
Amy's boyfriend visited from Cincinnati for several days giving them more time together, and me a chance to get to know him a little more. They are so natural together. It's so nice to see her in all her silliness and craziness, and not afraid to show her true self. I like that he sides with me in calling her a brat, but with a smile on his face. We both acknowledge that we aid and abet her in being spoiled. Amy & Andrew continue to work hard at growing their relationship. At least the distance of 200 miles makes visits every few weeks possible, even with occasional unplanned trips (more on that later).
On the plus side, we had the plumber fix the downstairs shower when he installed the water heater, so Amy is no longer running up and down to clean up. New towel bars, toilet paper holder, and over the toilet shelves and she's got her bathroom pretty well set up too. Thanks are owed to Andrew who helped out with that. Not that we aren't capable of using a screwdriver and drill, I mean, come on I've been on my own for 23 years, I can handle simple tools.
In other news, my son Jerry and his fiancee Jessica recently found out they're expecting a baby. Which means I'm going to be a grandma! I am so excited and hope all goes well for them over the next 7 months or so, with a healthy baby come winter. They have their first doctor appointment this week and we should have a due date then. I am so looking forward to having a grandbaby to spoil, but refuse to let being a grandma make me feel old. Though my boss (who's five years younger than me) thinks it's hilarious and makes comments about how well I'm keeping up for a grandma. Ha! This coming from a man who had open heart surgery at age 35.
Back to the unplanned trip from Cincinnati. Amy got in a minor car wreck this past week. Unfortunately it was her fault, and the front end of her car was damaged way more than the other person's. That'll happen when a Ford Explorer meets a Honda Accord. Lacking full coverage and trying to save money we were on a search for used parts (hood and headlight...the bumper cover was knocked off but can be reused). So glad Jerry has enough skill and experience to do the repairs himself, short of any painting. Of course, after calling 20+ scrap yards nobody in the area had a used hood, but could gladly order a new one for us. Lo and behold, Amy located a used hood at a junkyard in Springfield, thinking that's only 20 minutes away. Turns out they means the City of Springfield near Dayton, not Springfield Township near Akron. That resulted in Andrew picking up the hood and driving to Columbus, and me meeting him to transfer it to my car. Yes, the hood of an Accord can fit in the back of a Kia Soul. I wanted the mini-SUV/crossover to be able to haul things, just never thought if would be car parts! And, as I told Andrew, he must like that girl an awful lot (to which I just got a crooked grin in response).
Most recent news is that I got new ink today. No, not for the printer (although we do need that too). I got a new tattoo on my left shoulder. It's my second one, and came 6 years after the first. I need to really feel strongly about something to get it permanently inscribed on my body. My first is a small heart with my kids' names in it on my right shoulder. I plan to get small hearts with grandkids' names as they come along. Today's is just as personal but in a completely different way. It's a road with a signpost, you know the old wooden ones pointing to different destinations. On the various signs are my favorite scripture references. It represents my journey of faith, and how these verses have guided me. This pic isn't great because it's still red from being new and I took it over my shoulder, but hopefully you get the idea.
The times they are a-changing, but I'm embracing it with everything I have. Just more parts of the whole.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Just When It All Seemed So Right
You know the feeling when it seems like all is right with the world? The job you've been hoping to get is in the bag; a long waited for trip is around the corner; that remodeling project is almost done; your relationship is finally on the right track. Then there's that twist, just like in a good crime novel or movie, that changes everything. We've experienced that a couple times this week.
The first didn't directly involve our family, but still hit close to home and brought feelings of shock and grief. A young man from our town, who graduated two years ahead of my daughter Amy, joined the Marines and was happy to be serving his country. He did a tour in Afghanistan, and returned last year to serve stateside at Camp Lejeune. A young woman who we've known well for many years through church and youth group waited for him. They were married last October and have spent the last months settling into life together, planning for a wonderful future. Tragically, over last weekend Mark was taken from this life far sooner and far more suddenly than anyone expected. His bride Maria is a widow at 21. My heart aches for what she and both of their families must be going through. Imagine your daughter being hundreds of miles from home and getting what must have been a horrifying phone call from her, knowing that her world had just been turned upside down and there's nothing you can do to make it better.
On a far less dramatic, but more personal note, we had a minor crisis at our house. We've been working on completing a small apartment for Amy in the finished basement. New wood laminate was laid, just waiting some finishing of trim and putting new quarter round on the baseboards. She's had her bedroom set up for a few weeks, with furniture in place and pictures on the walls. Most of her clothes are moved down there, with the exception of hanging items because we need to install closet rods in an alcove. The living room area is still a jumble of furniture and boxes until the final edging of the wood is done.
Last night, when she got back from an evening with a high school friend, she said there was something wrong with the floor in her room. She showed me where water was seeping up through the cracks between the laminate pieces. The basement is humid, as most basements are, but we've never had problems with that kind of moisture, and it has been very hot and dry all week. Lo and behold, when I opened the door to the utility/storage room I found water all over the floor from a broken water heater. So, a day off work to contact a plumber, a new water heater, and several hundred dollars later, we are looking to tear out the laminate. Even if it would somehow miraculously not need to be replaced, we need to dry out the concrete floor underneath. But, wood laminate is not known for reacting well to being wet, so it looks like after just a month we will be installing new floor yet again. At least the trim and quarter round weren't down yet. And at least the old carpet wasn't still there. It was in less than pristine shape anyway (hence the replacement with laminate) but it would have been a soggy mess to tear out and drag upstairs.
We finalized vacation plans last week. Rather than a cruise, we opted for five days in Cancun in mid-August. Here's hoping the next seven weeks go smoothly.
The first didn't directly involve our family, but still hit close to home and brought feelings of shock and grief. A young man from our town, who graduated two years ahead of my daughter Amy, joined the Marines and was happy to be serving his country. He did a tour in Afghanistan, and returned last year to serve stateside at Camp Lejeune. A young woman who we've known well for many years through church and youth group waited for him. They were married last October and have spent the last months settling into life together, planning for a wonderful future. Tragically, over last weekend Mark was taken from this life far sooner and far more suddenly than anyone expected. His bride Maria is a widow at 21. My heart aches for what she and both of their families must be going through. Imagine your daughter being hundreds of miles from home and getting what must have been a horrifying phone call from her, knowing that her world had just been turned upside down and there's nothing you can do to make it better.
On a far less dramatic, but more personal note, we had a minor crisis at our house. We've been working on completing a small apartment for Amy in the finished basement. New wood laminate was laid, just waiting some finishing of trim and putting new quarter round on the baseboards. She's had her bedroom set up for a few weeks, with furniture in place and pictures on the walls. Most of her clothes are moved down there, with the exception of hanging items because we need to install closet rods in an alcove. The living room area is still a jumble of furniture and boxes until the final edging of the wood is done.
Last night, when she got back from an evening with a high school friend, she said there was something wrong with the floor in her room. She showed me where water was seeping up through the cracks between the laminate pieces. The basement is humid, as most basements are, but we've never had problems with that kind of moisture, and it has been very hot and dry all week. Lo and behold, when I opened the door to the utility/storage room I found water all over the floor from a broken water heater. So, a day off work to contact a plumber, a new water heater, and several hundred dollars later, we are looking to tear out the laminate. Even if it would somehow miraculously not need to be replaced, we need to dry out the concrete floor underneath. But, wood laminate is not known for reacting well to being wet, so it looks like after just a month we will be installing new floor yet again. At least the trim and quarter round weren't down yet. And at least the old carpet wasn't still there. It was in less than pristine shape anyway (hence the replacement with laminate) but it would have been a soggy mess to tear out and drag upstairs.
We finalized vacation plans last week. Rather than a cruise, we opted for five days in Cancun in mid-August. Here's hoping the next seven weeks go smoothly.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
It's All in How You Say It
It really is. I had this reinforced today at a meeting at work (I know, you're thinking "will she shut up about work already"). We were looking at a spreadsheet about who knows kind of financial metrics - is that really a word? - for our somewhat recently joined-on-paper office of Cleveland/Akron. One column was simply headed "CT" and nobody knew what it stood for. I suggested contract type...turns out I was right, and even though I was actually guessing, it sounded like I knew what I was talking about, so go figure.
This same principle applies to babies and dogs. It's all in the tone of voice. When your 3-month-old has been screaming nonstop for an hour, you can look at him and say, in a sing-song voice, "If you don't shut up real soon, I'm going to poke my eardrums out with kabob skewers" and he has no clue you are exhausted, frustrated, and contemplating exactly what you suggested. Dogs are the same way, but they just cock their heads to the side as if they didn't quite hear right.
Once the kids are older, that tactic doesn't work so well. If you and the school system have done their job right, kids develop this thing called a vocabulary, as well as a sense of perspective, and skepticism, so they generally know exactly how you feel and how far you'll really go. They also become deaf to most vibratory frequencies associated with adult voices, although a firm tone of voice (read: screeching full name, including middle) can occasionally get a reaction out of them. Or a whisper from two rooms away suggesting pizza for dinner or a trip to anywhere fun.
I'm learning to believe this also works in my conversations with God. It's not about what you're praying for, it's in how you pray it. Do you truly believe that God will give what you're asking for? Have you studied on His word and feel confident that your prayer is in line with His plan? Yes, you need to be sure to ask if it's in His will, but if you've done your homework and trust that He will always answer you, then you can be sure that He will see to all your needs.
This same principle applies to babies and dogs. It's all in the tone of voice. When your 3-month-old has been screaming nonstop for an hour, you can look at him and say, in a sing-song voice, "If you don't shut up real soon, I'm going to poke my eardrums out with kabob skewers" and he has no clue you are exhausted, frustrated, and contemplating exactly what you suggested. Dogs are the same way, but they just cock their heads to the side as if they didn't quite hear right.
Once the kids are older, that tactic doesn't work so well. If you and the school system have done their job right, kids develop this thing called a vocabulary, as well as a sense of perspective, and skepticism, so they generally know exactly how you feel and how far you'll really go. They also become deaf to most vibratory frequencies associated with adult voices, although a firm tone of voice (read: screeching full name, including middle) can occasionally get a reaction out of them. Or a whisper from two rooms away suggesting pizza for dinner or a trip to anywhere fun.
I'm learning to believe this also works in my conversations with God. It's not about what you're praying for, it's in how you pray it. Do you truly believe that God will give what you're asking for? Have you studied on His word and feel confident that your prayer is in line with His plan? Yes, you need to be sure to ask if it's in His will, but if you've done your homework and trust that He will always answer you, then you can be sure that He will see to all your needs.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Oh the Places You'll Go
I mus admit I've never read the Dr. Seuss book with this title in its entirety. I know it's often gifted to high school and college graduates because it's supposed to be a great metaphor for starting out in life. A variety of conversations in our household recently have dealt more literally with the idea.
My daughter Amy will be headed to Cincinnati again this week for a couple days with her boyfriend, including a concert and a Reds game. This will be her third trip in two months, plus he's made two trips up here. He'll be up again at the end of the month, when they're also taking a quick trip to Niagara Falls. They're working very hard at this long distance relationship (and racking up the miles).
We're also trying to decide on where and when to take a vacation this summer. We're leaning toward a cruise to the Bahamas in August. We've never cruised before but finally have passports and are ready to take the plunge. It will be our end of summer, right before she goes back to school trip. Kind of weird how similar that is to when she was a little girl.
But she's all grown up now, and she's making lots of decisions about her future. She started a new job recently, is considering career paths, and is thinking about what classes to take in the fall. On top of the whole boyfriend-in-another-city-who-she-wishes-was-closer-and-thinks-is-really-the-one situation. It's good to see her excited and happy about starting school. She only took one semester off, but she's ready to head back and move further along the path to her degree.
I must admit it's a new experience to have an adult daughter living at home but living her own life. I'm so glad we get along and have a terrific relationship. We truly enjoy spending time together, but also like our privacy and alone time. We're figuring out how to balance it all, and the basement apartment for her definitely helps (which hopefully will be finished soon - more for her sake than mine).
Oh, I almost forgot...we're also talking about another trip to Guatemala...maybe next winter or spring...our hearts are forever tied to the Peten and seeing our friends Tim & Doris before Memorial Day just reinforced that. We spent a week there this past Christmas and it was truly the best holiday I've ever had. I can't wait to go back, to see more of the country, see God at work through Hospital Shalom, and get first-hand updates on people we met on our first trip. I never would have thought missionary work was for me, but I can definitely see why people are so drawn to it.
I'm on my own for a couple days since Amy left this morning. Time to dream about the places I'll go...
My daughter Amy will be headed to Cincinnati again this week for a couple days with her boyfriend, including a concert and a Reds game. This will be her third trip in two months, plus he's made two trips up here. He'll be up again at the end of the month, when they're also taking a quick trip to Niagara Falls. They're working very hard at this long distance relationship (and racking up the miles).
We're also trying to decide on where and when to take a vacation this summer. We're leaning toward a cruise to the Bahamas in August. We've never cruised before but finally have passports and are ready to take the plunge. It will be our end of summer, right before she goes back to school trip. Kind of weird how similar that is to when she was a little girl.
But she's all grown up now, and she's making lots of decisions about her future. She started a new job recently, is considering career paths, and is thinking about what classes to take in the fall. On top of the whole boyfriend-in-another-city-who-she-wishes-was-closer-and-thinks-is-really-the-one situation. It's good to see her excited and happy about starting school. She only took one semester off, but she's ready to head back and move further along the path to her degree.
I must admit it's a new experience to have an adult daughter living at home but living her own life. I'm so glad we get along and have a terrific relationship. We truly enjoy spending time together, but also like our privacy and alone time. We're figuring out how to balance it all, and the basement apartment for her definitely helps (which hopefully will be finished soon - more for her sake than mine).
Oh, I almost forgot...we're also talking about another trip to Guatemala...maybe next winter or spring...our hearts are forever tied to the Peten and seeing our friends Tim & Doris before Memorial Day just reinforced that. We spent a week there this past Christmas and it was truly the best holiday I've ever had. I can't wait to go back, to see more of the country, see God at work through Hospital Shalom, and get first-hand updates on people we met on our first trip. I never would have thought missionary work was for me, but I can definitely see why people are so drawn to it.
I'm on my own for a couple days since Amy left this morning. Time to dream about the places I'll go...
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Transformational Growth
What a concept! I had never heard of it until a sales meeting at work this week...apparently this is a new catch phrase for dramatically increasing your business in a relatively short time period. For instance increasing sales or revenue by 30% in one year. I am not a salesperson and I don't have a business degree; I am an engineer by trade, so this sounds radical to me. I think it probably would be considered radical even to those in sales.
But it got me to thinking about the concept as it relates to other aspects of my life. How could I have transformational growth in, say, my family, or my diet, or my wardrobe, or whatever? What steps would I have to take and what kind of commitment would be required to really see results? Where would I really want to make changes, and what is just a ridiculous dream of a woman entering middle age?
So, I'm experimenting a little. My daughter has recruited me to embark on a new exercise program with her. It's called Insanity, and after just 2 days I can see why. I'm not sure my out of shape, couch potato self can handle this for the entire 60 day program, but hey, I'm looking for transformational growth, so I feel like I should at least give it a fair try.
I've also been tossing around the idea of trying to establish a home-based business. I like my job - most of the time at least - but I sometimes feel burned out and like I'd like to do something different. And I mean different, not just that I'm tired of the bureaucracy and paperwork associated with working for a large corporation, but an entirely new type of work. That could transform my home life, how often my dog gets walked, and the amount of disposable income I have (which I realize would most likely be negatively at least at first). But I've also come to realize that I don't want my life to revolve around getting up at 6 am, driving 30 miles to the office and sitting on my butt for 9 hours...I want to experience joy in what I do, and have freedom to set my own hours, and make decisions based on me, and live in the moment. Now that's transformational growth.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Welcome to my world
So you may be wondering exactly what the name of this blog means. It's simply this: I am a mom, I am a daughter, I am an engineer, I am a couch potato, I am a Christian. But none of those things truly define me...I am more than all of them and that is the whole point.
I actually functioned in each of those roles this weekend. My college-age daughter recently moved home after a couple years on her own in Georgia, and we've been working on setting up an apartment in the basement for her. Her boyfriend was visiting from Cincinnati for the holiday weekend, so I got to spend lots of time being mom. We also hosted a family cookout and my mom (age 83) spent the night. It was a four-day weekend for me, which resulted in hour upon hour of tv viewing. And I rarely miss attending church on Sunday. And through all of that I laughed, cried, wore a red sparkly visor, sang patriotic songs, lit the first fire in my backyard, and beat a thunderstorm while grilling out.
Tomorrow it's back to work, and hopefully around 8 am the engineer kicks into gear, while all the other parts vie for little compartments in my heart and mind. We'll see who wins for the next post.
I actually functioned in each of those roles this weekend. My college-age daughter recently moved home after a couple years on her own in Georgia, and we've been working on setting up an apartment in the basement for her. Her boyfriend was visiting from Cincinnati for the holiday weekend, so I got to spend lots of time being mom. We also hosted a family cookout and my mom (age 83) spent the night. It was a four-day weekend for me, which resulted in hour upon hour of tv viewing. And I rarely miss attending church on Sunday. And through all of that I laughed, cried, wore a red sparkly visor, sang patriotic songs, lit the first fire in my backyard, and beat a thunderstorm while grilling out.
Tomorrow it's back to work, and hopefully around 8 am the engineer kicks into gear, while all the other parts vie for little compartments in my heart and mind. We'll see who wins for the next post.
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