Vacation

I've been on vacation for the past week and it's been somewhat refreshing. Somewhat emotional.

My niece graduated high school, magna cum laude, and I couldn't be more proud of her!

Michael (the proud papa), Ariel, and me.

Now she has a few weeks before she heads off to college.

I went to church with one of my aunts on Sunday. I enjoy going with her. Although I do feel like I am at a concert during their worship service, lol.

I have been reading I Peter; well my church is doing a series on it this month and I am reading it on my own in addition... The letters are interesting indeed. One thing that struck me in my reading this week is the following verse:

"...you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house,

 a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices 

acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

- 1 Peter 2:5 -

I like to think that as I continue to grow I am being built up in Christ. I find that I am able to better speak about the Word, as was evidenced this week while visiting with family. I was able to add to a conversation and feel like it made a difference. 

RIP my little Abu

It's been a rough couple of weeks around here. On Monday, April 18th my little Abu passed away unexpectedly. He was his normal frisky, spastic self that morning. Shortly after 7 am, he scratched at the bathroom door (as he always did to get in) and then I heard a thud. When I opened the door to let him in he was laying there, lifeless. Needless to say, I was beside myself in hysterics. My poor bf, I woke him to my screaming for Abu to wake up.

Abu - April 24, 2011 to April 18, 2016 - RIP Little Buddy

Let me work back a little. I have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). I've had it since my time in the Navy. It is non-combat related, but very real. And very scary. That said, I have had cats almost my entire life. I have had cats die whether due to age, illness, or cars. I have never reacted the way I did when Abu died. My heart broke!

Now I have one cat again, a 7 year old named Sandy. I've had her since she was around 12 weeks old. Abu was nearly 5; raised by me since around 8 weeks old. They were buddies. Best buddies! Sandy took to him within hours of introducing them. She was his "momma". She's been taking it well, to say the least.

So, now I am moving on from the grief I felt. I am getting back to myself again (also recovering from a stomach bug I had this week). And looking to maybe getting a kitten for Sandy later in the summer. We'll see. For now, I just want to love on her as much as she will let me.

A place to read

Lately, I have been keeping myself occupied with Bible study; in addition to my other daily things. I find the more I get into the Bible, the more I desire a quiet room all to myself. One with a couple of lamps. A ceiling fan. Air-conditioned, of course.

Ideally it would be a sun room.

I could have plants and maybe a small bookshelf. Oh, there would have to be a big comfy chair and a small, 2-person table. Let's not forget the nice view so I can meditate on what I've read while watching birds and squirrels.

I can see myself sitting at the table with my Bible open and a nice cup of tea.

I really need a sense of peace and calm tranquility.

The Book of Job

I have read through Chapter 3 in the book of Job so far. I am taking part in a Bible Study through Good Morning Girls. If you're not familiar, click on the button to the left or on the link in this post.

So, as I said, I have read through chapter 3. Normally when I read Job I just plow right through it. I have read it several times in my life. It is my all time favorite book. This time, however, I am reading it in a different manner. I am taking my time, moving at the pace of the Bible Study, and reflecting on what I read. So far, I feel like I am getting more out of it than I did in previous reads.

This book is primarily about suffering and what we do in difficult times. Namely, how we handle the storms in life. I know I need a lot of work in this area. I think that's why Job appeals to me so much: I can relate. I just wish I would allow these teachings to sink in; like the phrase "Storms in life" referring to Peter walking on water and keeping his eyes on Jesus. Once he moves his eyes away, he begins drowning. We all need this reminder.

Even though this is a quick post, I felt compelled to get it out.

Check this out!!!

One of many great stitchy giveaways happening already this year! 

I do love Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe!! Looking forward to seeing the new treats in store this year!

Wishing you all a...

2015 in Review

Well, the year is coming to a close and I really haven't done much on this blog. I feel somewhat ashamed of that, but I must press forward.

2015 began on a sour note for me, personally. Spiritually, I have found that I am taking baby steps, STILL. When will I finally have total discipline to my walk with Christ? I ask for guidance, His plan for my life, on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes I feel like He's there, and others not so much. I know that I have made mistakes this year; who hasn't. I'd like to think I have learned from some of them anyway.

So here I sit with 2016 looming around the corner and the only thing I can say is I'm thankful! Yes, I am thankful for the life I have. I have come a long way over the past 12 months in my mental health. Oh, I still have up's and down's. But I am learning to handle them a little better, S.L.O.W.L.Y. I spent much of the first couple of months hiding from the world. I would go to my appointments, work, church, etc. But basically I didn't want to be bothered.

During this time, I kept asking for God to show me what He wants from me. I wasn't sure if I would ever be truly happy again. I wasn't even sure if He wanted me to be with anyone. After the way 2014 ended and 2015 began, I wasn't even sure if I wanted anyone either. So I stuck to my guns and kept my nose in the Good Book not really looking for answers. Simply reading. Reading things that X pointed out to me. Reading bits that went a little deeper into the week's message from church. Sometimes even just opening and reading whatever page appeared. Not really a reading plan, but a start.

That started to change as summer crept closer.

My job sent me to Denver, once again, for the final class I needed. It was great to be away for a few days. After my return, I turned around and went on vacation for almost 2 weeks!! I needed that getaway. While on this vacation, I visited family in Alabama and Michigan and then found myself going to the East Coast (Let's just say that sour note turned sweet again and while we have obstacles to jump over we are looking toward the future). I traveled through 17 states during an 11 day period. 3,328 miles of roadway, scenery, and adventure! I'll post pictures another time.

So what do I have to look forward to in 2016 you might ask? Well, I have God first and foremost. I have love. I have health. I have my jobs. I am planning to go back to Michigan in June to watch my niece graduate high school. I (we) am (are) also planning the biggest adventure of my life: relocating across country. More on that later.

My heart and soul seeks Jesus every single day.