Days 217-241: August in Summary

Okay, so I've already posted a disclaimer for this month as just being difficult with a broken computer and all. It really is obnoxious sitting here on this netbook, and typing typos very frequently; but what is a girl to do? Tomorrow the desktop will be taken in (I think), and I hope there will be some reasonably priced solution.


With that in mind, I just feel like I need to- despite wrist cramps- get back to this endeavor of giving God glory for his daily work in my life, and in the life of my family.

August was a month that could be summarized by continued sustenance. God has watched over us at every turn, and has lifted up my spirit in every moment.

My mom has had an interesting month, with the discovery of a mass on her uterus. It was the size of her uterus, and had to be removed. But the mass was benign. And she's on her way to recovery. Praise the Lord!

My summer of organization and purging has moved forward with great gusto. My shed is done. It is beautiful- for a shed. The computer was successfully moved into the kitchen area complete with a desk assembled all by myself. My husband's books are all in our home, and the area is almost done. There are two things left to do: a lamp, and a wall hanging. I also moved out children into the same bedroom. And although it's an adjustment for them, I think it will be a great experience for them.

What I want to accomplish with all these tasks is to have a home that simply reflects what I want to be in my heart. I want our home to be peaceful, well thought out, beautiful, welcoming, and a place that is comfortable. I want God to be honored in how I have tried to do all these things. I hope that he is. It's out of a heart to be a good wife, mother and steward that I do it. It hasn't been easy, but I have enjoyed the journey and relish each victory and accomplishment.


I guess that's August. The Lord brought me through, like he always does. I am grateful for that. 

:: Disclaimer ::

The desktop computer hasn't turned on in a long time. Typing on this laptop/netbook hurts my fingers.

Someday, when the computer is fixed and my fingers won't cramp, will I blitz this goal of mine to write about God's daily blessings, but until then, I need to now go massage my hands. Though I should try to at least write a little just for the sake of my sanity once I do have said dead desktop back.

Sigh.

Ouch.

Day 216: Two More Teacups

Norah and I visited some antique stores on our way back from vacation, and we had a goal of trying to find some more teacups. We did!

We found many many teacups, but this mommy wasn't going to pay the price that was being asked for many of them. But at the second shop we went to, we found some teacups that met our criteria as well as our budget.

I'm enjoying this adventure with my daughter. I hope that one day she will look back on the search for these teacups and smile at the memories.

I know I will.

I just love having a little girl.

Day 215: All Day Optician

Today I worked all day. I was back from vacation, and what else would I do, but work immediately upon return?!

Yeah, that's how I roll.

It was a nice day though. I get to work with great people, and I get to help the best customers. If I have to work outside my home to help provide for our family, this is a great way to do it, and I'm glad that I have that privilege.

I'm just more glad to come home to my children and husband. I still pray that I will be able to come home to them soon, for good, and have their care be my full-time, only job.

Lord, please bring me home soon.

Give me grace to leave it with joy in the meantime.

Days 212-214: Vacation

Every summer, or at least for the last several summers, my husband's folks invite all the families on a vacation in eastern Oregon. We all pile into our separate cars and pack a ghastly amount of things that are essential to the comfort and sanity for parents and grandparents of young children. Then we spend a certain number of days swimming, riding bikes, and taking walks. Evenings are filled with battling children to go to bed, and card games.

This year was no different. It was nice to get away and spend time with people we love.

Where we live it is a lush valley full of green as far as you can see, and on the other side of the mountains, in the high deserts of eastern Oregon, lies a different sort of beauty, of lodge pole pines, and sage brush. I watched three deer lie in the shade of a tree, and a quail perch on a branch in the heat. Lizards darted in between rocks, and a chipmunk scampered around in the bark dust. Oregon has a very interesting geography that creates such unique and interesting changes in the land. I always take joy in the marvelous way God has constructed the landscape.

I think that's what I enjoyed most this year. I just really loved being reminded of the magnificent way that God has made Oregon, and it's just a delight to my heart to see all the wonders within such a short distance.

Day 211: And Then There Was the Clean-up

Moving significant pieces of furniture in a out of the house, and unpacking boxes of books leaves a wake of, well, stuff. That's now what I have in my home. I have these leftover boxes that just need to something done with them. There's papers to sort- because I didn't sort them before. There's stuff to throw out- because I didn't throw it out before. There's things to put away- because I didn't put them away before (or they just need a new home).

So now the great clean-up needs to start. I'll get a break before the grungy work begins, but then, when I'm back in town, the great clean-up begins. The shed will need to be put together for reals. The boxes must be reckoned with, and the odd and ends must be taken care of.

Oh, boy. What have I gotten myself into?!

Here's the thing though. If God has laid it on my heart that these things need to be taken care of, then He will provide the means for me to get it done. And as I've learned in each step of this organization frenzy, these last nitty-gritty tasks will be well worth it, and I'll feel the blessing and reward of all the efforts I've put forth.

So, let the great clean-up begin (in a few days because I'm going to go and enjoy family on a short little vacation)!

Lord, I'm almost there. Don't let me stop now. 

You've brought me this far. 

I know I can finish this.