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Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
we are doing well
Eric's employer, Starbucks, announced some major changes yesterday. Closing more stores, reducing vacation, eliminating personal days, no 401K match, and reducing discounts for stock purchases. Yes, all of the changes (hopefully except the closing store) will affect us, but we are not too worried.
We understand that during this difficult economic climate, tough decisions had to be made. And we would prefer that his benefits be reduced so he can keep his job.
In all of this uncertainity, it is easy to worry and lose focus. But we strongly believe that the Lord has us where He wants us. And that we will always have His protection while following His will. It doesn't mean that we will live in a bubble, unaffected by the changing world; but we have peace. There are so many exciting things we are looking forward to this year and we will not let God's blessings be overshadowed.
We understand that during this difficult economic climate, tough decisions had to be made. And we would prefer that his benefits be reduced so he can keep his job.
In all of this uncertainity, it is easy to worry and lose focus. But we strongly believe that the Lord has us where He wants us. And that we will always have His protection while following His will. It doesn't mean that we will live in a bubble, unaffected by the changing world; but we have peace. There are so many exciting things we are looking forward to this year and we will not let God's blessings be overshadowed.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
awakening
In the midst of all of our snow, ice, and cold - the daffodils on our kitchen table are starting to bloom. They seem to be a miracle; closed one day, open the next. I can only imagine what warm weather will bring to our flower bed outside.
Like much of the country, we are braving cold temperatures and ice. Many a day it is a blessing if I can get all of my car doors open or not slip while walking. But we are thankful that we live on the coast, which makes our weather a little more mild than those half an hour from shore.
The new year brought back our schedule. I look back at those few weeks off and wonder what we did with the extra time. It didn't feel like much until we started our bible studies, music practice, teaching, youth group, and birthday parties. Now the calendar seems to be bursting at the seams. Summer is a long way off and will bring its own share of activities - softball, swim 'n studies, and spending time in our new park.
We are enjoying the winter. Warm soups and stews seem to be on the menu weekly and a fresh (cold) salad rarely makes an appearance. Our travels have been safe and we allow extra driving time so we don't rush on icy roads. Our couch is covered in blankets and seems like the perfect spot to cuddle on cold nights while we catch up on good TV and reading. The studio room got another overhaul and cleaning this weekend and is almost 100% functional; there is plenty of space to read while the cat naps.
Work has been going well. My new job has been such a blessing. They kept their word that it would only be 40 hours a week, my co-workers are friendly (no yelling), and my responsibilities are manageable and reasonable. January can be a tough month for accounting because of closing out the previous one while preparing for the next, but it has been smooth sailing and stress free.
Eric's company is falling on hard times (who isn't these days) so they instilled a promotion freeze and for a few months have cut back on hours (while not cutting benefits). This has given Eric more time to practice music, be with friends, and rest. He is still settling in at his new store and has made many friends. Hopefully business will pick up soon.
Even though it is only January, we are starting to put future events on the calendar. While nothing is confirmed, our year could include:
a visit from Eric's mom
Sara & Connor spending a long weekend with us
a late summer missions trip to Brazil
seeing Joyce Meyer again this year
The wonderful family from our church that was in the horrific accident is recuperating. Thank you to those who prayed (Mom)! We are hoping to have Nicolas back in our Wednesday night class soon; we really miss his smile. Their accident reminded us how precious life is.
We hope that you are enjoying this January and staying warm. See you soon!
Like much of the country, we are braving cold temperatures and ice. Many a day it is a blessing if I can get all of my car doors open or not slip while walking. But we are thankful that we live on the coast, which makes our weather a little more mild than those half an hour from shore.
The new year brought back our schedule. I look back at those few weeks off and wonder what we did with the extra time. It didn't feel like much until we started our bible studies, music practice, teaching, youth group, and birthday parties. Now the calendar seems to be bursting at the seams. Summer is a long way off and will bring its own share of activities - softball, swim 'n studies, and spending time in our new park.
We are enjoying the winter. Warm soups and stews seem to be on the menu weekly and a fresh (cold) salad rarely makes an appearance. Our travels have been safe and we allow extra driving time so we don't rush on icy roads. Our couch is covered in blankets and seems like the perfect spot to cuddle on cold nights while we catch up on good TV and reading. The studio room got another overhaul and cleaning this weekend and is almost 100% functional; there is plenty of space to read while the cat naps.
Work has been going well. My new job has been such a blessing. They kept their word that it would only be 40 hours a week, my co-workers are friendly (no yelling), and my responsibilities are manageable and reasonable. January can be a tough month for accounting because of closing out the previous one while preparing for the next, but it has been smooth sailing and stress free.
Eric's company is falling on hard times (who isn't these days) so they instilled a promotion freeze and for a few months have cut back on hours (while not cutting benefits). This has given Eric more time to practice music, be with friends, and rest. He is still settling in at his new store and has made many friends. Hopefully business will pick up soon.
Even though it is only January, we are starting to put future events on the calendar. While nothing is confirmed, our year could include:
a visit from Eric's mom
Sara & Connor spending a long weekend with us
a late summer missions trip to Brazil
seeing Joyce Meyer again this year
The wonderful family from our church that was in the horrific accident is recuperating. Thank you to those who prayed (Mom)! We are hoping to have Nicolas back in our Wednesday night class soon; we really miss his smile. Their accident reminded us how precious life is.
We hope that you are enjoying this January and staying warm. See you soon!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Praise Song for the Day
by Elizabeth Alexander
Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each others’ eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair.
Someone is trying to make music somewhere with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice.
A woman and her son wait for the bus.
A farmer consider the changing sky; A teacher says, “Take out your pencils. Begin.”
We encounter each other in words, Words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed; Words to consider, reconsider.
We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of someone and then others who said, “I need to see what’s on the other side; I know there’s something better down the road.”
We need to find a place where we are safe; We walk into that which we cannot yet see.
Say it plain, that many have died for this day. Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of.
Praise song for struggle; praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign; The figuring it out at kitchen tables.
Some live by “Love thy neighbor as thy self.”
Others by first do no harm, or take no more than you need.
What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial, national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance.
In today’s sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun.
On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp -- praise song for walking forward in that light.
Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each others’ eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair.
Someone is trying to make music somewhere with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice.
A woman and her son wait for the bus.
A farmer consider the changing sky; A teacher says, “Take out your pencils. Begin.”
We encounter each other in words, Words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed; Words to consider, reconsider.
We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of someone and then others who said, “I need to see what’s on the other side; I know there’s something better down the road.”
We need to find a place where we are safe; We walk into that which we cannot yet see.
Say it plain, that many have died for this day. Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of.
Praise song for struggle; praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign; The figuring it out at kitchen tables.
Some live by “Love thy neighbor as thy self.”
Others by first do no harm, or take no more than you need.
What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial, national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance.
In today’s sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun.
On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp -- praise song for walking forward in that light.
Monday, January 12, 2009
a little insight
What if we treated driving like we treat the arts?
(excerpt from Danny Gregory's new book The Creative License)
We'd assume that people were either born to drive or not. We'd wait and see if, as children, they started driving on their own, if they had talent and a calling. If they did, we would be careful not to interfere with their talent and possibly suppress it. We would make sure to encourage only those who seemed they'd be able to drive professionally. We'd pay some of them millions of dollars to drive and lavish them with fame; others we would refuse to support, encouraging them to do something more useful for society. Everyone else would assume that they would never be able to drive and would just stand on the sidewalks and watch the traffic.
At least the ozone layer would be in better shape.
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