Simple, Not Easy

I long to return to a simpler life. Don't think for a minute that translates to "easier" life. Simple living is time consuming, physically hard and exhausting, but it is also very fulfilling. I do get a "taste" of that life now and then...

Today, I am thankful or the past several weeks during which I've enjoyed the simple life by:

     Spending hours outdoors with my man,
          tracking deer,
               using my senses fully,
                    appreciating the beautiful handiwork of God
                         in the sparkling starry skies,
                              feeling the crisp autumn air against my warm
                              cheeks,
                                   listening to the sound of dry leaves still
                                   rustling on the trees
                                        and the crunch of them under my
                                        boots.

I'm thankful that my husband's hobbies bring him enjoyment and relaxation
     and also provide food for our family;
          for his skill with his weapons whether a fishing rod and reel,
          bow and arrows or a muzzleloader;
               for his knowledge of the hunt - scouting, preparing,
               patiently waiting, harvesting,
                    for all the hours and care he puts into cleaning and
                    packaging the meat.

I am thankful for friends who share God's bountiful provision through the toil of their hands in their land.
     My hands gratefully receive their overflow, and after many hours
     of post harvest work
            their offerings are now providing vegetables
            for our winter meals:
               green beans, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes.

This longing for the simpler life reminded me of this song by 4Him:

     “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God ... And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out." (Deuteronomy 28:1a..2-6 ESV)

I have been overtaken by blessings.
     A grateful, thankful heart.
          Blessed beyond measure this Thanksgiving.

Packing Up Suitcases and Moving On

I've been in a "funk" for quite some time. I can't even remember when it started. It has something to do with life changes and resisting where God has me at this point in my life. I know - you've heard this before, but it seems it's a process. One moment, I think I've overcome the "slump", but then something creeps up and pulls me down.

Over the last couple days, God has been gracious to reveal some things to me regarding my clinging ways. There really isn't anything left to grasp. It's time for me to stop looking back, longing for what was. It's time to pack up those suitcases and move on. Like a wonderful vacation, it was great and I have lots of precious memories, but I can't stay. Life goes on. It's tough moving forward when I'm carrying suitcases full of burdens. I'm packing up those cares, concerns, worries and dropping them off at the foot of the cross. I'm ready to run, to dance again, to laugh, and to sing with my Lord!


   "...I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content..." (Philippians 4:11 ESV)

It's a new day, and I have a new attitude. Lord, help me to make it last. 

Many Paths Lead to the Same Destination

No, I've not gone liberal on you. There is only one way to God, by grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. This post is about the path we take as we follow His call in our lives, accomplishing His purpose and plan.

How did I get where I am today? I have been asking that question a lot during the past year. This is definitely not the plan I had for my life, but it is God's plan for me and my life...much better than my own, and what an adventure it has been! I would have never dreamed that I would be back at GM, as an engineer after 20 years "retirement" fulfilling my dream of being a "stay at home" mom.

*FLASHBACK*

When I was a little girl, I loved school (yeah, weird, huh?) When I got home from school, I would "play" school. I was always the teacher, and when I couldn't pull my sister away from her Barbie dolls, or fort building, I lined up my dolls and stuffed animals. They were the perfect students. You see, my mom was a teacher, and I admired my mom. I wanted to be like my mom. That was my dream...I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.

But God had other plans for me. My favorite high school teachers (Ms. Rem - Calculus and Mr. Wellever - Chemistry and Physics) along with both of my parents talked me out of teaching. My teachers and my engineer dad encouraged me along the engineering path since I did so well in math and science, and as a woman, I could pretty much go anywhere with such a degree. Dad wanted me to be independent, able to support myself. Even my mom explained that teaching wasn't what it used to be. There are so many other social issues to deal with, these days.

Since I was a compliant child, I followed the advice of these influential adults in my life and pursued an engineering degree at UofM, graduated, and landed a job at General Motors...

So much happened in the 26 years since...I married an amazing man, raised to wonderful children who make me a proud mama, and through it all, God actually gave me the desires of my heart - to be a teacher, after all:

• *subbing at the kids' private school...which led me to homeschool from 3rd grade through high school.
• *as a Sunday school and children's church teacher
• *training teachers and volunteers
• *leading Bible Studies for children, youth and women.

And now, I'm able to be my husband's helpmate in new ways - yes, different than my ideas, once again.

I had my ideas of what I wanted to do with my life, but God had other plans.

    "The heart of man plans his way,  but the LORD establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9 ESV)

God knows the deepest desires of our hearts and sometimes he fulfills those desires in ways completely different than we could ever imagine.

Always an adventure, so hold on, keep your eyes and ears wide open and attentive so you don't miss what He is doing.