What a difference a year makes

So I did some thinking the other night about where my life was one year ago.   And I have a hard time imaging that it has only been a year since paperwork was signed and my new life was finally starting to come together.   Last winter was tough, both weather wise...remember all of the the snow, ice and sub freezing temperatures.....and emotionally.  I had so many ups and downs.  So many tears.   So much heartache.  So much pain.

But this year, the weather has been mild, the sun has been out and my life is full of happiness.  I can't remember the last time that I cried.  I have been smiling, laughing, joyful and above all living life to the fullest.

It may have to do with the mild winter.  It may have to do with my recent vacation.   But I think we all know who the main catalyst in all of this is.    Maybe it has something to do with this great guy name Donnie.

Now, I know that my life should not be centered around a human being.  And trust me it is not.  My trust and faith and life is firmly planted in God's hands.   But it feels so good to love and be loved again.   It is nice to have someone to take care of me, feed me, vacation with, shop with, organize a garage with.  

So as February starts....the month of love....the month of red....the month of Valentines ....chocolate...roses.... flowers, a smile fills my face.    And my heart feels with warmth.

It's been a busy month....

Ok, it has been a while since I wrote an post.  To be honest, I have been a little busy.   Let's just say that when you throw a 7 day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean onboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas in the middle of a month, it can take over your schedule.

Let's just say that I don't regret taking the trip, but the before prep and then the aftermath have taken over my free time and writing time.

But it's not just the cruise that took away from free time.  I have started a new weekly service project, been spending more time with my new family and have been organizing my place.  Oh yeah, plus I have had to play catch up at work after being out a week.

I promise I will post pictures of the cruise soon.  But here is a little teaser.

Leaving Port in Florida

Until then, just think, cool drinks, lots of sun, a little wind, warm water and lots and lots of food.

Ice Skating in Downtown Raleigh

So this past weekend, D's family and I and had great time.   D’s parents were in town so we had a big slumber party at my place.  Our time together included eating out, movie watching, ice skating, D’s yummy cooking that included blueberry pancakes and beef stroganoff (and yes those were two different meals) and ice cream at the DQ. 

Here are some pictures from our time on the ice at Downtown Raleigh’s Winterfest.   Yep, that is real ice that we were skating on. 

 

I enjoyed spending time with D’s parents and K.   It was a glimpse of what family life would be with D's family.  And I like the glimpse that I got.  My hope is that everyone else did too. 

Thoughtful Thursday

Once again, it is time for another Thoughtful Thursday......
 
A coworker shared this with me today.....

OUR REAL GPS DEVICE  by Todd Clippard

My wife and I both purchased new GPS devices over the Christmas holidays.  For anyone who doesn't know, GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. The device receives a signal from a number of satellites and can tell you exactly where you are. GPS devices for automobiles are programmed with maps of all highways and streets as well as various "points of interest" - restaurants, retail stores, schools, even the location of every Baskin Robbins in the country! 

I used my GPS while traveling last week even though I knew the way. Before I left, I entered the church building address and then set off on my journey. The GPS had a specific route in mind, but it wasn't the one I wanted to take. 

Any time I took a street not on the planned route, the GPS would redesign my trip based upon my current location and attempt to get me back on the course it devised. The voice on the GPS would keep saying things like, "Take the next right and then take the second left." At one juncture the device advised, "Turn around at the next opportunity." No matter how far "off course" I got, the device continued to give instructions on how to get back on course. As I continued to ignore the instructions, I halfway expected the GPS to say, "Are you deaf, stubborn, or just stupid?" 

Incidentally, I also have my home address programmed into my GPS. No matter where I am, I can select "Navigate to Home" and it will chart a course and guide me home. 

As I was making the journey I got to thinking, "the Bible is also a GPS" -- a Godly Positioning System. Think about it - no matter where you are in your life or spirituality, the Bible can tell you exactly where you are. Furthermore it can tell you where you need to be and how to get there. 

Unfortunately, many treat the Bible just like I treated my GPS. Some refuse to hear the Bible's instructions, choosing to turn a deaf ear to its pleas and pursuing their own chosen course (Acts 7:57). Others stubbornly reject the message they hear to turn right, turn left, or turn around (Jeremiah 6:16). Still others are just plain foolish, refusing to handle aright the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) while heaping to themselves ear-scratching teachers (2 Timothy 4:3-4). 

Finally, no matter where you are, the Bible can tell you how to get home. 

Ultimately, this is the message of Hebrews 11. All the great men and women in this "Faith's Hall of Fame" understood that only by hearing and obeying God's word would they end up at their heavenly   destination: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. . . . But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city" (Hebrews 11:13, 16 KJV).
Are you navigating toward home? 

If you are unsure as to your present course, please consult your Divine GPS (1 Timothy 4:16). 

Happy New Year!

You know when you have hosted a good party when you wake up the next day and the kitchen is a mess.     There are glasses, plates, silverware, and platters everywhere.   At least the leftover food got put away so there will be no need for any additional cooking for the rest of the day.  Just a little microwave action.   And who's idea was it to do Vodka shots with the next door neighbors and their friends.   That may have had something to do with the Wii Dance party till 2 or was it 3 in the morning.   Or could it have been the bubbly at midnight.  Or the wine with the awesome dinner that Donnie prepared.  Or the great friends who decided to spend the night.   But more then likely all of the above.

Needless to say the end of 2011 was lots of fun and today is a beautiful day to start 2012.

So as I sit with the windows open, the dishwasher going, the cats purring, and the sun shining, I am smiling and feeling very blessed.  

Happy New Year to all of my friends, both near and far, old and new.   May 2012 bring you great life, lots of laughter and be filled with amazing love.