Starting 2015!

Starting new year - 2015

It always seems I start out writing on my blog and then loose it somewhere along the line.
last I wrote was in July 2014.
Well I did not get either of those jobs. However, I did get another one. Exactly what I wanted. I am now working as a Customer Service rep 3 days a week for an insurance agency , Patterson Insurance Management in Odenton Maryland. And I am still a home care companion 2 days a week to the sweetest couple. I love both jobs.

summary up date : August and September uneventful, Oct celebrated 25 wedding anniversary to the Love of my life Gary! Then my beloved Father in Law Bernie got sick on October 25 he went into the hospital and then  to rehab and next hospice, finally passed away Dec4th.  I say finally, because for the last four years that is all he wanted. He lost the love of his life in 2010 and he was lonely and wanted to be with her. His heart was broken. The end of the year was tough.

2015 starts with January 1st, which would have been my father in laws 92 birthday. We intend on quietly celebrating the new year and his birthday.

I began  my diet on Medifast today. Two years ago it worked very well for me, then I had my accident, stopped medifast and eat back all my weight. Today is a new day and a new year.

Pray for me always, as I am.

Thank you Lord, for a perfect Holiday weekend

On Wednesday and Thursday of this past week I had two job interviews. Both went well. After the first one I was hopeful, but really wanted the second one. I knew what the first one had to offer, salary, hours, benefits.The was okay, better than my current position. But I really didn't like the  hours 12 noon to 8:30 pm. I have never worked that shift, I really don't know how to adjust. I would 't see Gary until late evening and weekends.

I currently work 3 days a week and the other job I am considering is two days a week. Convenient. It's customer service for a personal lines insurance agency, no selling unless I want to. I figured I would have to make $20 an hour, in addition to the current job to equal the first job per week. No benefits, but I don't need them until December.dd

I prayed to God that He is in control and if this is the job He has in mind for me, He would show me.

I went to the interview , we connected very well.  I was told it was between me and another person, who the employer called and was trying to set up the interview.  He would get back to me by the 16th.

After I got home I got the from the first job with the offer. I really wanted the second job. So, after much discussion with my husband, I took a leap of faith and called the 2nd employer, I explained my situation. I didn't want to lose the chance of either of the jobs and I know I was being bold, but I wanted to know my chances. Because if I had a choice I would want to work for him, but he would have to offer it to me. We talked a while and he said he wanted to think about it overnight and would call me on Friday afternoon. I don't usually guard my phone , but that day from 12 noon on we could not be separated.  Around 4  I was beginning to doubt my to make that phone call. Maybe he didn't like his hand being what might seem as forced . But I continued to pray and at 5:30 my phone rang, I was offered in excess of what I figured I needed! God is so good to me!

I can keep my current part time job which I love, and work my new part time and be happy. The second job may go full time, but that would be later in the year.  I am so happy, I couldn't sleep!

Bible verse on Trust- my word for 2014.

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul." - Psalm 143:8

I currently have a part time job that I absolutely love. I wish I could stay there forever. However, with the  economy the way it is I have to continue to look for a full time position with benefits. This saddens me. 

But I have put it in the hands of the Lord. I will do what He  wants me to do. My word for 2014 is TRUST.

I have to trust the Lord to help me to do His will in all  aspect of my life.

Lent March 21.2014

God, I know that You want me to be like salt on the earth, like a candle in the dark, a lighthouse on a hill, so that others will come to You. Cleanse me anew that I will be a witness for You. Show me how You want to penetrate the darkness of my domain with Your light. Help me to be a positive influence in the places where I live, work, study, play. Thank you, Lord.

I never realized how hard it is to give up something until now. I have learned that I am selfish, lack willpower, eat more than I should, and the wrong types of food, don't exercise like I should, and when I am not busy at home I procrastinate. I was told Sunday's don't count for lent. ( I don't think I would be strong enough to let it go for a day)

At work I am totally different. I am organized, reliable, and  motivated. I can't say for sure why I am that way.But I know it is something I have to work on.

*************
Food. I love bread, pasta, rolls, cookies, if it has carbs I love it! There is very little easy to cook ,fast food to make that doesn't have carbs. One day is a moment of weakness I ate 2 bagels, like they were the last bagels on earth. I have worked so hard just to sabotage myself. Tomorrow we are taking our daughter and girls out to lunch to celebrate our youngest 5th birthday, And they want pizza. I need to something else to eat, maybe a salad.

I have gone through 14 eggs so far, and salad!!!  I have had chicken, fish, tuna salad on the salad,  Just haven't lost but two pounds. I need to exercise too! I know if I combine the two activities, it would be more likely to work, but I procrastinate. Oh I have all night I can do it later, tomorrow, after my nap... 

Facebook . Not so bad, I do feel like I am missing alot. Looking forward to updating myself after lent, however, one of the reason I gave up facebook for lent was because one night Gary said the when he comes in from work , I say hi to him but I don't look up  computer or get up off the sofa.. I have been off the computer when he comes home, greet him with a kiss and don't get back on the computer until after dinner, I didn't realize I was doing that . I know that what is happening in my home with my husband is way more interesting than what's on the computer!

Lent day 4

Another hard day. egg omelette for breakfast, no lunch. shrimp and cashew Chinese food. without rice. But I did eat an egg roll and cookie, then we went out to Blogs Park, for a birthday party and I had two small glasses of white Zinfandel wine and some ( 6-10) Belgian mini creme puffs.

Other wise good. I walked 30 minutes on tred mill .   I hurt my knee somehow,and also my back

2nd Prayer

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that You will give me the insight as to how to use the tools You have given me--whether spiritual gifts, talents, skills, work place or other--as a ministry in daily life. I don't just want to work, take care of my self and my family, my dwelling place, and participate in church life, I want to actually have a mind of ministry to do Your will and impact lives for You. May You move and minister through my life to accomplish Your purpose. Thank You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer

I generally post these prayers on facebook, but since I have given up facebook for lent I have decided to post it on my blog.


Today's Prayer
Dear God, I have felt emotional pain and I have experienced physical pain. I have seen the affects of all kinds of pain in other people's lives. It is not pretty. I hope and pray that I will always be able to reach out to others, think of them, think of good things, think of you, rather than focus on my own pain. When I am able to reach out and help someone else, my spirit is filled with joy, happiness, and satisfaction. It takes my mind off my own pain and problems, and directs it to a better perspective. Please minister through me to ease the pain of my family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, church leaders, whoever needs a special touch. In Jesus' name I pray, amen. 

Lent Day 3- a little rough

Day three and Gary wants pizza. WOW, I did eat the toppings off one slice and the thick part of the crust but not the entire piece I also had two root beers.  Tonight we are going out with Tom and Kathy, we are going to get Chinese food and then go to Blobs Parks for some oldies. The hard part will be the alcohol.I will limit myself. But I feel over all I am doing well.


 This morning I had a two egg omelette with mushrooms and cheese, two cups of coffee.
No face book since Tuesday the 4th of March... That's differently the easiest part.

Day two completed!

I was  able to get through day two , I had two boiled eggs for  breakfast, salad and smoked turkey for lunch and spaghetti squash and pasta meat sauce. So good. Great substitute  for spaghetti!
Down 3 pounds! Extra benefit for lent, giving up weight!

God is with me.

Lent 2014

I have never given anything up for Lent. But this year I made the decision to give up Facebook for Lent, as well as obvious Carbs. such as cereal, potatoes, bread, chips,cookies.

1. So far one day done and I succeeded. We will see what today brings.This morning a had two boiled eggs for breakfast. I plan on salad with smoked turkey for lunch, and stir fry veggies and fish (Talapia). I pray for strength to be steadfast on my resolve to give up Facebook and Carbs for Lent

Getting ready to start my new job.

So far I haven't received a call that the orientation  for Home Instead Senior Care isn't delayed another week. So I am excited that tomorrow I will  learn about caring for the elderly and hopefully start my new part time job.

I am still looking for full time, but at the moment this is where I need to be. I have been so depressed for not working and I have realized that I need to have a routine otherwise I'm lazy. And I hate to be lazy..

Addiction part two

Remember earlier this month I  talked about being addicted to  face book games, well I have not played a face book game since. But I have to admit to another addiction- CARBOHYDRATES.  My body craves them.

Today, I bought the The New Atkins for a new you cookbook. It seems like it has some  normal foods, easy to make. That's what I need. I weigh 181 and I need to lose at least 50 pounds.  I am exercising, walking 30 minutes and using the ab lounger, as well as just starting the tape slim in 6.

I want to feel better, be healthier. I am the one in the front row on the left next to Pastor Tracey in then lavender top.  I have to lose it!

Catch up

It's been a few days since I wrote in my blog. Monday nothing exciting happened.  exercise , laundry, first Deacon meeting.That was exciting to me. It was a pot luck and the food was great the company was awesome. It is great to be in a room with 14 other church leaders. I am on the worship committee. Not sure yet  my duties, but Feb 1, we are having a training class, from opening the sanctuary doors to closing them after service. Mom and Dad's 64th wedding anniversary. Dad is not with us any longer, But mom says she's still married! We started getting warning of a big bad winter weather storm. Our church started it's week of Winter Relief, we generally take the homeless in for the night a four pm and then they leave a 7 am. but the weather is so cold that they were trying to decide the best way to handle the situation.

Tuesday -21st, ,  Schools closed the night before  the temp is in the neg degrees. Gary got to come home  early, snow was only about 4 inches. Very cold

Wednesday- 22nd  I was suppose to start my new job, but because of the weather they canceled the orientation class until the 30th. So I stayed home and stayed warm!

Thursday 23rd.  Got my unemployment check, went out for a short time to take care of banking and mail, came home. did Laundry, vacuumed upstairs stayed warm.

Friday- 24th, today after exercising I went to the Mall and walked, picked up a new Atkins cookbook. looks like normal food is used, looking forward to using it. Need to get this weight off.
A friend had surgery today, because she broke her leg last Saturday. Prayers said for her. Prayers for my family in Michigan  for the loss of my cousin.

Sunday January 19th, 2014 Ordained as Deacon in Harundale Presbyterian Church

I  am so happy and proud to serve the Lord and my church as Deacon for the net 3 years.\

Saturday 18.2014

My first training day to prepare to be ordained as a Deacon in my church. I am so proud that I was called into service in the Lord's Church.

However, sadly it was a bitter sweet day. My cousin  Charles Clark went to be with the Lord that afternoon . Charlie had fought a 10 year battle with cancer and lost that battle, but is home with the Lord and is no longer in pain.

Our family was very blessed, my grandparents on my on my mother's side had 3 daughters, Eleanor, Beverly and Patricia. They had  in total 19 children. We lost one when I as about 6, Kathy had been very ill for a long time. But 18 of us grew up together and were playmates along the way. 4 years ago January 16th we lost our 2nd angel Marianne Clark Baldus and yesterday our 3rd Charlie Clark, We love you all and know you are keeping an eye open for us. Following are a few pictures I have.

The Detchers,Kathy in the window.

Our grandparents and mothers

 more of the Detchers

The last time I saw Charlie. 2012, some of the Clark's and Sheffield's

The Sheffield's in 2012

Me and My grandchildren  2013

two more angels, Marianne and Charlie Clark

Gary and I  2013

more on the job

I interviewed and learned more about Home Instead Senior Care.  I was told it would take 7-10 days. the same night a was being contacted from my references that they were being contacted. At 3pm Tuesday I was called and asked if I was still interested and the orientation will be the 22nd,

I am thankful to the Lord for giving me .the courage to step out of my comfort zone and apply. My friends for the references that helped me get the job.

Yesterday, I had to do a drug test, and can you believe I had a hard time peeing in the cup!!!! I had to drink 6 cups of water.... finally it worked

 I AM GETTING EXCITED!

Home Instead Senior Care

I got the job, I start on Jan 22nd.... happy dance!

Job interview

I had a job interview today. I think it went well, looking forward to hear what the outcome will be.

The position is a Senior Citizen Care . It is a non medical service for elderly that need a little help , companionship and rides to the doctor,with a little light house cleaning possible.

I am excited about the possibility of the position. I love to spend time with the elderly, they have so much to offer. My Grand parents and mom and aunts, love them all

Blues

Today I stopped by a former workplace, I didn't think it would bother me, but I got the blues when I left  there. The workplace is former because in November 2012 I fell down my stairs in my home and had a concussion and lost my memory. I understand why they didn't hold my job. I just didn't  Think I would have this kind of reaction.

But I will be fine.

Daniel Week One

We had our first Sunday School class  for this season today.

Daniel and his 3 friends were taken by King Nebuchadnezzar to enter the King's service.The King had the best, brightest, best looking young men chosen, the chief officials were to train them ( as well as many others that were chosen) in a period of 3 years  in the language and ways of the Babylonians. They were to be given the best foods and wine to eat and drink.

Daniel , Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah being Jewish and did not want to eat the food  or drink the wine,because they felt it defile them because the food may be contaminated because it may have  used in pagan ritual. The Guard , while sympathetic to the issue was afraid of the King and he thought he would be killed if they didn't eat the food. The guard was concerned the King would notice if they were not as healthy. Daniel asked that they feed them vegetables and water for 10 days and then decide. The guard agreed, after 10 days the guard agreed that they were healthier and stronger than the others and continued  feeding them vegetable and water. After 3 years the four men  were found to be smarter than all of the others and invited to the kings service.

Lesson 1- Adjust to the culture without compromising his principles
lesson 2 - Remain faithful

Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah names were changed to Shadrach, Meshach and Abedgo

Addiction ... It could happen to you!

I never thought I had an addictive personality, in that I never thought I could be addicted to anything.

I smoked when I was younger,  but quit cold turkey when I more to Baltimore in 1988. I drink occasionally (I say as I am drinking a glass of wine), but never heavy and generally not at all.

But about two weeks before Christmas 2013, I thought I would try a harmless Facebook game  of Candy Crush..Little did I know I would be overtaken with this insatiable need to continue to play and not just candy Crush, but :words of wisdom, family feud and many others I don't remember the names of, just shooting bubbles, fruit, you name it!

I found my self sitting on the sofa all day just playing, I never paid in money to play, just got energy from other addicts, so I told myself it's okay. I'm okay ,I can stop any time. I found out I was annoying my Facebook  friends that don't play the games... I don't to lose them.Then at night when I closed my eyes all I see is letters, fruits, bubbles, pudding !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It had to come to an end.  Last Wednesday I deleted all the games off my face book page. Sent a message, admitting I was an addict and apologized to my friends .I know now,I can't handle it. I have been  fb game free for  5 days now! Yeah me.. cold turkey!

Adult Bible Study- Daniel

This season Gary and I are the moderators of   one of the Adult Sunday School classes.

We will be studying the book of Daniel. Since we have been doing we both have grow so much in our faith and understanding of God's word.  I will be leading chapter 3, I am looking forward to . I will share what I learn.

God's timing, isn't your timing

We want what we want when we want it. We are human. That's the way humans are. But when we ask God for something, we need to accept that the answer is on God's time table. Sometimes ( rarely, in my experience) the answer is immediate, most of the time it takes time... God's time.

God's promises are true, but His timing is not the same as ours. God always wants greater glory than what we might be willing to give Him. God puts obstacles and adversity into our lives in order to build perseverance and faith. Why has God put the mountain in your life at this time? To demonstrate His power through your life. To show His glory.( from Prime Time)

Some photos from 2013

TRUST

So today is Friday 1/10/2014.
I am going to once again attempt to keep up on this blog. I am exercising and trying to eat better to lose wait, just like all people in January.

 I am trying hard to find a job, applying everywhere. Its seems I am over or under qualified for most things. I do have an interview on Monday, so I am praying it goes well.

I have turned this issue over to God, He has plans for me that I am not yet aware of yet. I have to learn to be patient and wait on Him,

Last week at work we were asked to pick a word for our word of 2014, My choice is Trust.  I trust the Lord has great plans for me and I must be patience and listen for his direction. Sometimes it is hard, but I must do it.

From sermon notes by Charles Stanley  - on requirements of waiting on God, begins with Trust. Dr  Stanley says: " God's best only comes in His way And His time, We won't  always understand or appreciate what's He's doing, but we must trust Him and obey His directions.

It's been way to long!

It's  been way  to long since I have been on my blog, it took 1/2 hour to reset my password!

Wow 8/27/11 was the last time I used this blog, a lot has happened  since then. In April 2012 I changed jobs. I was tough but going okay, until I fell down my stairs and got a concussion and had Retrograde amnesia, that was odd. it happened on 11/7/12, the day following the election. I knew  no one, not even my husband. Once I was told something I could remember it, but it took 4 months before I could start remembering. 

When I was released to go back to work,  I had no job, because I hadn't been there long enough, they didn't save my job. I got a new job in April 2013, in July I had an emergency gall bladder removal surgery, with complications that went into October, I was let go for lack of production, 

So Now I am employed again.