it's time...

I'm just checking in, because I can.  The lack of schedule reared it's ugly head here last week, so I have instituted a s-l-o-w start back to school.  We are rolling out of bed by 8:30 (a very good intention) and getting our clothes on right away (yes, clothes, yes, you have to wear your shirt).  We are eating breakfast as soon as we get out of bed (not at lunch-time) and into our clothes.  We are walking (or attempting to walk) around the block before we start school (an idea borrowed from my friend across the street... I'm hoping it will help with focus).  We are totally doing a little work (remember how to multiply? fractions? what sound does "a" make?) prior to lounging, prior to any sort of television or movies, or wii games... The temptation to be lazy (such a mean word,really...but the truth sometimes hurts) is really, really big... but this lack of routine is making me crazy and affecting behaviors in the young ones (2pm... really? pajamas? you haven't brushed your teeth,yet?) and forming undesirable habits...

So. That is my story this week, and I'm sticking to it.  Want to hear another story?

Well, let me tell you:  If you find yourself travelling 95 South in the summer through the Greater Washington DC/ Baltimore Metropolitan area; traffic is normal.  Resist the urge to scatter illegally through the HOV lanes.  Ignore the GPS that is telling you to re-route to Route 1 South. Route 1 is worse.  Plan an extra 3 hours for travel time through this area...yes, I'm serious.  Even if it is a normal Monday afternoon, expect a three hour southbound delay.  It doesn't matter which southbound road you are feebly attempting to drive on... it will still be a three hour delay.  Yes, I really am serious.  If you choose to travel south after 3 pm, add another 2 hours!

(Can you guess where I was stuck yesterday afternoon?) On to better topics-

I have been struck by the sermons at church the last few Sunday evenings.  Our church pastors are teaching the Keys-to-the-Kingdom series.  The messages of forgiveness, of doing, of praying have really resonated with me!  I am totally feeling like these messages are so timely and so helpful!  My sense of purpose as a human being on this Earth is being renewed; which is good, since not all things (not even a lot of things) seem to be going my way (or the way I think they should go). Shocking, but true!  Seriously, though, last week's message was about being a follower of Christ and about being a doer for Christ; to not just say words, but to do actions, too.  This week's message was about letting God be God, and realize that we are not.  We are not God.  God is with us, indeed, He carries us at times.  We may not even see Him or feel Him, but He is with us.  And His purpose is for good, not evil.  As hard as I may be struggling with circumstances beyond MY control, there is purpose and meaning in everything that happens. To me.

Even though I may be down...

This lifts me up...