Off And Running…

It’s just after 3am…why waste a sleepless night, when I could be writing…lol. Anyhow, it’s been a very busy couple of months. My husband and I have reconciled, the holidays came and went, we moved into our new home in Lynnwood, Washington, and I have published my sister’s first book of poetry…okay, so the initial proof is getting ordered, but hey…it’s almost there. It was a great learning experience, and thankfully, I’ve remembered to note the challenges I faced publishing a book of poetry verses a novel. Now that my sister’s book is close to the finish line, I’ll finish the final edits (hopefully) on my third book and try to reach my goal of publishing it before June. It’s my first “stand-alone” book…though book three of my “Sara” series is in the works – outlined, at least – this current book has great characters and a storyline that I hope fills you with understanding.

My husband and I have settle into our new “improved” lives…which includes a bible study in the morning, a slow start to our day, some quiet chatting as we determine what the new day will bring…and then more boxes get unpacked. I have decided we need to start a moving fund. Then the next time we move, we will hire someone to pack, load, unload, and unpack for us…hey, a girl can dream, right?

So, as I sit here in my office/guest room, and note in my head the continued chore of organizing, I couldn’t help but think what a blessing my life is. Not to say our lives don’t have their share of struggles, but we are taking it one day at a time…and it’s going good. My husband and I have learned more about ourselves and about each other than we ever thought possible. I’m learning to give more to God to shoulder for me, and letting go of my stubbornness (a little bit anyhow). I’m accepting the changes I need to make within myself to help mature my marriage, and listening to my heart on the rest. Dan is doing the same, because our goal is the same…a successful, healthy and happy marriage.

We are going to the church my daughter found when she decided she preferred a smaller group setting, and we love it. We miss our home church in Colorado, but we are settling in regardless. Over the years, I’ve heard people say, “I don’t go to church, it’s filled with people who think they are better than the rest of us,” or “church is filled with hypocrites,”…and to be truthful, it saddens me to think this is the image churches have hanging over there heads, because that is not true, at least not in my world. This is where I insert the disclaimer – “these are my opinions, not necessarily that of others”…but churches were created for community strength…so we would be aware of the needs of our neighbors, while worshipping God together. We may have social media now, but before all that, without churches, how would we know who needs an extra hand, maybe a job, or a babysitter? If you think like the others do about people in church, let me help you understand that the people that go to church are in need of help, we know we can’t do it on our own…that we need God to get us through the struggles we face on a daily basis. We are not “perfect” – we are not “without sin” – we are all sinners. Some might be in suits, some in fine dresses, some in t-shirts and jeans, some with breakfast in our bellies, and others who are hungry…but kid you not, we are all sinners. We go to church for many reasons, mainly for our love of God and our desire to worship Him. We pray for strength and praise him for his love…pretty much all in the same breath. We also go to church to pray in a combined voice for those in need of prayer. God surely listens to single, quiet voices…but when we all put our voices together…well, it’s kind of like the “12^th” man…power in numbers!!! Oh, and GO HAWKS. Today is Super Bowl…so let’s hear it fans!!!!

My point is church is for anyone that needs a bit of encouragement, love, support, and has a hunger for building their faith. Leave it to a man who loves manuals, but Dan suggested we look at the bible in that way…for us, it is a manual for life. We use a manual to fix our cars and so much more, why not use the bible to help fix ourselves by understanding God’s beautiful creation, the life Jesus led and ultimately sacrificed for us…makes sense to me.

Well, that is pretty much my ramblings for today…and thanks for listening. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.