Interior Painting

Since the beginning of September, our sweet, colonial home has been getting a bit of a make-over.  It was certainly time, in fact, well overdue. You probably already know how one renovation project can lead down the slippery slope of another, and another, and so on.  Well, that is exactly what has happened to us!  Although I truly enjoy the final creation, the process of getting there was certainly tedious and disruptive.  No, our house projects haven't been featured on HGTV nor have Chip and Joanna Gaines appeared in our living room, but we were honored to welcome a reliable team of contractors and interior designer to bring the make-overs to a lovely completion.

A year ago we plunged into the deep end and decided to create a master suite bedroom and bathroom. It is truly lovely, and the colors and design are serene and inviting.  We were careful about all the details which took many months to complete.  The daily disruption was difficult especially with the challenges of my chronic M.  The noise, smells, meeting with the team, and being on task to make decisions were just a few of the "outside my comfort zone" things from which to contend.   But every bit of difficulty was tackled, and the end goal was well worth it for sure!  Since we were "on a roll", we decided to add some fresh coats of paint to the tired looking walls.  WOW---what a huge difference that makes!  Our sprits are lifted just being present in the rooms with some new colors.   They are nothing fancy, but the rooms glow with new character and a freshness which are very inviting.

TRANSFORMATION.

Just as our house rooms are getting an interior paint job, so, too, can our hearts. I think now especially since our nation's atmosphere is more caustic than ever, it would be beneficial to stop and take a peek at our own attitudes and how we might be acting toward and with one another.  Are we invoking more animosity and pushing our views loudly and negatively, or are we inviting love and discussion and listening?

God is our Master Painter, and He gives us fresh coats of love, mercy, and grace so that we can be renewed and transformed in order to shine our lights brighter in this dark and sad world.

May the fruits of the Holy Spirit be in our minds, in our hearts, and on our lips.

A step into yester-year

 

I haven't been blogging lately as I have had tech troubles.  This is frustrating to me because I generally do not know how to fix the problem, but, thank goodness, my oldest son usually comes to my rescue with his knowledge of figuring out solutions!  Yay!  Now I am hopefully back on track and will try to resume my blogging on a more regular basis.  

 

Earlier in the month, a unique opportunity provided itself with a chance to wear my nurse's cap, so to speak.  When I graduated from nursing college a million years ago, we actually WORE a nurse's cap.  We worked darn hard for that cap and pin, so I wore them both with my white nurse's uniform dress.  O.k. Now I am really dating myself!!  Yiikes!  

 

I did not don my real nursing attire, but I was grateful to have assisted my mother in recovering from a total hip replacement.  Hubby and I took off two weeks and drove to PA to be at her side.  We made a good team, just like always.  He busied himself with many house and lawn projects while I mainly took charge of her care.  I certainly utilized my nursing knowledge in many aspects of her care.  There was even an unexpected setback which called for emergent medical attention, and I was so grateful for my nursing instincts that "kicked in" at the right time.  I am happy to report that mom has been making excellent progress with her healing!  

 

More than just an opportunity to provide healthcare for my mother, it was a good time to connect emotionally and spiritually.  This was a good thing for all three of us.  Amidst the trials and pain, lots of laughter and love were certainly shared.  I was thankful to have surrendered my fears and anxieties over wondering "if" and "how" I could possibly carry through what needed to be accomplished during those two weeks.  With my current physical health challenges, as well as my hubby's back and hip issues, I thought I might not be capable of being on call 24/7 for that amount of time on my own.  However, when we both prayed and surrendered to God's will, He provided us with answers and strength to carry out our mission and to do it well.  

 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phillipians 4:13)

 

All three of us continue to be filled with gratitude and are amazed at how smoothly the recovery is unfolding---day by day, moment by moment.  God gave us mannna for each day and that is the beauty of trusting and surrendering to Him.  

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

 

We have returned to our CT home and back into our ordinary, everyday routines.  Healing continues for my mother but also for Michael and me.  We are ALL stronger and uplifted by God's grace in walking through the Holy in the Hard.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn

Just for fun, I am going to write one of those little word puzzles like we used to do in school.  My thoughts and emotions are tryng to connect with this new season of transition, and I thought it might be easier to just say a few words in puzzle form.  

A pple picking and yummy recipes 

U ndertaking new routnes and adventures

T aking time with Mother Nature and sharing it with loved ones 

U npacking my fall wardrobe of sweaters and boots

M aking pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin muffins

N oticing the gorgeous Fall New England foliage

Now it is your turn.  Have fun thinking of a few and share with friends.  Of course, sharing over pumpkin muffins and pumpkin lattes is a MUST!!  

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/93290/easy-pumpkin-muffins/

Stepping into a new season

Whether we are ready or not, the season of Fall will soon be upon us.  The carefree, summertime schedules and activities and spontaneous gathering of friends on a summer evening will soon give way to a different pace.  The start of school and new activities revolving around sports or music or community events will demand a tighter reign on family time.  It can be an exciting time as the new routines are fresh and full of fun possibilities, but it can also become overwhelming if life becomes too hectic and draining trying to meet the needs and expectations of so many.  

On one hand, I am ready for the cool, crisp Fall weather as I do not feel well in the heat and humidity.  This summer was a hot one even for CT!  Whew!  The crazy weather fluctuations had me lying flat out in my dark bat cave with AC and not popping outside until the evenings.  Bummer.  On the other hand, I am not quite ready to let go of summer because I secretly wish for a "do-over".  Many of my plans of people to see, places to go, and things to do sat on a dusty shelf.  Life had other plans...

For me, I desire to be intentional about stepping into a new season, and I don't mean just Fall.  I want to be intentional about stepping into a new season of deeper faith, more trust, and an increased surrender to God who knows what is best for me and my family.   Stepping into an attitude of grattitude under all circumstances will take courage. I want to prepare myself for this process of "stepping in" by trusting and "letting go".  May God grant me his glorious grace.  

So as we all step into a new season of our lives, I will leave you with these words and reflections from an author, John McQuiston II, in his book, "Always We Begin Again, The Benedictine Way of Living". 

"This is the gift we have been granted---the potential to experience all that comes to us in this life

 In complete confidence, love, and joy;

 To have the courage and strength 

 To put aside fear and despair;

 And to live each day

 In unquestioning trust in the divine providence

 Which has brought us into being."

 

                              

My Rio story

For the past week and a half, I have been glued to my television or computer watching the Olympics like I am sure many of you are doing as well.  The games are so exciting, and I am captivated with all of  the athletes, their personal stories, and the thrill of the competitions.  The Olympics are keeping me entertained which is both a blessing and a curse.  They provide hours of distraction while I am "not at my best" , but the bad thing is that I should not be spending a lot of viewing time on screens.  I can't seem to win!!  Lol. 

However, I continue to watch and listen as I observe closely the absolute strength, focus, discipline, endurance, and perseverance these extraordinary athletes demonstrate. I am amazed.  They train day in and day out for years to even have the chance to qualify for the games.  Their big sized dreams come at quite a price not only to them but to those around them.  

Listening to their personal life stories that bring them to the Olympic competitions is what inspires me.  Many share their struggles, injuries, and set backs which entail both physical and mental challenges. Quite often, the athletes speak of their many obstacles as stepping stones which actually propell them forward in reaching their dreams of winning the gold medal.  

The athletes give honor to their families, friends, coaches, and other teammates because they know that their success hasn't been achieved walking the path alone.  It takes an entire dedicated support team to help them cross their finish line and medal!   I particularly like the story of Michael Phelps and his unique path of highs and lows and vulnerability.  His story matters because it possibly gives us insight into our own struggles and triumphs.  I also love the Jamacain runner, Bolt.  Who doesn't?  His large personality is engaging and fun.  The U.S.A. Women's swim team and their endearing smiles---learning a small tidbit of their stories makes us feel like we "know" them a little better each time they compete. 

My road to Rio looks and feels different from these real athletes who are currently competing. However, I get up each day and feel as though I am training for a marathon or some other grueling event.  I plant my feet on the floor each morning and breathe in some positive energy, set my intention, grab my team of amazing supporters, and try to move forward as best I can.  "Pray first, move second" is my motto.  I may be slow and may not get too far depending on how my head and body feel, but I keep with my training. Mentally and physically I try to keep a positive mindset while keeping my eyes fixed on my goals.  Some days I feel successful, while other days, the obstacles seem very daunting.  

Well, I may not win any gold medals at the end of a day, but that doesn't matter to me.  In my heart, I win knowing that I am surrounded by much love and support from those around me.  My faith gives me purpose and the strength I need to carry on while encouraging others to keep training as well.  

What does your road to Rio look and feel like?  How can your personal story matter to others if you allow it to be shared?  

May you all enjoy watching the rest of the games!!

Lessons learned down in the bunker

It is sometimes funny where we have the opportunity to learn life lessons.  Certain situations call for an openness to insight.  During my last bout of being "taken down by my tornado", I reflected upon my attitude while taking shelter, so to speak.  

It came to me on a particularly rough day that living with chronic M is like living in tornado alley---all the time.  Much like individuals who live in a community where they must constantly prepare for the next impending tornado,  I have to do the same.   There are particular warning signs that my body experiences which alert me to what is soon about to happen.  At first, I outright deny that it is going to really happen---AGAIN?  NOOOO!!  Not again!  Then, I have to settle down and focus on the inevitable reality.  The tornado is definitely headed my way.   Gulp.  

I take shelter.  I stop what I am doing and depending on where I am, I get home as quickly as possible.  I grab my migraine tool kit which is full of necessary supplies and head to my bunker.  My family room or bedroom is cool and dark and has the environment I need to survive the storm.  Sometimes I am alone, and other times, loved ones are right beside me.  Each tornado comes with a vengeance and leaves a nasty path of utter destruction which is highly unpredictable each and every time.  Scary.  

But when the storm is over and all starts quieting down just a bit, I learned I have two choices to make.  I can either stay down in my bunker taking shelter for fear of when the next tornado arrives, or I can open up the bunker door and step out into the light of a brand new day.  Let me be honest here, there are plenty of times I just want to stay and take shelter.  I am exhausted and weary physically and emotionally and wonder if it is worth going out.  That attitude is not a healthy one. That attitude won't put my feet on the ground to start moving forward again.  That attitude won't help me clean up all the strewn debris.   That attitude allows for a victim mentality which is simply not who I am in Christ.  

Instead, I try to intentionally choose to open the the bunker door, step outside into the glorious Light, and get back to living the rich life I have been given.  God provides every grace necessary to carry on while living in my tornado alley.  I may fail in my attitude at times, but God never fails in His love and care for me.  Never.  

Friends, in what circumstances do you find yourself learning some of life's tough lessons?  Where do you find answers? Is it easy or hard to change your attitude when it needs an overlhaul?  

I will let you sit and wrestle with those questions for awhile.  

Summertime fun

My friends, I hope by mid July you are all seeking and finding some summertime fun into your lives.  It is so important for the body, mind, and spirit to lighten up a bit and partake of what the season of summer has to offer.  Yes, the days can be long and hot and tiring, but somewhere in the midst of all of that, there is fun to be had.   Maybe you are carving out special time for family vacations or just some lazy days off (when schedules permit) to just BE.  Hopefully, a combination of both would be fulfilling.  

For me, I have always enjoyed summer.  As a kid, I loved the long days of hanging out with girlfriends and heading to our local community pool.  There was always something to do or somewhere to go to keep us entertained in ways that were very simple and meaningful.  I also enjoyed a lot of quiet time just reading or listening to my music or playing the piano.  As I grew older, I worked but still found time to immerse myself in the richness of the summer season.  

As time marched on and we grew our own family, summertime took on different phases, so to speak.  Having little ones under toe all the time, the long, hot days were a challenge in some aspects.  It took forever to get everyone rounded up and ready for the day ahead as we set off on many adventures.  I went with girlfriends and their children to parks, children museums, beaches, and indoor play areas for needed reprieve.  We also spent fun times at each other's houses in the pools, sprinklers, and getting drenched from the water gun fights.   We ate loads of yummy Popsicles and simple picnic foods.  The mommies bonded and shared life with kids under foot while the daddies toiled at the workplace.  Sound "traditional"?  Yes, it was.   Life was great.  

Just recently as our family (now 4 grown young men) sat around our dinner table, we talked about the memories of past summers.  The boys each shared some of their favorite memories, and my heart was overjoyed.  They were saying how happy those times were and how thankful for the opportunities which we provided.   WOW.   Mommy had to take a deep breath and savor that moment.   Sometimes, it seems to be the smallest of things that can make a large impact on our soul. 

Currently, my days of summertime fun are hit and miss at best.  I can no longer tolerate sunny days at the beach or a lake.  I have to walk quickly in early morning and then hopefully have a longer stroll on our local Boardwalk in the evening.  I have to stay inside and cool which can make me feel a bit ansie. 

The summer weather patterns are huge M triggers for me which are totally out of my control.   Packing up and going anywhere is a bigger deal for my needs than packing up four young toddlers back in the days!  Lol!  Well, it is what it is, and I do the best I can.  I will continue to set my intentions to focus on the positive and let go of unnecessary expectations.

Just this past week, I found my happy place being surrounded by my four young adult sons who happened to be home here all at once.  Yay!!!  We had a really treasured week together.  It was kind of challenging for me as I was not up for all of the activities due to my continual and most annoying uninvited guest, but I finally threw him out the back door!   Overall, our family shared many laughs and crazy moments that were sacred silly.  Praise God.  

May you find silliness, stillness, and peace during the rest of this summer season.