Family by choice...

I was talking to an old friend tonight. I am looking forward to seeing her and her extended family tomorrow to mourn her dad's death and celebrate his memory. It made me think of some of my favorite people who have impacted my life and who I look forward to seeing again in heaven. She and I were also realizing tonight that there are some things that people [in our families] just don't get. Often family can't see the forest through the trees. Because of their blindness, they let you down over and over and over. She and I were both amazed at how blood can mean so little and how our true family- those in our hearts- are the chosen family that have ended up in our lives through a variety of circumstances (birth and blood being one, marriage and friendship also being some of the routes) are the ones that buoy and encourage us through the most challenging times.

When we hung up the phone, something struck me that I will share with her tomorrow. How awesome is it that our Heavenly Father loves us! And that He chooses to allow us to be a part of His family. He doesn't force it. Yet He invites us in as His children by grace through faith. Our blood ties have nothing to do with it, however His blood was spilled for it. All as a gift- given freely without strings. He gives it to us because we are part of His chosen family- wanted, loved and redeemed!

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not die but have eternal life. John 3:16

Well, how'd I do?

I posted a list of summer time goals back in June. Well summer officially ended as autumn moved in this week. It has been over for me since August as I went back to my job of teaching in a small school. So here is my check in of how I did on my goals...

Read “The China Study”- Read it. It wasn't as life changing as I thought it would be though it was interesting. Dull read over all, but made me cut back a bit on meat.

Create a BUDGET!!!- Hubs and I are still working on this one. This is a team sport when you are married and the other player on the team and I work different shifts. We definitely opened discussions about finance that have brought us forward in the effort, but not there. I did however work with a mini budget as I was traveling with the kiddos. This at least got some of the extra spending reeled in.

Stick to said budget- Stuck to the mini budget. See above on the regular budget.

Stay “No-shampoo”- Okay, this sounds way gross to most people I know. I don't use regular shampoo. It has all kinds of cancer causing chemicals, it was not making my hair look good (it was all greasy) and I couldn't seem to find something that worked well. I tried a bunch of different things and finally was able to make my own special recipe of "No-shampoo" shampoo. Sounds crazy huh? But my hair looks good, is growing, and it is super easy on the wallet. Success!

Rest my voice- Miracles happen. As one of my friends said "I don't think you'll survive 4 hours, let alone 4 weeks!" After 10 weeks of vocal rest my nodules healed. I have been allowed to return to work. I am trying to find a speech language therapist who will work with adults to strengthen my voice. I can tell it isn't like it used to be yet, but it is so strong compared to June!!!

Write- Hey I can call this a success, I've been writing this blog!

Spend time daily praying- This I have done much better on. I worked to have personal devotion time, to have study with other Christians of the Word, and to pray, pray, pray. This fall has come and I am yet again blessed to enjoy devotions at work. It is sometimes hard for me to be faithful about praying. I struggle with prayers that are not answered. I struggle with listening (I like to talk, listening is hard). I just sometimes struggle. But God is good and He is faithful. I try to be as well.

Walk more- This was easy when we went to the little house. It is in a beautiful park on a hill, has paths, is in a town with sidewalks, and most of it is shaded (cooler!). Home is hot, on a short street, off a busy rural route. Not overly conducive for regular exercise. I did start parking much further away from anything- church, store, work, etc. My kids are often telling me I am torturing them by forcing the few extra steps, but it is helping me to meet my goal of more.

Occasionally ride a bike- I did. And I got both kids riding. My bike is broken though, so until it is fixed it really was [and will remain] occasional.

Visit at least 5 new spots with the kids- We did pretty well on this. Dorney, Areas of Philly, a new county park, Adventure Aquarium, and a couple museums.

Visit some favorite “standards” with the kiddos- Well we hit some old favorites, though not all the ones we wanted on this either. The little house, the pool, grandparents homes, and a couple museums.

Sew- Okay this one didn't happen.

Crochet- This one either.

Have BBQ- Well nothing at our house. We started planning and then lost trees. They are moved over to our side yard where they are drying out. Seems like each time we start moving ahead 2 steps we get knocked back 1. We did go to some, so that was a start.

Learn to use my camera well- This one is a work in progress. I took gobs of pictures! I love my new camera. I think it is one that I will always be in some stage of learning with though.


So there you have it, my goals. Met, yet to be met, works in progress, or knocked off the list! Here is to a job well done! (Photos- The inside of the National Building Museum in Washington, DC [below] and the exterior of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA [above right])