The new venture: day one

If I had just one word to describe today...it would be this:





The flow of new information was flooding in. By lunch my head was swimming. The afternoon helped my feet touch the ground. As it consisted mostly of traditional HR paperwork.

The most memorable part of today, happened shortly before lunch. We took another tour, this time of both facilities. We walked across the parking lot to the building I hadn't been to yet.

Walked through the door, a very specific smell welcomed us. Well, welcoming to me. Probably not to most others. It was the very apparent smell of a machine shop.

As soon as the smell hit my nose a smile crept across my face. Memories from my childhood flooded in. Ones I had almost forgotten.

Suddenly I was taken back about 20 years. It's late at night, instinctively I wake up. I wander downstairs to greet my daddy, who just walked in from work. Before he could even make it to change into his pj's I was curled up on his lap almost back to sleep. Taking in that distinct smell.

I remember many times, especially when things got rough growing up, sitting in sadness. Wondering what was going to happen next. Where was this path taking me?"

As I laid there contemplating, that smell would waft in. Only daddy wasn't there. It was something deep inside-or someone rather-reminding me that it would all be okay.

Today, that smell was very much physically present. It reminded me, again, that it will be okay. The smell brought a greater sense of peace. Showing me, in yet another way, that this is the right step for me. For my family.

Team Awesome

To team awesome,

You know who you are.

Without you these last several months could have been a lot worse. Rather than dreading each day, it was possible to walk in with a smile. Just knowing there were others who cared as much helped tremendously.

This group has grown a bond. Deeper than any would have expected. There's the run of the line. From mama down to baby girl.

While the transition phase will be hard, I am sure that this group will remain in tact. No question about it. Shifting will come and go with each new venture. So long as effort is made by all, we will not lose this family we have found.

So ladies.
To each of you.
For: allowing me in.
Accepting my quirks.
Helping me laugh
Being a reason to smile.
Always supporting.

My deepest thanks go to you.

Until we talk again. Which I know will be soon.

All my love.

Cardboard testimonies

I've seen these floating around through the channels of social media. It's a unique concept that has a big impact. If you've never seen one, you can check out this video from the last one and see the work God has done in these lives.

I was busy running around with the most fun group of toddlers around. I would have loved to have participated in this display of God's power, grace and authority in our lives. I'll admit, I was a little bummed when I realized I wouldn't be able to.

Then a light bulb came on...I have this beautiful space here, so why not use it.







Upon reflecting last night at small group on the service, we all agreed that that it stirs us when we sit down and deliberately think of what God has done/is doing in our lives. We were also challenged to take time to independently do this more often. I know I definitely need to.

Friends, can I challenge you? To actually take time to reflect on your life? If you were taking. Part in this sort of testimony, what might your piece of cardboard say?

I'd love, if you're comfortable, would you share it here with me? That we might "...consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds." (‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬ NASB)