As you may know, when it comes to technology, it would seem that I display mild to moderate learning impairments. So, when I changed my email successfully, and imported all of my email contacts from Comcast to gmail, and sent out a group notice, I was feeling pretty proud of myself. But, then it did something to my blog. I guess I can't sign in here using a new email address. I have to use my old one, or start an entire new blog? I'm SURE there is some way around this, but I have tried, and so has Timm.
So, for now I will use the old address and see what happens. When I cancel that account, I may have a problem.
Well, we have successfully sold or given away almost all of our unecessary possesions. Ahh. In a couple of days, someone is coming to get this computer. I will switch to using only the laptop. Haven't entirely figured out that computer, so we'll see! Then, we move to Timm's parents' house and they do not have high speed internet. I believe they have dial up, but I wouldn't want to tie up their phone line using that.
So, if you try to contact me by computer, it may be a while before I get it and respond.
Alright, since last week was a blur of organizing and selling things, today it is back to school for the Kelly girls. Gotta run.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Whah happened?
What day is it?
Whah happened?
How did we get so much stuff?
Where am I? Oh yah, that's right, I'm digging myself out from under piles of stuff.
Please, don't ever let this happen to me again. It's sick and wrong.
Whah happened?
How did we get so much stuff?
Where am I? Oh yah, that's right, I'm digging myself out from under piles of stuff.
Please, don't ever let this happen to me again. It's sick and wrong.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Or...maybe not?
OK, so in my last post, I was pretty sure we had found the Kelly's new residence in NY. Now, it appears to have changed. I believe this would be our "welcome to New York" experience. We applied for the apartment (rather frenetically as the bank was about to close in 10 minutes and we thought another person was considering putting in an application as well).
Long story short, the other applicant was selected. So, we are having our broker pull new listings and starting over. No biggee. Although I am disappointed, I am fully confident that God is in control and knows what is best for us. We spent time in prayer and we feel at peace that there is something else for us.
What we set out to do this week was narrow down a neighborhood. Mission accomplished. We absolutely love the neighborhood and it is a reasonable commute for Timm to get to work. It is farther from the church than we hoped, but again, we feel peace with the fact that this is where God is leading us.
For a brief time there, I thought maybe we could come back to Michigan and really figure out exactly what we would be taking with us to NY. Now, we aren't entirely sure about our space again. But, I WILL be getting my stuff together this week for a garage sale!
I think I'll send that email out right now.
Garage sale at the Kelly home:
Thurs/Fri/Sat April 23,24,25
9am-4pm
Long story short, the other applicant was selected. So, we are having our broker pull new listings and starting over. No biggee. Although I am disappointed, I am fully confident that God is in control and knows what is best for us. We spent time in prayer and we feel at peace that there is something else for us.
What we set out to do this week was narrow down a neighborhood. Mission accomplished. We absolutely love the neighborhood and it is a reasonable commute for Timm to get to work. It is farther from the church than we hoped, but again, we feel peace with the fact that this is where God is leading us.
For a brief time there, I thought maybe we could come back to Michigan and really figure out exactly what we would be taking with us to NY. Now, we aren't entirely sure about our space again. But, I WILL be getting my stuff together this week for a garage sale!
I think I'll send that email out right now.
Garage sale at the Kelly home:
Thurs/Fri/Sat April 23,24,25
9am-4pm
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Think we found it!
Well, I just read Timm's Blog and it's all about our apartment in NY!
So, you can check that out, and he even has a link that shows the street view of the apartment we want. We put in our application and now we wait to be sure we are accepted by the landlord. Shouldn't be a problem with finances, but we actually are expected to sit down and "interview" with the super. So, I don't know how all of that will work, as we are headed back to MI tomorrow! Hopefully they don't have a problem with the renters being a family of four. We are likely to be much louder than a single, or a couple, ya know? And, it really is only a one bedroom, but with 800 sq ft, we have room to split the living room into another bedroom.
Well, I could go on and on and on. It has everything we hoped for (outdoor space, laundry in bldg, near a park, near a good school, reasonable walk to subway, storage area for bikes, quiet street, and within price range).
All I can say is, Ahhh, we found one! We absolutely love the neighborhood and hope this is it.
Gotta run.
Last day in the city, leaving tomorrow.
God is good. God is good. All the time!
So, you can check that out, and he even has a link that shows the street view of the apartment we want. We put in our application and now we wait to be sure we are accepted by the landlord. Shouldn't be a problem with finances, but we actually are expected to sit down and "interview" with the super. So, I don't know how all of that will work, as we are headed back to MI tomorrow! Hopefully they don't have a problem with the renters being a family of four. We are likely to be much louder than a single, or a couple, ya know? And, it really is only a one bedroom, but with 800 sq ft, we have room to split the living room into another bedroom.
Well, I could go on and on and on. It has everything we hoped for (outdoor space, laundry in bldg, near a park, near a good school, reasonable walk to subway, storage area for bikes, quiet street, and within price range).
All I can say is, Ahhh, we found one! We absolutely love the neighborhood and hope this is it.
Gotta run.
Last day in the city, leaving tomorrow.
God is good. God is good. All the time!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Easter
Well, I am not sure if I have anything profound to share. But, Happy Easter.
Easter brings me so much joy, I can hardly stand it.
When I let the reality of the resurrection sink into my spirit, I am overwhelmed.
It has been a life long journey of trying to grasp the meaning of this celebration. I think I have recently been able to experience the reality of it more than ever.
For me, Easter represents EVERYTHING. It is God's invitation to me. An invitation to surrender my own agenda and self serving life and instead live a life honoring Him, my creator. And, not only that, but it is an invitation to become a NEW CREATION where I am not a slave to my sin. That is SWEET!
Well, I have accepted the invitation.
And, tomorrow, on Easter Sunday, I will celebrate this amazing thing that God did for ME!
We will spend the early morning in Central Park during the sunrise with our church friends, our community of believers, the people who have literally become my brothers and sisters in this faith walk. We will worship and praise God, and share some prayer and scripture with anyone interested in hanging out with us. We'll bring some food for those who don't have any. THen, we will hang out for some time to enjoy each other at our friends apartment. After that, we will enjoy some family time and then share a meal with some great friends.
God, thank you for your plan to save me from a life of bondage to sin. And thank you for a day to celebrate that gift. I hope I remember this day of Easter each and every day of the year.
Easter brings me so much joy, I can hardly stand it.
When I let the reality of the resurrection sink into my spirit, I am overwhelmed.
It has been a life long journey of trying to grasp the meaning of this celebration. I think I have recently been able to experience the reality of it more than ever.
For me, Easter represents EVERYTHING. It is God's invitation to me. An invitation to surrender my own agenda and self serving life and instead live a life honoring Him, my creator. And, not only that, but it is an invitation to become a NEW CREATION where I am not a slave to my sin. That is SWEET!
Well, I have accepted the invitation.
And, tomorrow, on Easter Sunday, I will celebrate this amazing thing that God did for ME!
We will spend the early morning in Central Park during the sunrise with our church friends, our community of believers, the people who have literally become my brothers and sisters in this faith walk. We will worship and praise God, and share some prayer and scripture with anyone interested in hanging out with us. We'll bring some food for those who don't have any. THen, we will hang out for some time to enjoy each other at our friends apartment. After that, we will enjoy some family time and then share a meal with some great friends.
God, thank you for your plan to save me from a life of bondage to sin. And thank you for a day to celebrate that gift. I hope I remember this day of Easter each and every day of the year.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Be available
Yesterday, the girls and I had a cool opportunity to help out another local church. We spent the afternoon handing out food and smiles to some people who are in need. It was a great time. And, I was just so glad that we were AVAILABLE to help.
I can't even put into words how God has grown me in this area of being AVAILABLE. There was a time in my life when I had to have each day scheduled to the point of busyness before I felt any peace. I did not enjoy any down time (unless it was specifically scheduled as such).
One of the coolest things God has done in my life is stretched me to step away from being over scheduled. When I follow his promptings, he delivers opportunities and "divine appointments" to me that I would never have been aware of!
Don't get me wrong, I continue to struggle with this area of my life! But, God has brought me a long way from where I once was.
What I have found is that God will prompt me to eliminate something from my schedule, and I resist! But, then if I obey the prompting, there is a door that opens to a different opportunity! Something I didn't even see. Something He chose to reveal only after I was obedient. So, I never end up sitting around wondering what I'm supposed to do with my time! I remain "busy" but I feel like it is more in line with the direction God has laid out for me to impact the world for Him.
I realize that I have the luxury of not working outside the home full time. So, you may argue that it is easier for me to remain available. And, you would be correct. However, that is just one more example. Because I can tell you that God called me away from that, and it was HARD! Having a daily schedule of "work" was much more appealing to me, but I have realized MANY times that God had other plans for me.
Speaking of being available, I need to go. Alli just woke up early and asked if I could play a game of connect four. I think that beats time on the computer and crossing a few more items off my to-do list, don't you?
I can't even put into words how God has grown me in this area of being AVAILABLE. There was a time in my life when I had to have each day scheduled to the point of busyness before I felt any peace. I did not enjoy any down time (unless it was specifically scheduled as such).
One of the coolest things God has done in my life is stretched me to step away from being over scheduled. When I follow his promptings, he delivers opportunities and "divine appointments" to me that I would never have been aware of!
Don't get me wrong, I continue to struggle with this area of my life! But, God has brought me a long way from where I once was.
What I have found is that God will prompt me to eliminate something from my schedule, and I resist! But, then if I obey the prompting, there is a door that opens to a different opportunity! Something I didn't even see. Something He chose to reveal only after I was obedient. So, I never end up sitting around wondering what I'm supposed to do with my time! I remain "busy" but I feel like it is more in line with the direction God has laid out for me to impact the world for Him.
I realize that I have the luxury of not working outside the home full time. So, you may argue that it is easier for me to remain available. And, you would be correct. However, that is just one more example. Because I can tell you that God called me away from that, and it was HARD! Having a daily schedule of "work" was much more appealing to me, but I have realized MANY times that God had other plans for me.
Speaking of being available, I need to go. Alli just woke up early and asked if I could play a game of connect four. I think that beats time on the computer and crossing a few more items off my to-do list, don't you?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Good Friday
Just to be honest, I have had a bit of a struggle with something that is basically the crux of my entire faith!!! That is, Jesus dying on the cross. Good Friday.
It was actually the "Passion" movie a few years ago that helped me with this. See, I sorta had this idea that it really wouldn't have been that hard for Jesus to die on the cross. Because, due to his divinity, he knew exactly where he would go upon death. And I figured he would be somewhat relieved to return to God and be out of the devil's territory - earth. Then, after watching the gruesome details of his death on the big screen, I realized the excruciating physical torture he endured. That was a reality check for me.
Today, I come to another realization. And, that is, Jesus' physical suffering is only a small piece of the reality of what he endured. I think I was missing it. It wasn't just his physical death and suffering that made it so excruciating. It was his willingness to bear the SIN OF THE WORLD. And in taking on all of that sin, and remaining without any sin of his own, he could not even face his Father. While he was taking on every sin of the world, he was FULLY HUMAN. And, he did it all willingly, out of love.
That is so hard to grasp. Because, now we are not talking about the physical realm and what we can understand through our senses. We are talking about the spiritual reality. And, how much MORE painful was that for Jesus? More painful than anything his physical body could be put through.
Today in my devotional, I was reminded. Jesus' death on the cross was not just martyrdom. Not even close. He did die for a cause....a faith...but he died to fulfill the very redemptive plan of God. His pain and suffering was so far beyond physical, emotional, or mental.
And, so salvation itself is so easy to attain, because God paid the price for it. He bore the burden. But, here's the deal. Although that redemption is available to each and every soul....we must not misunderstand what it means to accept this gift. When we meet Jesus at the cross and recognize and accept this gift, we do not just sail through the gates of salvation. We stop there, and we choose to ABIDE IN HIM. We choose the journey. We choose the humbling journey of walking with Jesus, in order to become more like him, so that we can spread his kingdom. Joyful service to the God of the universe. God, who is LOVE, gives LOVE, and fills you with LOVE beyond explanation.
Jesus paid the price. The gift is free for the taking. But, it has to change you. You have to surrender.
It was actually the "Passion" movie a few years ago that helped me with this. See, I sorta had this idea that it really wouldn't have been that hard for Jesus to die on the cross. Because, due to his divinity, he knew exactly where he would go upon death. And I figured he would be somewhat relieved to return to God and be out of the devil's territory - earth. Then, after watching the gruesome details of his death on the big screen, I realized the excruciating physical torture he endured. That was a reality check for me.
Today, I come to another realization. And, that is, Jesus' physical suffering is only a small piece of the reality of what he endured. I think I was missing it. It wasn't just his physical death and suffering that made it so excruciating. It was his willingness to bear the SIN OF THE WORLD. And in taking on all of that sin, and remaining without any sin of his own, he could not even face his Father. While he was taking on every sin of the world, he was FULLY HUMAN. And, he did it all willingly, out of love.
That is so hard to grasp. Because, now we are not talking about the physical realm and what we can understand through our senses. We are talking about the spiritual reality. And, how much MORE painful was that for Jesus? More painful than anything his physical body could be put through.
Today in my devotional, I was reminded. Jesus' death on the cross was not just martyrdom. Not even close. He did die for a cause....a faith...but he died to fulfill the very redemptive plan of God. His pain and suffering was so far beyond physical, emotional, or mental.
And, so salvation itself is so easy to attain, because God paid the price for it. He bore the burden. But, here's the deal. Although that redemption is available to each and every soul....we must not misunderstand what it means to accept this gift. When we meet Jesus at the cross and recognize and accept this gift, we do not just sail through the gates of salvation. We stop there, and we choose to ABIDE IN HIM. We choose the journey. We choose the humbling journey of walking with Jesus, in order to become more like him, so that we can spread his kingdom. Joyful service to the God of the universe. God, who is LOVE, gives LOVE, and fills you with LOVE beyond explanation.
Jesus paid the price. The gift is free for the taking. But, it has to change you. You have to surrender.
Friday, April 3, 2009
a day in the life
Seriously, I love my life. In the last 12 hours, some things that have happened:
*Olivia won 606 peanuts!
*My husband, who I have hardly talked to in days texted me to say that we should consider issuing a loan to someone in a third world country in order to promote enterprise
*Olivia spent her own money to buy a book, and when Alli couldn't resist reading it, Liv simply looked at her with a gaping mouth and said "Alli, that book is very special to me and I would like it if you did not read it before me."
*Slept in my king-sized bed with my two girls (a treat while daddy is away)
*Alli woke up on her own, dressed herself in layers of clothes that belong to her, her sister, and a variety of seasons, made herself breakfast while singing and humming, and started some research on the computer for an assignment, all without much prompting from me.
*coffee, yum
*It's a rainy day, and instead of feeling gloom or dread, I am looking forward to cuddling on the couch reading and learning with my sweeties. Hearing them ask questions about rain forest animals, or Queen Elizabeth or Henry VIII and the Reformation, or watching them master new math skills, or enjoy free time to dance and sing.....you get the point! I LOVE THESE GIRLS!
Now, I better get to "work".
*Olivia won 606 peanuts!
*My husband, who I have hardly talked to in days texted me to say that we should consider issuing a loan to someone in a third world country in order to promote enterprise
*Olivia spent her own money to buy a book, and when Alli couldn't resist reading it, Liv simply looked at her with a gaping mouth and said "Alli, that book is very special to me and I would like it if you did not read it before me."
*Slept in my king-sized bed with my two girls (a treat while daddy is away)
*Alli woke up on her own, dressed herself in layers of clothes that belong to her, her sister, and a variety of seasons, made herself breakfast while singing and humming, and started some research on the computer for an assignment, all without much prompting from me.
*coffee, yum
*It's a rainy day, and instead of feeling gloom or dread, I am looking forward to cuddling on the couch reading and learning with my sweeties. Hearing them ask questions about rain forest animals, or Queen Elizabeth or Henry VIII and the Reformation, or watching them master new math skills, or enjoy free time to dance and sing.....you get the point! I LOVE THESE GIRLS!
Now, I better get to "work".
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