Using it Up

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It's been a busy week and a half which is why I've been silent here. We've had a couple of church events, I preached this past Sunday, I participated in the local farmer's market on Saturday, and I have a huge Etsy order I need to fill. That's on top of my normal activity.

It's been a good week though as in the middle of all the activity I've had time to reflect and pray, think about my life and ministry and making sure I stay on course.

It has been a week of giving and receiving love as my middle son turned 33 and Dan and I celebrated Valentine's Day. The pink and red colors have been a welcome change from the sea of white that have made up my days since early December. 

The sun is out more often and this week we finally warmed up out of the negative temperatures and even made it to 48 degrees Fahrenheit! Yesterday I actually heard a bird chirping. 

The temperatures are going back down this weekend but I'm thankful for these little signs that spring is on the way. It lifts my spirits and I have definitely had more of a spring in my step. 

On Saturday while at the market, a gentleman stopped by my table and I was invited to speak at the local rotary club about my business. I also had someone stop by my table at the market and take some pictures for the county cooperative extension program. She was talking to me about coming to a local organization and talk about my books. And my Etsy shop has started to take off. These are all good things as I have been contemplating my future when we are no longer in vocational ministry. That will be here quicker than I realize. 

The gray on my head is starting to show up, the wrinkles on my face are popping out too. Age is not for the faint of heart and I told Dan that it seemed to have happened overnight. In my head I'm still 35, but my face is telling a different story! 😄

I'm thankful for energy and the fact that I truly do enjoy my life. I'm not bored and God has gifted me with the ability to juggle many things and still have time for the things I love. And even with all I have going on I've been able to sit and read, as well as watch the Olympics each night.

I'm reminded of an Erma Bombeck quote: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’."

May it be so!

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