Another 7 Quick Takes

I had every intention to write this post up in advance to go "live" this morning.  Well, apparently not every intention, because I didn't get it done.  Now, I am writing it up quickly because I have company coming this afternoon!  WooHoo!

1.

Over the last several days, I have been busy making cards for the Color Challenges on Splitcoaststampers.  It is a bit of an obsession for me, but a fun one!  Last year, I tried to do each of the challenges (posted every Tuesday) but I missed quite a few.   So trying it again for 2014.  I think there are times when we fall short of a goal that we need to try again.  Clearly color challenges for card making are not earth-shattering, but practicing perseverance (or diligence) can bring about fantastic results! 

2.

My dear husband, Bruce has been working lots of overtime recently.  Sometimes it drives me nuts, other times I am grateful.  In these economic times, I have to remind myself that Bruce has a job...with benefits...and a short commute...and good pay.  We are REMARKABLY blessed!  I am also glad he has a great work ethic.  Sometimes I just need to take a deep breath and thank God in my heart and mind, but also out loud, for all He has done for us!  Deo Gratias!

3.

Last weekend, Bruce & I attended the graduation party for 2 of our nephews, Daniel & Sam.  They are not twins, but Daniel graduated from college and Sam from high school.  Their family lives in a fabulously large, yet very comfortable home.  My sister-in-law, Laura, loves to entertain.  One of the big traditions at their home is hours of karaoke.  They have the same karaoke people come to their parties...they're like family!  And speaking of family, Bruce (on the right) always sings with one of his brothers, George.  I don't remember what they were singing here...it was, well, interesting.  Don't quit your day jobs, guys!  {{Mwah!}}

4.

So, last week I began telling more people about the fact that I left my job in May.  I received so much encouragement and support!  I am still adjusting to this big change...and inevitably I will feel weird about it off and on.  Again, I am at peace with my decision.  But as various events come up, I will be mindful of the various tasks that kept me busy.  Ultimately, God will lead me in new tasks and on new "adventures."  It will just be an up and down journey!

5.

Photo credit: tanbooks.benedictpress.com

At my Lay Dominican meeting last weekend, our formation director said we should do some light reading over the next month.  Our August meeting will be delayed a bit, and we will be celebrating the Feast of St. Dominic.  So, we are going to read through Butler's Lives of the Saints..well July and half of August.  This is a very famous book, and I can hardly believe we don't own it here.  So, I will go online to order the short version (I think there is a multi-volume set somewhere) and learn more about heroes of the Faith.  From what I understand, there are many listed who are not very "famous" these days...but their fidelity to Christ and His Church make them important role models.  Should be fun and interesting reading!
6.

Ok, I am running out of time and ideas.  This is just filler.  Ha!

7.

So now, I need to get ready for my guests!  Friends, who used to live here in Danville but now live in Georgia, are up in Illinois for their annual family reunion.  After hanging with the family, they take time to see others in town...and we will be blessed tonight by their visit.  Becky & Wally sang in church choir with us for years, and we watched their 4 kids grow up.  Their oldest still lives in town, and we see him from time to time.  We'll be talking, laughing, and eating pizza!  (Oh, and we'll be sharing pictures from Italy!)  Friends, fellowship, food.  I love simple pleasures!

Be sure to check out the original 7 Quick Takes over at Conversion Diary.  Jennifer Fulwiler always has fun things to share!

Blessings,

Kim

7 Quick Takes...It's Been a While!

Hello and Happy Independence Day!!!

If I am going to get back into blogging, I need to write more often, so here I am again.  Two days in a row.  Ha!

Last fall, I started getting into "7 Quick Takes" as featured on the blog Conversion Diary.  It's Friday, so it's time to jump in again!

1.  Happy Birthday, USA!!

Despite all of the garbage our nation is experiencing, I firmly believe that this is the greatest nation on the planet!  We can debate policies and politics...but we can do so without being thrown in jail or beheaded.  That's nothing to take for granted.  So on this Fourth of July, I thank God for the many freedoms and blessings we have.  I thank God for the men and women who serve in the military to ensure our safety, and to promote democracy around the world.  Fly your flags today, and celebrate with as many fireworks as you can get!  

2.  Great Book!!

Last month, I read Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler.  Wow!  Great book!  I have passed it along to a couple of friends.  I have another copy at home, which I will hopefully share with a certain person who could really benefit from it.  At least, I think so...but I need to pray for the right time to share it.  

3.  Book Inspired Card

So, one of my obsessions, or hobbies, is card making.  In June, I participated in a series of challenges hosted on my favorite craft website Splitcoaststampers.  The  overall theme was summer vacation, and one specific challenge asked us to make a card inspired by a book...whether it was the plot, a character, or even the cover.  I chose the cover of Jennifer's book.  How fun is that?  HERE is my post about the materials I used to make the card...in case you're curious.

4.  Organizing...I still don't like it

Since I am not currently employed, I have had time to work on my home clutter.  Bruce & I hosted 2 young women for a week, while they assisted with a catechism program at our church called Totus Tuus.  Nothing like having company to get me to clean up!  Sadly, I piled some things on a shelf...not too bad.  Except yesterday I needed a notebook from the bottom of that pile.  I now have a new mess that I need to take care of...after the holiday weekend!

5.  Weight Loss?  Me?
I noticed that one of my posts earlier was bemoaning my heaviness, with the hope that I would get moving again.  It's been nearly 5 months, and I have continued to neglect my exercises.  But now that my exercise mat is cleared off, that should change...right??

6.  Appliances...Ugh
Our home dryer gave out on us a couple of weeks ago.  We bought a new one, but our current pedestal isn't compatible.  Why weren't we told this before?  We bought a new pedestal, it was delayed a week (not in stock, of course.)  We reschedule installation...they never show.  I called only to find out the date was changed...but we weren't told.  I nearly lost it with the call center!  Now, we have a different dryer from a different retailer scheduled to arrive Monday, and the other dryer (which is on the back porch) will be returned to the retailer that couldn't handle basic installation or scheduling.  As much as I hate doing laundry, I am looking forward to drying a load of sheets and towels very soon!

7.  Good Friends
One thing I have seen since I left my position at WCC, is how many wonderful friends I have.  I have received phone calls, email and text messages, even little notes on Facebook.  People are surprised about my situation, but they know me well enough to believe it must be what I truly needed to do.  I recently had a call from one of the church secretaries.  She said that she and her pastor had been thinking about me quite a bit, and wanted me to know that they care about me and support me.  Another area pastor called me with words of comfort and reassurance, plus he invited me to help with a special project for the Advent season.  It came at a VERY good time, because I was beginning to feel discouragement creeping in.  Isn't it amazing how God will use people in your life to send messages of His love?  I am BLESSED!


That's my Quick Takes for this week.  Be sure to check out posts on Conversion Diary.  I love reading what other people find inspiring or funny in their lives.



Blessings,
Kim

7 Quick Takes...Volume 5

 

Hello, and Happy Friday!  This may be my quickest 7 Quick Takes.  Still sick...blech!  But I am trying to get into the habit of writing/blogging regularly...so here goes!

- 1. -

It snowed heavily, but briefly, yesterday morning.  The forecast had been for a small amount of flurries, so the big flakes and strong wind gusts were surprising.  One of my friends had posted on Facebook that she felt like she was inside a snow globe in the hands of an excited 3 year old!  What a perfectly delightful image!  I was grateful that I did not have to go anywhere (lots of accidents reported in rural areas).  But I have to admit, it was a beautiful snowfall!  Brings to mind the canticle in the third chapter of the Book of Daniel... "All you winds, bless the Lord...Cold and chill, bless the Lord...Hoarfrost and snow, bless the Lord...Praise and exalt Him above all forever!"

- 2. -

While typing this, I took a break to peek in on Facebook.  People were participating in a quirky quiz, to see what Star Wars character they most resembled.  I took the bait.  I am Obi-Wan Kenobi!  Ha!  I think I would like to resemble him most, and some days I do...but I am not nearly so level-headed!

- 3. -

This Sunday is the March for Life in Chicago.  I would love to go, but probably won't.  Unless something changes, I just cannot see myself spending hours in the cold.  But if you are in the Midwest, and cannot travel all the way to DC for the big event on Wednesday, this is a great option!  Check it out here for more info

- 4. -

I went back to the doctor earlier this week, and when I was weighed, I reached my highest weight since I was pregnant nearly 20 years ago.  Oh. No.  I have been well aware of my weight going up, and I thought I was motivated to lose weight before my trip to Italy last year...but I just maintained my weight instead.  I hope this ugly number on the scale will shake me up.  I know I need to exercise, but I hate exercise!  If you have ANY tips for getting motivated, please fill me in!  (*Update...I weighed myself this morning, and I weigh 5 pounds less.  I prefer my scale at home!)

- 5. -

Last Sunday, as I mentioned in a previous post, we had one of our former foster kids over with her husband and three kids for a late Christmas dinner.  It was the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, so liturgically, we were still in the Christmas season.  Bruce made enchiladas, and we exchanged gifts.  All three of the kids pounded on the piano at least a little bit!  Lots of fun!  I only mention the "foster" title because some people get confused when I talk about my daughter...  "Kim, I didn't think you had kids other than Gabriel."  Bruce and I welcomed 41 kids into our home over 8 years.  Some were just here for a weekend, some, like Jamie, were here for much longer (she was here over 3 years).  I often referred to this as "my other pro-life ministry."  It was some of the hardest stuff we ever did...very intense and emotional...but very worthwhile.  Romans 12:13 says, "Share with God's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality."  While this verse is talking about reaching out specifically to other Christians, there is no doubt in my mind that God would love more Christian families to become foster and adoptive parents!! 

- 6. -

Our party was NOT the last of our Christmas celebrations!  This weekend some long-time friends of ours are hosting their annual "Procrastinator's Christmas Party," and I truly hope we can go!  For one thing, how fun is that party title?  It is a great reason to get together during the doldrums of winter.  Plus, the party always features a fantastic white elephant gift exchange.  Here's hoping my new medicines kick in! 

- 7. -

Well, this was longer than I expected, but I cannot think of a Number 7.  My brain is done.  Time for some more medicine and a cup of tea.  By God's grace, I will be feeling better soon!

So that's it for this Friday!  For more quick takes, check out Jennifer's Conversion Diary blog here.  I have found several blogs that I will be adding to my blog roll...LOTS of inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by...and feel free to leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!

Ciao!
Kim

7 Quick Takes...Thank God it's Friday?

Good morning everyone!

I am typing this post late Thursday night, thrilled that it will go live on Friday, possibly while I still have my pajamas on.  It's been that kind of week.  Lingering bronchitis and bitter cold temps have kept me holed up in my house all week.  Except yesterday morning, when I actually had to venture out to do a presentation for the Sunrise Rotary Club.  Very nice people...but being up, dressed, and coherent by 7:00 a.m. in the middle of winter is a stretch for me.  Good thing Bruce is a morning guy!  Any way, here are my 7 quick takes...inspired by Jennifer at ConversionDiary.com  Check her out...seriously.

1.

We so often say "Thank God it's Friday!" but isn't that a bit sad?  Are our jobs that tedious or unsatisfying?  Are weekends so much better?  I suppose for some people this is the case.  But I hope to spend 2014 saying "Thank God it's another day!"  After all, He doesn't have to give me another one...why not be thankful for Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Thursdays... I'll work harder on the Monday gratitude.

2.

We got more snow today in Danville.  Maybe an inch.  It was a pretty sight coming down.  One of my priest friends posted a quote on Facebook the other day... "There is no such thing as bad weather.  All weather is good because it is God's."  He is unsure who said it... perhaps St. Teresa of Avila or Fr. Jean Pierre de Caussade.  Either way, it is a challenging thought.

3.

I spent too much time this evening looking at stamping websites...craving an order of new products.  You know, because I don't have enough ribbon or stamps or card stock.  Well, not enough for Valentines...and I want to make a bunch.  The good news is I only filled my wish lists...I ordered nothing.  Hopefully the urge to spend will go away while I sleep!

4.

This weekend I have family coming by for a belated Christmas celebration.  I am so excited!  Bruce and I spent 8 years as foster parents, and we are still very close to some of our kids...even though they moved out years ago.  Jamie is married, has 3 kids, and calls us Mom & Dad.  Can't beat that!

5.

Next week, I will be going to different area businesses to ask them about underwriting the upcoming Women's Care Clinic Banquet for Life.  I need about $15,000 by April 1st.  Let me know if you want to help!  (I'm only half-way kidding!)

6.

Tonight, television was really bad.  I mean, worse than usual.  I confess I watch too much TV.  One of my goals is to sharply reduce that.  It felt good to just turn the silly thing OFF!

7.

I am doing a workshop at the Heartbeat International Conference this coming March, in Charleston SC.  I will be addressing ministry fatigue and burnout...something I have struggled with off and on for years.  I know some of the things that help me...certainly more prayer, Scripture reading, even stamping.  But I have to work extra hard at staying focused during these cold months.  What do you do to stay focused on the tasks God has assigned to you?  Feel free to share them below.  We can all use some ideas, right?

For more quick takes, check out Conversion Diary

Ciao!

Kim

7 Quick Takes...on a Bitter Cold Day

Well, it's not Friday, so I am a bit late on the "Quick Takes."  I have been sick for a week with bronchitis.  I am fortunate to be able to work from home, but even that has been tough since I feel so crummy.  Today, most our county is shut down due to insanely cold temps after heavy snowfall yesterday.  The air temp was 15 below zero when I got up this morning...wind chills are 30 below or worse.  Crazy cold!

But I haven't posted for a few days...and I decided today would be a  good day to get back on track.  Here are my 7 Quick Takes:

1.

Bronchitis stinks.  No one wants to be around you when you are coughing and hacking (can't blame them) and it is really hard to work when TALKING is a big part of your job.  Sigh.

2.

Yesterday, I saw 2 episodes of a show on HGTV where couples were buying homes in Hawaii.  Considering we got over 8 inches of snow, then blowing winds and record breaking temps...Yeah, I think Hawaii sounds REALLY good about now.

3.

I did a lot of reading yesterday...compared to recently.  It felt good.  I truly hope to read a lot more this year, like I did when I was younger.

4.

We usually host a 12th Day of Christmas party at our house for the ministry, but had to cancel this year due to my illness and the storm.  While I missed the party, I did not miss the clean-up, before and after!  (But my house is a mess right now since we didn't have company.  Eventually, I'll have to do something about that.)

5.

My husband has been cooking a lot during these cold days.  He loves to cook; I love to eat.  I hate to exercise.  That's a problem.

6.

I had a phone consultation scheduled this morning at 9 a.m.  My throat was scratchy, but I know this woman, and she was aware of my illness.  What she didn't know is the fact that I was in my jammies, and I had serious bed head.  The advantages of working from home!

7. 

I wonder if I can just stay home all week again.  Sick or not, I hate leaving the house in the winter.  Bears have the right idea.  Hibernate!

Thanks for stopping by again...Stay Warm!!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Kim

7 Quick Takes...Actually on Time!

Hello!  It has been a while.  Too long, in fact.  I am considering writing several posts between now and the 31st so I can catch up.  End of the year reflections do that sort of thing.

I am participating in the fun blog activity of posting 7 things, generally unrelated, as seen on one of my favorite blogs, Conversion Diary

1.

I have learned that blogging is harder than it looks.  Well, I knew that.  But really, I need to be more disciplined with this!

2.

I am very grateful that my husband and I were not hosting Christmas for the family...either side.  We barely have things decorated, and the house is a mess.  But I am having a party for ministry volunteers on Sunday.  Oh boy.

3.

My husband is a very good cook.  My waistline is evidence.  His latest culinary accomplishment is a rosemary/olive bread, baked from scratch.  We served it (at my brother's house) with the delicious olive oil we bought in Italy.  So sorry you cannot experience it...but trust me.  Delicioso!!

4.  

I did not complete my handcrafted Christmas cards this year.  Once I fall behind, it is hard to get my mojo back.  The good news is that once I freed myself of that "burden" I felt free to create again.  I made a couple of baby cards and 5 birthday cards this week!  I even updated my stamping blog:  Stamping for LIFE!

5.

Every year, since I was a kid, my mom (and dad while he was still living) has given me a book for Christmas.  She also gives books to my siblings and their spouses and kids.  It is a great tradition.  Since I began studying Dominican spirituality, I asked for something about or by St. Catherine of Siena.  I got 2 books!  One biography, and St Catherine's "The Dialogue."  Looks like 2014 will begin with great reading!

6.

Many people are thinking about New Year's resolutions.  Me too.  More reading, more writing, less Facebook, less television.  More exercise too.  Maybe.  I should...sigh

7.

Then there is the need for more prayer.  Always.  I have quite a year coming up for work...fund raising, hopefully more speaking.  The only way to stay on track and stay healthy is to spend time in serious prayer.  I think I'll check with St. Catherine for some ideas!

Feel free to let me know about any great new foods you had, or resolutions for 2014.  I could also use some tips on being motivated for that exercise stuff!

Blessings,

Kim 

7 Quick Takes: Giving this a try...

Buono Sera!

Yes, I am home now, but that doesn't mean I no longer get to greet you in Italian, right?  I hope the urge to do so does not go away too quickly.

A blog I recently began following, Conversion Diary by Jennifer Fulwiler, has a fun feature she calls 7 Quick Takes.  I decided to join in on the fun...though I barely know what I am doing!  But, I have nothing to lose, right?

1.

Arriving home just before midnight, after roughly 25 hours of travel with very little sleep, did not impact me as much as I expected.  Bruce and I got up at a decent hour (he earlier than I did, of course) and he made a delicious breakfast.  I spent the rest of the morning checking Facebook, a few blogs, and pictures of Pope Francis from the General Audience we attended.  I also talked with my mom about the trip...especially about The Hug.  I am still in a daze!

2.

THEN the long travel hit me...afternoon and evening I was out cold.  I think of people who travel all the time for speaking and such...Father Frank Pavone, Teresa Tomeo, David Bereit...how do they do it?  I better get my endurance built up!

3.

So yes...the truth is, I am NOT writing this on Friday.  But in my defense, I would have, had I not been wiped out from the best vacation of my life.  I will work harder to be on time in upcoming weeks.  Truly, I will.  

4.

After weeks of different food, can I tell you how amazing buttermilk pancakes taste?  Bruce makes fabulous pancakes.  Another reason to love him.

5.

And after weeks of travel, sleeping in my own bed with my own pillow was amazing.  And my own shower, with my own grab bars and shower seat measured for me.  Seriously helped me appreciate the blessings I have.  I had to adjust a lot on the trip, and would not have been able to do much without Bruce.  Have I told you I love him?

6.

On the long trans-Atlantic flight from Frankfurt to Philly, a young mom had an infant who cried almost non-stop. Mom looked very young, reminding me of our clients at Women's Care Clinic.  Like any mom, she was trying desperately to calm her baby down.  I was powerless to do anything tangible, but I prayed for them.  Had to be an important reason to take a baby on a 9 hour flight.  I think it would be good if we all prayed for young parents with fussy kids.  Doesn't mean the parents are bad, or the kids are unhealthy.  Might just be an uncomfortable place...like a huge plane with weird sounds and movements.  Yep...pray for young families.

7.

I hope to continue writing...though it may not be as exciting as a trip to Italy, and a Hug from the Pope...but I hope you stick around.  (We have been looking at the Vatican website, and will be ordering some pictures.  Don't know if I can get a digital one to post here...but if I can, I will!) This could be fun!!

  

Ciao!

Kim