252. a great first week on the new job.
253. wonderful weekend in a National Park.
254. God’s beauty all around.
255. learning to accept AND APPRECIATE that which I cannot change.
256. safety while on the road.
257. wildflowers.
258. forgiveness…both received and given.
259. the liberating feeling that comes with #255.
260. new challenges.
261. beautiful sunrise.
Last week, I started my new job back at the college. Fun week, no big challenge I couldn’t handle…this week might be different, not at work but at school – for me. You may or may not have read and/or remember that I took at class at the community college in the spring. I never graduated from college and I thought it would be a good time to go back. The spring semester wasn’t that hard. I took a Human Resources class I found fascinating and the instructor was really good. This fall I am taking a Financial Accounting class…why? Why that class? Simple really…if I am going to eventually finish a business degree it is required AND it is available on Wednesday night. A significant requirement for me right now. It starts this week and I am having second thoughts. Wondering if I should really be doing this. Wondering WHY am I doing this?
Last Thursday, John and I went camping in Shenandoah National Park. I have mentioned before that we enjoy camping and I really love the National Parks. We can be in Shenandoah in less than 5 hours. The purpose of this trip was so my husband could bike Skyline Drive. Yes, all 105 miles of it. So we left on Thursday afternoon. Our favorite campground is at mile 22 and on Friday morning I took him back to the Front Royal entrance at mile 0 (actually the Ranger Station is 0.6) and left him. Here he is getting ready to leave. After we prayed together before he took off. He prayed the most beautiful prayer for the day…Tomorrow I will share some more pictures. The sunrise picture above I took on the way to drop John off…it was a beautiful sunrise! I then went back and had breakfast. This was my view during breakfast…nothing but me, the Lord, the quiet and the woods…it was great! I hope you have a wonderful day and find a moment to say thank you Lord!
Lord, thank you for wonderful weekend and the opportunity to enjoy your handiwork. Thank you for the moments of grace and forgiveness I felt and received during the weekend. Please be with me as I go about my day…and this week. I am a bit frightened…of both the known and the unknown. Please give me the assurance I need to know I am making the right decision OR give me a clear sign that I need to do something different. Lord, I ask that you be with all the kids and parents starting school today or this week…homeschool or otherwise, please lead them, guide them and protect them…thank you again for the blessings in my life.
Your gratitude list is as beautiful as the sunrise… both bringing Him glory 🙂
Am grateful you had a fabulous trip & great first week of work.
Isaiah 26:3,4
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Dear Mary,
Wow! This post is packed with great blessing–I rejoice with you in almost all of them. Some of them I am a wee bit envious of–no, just kidding, although that sunrise is something to be coveted.
Mary, as a former educator and one who loves learning, I would ask you this to ask of yourself: Why are you doing back to school? Truly answer that for yourself–it is okay to pursue a lifelong dream if that is what it is or to do it for better pay or a better job.
Just be sure your motives are ones that you are proud of–anything less and it truly is not worth it–spend your time doing the things you love and what God intends for you. Knowing the answers to all of these questions won't be easy but God will provide them for you.
And remember, there is no disgrace in NOT finishing college.
I hope I have given you some Godly advice to reflect on.
Love,
Dianne
mary, i love hearing about your willingness to be purposeful in your gratitude and to live your life towards it. inspiring. also, biking 105 miles? insane! but waht our bodies are able to handle!
forgiveness/forgiving is on my list today, too. it is the supreme grace, isn't it?
I love your photos! I have been wanting to go camping lately. Maybe September or October when it has cooled down here.
I like #260 – new challenges. I am facing some of those myself. Allowing God to stretch me, stepping out in faith, taking the risk, trusting Him every step.
Hope you have a great week and may God give you clear discernment.
Wow, what a beautiful place! My husband and I are not outdoorsy at all. I want to be, I really do! I appreciate the beauty but love the comforts of indoors 🙂 Tom used to bike long distance too- he once rode from Boston to NY- all this BC (Before Children!)
I will pray for your peace and clarity about school!
Mary,
What a beautiful post today. You are doing so much…a new job, going to school, traveling…just amazing! I celebrate with you and join you in gratitude for accepting what you can not change. That is huge!
Have a great week, my friend! Looking forward to reading more of your blessings.
~a