The robins are back, a hopeful sign that spring is not too far off. There are changes in the weather and changes in my world. I've been absent from here for a while, dealing with some health issues. It looks like those issues are bringing more change to my life. A possible surgery. More on that another time.
I started my little eBay business with my sis, but that is on hold for the moment. I'd really hoped to showcase some our featured treasures here on my blog. Sometimes life hands us a different road map to follow. I'm hoping in a few weeks time to return to my original path.
My other hobbies have been set aside for while, the writing, researching my ancestors, crafting. I just haven't had the focus or the energy. I'm believing that is also going to change once I get my health issues resolved. Updates to follow. Until then, wishing you blessings and joy!
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Plans and Changes...
The one thing I can always count on is change. I never put too much trust in plans, because my experience has been they often fall through or at least pan out differently than expected.
Our youngest was set to graduate from college, then right at the beginning of finals a couple weeks ago, he took ill. Some kind of vengeful, viral flu. After trying to push through anyway, he finally had to take the recommendation of professors, counselor, and the nurse, and accept he could not finish. His first worry was, it was an automatic failure of those classes, but was greatly relieved to find out the professors chose to give him a postponement. Such good news! It looks like he'll be able to complete exams and final papers without having to return in the fall. Either way, I believe things work out the way they are meant to. It's just hard accepting it when you're in the middle of a major upset to your plans.
Learning to deal with the changes life brings, is an opportunity for growth. You learn to slow down, reassess, and move forward in a different direction. You become aware change does not mean defeat or failure, but rather another way of achieving your goals. Sounds great doesn't it? Now, I just need to remind myself of this when the next big change comes my way. One thing is certain, changes will always keep coming.
© 22May2016 ajj
Our youngest was set to graduate from college, then right at the beginning of finals a couple weeks ago, he took ill. Some kind of vengeful, viral flu. After trying to push through anyway, he finally had to take the recommendation of professors, counselor, and the nurse, and accept he could not finish. His first worry was, it was an automatic failure of those classes, but was greatly relieved to find out the professors chose to give him a postponement. Such good news! It looks like he'll be able to complete exams and final papers without having to return in the fall. Either way, I believe things work out the way they are meant to. It's just hard accepting it when you're in the middle of a major upset to your plans.
Learning to deal with the changes life brings, is an opportunity for growth. You learn to slow down, reassess, and move forward in a different direction. You become aware change does not mean defeat or failure, but rather another way of achieving your goals. Sounds great doesn't it? Now, I just need to remind myself of this when the next big change comes my way. One thing is certain, changes will always keep coming.
© 22May2016 ajj
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Updating Has Begun...
I've considered updating my blog for a long time, but lethargy set in, and I just didn't have the push to do it. With autumn weather really arriving, and thoughts of family and holidays, I began to think about change. There has been a lot of unplanned change in my life over the past several years, but I've neglected to make many of the changes I wanted for myself. I started by reviewing my blog. Step one was to post a more current and honest photo of myself. I feel I haven't aged well, at least not as well as many of my contemporaries.
I always believed my appearance wasn't that important to me, but I discovered I had a little more concern about it than I had realized. My last photo was from about 8 years ago. The new photo you're seeing is from this past June, taken by my husband while we were out at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants. I look older than I imagine myself, but what stood out for me is how happy I was that day. I was out on a date with my husband, which we don't do very often, and we were having a wonderful time. That's what is most important to life. Not looks, wealth, or other status. Finding the joy in relationships, enjoying our lives, and loving others! What more could we want?
I've removed some of the pictures, tags, and links from my sidebar. Freshened up the color and text. It's a beginning. Now that I've begun, I feel like there are going to be even more changes coming soon.
I always believed my appearance wasn't that important to me, but I discovered I had a little more concern about it than I had realized. My last photo was from about 8 years ago. The new photo you're seeing is from this past June, taken by my husband while we were out at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants. I look older than I imagine myself, but what stood out for me is how happy I was that day. I was out on a date with my husband, which we don't do very often, and we were having a wonderful time. That's what is most important to life. Not looks, wealth, or other status. Finding the joy in relationships, enjoying our lives, and loving others! What more could we want?
I've removed some of the pictures, tags, and links from my sidebar. Freshened up the color and text. It's a beginning. Now that I've begun, I feel like there are going to be even more changes coming soon.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Change...
It comes, and then goes
like breezes on a summer's day,
or ice melting in the sun.
When the water runs,
then trickles away
til the stones are
dry again, and warm,
and no trace remains
of what once was.
Life changes
and moves on.
© 06APR2012 ajjahner
like breezes on a summer's day,
or ice melting in the sun.
When the water runs,
then trickles away
til the stones are
dry again, and warm,
and no trace remains
of what once was.
Life changes
and moves on.
© 06APR2012 ajjahner
Monday, December 5, 2011
It's December, and Changes Just Keep Coming...
My heart is going so many directions today. I'm just getting over a flu bug. It decided to hit the day I brought my husband home from the hospital. He had two hernias repaired. He's been in quite a bit of pain. You forget how much you use some of those lower abdominal muscles. He's doing much better today, as am I. It's strange to have PJ out of commission, he's one of those guys that rarely gets sick and always likes to be busy. Now that he's in less pain, maybe he can enjoy the two weeks at home. He'll have time to caught up on some reading and watch some of those movies he hasn't gotten to see.
My youngest son received his High School Diploma this fall. It was a long journey for him, overcoming illness and delays. We still haven't planned a celebration, but hope to do that in the spring. He is looking at schools and making decisions on what he wants to do. He is still very interested in computer engineering, producing videos, and continuing with his cello. Recently, he built his own PC! It has all the bells and whistles that he's always wanted. He's also started a fitness plan and is dropping weight! I may have to hire him as my trainer. Maybe after the holidays are over with.
My oldest son was living with us for the past few months. He found a roommate that he gets along with very well, and they found their dream apartment. It's in the upstairs of an old home. It's so nice. He moved over Thanksgiving weekend. I'm thankful that he's just in the next town. He already told me he plans to come to our home for Christmas Eve and spent the night! I'm glad of that. I'm not quite ready to give up my Christmas mornings with my boys. I will probably never be.
My niece leaves for Seattle on Friday morning. I'm going to miss her so much. She's been my Gilmore Girls and movie buddy. It just won't be the same without her around. I'm definitely going to feel it on Christmas Eve, which is our traditional holiday time together. She's rooming with her sis and friends, so she already has a home waiting. She'll be joining the music scene in Seattle, and I hope this will jump start a career for her. She has awesome talent!
Speaking of Christmas, I have to share this YouTube video. This is my cousin, Laurie and honorary cousin, Tammy. They created a Christmas CD last year, and this is one of the songs from it. Don't forget to pause my Playlist first. This is one of my very favorite Christmas songs. I hope it blesses you.
My youngest son received his High School Diploma this fall. It was a long journey for him, overcoming illness and delays. We still haven't planned a celebration, but hope to do that in the spring. He is looking at schools and making decisions on what he wants to do. He is still very interested in computer engineering, producing videos, and continuing with his cello. Recently, he built his own PC! It has all the bells and whistles that he's always wanted. He's also started a fitness plan and is dropping weight! I may have to hire him as my trainer. Maybe after the holidays are over with.
 |
| My youngest, EJ, building his own computer! |
My oldest son was living with us for the past few months. He found a roommate that he gets along with very well, and they found their dream apartment. It's in the upstairs of an old home. It's so nice. He moved over Thanksgiving weekend. I'm thankful that he's just in the next town. He already told me he plans to come to our home for Christmas Eve and spent the night! I'm glad of that. I'm not quite ready to give up my Christmas mornings with my boys. I will probably never be.
My niece leaves for Seattle on Friday morning. I'm going to miss her so much. She's been my Gilmore Girls and movie buddy. It just won't be the same without her around. I'm definitely going to feel it on Christmas Eve, which is our traditional holiday time together. She's rooming with her sis and friends, so she already has a home waiting. She'll be joining the music scene in Seattle, and I hope this will jump start a career for her. She has awesome talent!
Speaking of Christmas, I have to share this YouTube video. This is my cousin, Laurie and honorary cousin, Tammy. They created a Christmas CD last year, and this is one of the songs from it. Don't forget to pause my Playlist first. This is one of my very favorite Christmas songs. I hope it blesses you.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sunday Scribblings #270 - Sweet
This is my response to the new Sunday Scribblings prompt. It's not my usual poem or piece of fiction. Just some shared thoughts, on where I am in my life, on this particular day...
Church has always played a role in my life, whether I was attending or not. My mother told me I was baptized as an infant, but I neglected to ask where or what denomination. It was most likely in Kellogg, Idaho. It didn't really matter to me, because for as long as I can remember, I spoke to God and felt like He heard me. What I felt for my Creator was sweet, pure, and deep within me.
Mom worked nights and many Sunday mornings, but she often let me walk to a little pink church down the road. I loved Sunday School, until they started putting black marks by my name for the Sundays I missed. My final break with the pink church was when my Sunday School Teacher, and
I use the word teacher lightly here (though I did learn a lesson from her), told me that unless my mom started coming with me, she was going to burn in the fires of Hell! Then she passed around the bag for our offering. I slipped my clenched hand into my pocket, hanging on tightly to my dime. I never went back to that church. I did continue to pray to God each night though.
I'm saying all of this because I'm in an identity crisis with my faith. I've always known who I was, what I believed, and who God was to me. I had my home church, and it remained home to me even when I lived in another state. But everything has changed.
It's not so much that my church changed, though it has. It's more that I have changed. My faith has been challenged... well, actually rocked! I feel like I've been treading water, and I've never been a good swimmer so there is the constant fear of drowning. Of losing myself. So once again, I am home on a Sunday morning, and it feels strange to me. I haven't stopped praying. I still believe. I'm just standing at the metaphorical fork in the road. Neither path looks appealing. Neither calls out to me. So I'm sitting on this grassy knoll, enjoying the sun, until I'm ready to move on.
© 5Jun2011 ajj
Church has always played a role in my life, whether I was attending or not. My mother told me I was baptized as an infant, but I neglected to ask where or what denomination. It was most likely in Kellogg, Idaho. It didn't really matter to me, because for as long as I can remember, I spoke to God and felt like He heard me. What I felt for my Creator was sweet, pure, and deep within me.
Mom worked nights and many Sunday mornings, but she often let me walk to a little pink church down the road. I loved Sunday School, until they started putting black marks by my name for the Sundays I missed. My final break with the pink church was when my Sunday School Teacher, and
I use the word teacher lightly here (though I did learn a lesson from her), told me that unless my mom started coming with me, she was going to burn in the fires of Hell! Then she passed around the bag for our offering. I slipped my clenched hand into my pocket, hanging on tightly to my dime. I never went back to that church. I did continue to pray to God each night though.
I'm saying all of this because I'm in an identity crisis with my faith. I've always known who I was, what I believed, and who God was to me. I had my home church, and it remained home to me even when I lived in another state. But everything has changed.
It's not so much that my church changed, though it has. It's more that I have changed. My faith has been challenged... well, actually rocked! I feel like I've been treading water, and I've never been a good swimmer so there is the constant fear of drowning. Of losing myself. So once again, I am home on a Sunday morning, and it feels strange to me. I haven't stopped praying. I still believe. I'm just standing at the metaphorical fork in the road. Neither path looks appealing. Neither calls out to me. So I'm sitting on this grassy knoll, enjoying the sun, until I'm ready to move on.
© 5Jun2011 ajj
Saturday, January 8, 2011
New Start to the New Year...
Well, I'm continuing to clean and purge. I started going through all my boxes of Christmas decorations (and there are a lot) before, during, and now after the holidays. I never realized just how much stuff I owned! Shocking! I hauled three huge boxes to the Idaho Youth Ranch, and have the ARC coming next week for more! I've also set aside some things for St. Vincents. I decided to spread around the donations since I have so much to pass on.
I have had an amazing start to this New Year. I decided to participate in my church's annual "Daniel Fast". I am on a modified version, but have given up Pepsi, pastries, most sugars other than fruit, butter (that's a hard one for me), chips, snack crackers... on and on! I'm doing lean proteins, lots of vegetables, fruit, tea, and limited whole grains. Also, I'm spending time each day reading along with the scriptures the Pastor selected for us. It started with the fast, but we intend to continue reading our study Bibles, completing them by the end of the year.
The most important part of this experience was to set aside time to nurture my spirit. I spend more prayer time, as well as the reading. This isn't said as a "pat me on the back" because I'm being so devout. It's just where I am right now. I had been neglecting some areas of my spiritual life, so it was time for me to step up and make some changes.
It's like when I neglect areas of my home. When the maintenance isn't done, things may just fall apart. Life is hard enough when I remember to do my spiritual maintenance. Why leave myself even more vulnerable?
For those of you following my MS... I am still not on any MS therapies, which makes my neurologist unhappy. I am not at peace with the options they have given me. I do believe in praying for healing, which I do. I also have people who are constantly holding me in prayer. I believe in praying for wisdom for my doctors and that's where I am right now. Praying for their wisdom. Praying for me to know what the next step is. Praying that I could still have a miracle of healing. It is all in God's hands, and that is the one thing I trust in completely!
Blessings!
Nita Jo
I have had an amazing start to this New Year. I decided to participate in my church's annual "Daniel Fast". I am on a modified version, but have given up Pepsi, pastries, most sugars other than fruit, butter (that's a hard one for me), chips, snack crackers... on and on! I'm doing lean proteins, lots of vegetables, fruit, tea, and limited whole grains. Also, I'm spending time each day reading along with the scriptures the Pastor selected for us. It started with the fast, but we intend to continue reading our study Bibles, completing them by the end of the year.
The most important part of this experience was to set aside time to nurture my spirit. I spend more prayer time, as well as the reading. This isn't said as a "pat me on the back" because I'm being so devout. It's just where I am right now. I had been neglecting some areas of my spiritual life, so it was time for me to step up and make some changes.
It's like when I neglect areas of my home. When the maintenance isn't done, things may just fall apart. Life is hard enough when I remember to do my spiritual maintenance. Why leave myself even more vulnerable?
For those of you following my MS... I am still not on any MS therapies, which makes my neurologist unhappy. I am not at peace with the options they have given me. I do believe in praying for healing, which I do. I also have people who are constantly holding me in prayer. I believe in praying for wisdom for my doctors and that's where I am right now. Praying for their wisdom. Praying for me to know what the next step is. Praying that I could still have a miracle of healing. It is all in God's hands, and that is the one thing I trust in completely!
Blessings!
Nita Jo
Monday, January 12, 2009
Mondays, Blessings, Change...
Well, another Monday is almost over. I like Mondays. Beginning of a new work week. For me, that means trying to get back to the huge list of organizing/cleaning projects that never seem to completely disappear.
PJ had his doctor check today. He is to go back to work as he feels able. He's thinking of trying a short day tomorrow, if he feels as well in the morning as he has today. It's a blessing that he has had such a quick recovery!
Another blessing... Lucky 13 gets to sit in with a local Chamber Orchestra tomorrow night. He auditioned for the conductor during Christmas break. I think it will be a great learning experience and a wonderful opportunity.
I've thought a lot about my Grandpa Evert the past couple of days. His birthday would have been the 11th. He was a blessing in my life and taught me so much. If I have only a grain of the faith he had, I have an abundance.
This quote reminded me of Grandpa...
"He was a person who, if he did not exactly love change, had learned to welcome it, to stand in the shifting winds with a continuous alert curiosity about whatever might come next. I think this is the secret...of a different sort of youthfulness..." —Mark Doty
I'm not sure who it actually referred to, but Grandpa never seemed as old as his years. Well, at least until the last year of his life when his health declined. He had a curiosity about life and learning that I think kept him younger than the calendar indicated.
I've heard that the secret to youthfulness is to continue learning, changing, and enjoying life. I'm giving it a try!
PJ had his doctor check today. He is to go back to work as he feels able. He's thinking of trying a short day tomorrow, if he feels as well in the morning as he has today. It's a blessing that he has had such a quick recovery!
Another blessing... Lucky 13 gets to sit in with a local Chamber Orchestra tomorrow night. He auditioned for the conductor during Christmas break. I think it will be a great learning experience and a wonderful opportunity.
I've thought a lot about my Grandpa Evert the past couple of days. His birthday would have been the 11th. He was a blessing in my life and taught me so much. If I have only a grain of the faith he had, I have an abundance.
This quote reminded me of Grandpa...
"He was a person who, if he did not exactly love change, had learned to welcome it, to stand in the shifting winds with a continuous alert curiosity about whatever might come next. I think this is the secret...of a different sort of youthfulness..." —Mark Doty
I'm not sure who it actually referred to, but Grandpa never seemed as old as his years. Well, at least until the last year of his life when his health declined. He had a curiosity about life and learning that I think kept him younger than the calendar indicated.
I've heard that the secret to youthfulness is to continue learning, changing, and enjoying life. I'm giving it a try!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Sunday Scribblings - Change
This was written on November 8, for the Sunday Scribblings prompt "Change". I had to put it on the back burner until now, so there are some posts that I wrote after this one. I hope you'll scroll on down and check them out...
I need change. After months of dealing with new MS issues, it was beginning to get to me. I dropped by my church this morning to deliver food for the members of Laurie Roberts band and the volunteer workers. I decided to pop into the sanctuary to hear them practice for the evening concert. I didn't know if I would be up to attending.
As I sat there listening, I found the songs touching me in a new way. During a break, Laurie brought her friends, Pastor LaShund and Kadesha Lambert, back to meet me. When she told them that I had MS, they said "Let's pray right now". I felt such a change pouring through me as the three of them began to pray. No, I did not experience an immediate physical healing. I had a spirit healing.
I try to keep from being negative about everything that MS has done to my life, but the truth is... some days are just so hard. It's like taking two steps forward and four back. As I stood letting their prayers roll over me, I regained some of my spiritual strength.
This week, I found a website that spoke to me. It's written by a lady with Lupus. There are so many familiarities with MS symptoms. It's here: But You Don't Look Sick... The Spoon Theory . Some days I just run "out of spoons"... you'll have to go read about it to understand what I mean by that.
After Laurie, LaShund and Kadesha prayed with me and for me, I knew I wanted to be able to come back for the concert at 7 PM. I went home and slept for over two hours. I was saving spoons... I knew I would need them if I was going to attend. I'm so glad I did! The concert was so uplifting. It was more than a performance. It was a time of worship... a time of blessing.
The change I felt was worth more than the spoons I reserved. I might have used them to clean my house, do some blogging, or run errands. I'm thankful I saved them for a time of spiritual enrichment. I am thankful for the spiritual healing. New strength to carry on. Courage for the challenges. Renewed belief in the awesome power of prayer in my life.
I need change. After months of dealing with new MS issues, it was beginning to get to me. I dropped by my church this morning to deliver food for the members of Laurie Roberts band and the volunteer workers. I decided to pop into the sanctuary to hear them practice for the evening concert. I didn't know if I would be up to attending.
As I sat there listening, I found the songs touching me in a new way. During a break, Laurie brought her friends, Pastor LaShund and Kadesha Lambert, back to meet me. When she told them that I had MS, they said "Let's pray right now". I felt such a change pouring through me as the three of them began to pray. No, I did not experience an immediate physical healing. I had a spirit healing.
I try to keep from being negative about everything that MS has done to my life, but the truth is... some days are just so hard. It's like taking two steps forward and four back. As I stood letting their prayers roll over me, I regained some of my spiritual strength.
This week, I found a website that spoke to me. It's written by a lady with Lupus. There are so many familiarities with MS symptoms. It's here: But You Don't Look Sick... The Spoon Theory . Some days I just run "out of spoons"... you'll have to go read about it to understand what I mean by that.
After Laurie, LaShund and Kadesha prayed with me and for me, I knew I wanted to be able to come back for the concert at 7 PM. I went home and slept for over two hours. I was saving spoons... I knew I would need them if I was going to attend. I'm so glad I did! The concert was so uplifting. It was more than a performance. It was a time of worship... a time of blessing.
The change I felt was worth more than the spoons I reserved. I might have used them to clean my house, do some blogging, or run errands. I'm thankful I saved them for a time of spiritual enrichment. I am thankful for the spiritual healing. New strength to carry on. Courage for the challenges. Renewed belief in the awesome power of prayer in my life.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Change is in the Air...
I found this video of Mahalia Jackson singing "Hold Me". It's one I had not heard before, but I loved it. I hope it has meaning for you.
With change in the air today, as millions cast their votes, I said a prayer for our next president. No matter what our personal beliefs and politics are, we need to stand behind our leaders with prayer... even if our choice is not the winner of this election.
I also said a prayer for President George Bush and his family as they prepare to step down from the presidency. I pray for them to be blessed, and that they would have peace in the days to come. I believe he lead this country the best he knew how. I am grateful for the effort, even when I did not share his views.
I am not a political person, and I find it difficult to debate issues. The one thing I can say for sure, is that the shoulders of our next leader must be strong and broad. As with every person who steps into office, they inherit "what is" and must deal with those issues that are most pressing, starting from day one. What a huge, awesome responsibility. Please join me in praying for our next president... Democrat or Republican... Obama or McCain... equally, they will need our prayers and support.
I voted... have you?
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