day 30 / 30

I did it! And it was quite enjoyable writing a bit of something every day. I enjoyed the National Daily Blog Posting Month.
Q: Why does a chicken coop have two doors?
A: If it had four, it would be a chicken sedan.—Dorothy Eldridge (thanks Dorothy, whoever you are.) That joke made me laugh.
I got off from work early today and I met Alan and we shared some Chicken Nuggets at McD's. Then we walked around a rynok, mostly just looking and talking. He said it would be nice to find a park bench where it would be quiet and without distractions. I asked for clarification...in this weather? No, was his response but in a warmer season it would be nice. So we walked in the cold, hand in hand and it would be called "window shopping" if there were windows. lol
We got home even before it got dark which was a nice change, too.
The joke was in my email inbox and it deserved the the honor of being part of today's post.

5 things I am thankful for....

1. window shopping doesn't cost
2. Worship Music....hands clapping, feet dancing while I listen to Ron Kenoly
3. Memories of when I saw Ron Kenoly at the Key Arena in Seattle...my butt was too big to fit in the seats so I was glad I was able to stand for the whole concert... another lol
4. I had Alan on the metro with me in the midst of crush of humanity...too bad it couldn't be me pressed up against him, we got separated when more people squeezed on....we got off at the same stop which was good
5. It is good to be home and I am looking forward to seeing what the evening brings

Blessings to friends and family......November is over and December and the end of the year is almost upon us! Whoa!

whoa! 2 in one day!

Looking through my inbox I received a newsletter with an article that I hope to apply in my life.
I copied it so you can read it as well and possibly choose to "take off" something...

What God Has Been Teaching Me Lately

Lawana Blackwell wisely stated, "Age is no guarantee of maturity."
Now that I'm well into my forties, I understand exactly what she means! My body has certainly grown-up as aging has followed its prescribed path; but in some areas of my life, it seems as though maturity is still catching up! We don't simply grow chronologically - sometimes we develop unevenly. Our number of years can exceed our degree of emotional, spiritual, or even intellectual maturity. No matter what our age may be, it's true that we can be mature in one realm and still be childish in another. If we don't think about this, we can remain immature as we age.
I have operated under the mistaken notion that childishness and immaturity would just fade away with time. I've ignored some immaturity in my life because I just assumed that the older I got, the more mature I would become. I wonder if I am the only one who has thought this way?
Paul said, "When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Cor. 13:11) Paul knew quite well that the addition of years does not assure the subtraction of childishness. Childish things don't just fade away with time. They must be "put away."
It's finally cold here in Springfield and I pulled my winter coat from the closet where it has hung since last March. I would have been wearing that lovely wool Banana Republic bargain for the past seven months if I hadn't made a conscious choice to take it off and put it away?
My coat doesn't just fade off of my back because the weather warms up, the seasons change or the time passes. I have to put it away. That's the way we should approach childish things. We need to put them away also. After they have served their purpose, when the season of adulthood arrives, we need to take special effort to put away the childish things.
So what childish things are still a part of this season of your life?
A quick reaction when you don't get your way? (Ouch!)
Shouting (Oops!) or pouting when something happens that you don't like?
Operating from the belief that you are the center of the universe?
An unwillingness to share your toys (or food, guilty) ...or your time, your forgiveness or your treasures?
Part of the reason we still struggle with childish things far into adulthood is because we never took responsibility for putting them away.
Sydney J. Harris once said, "We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until we move from the passive voice to the active voice - that is, until we stop saying 'It got lost,' and say 'I lost it.' "
In other words, we must be accountable for the childishness that remains in our lives. We must take action to "put it away."
So here's what I'm learning about putting childishness away:

1. RECOGNIZE the areas of our lives where we still carry childishness.
   Is it in our attitudes? ("Poor me...that's not fair...") Note the season of your life. If you are an adult, do you think, speak and reason like an adult? Or do you have some tendencies to think, speak and reason like a child?
2. REMOVE the childish things.
   You can't put away your coat if you don't first take it off. The same applies to childish things. Take them off! One tug at a time, - note how you speak, how you think and how you reason. If you entertain a childish thought, put it away. If you engage in immature speech, put it away. If you reason like a child would (this usually shows up in being unreasonable), put it away.
3. REPLACE Put on...
   The same Paul who told the church at Corinth that he "put away" childish things, told the believers at Rome, Ephesus, and Colossi to be active in "putting on" that which would make them mature in Christ. If we put on the same, it will begin to replace the immature thinking, speaking and reasoning. It will replace childish things with maturity.
   
   "...put on the armour of light." (Rom. 13:12; also Eph. 6:11) "...put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (Col. 3:10; also Eph 4:24) "...put on love..." (Col. 3:14) "To be mature means to face, and not evade, every fresh crisis that comes." (Fritz Kunkel) So if you are truly longing to grow up in all ways, then join me in facing the facts. It just might be time to put away childish things and put on the garment of maturity!
   Well... that's what's been percolating in me lately! - Jennifer

Thanks, Jennifer for sharing your thoughts and giving me something to think about...I wanna grown up and wear a new article of clothing.

day 29/30

It was fun tonight sitting at the kitchen table with the dinner dishes pushed aside and watching Santa Clause 2. A good way to finish my day.


5 things I am thankful for...

1. kleenex when you gotta sneeze
2. soft, fuzzy, fleeze shirt....it's comfy
3. Sunday comics from Las Vegas....laughter is like a good medicine
4. quick search Bible software when you want to know where in the Bible that passage is located...I remember the context not always the address
5. that when my fruit gets squeezed it will still be found tasty (I adopted "Joy" as my middle name)

Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Amen....that is my hope.

day 28 / 30

It was busy at work with lots of different forms to fill in and/or create, complete making I.D. cards for the students and a full list of other things that I was able to juggle with finesse. I love my job! I then get served a hot lunch of Ukrainian food and I am in heaven. A seat of the marshrouteka and I can truly say, "I was blessed today!"

Coming home from work I almost literally ran into a friend. I was coming down a staircase towards a metro train and I crossed paths with Mickey who was going to meet his wife at Kreshadyck. He no longer lives near me and I rarely see him so I really see this as a divine encounter. Briefly, we spoke blessings to each other and each continued on our way. Smile



5 things I am thankful for...

1. Enya...beautiful music


2. needles and thread and the ability to repair a wool pair of socks I own...darn it


3. my tarnished silver communion cup could be used in a science class demonstration


4. the women who sits at the end of the boulevard, regardless of the weather, and sells sunflower seeds...yummy snack


5. clean sheets on my bed....if you listen closely, you can hear me go, "Awwww!"

Blessings to you and yours!

day 27 / 30

Just a random post - I had an enjoyable evening listening to Emily share her heart and perspective on many things. It was funny that she apologized for preaching but I liked listening. (Amazing!) That hasn't been a strong point with our relationship, not that it hasn't been a desire of both of us. I struggle with being a good listener. I wanna know where the conversation is headed and I interrupt asking questions for clarification which is interpreted as rude. She has many insights in the Word that I hadn't seen or thought of before. At times, I realize I don't think as deep on things as she does - which is neither good nor bad...just different. I just (at the moment) don't think I am a deep thinker. "do t do"

5 things I am thankful for...

1. I am inside where it is warm and I can see the snow falling (again)
2. I finished a project (GOLD STAR) - producing the KCA High School Student I.D.'s
3. internet radio where I can listen to Christmas Music while I am at work
4. I am able to help co-workers with their tasks
5. And God hears my prayers and He hasn't completed the work He is doing in me (or you!)

day 26 / 30

5 things I am thankful for...

1. quiet times
2. busyness at work
3. being able to pray with a friend
4. Christmas decorations...ornaments, tinsel and lights
5. Don’t despair because of evil; God will have the last word!

There are things in this world that we have no control over and I can waste a lot of time and energy wishing that things were different. But there is peace knowing that my Lord cares about me and the world and He has the final say. I trust Him to do what is right.

day 25 / 30

When I went to the store there was a girl handing out an advertisement and sample of Colgate toothpaste. And there was another girl giving out samples of a liquid yogurt. (It was tasty!) Samples are nice way to try a product before having to purchase it. This was a new thing for me to see at the stores here in Ukraine.
With this encounter came a bit of nostalgia and fond memories of when I worked giving out samples at grocery stores and the setting up of displays at a wide variety of stores. I enjoyed that job very much. I once got paid to suck out dead flies in a display at the check out lanes at a Fred Meyer. (Not all the jobs were glamourous). Even with that in mind, I miss doing those job...except sometimes it was way out of balance telling consumers that you really "need" this product. I know for a fact that the only thing that everyone NEEDS is to have a right relationship with Jesus Christ!

5 things I am thankful for...

1. Christmas music (a wide variety of favorites)
2. Playing "name that tune" (and who's that artist) of songs, that I only hear during this time of year (I don't hear Christmas Musak in the stores during this season in Kyiv)
3. Memories of Christmas' past and the chance to make new ones!
4. Twinkle lights on the Christmas tree....they are pretty.
5. The anticipation of stocking being filled

Blessings....it's begining to look a lot like Christmas....la dee dah

day 24 /30

no mail at the post office when I went to mail a letter to my mom. The forecast was cloudy and it was true to the meteorologists predictions but I enjoyed my walk out along the boulevard. Arriving back home I made seasoned potato wedges and hot dogs for lunch. I used "Big Boy's" seasoning salt that came all the way from California. A gift from a friend. I misunderstood when Alan said Emily had already eaten. She just had just had something to have with her pills. Oops! I would have made some potatoes without the seasoning salt for her because she had said she doesn't like that much salt. Oh, well.

5 things I am thankful for...

1. taste buds...yum
2. sudoku puzzles with sharp pencils or ink pens (if I am bold)
3. fuzzy slippers
4. my eyeglasses
5. an umbrella - when it rains

With thankful hearts give praise to Jesus
For His blessings without end;
Let’s give to Him our full devotion;
He’s our Savior and our Friend. —D. De Haan

day 23/ 30

Met with friends from California and went to a pizza place near our home for lunch. I enjoyed both the company and the food. It is wonderful hearing their plans for a future church plant in Texas to reach college students. I am glad to add this to my prayer list and anticipate good reports as things move forward. After eating we came back to the apartment and enjoyed cheesecake and coffee. They brought us gifts of Starbuck's, Mountain Dew, hand santizer, Bath and Body Works Lotion and a pillar candle arrangement. Awww! That was so sweet of them. Thanks muchly!

5 things I am thankful for...

1. friends who have a heart to serve God and see Him do mighty things
2. the generousity of others
3. popcorn and movies....downloaded from iTunes Santa Clause (an enjoyable afternoon)
4. another day of rest....and no plans for tomorrow...it actually feels like a holiday
5. a washing machine so I don't have to do laundry in the tub anymore. The wringing out was the hardest part and they look "forever" to dry.

day 22 / 30

It's my 392nd Anniversary today! We celebrate every 22nd as a habit to not make it just once a year to say, "I am glad I married you!" This came out of not being together on our actual anniversary until year number 7! (That is another story). It is also Thanksgiving. Such a blessed day.
While walking to the post office to mail a few letters a bird pooped on my head. I have lived in Ukraine for several years, surrounded by trees...Kyiv is a very green city....and this is the first time I've gotten splated by a bird. I am so thankful that I was wearing a hat. There is still snow on the ground so I used that to clean of my hat and continued on my way. I was glad I was able to clean up my hat because the "stuff" landed right in front. I am so glad that it didn't land in my hair. Yuck! That would have been a major ick!

5 things I am thankful for....

1. that I didn't have bird droppings as a hair conditioner
2. a husband who continues to love me
3. Emily who loves to cook...everything smells so good! I feel my tummy grumbling
4. I have a 2 litre bottle of Coke Light in the fridge...chillin'
5. intense 'Pounce' playing will commence soon

Hooray For Thanksgiving

It’s Thanksgiving dinner;
Let’s not be late;
There’s lots of good food,
So fill your plate.
With pie at the end,
It can’t be beat;
Hooray for Thanksgiving,
There’s so much to eat!

poem found on the internet

day 21/30

This is a second attempt at posting this blog.

I had a busy day today because I did 3 day's work in one day because tomorrow and Friday is a school break. Happy Thanksgiving! I received many invitations from co-workers for the celebrating the day. We had already had plans. Emily invited some young people to join us for the day to eat and watch movies. I heard several families trying to recreate the familiar foods menu for the holiday. They have been trying to locate sweet potatoes, turkey and cranberries. We have chosen to do chili and soft tacos. Emily has posted the menu on her blogs and has been busy making desserts today. The plan is that she will cook and I will do the cleaning. I am not sure how many people will come tomorrow but everyone is welcome!

5 things I am thankful for...

1. I can sleep in tomorrow and not get up at 5:00 a.m.x
2. I don't have to cook
3. I don't count calories
4. I can veg
5. God peace which supasses understandingis available to me.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

day 20/30

It is so good to receive response to newsletters, emails and posts that have been written. So I have been truly blessed today. It was fun to receive news from friends far away. This makes the distance between us seem that much smaller.
I had a surprise today when a friend drop by at work and it was good to see her. And when I got home Emily told me that she wants to come to KCA in order to take some photos of me at work. Whoa...a photo of me typing and answering the phone....that should be so exciting. lol

5 things I am thankful for....

1. Josh Groban's amazing voice...I am listening to his CD....Sing, Josh, sing!!!
2. communication....in all it's varied forms
3. asprin....I have a headache and need some relief
4. I get to serve Christ until He decides to take me home
5. Emily stroking my head, praying for me anf if you listen closely you may hear a purrr!

If we are motivated by our love for God, no amount of ingratitude will be able to hinder us from serving one another. Nothing we encounter from others will be able to exhaust our determination to serve others for His sake.

brrr! it's cold - day 19/30

my hands got so cold while waiting for the bus. i didn't think it was going to be long and my gloves were in the bag i was carrying. i really should of put them on. when i got to the front door i had trouble holding the key to enter the building. alan literally had to pry the things out of my hands when i arrived at our front door.

5 things I am thankful for...

1. pretzels 'n peanut butter
2. i didn't fall on the slidewalk
3. photographs of friends who are far away
4. dreams that are yet fulfilled 'cause i trust in perfect timing for all things
5. the anticipation of the food and fellowship this coming Thursday (a low calorie activity)

It’s Thanksgiving dinner; Let’s not be late; There’s lots of good food, So fill your plate. With pie at the end, It can’t be beat; Hooray for Thanksgiving, There’s so much to eat!

day 18/30

An excerpt from Our Daily Bread - An old spiritual warns, “Everybody talkin’ ’bout heaven ain’t goin’ there.” Since heaven is God’s dwelling place where His presence and glory are manifested in all their splendor, He has the sovereign right to determine who will be admitted and under what conditions. Any other beliefs about the how and why of admission into heaven are sadly mistaken.

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name . . . by which we must be saved. —Acts 4:12

5 things I am thankful for...

1. I believe that Jesus loves me
2. that He died for all my sins - I am a sinner in need of a Savior
3. that I can trust Him...His promises are true - He is coming back!
4. God has a plan and a purpose for my life
5. God gave us a Sabbath rest and He makes it Holy

spend time with the Jesus -He is as near as you let Him to be!

day 17/30

When we first arrived in Ukraine the grocery store we most often visited had only one (1) push cart. We were so jazzed one day when we got it. We even took turns pushing it. Oh, happy day! The trouble was that we filled it and then we had to carry all those groceries home. The hand carry baskets may not carry all the groceries you want but you know how much they weigh. Now....there has been a shift at the market. More push carts and less hand carry baskets. Why? More people have cars and they don't have to carry all their groceries in one load. Alan And I walked home from the store today, each carrying a bag and we saw a car pulled up near our apartment loaded with stuff from the market. They bought several frozen pizzas and cases of soda. Ah...those were the days.

5 things I am thankful for...

1. grocery stores close to my home
2. carbonated beverages (Coke Light in Ukraine...Diet Dr. Pepper in the States)
3. Sandman who keeps me from falling on my keister
4. swiffer dusters (courtesy of my Mom's care packages)
5. a tall husband who can reach the top of the chandelier

Day 16/30

5 things I am thankful for...

1. the reality that stupid conversations occur in families
2. the Holy Spirit hasn't given up on me or completed the work that needs to be done
3. it's Friday...'nuf said
4. snow outside and I am staying in with a good book
5. God never makes a promise that He will not keep

I wrote my Blog now it's time to get off the 'puter and back to the book before I miss something.....lol (reading Christian Fiction)

a matter of perspective

When I got to the metro station it was still light outside. After five stops and being underground the train emerged out of the tunnel into darkness. What a difference. I missed seeing the sun go down. I took a bus that goes near our Post Office so I got off to check the mail. Sadly to say there wasn't any. I was walking home and the sidewalks were covered with ice in places and I proceeded home with caution. Almost to our building my foot slipped and hit what I think was an exposed root. "Pop" went the tendon on my left foot, followed by some pain. Not good is what I was thinking. I hobbled home and when I took off my boots I felt the back of my ankle and was surprised to discover the knot that I have been suffering from for years was gone! I think all the prayers for my Achilles tendon was answered. It popped back in place. It is funny but my left leg feels longer now. I am going to walk in the belief that it has been healed and God will continue to restore my body and bring it all into alignment. I will keep you posted.

5 things I am thankful for....

1. tuna fish in a can from America - not too fishy and no bones
2. a little therapeutic ice
3. a wonderful man who has a heart to serve that blesses me daily
4. borrowed episodes of Numb3rs to relax in the evening with occasionally
5. the knowledge that I don't have to do anything alone

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. —Psalm 28:7

Day 15/30

day 14/30

two weeks and I am still going...like the energizer bunny. I am pleased with the NaBloPo Month. I have really enjoyed the habit of writing something everyday. I haven't come to any profound insights or monumental revelations but it is a discipline that may someday bear fruit.
The snow went crunch under my feet and the sun shone brightly on the white covered ground. This usually is a brief glimpse of the outdoors because I work where my back is to the window and my view includes a computer screen most of the day.
I got so focused on a task at hand I was unaware of the person who was standing patiently for my attention. I told him it is alright to clear is throat or make some other sound to get my attention. I usually am aware of the people who come into my workspace but today I was target fixated. Later he came back and followed my advice, cleared his throat and smiled. He shared this suggestion with his wife so that when she came by my desk she also coughed. I am glad I know the reason for their congestion otherwise I would think they are suffering and are in need of prayer. lol

5 things I am thankful for...

1. Ukrainian friends who continue to try and teach me phrases (I am not a very quick study when it comes to languages)
2. The Addison's who are currently serving the Lord in Africa by sharing the good news with the Masai - they show me a missionary's heart to serve until Jesus calls them home
3. fuzzy scarves - they tickle my neck and my nose
4. a broche I wear on my tam - it was my Grandma's and it reminds me of her
5. So greatful that God isn't ADD

[ Warning to Pay Attention ]

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1 NIV

Blessings

Back to Work - day 13/30

I went back to work after being off yesterday. There was heat and power back in the building. Several trees had succumbed to the weight of the damp snow. There was a crew removing the fallen trees and branches. There was much laughter from the kids who were busy throwing snowballs before coming into the building. And the snow continues to fall.
I mostly played "catch up" with the tasks that were to be done while I was gone and the ones due yesterday. I received lots of praise and blessings because I was back. It is good to know you are missed.

5 things I am thankful for...

1. Friends who send care packages
2. Family who understands I turn into a pumpkin early - I haven't learned to pace myself to leave energy after I get home
3. Fish sticks & French Fries
4. Food coloring for Fancy cookies (Emily is preparing to bake cookies, as I type this blog)
5. Freedom in Christ

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Day 12/30 (an uninspired title)

Snow on the ground, but not falling I trudged off to work. It was a longer than usual wait to see any transportation going down the rode towards the metro. So I waited and I was glad I was bundled up warm. I am not sure how cold it was but I jumped on the first mode of transportation, a marshrouteka, because I hadn't seen a bus going by in either direction. Just 50 kopecks more to ride than a bus.

I was just about to leave the metro station when my phone rang telling me that Angela had arrived at the school and there wasn't any power or heat so school was canceled for the day. Generally, I arrive to school approximately the same time as Angela.
I just jumped back on the metro, going in the opposite direction, and headed towards home. My phone rang again and I got off to answer it. [Much too difficult for me to answer my phone while on the metro and wearing gloves.] It was Susan calling to make sure I had gotten the message that school was canceled.

The debate was now to go out and catch public transportation home while still on the Right Bank, Kontraktova Plosha, or get back on the metro again. The thought of being outside waiting for a bus that still had to travel over what might be an icy bridge...I chose to jump back on into the crush of humanity. A few minutes later I was safety back home and I got to enjoy a second breakfast with my family...ahhhh!...and my own personal space. That is hard to maintain a personal space bubble while out in Kyiv, a scowl doesn't help and isn't very attractive.

5 things I am thankful for....

1. this computer which gladly takes my hunt & peck technique of typing to record my thoughts
2. one-eyed Jacks
3. my afternoon snack of peanut butter and pretzels (would have celery but the stores don't carry it often)
4. The current book I am reading, Bookends, by Liz Curtis Higgs and it makes me laugh. (It said so on the cover and it's true)
5. I am thankful for all those who pray for me on a daily basis or as the Spirit leads. I know you are out there!

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”- Colossians 1:9

Have a blessed day!

drizzle, flurries, blizzard

Well, the weather couldn't decide what it wanted to do today. It was really slushy to walk to the bus stop and the journey to the metro and then the walk to the church. Because of the snow you couldn't always see where the puddles were. I had boots on but my socks were damp by the time I got into the building. It was warm in the building but you could hear the storm increase in fiercness while the preaching was going on.
Alan preached about the Heart of Worship and was quite animated. It is wonderful when he is passionate about what he is speaking about.
When it was time to leave it looked like a blizzard was upon us.
I am glad to be back home and have my wet clothes, socks off and am in the process of getting warm again.
I will be needing to go out in this weather tomorrow but at a much earlier time. I hope to hear the crunch of the snow and not the slush, squishy sound like today.

5 things I am thankful for...

1. My family who serves the Lord with their whole hearts as a lifestyle, not just a Sunday thing
2. Chicken nuggets and french fries (a very satisfying lunch)
3. Kristie, who is one year older today! Happy Birthday grlfrnd!
4. Pounce, a game played with family and friends
5. God's Word for today - Hebrews 13:15-16

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Chilly or chili?

Day 10/30
Today I hope to continue my rest and recovery. There is still an unease in my tummy. I will need to gather up some strength and brave the cold temperatures when I walk to the post office. I want to post a letter to my mom and then I may be able to say, "I've got mail, too!"

5 things I am grateful for....

1. A tea kettle that still works with a broken whistle and handle. (the amusing thing is that it is still able to make a sound that tells me, "I am heating up!")
2. Friends who write me short or long emails to keep in touch
3. Skype...so I call with it just costing pennies (If you have a computer, we could talk for free!)
4. The ability to smell...I am anticipating a pot of chili simmering on the stove. I know I should stick to the "BRAT diet" and bland food, but on a cold day warm, comfort food brings fond memories with it.
5. Continuing to learn to be content whenever, wherever and with whomever I am

O Lord, help us to be content, whatever we possess; protect us from the foolish lie that “more” brings happiness. —Sper

still recovering

I am still recovering from a stomach bug that has affected also Alan and Emily. Isn't it wonderful, a family that shares Everything? I called in sick again to work and I am praying that resting throughout the weekend I will experience full health.

5 things I am thankful for...

1. co-workers who pick up my slack, with prayers and thanksgiving
2. warm wool blanket when I am shivering
3. breakfast stayed in my tummy (Hallelujah)
4. My husband, who tries to cheer me up when I am sick
5. Eternal life! Life here is only temporary.

Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. —John 3:14-15

Our Lord took death upon Himself

On that cruel cross of pain,

And those who look in faith to Him

Eternal life shall gain! —Johnson

Amen! And the end on blog post #9.

I'm sick! Blogathon post #8

At first, I thought it was just something I ate but I think it "must be a virus" because Alan and Emily are exhibiting the same symptoms. I didn't go to work today because I wanted to stay close to the commode. Luckily, when I don't feel well, I tend to rest and I have no problem sleeping. I am not eating to starve out this "bug" and hopefully I will be able to go back to work tomorrow.
5 things I am thankful for....

1. indoor plumbing
2. 1 liter plastic bottles filled with hot water to keep the bed warm
3. understanding co-workers who picked up my slack
4. glad to know I am not indispensable, but missed
5. the promise of God when the sick are prayed for they will recover...Amen!

Blessings to my friends and those who read my posts.

Day 7/30

And the count goes on.
I tried a different route to work today just for the variety. I met Galina at the bus stop and we had a very fun try at communicating since she doesn't know English and I don' know much Russian. But I understood that we both were headed for work. She asked after my family and I learned she has a daughter and a couple of grandkids. She was able to hang on to me during the commute on the metro since she wasn't able to reach anything to hold on to. I was glad I could help. We parted ways and I continued my journey. As I arrived out of the metro station wondering where to catch the marshrouteka I needed - it pulled up right where I was standing. The same did not happen on the trip back. I waved to get the marshrouteka driver's attention but he drove on. So I caught a different one and sat next to a student from KCA. It was nice to learn a bit about him as we traveled and I got to share a few stories as well. So, in reality it was a pleasant journey there and back.

5 things I am thankful for....

1. I am mechanically gifted because I am able to repair the jams in the copy machine. (Today I didn't even get my coat off before I was called to HELP!)
2. A hot lunch - Plov and salat
3. A new blouse from a friend (Thanks, Kay)
4. Popcorn - great snack food!
5. God is my refuge and strength

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. —Psalm 20:7

Blessings!

Einney, Meany, Miney, Moe!

Thought for the day!
I am here in Ukraine and I looked at the calendar near my desk at work and saw that today is Election Day in the States. I know as Christians we are called to pray for the leaders who are over us but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to pray for them, especially not knowing them personally. Should that stop me????
As I continued to think about this, I realized that a good place to start praying is for what they need. Every leader (regardless of country, state or position) could use an extra dose of God’s wisdom for the challenges and decisions they face. In addition to wisdom, prayer for integrity—for honesty and uprightness in their actions and freedom from deceit would be an important request. Prayer that they would have a genuine commitment to doing what is best for those who are under their authority and asking God to give them humility that will enable them to use their power not for their own gain but for the good of the people would be a refreshing change from the media reports we hear. Prayer that godly people will be in their circle of influence and prayer that they will come to know Christ as Savior could be included.
Aren’t these the very things we all need? Ummm!
Go Out And Vote! Our right and very dear privilege. Don't take it for granted.

5 things I am thankful for….

1. That God has established governments for our good
2. We are under His authority
3. More flurries between the sunshine
4. That my stomach growling before lunch did not scare the children or my co-workers
5. For plumbing that works [the water was turned off at school today]

Day 6/30

Flurries

It's Monday and it snowed today - light flurries were falling when I came off the metro at Petrivka to catch transportation to school. I didn't have to wait long to catch a bus. So, I sat in the warmth and watched the snowflakes swirl by the windows.
A bus is better at times than a marshrouteka because you have better visiblity. I am afraid to say but my butt has often blocked the view out the window for other passengers on the marshroutka. Humanity crammed in a van SRO is how you travel by marshrouteka. It is a challenge to find something to hold on to and it also is an extreme challenge to bend over to look out the windshield to see if you're near your destination. Moving forward towards the exit is fun - you get up close and personal to the other passengers trying not to step on toes.

Day 5/30
5 things I am thankful for....

1. A seat on public transportation! Hallelujah!
2. wool tights (my legs are warm even though a bit itchy)
3. Sunshine - you can tell that my expectation is that it will soon be just a vague memory. Winter's can be long.
4. Proverbs (Wisdom writings)
5. My family (ahhhh!)

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. [excerpt from the Message Proverbs 3]

Blessings on your day, dear readers, I pray that you get to know the Lord more and more. He made each of us unique and loves us. That is an awesome thought. AnnMarie

Day 4/30

5 things I am thankful for....

1. Gotta go to Chernigiv to see Valery and Valya


2. Witnessed God move in our midst even through the use of a translator


3. Got fed till I thought I would "pop" [Ukrainian food is so good]


4. Saw blue skies


5. Gotta see Emily at home before I turned into a pumpkin...good night....zzzzz

5 more things I am thankful for

5 things I am thankful for...

1. I saw blue skies today
2. Yummy "Puff Pancakes" breakfast
3. Bought a scarf and it was 50% off - a bargain!
4. Lunch out with friends
5. a nap, cuddly and warm under my afghan my Grandma made

Day 3/30

Short and sweet?

5 things I am thankful for...

1. it didn't rain on my way home from work (Yeah! I know I wouldn't melt but I am glad not getting wet and squishy)
2. I received a care package from my Mom (she loves me!)
3. Emily made dinner (yum!)
4. My husband is doing the dishes (thank you!)
5. It's Friday night and I don't have to go anywhere (Yipee!)

I feel tired right now but it is too soon to go to bed. My eyes are tired and droopy. Where's the toothpicks? tata till t'morrow!

Day 2/30

What to blog?

I read a post that said that November is "National Blog Posting Month." The challenge is to post something everyday. OMG NaBloPoMo will be difficult since I haven't been in the habit of writing daily but I'm up for the task.....it's not yet 8:30 and my bedtime.
I am a whimp and I retire early every night to ensure I get rest before getting up at 5:00 a.m. to start my day.
It seems like everyone at work is complaining about illness and discomfort and I don't desire to join their ranks.

Sometimes we forget for a moment just how many of God's blessings we have - then Thanksgiving comes and gently reminds us.

5 things I am thankful for...

1. The roof over my head and the comfy bed I lay down to sleep upon
2. My alarm clock to wake me in the morning
3. My husband, Alan, who gets up to make me breakfast regardless of when he came to bed
4. My job, which I love and am thankful for after spending two years waitng and being still
5. A seat on the metro for my trip coming home

Day 1 - blog 1/30