Well today was the glorious quarter end, month end at work. Its kind of a holiday around my workplace, like tax day. While some people dread this crazy time of frantic working, I find it exhilarating! Working diligently to clear as much money as possible. Finding things that others have missed. Sweet talking doctors to send you what you need. Hitting F10 and watching the money come off! All of it is GREAT! Some would call me insane, I know. But what can I say, its the way God made me!
In addition, to the festivities of month end, all of the big bosses from around the country congregated at my billing center today, including my old billing center manager from Jackson. She has a very distinct laugh and when I heard it, I stood up, popping my head over the cubicle wall. When she saw me, she came running at me like a sorority sister I haven't seen in years and gave me a great big hug! It really made my day, she was genuinely glad to see me! Man I miss her!!
After work it was a race to church. Again the Wednesday kids seem to have a good time learning about Moses and the great Exodus from Egypt. Tonight's lesson was on looking to God instead of looking at the problem. Just like Moses looked to God when the Red Sea was in front of him and the angry Egyptian army behind him. When Moses focused on God instead of the problem, God provided a way out for the Israelites. I'm realizing that as I get older sometimes I need to be reminded of these simple bible stories that I've heard my whole life. Like in this case, quit focusing on the daily problems, focus on the Lord and His provision.
Ok well its past this ole gals bedtime!
Night night,
Eli
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Day 25: Its a Great Day to Be Alive....
I know the sun's still shining when I close my eyes....
Ah, I love that song! My title today doesn't have that much to do with my blog, although today was a good day, but was more just the song that's been in my head for several days now, thus becoming the title for today.
Found out today that the corporate VP that will be making the decision about the promotion I applied for will be at my billing center tomorrow. Not coming to see me, but still a great opportunity to make a good impression, assuming I can manage to not wear my crocs to work! LOL! I still haven't decided what I'm wearing tomorrow, but I'm taking my shower tonight to give me a little extra time in the morning to decide.
Also, today I scheduled my first appointment for shots to travel to India. I go Friday afternoon, right after work. I think I'm going to get Devin to bribe me like Daddy had to do when I had to get my MMR booster for my senior year of high school, if I let them give me the shot, then I get to go get ice cream! Now, lets just hope Devin doesn't have to bear hug me and hold me down like Daddy had to! Oh man I hate shots....
For dinner tonight, we had a pastor and family potluck. We had lasagna, salad, bread, and brownie sundaes for dessert. It was such a great time to just fellowship with the other pastor families and share a meal. Being the huge family girl that I am, if I can't have a meal with my wonderful family, it really is nice to be able to get together with some of my church family. We told stories and laughed and had an amazing time! Thank you Lord for giving us such a great new church family!
Well tomorrow is month end/quarter end so I better go get a good nights rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day at work! Plus, bags under eyes make almost as good of an impression as bright red plastic flip flops!
With Love!
Elizabeth
PS Count down to India ~30 days.....
Ah, I love that song! My title today doesn't have that much to do with my blog, although today was a good day, but was more just the song that's been in my head for several days now, thus becoming the title for today.
Found out today that the corporate VP that will be making the decision about the promotion I applied for will be at my billing center tomorrow. Not coming to see me, but still a great opportunity to make a good impression, assuming I can manage to not wear my crocs to work! LOL! I still haven't decided what I'm wearing tomorrow, but I'm taking my shower tonight to give me a little extra time in the morning to decide.
Also, today I scheduled my first appointment for shots to travel to India. I go Friday afternoon, right after work. I think I'm going to get Devin to bribe me like Daddy had to do when I had to get my MMR booster for my senior year of high school, if I let them give me the shot, then I get to go get ice cream! Now, lets just hope Devin doesn't have to bear hug me and hold me down like Daddy had to! Oh man I hate shots....
For dinner tonight, we had a pastor and family potluck. We had lasagna, salad, bread, and brownie sundaes for dessert. It was such a great time to just fellowship with the other pastor families and share a meal. Being the huge family girl that I am, if I can't have a meal with my wonderful family, it really is nice to be able to get together with some of my church family. We told stories and laughed and had an amazing time! Thank you Lord for giving us such a great new church family!
Well tomorrow is month end/quarter end so I better go get a good nights rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day at work! Plus, bags under eyes make almost as good of an impression as bright red plastic flip flops!
With Love!
Elizabeth
PS Count down to India ~30 days.....
Monday, September 28, 2009
Day 24: Monday! Monday!
I can't say that today was a terribly wonderful day, nor was it not a good day. It was one of those days that is just that, a day. At work, the end of the month is always a big deal and when end of month is also end of quarter, its a huge thing. So its nose to the grind stone, go, go, go! But I'm one of those sick people that actually enjoys this kind of thing. I work best under pressure, its why I'll be a good doctor one day! LOL!
I spent most of the day on the phone begging doctors to fax me back paperwork that I needed. I did have a teleconference to go over new government compliance issues and talk about the changes in health care reform. Again, I'm the dork that actually likes this stuff, but then again I did apply for a promotion in this area!
I also got the call today from the Visa people! They received my application, but today and Friday are India Holidays so the India Consulate is closed both days. The Visa people said that I should have my passport back with my India Visa by next Monday so we should be good to go! I can't believe that a month from tomorrow I will be on my way to a foreign country for at least a month!
After work I came home and fixed tacos for dinner. What can I say, its quick, easy, and we had all the stuff. Tomorrow should be another busy day at work and then we have a pastor's family potluck for dinner. I'm excited!
Off to watch some Dancing with the Stars and Castle if we can get the antenna to work! ;-)
Eli
I spent most of the day on the phone begging doctors to fax me back paperwork that I needed. I did have a teleconference to go over new government compliance issues and talk about the changes in health care reform. Again, I'm the dork that actually likes this stuff, but then again I did apply for a promotion in this area!
I also got the call today from the Visa people! They received my application, but today and Friday are India Holidays so the India Consulate is closed both days. The Visa people said that I should have my passport back with my India Visa by next Monday so we should be good to go! I can't believe that a month from tomorrow I will be on my way to a foreign country for at least a month!
After work I came home and fixed tacos for dinner. What can I say, its quick, easy, and we had all the stuff. Tomorrow should be another busy day at work and then we have a pastor's family potluck for dinner. I'm excited!
Off to watch some Dancing with the Stars and Castle if we can get the antenna to work! ;-)
Eli
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Day 23: Fleas!! They Are Worse Than Gnats!!
This morning's service had the potential to be amazing. The kids did fantastic with worship and really seemed to understand reverence. Then we got to the message....
Devin's message was about how we are wonderfully created by God in His image. He used a mirror as a illustration. The point being that when God created man, it was in His perfect image (show mirror to the crowd) but that sin came into this world (hit mirror with sledge hammer) and destroyed that perfect image. But Jesus came and picked up the pieces (pick up the broken mirror pieces and place behind stage door) and gave us the ability to be live in His imagine (bring whole mirror out of behind stage door). Now, I was behind the stage, so I'm not exactly sure how this next part happened. But the next thing I know, the entire crowd is chanting "break it, break it, break it" at the top of their lungs. They totally missed the somber moment of Devin's great message and more importantly the truth that we are made whole through Jesus's sacrifice!
Pray for our new kids. They really are great kids. They just need to get use to us and get use to having more of a structured service!
After church, Devin laid down to take a nap, neither of us had a very good nights sleep last night, and I opted to play on the computer. Devin and I have been meaning to give Brooks and Addy a bath for weeks and just hadn't gotten around too it. So this afternoon I decided that the time had come. I thought about waking Devin up to help, but decided I would be the sweet little wife and let him nap. So off I go, just me, two dogs, and a whole lot of water!! I'm not sure who ended up with more soap and water on them, me or the pups! I scrubbed them down though and manager to kill all kinds of fleas that I didn't even know were there!
They were getting a bath because of they stunk, not because we thought they had fleas!! They have itched some, but nothing like when they were babies and had fleas. But I kid you not, their were tons of tiny little flea carcases that had to be cleaned out of the bottom of the bath tub. Also, since my babies are now clean and coated with anti-flea stuff, the fleas that survived the scrubbing are now attempting to live on me! So far I've pulled two off of me and one off Addy around her eyes. I haven't seen any more since I started my blog so maybe they are all gone. I'm going to take a shower myself though. I feel like they are jumping all over me!!
Ok off to the shower!!
Eli
Devin's message was about how we are wonderfully created by God in His image. He used a mirror as a illustration. The point being that when God created man, it was in His perfect image (show mirror to the crowd) but that sin came into this world (hit mirror with sledge hammer) and destroyed that perfect image. But Jesus came and picked up the pieces (pick up the broken mirror pieces and place behind stage door) and gave us the ability to be live in His imagine (bring whole mirror out of behind stage door). Now, I was behind the stage, so I'm not exactly sure how this next part happened. But the next thing I know, the entire crowd is chanting "break it, break it, break it" at the top of their lungs. They totally missed the somber moment of Devin's great message and more importantly the truth that we are made whole through Jesus's sacrifice!
Pray for our new kids. They really are great kids. They just need to get use to us and get use to having more of a structured service!
After church, Devin laid down to take a nap, neither of us had a very good nights sleep last night, and I opted to play on the computer. Devin and I have been meaning to give Brooks and Addy a bath for weeks and just hadn't gotten around too it. So this afternoon I decided that the time had come. I thought about waking Devin up to help, but decided I would be the sweet little wife and let him nap. So off I go, just me, two dogs, and a whole lot of water!! I'm not sure who ended up with more soap and water on them, me or the pups! I scrubbed them down though and manager to kill all kinds of fleas that I didn't even know were there!
They were getting a bath because of they stunk, not because we thought they had fleas!! They have itched some, but nothing like when they were babies and had fleas. But I kid you not, their were tons of tiny little flea carcases that had to be cleaned out of the bottom of the bath tub. Also, since my babies are now clean and coated with anti-flea stuff, the fleas that survived the scrubbing are now attempting to live on me! So far I've pulled two off of me and one off Addy around her eyes. I haven't seen any more since I started my blog so maybe they are all gone. I'm going to take a shower myself though. I feel like they are jumping all over me!!
Ok off to the shower!!
Eli
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Day 22: Great Is Thy Faithfulness!!
Today I had the honor of attending a funeral of a lady I never had the opportunity to meet. After listening to her family and friends talk about Ms. Shirley, I know that was truly a loss on my part. In what her family stated, she sounds like someone that was a joy to be around. Someone that could be looked up to. Someone that you could go to for advice. Honestly, her funeral remind me much of mom's. From what was shared today, her life reminds me much of mom's. Even though I never had the privileged of getting to know Ms. Shirley, I mourned along with the family. I know their lost.
Part of the service, was a time of worship. Ms. Shirley was an enthusiastic alto that loved to use her God given talent to glorify her Heavenly Father. One of the songs that we sang was the old hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and it really got me thinking about how faithful God has been to me. I know my blog is usually on the humorous side, or at least that is my attempt, but in memory of two amazing women that are walking on streets of gold, probably becoming the best of friends seeing as they have so much in common, I wanted to take a minute and thank the Lord for His amazing faithfulness.
Thank Him for saving when I needed Him the most. Thank Him for this plan and purpose in my life and His guidance for me to not stray too far from the plan. Thank Him for a desire to see His plan in my life. Thank Him for an amazing husband who loves me and cares for me and a family that I am so close with. Thank Him for the many friends I have made along my life's journey, many of which are still near and dear to my heart. Thank Him for an education that took multiple financial miracle to complete and a job I love. Thank Him for His faithfulness through all this things and so, so, so many more.
Funerals are never fun events, but I can't help but call the ones of saints a blessing. I love the sweet moment of knowing that heaven is one more voice strong. That the streets of gold are walked by one more set of feet. That Jesus Christ has one more that makes His death on the cross worth it all.
If you are reading this and you don't have a personal relationship with Christ, I pray that you find someone that can show you why its so important. I don't know about you, but I want them to sing Great is Thy Faithfulness at my funeral, and know that I have lived out God's faithfulness in every aspect of my life.
With Love,
Eli
PS I think my mom just might have made a new friend in Heaven, Ms. Shirley!
Part of the service, was a time of worship. Ms. Shirley was an enthusiastic alto that loved to use her God given talent to glorify her Heavenly Father. One of the songs that we sang was the old hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and it really got me thinking about how faithful God has been to me. I know my blog is usually on the humorous side, or at least that is my attempt, but in memory of two amazing women that are walking on streets of gold, probably becoming the best of friends seeing as they have so much in common, I wanted to take a minute and thank the Lord for His amazing faithfulness.
Thank Him for saving when I needed Him the most. Thank Him for this plan and purpose in my life and His guidance for me to not stray too far from the plan. Thank Him for a desire to see His plan in my life. Thank Him for an amazing husband who loves me and cares for me and a family that I am so close with. Thank Him for the many friends I have made along my life's journey, many of which are still near and dear to my heart. Thank Him for an education that took multiple financial miracle to complete and a job I love. Thank Him for His faithfulness through all this things and so, so, so many more.
Funerals are never fun events, but I can't help but call the ones of saints a blessing. I love the sweet moment of knowing that heaven is one more voice strong. That the streets of gold are walked by one more set of feet. That Jesus Christ has one more that makes His death on the cross worth it all.
If you are reading this and you don't have a personal relationship with Christ, I pray that you find someone that can show you why its so important. I don't know about you, but I want them to sing Great is Thy Faithfulness at my funeral, and know that I have lived out God's faithfulness in every aspect of my life.
With Love,
Eli
PS I think my mom just might have made a new friend in Heaven, Ms. Shirley!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Day 21: The Social Butterfly
First let me state that I was not, am not, will not be giving up on my blogging commitment. I just thought it might be neat for Devin to share his perspective for a change. Second, don't fell sorry for him, I do help with the babies and many times when he is taking them out, I'm at work, making dinner, running errands, or something along those lines. Don't be fooled!! ;-) No really, he has been fantastic with them and he knows how much I appreciate it!!
I'll have to play catch up from yesterday since I relinquished my blog for the evening into the hands of another. I took yesterday afternoon off to finish getting everything ready for my visa application. I went to get my Kansas drivers license assuming that I would leave with my new license in hand. This is not the case in Kansas! You get a temporary drivers license that looks much more like a receipt and told that your real license will arrive in 15-45 business days! Who has ever heard of such nonsense!!
Anyway, I was very panicked about this since I am suppose to be sending my visa application off asap and I have to include a copy of my drivers license with me current address. Luckily, I called the visa application processing place today and was told that the extra temporary license that license place gave me when I began to panic, would be fine. Huge sigh of relief! After all, I'm suppose to be in India in 45 days!!
As for the social scene, last night I attended another Eau (the young women's group at church) event. We split up into three teams and drove all over the area for a scavenger hunt. I'm sad to say me team came in second by seconds!! But we had a blast! I got to meet some wonderful ladies and spend sometime with some other ladies that I'd already met.
Tonight, Devin and I went to the home group we are going to be a part of. It was great to get to attend something fun together and we really had a wonderful time. We have a lot in common with the other couples in our group and I look forward to getting to know them better. I will say that it did make me miss Mel and RR though!! I kept wanting to turn and tell Mel something or waiting for RR to jump into the discussion. Somethings just can't be replaced! ;-)
Tomorrow we are going to try and take the pups to the dog park, we haven't been since the first time. Devin and I both would like to sleep in at least a little after a week worth of getting up extra early. And we have be at the church by 11:45, so going late in the morning isn't going to cut it. Looks like we will be playing tomorrow by ear!
Well, I guess that pretty much wraps it up for now!
With Love,
Eli
I'll have to play catch up from yesterday since I relinquished my blog for the evening into the hands of another. I took yesterday afternoon off to finish getting everything ready for my visa application. I went to get my Kansas drivers license assuming that I would leave with my new license in hand. This is not the case in Kansas! You get a temporary drivers license that looks much more like a receipt and told that your real license will arrive in 15-45 business days! Who has ever heard of such nonsense!!
Anyway, I was very panicked about this since I am suppose to be sending my visa application off asap and I have to include a copy of my drivers license with me current address. Luckily, I called the visa application processing place today and was told that the extra temporary license that license place gave me when I began to panic, would be fine. Huge sigh of relief! After all, I'm suppose to be in India in 45 days!!
As for the social scene, last night I attended another Eau (the young women's group at church) event. We split up into three teams and drove all over the area for a scavenger hunt. I'm sad to say me team came in second by seconds!! But we had a blast! I got to meet some wonderful ladies and spend sometime with some other ladies that I'd already met.
Tonight, Devin and I went to the home group we are going to be a part of. It was great to get to attend something fun together and we really had a wonderful time. We have a lot in common with the other couples in our group and I look forward to getting to know them better. I will say that it did make me miss Mel and RR though!! I kept wanting to turn and tell Mel something or waiting for RR to jump into the discussion. Somethings just can't be replaced! ;-)
Tomorrow we are going to try and take the pups to the dog park, we haven't been since the first time. Devin and I both would like to sleep in at least a little after a week worth of getting up extra early. And we have be at the church by 11:45, so going late in the morning isn't going to cut it. Looks like we will be playing tomorrow by ear!
Well, I guess that pretty much wraps it up for now!
With Love,
Eli
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Day 20: A Different View
So today's blog is actually coming to you from a little different angle. Instead of the normal update about the days happenings, Devin is going to take a moment to give you some of his views and comments. Take it away, DK...
Well, it's been just over a month since the whirlwind started in Jackson. One day, I will take the time to explain exactly what happened to cause the change from TN to KS to be such a quick one, but for now lets just say the dust is settling.
Things are going well here in the great city of Kansas (ha). We're off and running planning our fall festival at church, looking into a computer check in system for the children's ministry, expanding our Sunday program to include a pre school ministry, and looking ahead to next year. I've spent some time getting to know some of the staff, and this is a really different dynamic than what I'm used to. I've been in places where people told me what to do, and places where people didn't pay attention to what I did, but as far as a paid position (Roberts, IL doesn't count cause I was a volunteer) I've never really had a whole lot of interest in what I wanted to do, and why I wanted to do it. The change is very refreshing.
Our Sr. Pastor, Don Lewis, is a great man. If I could use the word guru, I might. He's been there, done that, and is soft spoken but commands attention when he does speak. He reminds me in many ways of Pastor Maury Davis from Nashvhille in his intelligence and character, just without the broken finger and criminal background! Seriously, Pastor Don is great. I enjoy just getting to listen to him share his thoughts on a variety of subjects and topics.
Outside of church, we've been going banana's splitting time between church events and social activities, getting the place unpacked, and getting Elizabeth ready to go to India. She's only slightly excited (said with sarcasm). Actually, there are moments I wonder if she doesn't intend to defect to the country and leave me here! Thankfully, I have the puppies as insurance that she has to come back. She and I have been trying to figure out a successful schedule for taking care of the puppies, and so far the way its working out is like this:
Morning walk: Devin
After Breakfast Walk: Devin
After work Walk: Devin
After Dark Walk: Devin (she doesn't like the dark parking lot outside our front door)
Before Bed Walk: (Devin)
Now, I wasn't a straight A student in school, but something tells me I'm getting the short end of the stick here... Not that she doesn't ever take the dogs out, I'd be dishonest in saying that. But I'm getting a little more practice for the month she'll be gone and I'll be doing it all than I intended to get at this point.
Part of the reason is that I don't have to be at work until 9am, and she has to be at work by 7. Since I am a light sleeper, it really doesn't matter if she gets up early to take care of the dogs or waits, because I'll wake up either time. So its actually better just waiting until 6 (or some days we fight the snooze and is like 6:30, and Elizabeth thanks God she took her shower the night before!).
Sadly, I am not a morning person and coffee does no more for me than whiskey. (that means I don't drink it, so don't read any hidden meanings into that!). So, I have been dutifully getting up before the sun, then spending a few quality hours doing nothing trying to wake up enough to go to the office.
I know, life is rough, isn't it?
Well, I've updated you on the goings on, shared my suffering (you don't feel sorry for me at all, do you?) in having to get up early... and now its late and I must go to bed. Otherwise I'll hide the phone with the alarm on it and sleep until 7!
Until the next time My wife doesn't want to keep her year long blogging commitment...
Devin
Well, it's been just over a month since the whirlwind started in Jackson. One day, I will take the time to explain exactly what happened to cause the change from TN to KS to be such a quick one, but for now lets just say the dust is settling.
Things are going well here in the great city of Kansas (ha). We're off and running planning our fall festival at church, looking into a computer check in system for the children's ministry, expanding our Sunday program to include a pre school ministry, and looking ahead to next year. I've spent some time getting to know some of the staff, and this is a really different dynamic than what I'm used to. I've been in places where people told me what to do, and places where people didn't pay attention to what I did, but as far as a paid position (Roberts, IL doesn't count cause I was a volunteer) I've never really had a whole lot of interest in what I wanted to do, and why I wanted to do it. The change is very refreshing.
Our Sr. Pastor, Don Lewis, is a great man. If I could use the word guru, I might. He's been there, done that, and is soft spoken but commands attention when he does speak. He reminds me in many ways of Pastor Maury Davis from Nashvhille in his intelligence and character, just without the broken finger and criminal background! Seriously, Pastor Don is great. I enjoy just getting to listen to him share his thoughts on a variety of subjects and topics.
Outside of church, we've been going banana's splitting time between church events and social activities, getting the place unpacked, and getting Elizabeth ready to go to India. She's only slightly excited (said with sarcasm). Actually, there are moments I wonder if she doesn't intend to defect to the country and leave me here! Thankfully, I have the puppies as insurance that she has to come back. She and I have been trying to figure out a successful schedule for taking care of the puppies, and so far the way its working out is like this:
Morning walk: Devin
After Breakfast Walk: Devin
After work Walk: Devin
After Dark Walk: Devin (she doesn't like the dark parking lot outside our front door)
Before Bed Walk: (Devin)
Now, I wasn't a straight A student in school, but something tells me I'm getting the short end of the stick here... Not that she doesn't ever take the dogs out, I'd be dishonest in saying that. But I'm getting a little more practice for the month she'll be gone and I'll be doing it all than I intended to get at this point.
Part of the reason is that I don't have to be at work until 9am, and she has to be at work by 7. Since I am a light sleeper, it really doesn't matter if she gets up early to take care of the dogs or waits, because I'll wake up either time. So its actually better just waiting until 6 (or some days we fight the snooze and is like 6:30, and Elizabeth thanks God she took her shower the night before!).
Sadly, I am not a morning person and coffee does no more for me than whiskey. (that means I don't drink it, so don't read any hidden meanings into that!). So, I have been dutifully getting up before the sun, then spending a few quality hours doing nothing trying to wake up enough to go to the office.
I know, life is rough, isn't it?
Well, I've updated you on the goings on, shared my suffering (you don't feel sorry for me at all, do you?) in having to get up early... and now its late and I must go to bed. Otherwise I'll hide the phone with the alarm on it and sleep until 7!
Until the next time My wife doesn't want to keep her year long blogging commitment...
Devin
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