It's been quite some time since my last post. It's been as though I was on this great trek and then all of a sudden just pulled into the rest area and decided to camp out.
Being here at the lake has certainly done something to me. I feel like I am more connected with nature, for sure. There is a new appreciation for the little things. We moved from one side of the lake to the other, in order to catch the breeze. However, we have caught something much more delightful. Our evening view is amazing! And it changes everyday! Just look at that sunset! How can anyone see something so spectacular and doubt that there is a God?
Speaking of God, I hope I haven't let Him down too badly. I haven't been to church in almost a year. I miss the fellowship, for sure. But I feel that I am still growing in Him. I still share the gospel whenever I can. But I am completely burned out with the church building. And I recognize that this is a ME problem and that I will work through it and hopefully return to a church soon. I need it and my children need it. It's just been a hard year spiritually. Like I said, I've stopped at the rest area and just haven't made it back on to His path just yet.
I feel like there is just so much to catch up on. I don't even remember the last post I made. I guess I will have to go back and read my own blog in order to find out where I left off. Ha! I know it's been hard without my mama. There is a story there in itself about my mama, but she is definitely missed. There wasn't a day that passed that I didn't talk to her. I find myself picking up the phone to tell her what crazy thing is happening or to ask her how to cook something. But I just can't do that anymore. Besides losing Jesse, this has been the hardest thing to work through. Not much of a choice but to do it, eh?
I had to share with you one of my favorite pictures! We had our first ever family vacation this year and we took the entire family. I don't think I have ever been happier. But then again, who wouldn't be happy when they are smack dab in the middle of Disney?! I can't wait until we can go again! If I could figure out a way to live there, I would probably do it. I'm sure the magic would disappear then.
My Daddy got married again this year. I never thought that I would have a stepmom. But Mrs. Juanita is great. And the main thing is that she makes my Daddy happy. I know how hard it was on him right after my mama died. The house was lonely and quiet. HE was lonely. But now he is being well taken care of and loved. You would never know that he is an 83 year old! I hope that I can hold up that well! I get to go see them about every week. I enjoy it. It's not the same as going home, though. But that's okay. I love them both and am very happy for them.
I have something good to report today! Three months ago today, I smoked my last REAL cigarette. WOO HOO! I bought the electronic ones and I've just about weened off of those, as well. This is a major accomplishment for me. I smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day for 29 years. So...wow. Hopefully, my lungs will forgive me and continue to function a little better each day. I can already tell a difference. I can certainly smell it a mile away. Yuck.
I'll write again soon! In the meantime, have an awesome day! SMILE!
