It seems like I haven’t posted in ages. There are all kinds of things happening in my life, but I’m less motivated than ever to share them via blog or phone call. I’m sorry to all of you who care about me and like to pray or call with encouragement. I’ve been “hermit-ing” (acting like a hermit) lately, so I’ve been hiding from the blog and phone.

Here’s the latest:

I had a second interview with Blue Cross and I got the job! I start tomorrow (yikes!) and so my WSU vacation is being stepped on a little :(

Nevertheless, I am thrilled that God totally provided for me once again! Why do I ever worry?

I had a hectic holiday season and for the first time ever didn’t even want Christmas to come until about 11pm on Christmas Eve! I am usually consumed with Christmas and start preparing, decorating and baking early. This year I was holding on for dear life as the holiday practically ran me over. I have made a mental note to not overwhelm myself next year with obligations like I did this year.

Andy is still looking for a different job. The Blake Company has been very good to him the past few years, but He’s on the lookout for a job that will allow us to start a family some day. He interviewed at Blue Cross, and we’re still waiting to hear back about that. It is an entry level position with a significant pay cut, so we are really praying hard about what to do. He would love to get back into full time ministry, so we’re asking God to open a door for him.

I think that’s about it for now.

Thanks for being patient with me not returning phone calls or keeping in touch very well.

In the past few days I have been overwhelmed with thankfulness for my family. I know we all appreciate our families to some extent, but there are those times that really make you so happy to be part of something as special as a family. Here are a few of the situations that have recently fanned the flame of my gratitude for family:

1. I was completely stressed out and overwhelmed about my duties at church and my upcoming job testing and interview at Blue Cross. My blood pressure was up and I was near the brink of tears after a stessful meeting. My sister in law Andi invited me over for dinner (bonus #1 I didn’t have to cook that night!) so that I could talk to Brad about the job (bonus #2 I could have a little more piece of mind about the whole thing) We agreed to meet at their house around 7, but I got there early and had to pee! I was sitting in my car waiting when I remembered that my aunt Kelly lives immediately around the block from Brad and Andi. I decided to dash over there to say hi and use the bathroom. I was able to take care of business and then chat with my uncle Lenny and Aunt Kelly for a little while. I was still really worked up, but just sitting with them and talking about it brought my stress level way down. We joked a little and just “shot the breeze” but knowing that I was welcome there anytime without any warning was so comforting. I got a couple of hugs and was on my way again much better off than I had been. The world doesn’t seem so big when you have a large family, who are open for emergency bathroom visits, living in your area!

2. I got an unexpected myspace message from Andi the night of my interview. It was about some church stuff, but she threw in that if it were up to her, I’d get the job. It made me smile.

3. Tonight I decided to do some spur of the moment Christmas shopping and decided rather impulsively to buy Andy’s gift. I had a few questions about it and decided to call my dad. We don’t talk on the phone much, but because of my recent job interview we have talked more regularly and he seemed like the perfect person to ask advice from, so I called. He answered right away and told me what I needed to know. It was a cool father-daughter warm, fuzzy moment. After I had my questions answered, I decided to take action without thinking through every step of the process. I got a little stuck and decided to call for help. Who were some of the first people I thought of?? Family! Jen and Dave weren’t too far away, so I called for help. David usually travels throughout the week, but happened to be home tonight and dropped everything to come help me. I have a VERY hard time asking for help, so I was overwhelmed by his willingness and enthusiasm to help me.

God definitely created us to be in relationship with other people, and I’m so blessed to have the family that I have!