Sunday was a day of farewells. They are never easy for in every chapter the Lord has brought precious people into our life with whom we wish to never part. But alas God's plan is always best and today we start chapter four.
This past summer we have tried to visit each of our kids. The first part of July we were with Brad and Melissa and the kids. What fun! As usual Brad had a project for Rich but this time he was on vacation so together they were able to get a lot done with time for fun too.
The kids had fun too. Riley and Naomi thought it great fun to sleep in our room and when we told them we had to leave Naomi. Said "but I will be lonely." I m looking forward to being close enough to making that loneliness disappear.
The end of July was spent in NC with Jason Sara and Maggie. Once again Rich and Jason spent time on projects and of course we still had time for ice cream. Maggie knows every landmark and made sure we got to the ice cream store.
Now as we begin our first leg of our new life we are headed up to Halifax. Papa plans to build a tree house for the boys and I'm sure Breannea will want in on the action.
Now at the end of these last few month of indecision we are finally at peace with God's plan for our future. It's like a burden has been lifted and we are ready to fly ahead. Today we are praising the Lord for his goodness and for his continual care.
Where ever you are in your life's journey I trust you will revel on His goodness as well. I know that that is easier said than done and I struggle as much as anyone with that concept but the truth is we need to be like a palm tree. We bend with the wind but our roots are strong and when the storm clears we spring right back.
Let's continue down the path God has chosen praying for each other as we stand rooted and grounded in HIM!
Our choices are seldom simple or straightforward; right or wrong; yes or no. They are more often complex and conflictive and intertwined with the decisions made by others. (Quote from the book: If I Had It To Do It Over, I Would Pick More Daisies)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Faviorite Movie
Do you remember the old 70's TV series "Remington Steel?" He was always quoting a movie clip or using a movie scene to fit the current situation. Interestingly enough, that's how I watch movies too. I'm always trying to listen to the details and apply it.
So what are my favorite movies and why? Well the all time top of the list is "What About Bob?" If you really want to get to know us, watch this movie. It has become so much a part of our conversation that if you haven't seen it, you won't catch what we are saying. Another movie that I like is "Regarding Henry." Its a story about new beginnings; how a random situation can change your whole focus on life. In "Sabrina" Harrison Ford changes from a logical, calculating man to a man willing to give it all up for love. In fact, I love all Harrison Ford movies, including Indiana Jones movies.
Together we love the classics of Agatha Christi's Poirot and Miss Marple. They are both great at solving crimes through observing details of human behavior.
Newer movies I've seen and love are: Julie and Julia and Letters to Juliet.
In reality, this all means nothing, and yet remember the line in "A Mirror with Two Faces?" when Barbara Striesand says "I'd love it if someone knew me, really knew me; what I like, what I'm afraid of, what kind of toothpaste I use. I think that would really be wonderful."
We all crave a relationship where someone really know us and loves us anyway. It's so refreshing to me to know that the God of this universe does just that. In fact, Jeremiah tells us that he knew us before we were even conceived in our mothers womb. And in Romans it tells us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
I'm so thankful I don't have to do any thing or be anything for God to love me. When I feel the expectations of others squeezing me into their box, I take comfort in the fact the Jesus Loves Me!
So what are my favorite movies and why? Well the all time top of the list is "What About Bob?" If you really want to get to know us, watch this movie. It has become so much a part of our conversation that if you haven't seen it, you won't catch what we are saying. Another movie that I like is "Regarding Henry." Its a story about new beginnings; how a random situation can change your whole focus on life. In "Sabrina" Harrison Ford changes from a logical, calculating man to a man willing to give it all up for love. In fact, I love all Harrison Ford movies, including Indiana Jones movies.
Together we love the classics of Agatha Christi's Poirot and Miss Marple. They are both great at solving crimes through observing details of human behavior.
Newer movies I've seen and love are: Julie and Julia and Letters to Juliet.
In reality, this all means nothing, and yet remember the line in "A Mirror with Two Faces?" when Barbara Striesand says "I'd love it if someone knew me, really knew me; what I like, what I'm afraid of, what kind of toothpaste I use. I think that would really be wonderful."
We all crave a relationship where someone really know us and loves us anyway. It's so refreshing to me to know that the God of this universe does just that. In fact, Jeremiah tells us that he knew us before we were even conceived in our mothers womb. And in Romans it tells us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
I'm so thankful I don't have to do any thing or be anything for God to love me. When I feel the expectations of others squeezing me into their box, I take comfort in the fact the Jesus Loves Me!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Interests
Since this is a "Get to Know Me" blog, I thought I'd take each of the profile categories and write a short note about them. So here goes. . . Interests!
After traveling as an adult through the 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's, it's hard to describe my interests. Although those interests played a big part in "Who am I?," they are truly a part of my past, not my present or future. The truth is, my basic interest in business and organizational management is the one interest that has a common thread through it all. I once had a dream that I started a business called S.O.S. (Ship-Shape Organizational Services). Maybe someday that dream will come true.
Another interest that I have had throughout the years is technology. One of my first jobs was at an office supply store. One of the perks was that I was able to experiment with the new equipment that came in stock. I thoroughly enjoyed going from manuel typewriters to electric typewriters, to computerized typewriters and then to computers. Ever since I have been obsessed with new technology. Now, at my stage of life, I feel this interest has enabled me to connect with the younger age group as technology is such a big part of their life.
Finally, here are some short bullets that describe our life:
After traveling as an adult through the 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's, it's hard to describe my interests. Although those interests played a big part in "Who am I?," they are truly a part of my past, not my present or future. The truth is, my basic interest in business and organizational management is the one interest that has a common thread through it all. I once had a dream that I started a business called S.O.S. (Ship-Shape Organizational Services). Maybe someday that dream will come true.
Another interest that I have had throughout the years is technology. One of my first jobs was at an office supply store. One of the perks was that I was able to experiment with the new equipment that came in stock. I thoroughly enjoyed going from manuel typewriters to electric typewriters, to computerized typewriters and then to computers. Ever since I have been obsessed with new technology. Now, at my stage of life, I feel this interest has enabled me to connect with the younger age group as technology is such a big part of their life.
Finally, here are some short bullets that describe our life:
- We are minimalists: you won't see our home cluttered with a lot of things.
- "This is our life" memento's will consist of people not accomplishments or things
- We love to travel and experience new things. You can keep track of our travels through www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/1phydeau/
- I like shoes and purses
- I believe traditions and rules are the cornerstone for living outside the box
- My favorite phrase is "What do you think about . . . " and "change is good"
Friday, August 6, 2010
Ready - Set - GO!
On our wedding invitations, 37 years ago, it said: Today is the first day of the rest of your life. That is a good way to describe my life. I have had many first days and we are now about to embark on another "first day."
There have been a lot of factors that have lead us to this day, but needless to say, first days are always filled with excitement and fear. Now at age 56, I still feel this excitement and fear as we venture into our new life in New Jersey.
But before I get started I would like to reminisce. I'll try not to get too nostalgic, but our past has so much to do with who we are today that I think it will help us all get a real glimpse of "Who am I?"
Rich and I both grew up in homes that taught us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind. That had great impact in our life as young adults as we sensed the Lord was leading us into full time christian service. Whenever an opportunity came to serve the Lord, we always said "I'll go!" "We'll do it!" I always thought we would end up on the mission field, but Rich always wanted to preach in the local church so that is where we have served for all these years.
Our first church consisted of about 40 people. We had to work hard at evangelism just to survive. The Lord was gracious and added many to His kingdom during our 8 years there. As we moved on to our second church, our role began to change and yet it always is the same, i.e. sharing Christ with those God has put into our path. And once again God added to His kingdom during our 8 years there. It was during these years that our children grew up and moved into their own worlds. Chapter Three brought new challenges but once again, God added to His kingdom. I don't want to start naming names, but we are still in touch with many who hold a special place in our heart.
Now as we leave behind all those that God allowed us to influence for his kingdom, I wonder, "who is that next neighbor, acquaintance, friend that God wants me to influence for eternity?" As you travel this road with me, I trust you continue to pray, as Jesus taught His disciples:
Our Father Who Art in Heaven
Hallowed be Your Name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our debts
As we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For Yours is the Kingdom
And the Glory and the Honor
Forever!!!
Amen
There have been a lot of factors that have lead us to this day, but needless to say, first days are always filled with excitement and fear. Now at age 56, I still feel this excitement and fear as we venture into our new life in New Jersey.
But before I get started I would like to reminisce. I'll try not to get too nostalgic, but our past has so much to do with who we are today that I think it will help us all get a real glimpse of "Who am I?"
Rich and I both grew up in homes that taught us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind. That had great impact in our life as young adults as we sensed the Lord was leading us into full time christian service. Whenever an opportunity came to serve the Lord, we always said "I'll go!" "We'll do it!" I always thought we would end up on the mission field, but Rich always wanted to preach in the local church so that is where we have served for all these years.
Our first church consisted of about 40 people. We had to work hard at evangelism just to survive. The Lord was gracious and added many to His kingdom during our 8 years there. As we moved on to our second church, our role began to change and yet it always is the same, i.e. sharing Christ with those God has put into our path. And once again God added to His kingdom during our 8 years there. It was during these years that our children grew up and moved into their own worlds. Chapter Three brought new challenges but once again, God added to His kingdom. I don't want to start naming names, but we are still in touch with many who hold a special place in our heart.
Now as we leave behind all those that God allowed us to influence for his kingdom, I wonder, "who is that next neighbor, acquaintance, friend that God wants me to influence for eternity?" As you travel this road with me, I trust you continue to pray, as Jesus taught His disciples:
Our Father Who Art in Heaven
Hallowed be Your Name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our debts
As we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For Yours is the Kingdom
And the Glory and the Honor
Forever!!!
Amen