Full of Light and Life.

So, it has been over one full week since we arrived back home and we have been running to keep up. When i am obedient to the call of God upon my life, things happen. I am aligned with a greater vision......... and exciting stuff ensues:)

I think the last of our boxes are now unpacked, and our house does not look like a tornado hit it. Anything that does not have a spot is now in my BR, of course:/ Jordan's small BR is prepped for paint, while he lives out of our Family Room. He's used to living out of suitcases so no big deal!

I spent the first day in over two years really cleaning my own house and I loved it:) Having a home, we have been reminded, is such a blessing. It's always been important to me to care for whatever space we lived in, but is even more special.........

As I wiped, cleaned, dusted, and rinsed, I thought of this spring season we have entered. Even when it appears nothing has changed, or only a tiny piece of life is sprouting through there is hope. With the Easter holiday upon us, even more so. We have entered a new season........

Reflecting upon holiday coming, I have determined that if in any area of my life I have "one foot in the grave", it is time I pull it out. If I am not feeling alive, challenged, and hopeful, then I am going to make a change. Change is necessary to precipitate opportunity! Stay the same, be stale.

Austin landed a job with a Red Robin in our locale which we are so glad to hear; he begins next week! The ball is rolling with his transfer to Kutztown University for the Fall as well. Chynna paid a visit to the NEQ in Philadelphia today, to network with other volleyball coaches and clubs.

My other two boys handled rental maintenance work for me and enjoyed a calzone from Fiore's for lunch, and met up with friends while at Weaver's Hardware nearby:) Having been away from our home territory has created a greater appreciation for those of us who spent time in SoCal:)

I am so thankful for the teamwork we have demonstrated in the family business in one week. We are taking back the territory and cleaning house as necessary. Filled my empty rental with new tenants for the next month, with a lot of hard work in a week, and long days. We are tired..... but determined. Please continue to pray for us......

Although we don't know how long this "new season" will last, we do know we are in the right place, at the right time. My kids have demonstrated faithfulness beyond belief, challenging any illusion of fear created. I am a proud mom.

I have a new attitude, full of light, life, and love to share! 
Join me on the journey!

Tornado alley.

Keeping my perspective in a world that seems to be spinning around me has required more discipline than I could imagine. I have been in a "boot camp" for mental toughness in the last 18 months, to be quite honest with you. I have come to learn the importance of this element to faith........

When taken or removed out of an impending, disastrous situation in the wicked city of Sodom and Gomorrah, initially Lot and his wife and family did not want to leave. They were hesitant to move out of their territory and into the unknown, even when they had been warned. They literally were pulled away.

Even though life had gotten so bad and the situation around them was deteriorating, they refused to see it. They chose to see with their own perspective, rather than that of a Higher Power. I have learned to always seek out what my Father in heaven has to say and see about a situation.because He has the potential to lift my vision to a higher place....

I could see where our situation was at; we could feel the unsustainability of the lifestyle we had become familiar with. In a sense, we were pulled out as well....... and back to our home. There is a sense of starting over, but that is what life has become about. New beginnings.... as often as is necessary.

I'm doing showings weeknights in hopes of finding a tenant very quickly for my rental home in the woods. I need to settle a few things and feel settled again as we take back our territories. Thankfully, the kids are able to give quite a bit of help right now and so we are pulling together.........

It looks like a tornado has swept through my home and does look as if we've just moved in, ha ha. Working to maintain my sense of humor through all of this grin emoticon 
Spackling and painting has begun on our smallest BR which Jordan will occupy before he moves his things in. We figure what's one more room to have to do, after tackling the rentals smile emoticon It will get done. There is a list of things I need, I want, and I will need to get, but stuff will have to wait.

It beats living in a 1-2 BR apartment.

Perspective. Hold it. Balance it. Pursuit it.

Accomplished and Adventurous.

Today was a good day with a familiar feel. Familiarity is okay unless I become too "comfortable" and my curiosity diminishes. I'm sure you know by now that is not the case for me grin emoticon

Since our return there is lots of activity, seen and unseen, set in motion. I get things moving. The time spent in SoCal socially starved me for a long season and the kids can identify as well. My curiosity of the culture kept me persevering and cultivating relationships however, because I never give up.

I found that planning lunch dates, coffee shop, computer work, walking on the beach and the whole "scene" is a bit too boring for me. I like to get my hands around something, as well as my brain, and get to work. Being idle is not inspiring.........

After getting great information Tuesday from the DMV in Harrisburg, PA, Logan and I headed to the local office to apply to renew his Pennsylvania driver's permit! Even though he's had a permit out west, nothing showed up in the system. PA however, remembered him and he was granted a renewal after almost 2 years! This means within a short amount of time, he can be a licensed driver:)

He has sacrificed this part of his life to head to SoCal. Little did we know the complicated process and expensive one to apply for a license there. Hindsight often reveals those details. 
I was also more than thrilled to be dealing with common sense people, who gave me accurate information and were on my side. I received HELP rather than hassles, as I have for almost two years. The east has so much going for us............. and I will continue to speak that truth:)

Following picking up his permit, we set foot in our local Home Depot to make a big purchase of flooring for a rental coming open. The tasks that were so tedious with my late husband I am now overseeing..... and I actually felt......... accomplished.

In the morning I spent over 3 hours working on my own at the rental home, cleaning and scrubbing, and doing the things that have made me........ me. 
All the years of doing the same thing, the right thing, faithfully and together, allow me to go it on my own and know what we need. My help remains in place but I am able to fully engage again.........

It took me leaving the familiar to find myself..... and my youngest has too.

Darkness. Light. Decisions.

Since the beginning of November and the time change, it seems the "darkness" has come so much earlier than I'm ready for. It is dark in California by 4:44 PST and the effects on the body, mind, and spirit are similar to elsewhere in the country, where the weather is colder.

I naively thought there was sun, and "light", and good will that was lasting and year round. Probably a silly thought I know:) But that's kind of been my approach throughout life............. looking for the best in the worst of situations, and believing it will prevail.

When I first met John Hayes it was through texting, lol and an online professional connection. That was 18 months ago, and within a few weeks of meeting, I told him "my kids want to move to California." Without hesitancy, he was supportive. I knew he would help me get where I needed to go....... for this time.

In this process of repurposing my life, I have found very few that would stick as close to me as he has. He is a bright spot in the darkness that often surrounds; he always helps me find a way of escape when needed. Many more plans will be put into place in the coming months......... to move us where we want to be.

Our hot water heater was replaced today, and it's quite different being on the opposite side of a rental property. I can't say I like it......... but it does continue to affirm the quality, care, and importance we have placed on the property we own and personal interaction I provide to tenants.

As I fill the few places that have been empty, I am learning a lot about the business world. Doug and I agreed on many things, and disagreed as well. I realize the time change that has taken place and how very thankful I am for the quality work he has done, and how he prepared for our future.

Decisions are often difficult ones to make, no matter the scale or scope. Practically speaking, it's taken time for some fears to subside, allowing John in closer. Getting close to someone again is a risk I am willing to take, but that's taken time.........

The precious will not be found in the profane...... but in the peace you find.

Goodnight and Love.

Teach me how to pray.

I find myself, on this Monday, asking the One in heaven in whom I trust, just "how to pray." I am a person who believes the best in people of all kinds, and sees the potential in any type of person. However, after being immersed in a culture so contrary to anything good I have ever known, I am asking for heavenly wisdom............. I believe for the best, yet see much of the worst.

When this happens in life, how I choose to handle it, reveals my character, and what is deep down inside my core. Perhaps some say"change your attitude" or it's a "matter of perspective" but I have found there may be a purpose for me to be in the middle of this mayhem...... so I can see what God sees.......... is there redemption I ask ............

Chynna's fever was gone for most of the day, until late afternoon. I'm trusting she will turn around quickly and be able to pursue her activities asap. The realities of paychecks or the lack thereof hit home, in order to make her budget work. I have been busy since leaving my job.........

After having 3 rental homes vacated within a few weeks of each other, I have been able to find tenants for each, with more calls, texts, and emails to return. Thankfully, the demand continues and my support back home from John Hayes and the Godshalls enables me to be here for now........

I'd like to say I have little to no stress with it all, but that's not really true depending on how others try to treat me. I have had hassles since Doug's death, no doubt about it:/ Whether it is here or there, I have chosen not to compromise my heart. "I die daily." 
Connections may get you places; status is sought after in SoCal, but we remain committed.......... to people and hearing His will.

We came here, hoping and wanting to make a difference; I know that is happening...... in the realm we cannot see. In life as we know it everyday, I'm not so sure....... when I know someone is hurting or needs help, I reach out; however, it's as if there is a cavalier attitude I am not acquainted with.......... there's little to no depth to deal with difficulties. I still don't know what to do with this fact, or how to react, 14 months after moving..... it is insanity.

Tonight Logan returns to the court and practice with MB Surf. I will be watching...... and learning. Courage. Strength. Heart. Soul.

"The soul absorbs trauma, but the spirit is able to ascend it." my quote. 
Let's keep rising.