It's a simple question. Where's your heart tonight? What's consuming you? What are you dwelling on?
For me it's an easy answer. I'm beyond nervous about my new job. I only have 2 days left at my current job before starting my new job in the city. The nerves started setting in this past Monday and have been pretty constant. My head is swimming with worries, doubts, fears, insecurity. What if I show up and have absolutely no idea how to do anything? What if I don't connect with anyone? What if I don't like it? What if I've made a mistake leaving my current job?
I'm trying to keep my head focused but it's honestly been a challenge not to let the fears overwhelm me.
I'm not the type of person who gets nervous frequently but when I do...let's just say I'm a bit of a mess. I like to be in control and I like to know exactly how to do whatever task I'm suppose to do. And when I feel like I may not know how to do everything perfectly that is expected of me I don't handle it well : ) According to my mother I have always been like this, so at least I'm consistent!
So for tonight this is what I am trying to focus on:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. " - Philippians 4:4-9
I love this verse because it's not just a suggestion or recommendation but it's a command "Do not be anxious about anything..." We are not to worry about what tomorrow may bring but have faith that God is sovereign and faithful to those who fear Him. He hears our prayers and is faithful to answer them. He is near to us and His peace will console our weak hearts. I have faith that the Lord has brought me to this new job according to His perfect will. & "...Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
I'm so thankful that we serve such a mighty and loving God, I'm so glad my life is about Him and not about me. So thankful for all His many blessings.
Love and miss you all!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Change in Perspective
I spent most of my day worrying about myself, my life, my job, my long commute (also yelling at other drivers who drove too slow for me)...everything had to do with me.
Then I came across this blog tonight and had a great change in perspective by the Lord.
How quickly my viewpoint changed. Please spend some time reading and praying for the people of Haiti tonight. I spent some time just looking through the pictures and praying for all the faces I saw. Pray specifically for my friend Katelyn's team that will be traveling to Haiti in the first part of November. Pray that God would use them in mighty ways, that they would share God's love and salvation to all those they encounter and that they would feel God's presence and spirit leading them each and every day. Please pray that MANY people would come to know our loving Father, that they may rest in his arms and feel the peace & comfort that is His love. Praying for you Kate, be safe and know we are praying for you!
http://beyondthismountain.blogspot.com/
Then I came across this blog tonight and had a great change in perspective by the Lord.
How quickly my viewpoint changed. Please spend some time reading and praying for the people of Haiti tonight. I spent some time just looking through the pictures and praying for all the faces I saw. Pray specifically for my friend Katelyn's team that will be traveling to Haiti in the first part of November. Pray that God would use them in mighty ways, that they would share God's love and salvation to all those they encounter and that they would feel God's presence and spirit leading them each and every day. Please pray that MANY people would come to know our loving Father, that they may rest in his arms and feel the peace & comfort that is His love. Praying for you Kate, be safe and know we are praying for you!
http://beyondthismountain.blogspot.com/
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
How is it already October?
I'm not sure where the time has gone but it is already mid-October and I can't remember the last time I updated our blog.
Here is a quick recap of what has been going on
1. On September 14th, my sweet Grandma Helen met Jesus. On August 22nd we discovered that she had an bleed in her brain, she immediately had surgery and made it through but never fully healed from the damage that had been done. My incredible mom, aunt, cousin and sister all stayed by her side day and night for the next weeks and tended to her every care. They showered her with love, grace and respect. They read scripture over her, sang hymns to her & my sister would wash her feet & rub them with lotion so she could be comfortable (can't help but think of when Jesus washed his disciples feet). It was amazing to hear how they would stay by her side, night and day and just love on her. It was extremely hard being far away & not being able to help take care of her but God provided supernatural strength and comfort to my family during this time. I know she felt their love and care during those final days. And ultimately I know that Lord welcomed her home, into a place where there are no tears, where there is joy that we can't imagine, and all the Heavenly Hosts are singing praises to the Him. I feel that this has been a season where the Lord is teaching me that all that is in this world is His. Through this season of loss I have felt the Lord pressing on my heart that even though we may lose people or things of this world, ultimately it doesn't matter - all that exists is His and this world is only a temporary stop before we spend eternity with our King. My aunt and mom asked that I read scripture at her service, they asked that I read Psalm 23 - The very next line after Psalm 23 is the first part of Psalm 24 and it reads "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains" - what peace this scripture delivers, knowing that it's all His, it's all in His hands - what a wonderful perspective this is. I miss her so much but am so excited about where she is. I'm not sad for her (a little sad for us who are here without her) but very excited for the day when I get to see her again!
Also, I have been slightly obsessed with the below lyrics & YouTube link from Hillsong United.
This song just explains the beauty and majesty that we get to look forward to!
You Hold Me Now
VERSE 1:
On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace
All my fears swept away
In the light of Your embrace
Where Your love is all I need
And forever I am free
PRE CHORUS 1:
Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence healed and whole
Let the songs of heaven
Rise to You alone
CHORUS:
No weeping no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now
You hold me now
VERSE 2:
In this life I will stand
Through my joy and my pain
Knowing there's a greater day
There's a hope that never fails
Where Your Name is lifted high
And forever praises rise
For the glory of Your Name
I'm believing for the day
PRE CHORUS 2:
Where the wars and violence cease
All creation lives in peace
Let the songs of heaven
Rise to You alone
BRIDGE:
For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your Namehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT2v0NodZRs
2. I.turned.25.
Still not sure how I feel about this number but celebrating sure was fun!
It's hard being away from family and friends on my birthday but Sean did a great job making me feel special! We saw the Lion King this past weekend and it was a wonderful date! Very grateful for the fun adventures we get to have right now! I forgot how much I loved that movie and all the songs from it!
3. Sean and his Mom ran the Chicago marathon!
Let me just tell you, these 2 have so much more dedication than I ever will! I am so proud of them both. It was a hot day for the Chicago marathon and they both finished with great times! Sean took a short trip to the medical tent afterwards due to some dehydration and muscle cramping but after some Gatorade he was released! That part I could have done without but I had Bill and Michele there to keep me company while we waited for our brave and fast runner! I even got to hang out with one of my favorite people that day! Mrs. Brooke Robinson was in town watching Finley run the marathon and we happened to stumble upon each other before the race started! We got to play all day together while the boys were running their hearts out! I love her so much! Not only is she a brilliant photographer but she is so stinkin' fun! Also, please note that my mother-in-law got 7th place out of her age group! 7th place!! She is AMAZING! I'm not even sure if I could walk a marathon and she took 7th place! So proud of her!
4. I.Got.A.New.Job.
Still feels weird to say this but I got a new job this past week.
I'm excited and scared all at the same time. It's in the city so I will now be taking the train to work and won't have to be driving my car 10+ hours a week. It's just so surreal to think that I am old enough to be working in the city of Chicago. I'm from a town where our highway was a two-lane road and now I'm working in a HUGE city. It's a great next step in my career, I've got a lot to learn and I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me at this new company. It's sad to leave my friends at my current job, my current boss is my best friend that I have here so it's definitely going to be hard leaving her. Last Monday I pulled her aside and said I needed to talk to her as a friend & that a new opportunity had come up for me and I didn't know what to do. After I explained the details to her she immediately and without hesitation said "You have to go, Mik", "you have to go" - I couldn't ask for a better boss or friend. Even though she knew she would be losing a worker, she put me and my career before herself. You just don't find people like that very often.
I'm sure that there are more updates but these are the big ones! I'll post pictures soon too!
Love and miss you all!
Here is a quick recap of what has been going on
1. On September 14th, my sweet Grandma Helen met Jesus. On August 22nd we discovered that she had an bleed in her brain, she immediately had surgery and made it through but never fully healed from the damage that had been done. My incredible mom, aunt, cousin and sister all stayed by her side day and night for the next weeks and tended to her every care. They showered her with love, grace and respect. They read scripture over her, sang hymns to her & my sister would wash her feet & rub them with lotion so she could be comfortable (can't help but think of when Jesus washed his disciples feet). It was amazing to hear how they would stay by her side, night and day and just love on her. It was extremely hard being far away & not being able to help take care of her but God provided supernatural strength and comfort to my family during this time. I know she felt their love and care during those final days. And ultimately I know that Lord welcomed her home, into a place where there are no tears, where there is joy that we can't imagine, and all the Heavenly Hosts are singing praises to the Him. I feel that this has been a season where the Lord is teaching me that all that is in this world is His. Through this season of loss I have felt the Lord pressing on my heart that even though we may lose people or things of this world, ultimately it doesn't matter - all that exists is His and this world is only a temporary stop before we spend eternity with our King. My aunt and mom asked that I read scripture at her service, they asked that I read Psalm 23 - The very next line after Psalm 23 is the first part of Psalm 24 and it reads "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains" - what peace this scripture delivers, knowing that it's all His, it's all in His hands - what a wonderful perspective this is. I miss her so much but am so excited about where she is. I'm not sad for her (a little sad for us who are here without her) but very excited for the day when I get to see her again!
Also, I have been slightly obsessed with the below lyrics & YouTube link from Hillsong United.
This song just explains the beauty and majesty that we get to look forward to!
You Hold Me Now
VERSE 1:
On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace
All my fears swept away
In the light of Your embrace
Where Your love is all I need
And forever I am free
PRE CHORUS 1:
Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence healed and whole
Let the songs of heaven
Rise to You alone
CHORUS:
No weeping no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now
You hold me now
VERSE 2:
In this life I will stand
Through my joy and my pain
Knowing there's a greater day
There's a hope that never fails
Where Your Name is lifted high
And forever praises rise
For the glory of Your Name
I'm believing for the day
PRE CHORUS 2:
Where the wars and violence cease
All creation lives in peace
Let the songs of heaven
Rise to You alone
BRIDGE:
For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your Namehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT2v0NodZRs
2. I.turned.25.
Still not sure how I feel about this number but celebrating sure was fun!
It's hard being away from family and friends on my birthday but Sean did a great job making me feel special! We saw the Lion King this past weekend and it was a wonderful date! Very grateful for the fun adventures we get to have right now! I forgot how much I loved that movie and all the songs from it!
3. Sean and his Mom ran the Chicago marathon!
Let me just tell you, these 2 have so much more dedication than I ever will! I am so proud of them both. It was a hot day for the Chicago marathon and they both finished with great times! Sean took a short trip to the medical tent afterwards due to some dehydration and muscle cramping but after some Gatorade he was released! That part I could have done without but I had Bill and Michele there to keep me company while we waited for our brave and fast runner! I even got to hang out with one of my favorite people that day! Mrs. Brooke Robinson was in town watching Finley run the marathon and we happened to stumble upon each other before the race started! We got to play all day together while the boys were running their hearts out! I love her so much! Not only is she a brilliant photographer but she is so stinkin' fun! Also, please note that my mother-in-law got 7th place out of her age group! 7th place!! She is AMAZING! I'm not even sure if I could walk a marathon and she took 7th place! So proud of her!
4. I.Got.A.New.Job.
Still feels weird to say this but I got a new job this past week.
I'm excited and scared all at the same time. It's in the city so I will now be taking the train to work and won't have to be driving my car 10+ hours a week. It's just so surreal to think that I am old enough to be working in the city of Chicago. I'm from a town where our highway was a two-lane road and now I'm working in a HUGE city. It's a great next step in my career, I've got a lot to learn and I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me at this new company. It's sad to leave my friends at my current job, my current boss is my best friend that I have here so it's definitely going to be hard leaving her. Last Monday I pulled her aside and said I needed to talk to her as a friend & that a new opportunity had come up for me and I didn't know what to do. After I explained the details to her she immediately and without hesitation said "You have to go, Mik", "you have to go" - I couldn't ask for a better boss or friend. Even though she knew she would be losing a worker, she put me and my career before herself. You just don't find people like that very often.
I'm sure that there are more updates but these are the big ones! I'll post pictures soon too!
Love and miss you all!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Heroes
I have lots of heroes in my life but I thought I would highlight one of them tonight...this young woman just leaves me speechless. I hope you enjoy her blog and come away changed
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
This is What a Blessing Looks Like
Hi Friends!
Well I just realized it's been 2 months since my last post, not a great record but things have been crazy!
I will post more of an update later but below are a pics of our new place.
The Lord definitely had his hand in bringing us this new home. There is no other word to describe it other than blessing. We now have a very warm & cozy home - hope you enjoy the pictures!
Guest Bedroom
Master Bedroom
.JPG)
Living Room
Kitchen
Living Room
Bathroom - which I am in LOVE with!
Well I just realized it's been 2 months since my last post, not a great record but things have been crazy!
I will post more of an update later but below are a pics of our new place.
The Lord definitely had his hand in bringing us this new home. There is no other word to describe it other than blessing. We now have a very warm & cozy home - hope you enjoy the pictures!
Guest Bedroom
Master Bedroom
.JPG)
Living Room
Kitchen
Living Room
Bathroom - which I am in LOVE with!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Sunday Recap
Cute Husband
Navy Pier
Bike path that runs along the entire shore, we are planning to bike this soon!
Great views!
Beautiful city!
Recap of Last Weekend!
Start at the bottom and work your way up...Sean competed in the Warrior Dash and I tagged along to take pictures! Let's just say it was hilarious! I am even thinking about participating next year...but we will see...that is a lot of mud!
This is the warrior helmet you get after you complete the race!
I took this for Kate - Harry Potter was at the race too!
Once you completed the race you got a beer and a chicken leg...classy
These guys were just funny!
Shrek and Fiona were at the race too!
This is as close as I got!
Look real close for the guy in a green one-piece!
Best part of Warrior Dash is that people dress up in costumes!
Who wants a hug?
Covered in mud
A little muddy
This is my husband after the race!
Go Sean Go!
Sean finished earlier and I wasn't ready for him so the pics are all far away
Hanging out before the race
A band played as all the runners competed
This is what we walked into....Sean was very proud of me that I didn't leave!
All checked in and ready to go!
Shoe donations from the DeWitts
This is the warrior helmet you get after you complete the race!
I took this for Kate - Harry Potter was at the race too!
Once you completed the race you got a beer and a chicken leg...classy
These guys were just funny!
Shrek and Fiona were at the race too!
This is as close as I got!
Look real close for the guy in a green one-piece!
Best part of Warrior Dash is that people dress up in costumes!
Who wants a hug?
Covered in mud
A little muddy
This is my husband after the race!
Go Sean Go!
Sean finished earlier and I wasn't ready for him so the pics are all far away
Hanging out before the race
A band played as all the runners competed
This is what we walked into....Sean was very proud of me that I didn't leave!
All checked in and ready to go!
Shoe donations from the DeWitts
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
While Driving Home Today
Hi Friends!
I was driving home tonight from work, a little later than usual so traffic wasn't too bad, and as I got on the straight stretch of 294 I looked to my left and saw the skyline of Chicago! It was so crazy to see the city in such a short distance away - I always think of the city as being so far away - we can feel so secluded in the burbs with our cute little houses and parks. I know I have times that I become very homesick and miss everyone but it really is such a gift from God that Sean and I are getting to experience so many wonderful things in the first few years of our marriage. Seeing the skyline tonight really made me want to make sure that Sean and I take advantage of this time in our lives and where God has put us. New personal goal - get to the city more often and not just Michigan avenue : ) I hope that we get to go exploring in the city soon! If you have any good suggestions of where we should go or what we should do let me know!
Miss and Love you all!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Nesting
Hi Friends,
I wanted to give one of my best friends a plug for her new business adventure!
Jennifer L. Walker is one of the most incredible people I've ever known, she is a loving teacher, wonderful friend, she is extremely intelligent, and now she is a small business owner!
Be sure to check out http://www.nestingnwa.blogspot.com for the cutest things you'll ever see!
So proud of Jennifer and I know her business will be a huge success!
Let her know what you think!
Love and Miss you all!
I wanted to give one of my best friends a plug for her new business adventure!
Jennifer L. Walker is one of the most incredible people I've ever known, she is a loving teacher, wonderful friend, she is extremely intelligent, and now she is a small business owner!
Be sure to check out http://www.nestingnwa.blogspot.com for the cutest things you'll ever see!
So proud of Jennifer and I know her business will be a huge success!
Let her know what you think!
Love and Miss you all!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Where We've Been
Hi Friends,
Well it's been too long since I've posted but life has been crazy!
I just looked and my last post was in March! Yikes!
Here is a short recap of where we have been!
April - Sean finished his first year of grad school!
There was lots of studying towards the end of the semester and I am so happy that he is done.
It's nice to have my husband back!
Bill & Nicole made the trip over for Easter and we had a great weekend with them!
Sean and Bill made a delicious pot roast for Easter Dinner.
Last day of school!
This is what a grad students desk looks like during finals!
Happy Easter!
Dinner at La Sorella
Yummy Pot Roast!
May - My sweet Grandpa Ted B. Michie passed away in May. We went home to celebrate his life and got to spend time with my extended family. It was a difficult time but we also celebrate knowing that he is restored in Heaven with the Father.
While we were in Tulsa we grabbed lunch with Kate and her boys - it wasn't long enough but it was great to see them for just a bit!
While home we also got to see our friends. We miss our friends a lot and it never feels like we get to spend enough time with them. We spent a wonderful evening at La Huerta filling up on some much needed mexican food!
Our trip home was too short but it was great to be in NWA for a few days!
We also went to Cleveland for Memorial weekend to be with Sean's family. We had an amazing cookout and I had the best pedicure of my life with Nicole! It was great to spend time with them and the extended weekend was a great treat!
Here is a picture of Sean and I with my Grandparents at Christmas '09
Sean & his nephews
My Lily Pad
Lily in the car on the way to Tulsa
Yummy Food!
Two Peas in a Pod!
Sean & his Sweet Mom
Michele, Sean & Nicole
Relaxing on the porch!
June -
June has consisted of working, working & working. We have been short staffed at work and there has been a lot of 10, 11, 12 hour days. Also the city of Chicago thinks that it is a smart idea to start construction on every major highway during the summer time, which has resulted in some long days : ) I'm hoping things slow down at work soon so Sean and I can enjoy the summer!
Sean celebrated his 26th birthday on June 10th and his mom celebrated her birthday on June 12th. Michele and Bill came over for the weekend so we could celebrate together. We had a wonderful time, great food, and laughed a lot. Sean and his mom went for a run on her birthday - they are getting ready for the Chicago marathon & they are both going to do great!
Michele made her famous chocolate cake & we got to do a little shopping!
I am also excited to announce that today ended our apartment search. Sean and I have been looking for a new apartment to live in for almost a year : ) We've probably been to 15 different apartment complexes & have kept our friend Katie, who has a full time job and does Real estate on the side, extremely busy. Katie and her husband Dan are a part of our small group and have been helping us look for a new place to live. They are a wonderful couple and not only have they spent a great amount of time with us, they have also been in prayer for us which is a true gift. Katie found us an incredible place this past week and we finalized everything today.
I can't wait to post pictures of our new place once we are in - should be mid August so stay tuned!
Though this process has been exhausting and long, it's been a great time for Sean and I to rely on the Lord, we have tried to seek his will and guidance thru this process and I feel we have learned a great deal. I hope we are always seeking God's will no matter what we are doing or where we are.
Sean & I at the Wheaton Carnival
Funnel Cake is a must at carnivals!
Happy Birthday Sean & Michele!
Lots of Cards for the birthday boy!
Famous chocolate cake
You gotta have birthday plates when you have birthday cake!
So this is where the DeWitts have been this summer, I'll try to post more next weekend after Sean's competes in the "Warrior Dash" - let's just say this is a 3.5 mile run with obstacles (and these obstacles consist of fire, cars, mud, barbwire, etc.) Should be interesting!
Love and miss you friends!
Well it's been too long since I've posted but life has been crazy!
I just looked and my last post was in March! Yikes!
Here is a short recap of where we have been!
April - Sean finished his first year of grad school!
There was lots of studying towards the end of the semester and I am so happy that he is done.
It's nice to have my husband back!
Bill & Nicole made the trip over for Easter and we had a great weekend with them!
Sean and Bill made a delicious pot roast for Easter Dinner.
Last day of school!
This is what a grad students desk looks like during finals!
Happy Easter!
Dinner at La Sorella
Yummy Pot Roast!
May - My sweet Grandpa Ted B. Michie passed away in May. We went home to celebrate his life and got to spend time with my extended family. It was a difficult time but we also celebrate knowing that he is restored in Heaven with the Father.
While we were in Tulsa we grabbed lunch with Kate and her boys - it wasn't long enough but it was great to see them for just a bit!
While home we also got to see our friends. We miss our friends a lot and it never feels like we get to spend enough time with them. We spent a wonderful evening at La Huerta filling up on some much needed mexican food!
Our trip home was too short but it was great to be in NWA for a few days!
We also went to Cleveland for Memorial weekend to be with Sean's family. We had an amazing cookout and I had the best pedicure of my life with Nicole! It was great to spend time with them and the extended weekend was a great treat!
Here is a picture of Sean and I with my Grandparents at Christmas '09
Sean & his nephews
My Lily Pad
Lily in the car on the way to Tulsa
Yummy Food!
Two Peas in a Pod!
Sean & his Sweet Mom
Michele, Sean & Nicole
Relaxing on the porch!
June -
June has consisted of working, working & working. We have been short staffed at work and there has been a lot of 10, 11, 12 hour days. Also the city of Chicago thinks that it is a smart idea to start construction on every major highway during the summer time, which has resulted in some long days : ) I'm hoping things slow down at work soon so Sean and I can enjoy the summer!
Sean celebrated his 26th birthday on June 10th and his mom celebrated her birthday on June 12th. Michele and Bill came over for the weekend so we could celebrate together. We had a wonderful time, great food, and laughed a lot. Sean and his mom went for a run on her birthday - they are getting ready for the Chicago marathon & they are both going to do great!
Michele made her famous chocolate cake & we got to do a little shopping!
I am also excited to announce that today ended our apartment search. Sean and I have been looking for a new apartment to live in for almost a year : ) We've probably been to 15 different apartment complexes & have kept our friend Katie, who has a full time job and does Real estate on the side, extremely busy. Katie and her husband Dan are a part of our small group and have been helping us look for a new place to live. They are a wonderful couple and not only have they spent a great amount of time with us, they have also been in prayer for us which is a true gift. Katie found us an incredible place this past week and we finalized everything today.
I can't wait to post pictures of our new place once we are in - should be mid August so stay tuned!
Though this process has been exhausting and long, it's been a great time for Sean and I to rely on the Lord, we have tried to seek his will and guidance thru this process and I feel we have learned a great deal. I hope we are always seeking God's will no matter what we are doing or where we are.
Sean & I at the Wheaton Carnival
Funnel Cake is a must at carnivals!
Happy Birthday Sean & Michele!
Lots of Cards for the birthday boy!
Famous chocolate cake
You gotta have birthday plates when you have birthday cake!
So this is where the DeWitts have been this summer, I'll try to post more next weekend after Sean's competes in the "Warrior Dash" - let's just say this is a 3.5 mile run with obstacles (and these obstacles consist of fire, cars, mud, barbwire, etc.) Should be interesting!
Love and miss you friends!
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