I'm a bit overwhelmed at the thought of recapping my entire week in this one entry, so I won't.   Highlights worth mentioning?  Sure!!

Ok, first off...the "housewarming" party I've been alluding to these past two months????  All just a ruse to have a surprise 50th birthday party for my twin siblings!!  Ha!  David and Diana....GOTCHA!  Hook, line & sinker, baby!!  We did, however, work like dogs on the house to get it ready for said event!  And though the house isn't finished (is a house ever  finished?), it is certainly livable and I am unashamed to have company!  lol  (For those of you who've asked about pictures, they are forthcoming!!  Thanks for asking!)

Other highlights of my week?  Brunch with a dear friend, Kindergarten orientation for Samuel (a little boring, but it was exciting for Sam), and ... and this was the best part of my week ... James Taylor concert Thursday night at the State Fair with a very special friend of mine.  What a voice on that man!  Flawless in concert!  He's always been one of my favs!  sigh...  Just a great night!  Stopped in to a local diner for a bite to eat, talked for a few hours, then the night was over.  Why is it the most fun and enjoyable times seem to be over in a blink?  And how come you can't seem to remember much of it later?  Is it because every moment is a delight, therefore, you simply pick and choose the very best to remember??  Is it because my little brain can't cram it all in permanently??  LOL  Whatever... all I know is that when I'm blessed to have moments of joy in the midst of commotion, I not only welcome them, but I do my best to seek them out.  Nothing worse than sitting around feeling sorry for yourself!

The other parts of my week were.....unwelcomed.  But ya know, I have learned to give attention to that which lightens and eases my load, not to the little annoyances that can defeat me if I allow them.  So, "I choose no", to quote a friend       to give more than a moment's thought to that which does not uplift me!  God will fill in the gaps...He has always, and is still, providing for my every need!

Oh, and one last thing.  Everyone at some point in time writes this in their online journal...

This is my journal.  My thoughts.  Yes, you are privy to reading it should you happen upon it, but make no mistake, I justify nothing.  If I am having a day of blessing, you have the privilege of sharing it with me...take from it what you can and praise the One who led you here!  Should I have a bewildering moment or two and you're concerned, sure...send me a word or two of encouragement!  If I want to punch out a few lines, instead of a few people, in order to organize and work through my thoughts (and we ALL have days like that), so be it.  Read it, understand it the best you know how, pray for me and move on.  There was a time (two years worth) when I encouraged the 100+ hits a day to my writings in order that I may be a bold encouragement to some searching people out there.  But as it took more time and attention (not to mention energy) away from my family, I refrained from visiting others' journals, unless they visited me.  Today, I choose to write for myself and visit a select few, usually as a silent guest.  All this to say, this is not an open forum to reprove what I've written or how I'm feeling.  All I ask is that you love me through it...or in spite of it...nothing more. 

That said, I am on my way to living the "beating heart" life for God that I have always desired to live.  He is with me every moment and I feel His presence more now than I have ever felt it.  He has drawn me closer through my present circumstances.  Moreover, I have been bold in speaking the truth to others in my life.  When He speaks to me, I don't just listen and nod my head in interest.  I pick myself up and boldly step forth to obey Him.  And make no mistake...He has blessed me beyond measure!!  No, my current situation isn't pleasant, but He has filled me with a trust in Him that goes far beyond reason.  And that is why I can smile, why I'm experiencing joy in the midst of turmoil, and why I can "laugh at the days to come"!!!