Oh My Oh May

I have anticipated elements of this week between 3 weeks and 1 year.

I received news about being a semi-finalist for the Ford Family ReStart scholarship 3 weeks ago.

Spring term started 2 months ago.

The marching sabercats in the 80's band reunion date was set 4 months ago.

The art show at Ben's school was scheduled 1 year ago.

So, Tuesday, I drive to Eugene for the scholarship interview.

I attend class that night and Wednesday.

Lots of details for the art show will be attended to both days, as well.

Thursday I work (yes, my real job) and see the fruit of this year's art literacy program 

shared with the whole school and parents.

(SADLY, THIS IS THE ONLY ART INSTRUCTION THEY GET)

Friday I fly to Phoenix to reuinte with a bunch of other 40-somethings who connected during marching band in the 80's.

Yes, I am pacing myself.

Yes, I am delegating when and where possible

Yes, I am going to bed now.

heavy heart - secondary and terciary compassion fatigue

My friend's day care worker suffered the worse nightmare... a baby died of pneumonia - believed cause - while in her care

Another friend is a nanny for a family with twin 8 yr old girls and a 4 yr old son. One of the twins died to day from a 2 1/2 week illness - exact illness unknown at this time

A friend of mine is stuck in a rut and struggling with seeing the resources right in front of him to climb out

Another friend is coveting prayers for a co-worker and friend as her husband is in the hospital for chest pains

Had a run in with a bully this week (bully = someone so hurt and afraid they hurt and intimidate others)

Too many friends struggling with financial challenges

too many people living in fear, with out a sense of hope, and feeling alone

God, creator, savior... I can do nothing for these people but lift them up to you and trust in your ways. It will all make sense someday.

Until then, my heart will continue to break and be open to your love and guidance

What are the odds?

621 applicants 

96 called for interviews

45 awards to be given.

This is for the Ford ReStart scholarship. If I get it, I will be able to attend school full time in the fall. 

My interview is at 10:30am on the 26th of May.

Prayers greatly appreciated!

The waiting game

I have applied for a significant scholarship. If awarded, I go to school full time in the fall. If not, I go part time and find a full time job. The wait comes in that the interviews for the scholarships are occuring the week of May 26th (3 weeks later than last year). Final announcements are not made until mid- June. 

My job ends June 30th.

If I GET the scholarship, I have some part-time work available to me.

If I DON'T get it, I need to join the 1,000's of others looking for a job.

I struggle with wanting to put myself out there now and not knowing if I will be able to accept what is offered. One friend said, "If you can't do it, there are 12 others behind you who will try."

Prayers, please.

Prayers answered!!

Mark is home as of this afternoon! He is doing remarkable! Some weakness, but no paralaysis. Oh, and he is supposed to play video games as part of his therapy. HAH!

Our youth group had a "wesome" Mystery Retreat this weekend. Prayers for a great retreat were answered with lots of laughter, fun, fellowship, faith building, and friendship.

More prayers going up tonight for the Bennett family as they mourn the loss of their Uncle who died in a rafting accident today.

Prayers for Mark and his family's adjusting to life after brain surgery.

Prayers for word on my scholarship... the pivot point, determining factor for my future.

Prayer request sent... awaiting reply

Tonight our family joined about 75 other people in a prayer and healing service for Mark Barstow. His surgery is tomorrow, Thursday April 16th around 10am. After a few songs from the music team, which Mark used to lead and is now a member, Pastor Dan spoke about healing and grace.

He anointed Mark, then we all gathered around, laying hands on Mark and praying.

wow. WOW!

I would not be surprised if they get in their tomorrow and the mass has shrunk, or disappeared.

All is God's time.

What's inside??

A common question when holding a package, standing in front of a closet, or getting to know one another.

Easter is is full of opportunities to ask "What's inside?".

The pursuit of plastic eggs holding treasure is a popular activity. Candy? trinket? slip of paper with a "good for one trip to the ice cream shop"? The kids know, but they don't know. And they enjoy the mystery.

The story of Mary at the tomb. She THOUGHT she knew what would be in there, then was set off into the great mystery of Christ's resurrection. Again, as Christians, we know, but we don't know, and hopefully, enjoy the mystery.

The covered casserole dish placed amidst the ham, veggies, rolls, and such... what's inside? If you're at my house, or I've had anything to do with the meal planning, it will be New Potatoes and Peas (in white sauce). No mystery.

This year added one more reason to ask "What's inside?"

Saturday morning our dear family friend, and brother-in-Christ, Mark Barstow, had a seizure. The medical staff immediately went on the proverbial hunt for the answer to "what's inside?"
Their tests showed an "undefined mass in the back right portion of his brain."
talk about mystery!

My final ponderable is prayer. I know what's inside each one...
as does God. I love that there is no real mystery, yet, there is.

when's the last time you asked the question, "what's inside?"
what was revealed?