Just an Update

Well, I didn't get the job in Fayetteville, so I'm staying here. Which is fine with me :)

We've made it through the end of the semester at work, so we're just finishing up exams. Which means that we can slow down just a little bit (I hope). We had been running at full speed since the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Cantata is finished! Whew. It was lovely, but I'm glad its over. Gives me an extra hour on my Sunday afternoon (possibly for naps).

A few weeks ago, we had a guy from Hospice Ministries come and talk on Sunday night. I didn't get to hear him, because I was in the nursery. They're having some kind of service at my church on Thursday night, and they were looking for volunteers to help direct people. I figured since Hospice was used for my grandfather before he passed away last summer, I can volunteer and help out a little. Give a little bit back.

12 days til Christmas. Wow!

Blessings right in front of my face

I am thankful that I have a job. Some days it makes me crazy, but what job doesn't?

I am thankful for my health.

I am thankful for my family and my friends. I am thankful for my church family. Even if some of my "family" isn't blood-related.

The ones who get tore up about even the *thought* of me leaving. The ones who I can email and ask to pray in a moment's notice. The ones who lift each other up and cry together. The ones who say, "It'll all be alright".

I am thankful for Jesus, because without Him I wouldn't have any of this.

I am thankful to live in a country where I have the freedom to follow Jesus. I am thankful for the men and women who fought and died to give me that freedom.

It makes me tear up to know that I am so blessed.

Patience

It's out of my hands now. Now we pray, and wait and see.

If its right, let it fall into place.
If its wrong, shut the door.

Opportunities and Decisions

So within the last two weeks, I've been presented with a new work opportunity outside of my industry (like, someone literally asked me if I wanted the job) and a higher position within my company became available.


I'm talking with my boss tomorrow about the open spot. Just talking. Not saying yes, not saying no. I just would like some more information, to see if that's where I need to be.

And if it's not, then that door will be shut.

So if you're in a praying mood sometime between 11am-7pm on Monday, please do so :)

Time for Christmas already?

Can you believe that it's almost time for Christmas (again)? Didn't we *just* have Easter? Have you started your list? What are you going to get for those you love?

If I may, I'd like to make a few suggestions for your holiday donations.

Samaritan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

My church (here in Greenville and in Jacksonville) fills up shoe boxes of toys and goodies like coloring books, crayons, small stuffed animals for needy children in other countries. I was blessed to grow up in a family where I never had to go without toys. It's simple. Get a shoebox and fill it up with toys.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to get presents for my nieces, but I'm also going to fill up a shoebox or two for OCC. We're so blessed in this country, and sometimes we forget about others.

If you don't want to fill up a shoebox, you can donate online.


Give to The Troops
http://www.give2thetroops.org/

I was born and raised in a military town, and I'm very proud of my country, and my military. My grandfather, uncles and father were different parts of the military. So yeah, it's pretty close to me.

This organization sends care packages to deployed U.S. troops. We know they're "over there", but sometimes a care package can be the physical reminder that we support them. Little pieces of home, to let them know that we care.

My church is filling up Christmas stockings to send! (We actually donate throughout the year, but Christmas is always a good time). If you're not sure what to send, they have a list of requested items on their website.


So as we approach this very hectic time of year, please remember those who are less fortunate than us, and those who have volunteered to keep us safe.


~Erin

Prayer

Lord, I don't understand. I know there's a purpose, I'm just not sure what it is. Please give me peace while I try to figure it out (if you want me to figure it out). If I'm not meant to understand, then just let me know that I need to leave it alone. In the meantime, please give me the right words, at the right time.

Weird and little or no sleep

This time of year is wonderful, because I can leave my windows open during the day. However, since I live upstairs, it gets hot at night. So then the AC has to come on, or I cant sleep.

Saturday, I slept alright. Had a dream where I first had to go to Chicago to go visit/rescue Leslee. There was a snowstorm and she had holed up in their apartment and Adam her husband asked me to go drag her out. Sure! No problem! I tried, I dont know if it worked or not. Then..............I ended up down at the beach visiting Lisa, but it was rainy (Its not supposed to rain at the beach!). Then I ran into Chris K and he was telling me that he missed my long hair (me too, buddy!). And I was in a classroom with my sister, and she was being a suck-up to the teacher, so I threw a pencil at her.

When I woke up, I apologized to her on FB.

Sunday was church, it was lovely. Beautiful day too, open windows.Took a quick nap after lunch before going back for cantata practice and evening service (and dinner, of course). I was opening the next morning, so I was in bed by 11pm. Didnt fall asleep until almost 1am. Two 30 minute timers on the tv. Stared at the ceiling. And the alarm went off at 5am. Dont remember hearing it until 0545. 10 minutes late getting up = 10 minutes late for work. But I was able to open the doors on time.

No, there is no prize for being the first person at Kinko's. Someone lied to you.

Last night, Lauren and I hung out and we seriously watched the Hannah Montana movie. I told her that I'd go see it in the theater with her and we never got around to it, so I just put in on my Netflix. It was free that way :)

Again, windows open. And again, took me forever to fall asleep. And again, the alarm went off at 5am, heard it around 0530. Not terrible. Still needed coffee at work though.

I was *this* close to taking a nap this afternoon, but I knew I wouldnt be able to sleep tonight. Another day of opening. I also knew that if I took a nap, I'd never make it to revival for nursery duty.

I think Nyquil may be the answer tonight. I know that'll make me fall asleep......

I closed the windows and turned on the AC.