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Post by JeepGirl on Aug 22, 2016 14:45:36 GMT
LoL.....I just realized the title I wrote sounds like what we used to have to write about on the first day of school.
What I meant was (1) how was your summer, what did you do? and (2) did summer months help with estrangement feelings?
I wrote about my summer job in other posts/replies and it really and truly was the best therapy ever. But it is seasonal and in a few weeks, the store will close for the season. Please don't think I am not grateful to God for the job He provided, but I feel like it is a "bipolar" situation.....Totally UP and, now, starting to come DOWN. It did show me that I was much happier interacting with adults shopping as to substitute teaching. It was the first time I did retail in my life and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I applied for some other jobs in the beach town during the winter but business really does slow down and they downsize employees. Unless something changes, I will have to sub but I realize how it is a constant reminder of my estrangement. My grands used to go to elementary schools and middle schools. One graduated and one will be a freshman in high school and I don't sub in that school but, now, I realize the kids are simply a reminder.
Like everything, I am praying and trusting God for the months ahead.
As for summer, I worked at the Christian Book/Gift store and went to the beach and attended concerts in Great Auditorium, but in a few weeks dh and I are going to Chincoteague and Assateague Island for five days for just some R&R. Kids will be back in school and it shouldn't be crowded and only a few hours drive from NJ. I am praying about a trip to Israel in the winter. It is just so costly but I am feeling a stronger urge than ever to go. Another thing to place in prayer.
Looking forward to hearing from everyone. |
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Post by byhisgracealone on Aug 22, 2016 23:16:28 GMT
I thought the title of your post was upbeat, and we can all use a little more of that!  I worked mostly, just taking a brief vacation to do some gardening, and spend time with my aging mother. The summer months can be a little rough for me since my two GC and my ED all have summer birthdays. I'm always glad to see the summer fade into fall. I love the fall, even though I live in the south! My son just bought his first home, and it's lovely. I'm so proud of him, and grateful to The Lord for his faithfulness to God, and his love for me. He is as opposite (always has been,) from my ED as two people can possibly be. They are night and day, and I love the fact that I get to enjoy my son's achievements along with him. I know he will always honor me as his mother, and would never cause the hurt his sister has caused. I'm looking forward to the fall, even though it's warm here, it still changes abit, and gets a little brisk sometimes. My work picks up pace in the winter season also, which I love. Thankyou for asking Jeepgirl! I felt good to just chat... |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2016 1:31:41 GMT
Summer? What summer? How time flies! Seems like yesterday I was excited about it being spring! Such a long winter and spring was greatly welcomed. I love flowers and each year I try to add new varieties of perennials to my flower beds. I had such great expectations, but am thankful I did get many of my plans accomplished. What didn't get accomplished, I plan to do in the fall which will be tomorrow as quickly as time is flying... lol It's been a very unusual summer with all the storms our state has gone through including the floods that affected so many leaving them homeless, etc. In answering your question about what I did this summer would be.... learning to trust in God for all of my needs,to be thankful for what I have, and realizing how blessed I really am.
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Post by lindajoan on Aug 23, 2016 13:44:08 GMT
This is a great post. I am sad summer is coming to a close. In the summer, I am not on a schedule since I work during the school year only. No denying that is coming in a couple of weeks.
Since summer is a slower time for me it allows me to get more things done at home,ect. if I am disciplined. This was not my most disciplined summer. I will return to school with some projects I would have liked to accomplish. I will try to do some more in the Fall. Although it bothers me I am not quite the perfectionist I used to be several years back. Does anyone relate? I guess we reevaluate what is most important. I would rather spend time with the Lord than get every thing crossed off a list.
I do notice when there is more free time on my hands the enemy tries to get a foothold and attack in areas he knows are our vulnerable ones. So in the summer (especially this summer) I have had to pray against his attacks more or else be more mentally down and negative. Does any one relate? More prayer coverage is needed all the time.
My DH and I just got back from a lovely relaxing trip. He thought it would be better than an active trip this summer. He was right.
Ladies, we can still enjoy each day of this lovely season that is left. Each day is a gift from God. I am thankful for this place.
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Post by luke2231 on Aug 23, 2016 13:55:31 GMT
It's funny how (much more) quickly the seasons blend together any more. It gives me hope that this season with our EC will "blend in" someday soon as well! I grew up where there were no seasons, so living in a place with seasonal changes makes me appreciate how God made everything so we could see His handiwork and His glory... even if it's just in noticing seasons...
Faith, I'm glad you're here, and I hope that maybe you can plant some bulbs this fall that will remind you of your brother when they show up in spring!
As for me, I was busy at work and also getting our house ready to sell. Downsizing and all that now that the kids are gone. All the stuff that was once so necessary and wanted really doesn't hold much attraction for me any more. Never thought I'd become ready to give away everything, but here I am. I'd be happy if it was all gone and I could backpack and sail around the world for the rest of my days. I'm not sure that's what God wants for me, but I'm hoping I'll get to see the world in eternity!
I'm grateful to have found you all... this website is a huge blessing, as are all of you!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2016 21:10:29 GMT
luke, thank you so much for your kind thoughts of planting bulbs in remembrance of my brother. I had to laugh. I remember so often being enthused about a new bulb or flower I had found to plant. I can still see his facial expression as if to say, "All of this excitement over a flower?" Guys just don't get it!LOL
Funny, how you spend half your life collecting and buying things and then the other half getting rid of them. The older you get the less you feel the need of material things and smaller & convenient replaces bigger & better.
I am grateful you found this site. We need each other and the prayers we each can provide.
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Post by JeepGirl on Aug 24, 2016 12:41:29 GMT
Luke, Our house is for sale also. We moved here about 3 years ago and I thought we "downsized" then. Cannot believe, again, we have to think about what we are going to keep and what we are going to get rid of. Truthfully, more my dh than myself. He didn't downsize as much as I did 3 years ago(lol). The only way it would really happen is if we move into an adult community because there won't be enough room for so much "stuff".
And, Lindajoan, asking God to help you capture those thoughts when they come. Also, you are right, summer is not over yet. Yay!
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Post by poodlegirl61 on Aug 26, 2016 3:38:55 GMT
My summer was busy! My husband and I (as well as our oldest son) have been building a bunkhouse in the East Texas woods for the past year. It is nearing completion, but we now we are thinking of building a larger cabin adjacent to it to house larger groups and family gatherings. I guess sort of a family compound, lol. Anyway, it is a very happy place to be and we all love it. It really is a balm for my sore soul sometimes, and a refuge away from a lot of my sadness. We have been bringing our oldest grandson along with us. He is only 4, but really enjoys "hunting" with Papaw and Daddy. He is so cute. We did take a vacation to Maine in June with my sister in law and her husband and it was so lovely. And this weekend is, drumroll please.....our 35th wedding anniversary! Hubby is "stealing me away" to Santa Fe for a little romantic weekend getaway. Honestly, I am so excited. I have been there before, but it was like 20 years ago. Anywhere we can be together is great for me. And the plus side is the highs will be 70 and the lows 50!
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Post by lindajoan on Aug 26, 2016 14:06:33 GMT
Happy 35th Anniversary, Poodle. Have a wonderful time. Your Tx family place sounds peaceful.
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Post by everloving11 on Aug 26, 2016 18:39:28 GMT
Oh my - the summer went by too quickly and it took forever to get over here - mainly because 'they' erased every reference to our group. So I haven't shared anything since the end of June.
Life was busy with directing and teaching at our summer school as well as testing all new incoming students and Internationals. I'm also the tour guide for our castle, so went up and down lots of stairs. Gardening in our neck of the woods proved challenging since it snowed in late spring, rained throughout June (which brought in tons of mosquitoes that tried to sting my eyelids and drop into my mouth) then weeks of high heat which is lingering on - which brought in some nasty ground wasps and hornets that stung me (I am allergic). Our oldest granddaughter got married so we hosted the reception.
This is day #7 of teaching regular school with changes every day for me - hard to set up a gradebook when you keep getting new students in your classes. But I love the variety! I have a mix of classes where I teach teens from all over the world as well as teens at risk or with student schedules that do not mesh with what we have at the times they want classes.
This is the beginning of the 11th month since we have heard from our ES. Our second daughter is the only one that has the ability to "see" what they are up to. The new baby grandson will be 9 months old next week - such a fun age. I still have a difficult time going through the baby section of stores. Big blessing, though - I dared to ask my second daughter to send me a picture of our new grandson at 6 months to compare with the one I have of ES and my husband. YEP - just like a duplicating machine ~ all three look the same at that age!
This is the first weekend in a long time that I plan to sit down and pour over what you all have shared - I have missed you. I also am intrigued by what all this site can do. Perhaps the biggest lesson God has taught me this summer was when I asked Him how He could relate to our son estranging himself from us. God got my attention and called me by name and said, "I understand better than you can think. You see, I chose to estrange Myself from My only Son for your sake. It does hurt when your children estrange themselves from you - I know that too well. But it was even more difficult for Me to estrange Myself from Jesus --- especially when My children turned their backs on Him --- and Me." I sat there and cried - God DOES understand. I pray He will give me His love and patience for my situation.....and for each of you as well.
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Post by lindajoan on Aug 26, 2016 22:09:09 GMT
So very glad you joined us here. It was a journey from DS changing their site to getting this new one. A dear lady from another group blessed us with her expertise. Now we have this great haven of support.
God bless you as you begin your school year. Mine starts on Sept. 7.
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Post by byhisgracealone on Aug 26, 2016 22:26:26 GMT
Welcome home everloving! A couple of us have changed our usernames, but we're all the same members as before! I also skip past the toy and children's clothing sections while I'm shopping. It's too sad. I wonder sometimes what sizes they're wearing now. I would love to have spoiled my two GC with new school clothes, books, pencils, etc... what a sad reality our estranged children have forced on their innocent children.
May God forgive and heal them of their indifference of those who love them.
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Post by JeepGirl on Aug 28, 2016 19:00:42 GMT
Everloving, I sent you a "welcome" home and even a pm, but have no idea where they went(lol). I guess I am not as good as I thought negotiating this site. But, anyway, sooooooo glad you found us.
What kind of school do you teach at in summer/winter? You mentioned "international" so I was just curious.
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Post by luke2231 on Aug 29, 2016 14:36:29 GMT
Oh, Everloving, what a WONDERFUL picture God showed you about His estrangement from His son! I cried too... thank you for sharing it!
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Post by everloving11 on Aug 31, 2016 15:58:31 GMT
JeepGirl ~ I have to remember to check into this site - it doesn't come up automatically as an email reminder. Is there a way to get that to happen?  I teach at a private Christian school (ages 12 months - 12th grade) in the secondary department (9th-12th grades) This year I teach teens from China, South Korea, Spain, Vietnam (we have done other countries as well). I teach them ELL US History, ELL English Helps, and ELL Comparative Religions. I also teach a Consumer Math class then lots of independent studies throughout the day: Bible 11, History 9 (US History), History 10 (World History), History 12 (Government/Economics), Geometry, Algebra 2, and English 11. Sometimes my head is literally spinning around by the end of the day - as I switch back and forth between subjects! Love the variety and LOVE the students even more! Figure it's a trade-off --- hoping there are teachers out there loving on my grandkids as much as I'm loving on these kids from all over the world. |
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