So here I go again on my own...

Wow! Readers, I have fallen off the wagon. Who knew that being a "Real Wife of La Vernia" would be so time consuming?! I never realized how easy it is to get distracted (although I am admittedly notorious for being distracted) and consumed by life that the one outlet I have has been neglected. It has been 2 1/2 weeks since I have written and even then it was only a single entry in a failed attempt to catch back up. The irony of it is, that I truly enjoy the release of writing in my blog as it gives me the stress relief to remember that every day is a gift. I will use this post to sum up some of the happenings, lessons and blessings I have had over my absence. This is yet another attempt to get on top of this and finish what I set out to do! So here I go again on my own....

I had a revelation over the last couple of weeks about myself. After the first failed attempt to buy a new vehicle I was ready to walk away and move on with life. However, overcome with thought of losing...this became a new challenge! So rather than leave it, I became consumed with it. Nothing mattered, but making the deal and proving that I would get the best of those car dealers and I would have my truck. Keep in mind that I truly did want out of the Jeep, I was looking for comfort, safety and even some additional conveniences, however the Jeep was good and fit for driving as I had for two years. After being hyper-focused and laser locked on getting the deal done I am the proud owner of a Fire Engine Red F150 Fx4 and I don't mind admitting that I LOVE IT!! However, in hind site I began to wonder if this was an act of determination or obsession. I also reflect on why I don't always use this same drive in my professional life. See last year around this time I was being "re-branded" and it took a lot of tears, anger and frustration for me to realize that with a few tweaks there was really nothing wrong with the brand I was. So why can I get hyper-focused on something like a truck, a dog, etc. and not quit until I am finished, but I don't use that same focus to work on marketing myself, by doing vs. saying? By setting limits and finishing? By having a strategy and a plan?  Think of where I would be! I'm pretty sure we all have those gifts that are also our biggest hindrances.

As I continue on my life journey, I realize that these are all lessons learned and that I am in the exact place God has intended for me to be at this time. It doesn't mean that we don't continue to move forward and we don't always strive for greatness, but it does mean that when we fall short or feel we have, there is a plan far greater than the one we have for ourselves. We are also created the way He intended us to be and as long as we are living every day in a Christ-like way we are living as He desires. So don't be so hard on yourself!

Today's Blessing: There is a plan for me so when I am feeling hopeless or inadequate, I know there is something bigger than me at work in my life.

But I felt like a new born baby...Cradled up in the arms of the Lord.

Postdate 1-13-13

Sunday is one of my absolute favorite days of the week. Sunday's are for rest, but also for worship. I love this small town with a church on every corner, there are no excuses for not finding some place to enjoy fellowship and worship at your comfort level. Not to mention we live in a country were we are free to worship as we choose. What an amazing gift! This Sunday was no different except I was baptized! I can see the faces of my readers now and I know what you are thinking..."Baptized! Weren't you already baptized?!" And the answer is yes, but... Have I got your attention now!

Here is my story as I see it: As an infant, I was not able to make the commitment to live as a Christian and grow my relationship with Christ. However, my parents publicly accepted that responsibility on my behalf through baptism. As a middle-schooler I went through confirmation where I deepened my understanding of Christ and His expectation of me. As a result of this new found knowledge, I publicly reconfirmed the commitment my parents made to continue on my spiritual journey. As an adult, I have gained an even deeper understanding of the role Christ plays in our lives. Through Sunday sermons and Bible studies, I am learning more of the instructions God left for us. More importantly though is the deeper relationship I have come to grow with Christ. Through the continued understanding of the Bible, through worship, with fellowship and through trials and tribulations in my own life, I am understanding more every day the role Christ plays in MY life. I understand that without the knowledge of His saving grace not only through His word, but in action in my own life there would be nothing worth living for. In a desire to publicly demonstrate my excitement of this deeper relationship, I wanted to publicly demonstrate my own commitment to continue on my journey. Hence the reason for my baptism. You see, I don't necessarily believe that what I received in the past didn't work or wasn't right (as some might believe), it is simply something that was laid on my heart and I answered the call. What an amazing experience to share with my church family and my own family!

Today's Blessing: A relationship with Christ that is there when we are ready to accept and grow it. The luxury of living in a country where we are free to grow that relationship in a way of our choosing.

This Successful Life We're Livin's Got Us Feuding Like the Hatfield's and McCoy's

Ever wanted something so bad (or thought you did) that you actually got! Sounds great I know...I mean when you really wanted that job and got the offer or had to have that outfit so you spent every dime you had to get it? We all want things, it's human nature. So Saturday's quest was a new vehicle. What is wrong with the old vehicle you may ask? Too many miles? Worn out? Nope not at all. Just a quest to find something a little bigger, a little more comfortable, a little safer. However, my search turned up empty handed and I left with the one who brought me.

Makes me stop and wonder why we feel the need to keep up with the Jones'? I am guilty of this myself. Why aren't we satisfied with the simple things in life? Here I sit at my home we own thanks to the hard work and dedication of my husband, on my Ipad that I paid cash for in my chair for which I owe nothing. More importantly is the fact that I am surrounded in my life with people I love and who love me in return. Why would I dream of needing anything else! Seems I have all the riches I need. It's not really yours anyway and you sure can't take it with you when you go....

Today's Blessing: I am blessed to have the one thing in life that is more fulfilling than any Earthly riches could ever provide, a relationship with my Lord and Savior.

Working 9 to 5 Trying to Make a Living..

Friday finally made it here! I am pretty sure that last week was the longest week EVER! After a few weeks off and a few short weeks here and there 5 days in a row of work sure can feel like an eternity! The kids went back to school so it was business as usual in the Wiatrek/Galloway house. The work days can be very monotonous at times. Sitting at a desk working away on the computer, sprinkled with the occasional meeting and lunch with co-workers. This week was spent closing one year and goal setting for the next. Sometimes it makes me day-dream about what I could be doing instead. Where would I be if I didn't have to be here? What job would I have if money was no issue? Would I work if I won the lottery?! Phone rings, email chimes, back to the real world working 9-5 or 8-5 or if your salary as in my case you work when you have to.

We can look at it as our lot in life to have to work. Always wishing and wanting to get out of the rat race. However, I remember a time not too long ago when our very own company was laying people off left and right and I spent many nights praying to be spared. Definitely makes me grateful that I was a survivor. You see sometimes we don't know what we have until it is gone, or even threatened.

Today's Blessing: I am blessed to have a job at company that while not perfect and not always exciting, has invested in me as an employee and as a person. On top of that, I am blessed to have met many friends and even my husband at that same company!

Time May Change Me, but I Can't Change Time

Wow, 30 years! There are so many things that can happen in 30 years. In 30 years we have seen the invention of the MRI and ATM, we have seen Mainframe computers turn into the iPad I type on now. We saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Twin Towers. Today, I watched the owner of our company receive his 30 year service award. In 30 years with the help of his family, his partners, banks and dedicated employees he has grown our organization from a small Texas firm with an annual earning of just under $1,000,000 to the largest firm in the US with $1.4 billion in sales. However, what was most impressive to me about today's event was seeing his award presented by his 83 year old father while his children, who have recently entered the business, watched from the sidelines. This family has been through trials and tribulations both personally and professionally together. Here they stood all together to celebrate. The father gave a very touching speech and plenty of pictures were snapped. Three generations of this family...what a truly wonderful story to tell!

As I watched, it reminds me of my own family. No, we don't own a business (thankfully!) but the closeness and love. I couldn't help but think how fortunate that I am to have known some of my great-grandparents. Even more rewarding is my son not only knowing his great-grandparents, but has a relationship with them. My siblings, cousins and our children are able to hear stories and memories of events that most people will only read about in books. We get to learn manners and values that have long been forgotten or simply ignored. We get to make our own memories to share with our grandchildren. 30 years seems like such a short time when you think of the years my grandparents have experienced and the changes they have seen. To think, I get the benefit from their knowledge!

Today's Blessing: I am blessed to not only have my grandparents, but more importantly I am blessed to have a relationship with my immediate family and extended family.

I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone

I have to say today has been a very uneventful day. Doesn't seem there is much to write about on a day like today. I worked out, I worked, I came home. The most eventful part of the day was that it rained all day! So as I sit here working to fulfill my goal of 365 posts, I wonder how to fill a page with meaningful quips and anecdotes. How can I wow readers when there is no drama?!

But as the rain cleared and the sun set I realized it was a cleansing day. Not a day of hustle and bustle, but a day to decompress and enjoy the monotony. Sometimes we need days to stay indoors and unwind. Sometimes predictability is refreshing. Living in today and not worrying about tomorrow. Having goals is important, but it's important not to be so focused on the destination that you miss the journey. Rainy days are good for cleansing our souls.

Today's Blessing: Blessed to see God's glory with every rain drop and in every sunset. Blessed to have predictable days to focus less on what has to be done next, but instead enjoy what is going on now.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

"Can you call so and so..", "Will you make me an appointment"...does it ever end?! It seems at times it is a constant barrage of requests and demands. And all I can't help but question... who does for me?! It's easy to get caught up the mentality that I do it all, and for what? Nobody appreciates it. It only makes them ask for more. I work too! I want to come home and relax too! I have made myself so indespensible that they won't let me. They think all I am here for is them.... I just want some RESPECT!

I am guilty of this "me-itis". I constantly add up the "points" in my head of who does what, but it's not about keeping score. We shouldn't do things for people with the expectaion of a pat on the back or a returned favor. We do things out of selflessness and love. We do things for others because we have been asked to live as Christ lived. To show people His love through our actions. God sent His only son to make the ultimate sacrifice for me...asking nothing in return. And I want praise and recognition for washing dishes! Definitley gives me some perspective and with this perspective comes refection. I begin to see the times that someone else has put the dishes away so I didn't have to after a long day. I see the cup of coffee my husband makes and brings me every morning without fail. I see the empty trash can that I had planned to empty when I got a moment. I see the hugs and kisses I get for no reason at all. That's 10 times...no a 1,000,000 times better than RESPECT that is LOVE! This is the greatest ROI imaginable.

Today's Blessings: Blessed to be surrounded by people who love me and show me daily through all of the "little" things that mean so much. And blessed for Christ's huge sacrifice that was so undeserved.