Losing my focus

Every once in a while, I get to feeling unsettled. My mom would have called it "antsy." I'm not sure why but the last couple of days have been that way for me.

Sometimes it happens when I'm worried but that's not the case right now. Other times, it occurs when I'm impatiently waiting on something.

Most of the time though, as much as I hate to admit, it happens when I'm doing life my way without God's input. It kind of sneaks up on me and I don't even realize that's what going on.
I haven't had a quiet time in a couple of weeks, haven't done any real Bible reading and in general have just over-booked myself. I've been trying to do too much without even realizing that's what I'm doing until it manifests itself through this incredible unsettled feeling. For instance this past weekend we (Dan & I) organized the food for a Dad's Day Motor Show at church. I love to serve especially in an organizational capacity as that seems to be where I'm gifted but I didn't find any real joy in serving at this event. It was a fun event but I had none of that internal joy that should be there while serving my Lord. It was more of a job than a joy.
I lost my focus. This has happened before and when it occurs, I like to watch this video to bring things back into focus and help me get back on track again. I serve an amazing God. The church is my vehicle to serve but my God is where my focus should be, not on the church function but on Him as my personal friend. Everything falls into perspective once I am reminded once again of how wonderful my God truly is.

Don't forget to pause the music on the sidebar before you start the video.

At My Age...

I received this as an email from a friend and felt it worth passing along. It echos many of my own thoughts. I couldn't have said it better myself.


AT MY AGE…

I would never trade my amazing friends, life, or my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.
As I've aged, I've become kinder and less critical of myself.
I've become my own friend.
I don't chide myself for not making my bed or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio.
I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many leave this world too soon; before they could understand the freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to dance & sing to those tunes of the 70's or if I walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and dive into the waves with abandon despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old someday.

I know I am sometimes forgetful.
But then again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I will eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one or when your child suffers? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion.
A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their
hair could turn silver.

As I get older, it is easier to be positive and let things go.
I care less about what other people think.
I don't question myself as much anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

I like being older.
It has set me free.
I like the person I have become.
I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.

A walk around the yard

 

I love these lilies.  They tend to get a little out of control but I just let them do their thing.

Mr. Bee was very busy with the spirea.
I thought it was best to just let him finish.  

The first lightning bug I’ve seen this summer.

This annual grass is something new this year.  I really like the  spidery heads on it.    Impatiens are another flower I’ve always liked but we have very little shade so I’m limited to where I can plant them.

 

This corner where the garage meets the house is my absolute favorite spot in the yard.  It has the funky grass, impatiens, neon green sweet potato vine, vinca vine and geraniums plus the old barnboard birdhouse and wheelbarrow.   It just makes me smile to look at it. 

Inaugural ride

Last night after the Motor Show we took our first ride of the summer. DH has had the bike torn apart servicing and detailing it for the better part of the last two months. Looking at it shine this morning made it all worth it.

We took off early evening and headed out Nine Curves Road, wound our way around to Grand Detour and back towards Dixon for a stop at the Dairy Queen. A great first ride!

Motor Show

How many groceries can a person fit in a Monte Carlo? 

Why, food for 600 of course.  Oh, ye of little faith. 

That was me when I took a look at the carts full of food I purchased at Sam’s Club this morning for our Dad’s Day Motor Show at church tomorrow.    I’m usually a “where there’s a will there’s a way” kind of person but I was definitely a “doubting Lori” this morning.

    It all fit much to my surprise and the wonderment of the Sam’s employee collecting carts from the parking lot.  He kept walking by, looking and just shaking his head.  However, it’s a good thing I was alone since there wasn’t a seat left for anyone to sit in. 

I probably didn’t help the weird looks as I was taking pictures of my load!

If any of you are in the Northern Illinois area and would like a fun day tomorrow….

The show runs from Noon – 3:00pm at Crossroads Community Church (3 miles north of Freeport, IL on Rte 26 North).  They’ll be cars, motorcycles, tractors and all sorts of great food.  We’re grilling pork chop sandwiches, brats & super dogs along with kegged root beer for root beer floats.   It’s free to get in and the food is by donation.   Bring your Dad’s or just yourself and enjoy an inexpensive day out.

Come on over!   If you do come, be sure to stop by the food area and ask for me so I can meet you.

Motorcycle out of commission

For those of you wondering why no motorcycling posts yet, here's why...



What started out as a rear tire change (which was desperately needed btw) ended up as a total tear apart, brakes, extra thorough detailing and motorcycle parts all over my family room!

Soon she'll be back on the road, I hope very soon. :(

2 + 2 = ahhhh!

2 loads of mulch


plus 2 weekends

plus lots and lots of this(let's just say, I can tell I have a desk job)


equals this




Ahhh!
One of those jobs, you could definitely see a before and after.