Thursday, January 17, 2008

Thankful Thursday


It's been awhile since my last post; thanks to each of you that has emailed during my absence. I love my blogging friends and miss you--even in my silence.

The question begs to be asked--WHAT could possibly be going on that would stop me from blogging? After all, an addiction needs to be fed! There are places to visit and people to see! How does it happen that we become so busy we are not able to pop in and say "Hi!?"

It's simple....life! Add to that my bent for procrastination and you get--silence.

Still, I am thankful for and smile throughout the day as I think about this blogging community!

Emma and Katie are doing so well. Stop by Grandma Dawn's site and take a peek! They! Are! Adorable! And such gifts! I am so thankful for God's blessings on Kristen and her entire family. As Heather continually testifies: "God is so good....ALL the time!"

I am thankful for the busy-ness of taking two college courses...at the same time! How in the world do our "traditional" students take four courses each quarter? My brain is having just a little trouble multi-tasking while storing two separate sets of data and facts without meshing them together! And still, I love learning! May of 2005, I finished a non-traditional student degree in Psychology with a focus on family and marriage. However, I needed to finish just a few elective credits before I receive my degree. My cohort walked in graduation, I went on to plan the final stages of our daughter's wedding. Then there was the extended trip to South Africa. Then the Holidays. Then Argentina. Then Summer. Then.....then....then.....and I find myself looking at 2008 without wrapping up the necessary credits so I can begin my Masters work. Hence--the last remaining credits are being hit hard this semester: A Literary Analysis course and The Use of Scripture in Christian Counseling to secure my Certificate in Christian Counseling.

Seriously, friends, WHAT WAS I THINKING! Life does not slow down just because I need to finish these credits! So I have been busy trying to add an additional 20 or 30 hours to my week of studious commitment.

So before I sit down with my text in hand and finish my assignment for tonights class, I wanted to stop by and say a long overdue....."HELLO!" "Hope you are doing well" and "I'll be stopping by your place...SOON!"

I am thankful for the opportunities that come our way and the freedom to pursue a life-time goal...even in a "non-traditional" way.

I am thankful for the distraction and the subtle ways this effort models to my children. Mom is more than just a "Mom;" she is a real life woman with real life dreams and goals. This is important, especially for a parent of a wayward child. It is vital for our own well-being to step out of their life and into our own--all while praying that God will storm into their path and redirect their ways.

Have a great TT!

21 comments:

Karen H. said...

Good Morning Diane,
Glad you posted. I have missed you posting, but as you said, life is busy. I applaud you for finishing up your Master's. I enjoyed reading your "THANKFUL THURSDAY". We all do have alot to be "THANKFUL" for. Not just on Thursday's, but each and every day. Life does seem to overtake us at times, but we must slow down and stop to smell the roses. Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours.

Love & Hugs,
Karen H.

Susan said...

"This is important, especially for a parent of a wayward child. It is vital for our own well-being to step out of their life and into our own--all while praying that God will storm into their path and redirect their ways"

So true and so well said!!!!
Susan

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Hi, Diane. I missed you! But I understand about blogging taking a backseat to real life, too.

I'll get to the questions soon, hopefully in the order they come in.

Don't forget to take time for yourself in the midst of all your busyness. ;o)

Love and hugs,

Diane

Denise said...

Welcome back, praying for you.

Susan said...

Hi Diane,

Welcome back. wow, what a schedule you are on! I'll be keeping you in prayer for sure.

Thanks for taking time to give us a shout.

Blessings...

groovyoldlady said...

Part of me would LOVE to take classes, part of me can't even figure out what to fix for supper.

Welcome back, O brainy one!

Dawn said...

Working with grad students for the last 14+ years I have often wondered if I could do it. I know I could, but unfortunately, I don't want to! Bless you, my wonderful friend, for taking it on and in such a needy area!

nancygrayce said...

Good to hear from you....I hope your classes go well...

Dee said...

Hi Diane,

Well there you are, I know how not having a moment to blog, or finding a moment and not knowing where to begin to write something happens.....glad to hear from you .
Dee

Karen H. said...

Good Afternoon Diane,
I just wanted to let you know that I love the Basketball Jersey you have on here. I had to click on it and get me one. I hope you didn't mind. Our oldest daughter is in the play-offs tonight for their League Championship. I do hope they can win it. They have won it the last 2 years. I would hate for them to lose it this year. My Jersey is a different color and different number. I just thought it would bring our team luck. Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours.

Love & Hugs,
Karen H.
P.S. I wanted to tell you that my DH and his Uncle have been to Minnesota in the last few days. They went to White Bear Lake and then over to Lake City, MN. Is that anywhere near you? From there they went to DePere, WI and from there home.

Sharon Lynne said...

Your last paragraph brought tears to my eyes.

Secondly, it's amazing how God has made us all so differently, with our diverse gifts. May God bless you...and give you strength as you continue to pursue your goals. I pray he uses you in many lives. Most of all may he use you in the life of your family.

I had to laugh at "groovyoldlady"'s comment. I can relate!

Nadine said...

I'm glad you're doing so well. It's tough when life is so busy but it seems like it's all good things. I'm glad you are well. I think it's great that you are taking two classes. What are the subjects?

eph2810 said...

How awesome that you are finishing your studies. I know, even though our children are grown, doesn't mean life is less busy. It is true for me too :)

Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us this past week.

Be blessed today and always.

Lisa said...

Good for you, Diane! That does sound like a lot of hard work, but it will be well worth it. I remember going back to school part time while working full-time and raising a family. It was tough. I was younger then thankfully so it was easier somehow. Now I think back to what I did and get tired. :)

It is good for the soul and mind and your field of study is such a worth while one and perfect for you!

May God continue to bless and keep you and yours! You truly are an inspiration.

Heather Smith said...

Life has been crazy for me lately too, and I'm sure it's getting ready to get crazier! I'm glad things are going well for you though! Best wishes on those courses!

Dawn said...

How do you like this - I had thought of something earlier today to write you about, and now I can't remember what it was!

Chris said...

You sound truly busy. God bless and don't forget to take time for yourself.

Sharon Lynne said...

I need to add one more thing:

YOU WILL MAKE A GREAT COUNSELOR.

Unknown said...

Hi Diane,

Stopping in to say hello. Hope your week is filled with little love notes especially for you from the Savior. Love and hugs, Lynn

Robin said...

Your trip to Argentina - was it from Jan 10-23? If so, you probably met my husband and daughter! Small world!

Robin said...

Oh - I thought you meant Argentina THIS year! My husband and daughter just got home a couple of weeks ago -t hey were in Pilar helping some churches down there.