Ah, it’s
almost the end of August. I can hardly believe that summer is coming to a close
so quickly. This summer’s theme for me has been “travel”. Every two weeks since
the start of May until the close of August, I will have traveled. About once a
month, I have gone to Kansas City for work, and then in between those trips, I
have had personal trips to make back to Kansas.
The third
week of July, I went to KC and worked at Block HQ for the Political Action
Campaign in-person event. I organized all the logistics of it, and thankfully,
it was a success. I am so thankful for this job; I enjoy it quite a lot, and I’m
always learning something new – which is refreshing. Upon returning home, we
discovered that my husband’s time at his firm would be cut short. His last day
was August 13th with no severance. A challenging time, indeed –
thankfully, we can survive on my salary and his soon to arrive unemployment
benefits for the time being. We’re praying that the Lord provides a good law
job for him soon! So, in the meantime, we’re trusting God and trying to be
patient.
At the start
of August, we made the “jump” and flew to Kansas for my grandmother’s 80th
birthday celebration. It was lovely to see all my extended family – well, most
of it. And my husband was able to meet my Aunt Lori and cousin Wes for the first
time. It was a great weekend. I enjoyed a lot of fun cousin time in Salina. My
grandmother – Mimi – seemed to enjoy herself, so that’s good. All of us grand kids collaborated and created her a photo book of memories with her. I
think she liked it, and she’ll have it when she is missing us. We all live far
and wide – from California, to Ohio, to New Jersey, to D.C. Thus, photo
memories are important.
A few weeks
ago, we encountered another lovely obstacle. Our landlord informed us that she
sold our place! Can you believe it? Well, it’s happening. We have until the
first weekend in October to move and find another place to live. So, we’re
looking for a new home, as well. As if we didn’t already have enough to handle.
On the up side, one of my close college girlfriends and her husband flew to DC
a week ago – and they are living here for good! I’m so thrilled. He is
stationed at the Pentagon, so they are staying with family while they look for
a permanent home. I’m quite excited to spend some good, quality time with her,
and just share life together.
We are loving
life with our church community, as well. There is a sweet home group that we
are part of, and those folks feel like family to us. We are grateful for their
love, prayers, and support. This church community really knows how to love
others well. It’s been a blessing to grow in our faith, knowledge of the Word
and the Holy Spirit alongside such loving, lively, and fruitful believers. This
summer, the teaching series has been about True Community. We have been
studying 1st John. It’s been good, challenging, and life-giving.
This past
weekend, I spent with my family in Kansas City. One of my cousins on my Mom’s
side got married. We had a lovely time. It was wonderful to see all of this
side of the family and catch up with folks. I think the last time I have seen
some of them was at my wedding, almost two years ago! It’s hard to believe. The
wedding reception was so fun! Dancing with my cousins and nieces was fabulous.
And it’s a great workout, as well. After the reception, I enjoyed a dip in the
pool to cool off. Today, we all went to see Planes at the AMC 20 in KC that has
recliners in the theatre! That is the way to do a movie. It was lovely.
Looking
forward to the fall, I have a couple of hopes, and/or goals. One is to be
healthier. My husband and I are going to do “Whole 30” during the month of
September. I am looking forward to eating food that is all good for me, and
laying off drinking alcohol for a bit. It will be good for us. And I need to
force myself to exercise more…do my knee exercises, yoga, the elliptical. Oh,
and I mentioned taking a Marketing course – well, after a lot of struggle, I
came to discover that it will not work out this fall, which is okay. Another
season it will be better. When we have less up in the air and going on in our
lives…
And to close
this lengthy post…a few reflections or thoughts to consider – as always, I am
open to your thoughts/feedback.
- -- When life becomes tough and throws you
curveballs, smile in its face, put on a courageous spirit, and run full force
ahead.
- -- Welcome the surprises that life brings
you and choose to embrace the upside in the process.
- --When one wants to give up, keep pressing
– there’s something worthwhile waiting on the other side.
- -- Even though its hard to look past the
flaws of those who we would rather not interact with, in the long run, choosing
to treat them with respect, kindness, and even friendship proves to bless those
we dislike.
- -- Always keep loving, even when it’s
hard, even when you want to give up and run away. Keep loving…STRONG.
Well, friends
– that’s all I have for this month. Until next month – keep living strong.
- - Tina Lou
