The weather men all say it, a blizzard unlike anything we have had in 50 years is headed our way. We prepare for the storm, we go to the store, we make sure we have candles, flash lights, food, fire wood. We take time to prepare for the worse. We know it is coming, we even know the time line, the impending storm. It is headed our way...

Storms are an interesting thing aren't they? Sometimes when storms come we are prepared- other times, they throw us off balance and we find ourselves, cold, without enough fire or passion to keep us going. Storms that we weather are for our good...right? learning and growing that is what they are for...I find that storms are not comfortable. 

I have been thinking a lot about words. It seems like in today's world people do not think their words matter. That they can say whatever to others, to themselves. i have been really thinking about all the words that come out of my mouth, all the words I hear come out of others mouth- and I think we need to understand the impact of words. When I am in the midst of raising children, I try to help them understand that what they say and how they say it is so important. Saying things we do not really mean in a fit of being angry is not very productive. Even for me, a child of God, I realize that words matter. They matter to me- they matter to those around me. 

The last few days have been very full- with a lot of reflection. I made a goal a little over 2 years ago to be ordained this summer. As I watch that goal get closer and closer, I realize it might not become a reality this year. That realization has made me very sad. It is a huge amount of work still to be done, and I simply can't do it all. I am praying for clear direction as I look into the rest of the classes that I need, but there is only so much time in a day, only so much energy I can give doubling and perhaps tripling up on classes. It feels like defeat. So, that leads me back to words-my words- my goals-and staring at them and realizing my time table perhaps isn't God's. Or maybe I missed opportunities to take classes that I should have taken- and missed out on God's time table. I do not. I am praying for direction, and the right doors to be open and the wrong ones to be closed. 

Words matter- even if we think we are the only ones who hear or read them. Words can encouraged, or they can tear you down. Words can uplift or defeat you. How are you using words? How am I using words? There is more I want to say but they will go unwritten in this place. Because my words might be taken by others as mean or harsh or uncaring or unforgiving. Or others might take them to mean something about them when it is really about me. Not them.

Words- use them wisely! 

This blog wont be very long because I simply don't have time to write out all that i need too to tell you all that is going on. So just a few sentences and a promise to come back here soon.

Just spent an amazing few days at conference in Jacksonville. more about that later though.

we have started a new year, I am finishing the last few weeks of my Associate degree and that feels amazing. Now I am working through the process of when and where to start my BA. or if this is the time even....

Going to a wedding this afternoon, and I just can't believe she is old enough to get married. I guess she is, since this is the actual big day. Time it goes way to quick. I better learn to make the most of the time we have huh? sounds familiar I think I say that every time I blog.

Again, this is short but there is much to blog about. I am hoping that later today there will be a moment to finish my thoughts