February 29

Leap Day!  It only comes once every 4 years.  Today I am grateful to have worked at a school that doesn't make you stay the entire shift on early day.  That meant, I was off an hour earlier than expected.  Which meant I got to exercise a bit longer at the gym. This gave me a relaxed period of time before heading out to choir practice.  It also helped that Clif was okay with not having a tradional dinner.  We had chicken last night so I used the left overs to make chicken and tomato sandwiches.  I sliced some monsterous carrots from the garden for a side dish, and made a smoothie to top it off.  YUM! :)

I was also grateful that I was able to get to church a few minutes early so I could go to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and Thank Him personally for hearing and answering my prayers.  God is Good. :)

February 28

After having stayed up until wee hours this morning watching the Daytona 500, I didn't think I'd have a very good day....especially operating on 5 hours of sleep.  But, as you know by now, the Lord is good.  I was tempted to sleep in an extra 1/2 hour, but I have really been savoring my morning time with the Lord.  I got up anyway, and continued with this routine.  I was glad I did.  The Lenten Prayer and reflection didn't disappoint.  I even broke out in song when finished.

I'm glad I followed through with this because ordinarily when I am tired, I am cranky.  Not so today.  The kids must have sensed the peacefulness within me as a result of time with God.  The class was incredible.  Four different faculty members commented to us going through the halls about how quiet and safe we were being.  I later found out this is not the norm for the class.  One even thought it unusual that I didn't need to call an Admin into the room.  At this point, I offered a sincere gratitude of thanks because I knew in a moment it was not about me, but about Him.

Then after my afternoon exercise, I had a nice reminiscent talk with Stephen about the happenings of the race.  Amber had bought him tickets to go to the Daytona 500 with she and his colleague.  It was wonderful to hear the excitement in his voice, recalling every detail.  A mother always enjoys seeing her children happy.  Who can ask for anything more?  Once again, the Lord knew my needs, and answered my prayer before I prayed it.  Amen! :)

February 27

Today I am grateful for the spiritual emails I get.  They are so uplifting.  It never ceases to amaze me how I can be praying about a particular dilemma, talking with a friend about it, and then walla.  God sends me not one, not two, not three, but four different emails letting me know that He is listening, hearing, and addressing my prayer.  Wow, what a wonderful God. :)

February 26

I am sitting here reflecting what I can be grateful for.  It's hard to do when you aren't in the right state of mind.  That being said, I am going to say I am grateful to God to give me 2 and a half hours of peaceful sleep this afternoon.  He must have known I needed it.  I want to praise God and Thank Him for He knows my every need.

February 25

Thank you Lord for letting me know through my sister what a beautiful day you made.  Here I was sitting inside the house this morning.  All the blinds were still down. It's 6:30am.  I'm reflecting on God's Word, and sweating profusely.  (Yesterday was a hot 90 degrees and with wind coming from the south).  Because of my fasting from TV, I had no idea what was in store.  Around 8:30, I called Diane.  As we're chatting, I'm complaining of the heat, she asks, "Why?  Don't you have your house opened up?"  I inquired.  Evidently a cold front moved through overnight, lowering the temperature to 65 degrees!  Boy, if I didn't spring up and open every window.  My thermostat quickly dipped from 78 to 73.  Aaahhh, the joy of cold fronts.

What a beautiful day, the sun was up, a light breeze came from the north.  Then Amber calls...she and Stephen invite us to lunch. The day came to a close with the opportunity to be able to attend a Penance Service.  Thank you Lord for the blessing of your Grace and Mercy.  Thank you for our family too. :)

February 24

I am grateful that after only getting 6 hours of sleep last night, I was fully awake and functioning today.
During Lent, I have been trying to be faithful to morning prayer, and fasting from watching the news before work.  God has been instrumental in making this a reality.  When I awoke at my usual time, I thought I would have been groggy.  No, I actually had more energy!  Not only was I able to read through the daily readings, and listen to a devotional.  I had time to pray the Rosary!

Thanks God, because as a result, I had a wonderful day through your Grace and Blessing. :)

February 23

I am grateful to have had an uninterrupted 45 minutes of prayer this morning before work.  The day was incredible, and filled with many blessings.  The class I taught today was probably one of the most well behaved, respectable, and cooperative that I've had all year.  Then the day was topped off by a surprise visit by Stephen.  It's always nice when the kids pop in.  I love hearing their stories of how their lives are going. :)

Ash Wednesday

          



Finally, it's Ash Wednesday.  Officially I can be in the desert to learn God's lessons (even though I've felt I've been there since January!). I can reflect, and take to heart what messages God has to present to me.  I have found a wonderful website while preparing for this time.   http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/

It was a great way to get myself ready for this 40 day journey.  I listened to the video byte this morning, read the readings, prayed the prayers, and reflected on the messages.  I'll be using this resource the entire Lenten Season.  I have to say, I have felt such peace today.  Even in the fasting, I wasn't hungry because I was content in the Lord.

I am eagerly awaiting to see the transformation that occurs during this Lenten Season. :)

February 21

I feel very blessed today.   The Lord heard and answered my pleas.  I had a wonderful assignment today.  The kids were all respectful, cooperative, and a joy to be with.  Tonight, I treated myself to a nice relaxing message after having enjoyed a surprise visit from Michael and Valerie.  We decided to treat ourselves to Boston Market as our Fat Tuesday celebration before the official start of Lent tomorrow.   Thank you Lord, for you know in advance my needs.  It is in You that I find my strength and refuge. :)

February 20

There was no school today because it is President's Day.  I was able to go for a jog around Lake Underhill and utilize the "fit trail" as I went along.  I was thankful for God's creativity.  The white painted feathers against the brillant blue backdrop was absolutely breathtaking.  I was glad not too many people were out there.  I sang my heart out while listening to my MP3. I even cried because the lyrics were so accurate for how I was feeling (blue), and yet, God knows, and shows His signs to me daily that he is by my side in my walk with the Lord.   All Praise and Glory be to God on High.

February 19

I am so thankful for the Homily at church today.  Fr. Luis did a marvelous power point presentation using the analogy of the Giant Sequoia to the Body of Christ.  He stated that the magnificent giant tree that reaches heights of 350 feet grow in clusters.  This is because of their shallow root system.  Left alone, they are easily toppled by high winds, storms, etc.  But, when together, their root system intertwines giving strength to every tree in the cloister.  He then showed a sillouette of Christ with each person's face making up the body.  He reminded us that left alone to our Christianity, we might find it difficult to withstand the winds of life, but when we are networked together, we will find we have strength beyond our own to thrive.  How true.  As I reflect back on my life, I have been very blessed to have a network of friends who have helped me gain strength in my weakest moments, and had it not been for this support network, I might chosen a dangerous path, or worse yet, might not even be here.
Thanks be to God who knows our every need!  'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Phil 4:13. :)

February 18

I am grateful to have Clif work today.  First, the overtime will be a welcome change.  Second, it allowed me a day to get caught up around here.  It's hard to keep up with a household when you work every weekday, then spend the weekend with Clif enjoying God's beauty through our outings.  I know you all can relate, especially if you have children.  I remember vividly having stacks of clean laundry draped over any available chair all week long including weekends, and other than keeping up with the kitchen and bathrooms, letting everything else go until summer when I was home full time.

It's a nice change having the empty nest because it's not so noticable when I go a couple of weeks without dusting or giving a thorough cleaning.  I thank God that He has provided seasons for life.  I have embraced each one as they've come along. :)

February 17

I am grateful to have made time in the morning to spend time with the Lord.  It is always refreshing to get His perspectives to keep me focused throughout the day.  Even though the students today were highly energetic, it didn't bother me as it usually would.  I attribute this to the fact that I had "refuge in the Lord".  It was also nice working with a friend in the Lord.  Being on the same page with the same philosophies is also beneficial and helpful.  All in all, it was a very good week. :)

February 16

Today I am grateful to be in with a PreK class.  Most of them are so innocent at this age, and as Bill Cosby says, "kids say the darndest things".  They put many smiles on my face today, and I saw God in many of the children.  It was refreshing. :)

February 14

Happy Valentine's Day!  It has been a good day.  I am grateful I was able to do a 5K on the treadmill today.  Even more exciting, I was able to cut 5 minutes off my time!  Now, don't think I run really fast.  I don't.  But, I was able to do it in just under 43 minutes.  I thought that was amazing considering I still have blisters on the balls of my feet from Saturday's hike. I was thinking back to the first time I tried to run a 5K which was about 18 months ago.  I couldn't.  And after 45 minutes, I gave up at 2.5 miles.  Lately, I haven't been able to get the 3 miles in under 45 minutes.   It is nice to know that the persistance is paying off.  I don't think I've ever been able to do a consistent 13 minute mile.  I was ecstatic that I had hit the 3 mile mark by 39:20.  I've never done that before.  This gives great encouragement to keep pushing myself.  Now, I will think of a new goal.  Hmmmmm. :)

February 13

I was grateful today for a couple reasons.  First, I have mentioned how I am at a crossroads, and figuring it out can be at times overwhelming.  But, as I have been reading the Bible and the Spiritual Reflections I receive, it is becoming clear that changes will be on the way.  I just have to Praise God because I don't know what kind of an adventure I am in for, but I do know all that God does is Good.

Second, as I was driving home from the gym, I was thinking how famished I felt.  I was very hungry as I haven't done grocery shopping in over a week and we are out of some food staples.   I am embarassed to say breakfast was a half bowl of cereal, and lunch was 2 hard boiled eggs and some carrot sticks.  You would think I was on a diet!  What a pleasant surprise I received when I got home. Clif had fixed a nice dinner!  I feel so lucky. Once my energy level popped back up, it was off to Publix I went. :)

February 12

I am grateful today that Clif and I had an opportunity to go to BassProShops so I could buy a nice pair of hiking shoes.  They are so comfy on my feet.  I am now looking forward to our next hiking adventure.  I even treated myself to some moleskin in case I get blisters from wearing a new pair of shoes.  I told Clif at the rate we're going, the next hike will probably be 15 miles!

I am also grateful to have talked to my sister for 2 hours on the phone.  I am so blessed to have been raised in a loving family where everyone's space is respected, yet when we get together, it's like we never have been apart.  We had a lot to catch up on, plus it's nice to have spiritual inspiration along the way.  Thanks Diane. :)

February 11

Yes, I didn't put in a blog yesterday, but I really wanted to.  We had company from 6p until 2am.  I thought it would be very rude to say, "excuse me while I blog!"  You get the point.  But, it was a great evening that I was thankful for.  Amber and Stephen had fixed Spinach/Sausage Manicotti for dinner and brought it over.  Amber also made a banana cake and mint chocolate chip cookies for dessert.  YUM! 

We had such a wonderful time playing Ticket To Ride.  We played 4 times.  Then, we played 3 rounds of Skipbo.  Amber and I were flustered during this game because Stephen and Clif whopped our pants, but we had a good time none-the-less.

Now onto today.  Clif and I had planned to hike Seminole Forest, getting an early start.  Well, we did hike that area, but we didn't get as early start as we had hoped.  I didn't roll out of bed until 9am!  The great news is that we were able to get in a 10 and a half mile hike.  My feet are sore and blistered, but I had lots of fun and have many pictures to share.  The first 5 miles were my favorite, the last 5 I didn't like at all.  Clif enjoyed the entire hike.  He liked the end because of the vast viewing area.  That's what I didn't like.  It was daunting.  I am one of those hikers who likes to be oblivious to how far I've walked.




           
     The hike began on the Florida Trail just north of SR 46.  A mile in was a shelter camp for those who hike the FT across the state.

           
     We hiked the Wekiva River Basin Loop which took us through numerous ecosystems.

           
                                  The pine forest ahead.

            

                                  Through the pine forest we go.

          

                     Let's go check this out.  Maybe it'll be a nice place to have lunch.
              We've hiked about 4.5 miles.  Time for a much needed break.

           

                  Yes, it is.  And, I'm enjoying munching on carrots just picked fresh this
            morning from our garden.  What a relief to get out of my shoes and into
            something a bit more comfortable.  Once we started back on the hike, I
            changed into a second pair I had brought along to give my feet a break.
            I'm glad I did because it made the next 5 miles a bit more comfortable.

            

                   Yikes, we just hiked across this vast land.  Clif loved the view.  I was
             overwhelmed.  We just came from the tree line waaaayyyy in the distance
             on the left.  The only intriguing thing was seeing bobcat tracks in the sand.
             Unbeknownst to me, we are about to hike back to the tree line far off in the
             distance on the right!

              

                   After a short 1/2 mile gradual u-turn, we are heading back through the vast
             land on the opposite side of the field as we head our way back.  In otherwords,
             we followed the tree lined perimeter around the entire vast palmetto and
              gallberry field speckled with pine trees!  YUCK.

             
                     Get me out of my shoes and back into the flipflops!!  We are back to the
              beginning of the loop.  One mile left, and we are at the parking lot!  Yeah!!

                 Start to finish only took us about 5 hours, and that included 2 stops to rest.
                What a beautiful day to refresh the soul.  It was only 65 degrees today.
                     Thank you Lord for a great day to enjoy Your magnificent creation. :)

February 9

Thank you Lord for being with Clif and I throughout our marriage.  Today, we celebrated our 27th anniversary, and treated ourselves to a nice evening out to Maggianos.  The service was great and the food was delicious.  What a nice evening indeed. :)

February 8

All praise be to God.  This was my prayer tonight as I sat before the Blessed Sacrament.  There is no better way to combat depression than with Praise.  I don't know if I want to say I have full blown depression right now, but I can say my Spirits are not aligned, and why, I'm not sure.  But I do know for sure that God has placed His blessings around me to ensure I am safe as I journey through whatever this is.  He has given me wise friends, a loving family, a Spiritual Family, a relationship with His son, Jesus, His instruction book (The Bible), inspirational ministers, uplifting emails, etc.  It is only fitting then, that I shall Praise Him all the days of my life. :)

February 7

I am grateful today that there are references available to help us become better people.  Tonight, I enjoyed watching the Biggest Loser with Clif.  They did a piece on choices when eating out.  Although the snippits went quickly, we were able to pick up a few tips to help us make healthier choices when we visit a restaurant.  We didn't know when you order eggs, you can order them "dry" so the cook only uses cooking spray instead of a bunch of butter or oil to fry them in.  Who knew???? :)

February 6

After having taken 2 days off from exercising so I could recover from my nasty cold, I had a lot of energy to expend at the gym.  I feel like I must have burned at least 1,000 calories, and if felt oh so good.  I thought I'd never hear myself say this, but I am glad to have worked up a good sweat.  It was almost like I was ridding myself of the last lingering "ickies".

Another thing I'm grateful for today is the spiritual readings that came via email.  The messages on both seem to have hit the nail on the head.  I love it when God speaks so directly to me.  I may not always like what He has to say, but I am glad He brings things to my attention that I need to improve upon.  Life on earth is a "work in progress". :)

February 5

It is so nice that today in church, they celebrated the Feast of St. Blaise.  This is when they bless the throats against disease.  It couldn't have been better timed being I was under the weather since Friday after work.  Needless to say, with another full day of rest, I am rather back to normal whatever that might be.  I am grateful to God that this cold was short lived.  I am also thankful to Him because I got a call this evening to work Mo/Tu.  He knows my every need, so I shall not worry. :)

February 4

I know, I know, I missed another day.  Well, yes I did in the fact I didn't blog, but no in the fact, I did offer praise to God.  Yesterday, during work, it was apparent that I was coming down with a cold.  My nose started dripping, sneezing like crazy, and the feeling my lungs were filling with fluid.  I went to the gym anyway to get in my exercise for the day, came home, and my body told me it was time to recover.  The reason I offered praise is because God allowed me to get through my workweek.  I have Mo/Tu/We currently with no jobs posted.  I thanked Him that He knows in advance my needs.  How great He is!

Today, I am taking it easy to give my body a chance to recover.  I hadn't exactly been taking the advice in the Bible of allowing 1 day of rest a week.  This is why I believe my body is revolting.  But, God has a way of knowing what we need, and I praise Him for that.  Amen!

February 2

Ground Hog's Day.  It is said we will have 6 more weeks of winter.  Well, if the weather continues as it has been, I am all for it.  It has been a mild winter, but the humidity has been low, and the temperatures pleasant.  I am grateful to have had opportunities to do more this winter than in winter's past because the weather has been so cooperative.  It has made my spirits soar, and you know who I will thank for that... My Creator, God, and His Son, Jesus.  How magnificant this world He created!

February 1

I am proud of myself for only missing one day on the blog during the month of January.  Remember, I am trying to be grateful for something EVERYDAY in 2012.  It is said that positive attitude becomes contagious and brings about opportunity. But a negative attitude sours and take things away.  I would rather be positive.  Some days it seems difficult to find something to be thankful for, but when I quiet my heart, I can always find something.  Today, it is the gift of friendship.  It is wonderful to have friends who are encouragers.  They inspire you to keep going.  They just seem to "know the right thing" to say.  I am in a point in my life of reassessing.  The kids are now grown, I love my job, but retirement isn't too far off.  I know I've always said I'll work until the day I die, but it would be nice to have a little bit of cushion to help along the way.  So it is that I am seeking options.  That's why I'm grateful for friends who know my heart, and be supportive while I find my answers.  God is definitely stirring my heart.  I'm trying to get in tune. :)