I Got a New Harley for Christmas

Susan and I were out "wheely shoppin" a few days ago when we saw a purse store. The sign read "Buy one, get one free" Being the sound women that we are, we entered the store with intentions of finding a good buy, at least I did; little did I know that Susan had other intentions.

The first time that Susan came to NY last year I teased her about her purse being a "Harley purse." It was black with a huge silver cross on the front and silver beads all over it. Just to prove that I know what I'm talking about, I've included a picture of it below. What do you think - "Harley purse", right?

One day I threw her purse over my shoulder when I was visiting her this past winter. I boldly said to her "I might have to get me "Harley purse", this feels good!!" Later in the year I ended up getting the "Harley purse" as a welcome gift to TX. I was so excited to have my own Harley!!

Susan recently kept telling me that I needed a new purse since I'm wearing the "Harley purse" out. The strap is unraveling around the edges, the zipper handles broke off, and the straps connecting to the body are worn and breaking.

When we entered the purse store the other day, Susan was actually feeling pretty good since she figured that I'd show her the purse that I liked the best and come back later to purchase it for me for Christmas. She forgot one characteristic about me, though. I'm the type of person that I'll buy something if I have a need, it is the right price, and I like it. Guess what? I found a purse that I liked and bought it. Upon leaving the store, Susan shared with me how I had foiled her plans for my present.

I like my new purse. It sort of looks like the "Harley purse", but I will always treasure my first Harley since it is special me.

I think Susan is out Christmas shopping for me right now. I wonder what she'll get for me? I told her she could get me another purse. A women can never have too many purses, right?

Time Passes

I've had a desire to post something on my blog for the past few weeks, but not really knowing what to post. I guess I'll just recap some of the highlights.

I have a new computer activity. It is called Twitter. Twitter is a great way to stay connected with family, friends, and other people for people on the go like me. I have made many new friends in the past few weeks by connecting with people through Twitter. I am also able to stay in touch with a few of my friends in NY through Twitter.

I am also on Facebook, which is much like Twitter, but it offers more services and opportunities to post pictures.

I am getting ready to spend my first Christmas and New Year in Texas. I am excited to be here. I bought a tree and Susan guided me in how to decorate it. She actually said that I graduated from Decorator 101 and I'm ready to study Decorator 102. For those of you who don't know, I am a bit "decorator challenged" I don't like decorating and it is not my gift. When I was in NY, I used keep all my ornaments on the Christmas tree, place a garbage bag over it, and store it until the following year, when I would place it in my living room, take the bag off, fluff it a bit, and be happy with it. As a graduate of Decorator 101, I promised Susan that I wouldn't do this anymore. It is tempting, but I'll be good this year and store my ornaments and tree in a manner that is fitting to be a graduate of Decorator 101.

Grapevine is known as the Christmas Capitol of Texas. I've enjoyed many of their light displays in downtown Grapevine and also visited the "Ice at the Gaylord Texan" event. I got to wrap myself in a huge parka and walk through the ice display, which was maintained at 8 degrees. It was beautiful.

I have been helping Susan a lot since she is recovering from a broken leg. Our most interesting activities have been "scooter walking", "wheelie shopping", or "shopping hopping". These are activities where Susan either uses her scooter, wheel chair, or walker to get around. We've had some interesting experiences. I tease Susan and say "I can't wait to hear how you will use this or that in your upcoming teachings." I know that I will see some of these experiences in her books, messages, and teachings.

I've also joined a local fitness club, LA Fitness. My primary reason for joining is to use the pool during the winter months. The club is located less than a 0.25 mile from my apartment. I go during my lunch hour, swim laps, sit in the hot tub, and take a shower all within an hour. Swimming is one of my favorite fitness activities since I get a total body workout.

That about sums up my life for the past few weeks. Hope you are well.

A New Fitness Activity

I have found a new fitness activity that is guarantee to keep my body in tip-top shape. It is called scooter walking. If you want to try it, here is what you need:

1. A friend or family member that has a broken leg;


2. One red scooter with a speed control that goes up to rabbit speeds;


3. A sling to hold your friend's or family member's broken leg in the air; and


4. A pair of good walking shoes.

Once you have everything, place your friend or family member on the scooter, tell them to adjust the speed control to rabbit, and then try to keep up with them. Do this for a week for 30 minutes per day and I guarantee you that you will get fit.

It is Collection Day!!

I normal don't work on Saturdays, but I do on special occasions. Today was one of those special occasions: a household hazardous waste collection day at the Tribe's transfer station.



Residents from the community were allowed to bring all their household hazardous wastes to us and we would take out off their hands. We had car and truck loads of stuff that came in. Some of the stuff looked really nasty and smelt bad too. That didn't stop me and all of the other workers lending a hand to make sure that the stuff gets properly disposed. You see, more than likely all this nasty stuff would have been improperly disposed if we didn't hold this collection day. I sure feel good at the end of the day when I know that I've done something that helps protect the environment and the health of people in the community. Here are some more pictures from the day.

Storage drums for waste oil, flammable liquids, and other nasty stuff.


Stuff waiting to be sorted.

A trunk full of paint.

Paint ready for disposal.Teres and me taking a break from our duties.

Bugs in My Salad

I have the awesome privilege of staying with the Ramers when I'm in NY working. During my stay in September, I asked the Ramer children where the locust were in the salad at every meal time? This question arose based on a conversation we had one night regarding the food that John the Baptist ate. Emily and Josiah would search with excitement to find the locusts in the salad, but would never find any. As I departed at the end of September, I told them that I would bring some Texas locust with me when I returned in November.

I wasn't at their house for very long and they asked me "Where are the Texas locusts." I had to give them some pat answers since I shipped the locusts to my office and they weren't with me. Jodelle and I put the bugs in the salad the second night I was there. The children had a fun time of finding them. They also have had a fun time of putting them in my bed and other places for me to step on since then.

I know that these aren't locusts, but they were the closest thing to them that I could find in Texas.

In the Trenches

Digging trenches is hard and dirty work. I know because I've dug a few in my lifetime. There is always a purpose for digging trenches; I've never known anyone to dig a trench just for the fun of it. Just when you think that you are making headway, your shovel hits a large rock, or worst yet, smaller rocks that are grouped together. The rocks hinder your progress forward and weakness settles in with every shovel push to remove the rocks. This is when friends are needed to help us maintain focus on the purpose of digging. If we don't keep going until the purpose is achieved, we leave a hole for someone else to fall into. Not a good situation.


Now I know that I've been talking about the physical act of digging trenches, but I see comparisons to when God calls us to come alongside people to help them in their trenches of daily living. Lets face it, we all go through things in our lives that require people to come alongside to help us in the trenches of life. Most times, these trenches are not pretty, they require hard work, things get dirty, and obstacles abound to impede forward progress of achieving the purpose.


Think of the damage caused by us not even being willing to step into the trenches of life when someone needs us to, or even worse yet, when we jump out of the trenches before they accomplish whatever the purpose of the trench is. On the flip side, think about the good fruit that comes when we help someone walk through their daily trenches of living and keep pointing them to Jesus as their helper, comforter, and healer.


The best fruit that I've experienced when helping someone is seeing them trusting and drawing closer to God as they walk through their trenches. Yes, it is hard work walking with someone as they walk through their trenches of daily living, but there is no better joy to see them having a deeper relationship with the Lord.


Is God calling you to come alongside someone in your life? If so, I encourage you to grab your shovel, jump in, and walk with them until they fulfill their purpose in the trench. Keep pointing them to Jesus along the way and watch with amazement of what the Lord does.

A Reflection of Jesus

When I fly, I like to watch people in the airport and on the airplane. Sometimes I will even strike up a conversation with people if I observe that we have something in common. Otherwise, I sleep most of the time on the planes.

I flew to NY on Sunday for three weeks of working from my main office. I boarded my flight to Syracuse and found my aisle seat. I didn't buckle my seat belt since I surmised from my observations that the plane would be full and that someone would be sitting next to me. Sure enough, a young lad came and pointed to the seat next to me. I couldn't help notice the young lad's book as I arose to let him to his seat. The title of the book "Christ is Lord." I thought "seems like something in common with me" and began to strategize how to strike up a conversation with him. I then noticed that he was checking football scores on his handheld computer. After all it was Sunday and my Giants were playing the Cowboys...I needed to know how my team was doing. I inquired and this was the inroad for me to ask him about his book. We began to talk about the book and our lives.

I found out that he is a soldier and was heading back to Fort Drum after being on leave. He was flying back from Louisiana where his wife and the rest of his family live. He has been to Afghanistan twice and will head back there in January.

What impressed me about this young lad was his willingness to humbly serve his country for a greater cause of freedom for our Nation, even until death. I was struck by his confident soft spoken voice, his humbleness, and his willingness to die so that I and others could live our lives in freedom. In a sense, he was a reflection of what Jesus has done: humbly served until death so that I may be free of the devil's clutches and live in freedom. I am thankful for Jesus and thankful for soldiers who are willing to die for my freedom.

After picking up my luggage in the baggage claim area, I made a point to find the soldier. I shook his hand, thanked him for serving his country, and told him that I would pray for him. With humbleness, he smiled and thanked me.

The soldier's name is Matt. Please keep him and the rest or our soldiers in your prayers.

So Many Things to Do

I never seem to have a lack of things to do. There are days that I would love to sit in my bed all day with my computer, Bible, and other study materials and immerse myself with the Word. This is where I have been for the past hour or so learning more about the parable of the mustard seed. And as I've said, I would love to stay here all day, but there are many things that I need to do before I leave for NY tomorrow.





So what is on my to-do list? Clean apartment, pack, pay bills, go to a baseball game, make laundry soap, and spend time with the Brown family. This is a long list and I guess I need to get going so that I also have time to do this:

My New Favorite Food

I must admit that I'm trying new things everyday in my new hometown of Grapevine. And of course, food is high my list of things to try.

Sue and I went grocery shopping the other day when I picked up one of my usual refrigerator staples - yogurt. I am partial to Yoplait and usually go for strawberry. Sue suggested that I try the key lime flavor. I'm glad that I did because it has become my favorite Yoplait flavor. I've been eating it with my home made granola that I brought back from NY (thank you Jodelle). It reminds me of eating key lime pie and the combination sure tastes great with a good cup of hazelnut coffee.

Another favorite of mine is fried pickles. Yes, you read right - fried pickles. I'm not sure of the recipe that the local restaurants use, but you can visit here to find many. They are crispy, salty, and sure taste great!

It is approaching dinner time and I must go cook a fabulous dinner for myself. Bon appetit!

Lakeside Dreams

On Saturday evening, Sue and I sat on the beach at Grapevine Lake drinking coffee after a long day of watching her grandchildren play baseball. It was a perfect ending to the day.

As I sat there, my mind kept wandering back to a lifelong dream that I've always had since childhood: to run along a beach as the sun rises. It didn't take me long to decide that Monday morning would be the morning of fulfilling this dream.

I promptly got up at 6:30 AM and was at the beach by 7:00 AM. It was just beginning to get daylight. I began my journey westward on the beach with the daylight appearing behind me. I made it to the dock just in time to turn around and begin my journey back as the sun rose.

It was beautiful!! The fresh breeze coming off the lake, blue herons looking for their first catch of the day, and me walking with the Lord; it couldn't get much better than this. Little did I know,though, that God would give me an opportunity to fulfill another lifelong lake experience later in the day.

It was Columbus Day and this meant that Sue and I were in charge of watching her three grandchildren: two twin 9 year old boys and one 13 year old young lady. We decided to spend part of the time at the lake cooking hot dogs, making smores, eating and having fun. It was after all of the cooking and eating was done that the real fun began.

The three ladies were sitting lakeside in our cozy lawn chairs. The boys were in the water looking for lake treasures. Their grandmother gave them specific instructions about not going deeper than ankle deep water. As I watched them, I couldn't help to think about fulfilling my other lifelong dream: racing through ankle high deep water along a beach. I thought "it would be okay with grandma since the boys would still only be in ankle high deep water, what could it hurt to have a race." Of course, I didn't consult grandma prior to ripping my sneakers and socks off my feet. And then, I was gone too fast for her to have a word with me. Before I knew it, the boys and I were racing through the water having a "bucket full" of fun. Yes, what fun it was, especially when the boys tripped and fell face first in the water. Oops...so much for keeping the upper part of the body dry. By the end, none of us were dry. We were wet head to toe. The boys' grandmother and sister couldn't resist and joined us. I think the grandmother was the only wise one, though, because she didn't get wet head to toe. Come to think about it, she barely got her toe wet. Anyways, the four children ran up and down the lake shore in ankle deep water until they were breathless.

On the way home, the boys' grandmother promptly declared that we reminded her of the "Chariots of Fire Movie". I'm not sure we looked like the runners in the picture, but I sure felt like one.

This past Columbus Day was about fulfilling lakeside dreams for me. Thank you, Lord. Your timing is always perfect.

Home

As I spent the past month in NY working, many people greeted me with "welcome home". With every greeting, I found myself asking am I home? My answer was a resounding no!

One of Webster's definitions for home is:

a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment ; also : the focus of one's domestic attention

Yes, home is where the heart is. As I spent the past month in NY, one thing that was confirmed to me is that my heart is in Texas now. This is the place for the focus of my domestic attention and for me to walk out this season of life that God has me in. Yes, there are things that I miss about my previous home (northern NY), but I know in my heart that Grapevine is my home now.

As Sue took me back to my apartment Sunday night, she said "welcome home, Laura." Yes, I am home and am happy to be here.

Kayaking Friends

September is my favorite month in NY for a variety of reasons: (1) cool mornings are followed by sunny hot afternoons; (2) fall color change of the leaves; and (3) some of the best kayaking adventures can happen.



The kayaking adventures are on top of my list for this year since this may be the last September that I get to kayak in NY. With my move to Texas last month, I'm not sure that I'll get back here next year for kayaking. I have been taking advantage of all the nice weather in NNY this month and getting in as much kayaking as I can.



I was greeted by three of my new kayaking friends after returning to my home away from home. They looked at me with excitement and I couldn't resist offering them to sit in my kayak. All three of them took turns by themselves and then we had a group sit together. Of course, their mom was nearby with camera in hand ready to snap the group picture.



I did give my new kayaking friends lessons in how to hold my paddle and how we would use it if the boat was in the water. I also gave them instructions in how not to fall out of the boat into the water; perhaps I should have given this lesson to my other older kayaking friend.

Questions & The Why Road

For the past week, I've been processing the news about a friend's daughter who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. I began asking God questions: (1) are You the same healer that I read about in the Bible; (2) do You see the pain and anguish that the family is going through; (3) will You walk this one out with them; and (4) why?

God answered questions 1-3 for me on Wednesday morning when I was driving to work. With tears flowing my face, the Lord gently said "I am the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8 tells me this. The circumstance that my friend's family is in doesn't change the fact that God still heals, He sees their pain and anguish, and He will help them to walk through it and live victoriously. He is the same today as He was yesterday and He doesn't change regardless of the circumstances that they are in.

The why question is something I ask when I find myself in tough situations. It is natural to want to know why things happen in life when they make absolutely no sense to me. I have found, though, that very rarely does God answer the why question. And if I proceed to continue asking why, I often end up on what I call the "why road". The why road has no end and is filled with agitation and frustration for the lack of answers. When I find myself walking down the why road like I did earlier this week, I have to remind myself of Proverbs 3:5-6:

5Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

(Amplified)

I don't know why the family has to go through this trial of brain cancer, but I do know that God is the same today, yesterday, and forever. God will be with them, comfort them, and give them strength to walk through this trial.

Customer Service

I've been back in NY for almost two weeks now. I realize that I haven't posted in a while, but I have been Internet challenged since being back. The home that I'm staying at doesn't have Internet service and this means that I need to hang out at one of the local Internet Cafes. Obviously, I'm at one now since I'm posting.

For the locals, I'm at the one where ice cream is plentiful and Arby's is located across the street. I hang out here quite a bit since I can get healthy food, good coffee, and Internet all in one place. The service is a little less than desirable and there is much room for improvement. I have discussed this matter with the owner since I hang out here quite a bit. Her comment to me "it is hard to find good help." I have pondered her comment for some time now. Since I hang out here a lot, I watch the wait staff and have come to the conclusion that the staff lacks the proper customer service training.

Customer service training is an area that I have recently talked to many people about. I eat out a lot and usually the customer service is poor to fair in most of the places I dine. Now maybe I expect too much, but I think it is appropriate for wait staff to be attentive to my dining needs and treat me like a queen when they wait on me. Is this too much to expect? I think not. I manage a business and I want my customers to have the best possible experience that they can when they do business with me. Isn't this the way it is suppose to be? I sometimes wonder when I'm trying to dine and my wait staff could care less about my dining experience. I've often thought of starting a company where I could provide customer service training for businesses. I don't know if I would ever do this, but I certainly see a need both here (NY) and Texas.

Anyways, these are just some rambling thoughts going through my mind as I sit waiting for my food.

God's Beauty is Everywhere

I officially moved to Texas last month, but I am back in NY for September. This is due to the teleworker arrangement that I have with the Tribe. I am alternating working between the two states every other month.

I was born and raised in NY. I lived in NY all of my life until last month. Prior to departing last month, I was admiring all the beauty in NY: rivers, misty fog burning off the hay fields early in the morning with the sunrise as its background; smell of fresh cut hay; sunsets that take your breath away; etc. etc. During some of my gazing at all this beauty, I thought that I would miss all of this and wasn't sure that I would find such beauty in Texas. The Lord, in His still small voice, ensured me that I would find His beauty in Texas too.

I've been in NY since Monday and I'm already missing some of the new beauty that I've come accustom to seeing. I miss the sun reflecting off Grapevine Lake creating sparkling diamonds all across the lake. I miss seeing the sailboats on the lake and sitting at the marina having coffee with Sue. I miss looking up at the stars when I swim in the pool that is located at my apartment complex. I especially miss seeing the jets fly overhead at night - they look like big birds with headlights; in case you didn't know I live 5 minutes from the DFW airport.

I realize now that God's beauty is everywhere no matter where God takes me. This may seem like a simple concept, but I guess I thought I couldn't find as much beauty in Texas that I've grown to love in NY. I was wrong. For the season that I'm in, I get to enjoy all of God's beauty in both Texas and NY.

Welcome to My New Home - A Tribute

There were many people who helped me with my move to Texas. My transition wouldn't have gone as smoothly as it has without all of your help. I say a BIG THANK YOU to you all.

There are two people that I want to honor in this post today. You have read about them in my previous 4 posts entitled "Welcome to My New Home - Parts 1, 2, 3, & 4. They are Paul and Susan Brown.

When I decided to move to Texas, I asked Susan if she would be my interior decorator. Interior decorating is not a gift that I have, but Susan is very gifted in this area and has much experience. I shared with Susan my heart's desire for having my new home decorated in a manner that reflected the "new me."

In the past few years, I allowed the Lord to do such a work in me that the scripture in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new) became real to me. All things have become new and I am no longer the person that I used to be. I know without a doubt that one of the reasons the Lord brought to me Texas was to forever close the door on my former life, and have me walk in the newness of who I am and that God created me to be.

Both Paul and Susan spent countless hours shopping, receiving deliveries, and arranging everything in my home. They even unpacked all of my belongings that I shipped from NY and put them away. When I arrived in Texas a month ago, my new home was ready to receive me.

2 Corinthians 8 describes a call to generous giving. Paul and Susan freely gave of their time and did much more than I hoped for. Their generous giving expressed God's love to me in a very real tangible way that I had never experienced.

To Paul and Susan: Thank you for your self-sacrifice. I pray God richly blesses you in all that you do. Love, Laura.

Welcome to MY New Home - Part 4

These are the last pictures of my new home. Are you ready to take a tour of my office, a place where I spend most of days working?

The view as you walk into my office. Take notice of the window to the right, which is a sliding glass door that leads out to my patio.
The helm of the office.
I just bought this slider rocker this past weekend. My TV (which is also my monitor) is in the office. I can now sit and watch my favorite show - NY Giant's football games.
Sue was so gracious to decorate my office with things that would remind me of my love for the outdoors and NNY. Above is a paddle that I may bring back for my friend Nancy for kayaking. Nancy - I promise that is lighter than your lunker. Below is a fishing lamp - I love it!!

Sue had prints made of some pictures that I took on my kayaking adventure in the Adirondacks a few weeks before moving. I cried when I first saw them - such beauty of God's creation that I was able to take in for a day.
The picture that WIM gave me during our last women's meeting at CFC. When I look at it, I have fond memories of my days spent in NY. Thank you.

Welcome to My New Home - Part 3

As promised, here are pictures of my living room, dining room, and kitchen. My next post will have pictures of my office.

I have many birds located throughout the living room. Reminds me of NNY.

My nice couch that I bought from special friends in Texas.
I love these tables and the way the light shines off them at night.
Notice the many decorative touches that were created by my own personal interior decorator. I can't imagine what the place would looked like if I had done the decorating. I'm ever so thankful to Sue.
My personal decorator is a seamstress too - she made the curtains.
Notice the clock to the left. Paul and Sue searched long and hard to find it. Sue purchased it last Saturday about 5 hours before they brought me to the apartment. I might add that the clock was on sale and it was a great price.

Sue and I discussing who is going to do the cooking.
More decorative touches. The pineapple teapot is one that my grandmother made.

A different view of the kitchen.
Dining room area.

Welcome to My New Home - Part 2

I will now give you a tour of my new bedroom and bathrooms.

My bed. It is very comfortable since I sprang for a foam bed. The bed is actually made from the same foam that is used in beds on the space shuttles. It is sooo..comfortable. I also bought a nice extra soft comforter.
Dresser in my bedroom. I really like the black.
Standing at my office door and looking down the hall. My bedroom is on the left at the end and a bathroom on the right. In the middle, the living room is to the left and kitchen to the right. I'll post pictures of these the next time I post.
Bathroom across the hall from my bedroom.
I'm using this bathroom as the guest bathroom since my office is located in the master bedroom where the larger closet and bathroom are located.
My cowboy bathroom. Nice large garden tub, which I'm enjoying.
Like the boot.
These are the bath rates and rules when you come to visit.

Welcome to My New Home - Part 1

I am settling in my new home. In addition to working from my home office, I'm still in the process of arranging my office. It is coming together nicely, but is taking time. I'm enjoying the local fitness center and swimming pool at the apartment complex. Nice amenities.

I decided to post pictures in segments since I have so many to share. Keep checking back over the next few days. I will post them room by room.

The first set of pictures are of me first arriving at my apartment and the surprise welcome/birthday party that Paul and Sue planned for me.

Me driving the Prius in my garage for the first time. Welcome sign above my apartment door entrance from the garage.
Me seeing the the plaque on the wall (see picture below) as I walk into my apartment for the first time.One of Sue's many decorative touches. I've ponder on this statement many times since Sue wrote about it on her blog; see here.

Vickie enjoying the party that I knew nothing about. She is sitting in my living room.
Ginger and me enjoying snacks on my new couch.
Tony (Vickie's husband) is telling us a good story.

My New Name

On Friday, July 25, I posted a blog where I invited you all to help me solve a riddle that Sue gave me. Sue shared with me that I had a new name and that I would know it when I walked in my apartment.

It didn't take me long to figure it out once I arrived at my apartment on Saturday night. I observed the following plaque on my wall and spoon rest on my counter (I don't know if it actually a spoon rest, but I use it as one).

I have other pictures of the apartment to post, but I've been having Internet challenges all day. I actually spent my first day of teleworking setting up my computer, printer, and Internet. I still don't have the system running smoothly. Posting these two pictures was quite a challenge. I promise that I'll post the pictures as soon as I can get all the technology bugs worked out. I'm hoping that this will be tomorrow. I will say that Paul and Sue did a beautiful job and I was speechless at times as we walked through each room of the apartment. I'll share more when I post the pictures.

I've already hosted my first get together at my apartment. Paul and Sue brought me to the apartment Saturday night. They planned a surprised welcoming/birthday party for me with a few of the people that I know here. I was truly surprised and blessed by them all. We spent time praying for me, Arising to Excellence Ministries, and my new apartment.

I need to be diligent about getting to bed since I work 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM CST everyday. So, off I go.

I've Arrived

Sue and I pulled into Grapevine, TX during the wee hours of the morning today. We both were exhausted and declared that it was time for bed. It was a good thing since it was 3:30 AM CST.

Sue was up bright and early. We briefly saw each other this morning before she left to put the finishing decorating touches on my apartment. I will get to see my new apartment for the first time tonight. I am excited!! Can't wait to see my new dwelling that I'll call home. I will post pictures.

I have spent the majority of the day shopping for some things for the apartment. Sue gave me a list before she left; did I mention that Sue likes lists? I officially give her the name "List Queen".

One thing on the list was containers. Sue suggested that I go to the Container Store. I did and now it is one of my favorites. I think that I'll visit it often.

As you can imagine, shopping in Grapevine, TX is much different than shopping in NNY. It seems nice to only drive 5 minutes and have so many choice stores to choose from. I'll get to check out the grocery stores later today or tomorrow since I need to stock my cupboards and refrigerator.

That is all for now. Will post later.

Wrestling with Ms. Weasel

On our trip we wrestled not with flesh and blood, but we literally wrestled with Ms. Weasel at every turn of the road. Who is Ms. Weasel?

My friend Nancy always suggested that I needed to name my GPS unit. Up to a few days ago, I hadn't spent enough time with my GPS to give it a name. No longer my problem!

We have been locked in the car with a 'GPS with PMS' for 800 grueling miles. We have traveled roads not known by Map Quest, twisting through farm tractor trails with the corn fields brushing the sides of the car, only to arrive back on the main road having gained nothing and lost time.

Ms. Weasel, my newly named GPS, must be a kin to Peter Rabbit because Peter Rabbit couldn't wait to get over the fence to run into the garden. Ms. Weasel can't wait to get off the main highway to weasel her way cross country. For example on Monday, our destination was the PA Grand Canyon. Sue was in agreement with Ms. Weasel's directions until we hit the first fork in the road. Two choices were before us: Sue's: stay on the main road or Ms. Weasel's: Take the fork to the right onto a dirt road consisting of two tractor tire tracts separated by a ridge of raised rock. Laura, being the balanced, logical one, felt compelled to make a decision. Knowing

Sue's limited experience compared to the wealth of knowledge compacted in the concise brain of Ms. Weasel, took the obvious course of action: follow Ms. Weasel's direction.

In an instant of positive direction, Laura veered the car to the right. The maze through the cornfields commenced. The tractor trails seemed to snake endlessly ahead with no turning back possibilities. After probably close to twenty minutes, we crossed a smaller tractor trail. Ms. Weasel pointed confidently straight ahead. Straight up another steep strand of the tractor trail. And it was posted! Sue, by now had entered into intercession moaning. Laura was in agreement and turned the car around. Ms. Weasel was unhappy and shouted "Recalculating, recalculating!"

Retracing your steps through a corn maze is not easy, but Laura reprogrammed Ms. Weasel and we were on our new route. Because of Ms. Weasel's determined nature, the scenery was looking familiar again. Sure enough, we ended right back at the same steep strand of posted tractor trail that we didn't want to go up the first time. This time Laura's adventurous spirit took over and followed Ms. Weasel's directions. Sue's intercession increased and Laura forged on up the steep slope, carefully positioning the wheels of the car so as not to rip off the oil pan. (We were helpless since there was no cell phone signal and out in the middle of now where with Ms. Weasel's attitude problem).

As we continued, Ms. Weasel blurted out "turn right on Route 660 in .25 miles" Sue was relieved since she recognized Route 660 as the paved road that she wanted us to stay on in the first place. On the corner of Route 660 and the tractor trail was a familiar landmark, a red brick church.

This was only the first round of the wrestling match we have endured with Ms. Weasel. She continued to guide us off the main roads, weaseling over the country and through the woods. However, as of tonight, we have laid hands on her and prayed for Ms. Weasel. In faith, we look forward to a better day of traveling tomorrow.

Weary from wrestling.

Laura & Sue

Tag team post from Johnson City, TN.

Travel Update

Sue and I have traveled through NY, PA, WVA, and we are now in VA. We arrived at my friend's house, the Story's, about an hour ago. It is great to see them and be here enjoying their company.

We will be here until about 12 PM tomorrow and then head to Johnson City, TN, which is about a 3 hour drive. We will be spending time with Sue's friends until Thursday morning and then make our way to Texas. We anticipate arriving in TX sometime on Friday.

Sue says that I will have to spend one night at her house since she needs time to complete some last minute decorating details at my apartment. I'll be spending my first night in my new home on Saturday. I can't wait, and yes, I'll post pictures.

Our trip has had many adventures. We are finding out that my new GPS can have an attitude when we don't stay on course. We also now know that the GPS will get us to the destination that we program it to by the shortest route, even if it means we drive through dirt roads in the middle of corn fields in PA. Amazingly, the dirt roads, which some were tractor paths, had names assigned to them. It was truly an adventure getting to the PA Grand Canyon, but we made it and enjoyed the views of the canyon.

It is almost 1 AM and my eyes are slowly closing. Will post more in a few days when I have access to the Internet.

It's Official - I'm Going To Texas

For months, I've been walking, step by step, as the Lord leads me to relocate to Texas. With each step, I've just continued walking by faith and believing that the day would arrive when I'll hop in my Hybrid car and make the drive south. The day is almost here and I'm so excited!!


My friend, Selah, will be flying to NY tomorrow. I'm picking her up and then we'll spend time with my family on Friday night and part of the day on Saturday. We'll travel back to Potsdam Saturday afternoon and arrive just in time for a going away party, which will be hosted by the Hulls. We'll then spend the night in the pink house, which I've called home since the beginning of June. Sunday morning will be busy loading the car and getting to church by 10 AM. We will begin our journey south right after church. We anticipate arriving in Texas on August 7 or 8 since we will be making several stops along the way.

The reason that I'm relocating to Texas is because the Lord has called me to serve in Selah's ministry called Arising to Excellence Ministries. I will also continue with my current job since my employer has granted me teleworker status, which means I work for them, but just from my location in Texas. Because of this arrangement, I will travel back to NY every other month.

It is hard for me to find words to describe what I'm feeling as this new season of my life approaches. I'm in awe in how God has brought everything together with every step that I've taken. But only God, could arrange all of this. The level of excitement is almost too much for me to contain, especially when the Tribal Administrator handed me the signed teleworker agreement this morning and said "We value you, Laura, and good luck." I wanted to cry and jump up and down at the same time. Oh, how good you are to me Lord!!

I'm not sure when I'll get to post again since my Internet is being disconnected at the house today. If I can, I'll post as Selah and I travel to Texas.

It's a Riddle - I need Help in Solving

Are you familiar with the show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" It is a show where contestants answer questions that are posed to them. If they don't know the answer, they solicit help from the audience or friends by using what are called lifelines.

In two weeks, I will be entering my new apartment in Texas. I began leasing an unfurnished apartment two weeks ago and it will be completed furnished and decorated by the time I arrive. You may be wondering how this can be when I'm here in NY. My friend Selah is an interior decorator in addition to be a teacher and preacher. I'm thankful for this gift that she has because it is one that I'm lacking. She is volunteering her time, which I'm very thankful for, to set up my whole apartment and have it all ready when I arrive in two weeks. I'm mean, she is doing everything from cleaning dust bunnies off my kitchen cabinets to buying furniture and arranging it in the apartment.

I was on the phone with my personal interior decorator last night when she said "I have a riddle for you to solve before you get to Texas." I said "I'm no good at solving riddles." As I said this, the game show "Who wants to be a Millionaire" popped into my mind. I've seen contestants use their lifelines to get answers to the questions that they didn't know. Now, I know this isn't exactly the same as the game show, but I want to use my lifelines to help me solve the riddle. Will you help me? If so, read the riddle below and then leave your answer in my comment section. When I arrive in Texas in two weeks, I'll post what the correct answer is.

Riddle:

Selah said that I will have a new name and that when I entered my apartment I'd know what it is. So what is my new name?

A Tribute to Angel

Angel was my cat. I had to put her to sleep yesterday since she had a cancerous skin condition called sarcoma . With me moving in a few weeks, I couldn't find anyone to take her and give her the care that she needed, which was surgery every month to remove the tumors.

It was a sad day for me.

I met Angel ten years ago. She was a stray roaming around my property that I used to own. I would put food out for her. She would always run away anytime that I was outside, but would come to the food once I went back inside the house. One day as I was sitting on my porch, she decided to be brave and came right up to me. She was meowing, purring, and rubbing against me. This was decidedly different then her bashfulness that I had seen before. I asked her "do you want me to adopt you?" She without hesitation blurted out a big "meow." I opened my front door and she walked right in the house and had been with me every since.

I named her Angel since she looked like an Angel with her pure white hair. She was the most affectionate cat that I've known, and I know that I spoiled her.

Things that I'll miss the most about her are: (1) sharing my peanut butter with her during breakfast; (2) her giving me a high five with her head; (3) her chattering to me with that big meow voice that she had; and (4) her sleeping with me at night.

I truly loved and enjoyed my Angel. I'm thankful that I had 10 good years with her.