Today Is a Gift

I really should be doing homework right now, but felt I had to post something about a recent event.

"Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift."

Yesterday evening while driving home from Bible Study, two of my sisters and my mom were hit by a car running a red light. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, but just from looking at the car, one can see that it's nothing short of a miracle. 

If the back passenger seat had had an occupant, someone would likely still be in the hospital. 
That almost happened. I was driving home in my car, received a call from a different sister saying that mom didn't have room in her car after all and I had to turn around and get her. After picking her up (with some grumbling), we realized that there would, in fact, have been room. Coincidence? I don't think so.

When I first heard about the accident, the feelings that came over me were overwhelming; fear, shock, anger, longing to make everything better, and the realization that life without family would be a nightmare. 

Even after hearing they were okay, I was jolted back to the reality that life is precious and can end at any time. When it's least expected. Literally in the blink of an eye.

I cannot help but thank Jesus that they're okay, that I have another day with my family. 

Lesson I (re)learned: Take time to appreciate family. Stuff has no value in the long-run. Homework and high grades are not important. People, on the other hand, are priceless. Treasure your family and friends, and don't ever, ever, let anything but Christ come before them. 

...And so, with little grief, we say farewell to our earthly possession, Auto-cado, thanking God for protecting what's truly important.

Update on...Life?

So, life has been so crazy lately.

The end of August found me coming to the end of my job at the law firm. It was such a wonderful learning experience, and the people were so friendly. 

The selfie below is from my last day there; you can't see it clearly, but it is such a beautiful office. Loved the atmosphere. And seriously enjoyed filling in for the legal assistant whose desk I am sitting at in the picture...Felt so official answering the phone, placing calls, scheduling appointments, seating clients, etc. :) The cluttery desk was a downside though, I suppose. The joys of being literally "overloaded" with work. So admire the legal assistants. Maybe someday I'll join their ranks.

I keep asking myself why I left, but it seems like God has different plans for me right now.

The beginning of September found us hunting again. As of yet, Mozzerella (15), Clari (to old to mention), and Munchette (too old to mention), have bagged deer. Pollywog and I have been super busy with school and such, and haven't been blessed with deer...Although it's unlikely, we still have hope that we will give a deer the shaft... 

In other news, today marked my first day as an extern at an orthopedic and neurosurgery facility in the hospital. I'm excited to see where it will take me...So far it isn't quite what I'm hoping for, but it's a foot in the door toward my goal, which is to be a receptionist of some sort, or at least working with/helping people. :) I am fully confident this will be an incredible learning experience even if it isn't doesn't lead to an official job. 

Tomorrow morning classes start at the local community college. Math at 8 a.m. So. Excited. Have a strong feeling this quarter is really going to teach me to rely on Christ more. :)

Pollywog and I familiarizing ourselves with the college! Pollywog is taking a class as part of her high school curriculum.

I'm rambling...

Here's a picture of Sweet Pea (13) and I about to embark on a shopping adventure. 

I shall conclude with this wonderful verse:

Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

In Christ,
Sonia

1920s Croquet Game

Wow, I wrote this post in mid-August, and was so busy I didn't review and click "submit."

Last Saturday evening was a splendid game of croquet, 1920's style! The National Historic Site I volunteer at puts on various events from different time periods, and the fantastic costume department dresses its volunteers in the appropriate costumes. So. Much. Fun.

Since last night was 1920s, adopting the attitude of our dresses was great fun. We became a tad stuffy, very sophisticated, and fully lady-like with a touch of sass.

I love how our appearances are all so different, yet from the same time period.

RB's hat (far right) was fantastic.

Spectating as we wait for our turns to swing the mallet.

  I may or may not post more pictures, although I have a sneaking suspicion these are getting rather old...

On the 26th of July, we also enjoyed dressing up for an 1867 Vintage Base Ball (yes, two words) Game. Hoopskirts, hats with feathers, etc. etc.  Unfortunately, as of yet I have failed to find adequate photo documentation. 

Since writing this, I have in fact found adequate photo documentation...More to come. Unless it doesn't. 

Downton Abbey Fashion Show: A Few More Pictures

Here are a few more pictures from the Downton Abbey era fashion show. :)

Pollywog's 1995 dress. This picture truly does not do it justice at all.

Her dress was gorgeous.  

 

 Sweet Pea and her girls' basketball suit. I so wish we had got better pictures, but one must be thankful for what one has, yes? :) Sweet Pea is such a doll. <3

Blurry picture of Pollywog being assisted off the stage after 'modeling' her lovely gown.

 

RB modeling her incredible dress and fantastic hat.

 

 Awaiting our turns to take the stage. :)



Lovely friends, these ladies are. Of course, Pollywog is great, too. So thankful for the opportunity to dress up and have such a grand time with friends

who are also followers of Christ!

Fantastic Sibling Moments Post#7.5: Lost and Found Continuation of Post #7

The Sunday after I posted Fantastic Sibling Moments Post#7: Gubby Mocks High-Heel Practice, as we were heading out to the car (I was in heels again, dressed for Resurrection Sunday) Gubby solemnly (yet with a grin in his voice, however that works) shared the following wisdom with Mini-man:

"Never walk in heels, Mini-man. They're dangerous. I hurt myself." 

Those little guys. I love them so, so much. 

Summer Vacation Weekend

Having two jobs during the summer doesn't leave much time for a summer vacation, so I've been doing various vacationy things on a few weekends. Last weekend was probably the most summery vacationish vacation, and it was a blast.

It started off with a fantastic weekend (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) at my family's cabin, where a dear friend and I enjoyed spending time at the lake, watching movies, taking walks, and visiting the local church.

Noodles, juice, and Ever After, one of the sweetest chick-flicks ever!

During our movie, we nearly caused ourselves to faint blowing up our floating devices for the next day at the lake. I was done first, hence the gloating face on the left and the slightly miserable face on the right. ;)

 Eventually, we both had our floaties full of air. Such a feat requires celebration. 

Such a sweet friend, this girl is!

 ...It being late, coupled with the fact we had just watched a chick-flick and nearly depleted our oxygen stores, my floating doughnut became a fantastic tutu. 

Before heading to the lake, we enjoyed a lovely breakfast at the local restaurant, consisting of french toast with peanut butter for HF, and eggs, hashed-browns, and sausage for me (the joys of being lactose intolerant.) We also had orange juice in place of coffee, which made our breakfast feel even more special! 

 Pre-sunburn. ;) 

 Thoroughly enjoying ourselves, still without the realization we were morphing into lobsters. 

I am so blessed to have a friend like this cutie! 

I think we were beginning to have an idea of our impending doom.

So beautiful! 

Alas, when we arrived back at the cabin, we stocked up on after-sun lotion (which, I might add, is not easy to find in a town so small you could walk the span of it in probably ten minutes), canned peaches, Chobani yogurt, bagels, and a few more movies. 

Such a beautiful neighborhood!

Monday, which concluded this 'vacation weekend,' included a trip to the fair, where HB, HF and Pollywog (16) went on rides, got our rings cleaned for free, shared an elephant ear, ate expensive food, and wandered around aimlessly looking for freebies and exhibits with names we recognized.

One must be excited for a ride, even a Ferris Wheel. 

 Pollywog and I preparing to ride on the Vertigo,

 a two-seater variant of the Yo-yo.

HF and I had never had an elephant ear before (well, I had part of a cold one last year), so we split one. It was rather delicious. 

 Still smiling after the elephant ear!

And so, Tuesday morning found us back at work, thankful the weekend had happened and mournful it was over. 

This weekend was also fantastic, but I shan't bore you with those details after such a long post about last weekend. ;)

Freedom in Perspective: My Independence Day Post, One Month Late

This is my Independence Day post, drafted on July 3rd and posted yesterday. ::sarcastically grins::   Life has been crazy busy and I hadn't found time to check it over for typos and all that yucky stuff. ;)

 I've had a few moments to ponder what we're celebrating. I have so many threads of thought flowing through my head that it's difficult to put it in words that make sense. 

We are so blessed to live in a country where freedom is proclaimed. Liberty is huge here in America.

Many people declare proudly how "free" America is and others gloomily moan about our loss of true freedom, breaches in our constitution, etc. I confess that I am one of those people at times. But when you really think about it, it's all about perspective.

I know there is so much truth in the fact that we, as a country, are going downhill and that evil is being embraced by our highest levels of government. I also realize that WE THE PEOPLE have voted them into office, WE THE PEOPLE being the majority and larger cities. 

This tangent of thought reminded me of the quote, "With great power comes great responsibility." In this case, it could be changed to, "With great freedom comes great responsibility." Freedom is intrinsically connected to power. With freedom we have the power to chose, the power to vote our leaders in, and we have the power to act upon conscience and convictions. 

This freedom a blessing when Christ is the center. Proverbs 38:2, "When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue."

 On the other hand, freedom is a curse when Self is the center. Sadly, this is the case for most Americans.  With the freedom we have, we are losing liberty.  It seems as though the American Dream is all now about temporal pleasures and money; Our freedom has been misused and blatant sin is becoming more (outwardly) visible and even encouraged. But all of this is a result of our freedom, the freedom lacking Christ as the center. 

Instead of freedom in Christ, America has become openly enslaved to sin. On my way to work this morning, I was reminded of Rome and how all the wealthy and not-so-wealthy were living in pure debauchery. I won't go into details, but anyone who has read about ancient Rome knows what I'm talking about. The book of Romans also talks about it (along with freedom through Christ :D). 
So yes, there is cause for gloom about our so-called "freedom."

HOWEVER, one must remember that we as Christians currently also have freedom. We can worship Christ openly, we can share Him, and we can choose not to go the way of the world. We may be a minority, but we do still make an impact on our nation. There are godly leaders in our government, though they be few and far between.  The Constitution will not easily be revoked where it says that Freedom of Speech and Religion shall not be infringed. So many other people and nations gather to worship in secret, not knowing if they will make it home again, yet they do so gladly. Many are tortured and killed for not denying their faith. How much more should we, who may freely proclaim our Savior, appreciate this blessing? 

So I would say, this Independence Day, let's put our freedom in perspective and remember to be thankful. 

Taken by Clari this 4th of July. :D

With the great freedom we have, let's show America what Christian responsibility in action looks like.