Full of Joy

I'm back in my writing corner. It is warm in here because the hallway vent and the den vent are both blowing on me. Blasts of heat = perfect writing temperature. So some of you have heard the story about our neighbor who fell right outside our apartment and broke her ankle. I witnessed the entire tragedy, yelled for Chuck and we both ran outside to help. It was an awful situation for our neighbor. I want to spare the details for her privacy, but it was truly traumatic. She ended up being in the hospital for two weeks with multiple surgeries. Throughout this situation it has been a pleasure for Chuck and I to serve our neighbor and her mother (who flew up to help her daughter as she recovers). Though it is such a tough situation for our neighbor, it has been great to build a relationship with her and her mom. Today I went over to their apartment to check in on the ladies. They invited me in and as we were chatting, my neighbor said, "I'm glad you're here...

So far during our 8 months of marriage, the den has served the purpose of storing our desks and book shelves. Though Chuck does use his desk for the intended purpose, my desk somehow turned into a space for stuff I didn't feel like dealing with. After some re-organizing and throwing away of useless papers my desk came back with a vengeance! Several weeks ago I created a little writing corner for myself. Since that time I have submitted an article to a magazine and am waiting for approval (or not!) from the board of editors to see if it will be published. I have also been able to submit some ideas to a different magazine with hopes to be published there as well. Lastly, a project for a friend's blog (to be posted sometime in the near future) has been completed as well. I have high hopes for all of these opportunities and am equally excited to see how God works out the details! In the midst of these quests, God also brought a new friend into my life who shares my passio...

As a sweet gift for me, Chuck compiled just a few of our professional photographs taken by Joanna Nunemaker with the assistance of Janean Truax put to music with one of my favorite compilations. If you attended our wedding, I think you will find the music quite familiar. We wanted to share some of these captured moments of the day that marked the beginning of the rest of our lives together as a married couple. We can't praise God enough for such a perfect wedding day and divine pairing of us as husband and wife. Thank you Chuck for working so hard to create this wonderful video! Thank you Joanna for creating such uniquely artistic and personal photographs. Our picture dreams have come true!

Several months ago I wrote a query letter to an editor of a Christian magazine.  In the letter I explained my article idea and the outline for my piece.  I didn't hear anything back so two weeks later I emailed the magazine editor again.  I still hadn't gotten a reply so after awhile I gave up on the idea.  Well, the day after I wrote my last post I received an email back from that very editor stating his interest in my proposed article idea!  What a major answer from God!  Just as I was feeling completely lost as a writer God charged in, picked me up, set me on my feet, and pushed me in the exact direction He wants me to go!

I have my role back and it has been glorious so far today.  Being a career woman for one week was a great experience.  I loved dressing up every day (Even though I would have had to repeat those outfits all over again this week if I continued to be in the business cas world.).  It made me feel a little more powerful, a little more like I fit into DC.  Step into any grocery, Target, or mall store and the norm is to be surrounded by women in their clicking heels, fancy dress pants, and professional purses slung over their shoulders.  I was one of them for a week and it was really fun!  I enjoyed meeting new people.  I had a great time keeping the office kitchen organized and indulged in many a Kuerig beverage.  I learned some new office skills, namely Excel, although that is still a bit of a traumatizing program for me. There were, of course, issues during the week that bothered me but it's over now and I'm thankful.  I am so happy to be back...

Fourth day come and gone!  Projects galore piled up and up and up all day long.  I didn't even get out on time.  Tomorrow doesn't look too relaxing either.  I felt quite overwhelmed today.  I miss watering the plants!  But I have to say, at least the day flew by!  I'm sure my very last day will fly by equally as fast considering all the projects I have waiting for me.  Chuck and I are going OUT on a date to celebrate the end of my one-week job!  We got a gift card and can't wait to blow it.  I'm thankful for this week and the valuable experience I gained.  I am smarter.  I am wiser.  I enjoyed being a career woman for 45.4 hours! 1 day to go!  TGIF!

Good-night office!  See you in the morning!