September 24, 2007 by Kelly.

My husband suggested I write each Wednesday afternoon. This was a big blessing and boost for me! I’ve been trying to “find” a time to write, on a regular basis, for a few years now. My second oldest son has a class away from home that goes from 1:30 until 4:15 each Wednesday afternoon. So, I pack up my laptop (Mary) and sit at the library to write while class is in session.

At first, I thought I’d also be answering email, or doing online research, but that’s not happening. Why? Because I can’t get my computer to sync with the library’s wi-fi. So, I’m offline the whole time I’m there. I’m finding that it’s forcing me to actually write!

It’s been two weeks so far and I’ve completed one article of over 1,000 words, plus a sidebar for said article. This has really inspired me to write more at home, too. Since I don’t leave my Internet cable plugged in all the time, I’m finding that works as my excuse to write instead of surf. If I need to, I can plug in my Internet, but usually I just try to write as much as possible.

Technology is so wonderful. But, I’m finding there’s a fine line between e-a-s-i-e-r and b-u-s-i-e-r … only two letters difference, really. Society may tell me I’ve got it easier, but I know better… I’m just busier!

Yes, I think unplugging is going to work quite well for me.

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September 20, 2007 by Kelly.

I have a new friend. She is different than the friends I’ve made over the past 10 years. I can see her smile, hug her… and only talk with her when it’s convenient for both of us. She is not a cyber-friend–I don’t even know her email address! This is an in-the-flesh friend. Other than my husband, I’ve not had a close friend for … oh, my … probably over 20 years! I sound pitiful, I know.

High school was full of friendships. I had two close girlfriends, but after high school, we seemed to drift apart. They had their lives and I had mine. Once I met my husband, he became my best friend. Any female friends I had were co-workers, neighbors, relatives, and eventually cyber-friends. The longer I stayed home, the more I relied on the Internet for interaction.

The Internet was ideal, really. It still is! I have become friends with people that I may not have otherwise associated with because of our church affiliation, employment status, or children’s ages. But all of those friendships are long-distance. I cannot invite them over for lunch, or ask them to be the emergency contact for my children. I cannot hug them, or cry on their shoulder, when the need arises. I can only write to them, and wait for a reply.

As I mentioned, my husband is my best friend. I can hug him, or cry on his shoulder, when the need arises. I can go to lunch with him and talk about anything and everything. But, my husband thinks differently than I do. He’s a man. I understand him (probably better than he understands me) but sometimes I long for a girlfriend — a best friend who’s a girl.

We’ve known these new friends for about a year, but lately we’ve been spending more time with them, planning times together outside of church (that’s where we met). Three days ago I spent a little over an hour at a coffeehouse with my new friend–just she and I–getting to know her. We’ve decided that if it weren’t for the discrepencies in our physical appearances we would be twins!

Last night at church I felt different toward her. More comfortable. This is my friend, and at the end of the evening she will still be my friend. I needed to ask her something (she works with the kids in AWANA while I attend the Pastor’s Class for Bible study, so we don’t see seach other except for before and after services) so I approached her and we talked while we walked to her room. It took a matter of minutes to discuss my question, so we parted ways. I didn’t feel obligated to make small-talk. It was comfortable, familiar.

I have a friend!

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September 9, 2007 by Kelly.

I have about 10 minutes to write this post. If I don’t get it done, will my life be any worse? No, probably not. Will I feel that I’ve not accomplished something? Yes, definitely! This morning I was reminded that Jesus could come at any moment — in the twinkling of an eye. When I’m caught up in the clouds with my Lord, will I be saying, “Wait! I have to finish that post!” or “Wait, can I take a moment to be sure all the ladies on my email lists are saved?” No, I can’t do that. Will I even want to? Probably.

If I feel I can’t leave these things, maybe they are too precious to me. Or, maybe I’ve not been doing the job that God has set before me. Perhaps I haven’t been telling enough people about Him. Or perhaps I feel He can’t do things without me — like I’m the only person who can do the job, and if I don’t do it then God’s plans will not come to fruition.

Ha! I can’t believe I think that highly of myself! But, seriously… are there things in my life that I’m leaving ‘undone’ that I’ll regret not doing if I’m called away from this life tomorrow… or later today… or in a few minutes? This is what I’ll be thinking about over the next few hours.

How about you? Are you ready?

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September 5, 2007 by Kelly.

I thought I was busy last year. I feel busier this year! A few years ago I didn’t want to travel all over the place, hauling kids here and there for activities unless it was a family activity. But, my husband challenged me to do so, in order to give our children as many opportunities as possible for the best education.

Last year the two oldest boys did some co-op classes, plus the oldest took classes at the local tech center. This year will be the same, almost: the oldest is still at the tech center, but only the second oldest is doing co-op classes… at least, he will be, when we get him all signed up. He’s also getting a job (oldest already has one) which means I’ll be transporting him there, too.

It’s getting harder to juggle things like appointments and shopping trips. Our cable box isn’t working so someone is coming tomorrow to fix it. Hopefully I’ll be home from taking son #3 to the doctor for his sore throat. If I’m really lucky I’ll have time to stop at Sam’s Club and pick up Spaghetti-O’s and milk after the appointment and still get home in time for the cable guy.

Sometime I have to call about those co-op classes, and I should schedule a “yearly” for myself, as well. Wouldn’t a trip to a museum be nice? Yes, well, sorry, I don’t seem to have time this week… maybe next week. Did I mention my email provider is currently experiencing difficulties so I can’t access my mail to see if the teacher of the co-op class wrote back? {Technology is wonderful.}

I wonder what will happen at church tonight. Amazingly, I’m not having any palpitations today, but I fear they will start soon–maybe at church.

Lord, could you slow things down for just a few hours? I’d sure like a little rest. Keep my mind from wandering to all the ‘what if…’ scenarios that are playing out in my mind. Help me to live one day, one moment, at a time. Amen.

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