tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34116558419827217742024-03-13T06:05:31.635-04:00Titus 2 MomA Christian wife and Mom who wants to encourage those around her with tales of our daily life and struggles~Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-23919655545858548502012-12-02T14:48:00.001-05:002012-12-02T14:48:29.374-05:00God is good~<span style="font-size: large;">God has been good to<span style="font-size: large;"> me....God<span style="font-size: large;"> is so good~I remember singing these<span style="font-size: large;"> words as a little girl in ch<span style="font-size: large;">urch and <span style="font-size: large;">as I ref<span style="font-size: large;">lect on all the changes that our family has been t<span style="font-size: large;">hrough; I find that indeed He has been good.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Hubby now has a job!! <span style="font-size: large;">That he really enjoys...with a <span style="font-size: large;">boss that treats his employe<span style="font-size: large;">es well. W<span style="font-size: large;">e have just returned from a vacation with the children that got us away f<span style="font-size: large;">or Thanksgiving...a good time was had by all. <span style="font-size: large;">Austin has finally gotten a di<span style="font-size: large;">a<span style="font-size: large;">gno<span style="font-size: large;">ses<span style="font-size: large;">; Connective tissue disease. <span style="font-size: large;">Now he will be on medication and <span style="font-size: large;">Lord wil<span style="font-size: large;">ling and with<span style="font-size: large;"> much<span style="font-size: large;"> p<span style="font-size: large;">rayer<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">;</span> his condition<span style="font-size: large;"> will impro<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ve. There have been many little things along the way that add up and that I will try to never take for granted again. Now I am praying to be able to e<span style="font-size: large;">mbrace this third hol<span style="font-size: large;">iday seas<span style="font-size: large;">on without my dad.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There <span style="font-size: large;">is <span style="font-size: large;">the void of his presence at his fa<span style="font-size: large;">vorite time of year.</span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't suppose it will get easier for many holidays to come~but I want to embrace the sp<span style="font-size: large;">irit we once had before his passing.</span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I am going to decorate<span style="font-size: large;"> something we haven't done in two years<span style="font-size: large;">. We will have a tree<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">~</span>we all agreed. Last year <span style="font-size: large;">no one wanted one...and we will watch Christmas specials and plan what to do for Christmas. God <span style="font-size: large;">was and is so<span style="font-size: large;"> good to me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-39753384549371928972012-10-21T11:19:00.001-04:002012-10-21T11:19:10.084-04:00Sunday<span style="font-size: large;">This week was m<span style="font-size: large;">y fi<span style="font-size: large;">rst week back at work after several weeks off. Septem<span style="font-size: large;">ber is <span style="font-size: large;">beginning to become a hard time of year for me due to the extreme <span style="font-size: large;">Summer here in sunny south Florida. So it <span style="font-size: large;">was <span style="font-size: large;">my yearly week spent in the hosp<span style="font-size: large;">ital and back home again to recuperate. It was a so good to be back in my classroom with my little munch<span style="font-size: large;">kins...they were so <span style="font-size: large;">happy to see<span style="font-size: large;"> me. Nothing like great big hugs from<span style="font-size: large;"> little ones to make you fe<span style="font-size: large;">el loved and appreciated.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I <span style="font-size: large;">am the only one up this Sunday morning as the kids and T<span style="font-size: large;">om <span style="font-size: large;">had a l<span style="font-size: large;">ate night watching movies and playing games.<span style="font-size: large;"> I am enjoy<span style="font-size: large;">ing the silence and my coffee. It was a hard day yesterday~lots of pain from getting back into the swings of things at school. I am going to simply spend the day taking it easy and getting ready for the week ahead. Very thankful that Tom g<span style="font-size: large;">ot an appointment with UPS tomorr<span style="font-size: large;">ow morn<span style="font-size: large;">ing! We have been praying that he would be able to get in for an interview. <span style="font-size: large;">So tomorrow at <span style="font-size: large;">6 am bright and early<span style="font-size: large;"> he will be meeting with them. I <span style="font-size: large;">con<span style="font-size: large;">tinue to pray f<span style="font-size: large;">or my husband~that God will impress upon him that <span style="font-size: large;">he ha<span style="font-size: large;">s not been forg<span style="font-size: large;">otten. That God would allow him to see that he does indeed have a plan for his life~that he will continue to take our family through what<span style="font-size: large;">ever he has al<span style="font-size: large;">lowed in our <span style="font-size: large;">path. So I continue to trust and look for the<span style="font-size: large;"> Lord to provide...and his provision has been cons<span style="font-size: large;">istent<span style="font-size: large;"> and good.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Watching P<span style="font-size: large;">astor Stan<span style="font-size: large;">ley this<span style="font-size: large;"> morning and he is <span style="font-size: large;">say<span style="font-size: large;">ing <span style="font-size: large;">that" every trial in our life has a divin<span style="font-size: large;">e prescription<span style="font-size: large;">"...Count it all joy<span style="font-size: large;">! I am counting~and I am so very thankful that the God of creation loves me enough to co<span style="font-size: large;">ntinue <span style="font-size: large;">to hold me up even when<span style="font-size: large;"> I don't think that I can keep going...that the God of heaven above loves me enough to give me the strength I need for another day. Thank you Father for loving me<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-45387794512435167732012-08-19T16:04:00.000-04:002012-08-19T16:04:17.034-04:00God is Faithful~<span style="font-size: large;">God is forever faithful; in the big and small things of life. Tom lost his job two weeks ago Friday..and to say this didn't send me into a tailspin would not be honest. I saw it coming...and yet when it happens~well that is something all together different. I began to pray...there are times throughout the day when my munchkins are napping and it is quiet and I sit there and pray and just talk to the Lord...telling him what is going on and how if it were not for him; I would have lost it a long time ago. So I began a job search and found one at a Christian school and I thought ok this is what God has for me. Not the perfect school but more money. Well~the Lord had other plans...plans that I could not see....I was offered a good raise to stay right where I am with a job that is five minutes from my home. God is good! He is faithful; even when I have lost hope. I know that I cannot see the big picture and the reason for all the twists and turns but he does and in his time; it will be revealed. I ask each day for the strength and energy I need to get through and he has provided. I have asked for continued provision and he has provided...I know that he will continue to walk with me through this bumpy ride and he will continue to guide and direct me steps. It hasn't been easy and there are days I am overwhelmed but he continues to provide me the comfort that can only be given by him...and for that I am so very thankful.</span><br />
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<br />Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-24539509673480561992012-08-02T19:43:00.000-04:002012-08-02T19:43:50.029-04:00The Joy of the Lord~<span style="font-size: large;">I love the Psalms....David had been through and seen many things~and God was there in the middle of it all. His failings...triumphs. Well~I know that God is in the middle of my stress and I am thankful that although I have no idea of the why...He will continue to give me the strength to keep walking. Tom is going to be let go tomorrow from his job...again. I know that this is not a shock for the Lord and I know that He will continue to provide for our family. It has been many hills and valleys these past several years but the JOY of the LORD IS MY STRENGTH! When I am feeling at a loss; He is there. When I am questioning; He is there. When I think I cannot take another moment; He is there....and I tell you enough that He has carried me through because on my own I would not have the strength to walk. So even though I may not know what God is up too; I wait and trust and believe that He does indeed have a plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-49151809119536058152012-07-08T19:51:00.000-04:002012-07-08T19:51:30.996-04:00Progress~<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It seems as if time has been just flying by~one day simply blends into another. I would like to think that I am beginning to become accustomed to the steady rhythm of each day....and I am to a certain extent. Still missing being at home but I suppose this is something that won't go away; so I am still adjusting to my new normal. I do enjoy being with the little ones each day and helping them in their development. As I take care of these little ones each day; I am reminded of how thankful I am that I was able to be home with my children for such a very long time. I was there for their first steps and words and all the milestones that the parents I help on a daily basis are missing out on....I was blessed beyond belief! The kids have adapted to my schedule although they would love to have me home but! we have come a long way from where we were this time last year. Progress~no matter how small the steps is still progress. We are going to be moving a half and hour North of here in the next month. I am both excited because Austin finally gets a room again and a little nervous because it is to a new town I am not familiar with at all. There will be driving involved now for all getting to work and church and activities and we will not be around the corner from my aunt or across the street from mom.....but God opened a door for us and we are ready to walk through. </span></span>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-28582523058286532232012-05-13T23:08:00.000-04:002012-05-13T23:08:06.850-04:00Quite the week~<span style="font-size: large;">It's been quite the week~I had an altercation at work with a fellow employee...it was really surreal. Thankfully I had an interview that afternoon at a preschool...and I got the job! So happy that the Lord in his mercy took me out of this situation. I am working on my licensing and once I have it they would like to offer me another job at the school~which won't be disclosed until than. So I will be studying and working quite hard to get it done. Amanda starts school in two weeks and Gabby will be babysitting this summer for her cousins several days during the week. Austin is going to be taking it easy and trying to get healthy. Tom is working hard and trying to get business. So things here at home are busy. I will be officially starting my new job at the end of the week and than Amanda and I will be visiting a friend this weekend. I am really looking forward to getting away into new surrounding for a bit. Time to refresh and recharge. I continue to press on~trying to let the Lord guide and direct me and believing that He will put me right where he wants me. This has been a long season of many ups and downs but God has and continues to take our family through it all and for that I am thankful.</span>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-15097648115892457232012-04-25T21:09:00.002-04:002012-04-25T21:09:29.090-04:00Time to regroup~<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Life has been a little hectic as of late~still getting used to being away from home on a daily basis..it is hard and difficult. I miss my kids~I miss my routine...I miss my old life. I am thankful for all the many years I was able to stay home with the kids and really be a homemaker. I am thankful now for a job that helps our family. It is just different and something that I am sure will take time a lot of time to become my new norm. Tom was away for a week for training and it went very well. He is slowly finding his footing and it will take time in this economy here in Florida to get to where he would like to be but all good things take time. Amanda is starting her apprenticeship at church this summer and looking to start college in August. Gabby continues daily with her studies and I am trying to be patient as she has been through so much. Austin is on a break for now as he continues to struggle with his health and we cannot take him to the doctor until we get health insurance. By allowing him to take this time and just concentrate on his writing and just taking care of himself he is less stressed and not feeling as sick...so this is what needs to be done. I know that God is going to put our lives back together~he has already shown himself faithful to our family; so I am just going to continue to trust and hold on tight. I found myself last week running and although I thought I was praying and in the word~it just wasn't registering....so I just found myself today asking the Lord to really let me hear him and really let me get what he is teaching me during this season. I just want the be the wife/mother he wants me to be; because the biggest ministry I will ever have is to my family.</span></span></b>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-74138460119365228022012-04-12T17:31:00.001-04:002012-04-12T17:31:08.125-04:00Diary of a part time poet: Please wait to be connected to awesomeness <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My Gabby has launched her own blog~ and while I am most certainly partial....I have to say it is good...really good. She is pouring out her heart and sharing what God is teaching her~ and that to me is simply awesome.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://doaptp.blogspot.com/2012/04/please-wait-to-be-connected-to.html?spref=bl">Diary of a part time poet: Please wait to be connected to awesomeness</a>: What comes to mind when you think awesome? A car? The Hunger Games? That out going popular kid you wish you could be like? Well,how about yo...Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-87319369705309900562012-03-13T21:40:00.000-04:002012-03-13T21:40:30.364-04:00Prayer Needed!<b><span style="font-size: large;">I am asking for prayer for my dear Uncle Henry Toro. He is such a strong man of God. He was raised for quite sometime by my parents...so I grew up having him as a big brother~I have so many wonderful memories of my him. Since dad's passing he has stepped up and been a real sounding board for me and Tom. He suffered his fourth heart attack this past Saturday and was to have an angioplasty today but the tests came back with very bad news of extensive damage to most of his valves....so tomorrow morning at five am he will be having open heart surgery. I would so appreciate prayer for him. He has a fifteen year old son and two precious grandchildren as well as another son and daughter. He has been married for over thirty years to my Aunt Sharon. I am praying for guidance and wisdom for the doctors. Strength for his family and complete healing for him. Thank you all so much!</span></b>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-34829464306380806052012-03-10T17:50:00.000-05:002012-03-10T17:50:44.464-05:00<b><span style="font-size: large;">So very thankful~ Tom got the job!! He starts training on Monday. He was told they would like to train him to be a sales manager....so I am sending the Lord before..praying that he would find favor with fellow employees and of course his bosses. He is a hard worker and simply needs a chance. I continue to work at the bank~ everyone is pleasant though it is hard for me to be standing for hours on end. I just get up everyday and send the Lord before~ he has given me the ability to get through each day. I am going to be looking into taking some classes~ so many avenues out there...going to pray and see where the Lord opens doors. Gabby had a wonderful time this this weekend at the student leadership conference. Austin and Amanda spent the weekend at Titi Sylvia's house watching movies..playing Pokeno and snacking. Going to spend the next day resting up for the week of work ahead. So thankful for God's continued provision.</span></b>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-48870194808403439482012-03-02T22:28:00.000-05:002012-03-02T22:28:55.178-05:00I am free~<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Life has been moving at a frantic pace as of late~ the days just seem to blend together. I have working a great deal....six days a week...But! so thankful as Tom is still looking for work. God is good giving me the strength I need each day. So looking forward to Sunday~the day of rest. Tom is excited; he has a job interview on Monday! The job is in his field and last year this company had offered him a position but it was as a contractor..now the terms of employment have changed and they are offering a base and commissions as well as expense allowance..so we will see what transpires. It is in Gods hands! God continues to be faithful to our family~ and I continue to pray for direction and guidance in our lives. There are days when I wonder when the Lord will deliver us from this season in our lives but on those days I just really try to remember that I have to trust~ its not easy but I was reminded this morning during my quiet time that we are no meant for this world...it is not our home. A thought I have to tell you I find comforting. I am trying to relax in my Father's arms~ reminding myself I am not in control and you know what I am learning; I don't have to be! and this is a really freeing realization.</span></b>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-31529504363323903522012-02-10T00:14:00.000-05:002012-02-10T00:14:32.537-05:00Caught the cold~<b><span style="font-size: large;">Well~<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">it was just a matter of time until I caught Tom's and Austie's cold...so nice of them to share. :) So it was quite the day at work because I had run out of cold medicine and took an allergy pill instead...I felt like I was sleepwalking all day but I got through even with a meeting tonight. The job continues to go well and everyone is very nice but I do indeed need to work full-time...I just keep praying and waiting on the Lord as I know His timing is not mine. Tomorrow morning I have a phone interview for a personal banking position and it is right around the corner from the house~so we will see what happens. I spent the weekend revamping my resume and it may just pay off. So I have put it in the Lord's hands because I have learned it has to be His will. I just continue to apply and network~something is bound to happen. This past weekend was wonderful at church as we had Hillsong with Darlene leading worship all weekend. It was really a beautiful time.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></b><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The girls and I were so blessed and refreshed. I am looking into going back to school...it is both exciting and terrifying all at once.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">The kids are very supportive. They think its great that not only are they studying but mom and dad are joining them. I have been thinking of dad a great deal lately~wondering what his advice to us would be....than I remind myself that I do indeed know what he would say and it is just missing his voice his presence in our lives. So many emotions...so many changes but what gets me through is staying in prayer and the word; it's not easy and somedays are harder than others but I get up each morning and start my day and put Him in charge....He has not let me down yet~daily..moment by moment...He gives me the strength needed.</span></b>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-34471731007161594002012-01-26T20:29:00.000-05:002012-01-26T20:29:28.813-05:00Provision~<b><span style="font-size: large;">My review went very well~better than I could have anticipated. I am so thankful~they are very happy with my performance and can't believe that I have been there only two months. I believe that the Lord placed me where I am at...and I am more than thankful. My manager and supervisor have offered to teach me everything that they know and have told me that I can take any of the classes online that are available...so I am going to make like a sponge and soak it all up! I spoke with the branch manager about getting more hours because of Tom's layoff and she is going to try to get me as close to full-time as possible. On Monday she is going to call the managers in the area and ask if I can work at their branches in the morning before I come in...and than she told me that I can pick up as many Saturday's as I like~I just need to ask each week who would like me to fill in for them. So I think the Lord is opening doors to provision and that makes me very happy; I believe that God will not leave our family...no matter what the circumstances may look like. His promises are for today, tomorrow and our future.</span></b>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-42395776537631546492012-01-25T21:47:00.000-05:002012-01-25T21:47:04.941-05:00Trust~<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a week~of having Tom home full-time....his department was eliminated at work last Thursday. It has been a week of ups and downs...it's been a week of blind trust~this I know didn't surprise the Lord and so I wait and pray and lean heavily on faith. Tom is going back to school~after a great deal of resistance...it is the right thing to do and he has come to the conclusion that he needs to get a new career. He is going to continue to look for work and Lord willing he will find something soon. I have my review tomorrow with my branch manager and supervisor.....it is in Gods hands. I know that they are happy with my performance...but whether they will offer me more hours remain to be seen. They both know that Tom has lost his job and that I need to work full-time. I am still putting my resume out everywhere~and I have had some interviews but getting back into banking is a long process; they do not make quick decisions. The kids are anxious but I keep reminding them God is in control. So it is one day at a time~that is all we can do and trust that God will take care of us.</span>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-70531387843383713772012-01-20T21:40:00.000-05:002012-01-20T21:40:47.242-05:00It's not easy~<b><span style="font-size: large;">God is faithful~ always...through the good times and bad. He is there with me on the days when I can feel his presences and when I am just barely keeping my head above the water. Faith is something that God has been teaching me through these last four years~ it has been that long! There are days when I wake in the morning and feel as if I am old and gray and on those days...I pray that God grants me the grace to get up and do the things I must...and sometimes it is just the ability to get through the day. I am writing tonight just not for myself~ though this blog has been a diary/journal of sort ...but for those of you~ dear friends who are right there in the middle of the fight of your life. When you think that you just can't take another hurt another disappointment in life~ I tell you that He cares....really He does. I am reminded that we are going to be refined...a process that is not an easy one...a process that I have learned is uncomfortable and even very painful at times but just when I think I don't have it in me to continue believing that God has a plan; I get a glimpse of what He has in store~ I am blessed..very blessed by having had wonderful loved ones in my life...I am blessed by God giving me three special and unique children...I have been blessed by God giving me a husband who loves his family. It has been a struggle but with every struggle God has shown me that He does care and love us and that He indeed does have a plan; though I don't see it now. So please dear friends when you think you can't possibly keep going~ look up and release it all into His hands. I can assure you that He is waiting there</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">you to cast your cares...just release it all and step into his waiting arms.</span></span></b>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-71775025525002291552011-12-20T21:18:00.000-05:002011-12-20T21:18:27.657-05:00Remembering my dad today....I will always miss you~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/K_OB7d-B1Vw/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K_OB7d-B1Vw&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K_OB7d-B1Vw&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-41507536342060418602011-12-19T20:29:00.000-05:002011-12-19T20:29:54.869-05:00<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>It's been a very busy several weeks~ I got through training....got all A's! Thank you Lord for allowing me to "get it". I was so worried with being tired that I would not do well~God is good! The new job is going very well~ the people are incredibly nice and</b></i></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> helpful. I have got the swing of things and my boss is very happy that I know what I am doing. I am looking at it as a foot in the door....Lord willing given time and an open position and I can move up. I had only been there a week and they had a birthday cake and card for me....I was very surprised...pleasantly. Today I found out my boss is sending the whole office for pedicures on Friday for Christmas. I am so thankful that God has given me this opportunity. Having to work now out of the home....after working for Tom and myself for so many years~ it's a stretch...but the Lord has shown me mercy and grace. My brother blessed me with money for my birthday and I was able to go Christmas shopping! So happy~ it has been years since I have really been able to go out and shop till I drop for my kids~ I had a blast! We are going to have a quiet Christmas. Christmas Eve service and than we will read the Christmas story as we have since the kids were born.....Christmas I am cooking. Gabby has requested comfort food....her favorites. The girls and I will be baking and having fun. There will not be a moment where I won't be missing my dad. This was his favorite time of year but I know he would want me to be there for my family.....I can hear him in my head~ so I will try to make it as special as I can. So many changes happened this year....I am not one for change but God is always growing me and stretching me away from my comfort zone. Thank you Lord for always giving me the strength to get through~</span></span></b></i>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-52809671426457873082011-11-27T14:49:00.001-05:002011-11-27T15:00:44.232-05:00Thanksgiving thoughts~<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Been quite the busy week~ with Thanksgiving and getting ready to begin work this week. We had a quiet holiday with just Tom the kids and I and Titi Sylvia. My brother popped in for dessert with his wife and my niece. The kids have spent the past several days at her house decorating and keeping her company. I think it did them all a world of good. She has been a real blessing to us. She has been a stabilizing force in the kids lives since dad's passing. I did not see my mom~ she has been quite busy socially. I did call her though to wish her a Happy Thanksgiving. I am very thankful that the Lord has given me this chance to work. I know that it will relieve some stress from Tom and the kids. I am hoping to surprise the kids with a Christmas tree this weekend. So many of our things have gone missing since the move~ so it will be a little bit of replacement at a time. We have always decorated the whole house for Christmas...last year with dad's passing we didn't have a tree...so I am going to try and remedy this! The girls are going to be very busy the next couple of weeks with choir and Gabby with singing in the band as well. Lord willing once my training is over I will be able to get a doctor for Austin. I so want him to be well; so he can start to live like a teenager. I continue to pray for work for Tom and a home that will give Austin his own room. I know God knows and sees the needs of our family...and I know his timing is perfect. Just have to remind myself of this~ We are so blessed in so many ways...when I start to get discouraged I remind myself of the blessings that we do have~ so much more than many. Praying you all have a blessed week and that the Lord would give each and everyone of you just what you need when you need it.</b></i></span></span>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-57780785268956493592011-11-23T17:23:00.000-05:002011-11-23T17:23:17.867-05:00Happy Thanksgiving~<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>It is the start of the holiday season~ Wow...time has flown by this year. I am thankful for many things...</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Missing those that will not be around the table this year~ my dad, grandma, titi Eva....I am praying that the Lord would bring each and everyone of you a wonderful day tomorrow with your families. Make the most of each moment....Make memories...Enjoy each other....and always remember to say I love you~ I am thankful for my family, for God's provision and for cherished memories.</b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>The Lord bless you and keep...May he shine his face upon you..... </b></i></span></span>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-689810922075427852011-11-22T15:40:00.000-05:002011-11-22T15:40:41.915-05:00Faithful~<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In the presence of hope, faith is born. In the presence of faith, love becomes a possibility. In the presence of love, miracles happen. ~Robert Schuller</span></span></b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I start work on Monday! What an answer to prayer!! I have been running around this week between Titi Sylvia's radiation appointments getting all the paperwork done. Wow~ very excited. Gabby started singing this past weekend in the praise and worship band..she loved it! I am so happy for her~ just what she needed. Now I continue to pray for that the Lord would bring Austin some godly friends that will be an encouragement to him. He is having a struggle wondering what the Lord is doing in our lives. Titi Eva's passing was the icing on the cake for him and I am watching my son; who always had such a love for God and his word...start to drift. He has shared with me that he is struggling to understand where God is in all of the losses....and I continue to watch Tom struggle as well. My constant prayer is that the Lord would show himself faithful because we are weary....and although I keep walking it is a sometimes a day to day struggle~ so I can understand how and why Austie has so many questions. I just encourage them on a daily basis that God has not forgotten them and he does indeed have a plan for our lives. I am praying for that miracle that I know God has for us.</span></span></b></i>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-49627701267448527332011-11-10T19:24:00.000-05:002011-11-10T19:24:25.727-05:00Keep Walking~<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Got a call this morning from the bank~ they wanted to know if I am still interested in a job.....yes! So they will be getting back with me on Monday with the details. It's part-time and from what I understand they have great benefits. Very happy~ will be happier still when the particulars are worked out and I am one hundred percent sure that I have a job. Tom is waiting on the test to come through to take it. The recruiter told him it is a long process and to be patient....Tom and I found this very funny. I am just thankful that Tom continues to keep going no matter what~ that he is faithful to our family and that we stand together. I am simply exhausted after the past two weeks but have found that when I need it the Lord gives me the strength needed. My former sister-in-law surprised me the other day with a gift card to the grocery store...what a blessing! It was so sweet of her to think of us~ and it was a big help. Provision has been my prayer and I am continually amazed how the Lord provides for our family. I know without a doubt that I need to trust and obey and even when I don't understand ...I just need to keep walking.</b></i></span></span>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-40814386967676223892011-11-07T20:16:00.000-05:002011-11-07T20:16:13.248-05:00Thankful~<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Today was the Mass and celebration of Titi's life~ it was a beautiful service and than we had a lovely luncheon at my cousin's home in her honor. The girls and I my cousin's and Titi Sylvia were all there cooking, laughing and telling stories all afternoon. We had a wonderful time! The girls learned from their cousin how to cook Titi Eva's rice and gandules. Making memories</b></i></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">~ the kids are now over keeping Titi Sylvia company. We took her to her radiation appointment this afternoon and than she took us out for burgers. I am now trying to enjoy the quiet after a whirlwind of the past two weeks....sitting here reflecting over all that has happened and how God has given me the strength that I have needed daily. Thankful for time spent wisely on relationships~ all the stuff that we collect along the way can never take the place of the relationships with family and friends and all the memories made along the way. I am so blessed that God has allowed me to have such wonderful examples of loved ones in my life that drew their strength and faith from the one who will never leave us or forsake us~ so on those days when I am running on empty...when I feel like I just can't keep keeping on; I just remember what they told me...trust in the Lord~ He knows what we need and he will provide.</span></span></b></i>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-65072800173491794662011-11-05T13:54:00.000-04:002011-11-05T13:54:45.411-04:00Tea and Sleep~<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>So I am down for the count with a horrible cold. I knew it was just a matter of time until the past few months caught up with me~ so I have been home resting the past several days. Lots of tea and sleep. I am feeling much better than yesterday; and for that I am thankful</b></i></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">. I will be taking the next week or so to play catch-up in the house...but housework will always be here~ Very happy that I was able to relationship first! Tom and I took a drive up to Jacksonville on Wednesday for a job interview for him. What a drive~ it was beautiful going up with fall weather and colors! Something we don't get here in South Florida. It was good to get away for the day and clear my head. The interview went well~ and he has a second one by phone this week. I have left it in Gods hands. Gabby got into the praise and worship team as a back-up singer to start; she is very excited. Mandy is out tonight with friends and Austie is going to have his first shaving lesson...Tomorrow is the visitation for Titi Eva and Monday the church service. It will be hard for the kids but we have many wonderful memories. The holidays are right around the corner and Lord willing we will be making new traditions and fun along the way. I know God has good things in store and I just have to trust in him.</span></span></b></i>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-64628873527797362522011-11-01T18:01:00.000-04:002011-11-01T18:01:59.160-04:00Titi Eva~<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>I was called to the hospital this morning~ Titi had taken a turn for the worse....everything was shutting down. My cousin and I assembled the family to say our goodbyes...everyone came. She left us at noon and later in the afternoon my cousin had everything shut off ~ with everyone in the room and my cousin Sandi and I holding her hand~ she left us for good. I don't know what it is going to be like without her...I just adored her. She was so wonderful and kind and loving and she meant the world too me. The very last sister~ gone....She told me Friday...if something happens to me remember I am with the Lord. So these tears that just won't stop are not because I have no hope...simply because I will miss her. I have nothing but wonderful memories of her as a child and than with my own children....they were/are crazy about her. She was a tiny woman and she would run and play with the kids. I remember her playing football with my son when he was a toddler. She was famous for her rice and gandules....I remember her climbing my fruit trees with the kids when they were little...taking care of me when I was so sick and pregnant with my last~ Gabby....Simply said she was the most wonderful great-aunt anyone could wish for...and she will forever be missed and always loved.</b></i></span></span> <i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know she is rejoicing to be with her beloved son and family again~ I know she was welcomed with shouts of joy...I will take everything she taught me through life and be the better for it~ I love you!</span></span></b></i>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411655841982721774.post-25733903087677583402011-10-30T21:20:00.000-04:002011-10-30T21:20:25.062-04:00Titi Eva (Great-Aunt Eva)<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>It has been a long and difficult week. Friday my aunt and two cousins gathered at the hospital for my great-aunt's surgery. It was so much more major than any of us thought~ including the doctor. What was a major surgery turned into a very major and risky surgery that lasted four hours. He had to take out four feet of intestine and had to cut her up to her spleen.....he was not expecting her to be as ill as she was~ neither were any of us....she is now in the critical care unit and the recovery has not begun yet~ she now has a fever and may have an infection. I was called this morning at six to rush to the hospital as the medication made her delusional and she has pulled out all of her tubes and tried to leave the hospital room....no small feet for an eighty-three year old woman. I got there and she had been strapped to the bed....I removed the straps and was able to calm her down to the point that she was able to stabilize a bit.</b></i></span></span> <i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It has been a hard day~ my cousin's and I are going to take turns keeping an eye on her...it is touch and go~ and I am praying...very hard. I want to hear her crazy laugh and her jokes and see that smile again. So tonight Lord willing she will have a peaceful night ~ I am praying for that.</span></span></b></i>Vikki Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609112814626653515noreply@blogger.com2