Rosh Hashanah

No, I have not converted to Judaism, but it seems a fitting holiday. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. But it was when I read this that made me think that it fit: the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year.

Truly the Hestad's are at a time of introspection, looking over our mistakes of the past and planning big changes for the new year. I'm excited! I hope Dan is feeling excitement at the possibilities.

Keep praying.

My journal from Jane came today and she included a little note. On the note she put Joel 2:23, of course I had to look it up. The Scripture just fit with the day...So rejoice, O sons of Zion, And be glad in the LORD your God; For He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has poured down for you the rain, The early and latter rain as before.

In the Hands of God

I could of easily taken Jonathan Edwards title, "Sinners in the hands of an angry God", but while we are sinners saved by grace, God is not angry. Today, I wanted to write, but instead went to Sunday School in support of Dan. His class was full! He taught one of the best lessons ever out of Deuteronomy 6.

This morning was the first time I've seen him since our decision to close the business the second week in October (this is when the cows leave.) He actually looks relieved. Of course there is the worry of how we are going to pay off the business bills. This wouldn't be a problem if a couple of horses would sell, and there is the little problem of how we will make it till he finds some work. But all in all, relief is the feeling of the moment. Today just looks brighter and happier.

Last night I finished up all my postings for this last class, and today I am working on my last paper. My plan is to spend break re-doing Assignment 1 and then working on the dissertation. (I wanted to go see Drew but nows not a good time.) By the end of that week I should have the paperwork moving forward and hopefully by December see the pay raise.

Just keep praying...God is in control. We would like to close the door owing no one any money. That will only happen if God allows a horse to sale. Also, Dan needs a job. I would like to see him start back to school and finish his degree, but we shall see.

Quote

Have patience with everything

that remains unsolved in your heart.

Try to love the questions themselves...

At present you need to live the questions.

Perhaps, you will gradually, without

even noticing it, find yourself

experiencing the answer.

-Rainer Marie Rilke, Poet

This was posted on twowritingteachers seems almost written for me.

Also, go check this out

Update

Okay, this is an update on the situation at the Hestad Manor. Dan is looking at disbanning everything the second week in October. We've talked to others in the business and it looks like this downturn in the economy could have an adverse effect on the horse business for a couple of years. That is if things turn around Monday. I talked to an old friend this week and he says that if the government doesn't have something settled by Monday...we are all in for a rocky road.

So, I'm going to start working on a resume for Dan. A lot of places have online application processes. Unfortunately, this is all taking place in the midst of another paper being due, report cards, SACS visit, and various other things.

Matt came home last night. He was so cute. He's come home to minister to his parents! Last night after I went to bed he cleaned the house. Today he is going to go spend the day with his Dad. I think that is too sweet! He is very worried about if he is going to be able to keep up his grades. The animal science professor last test had questions on it that were never touched on in class. College Algebra is still causing him stress, but he wants to stick it out.

Gabe wants to know if Daddy stops working with horses and gets a job will we get to go on a vacation. Interesting...

Last night Denise came over and stayed during the football game. I fixed tacos and everyone had a good time. She sent Matt to get her cigarettes and then told him to put gas in the jeep with the rest of the money.

So in light of all of this we need you to pray very specifically. We need to sell two horses. I think we should keep Matt's horse and Earl will keep him for us. If we can't sell one of the horses, we need the man Dan is partnered with to buy out Dan's part. Dan needs a job. He is scheduled to judge a big show in November, so we need something in between. He has to go to a training seminar in October (money for that). Judging jobs would help tremendously.

Thanks.

Things May Be Looking Up

Dan and I had a long talk tonight. Not the kind where you sit down and have a face to face discussion, but over the telephone. Turned out to be a great discussion! We talked for over two hours, discussing all the things that have transpired in the last year. Finally, it felt like he heard me. I hope so! I pray that God will show Dan the steps he needs to take to get things moving in the right direction.

So tonight pray for Dan. Pray for our family. And pray for our future.

Still Not Feeling the Inspiration

I did notice that a certain art teacher has branched way out of late! artatstark is WONDERFUL!

I'm anxious for payday. I really feel that we need a break. Apparently, I need to get busy on my dissertation, because I think I'm going to have to give my first orals before I get money! I had so thought that was happening soon! Hoping praying!!!!

But until then I have report cards to get done this week!

Something More

Some days I won't this blog to be something more. Something that inspires folks to live a better life, be a better teacher, find encouragement for the journey. Alas, I think that it is far from that! However, I'm thankful I can tune into these blogs for inspiration:

Twowritingteachers they just make me want to be a better teacher.

twentytwowords his father is a famous pastor and author, yet he takes his readers on a unique journey

jane over at 54 and more she's crafty, Godly, and encouraging

rocksinmydryer she seems to have a nose for web happenings

amicksarticles I loved the info on Steinhouses blog page

girlgroit I love all things New York. I'm fascinated with the big city. It is hard to imagine a bakery in town and eating fresh bread.

However, it needs to be noted that unlike this girl in experiment land I have yet to see all of Georgia. For instance: the Zoo, the little Grand Canyon, Jimmy Carter's Birthplace, heard Jimmy Carter teach Sunday School, Cumberland Island, Jekyll Island, and many more places.

And I enjoy everyday checking in with the adventures of monkey , pioneer woman, life here, and there are more.

Still I long to leave words of wisdom upon this earth, to those I encounter, and more. Yet, I whine and bemoan my existance, when in actuality someone always has it worse. Unfortunately, here you will find no encouragement for today, but only a prayer request.

Today, Dan made a statement that he was ready for a change. This would be doable with a house on a little piece of land where he could have a barn and a few cows. (This is why we stay in the position we are in...) It would seem that with the economy so bad, surely there is a piece of level, pasture land out there for a price we could afford on my salary. So tonight when you go to sleep...PRAY...PRAY that God will show us a little piece of land, that Dan will sell three horses, and find a job. Now how hard is all this for God!!!! Pray that I have strength to believe that God's answers are on the way!

Perhaps tomorrow I can turn this into an inspirational site!