A structure soundly built.

My late husband was a builder, and it seems we as his family, have taken up the trade. Whether careers, confidence, communications, or relationships, we are building......... and learning as we go.

In going to California, a place where the emphasis on oneself is so high, I saw the emptiness and isolation of no support. A good structure is built with proper "support." The support can bring about stability, which is of utmost in building something meant to last.........

Even if I am on my last dollars or I carry debt, I will continue to offer support, and ask for it when I need it. As I restructure my household and business plan in PA, there is stress put on our family. The only answer I can offer is a focus on the future, and pushing past the present troubles.

Perhaps it is my childlike faith, or my belief in better days that drives me, or maybe it my dreams........ whatever it is, I am living on the edge of something great. I am always learning to manage my tension too, but I am a bit concerned that I cannot function without an ongoing list to do now:/

I have a meeting with my former broker Barb in Macungie tomorrow morning to get the renewal process going. I'm told real estate is moving and the spring season feels like it is finally upon us ;D

My oldest went from a lifestyle of self sufficiency and simplicity to the complete opposite in a few weeks. His time management is being tested beyond beliefs in these first few weeks and until May 1, so please pray for us. 
Chynna's fitness training is beginning to blossom as well, and boot camp starts this week. Our schedules are a bit of insanity.

In the coming days, I will be asking for help and recommendations for business needs I have. Logan's looking for a summer job that is flexible of course, b/c of prior volleyball commitments. And then there's the college search......

Lord willing, we will make it.

The father's business

No matter the amount of time that passes, I continue to see the residue of the resilience it takes to snap back after tragedy. It seems to settle on every area of the soul. I need every ounce of it I can muster.

As we all settle back in here. there remains a very transitory feel to our family, as my oldest kids are concerned with advancing their careers. The feelings that they do not need to follow in their father's footsteps are for real. I want each to have their own lives........ I don't make demands.

Ours is a family business but one founded when their father was alive; now, we ask ourselves where do we go; what do we do. How do we practically move on, given the demands on time, desires of the heart, and definite financial needs. It is a conundrum I need answers to........

It is with this in the forefront that I, honest to God, have to keep pushing. With a only a few hours to go, I will have finished up my 14 hour online course to renew my PA real estate license. And I have to begin to make money. The ball will be set in motion on Monday.

Austin's first day on the job at a restaurant in Exeter began today, while the two boys tackled rental projects. I spent 8 hours at the place tenants abandoned, as Chynna planned her "boot camp" workout for Oxyfit gym, beginning next week. We are all working so hard........

As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support. Our dreams live on, with faith we can make each a reality. It may require some supernatural intervention from God, but that's what He is good at. 
And a big thanks to John, who continues to provide practical help, such as changing a pressure valve fitting at my house, to hands on help at my rental.

"May the odds be ever in our favor."

Sitting among the ashes.

I've been reading about the story of a man who lived long ago; from all accounts, he was successful in every way. He was the "greatest man" in his town; his family got along and all was well, until one day when something out of the ordinary came against him....... twice.

Not only did he suffer great personal loss, but his life was also touched with physical ailments. It seemed that even this righteous man was allowed to discover and uncover what it meant to "suffer". If he was such a good person, how could the God he knew of, allow this to happen......

He sat scraping his wounds, listening to so called friends give their opinions as to why such tragedy would strike his life. As he sat among the ashes, he came to the conclusion that if he could accept the good he believe came from God, why could he not accept the trouble that came as well..... This is the life of Job.

With the passing of our loved one, there are times we would feel justified in treating people poorly, lashing out in anger, and even making excuses for bad behavior. I have had more headaches with my rentals than ever before in our history together. I want to make sense of it, but can't......

As I reflect upon the last few years we've had, I think about this same subject. Particularly in the last 17 months........ when it seems as if all hell has been stirred up and I think life should be a bit easier if I try to live a "good life."

There were two tests Job went through and he came through each with questions and queries, but conquering. He kept his integrity intact because he held onto his beliefs and the relationship(s) that were real to him................

Here in LA, those closest to us know the compromises we have shaken off time and again, as part of our "testing......." Countless come to find fame and fortune, but soon betray the beliefs once held dear. It is heartbreaking how lives are changed, hearts are hardened so easily. It doesn't have to happen.

You gotta know what's real to recognize it. Goodnight.