Posted on by Peg

So, let’s begin…

Let me start off with a friendly WELCOME to my blog! I am happy you stopped by.

I suppose we’ll start off with the facts and move on from there. I’ll tell you a bit about me and then why this whole blog thing came about.

Okay: Me

I’m 42 and living a pretty content life in the woods of NEPA. My husband and I have been married 14 years (as of this writing) and we are raising our three children ages 13, 11, and 9, two boys and one girl.

In my former life (Ha) I was an elementary and early childhood trained teacher and I worked for a local childcare agency for 15 years, in various positions. My work outside the home ended in 2014 as we made the decision that I would become a stay-at-home mom. A hard decision, but absolutely the best one we have made!

Every part of our life is centered around our love for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. In our everyday lives we seek to live for Him. And, as those words come together on the screen, I am deeply reminded how much we rely on God’s unending and unfailing grace toward us, as we fail often!

Our family loves the outdoors and we take advantage of many opportunities to hike, camp, hunt, bike, fish, and explore. We so enjoy our time as a family and make being together a priority.

And now, while taking care of my family and home, I am also able to spend time doing some things I love such as: reading great books, serving at my church, knitting and crocheting, figuring out how to live simply and frugally, cooking, gardening, and…as of right now…blogging!

Okay: The Blog

Obviously every blog gets started because someone has a desire. My desire is for this space to be somewhat of a creative outlet for the words that swirl around in my head.

I ponder. A lot.

I question. A lot.

I figure things out. A little.

For about a year I’ve felt this nudge to share some of the thoughts that I have. And, after a lot of praying and waiting, I have decided to stick my toes into the big waters of this word-filled world.

So, my plan is mainly to write just to write. Sort of record my journey along life’s twisty ups and downs. But, I am also wanting this space to be encouraging for anyone else who decides to read and/or share.

You will probably find me writing a lot about what I’m learning from God’s Word as well as from the books I read. So many great authors, so little time…

I’ll also share some of life’s snippets along the way.

A Slow and Steady Pace – It seems that this is me. If you’re looking for a super outgoing, go-getter, trend setter, on the edge of all things great… Sorry! BUT, if you are interested in the thoughts of someone who is committed to finishing the race well, someone who enjoys the little things in life, someone who believes that the ordinary is extraordinary… then we can probably be friends. I surely don’t have everything in life all figured out, but each day I am learning more and more to walk with the Lord at the pace he has set for me.

Thanks for being here!

Your kind comments will always be welcome! I love hearing others ideas and thoughts! However, I do reserve the right to keep this a safe, positive place for all who share. So, any cutting down of myself and others will be removed.

Posted on by Peg

Saying “yes”

Have you ever come across that picture or heard that phrase? I don’t know about you, but my first thought when I read that is, ” No way!” I do not do things scared. I’d like the whole plan clearly laid out, thank you very much. And be sure to include the guarantee that says everything will go great and no harm, disappointments, etc. will come to me or to those I love. ( I’m not asking for much, right?!)

People who know me IRL know that I am not the first to volunteer. I do not like attention and prefer to be behind the scenes. (I’m thinking of purchasing all the introvert t-shirts I see online…) I do well at cheering on the brave ones, the ones that jump in without hesitation. Oh yeah, I’m all for that!!

I have no problem saying no to people’s requests and usually do not feel guilty in the least.

BUT

When it’s God making the request, well now that is when it seems that my way of doing things comes to a screeeeeeching halt. Saying “no” does not work with the Lord.

In recent years there have been several situations that I knew there was no saying no to. One of those times was when I was asked to be a Sunday school substitute. (Public speaking in front of adults. Yikes!) You know, just fill in when the regulars weren’t there. No big deal, I’m a trained teacher, right? Yeah…

After thoughtful prayer and a talk with my husband, it seemed that my answer was going to have to be a “yes.” Just couldn’t come up with a good enough reason for no. I tried. I really tried. So there it was. And then. it. happened. I had to fill in! Fear set in. “Why, why, why did I say yes??? Huge mistake!!” was all I could think. So I prayed, prepped and panicked. And then I did it. Scared. And I didn’t die! Ha!

Funny thing is, Scripture is filled with people like me. Maybe they weren’t flat out saying “no” ( some were ), but there were definitely people who were saying “yes” and doing it scared. Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Mary, the diciples, and so many more. How do I know? Because I can go to each of the accounts of these people and see the Lord or His messenger saying: Do not fear. Pretty sure those words were being said for a reason! But, God always promises to be with them. He doesn’t leave people to do His requests on their own.

So, since agreeing to teach, I have filled in many times and even led a couple studies that lasted 6 months each. And all praise goes to God Almighty. He took my scared “yes” and my step of obedience and has blessed it beyond what I could imagine. It humbles me that God would use me to speak about His word and encourage His people.

In all honesty, my first reaction to unfamiliar territory is still “No!” However, it usually doesn’t last long. I keep learning that saying “yes”, when I’m sure it is God asking (that’s a subject for another day) leads to amazing blessings and joy. This blog is a step I’m taking in obedience to a nudge of the Lord, I believe, and it has taken a lot of courage for me to begin to put my words out there for people to read. (Oh, Nellie!)

So, is there something you know you should be saying yes to? My encouragement is this: Pray. Pray. Pray some more. And then you might need to say “yes” and see what blessings come (Even if you’re scared!)