Fall is a comin'
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
The air is crisp tonight. I love it. I'm ready for leaves, cooler weather, and apple pie.
I'm also ready for our new busy schedule: Leadership training class, Women's Bible Study, Money Matters in Marriage Study, 1st Repsonders BBQ, the list goes on and on (and on!).
Working at church has been a blessing. I have to remind myself over and over again that I'm actually getting paid for this. We have morning devotions and prayer every morning. Right now we are reading through the book of Isaiah. We didn't do that at camp!
It's late (12am) - and i've just finished my new book: The Bishop's Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter. It was SO good.
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/29/2006 11:14:00 PM,
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tired.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Friday morning I got a call at work. It was Andy's Mom Linda. She broke her arm a few weeks ago and was the at the doctors office for a follow-up visit. The break was not healing correctly, so they had to re-break her arm and surgically install a rod IN her arm to correct it.
A few hours later Andy and I found ourselves in the Midcoast Hospital. Luckily Aunt Carol was able to be there with her while she went in, because I couldn't get a hold of Andy as he was in an all day meeting. We were there when she woke up though, and stayed with her until she was released many hours later. They actually wanted her to stay the night because she wasn't tolerating the pain very well, but she was determined to go home. I was really trying to get her to stay, because she kept getting sick and I knew it would be really hard to take care of her at home.
She was so weak she almost fainted trying to get in the car, but there was no arguing with her about going home. She was very determined to go! We pulled into her house around 11 and upon arrival she got really sick. It was a really long night to say the least.
Molly was pent up in the kitchen while we were at the hospital, so as we were ready to crash she was ready to play! She doesn’t sleep well in other peoples homes, so we were up around 4AM, and so was I.
Saturday was more of the same - no sleep. We went home on today early so we could go to church. The sermon was on the Rhythm of life. I'll have to look over the sermon notes again because I was zoned out today. 5 hours of sleep in two days will do that to you! Andy, Molly and I crashed when we got home. We slept for almost 5 hours.... ahhh. Hopefully we'll still be able to sleep tonight!
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/27/2006 05:29:00 PM,
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One week down
Thursday, August 24, 2006
I just finished my first week at church. On a Thursday - yes the four day work week is sweet. It was all I hoped, and I am so thankful.
A old friend called tonight out of the blue. What a blessing it was to hear from her. We were very close until about a year ago when Andy and I moved from Salem, MA to Saco, ME. We worked together at Liberty Publishing. More confirmation came today when she told me about all the layoffs at Liberty. It's so hard to know friends and co-workers are now jobless. I'll be keeping them in my prayers.
Speaking of praying. Pastor Eric, myself and other members of the church pray and read every morning before we start work. How cool is this job?
Tomorrow I have agreed to work at Camp, even though I really don't want to. It will be nice to have two paychecks though, and our car has a date at the shop this Saturday.
I'll leave you with a verse we read today that I love...
"As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is MY word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
-Isaiah 55:10-11
Are you full on the word?
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/24/2006 09:02:00 PM,
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Beginnings
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
I started my new job today, and it was wonderful! We read the bible before we started and prayed for our day, the people in our church, and our town. What a way to start a day! I can't wait to go back!
I only get one day of training with the person who's leaving, so that is a little overwhelming.
I'm so tired! I haven't "worked" an 8 hour day in two months! Andy took me out for dinner today, he's so sweet.
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/22/2006 08:07:00 PM,
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Materalism vs. Contentment
Monday, August 21, 2006
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. -Matthew 6:24
Materialism is not a tangible commodity.
Don't live to get, live to give.
Materialism is an intangible condition of the heart.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:21
Materialism if fueled by two things: Greed & Jealousy
II Kings 5 - GREED
This story begins with Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram. He has leprosy. So he goes to the prophet Elisha in Israel for help. In verse 10 Elisha tells Naaman to Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed." Naaman did as he was told, and he was healed. Naaman wanted to give an offering to Elisha for healing him, but Elisha wanted nothing of it. In verse 16 Elisha says: "As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing." And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.
Gehazi, the servant of the Prophet Elisha heard what was going on, and wanted the reward.
Verse 21: Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. "Is everything all right?" he asked.
22 "Everything is all right," Gehazi answered. "My master sent me to say, 'Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.' "
23 "By all means, take two talents," said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi. He couldn't even carry them himself. He was greedy he took more than he could carry.
24 When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the things from the servants and put them away in the house. He sent the men away and they left. 25 Then he went in and stood before his master Elisha.
"Where have you been, Gehazi?" Elisha asked.
"Your servant didn't go anywhere," Gehazi answered.
Gehazi lies out right to Elisha.
John 12:3-8 JEALOUSY
3- Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4- But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5- "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6- He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7- "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. " It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8- You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
How do we avoid Materialism?
1. Admire without the need to acquire.
2. Develop an attitude of gratitude.
3. Learn the secret of generosity.
We break the back of materialism when we show the Love of God!
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/21/2006 08:43:00 AM,
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Manic Monday
Today is my official last day at work. I start at church tomorrow. I'm so excited!
Andy and I had a pretty good weekend. Saturday we drove up to Topsham to see Andy's Mom Linda because she had broken her arm the week before playing capture the flag at a youth event. Two days after she broke her arm, so managed to slice open her fingers trying to open a baked bean can. She is almost immobile! We went up and cleaned her house, took her out for groceries, and cooked her a few meals to get her through the week. Hopefully she will heal fast as school is just around the corner.
We're having more problems with our car. So far this summer we've replaced the headlights, the battery and the alternator. Saturday as we were coming home from Topsham we heard a horrible rattle. The heat shield fell off the car! I'm taking it in to the shop this week. More $$$ down the drain.
I have been reading the most wonderful series, you should check it out!
This is the first
second
and third!
The best part is, that they are only $7.77 at Hannaford!
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/21/2006 08:34:00 AM,
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New layout
Friday, August 18, 2006
I worked on my Heritage album more today. Here is a page I did for my fabulous Grandma Chartrand. She is infamous for her quilt making, so I tried to design the page around a crazy quilt!
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/18/2006 10:06:00 PM,
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Boring Updates
Thursday, August 17, 2006
I survived my stint at camp. I came home yesterday, home good.
I have three more days of work for Camp, luckily they are all in the Portland office. I start my new job at church this Tuesday. I'm really looking forward to it.
Andy is in Boston on a business trip for work. It's just me and Molly for a few days. I made the horrible mistake of letting her sleep in our bed with me last night. Never again! She was up at 5:10 with the sun wanting to go out. Ugh.
I spent much of last night making Raspberry Oatmeal bars for the event tonight at church: Just Push Pray. I'm really excited to go!
In other news, i'm going to be an aunt again! My sister Becky is pregnant with her second. My brother Jason and his wife Nicole are due in September. The family is growing!
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/17/2006 08:34:00 AM,
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Camp Winnebago: The Final Days
Sunday, August 13, 2006
We missed church today to attened Nancy and Myron's wedding in Auburn. The wedding was outdoors at their house. It looked beautiful! I love big white tents and pink and peach roses. Even the dog, Hanna had a little flower wreath around her collar. The wedding part though was odd. Not once was God mentioned or thanked. Andy and I noted how much differnt Christian marriage is than secular. Huge.
I'm up at camp. I consider myself the luckiest person on earth because they have WiFi this time around. Halleluia. I hate not being "connected". It has been really ackward being around my boss. He is not happy i'm leaving, and is making that very clear. Three more days. I miss my husband so much.
My MIL broke her arm playing capture the flag over the weekend. Please keep her in prayer!
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/13/2006 08:53:00 PM,
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This, that and pictures
Saturday, August 12, 2006
We've spent quality time inside waiting rooms of VIP Auto service stores these last few days. As I mentioned in a previous post, we had to replace our alternator. Andy took Friday off from work, and they fixed it. He picked me up on the way through, and as we were almost home the car died, again. A tow truck, and hours later we found out that we simply got a "bad" alternator. They put a new, hopefully "good" one in and we've been in the clear ever since.
This morning we ran errands (oil change, groceries) etc. We have a really busy few days ahead of us. Tomorrow we have a wedding at noon (noon on a Sunday!) and then I have to go to camp for four LONG days. Especially long because I have to stay overnight. Just as I get back on Wed., Andy leaves for a business trip for two days. We aren't going to see each other for five days. Another reason I can't wait for my job at Church to start. No travel!
We took Molly to the beach this afternoon here are the pictures!
Molly and I at OOB
Andy and Molly
Sunset at the beach
Andy and Molly
Will the guilty party please step forward.... (I can't afford anything from Pottery Barn anyway).
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/12/2006 08:21:00 PM,
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One of those days
Friday, August 11, 2006
Yesterday was one of those days.
I drove Andy to work and then took Molly to the Vet. She had to have her 1-year heart -worm test. We waited patiently in the waiting room for 30 minutes even though we were on time. It’s really hard to control her there because there are so many other people with their dogs or worse cats. She get’s excited. We made it through though; our name was finally called, and we entered the exam room. I put Molly up on the table, and she caught sight of the needle. She went crazy! Two nurses couldn’t hold her still, so I had to help calm her down. The doctor drew her blood, and the whipped around and accidentally stuck ME with the needle. Ouch! The Vet apologized, but didn’t seem too concerned which bothered me a little bit. I was after all just stuck with a needle that drew blood from my dog! She said I had nothing to worry about, but I still insisted that she write up an accident report just to be on the safe side. She said she would fax me a copy, so I paid the bill and left.
After taking the dog to the Pet Store to pick out a new bone (I know, I’m nuts – we need to have children, you should have seen her big bandage on her arm though), I went home and called my doctor. Unlike the Vet she was very concerned that I could have contracted Lyme disease if the dog was a carrier. I had to call the Infectious disease center of ME and file a report. Then I called my Vet back to tell her what my doctor said about the Lyme disease issue. She said after I left she tested the dog for Lyme, and it was negative. Clearly she knew it was a possibility. Ugh. I think we’re going to be shopping around for a new Vet!
After a much needed nap (with the dog of course). I got ready to pick up Andy as we were to head up to Topsham for the fair. We got to Topsham all right, but just as we pulled into his mother’s driveway the battery light went on. Great! I knew that battery was not the problem because we recently replaced it. So at 6pm at night I was frantically calling around to garages to see if they could see us as we couldn’t go anywhere with our car in that condition. Many minutes past before I finally talked to a person at VIP. He had us drive the car there (luckily less than a mile) and confirmed my fear: it was the alternator. Alternators=empty wallets. Of course, the mechanics had left for the day, so the best he could do was fix it the next day. Luckily Linda isn’t working yet (she’s a teacher) so she drove us back down to Saco because we couldn’t leave the dog overnight alone and then stayed the night with us so she could drive me to work. Andy took a personal day today, and they headed back up this morning. I hate spending so much money on the car. Blah.
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/11/2006 08:48:00 AM,
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Settling Dust
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
I quit my job at Camp Winnebago yesterday. I didn’t sleep well the night before (confrontation will do that to you), but I woke up with complete peace that I was doing the right thing. There is freedom in obedience. I know taking this new job at church is God’s plan for me.
My (current-for-the-next-two-weeks) boss did not take the news well at all. He screamed, yelled profanities and eventually hung up on me, which in turn confirmed my decision all the more. How professional. These next few weeks (7 days) will be a real test of patience, but I know God is in control.
Psalm 29:11
The Lord gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
In other news:
* Our roof is being replaced this week. Bang, bang, bang.
* We took our car into the shop yesterday because the headlight weren’t working even after we replaced the bulbs. We were pleasantly surprised that because of a recall they were fixed at no charge!
* My husband took my out to dinner last night because he knew I didn’t want to cook. He is so thoughtful.
* Molly is going to the veterinarian tomorrow for a heartworm test. Our Vet required all dogs to have one even though we give her Heartguard once a month which is suppose to prevent heartworm. I’m not looking forward to spending the $100, but she’s worth it.
* Andy and I are taking his Mom Linda to the Topsham Fair tomorrow. I’ve never been much for fairs, but it should be a nice change of pace.
* Finally, JUST PUSH PRAY. Anyone in Maine interested in going?
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/09/2006 11:05:00 AM,
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Scrapbook Mainia
Monday, August 07, 2006
I finally figured out how to scan in my 12x12 layouts so I can post them on Two Peas in A Bucket. What a wonderful site, if you like scrapbooking, you should check it out!
Here are a few of my layouts!
Soul Sisters: Heather, Erin, Katie and Jamie singing at LB Church
My Dad: Back in the Day
My Dad: Page 2
Wolfe Neck Park Trip
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/07/2006 07:46:00 AM,
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"Here I Am To Worship"
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Light of the world, You step down into darkness.
Opened my eyes let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore you hope of a life spent with you.
And here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you're my God,
You're altogether lovely,
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.
King of all days,
Oh so highly exalted Glorious in heaven above.
Humbly you came to the earth you created.
All for love's sake became poor.
Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you're my God,
You're altogether lovely,
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.
I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.
I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.
And I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.
No I'll never know how much it cost to se my sin upon that cross.
Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you're my God,
You're altogether lovely,
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.
So Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you're my God,
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/06/2006 12:17:00 PM,
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I was scrapbooking yesterday, and came across this photo: Three generations! I love them both so much.
Grandma, Me and Mom
When my Mom was here last weekend I helped her order this rug from Overstock. She is one of those people who are terrified of using the computer to make purchases. Hehe. She was delighted when the rug arrived just 3 days later. I meanwhile have my eye on this, what do you think?
Andy and I slept in this morning, which is one of the first times we've been able to do that this whole summer. It was glorious. Usually though, the dog leaves a little surprise when the alarm clock is disregarded. She is on a schedule too, ya know. She must have been catching up on her beauty sleep as well, because when we came down at 9, we had to wake her up!
This morning was spent doing errands: trip to the bank and grocery store, laundry, dishes, and mowing. I have been puttering around. I need to make some cards for a few family members under the weather. My cousin Kim just went through a horrible surgery last week to remove her ovaries as she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at only 30. My Uncle Mike is home from Syracuse after being treated for Leukemia. Finally a distant cousin Charlie is in an induced coma as a result of a terrible auto crash this past weekend. Hopefully a card from far away will bring a little encouragement.
We watched a few great family movies this past weekend. I believe they are based on Janet Oaks books:
Love's Enduring Promise and Love Comes Softly.
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/05/2006 02:15:00 PM,
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I got the job! Now comes the unfun part - telling the current boss.
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/04/2006 07:28:00 AM,
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Mom and Keith came up for a visit this past weekend. They braved Saturday traffic on the way to Maine. It wasn't pretty! Keith was all out of sorts upon arrival. They aren't used to the volume of people we have around here.
Saturday we took the folks to Old Orchard Beach. The water was freezing! The waves were good though; if you could stand not feeling your legs. Mom didn't last too long in that kind of water.
They brought up steak and “Croghan” bologna from Eddie's (A meat market we love in NNY). Mom and I grilled that up while Keith and Andy worked on the boat. They tried to get Andy's old motor to work with no avail.
Sunday we all went to church at Portland Rock. Mom and Keith really seemed to enjoy it. Unfortunately Pastor Eric didn’t preach this week, I was hoping they could hear him; he’s a great speaker. Next time.
Sunday afternoon we drove up to Freeport. Andy and Keith walked the trails of Wolff Neck Park and Mom and I hit the outlet stores, hard. We found some great deals at the L.L. Bean outlet store, Lenox and Gap. It was so fun to have someone to shop with. We met Linda (Andy’s Mom) for dinner at Crickets. The meal was OK. Not the best by any means!
Monday Mom and I went shopping in the morning, while the boys continued to work on the boat. Then we all went to Portland Headlight. Molly got to go this time. She was pleased. It was such a beautiful day. Mom and Keith really enjoyed it. On the way home we stopped and got lobsters for dinner.
Tuesday Andy and Keith went fishing and Mom and I went to the Fabric store. How exciting. Mom got some great fabric (hours later) to reupholster her chair and to make curtains. By the time we got back the boys were back from fishing so we all got ready to go back to the beach. The water had warmed up considerably since the last time we are there, but the waves weren’t as good. We still had a good time though. Tuesday night Mom and Keith treated us to a nice dinner at Bugaboo Creek Steak House.
Wednesday they left for home. Molly whined and whined. She really got used to them being here. Andy went back to work, and I went into the office in the morning. Back to reality. Wednesday afternoon I had a 2nd interview at church for the Administrator position. I will know on Monday.
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/03/2006 08:34:00 AM,
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Andy cooling off at Old Orchard Beach.
Mom and Keith at the beach
Enjoying some ice cream in Freeport, ME
Mom and I at Portland Headlight
Mom and Keith at Portland Headlight
posted by Andy and Amanda Wheeler @ 8/02/2006 07:18:00 PM,
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