Winter is quickly approaching our new home and with that comes holiday celebrations, family gatherings, shopping, decorations, and a general sense of happiness. Yet for me the winter months are often the worst! Not only has the cold settled in on my bones, but a sadness sweeps over me. Most of this sadness comes from my overly nostalgic nature, but some of it can be attributed to depression. Though I love the holiday season, starting from the very first fall celebration right down to New Years and even into February where we celebrate Valentines day. I enjoy sharing of myself in ways such as cooking meals and making gifts and wrapping them.
I often find myself saddened at the holiday season thinking about family, friends and "lost" traditions. I know I know, I'm far too sentimental for my own well being!! But bare with me for a few as a I explain. I miss the family "togetherness" that occurred during my childhood. I honestly miss things like visiting the pumpkin patch, decorating the tree, making cookies with my mom, and the Christmas gift shopping with my brothers. I look back over the last four years and instead of seeing some of these things (yes some are still present, but not as much) I miss the little things. Instead I see in their place things such as decorating my own tree (that I have done alone in years past), making my own cookies (though this is still a tradition my mom tries to do when I am home) and cooking my own turkey! I am glad in a way that these are traditions that I had as a child, and things I think very fondly about around this time of year. I have come to the realization that it is time for David and I to take on our own traditions, keeping some of the old ones and creating our own new ones. I can't help but wonder what our future children will see when they are grown and remember the things David and I did with them during the holidays.
The holidays also come with a certain sadness in our family now. We are grown up, and with that comes the dropping of certain childish traditions and separate lives. The holidays have also been sad since the loss of my grandfather, whom I miss dearly. He was a very special person in our childhood and someone who's loss is greatly felt in our hearts. Coming together on my mother's side of the family hasn't felt the same since, though we have moved on with our lives, we still take pause and remember.
Also during this time of the year I often find myself missing my siblings and parents much more. I miss Indiana and (oddly enough) the snow! I miss the days of going to the pumpkin patch with my brothers, picking pumpkins, and drinking warm apple cider. (Granted this tradition hasn't occurred since my youngest brother entered the phase of his life that this was no longer cool!) I find myself longing for those silly little outings as a family and I find myself regretting (however small) moving away from home. Of course Joshua and I no longer live at home, and Jacob is quickly approaching the age where he will leave the nest. Since we are scattered in our various homes, it makes family celebrations much more difficult. We must plan time to visit and make arrangements to leave our homes for periods of time. Unfortunately thats part of life when you are grown and away from home.
That being said, my conversations with David have turned to things that he misses from his childhood and traditions he would like to keep going. We both agree that things like a Christmas tree, pumpkins, and family dinners will be a must in our home, but aside from that we are uncertain. I of course will continue the practice of making turkey for Thanksgiving and dressing up for Halloween. (Though Halloween will be discussed as we have children) I'm certain that in years to come we will see where the road takes us and what traditions we will incorporate into our home.
Finally we ask for your prayers on a few things. I interviewed this week for a job that has been offered to me. We are waiting on the background check to come and then I may start. We also ask that you keep my Dad in your prayers. He has a case of cellulitess in his knee from a minor spill he took last week. He's on medication now and should be good as new soon. Just pray that everything heals well! Of course we ask that you continue to pray for my grandmother as she continues to battle the Lymphoma. And finally we ask you pray for our friends Bart and Andi Cameron as they will be heading back to the states from their internship in Mexico. Andi is pregnant (this is their first) and they will be continuing their educations at JBC coming in the spring. So they will have a few adjustments to make!! I am thrilled to no end for them (Andi was my roomate and I have known Bart since childhood) and continue to be amazed at the work God is doing in them and through them!! :-D
As always we love you guys!!
David and Sarah Heselton
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Happy Happenings
Hey guys!!
I just wanted to post a new update!!
David and I went on a retreat last week. What I thought could be a potentially dull weekend, (that I was very excited about doing) turned out to be an interesting weekend to say the least. Let me preface this by saying I DID HAVE FUN. Of course in this case there is a BUT involved, so let me elaborate. I have decided that I will list the pros and Cons of what happened during our trip.
PROS
1. I got to spend some time with my husband (always a plus!!)
2. I spent some time outside enjoying the beautiful creation of the Smokey Mountains.
3. I was able to learn some things.
4. David and I got into an interesting discussion about Ethics (the seminar/ retreat was for his Ethics class at JBC) and how we are to make decisions concerning ethics as Christians.
5. I was able to reconnect with some people that I dearly missed seeing.
6. Fellowship time with other Christians that I do not normally see.
7. Learned a few things about myself.
8. Met some of the professors and thier spouses.
9. Got to enjoy traditional camp fire w/ praise music and all!!!
10. Reexamine some goals and directions.
CONS
1. was the only spouse there that came along for the "ride."
2. Had to think of ways to entertain myself while David was in his classes.
3. Was made to feel unwelcomed by a few of the students (thats for another time and place)
4. had moments where I felt pretty bored!!
5. missed my dogs! I know its a lame con!! LOL
Aside from the retreat, David and I have been going about our usual routine. David has been working and I am still looking for another job. (Please keep praying about this one!!!) The holiday season is approaching quickly and we have been making preparations with friends and family for visits and celebrations. This will be slightly different for David and I this year, since we have two families to balance and our own traditions to establish. I look forward to the visits we will have with my family, but of course the holiday is tainted by the fears and musings as to if this will be my paternal grandmother's last year. I can't help but think that life has changed very rapidly in the course of just 5 months, but I am learning to roll with it! Life is insane and you can never tell what it will throw your way. All I can think is that if God didn't think we could handle it, then it wouldn't be happening.
I'm also learning that I am a much stronger person! I have handled things much more gracefully than I would have four years ago. I have lots of counseling, a transforming God and a patient support system to thank for that! I truly believe that much of who I am at this second can be attributed to the changes that have occurred in me through my faith in Christ! What an awesome, loving, an d amazing father we have!!
I am also coming to a better understanding of my parents. Particularly my mother. I have been able to understand her a bit better and I can only attribute this to being married. In all honesty, I understand that my parents aren't all full of fluff and really do have my best interest at heart. Sometimes I am frustrated with them, but I still love them and have grown to respect them. I guess its true what they say, you grow up, move away, get married and start your own family only to realize your parents weren't full of crap all along! (The family part will come much later, but you get what I'm saying)
As David and I continue to move forward in our marriage, plans, and relationship we ask that you continue to pray for us! Your prayers are being heard and are coveted!! I ask that you pray that God will continue to strengthen our marriage. I also am asking that you pray for wisdom for the two of us. Keep my paternal grandmother in your prayers. Moving forward in the coming months she will have surgery (the Monday before Thanksgiving) for the mass on her thyroid. Pray for Doctors and that they will do what is best for her. And finally, my former roomate and her family in your prayers. Her husband's grandmother passed away. Pray for safe travel and for support durning this difficult time in thier lives.
I just wanted to post a new update!!
David and I went on a retreat last week. What I thought could be a potentially dull weekend, (that I was very excited about doing) turned out to be an interesting weekend to say the least. Let me preface this by saying I DID HAVE FUN. Of course in this case there is a BUT involved, so let me elaborate. I have decided that I will list the pros and Cons of what happened during our trip.
PROS
1. I got to spend some time with my husband (always a plus!!)
2. I spent some time outside enjoying the beautiful creation of the Smokey Mountains.
3. I was able to learn some things.
4. David and I got into an interesting discussion about Ethics (the seminar/ retreat was for his Ethics class at JBC) and how we are to make decisions concerning ethics as Christians.
5. I was able to reconnect with some people that I dearly missed seeing.
6. Fellowship time with other Christians that I do not normally see.
7. Learned a few things about myself.
8. Met some of the professors and thier spouses.
9. Got to enjoy traditional camp fire w/ praise music and all!!!
10. Reexamine some goals and directions.
CONS
1. was the only spouse there that came along for the "ride."
2. Had to think of ways to entertain myself while David was in his classes.
3. Was made to feel unwelcomed by a few of the students (thats for another time and place)
4. had moments where I felt pretty bored!!
5. missed my dogs! I know its a lame con!! LOL
Aside from the retreat, David and I have been going about our usual routine. David has been working and I am still looking for another job. (Please keep praying about this one!!!) The holiday season is approaching quickly and we have been making preparations with friends and family for visits and celebrations. This will be slightly different for David and I this year, since we have two families to balance and our own traditions to establish. I look forward to the visits we will have with my family, but of course the holiday is tainted by the fears and musings as to if this will be my paternal grandmother's last year. I can't help but think that life has changed very rapidly in the course of just 5 months, but I am learning to roll with it! Life is insane and you can never tell what it will throw your way. All I can think is that if God didn't think we could handle it, then it wouldn't be happening.
I'm also learning that I am a much stronger person! I have handled things much more gracefully than I would have four years ago. I have lots of counseling, a transforming God and a patient support system to thank for that! I truly believe that much of who I am at this second can be attributed to the changes that have occurred in me through my faith in Christ! What an awesome, loving, an d amazing father we have!!
I am also coming to a better understanding of my parents. Particularly my mother. I have been able to understand her a bit better and I can only attribute this to being married. In all honesty, I understand that my parents aren't all full of fluff and really do have my best interest at heart. Sometimes I am frustrated with them, but I still love them and have grown to respect them. I guess its true what they say, you grow up, move away, get married and start your own family only to realize your parents weren't full of crap all along! (The family part will come much later, but you get what I'm saying)
As David and I continue to move forward in our marriage, plans, and relationship we ask that you continue to pray for us! Your prayers are being heard and are coveted!! I ask that you pray that God will continue to strengthen our marriage. I also am asking that you pray for wisdom for the two of us. Keep my paternal grandmother in your prayers. Moving forward in the coming months she will have surgery (the Monday before Thanksgiving) for the mass on her thyroid. Pray for Doctors and that they will do what is best for her. And finally, my former roomate and her family in your prayers. Her husband's grandmother passed away. Pray for safe travel and for support durning this difficult time in thier lives.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Here we go again
Hey all!
Its update time!!
Its been a busy week. David started his job this week and I couldn't be more proud of him! He's managing the working world and schooling world very well. Though this is stressful for both of us, we are dealing with the new challenges that come with David working as close to full time as he can get and going to school full time. We are overjoyed for the income, but I have still been spending a good bit of my time on the computer looking for jobs. Thankfully we have internet at home, so I am able to look on average 6-8 hours a day.
The weather has started to turn cooler and I am enjoying it to some degree! I have been busy washing summer clothes and fall clothes to trade out for the season. Talk about a lot of work!! Thankfully we have not had to run the heat or the AC and that is saving us a lot of money right now! Our house is a little cool, but we just layer on a sweatshirt or put our robes on. I have had to suck it up and wear socks (something i hate doing!!) but I am happy to do whatever we have to do to save money.
I went out to lunch on Friday with a really good friend and we had a really good time together. We spent much time talking about money, work and where David and I can go from here to work on bettering ourselves. I very much enjoy her company and we were very blessed to have them as our friends.
I also went on Saturday and spent the day with my friend Patty to help her move. We had a girls evening and it was the first time that I went out on my own since being married. It was a good time and I was glad to have some fellowship time with other Christian women. David had to work that evening and he enjoyed his evening at home relaxing after work.
Aside from all of the above, we have not had a very exciting life this week. We have enjoyed just being home when we can and being together. :-)
Its update time!!
Its been a busy week. David started his job this week and I couldn't be more proud of him! He's managing the working world and schooling world very well. Though this is stressful for both of us, we are dealing with the new challenges that come with David working as close to full time as he can get and going to school full time. We are overjoyed for the income, but I have still been spending a good bit of my time on the computer looking for jobs. Thankfully we have internet at home, so I am able to look on average 6-8 hours a day.
The weather has started to turn cooler and I am enjoying it to some degree! I have been busy washing summer clothes and fall clothes to trade out for the season. Talk about a lot of work!! Thankfully we have not had to run the heat or the AC and that is saving us a lot of money right now! Our house is a little cool, but we just layer on a sweatshirt or put our robes on. I have had to suck it up and wear socks (something i hate doing!!) but I am happy to do whatever we have to do to save money.
I went out to lunch on Friday with a really good friend and we had a really good time together. We spent much time talking about money, work and where David and I can go from here to work on bettering ourselves. I very much enjoy her company and we were very blessed to have them as our friends.
I also went on Saturday and spent the day with my friend Patty to help her move. We had a girls evening and it was the first time that I went out on my own since being married. It was a good time and I was glad to have some fellowship time with other Christian women. David had to work that evening and he enjoyed his evening at home relaxing after work.
Aside from all of the above, we have not had a very exciting life this week. We have enjoyed just being home when we can and being together. :-)
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