Life is about moving forward. Learning lessons, trying new things, reaching new goals. It culminates in the ultimate understanding of who we are; a unique work of art, straight from God's hands.

There is a lot of movement in my life right now.  I am excited at where I'm heading.

Lesson 1  My surgery   This was a difficult decision decision for me. Mom had the same surgery when she was my age. It likely led to her cancer growing faster and out of control, ultimately leading to her early death. It was frightening when I realized I was heading in the same direction.  I denied that it was happening until I just couldn't any longer. And that caused months and years of unneccessary pain. Because of Mom's experience, I went into it knowing that the medications could harm me in the end, and asking questions so that I wouldn't face what she faced. Nearly 9 weeks later, I'm so glad I did. I feel so much better! More energy, less pain, and I'm enjoying life much more.

Lesson 2  My work  I am very proud of my company. I have owned it for 5 years now, and have taken it places I never imagined. I have learned so much, achieved so much, and I'm home when the kids come home from school.  I have subcontractors. I have awesome clients. Heck, I even have a training center! I worked 18-20 hours a day. I often went to bed at 3:30 and woke up at 5:30.  I was exhausted.  Since the surgery, I have decided to let go of a lot of the stress from owning my own company. I have let a lot of my client work move to my wonderful subcontractors. Sure, I'm letting go of a lot of finances, but honestly, I'm happier.  Now I'm wrestling with the decision of having my company part time, and pursuing something at the college. We'll see where God leads me in that decision.

Lesson 3  My sister  This has been tough. I have hurt a lot, stressed a lot, spent countless nights crying, praying, hurting, trying to come up with solutions that nobody wanted to hear. She has been in a rough relationship for nearly 1/3 of her life. She is wrestling with a lot of demons. I worry about her heart, her health, her well being. But she has recently been forced to change her life. I think she is going to succeed. I will now pray for her salvation. I love her so much!

Lesson 4  My family  Okay, frankly, they rock. This is the most amazing family I can imagine. I take them for granted. I hate that. I hope, when they grow up, the kids will see that I wanted to spend time with them, because they are just funny people. I hope they don't lose their senses of humor. I want to do more things with them.  Take them to the splash park, just because. Picnic with them at the spur of the moment. Playing on the slip n' slide in the backyard. Camping. Playing. Having fun and loving each other. That's my goal. I think we're doing better than we used to.

Lesson 5  My spiritual life  This is a mess. I am in a quandry of what to do. I do not want to be a church where I am not spiritually fed, but I think that my church is so wrapped up in focusing on the future than on the present. It's been months since I've been able to apply the sermon to my life. So, I've been skipping church. And I feel guilty. But, my neighbor is my pastor. And he is somebody I really like and respect. And my next door neighbors are at the church, as well. And I do have good friends there. Who are dedicated to the church. And I don't know what to do. My kids love the services. I...just...don't.

All in all, I think I'm moving in the right direction. But I do see many holes that I need to fill. But it's good to reflect on what's on the table.