the Lord's sanctuary... and... a banner hello

Today is Wednesday, February 1. The first day in my new life of leisure. :)

Yesterday was my last day of work. I loved my job, but I also like staying at home so I don't expect this to be a traumatic transition for me. So far today I've gone to Curves and a little later went on a walk with Ken. I'm not doing a full Curves workout yet, but I'm doing a little bit more each day so that's good. And today Ken decided that we should increase the amount of walking we're doing — so instead of one mile, we did a mile and a half. Whew! We plan on doing another walk later today if it hasn't started raining.

The preschool staff has always been so good to me. I began working there as a teacher in 1995 and became director in 1998. So I've been there for a pretty long time. I had asked the staff not to do anything for me... I really don't like the focus on me, but I knew that they would do something anyway. And, I came to realize that it's really not all about me... it's about other people who need to have a bit of closure and a chance to say goodbye. And when you look at it that way, it makes having all the focus on you bearable. (At least, it does for me.)

So, the staff had a really nice breakfast in my honor on Monday morning. And they gave me a very thoughtful gift — a small scrapbook that included pages with handwritten notes from each of them mixed in with some Bible verses and inspirational quotes. A real treasure.

 They also gave me a folder chockful of cash that they said we were to use on our travels (not on stamping supplies... haha... they know me so well!).

They had a bouquet of flowers on the breakfast table that they gave to me to take home.

 And the church sent a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers... tulips, irises, lilies, daisies, etc. And pussy willows! I just love the fuzzy texture they add to an arrangement.

A couple of the preschool staff members are in the stamp club that I'm a part of. In fact, I think we can blame my whole obsession with stamping on them. :) Anyway, they embellished a picture frame and included a staff photo from the fall of 2010.

Such a precious group of ladies. (I'll treasure it, Sheri & Kathy!) 

 

Well, now let's get into some scripture.

Psalm 26:8

"I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells."

I do love the Lord's sanctuary. I love going to church... singing... hearing the Word of God taught... visiting with people I meet there. I've heard people say things like, "I don't need to go to church... I can worship God anywhere." That may be true, but there is definitely something to be said for living life in a community of believers. (Um... that doesn't mean a commune... it just means living your life associated with people who believe in God and live like it.) If you're a Christian, I believe your closest friends should also be Christians. But you don't want to completely cut yourself off from non-believers because then how will they learn about the hope you have inside of you? The hope that Jesus offers?

And, because I'm talking a little bit about church, I snapped the photo below during worship last Sunday morning.

 Is there anything more precious than seeing people's hands lifted in praise to the Lord? Hands of all ages. Hands of all colors. Oh, how I love that! 

 

I've been doing a lot of Valentine cards lately. Today let's depart from that for a moment. This is just your basic "hey, how ya doin'" type of card.

SHOW

Surely you recognize this sketch since I've been using it a lot lately. :) And I think those birds are cute, cute, cute. They're rub-ons that I ordered from Emma's. (Just in case you need some, too.) 

AND TELL:  stamp is from Papertrey Ink (Little Bitty Bird); cardstock is PTI (Vintage Cream); patterned paper is Basic Grey (Life of the Party: House Party); ink is Stampin' Up (Blushing Bride); also used Studio Calico Rub-Ons (Tweets - Woodgrain).

Just a few more photos from our trip to the beach.

On our last day, we got up early to walk on the beach and watch the sunrise. Only it was cloudy so there was no glorious sunrise. Instead we walked on the beach for awhile in the misty rain and went back to the condo.

Not too many people out at dawn on a misty Sunday morning at the beach.

We planned to eat breakfast on our way out of town, but we were too slow getting started. So instead we had lunch at a place that our friends had recommended to us. 

And after lunch we drove the 45 or so minutes to Kenneth's parents' house.

They have a lovely home in the country about an hour in from the coast and about 3 hours from our home in Charlotte. It was so fun to spend some time with them, see their place, and eat a delicious dessert served by Kenneth's mom. If I'd been a little more with it I would've taken pictures while we were at their house. Oh, well. (Thanks for hospitality, Eddie & Jackie!)

I guess that will be it for today. And that will be it for our trip to the beach, too. Hopefully, we'll get to go again sometime. It's just so peaceful at the beach. Especially in the winter when there aren't that many people there.

Thanks so much for stopping by my little blog today. Hopefully I'll be back again tomorrow, but stamp club is on Saturday and I haven't started my project yet. In fact, I haven't even decided what I'm doing! And I'm the hostess, so I'm providing the food. I've kind of a lot to do in the next couple of days. But, I'll try to get back. Thanks again for visiting. I hope to "see you" again soon. Hugs to you!

Comments

[tresa]

miss you lots!

[marybethL.]

Good to hear from you . Congratulations on you're early retirement, Enjoy!!! Cute cards and great way to show off that paper!!

[Janis]

I'm getting attached to those birds... but I dont stamp - where do I get this? so cute... glad you are enjoying your leisure! love you, janis

[Kristine]

Opps! Stamp Club is Saturday?.....I'd better figure out a flight to get me there!

XXOO

[Lee]

So glad to hear from you again. Wishing you every happiness with your retirement. Enjoy all the wonderful new adventures that await. Lots of love and hugs xxx

[Kathy Mc]

Thrilled to see your post today and missed you yesterday. Congratulations on your Retirement and enjoy! I tell everyone it's the best job I've ever had ~ just love the freedom. Hoping you feel well enough to enjoy it so you can venture someplace new. Darling card, Janelle! How sweet of the preschool staff to send you out with a bang and lots of precious memories you so deserve. Hugs & prayers to you!

[eleftheria]

It was so sweet what they did for you, you must be leaving with the best memories. Say hello to your new adventurous life!

[Sherry in MI]

Congrats on your retirement and your new "life
of leisure". I pray that life treats you well.
Just think of all the stamping you now get to
do :) Enjoy...and get busy on Stamp Club
project...LOL!

[SueB]

Great post! So full of good stuff. I hope you and Ken enjoy your retirement. Love you. Hugs and prayers.

[June K.]

Congrats on your retirement. That book with handwritten notes is precious. And I laughed when you wrote they said the cash is NOT to be spent on stamping stuff. That's funny. Your card is adorable and a real perk-me-up card to whomever you send it to. I've enjoyed your beach photos. Thanks for sharing them with us. Oh and yes, keep going to Curves and walking. Both are so good for you (and me too but I'm not as good like you).

[sarita]

i think a walk on the beach in misty rain is great...another of God's weathery days!
i've been reading your blog for a few months and have enjoyed the cards, reading about your struggles and the ability to overcome them, most i enjoy reading the scriptures. thank you for sharing

[Vicky]

I totally agree with you Janelle - it isn't easy for many of us to be the focus of attention but it is our duty sometimes to do it for the sake of others. How lovely that these people who have been such a big part of your life have been able to make this lovely gesture. I love the gorgeous little birds on your hello card - it always amuses me that you should use so many bird images when you aren't a bird lover at all!

[Susan]

Hey! I was just catching up on your blog and saw where you were reading "The Hunger Games". Syd is addicted to these ( and no I am not exaggerating!) books. I just finished the last one last night! Pretty Good. I highly recommend them. If you finish all of them before March 22nd, you should come to the movies with us!!
Take care! Miss you!!

[Jen Carter]

Your card is gorgeous! But, really, I agree with you that nothing is as beautiful as the picture with the hands lifted in praise to the Lord! What a precious gift that you coworkers gave you! It is wonderful!