Opportunities

I believe in God. I believe He created me, with all my unique idiosyncrasies, for this time in space. I believe He led me to marry Ben and has blessed us with these beautiful babies. I believe God spared our lives on July 11th. I believe He led us to rent this house. I believe He is using this challenge in my life to bless me and open many other doors of opportunity. I would like to share just a few of these opportunities with you...

Music - I have always wanted to play the piano, but took violin in high school because that is what was available to me. I have wanted the children to be exposed to more music, but the opportunity has never presented itself...until now! Exactly seven minutes from The Rental is the home of a friend of ours who teaches piano and had openings available. Using a replacement keyboard, we each (the three older kids and I) took six weeks of lessons, just to expose them to formal music training and the possibilities the piano and learning music offers. J decided this really wasn't for him, but I am proud of him for trying it. R really seems to be enjoying lessons and I often catch her playing on her own, just for fun. A is undecided at this point, but continues to enjoy the lessons. I am absolutely loving it! I feel so blessed to finally be able to fulfill this dream and find another creative outlet!

Classes - I had the opportunity several years ago to take a class at House of Hope in Cedar Rapids (a really neat ministry to women). I encourage everyone to look into this ministry and consider participating in a class or event. The class was a three part project called "The Ultimate Journey" (or Christ-Life), but only part one and two had been offered. Within weeks of moving to Cedar Rapids, House of Hope sent me an email that the third class was finally being offered, this fall! Only six minutes from The Rental, I believe the timing is no coincidence. Even childcare worked itself out so I was able to make all 10 sessions! The class was a tremendous blessing to me, especially at this time.

Classes (part 2) - I now have the opportunity to co-facilitate the second and third parts of this class for this winter/spring and I am trusting that childcare will be worked out again!

Sewing - The machine I had been using was from my mother. It was a very nice, basic machine that allowed me to do quite a bit of sewing. The machine needed replacing after the storm this summer, and I was offered one from a family member, who brought it with them on a visit from Texas! It is a basic machine, but quite a blessing!

Sewing (part 2) - While looking at options for a machine, I talked to the local Bernina dealer, but just didn't really like what I was finding there. So I called the local Viking dealer. They had been flooded out three years ago and were using a temporary space on the south west side of town...until today. The day I called was their first day at the new building, just three minutes from The Rental! I loved the machines, I loved the staff and felt this was what I needed to do, when we could spend the money! I stopped back in a few days later with some more questions and they met me with an offer I couldn't refuse! While unpacking from the move they had uncovered a machine they forgot they had. It was an older model, new with warranty, free training and discounted classes. They were willing to sell it to me for a ridiculous price, about what a middle line sewing machine would cost, but this one has embroidery also!

Sewing (part 3) - After deciding this deal was not one I could pass up, I then signed up for every sewing class I could find childcare for! I have been learning SO much about working with patterns and different fabrics. Quilting and designing layouts. Embroidery and a whole array of craft projects! This has been such an outlet for me. There is something very soothing about working with fabric to create something useful, fun, creative...

There have been events and appts and parties that would not have been practical from the property. While I am anxious to get back to our home, to our property, to where I feel we belong, I am feeling quite blessed by all that living in this exact house at this time is offering!