Switching Modes

It's almost been 4 months since my last day of work at Madison County Extension office.  In these 4 months, there have been days when I've missed my job... the people I work with, the deadlines, the challenges, everything that goes with it.  And at times, it even seems like a vacation compared to staying home and raising a child!  :)
Early this month, the Lord brought it to my attention that I should volunteer to help out at the office.  A lot has happened since I left in January.  The office got a complete makeover, which is wonderful!  But budget cuts have also been made that have affected jobs, which isn't so wonderful.  So through all this, it's been a VERY BUSY 4 months for everyone at the office.  Last week I went in a few hours to help get things organized for the new 4-H CYC that started yesterday.  It felt good to help out and it was also a nice change of pace from being at home.  I did bring Nathan with me and he did a good job at playing and napping!  :)  
While I was there, I realized that I am in the exact place where I'm supposed to be.  I will admit, in these last few months, I've wondered if starting a photography business is the right step for me to take.  It was nice to get that paycheck every two weeks.  And I really enjoyed having a job where tasks were different every month.  But I was also reminded that my job is not my provider, my God is!  And really, are any two days with Nathan the same??  Hardly!   
So I now see why the Lord put it on my heart to go in and help out... for two reasons...1.  To show me that I am in the exact spot where I'm supposed to be right now and2. To be a blessing to others by volunteering my time.
I'm sure glad I didn't ignore Him by staying at home on the couch, watching t.v. and eating bon bons! :)  

Good Reads: Part 1

I have always enjoyed a good book.  When I was younger I used to read under the covers with a flashlight while I was supposed to be sleeping! :)  The past couple years, I haven't read as much as I used to or liked to.  But that's about to change. 
A couple weeks ago, I heard about a book called "Do Hard Things".  It's written by 19 year old twin brothers, Alex and Brett Harris.   I was able to borrow the book and ended up reading it pretty quickly.  What impressed me was the things that these twins and other teens around the world are accomplishing at such a young age. 
The book talks about doing 5 different kinds of hard things.   1.  Hard things that take you outside your comfort zone.
2.  Hard things that go beyond what's expected or required.
3.  Hard things that are too big for you to do alone.
4.  Hard things that don't pay off immediately.
5.  Hard things that go against the crowd. 

Even this book is geared towards teens, I really go a lot out of it.  It really got me thinking about the hard things in my life, things that I want to do, but used to think they were too hard.
Jerod ended up buying the book the other day and now he's reading it.  I think it will be a good gift also for some teens that are graduation from high school.