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I try to keep my priorities in order: Jesus, my Andy, our children, everything else. I homeschool our boys, love to read almost all written words and have been challenged by the military life for 18 years. Right now my faulty human body is demanding a lot of attention. One day at a time, learning as much as possible every day and remembering to look for JOY when other things threaten to overwhelm.

My Blog Title Verse

"For the Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6 NKJV
The Message translation puts it this way "God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding."


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Paperclips

 I had a bit of a panic attack these last few days. My time schedule, the perfect one I imagined in my mind... it wasn't the same one the U.S. Army had in it's mind.
 Nor the one my "niece" Ruby had in mind.

 Ruby was supposed to be born last week, so I could spend some time with her before I had to leave. Little booger is making me (and her Mommy too!) a little crazy taking her sweet time coming into the world.

 I'm on a deadline here!

 In case anyone here isn't my friend on Facebook, here's how the schedule looks.

 The boys and I get to spend the last week of Andy's officer training with him down at Ft. Benning. There are several "events" planned, and the "officers to be" should have some freedom during the week to spend with their families. That starts Thursday - um, tomorrow.

 He graduates the next Thursday, the 26th. We have 5 days to come back here to my parent's, pack up the bare essentials, (just what will fit in a small U-haul trailer) drive to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, find an apartment, move in and Andy report for duty. Sound like fun?

 After five months there, while he attends class, and I practice life as a minimalist, (which I am actually looking forward to) - then we move to ALASKA!

 That is the part we are excited about.

 Living in Missouri, where we technically are not invited, (thus the bare essentials, have to live off base, only have a few days to find an apartment) - well, Missouri is just a side trip.

 Alaska is the main event. More on that later.

 Anyway, I was having my usual pre-move meltdown. My sister came home the other day and I was counting paperclips. Yes, seriously. Trying to decide how many I might need in the five months we spend in MO. She almost laughed her head off, then, not so gently, reminded me that they have stores in MO. But you see, I already have plenty. Neatly organized in a container. But I don't want to take the entire desk container with paperclips, rubberbands, tape, stapler, etc. I wanted to take a smaller sampling. But I don't want to have to buy more when I already own them. Oh, the stress of choosing just the right amount!

 I told you. Meltdown.

 I was talking to Andy a bit later and he reminded me "Bethany, remember how you always panic that we're not going to find someplace to live. Then, right at the last minute God provides something perfect. Let's just skip the panic part and go right to the God provides something perfect."

 I'm trying people, really I am. I can't help it that I like to have a plan, and a list, and neatly organized paperclips.

Blessings,

9 comments:

autumnesf said...

Here's a new plan for you.....plan not to plan. It's an adventure cruise - not a planned out one. When it comes to the actual move I get excited because I don't know whats around the next corner. (But I do know there will be a Walmart if I misjudged so no worries.) Maybe the moves are God's way of shaking up your plans. Maybe he wants you to learn to just go with it...and let him work. Try it! Its fun!

Carrie said...

I thought I was headed to L&D last night!!! I really did! But...it fizzled once again. I am so sorry this baby is cooperating! :( I had a meltdown yesterday too....a crying praying meltdown after having a talk with God AND Ruby about this whole thing. I guess we are both learning a big lesson about planning and timing!

Carrie said...

Of course I mean to type "is NOT cooperating!"

Tricia said...

Try breathing. Really. Sometimes I even think the words breathe in, breathe out. And then I seem to have the ability to focus on what's really important - what you mentioned close to the end - that God is in control and He has my best intentions in His plan. So, breathe in, breathe out, and trust. I will keep praying for you. Hugs

EmileeHope said...

I love you-crazy girl that you are!!! Counting paperclips...you crack me up!!

Love you Betsy!

Karen said...

We know some of that Thompson clan are notoriously late for everything...

Alaska sounds SO exciting!

And your husband gave a good word...

Anonymous said...

We are SOOOO much alike. I'm such The Worrier too!

Alaska! That's awesome!

Kristina said...

I dont think I have ever been so stressed to count paper clips! I hate to hear that! My sister is in Mo, expecting her first mid-July, I am sure she would LOVE to have an experienced Mommy friend to talk with. They are living off base, as well. I hope you have a WONDERFUL week with Andy! Such exciting times for you and your guys!!!

Angelia Sims said...

Oh my goodness! I think counting paper clips sounds completely sane in your situation. But I do love your husband's faith.

I know it will work out perfectly!

Praying for your peace, my friend.