The difference between accidents & crashes

Well, this morning did not exactly start off as I had planned. I got up, spend time with Greg & Buckeye, and went off to work. However, after about 5 min in the car, I ended up getting in a car crash (not accident) . Don't worry though, the car & myself are ok.

Basically a guy in the left turn only line decided he wanted to go straight (the lane I was in) and merged over as I was driving - I slammed on the breaks & he slightly hit me. I went into the intersection & then pulled into the CVS parking lot , assuming the other car would too, however the other guy fled.

After looking at the car, just a few scraches on the bumper - but nothing major or worh fixing. I think that I may have a bit of whiplash, but other than that ok.

I called the police to come out so I could have a report for the insurance just incase I need to go to the doctor, but they said that it was only a crash, not a accident & don't come out for those. Thus, later today I have to go to the police dept and file a report -Crazy I tell you.

Thus, I am a bit shake up, but so thankful for God's protection & that it was not that bad, as it could have been much worse. It is days like to today that make me so thankful for God & the time I have here on earth.

Psalm 91:11
For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.............but it sure doesn't feel like it.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I love all of our family traditions and getting together with friends. However, this year I will be alone on Christmas and I am beginning to really realize what Christmas is all about.... Christ. I have always known this, and it has always been included in my celebrating, however this year it is really touching my heart.

This past year has been tough - especially these past few months, but God is teaching me so much & bring me into a new place in my relationship with Him.

As I decorate and prepare for this holiday God is truly showing me that it is about Him & the joy and love he has given to me. While I have my moments of sadness about not being with my family for Christmas, I am also experiencing moments of encouragement about how God really loves me & came to earth to die for me.

Jesus loves me this I know.

Growing & Growing and Growing..........

Well, our little puppy dog is not so little in size, he has nearly doubled!! He is keeping us very busy and teaching us so much. We started training classes this past weekend and Buckeye was by far the most friendly in the class, he was showering all the other puppies with great big Buckeye kisses!! Here are some of the latest photos of Buckeye.
Enjoy!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas
What a magical night Greg & I had last night. We went to Disney World for a special event & had a blast. It was really like being a kid again........we road the tea cups, saw Mickey & Minnie, Cinderella's Carriage being pulled my 6
white ponies, Santa, fireworks, and heard all our favorite Christmas songs. It was an amazing experience topped up with a ferry boat ride back to our parking spot. Best of all it was cold in Florida

Meet the latest addation to the Tiell family BUCKEYE!!!

He has a great temperment & is such a snuggly dog.




This black and white of Greg & Buckeye is my favorite - as I watch Greg care for Buckeye - I see what a good Father he will be in the future.







With a face like that he is sure to be spoiled.



While he looks black in this photo to the left - he is actually black & brown depending on what lighting you look at him in you can kind of see his coloring in the photo below.
He doesn't really know how to jump yet - but his little prance & hop is so cute!

Why we do what we do

Well, over the past few months there has been a lot of stress at at times it has been very easy to lose site of why I am in the job I am in. Today I was reminded in a huge way..........http://givenew.blogspot.com/2005/07/seeing.html ........ this blog is from one of our missionarys in Amsterdam. When sometimes I get caught up in paperwork and administrative things that seem to have no impact on the kingdom, I need to realize that we here at the HQ are a support to the many oversees and on camupues. Our work is not usless but helps in equipping others to go out.

Blah

Well, life has been a bit down for me lately - I am really excited & feel so blessed that we have a house, but am also begining to realize that the plan that God has for mine & Greg's life is not exactly what I had imagined. While Florida is becoming more like home - I am having a deep sadness over the changing relationships of those who don't live here. I am missing my family a lot & trying to understand what this new phase of life & friendships will look like from a distance. I know that it will be good, just not the same.Below is a section that a friend wrote a few months back - I place it here because it really sums up how I am feelingI have been weary.
Struggling to not give in to the pressures of everyday life, struggling to not let burdens weigh me down. I struggle with feeling like the cross I have been given is too much to carry. I’ve felt pressure from many sides. There isn’t enough time in the day to accomplish everything. I feel like I am letting people down, causing hurt and bringing pain. Am I too busy? Do I have too much on my plate? Or is this just a season? I realize much of the pressure I feel is from within…expectations I have for myself. When I don’t meet them I feel like I’ve failed.
Some Verses God is speaking to me through
Jeremiah 17:7-8
James
Exodus 18:18

Tiell Family Cruise
Well, we are back from our cruise, and what a blast! Greg & I had a great time of relaxing & soaking up the sun. We went snorkeling at Disney's private island, shopped in the Bahamas, enjoyed the wonderful Disney shows & our favorite The Cadillac lounge - with live piano music! The weather was wonderful and the ocean a shade of blue we had never seen before - it was amazing.