Hello readers! I've been pondering the proper way to introduce myself to you so when you read my blog contributions you have an understanding of my perspective of life. Writing an introduction seems like a simple enough task, but yet as I sit staring at a blank screen it is proving more difficult than I expected. I guess I will start with the basics.
I'm a 38 year old mother of two daughters...and one dog. I've lived in the Charlotte, NC area for nine years after relocating here from Massachusetts. I had lived there for ten years after growing up in rural Virginia. The south is definitely what I consider home, but I still love to visit New England. I worked for a large bank for 13 years. The pay and benefits were decent. However, 4 years ago God spoke and I was stubborn enough to listen. I use the word stubborn because many advised against being obedient. I quit my job at His prompting and the journey ever since has been an adventure to say the least. This may be why I find it so hard to describe myself!
In the last four years I've had the opportunity to do things I never imagined. Even with all these adventures, I know it is only the beginning of the plan God has for my life. I think that applies to all of us! We are told God will do exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
At the moment I work two jobs. I have my own house cleaning business and I also work with a local anti-human trafficking ministry. Both involve, in some way, cleaning up other people's mess. And I love it! The cleaning job allows me flexibility in my schedule so I can be available when my daughters need me. When I worked at the bank I had to miss much of what was happening in their lives. Now I'm there every afternoon to pick them up from school. I can attend programs, meetings, athletic events, etc without worrying about losing my job because of being absent from work. I have regular cleaning customers who are amazing people. My benefits now include fresh eggs from a customer who has chickens in her back yard, fresh vegetables from the customer who has a garden, the latest bestselling books from the customer who is an avid reader and lets me borrow from her, and priceless wisdom from the 97 year old I get to see once a week.
In the ministry job I have the opportunity to learn a little more of what it must have felt like for Jesus to walk the earth. I see both the worst humanity has to offer, but also the beauty in a life being restored and redeemed. I have the opportunity to show love, mercy, and grace to others in the same way God has shown the same to me. In fact, I still have to ask Him for more of those daily.
I guess the one detail I've left out of my introduction is I'm also single. So my writings may include stories of my ventures into the world of online dating or the joys of single parenthood. Some days I love being single (I can serve cereal every night for dinner and nobody complains!) and other days it feels like the thorn in my flesh (sleeping alone is well....lonely).
I pray God will lead me to write the words you need to hear and He wants me to share. I pray we can all grow together. As God is working in me, I pray He uses it to inspire, encourage, and motivate you to allow Him to work in you also. Blessings and I'll be talking to you again soon!
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