After the dissertation defense

My wonderful prof threw a party for me after the oral defense of my dissertation. The defense was... well, it was rough. My work was laid out in front of all of us, and we picked it apart and discussed all of the mistakes and shortcomings for a couple of hours. I was so glad my best friend was there, b/c he helped me to see it through his perspective.
Mine - I sucked. This was horrible. They hated it.
His - They asked you questions, and you just kept answering girl. You knew studies, authors, etc. You rocked it.

The end result was a "Congratulations Dr. Richardson" from my wonderful committee. And then it was time for the gathering. Dr. Bothe's daughters picked out the decorations - fun red and black balloons, a UGA-themed cake, etc. So cute. Friends and family gathered to happily chat and eat. The evening ended with almost everyone gathered around the piano singing tunes from The Sound of Music. Perfect.




More pictures to come!

Afterglow

"Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.”

~Theodore Isaac Rubin

Be still my soul

Problems

“The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.” ~Theodore Isaac Rubin

So true - seemingly smooth waters make me nervous...I always expect problems, know they are just under the surface, and am never surprised by new events, turmoil, etc. That doesn't make it any less tiring, but it certainly is no longer surprising. And in those times, I go to this verse:

"Consider it pure joy my brothers [and sisters] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." ~James 1:2-4

I recently learned something new about this verse. I used to think you were supposed to consider it pure joy because of the problems, and WOW that's hard - how do you even do that?. But I missed a word - it never says "because" - the verse says "whenever" or "when" - When I face trials of many kinds, I'm to consider it pure joy, to count my blessings, during the trial. That I can do, believing that there is a purpose, believing in his promise in Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope a future"

He can't say no

I'm sitting here working at a friend's house. It is nice and quiet. Everyone is outside playing on this beautiful Independence Day. It sounds like their little boy (Drew) is the activity director, and everyone, including my husband, is following directions.

Brent walks in to check on me and to get our dog (Cash) some water. As the door opens, I hear the little boy say something about him coming back out and playing. Brent answers something to the effect of "I'll be right back out. Just don't throw that ball for a few minutes - Cash needs to rest but he can't say no to a ball. He'll chase it no matter how tired he is."

I don't know why, but that one phrase stuck to me. He can't say no if you are throwing a ball or a frisbee. He doesn't know how to say no.

Oh, how I wish I didn't know how to say "no" to God when he keeps throwing things my way - opportunities for witnessing, opportunities for growth, wisdom, etc. But unfortunately, I'm much too good at negating or resisting his will.
"No, I don't want to share your word with that person right now."
"No, I don't want to let someone else into my life - you may have sent them my way, but it is to hard to trust people and let them in"
"No, I don't want..."
"No, I..."

Praying for less no's. Praying that I'll do his will no matter how tired, how weary, how cynical. Praying, however odd it may seem, to be more like Cash in this regard.

Happy 4th of July!

May we remember today that freedom is not free
May we remember today that the liberties we take for granted were bought with hard work, sweat, and blood
May we remember today the vision of our founding fathers

In remembering, we will look around with new eyes
Appreciating those freedoms
Honoring those who fought for them
Thanking God for His blessings

The fool in me...

“I must learn to love the fool in me the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries”

~Theodore Isaac Rubin

Feeling very much like the fool in this description lately, trying to reconcile with these many aspects. And certainly feels like there is just not enough of me to go around, to please everyone...and in the end, I please no one. I don't know if this is part of transitioning...there is so much of it going on right now. The end of a HUGE chapter in my life, the beginning of another, moving, new job for husband, preparing to expand our family, etc. I am having a hard time living up to my own expectations, and have no doubts that I'm not living up to expectations of others.

So, going back to the basics. God, marriage, career, and let the other pieces fall where they may, all the while learning to not berate myself when I feel too much, talk too much, cry, etc. Embracing my fool.