Saying Goodbye to the Rooster...

In my last entry I stated that a number of things had come to an end last week. At the time of writing it, I did not know our neighborhood rooster came to an end...well, at least I think he did. He hasn't been around at 6 in the morning for the past few days. Hmm. A couple weeks ago I was determined to get up early to take a picture of him to show you that I am not making it up. Now I think my chance is gone. Believe me, I am not too sad about it. He gave us much fun, during the daytime, trying to figure out where he came from and whose he was standing so proud on our fence or strolling across the front lawns. He sure thought he ruled the roost...I wonder if he became someone's roast. We may never know. The rooster is kind of symbolic in a silly sort of way. I came to expect it, enjoyed him some of the time, had fun searching for which fence he was on...you get the idea. More profound than the rooster are the other "endings".

After two years of being a student at the School of Women's Ministries, I have completed the program. Praise the Lord! I enjoyed every aspect of it. I attended six all day Saturday classes and had homework pertaining to the subject of the lectures for each unit, including an internship to apply the skills we were acquiring. I had a blast! I love to learn, especially when it comes to being better equipped to love others with the love of Jesus. I have much more to learn, but am thankful for focused time to study and glean from others. I tell the kids that we are life long learners. At the conclusion of my last class two Saturdays ago, I felt a sense gratitude for those who had invested in my life for two years.

Another thing that came to and end was our Fire Ladies Bible Study. We spent the last 12 weeks studying the attributes of God. Each of us has grown closer to the Lord and eachother in this process. I adore these ladies. They are a blessing to me as you know if you have read this blog. It was bittersweet to complete it. We are seeking the Lord and what He might have us do next.

Meghan, our adopted in our heart member of the family, moved out and went to her home in Camarillo last Wednesday. This was a hard goodbye, because we've spent the last seven months living under the same roof. We have laughed, cried, drank Cafe' di Vita, played Settlers, been stretched by the Lord, grown, and just plain lived life together....Lo and behold, she missed us sooo much that she came back the same day for another week. I guess it isn't a real ending yet, but I thought it was last week. What a sweet treat to have her another week, like a vanilla latte with whip, only better.

I want to savor and embrace what the Lord has done and continues to do, I don't want to rush into the next thing. I am going to reflect and chat and listen to the Lord about it.

Brian, Ashlyn, Kylen, and Julianne are more of a joy in my life than I can convey to you. I love them more and more.

Maybe the rooster will come back like Meghan did...nah.