Just a thought..... thats all

This is the last picture I took of Mike- I know its not the best one- its blurry and not the best quality- but it is the last picture I personally took of Mike and I treasure it more than anything. I have been thinking all day of him and of my sister. She is such an EXCELLENT example of a Godly woman- I truly see Jesus through her- and that keeps me in line! Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of Mikes going Home to be with the Lord. During your day tomorrow if you think of Lizzie, please pray for her. She will be spending the day fasting and praying.

This past year has been full of change- For everyone involved.

Lizzie has learned to live her life without her beloved. She transitioned from Atlanta to Las Vegas very well. She is the BEST housekeeper one could ask for. My laundry is always done, food is always on the table when I get home and house is always clean. What a Blessing she has been to both Paul and I.

Paul is still in college but has only 4 Classes left- YAY! We are SOOOOO looking forward to this chapter in his life to be over. He has started to adjust to his hostile work environment. Things that bothered him before no longer upset him as much- He has learned to deal with the daily stresses.

As for me- I cannot even think of where to start! I will start by saying THANK YOU LORD for so much. I know there are days when I feel so overwhelmed by LIFE- that is when I take a step back, take a deep breath and Thank God for His MANY BLESSINGS, which in turn renews my hope and gives me strength to go on. So, with that said, I am not going to bore you with my complicated life I'm just going to say that God is GOOD.

Psalm 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.

I've got some BIG activities coming up VERY soon and I wanted to share.

In 10 days Paul and I will be going on a vacation to Hawaii. My friend Lana is finally getting married and we have decided that we needed to be there to support her- and why not- it is Hawaii. *smile*

Paul also has the privilege to travel to Argentina for Thanksgiving this year. He has accumulated so much time off that he needs to use it up by the end of the year if not he looses some of it. Unfortunately, I am not able to take 2 weeks off work and go with him. I was somewhat sad about this- but I am VERY happy for Paul and the privilege he has to visit with his family and friends.

Well, I am saving the BEST for last. Remember when I said that GOD is good? Well, let me expand on that thought. I was a little sad that Paul and I were not going to be together for Thanksgiving...God sure knows how to make me feel better- The week of Thanksgiving I have been awarded an ALL expense trip to London, England.... You heard me right.... ENGLAND!!!!

I did have options of other places to go, however if I was making the trip without Paul I was going to choose a spot that Paul would not mind me going to without him. England is not on his list of places to go... so I chose England. Lizzie and I will be leaving on November 19th and returning on November 26th. It works out perfect for me since that week is a short week so I am only missing 3 days of work! We are VERY excited.

I think I have said ENOUGH for one post... Remember Lizzie tomorrow in your prayers!

Until the next one.

Day One

Day one without my beloved Sister at work with me.
We had a fabulous weekend. Lizzie is now house sitting for a church family that is on vacation for 3 weeks. We spent Saturday at their house- they have a pool and a hot tub so we are enjoying the amenities. Paul and I will be with Lizzie on the weekend- so we can take her to church and have some fun in the sun with her.
Today starts the first day without Lizzie. I am going to rearrange my workload and schedule to make sure I do her job and mine.
I covet your prayers this week as I work on the adjustment of Lizzie not being here.
This week is our anniversary week. Tomorrow and Wednesday night we are staying at the VDARA to celebrate our anniversary. Priceline is AWESOME. I was able to get the room for $40 a night.
Well- gotta run.. Just wanted to give a small update.
Thanks again for your prayers.

Her last day

And the day has come- June 10th, 2011 Lizzie's last day of work.
I have such mixed emotions of her not working with me anymore. It is the selfish part of me that does not want to let her go. She has been a wonderful help to me. I am honored that I got to work with her for 6 months- But the realistic ME understands the reasons she chose to stay home- and quite honestly her staying home will make home life even sweeter- You see, she does laundry, she cooks, and she cleans. So, in essence my home life will get a whole lot easier and my work life just a little more complicated.... BUT- it is worth the sacrifice. The other good thing is- Lizzie will be able to be a blessing to many people from church while she is off work- and that is the best part of all!
SO- THANK YOU LIZZIE for your unconditional sacrifice to HELP in all areas of our lives!
We love you and will miss you at work- But I look forward to ALL that God has in store for you while you stay home.

Patience

Patience- an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay-

God has been working with me on this patience thing... We live in a FAST FOOD society which in turn has caused me to expect everything in life to happen fast- God has been teaching me to sit still and rest on the knowledge that EVERYTHING works out according to HIS will. These verses have been a real encouragement to me.

Psalm 46:10- Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exhausted in the earth.

Romans 8:28- And we know that all things work together for good for them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose.

All this to say- Our job situation is still in limbo- Nothing has changed as of yet- SO I am resting assured that GOD ULTIMATELY knows the outcome that is best for me.

I covet your prayers- Although I know that GOD is in control-it is a daily struggle to not worry and rest assured in GOD.

Long Overdue

Hello Friends! It has been TOOOO Long. I am sorry it has been so long. My life has been moving SO fast- I need to slow down just to write what has been going on in Goossenland. We have been very involved at church. We have found a home church that we love and are settling in comfortably. We are making new friends, and best of all we are growing spiritually. I have seen a transformation in Paul. He is more and more social. Pastor Stephen almost weekly asks Paul to read scriptures at church. It is good to see him blossom. I have also seen his passion for God change- We had March Mission Mindedness and he was so excited to go. We were only able to go one of the weeks- and he really embraced the opportunity. Work for him has been a constant trial. We take it one day at a time. Some days prove harder than others- overall God gives him the strength to make it day by day. As for me, well, so much is the same but so much is changing. Our office is in the process of being bought by another company. This brings up lots of changes. We are still working out the changes so I am not really even sure the extent of my actual change. The only thing that I have been told so far is that I will have a job, the extent of the job- I am not sure but I will have a job. It is all in God's hands and that is the ONLY reassuring part of it all. I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me in the future.

My Father Planned it ALL

Song by Ben Everson-

Mysteries and Shadows
Questions and Fear
Must this way I travel
Be Unclear?
The path ahead is dark I cannot see
But there is one who knows is perfectly

My father Planned it all
Ahead of Time for me
Each Circumstance, each step and path
Selected carefully
When life begins to fall
and I can barely see
My eyes cannot discern the light
So, I'll trust His perfect sight

Looking back I see His guiding hand
His works of love were hard to understand
Now cherished tokens of His love for me
Reminders that He gives whats best for me

My father planned it all
Ahead of Time for me
Each Circumstance, each step and path
Selected carefully
When life begins to fall
and I can barely see
My eyes cannot discern the light
so, I'll trust His perfect sight.

SNOW

We woke up this morning to snow- now this is big NEWS for Las Vegas since we rarely get snow. This is what it looked like outside my balcony.

This is the picture out of my car. It was a little scary driving to work this morning! Good thing there were NO crazy people on the road while I was driving.

Last, here is a picture of one of the pens that Paul made this weekend. It is by far my favorite pen he has made. He truly enjoys his new hobby! He will be making pens for all the men at church for Fathers day so he is working on perfecting his work so that they all get a REALLY nice pen.

It is supposed to snow all day today. I can only imagine what it will be like going home from work today. These kind of days make me want to stay home with hot tea and a good book.

2011

Happy 2011!!!

I have been reflecting this past weekend on all the blessings that GOD has given us. It is so easy to think that 2010 was a rough year- but would it be true? The year went exactly as GOD wanted it to go- who am I to expect things to go one way or another? So- Yes I will say that 2010 was a hard year, but I THANK GOD for the trials he is putting us through to REFINE us. Here are some of the trials that we have been through this year- which resulted in blessings from GOD.

1. In January Paul was laid off of work. Even though we somewhat anticipated the lay off it was still a hard TRIAL we had to endure. The lay off put a pause on school for Paul.

2. February we spent looking for a job for Paul. It was not a very pleasant task. Paul was VERY discouraged. Interviews were scarce, unemployment was NO fun.

3. Brandon, a coworker of mine, told me that his neighbor works for a company that was looking for network technicians. Paul applied for the job. They called him for an interview and God blessed him with a job. So March brought a job for Paul. We gave our praises to GOD for supplying a job for Paul.

4. April was a challenging month for Paul. Besides adjusting to a new job, they also gave him a challenge- to compete with another employee for Level II position. I immediately started praying that God's will be done. The selfish part of me wanted him to get the Level II position, however the reality of it was I needed to pray for GOD's will not KATHY's will. Paul's work ethic and demeanor won him the job. Here we were again Blessed by GOD.

5. In May we had a cruise planned out of California. I convinced Lizzie and Mike to go with us. I am SO THANKFUL that God worked it out for Mike and Lizzie to go. I made so many memories of Mike- that I will treasure forever. I am going to share one that I often think of- When Paul and I took Mike and Lizzie to the airport so they could fly home, Mike got out of the car and gave us a hug goodbye. When Mike gave a hug- it was not a wimpy hug- He gave a good bear hug. I remember the hug like it was yesterday- then he looked me straight in the eyes and said- " You know I love you right?" At the time I thought- how silly- of course I know you love me. and I replied- I know, I love you too. WHAT A HUGE gift God gave me with that memory!

6. June 15 Paul and I celebrated our 12 year anniversary. Paul was also able to start school back up!

7. July was really a good month. Lizzie came out and we went on a girls cruise for her birthday.

8. August a month I will not forget. August 17 marks a very, very hard day for our family- especially my sister. I was awoken early to find out that Mike went home to be with the Lord. I know that I spent the next few days just numb- everything and everyone made me cry. I was sad for Lizzie, and I spent many sleepless nights.

9. September we took Dad and Mom on a cruise to celebrate their 40th anniversary. We are so Thankful that we were able to do this. It was a good to get away and do something to take our minds off of the sad month before.

10. October we made the road trip from Atlanta to Las Vegas with my aunt Judy and mom. What a fun trip. Even though the circumstances of Lizzie moving out here were not the best- we made the most of it and had fun.

11. November we traveled to South Carolina to be with everyone. We had a good quick trip but a necessary trip. We needed to be with each other after a few rough months.

12. December is usually one of my favorite months, but somehow this year it just did not seem the same. We had a good Christmas with Dad and Mom flying out to spend a few days with us. We finished the year at the Pastor's house for a time of fun and fellowship.

God has been good and will continue to be good to us- because HIS faithfulness is NEVER failing! I look forward to seeing what HE has in store for us in 2011.

The Best Gift Yet

I got the best gift I could get for my sister- I know that the first year without her beloved was going to be a hard one- so I wanted to make it a little more special so that she has good memories of Christmas 2010. I bought my parents round trip tickets to be with us for Christmas!!!! I know that the trip will be a quick 3 day trip (My dad got 3 days off together Praise the Lord!) but we will have a wonderful time together and make wonderful memories for Christmas 2010!

Please pray for their trip- they have a very short lay over in Charlotte NC- they will need to book it to catch the next flight! Pray that they have a safe trip here!

To all of my blogger Friends- Merry Christmas!!!!

It's me again!

It's me! I feel like I have not blogged in a while- and that is because I really haven't. I truly love this time of year- however- I find that I don't really have time to REST much. Of course, I think I am the cause of my busyness. Right after Thanksgiving it is Paul's birthday. He turned 35 this year! Lizzie and I took him to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants- Pannevino- He loves the service and excellent food. I told the waiter that it was his birthday and they made it extra special by bringing him a canoli with this beautifully decorated plate.

Look at the beautiful plate they did for me. We truly enjoyed the food and fellowship.




December 4th was the church banquet. We truly have enjoyed getting to know the church family. We had a wonderful time at the banquet. Our special music was a man by the name of Ben Everson- he sang some beautiful songs.
The next week of work was very unusual. December is usually a slow insurance month. For some reason this year it seems like we are super busy. I am so VERY thankful that Lizzie is working with me she has been such a HUGE help to me. This past Friday we decided to take the evening off and RELAX with a movie and some BBQ at Famous Daves. We have been wanting to watch the movie "Tangled" since it came out. We have free movie tickets to AMC theatre- and there is only one in Las Vegas which is about 30 minutes away from home. So we made the drive on Friday only to find out that the movie "Tangled" had a rip in the actual movie and we were told that we could watch it but it would be not as enjoyable. Well, we ended up seeing Megamind. I really did not have high expectations with this movie so I was pleasantly surprised with the movie. It was cute- and a good way to RELAX after a stressful week. The picture below is of Lizzie at Famous Daves. She was making a face at some silly thing that Paul had just done at the restaurant.

The next picture is of Paul- I could not resist, I love the HAPPY GENUINE smile on his face. I know it is not the best quality picture but I love it that is why I share it!

Saturday, Lizzie and I spent making Christmas treats for Paul's co-workers and for our neighbors. Then on Saturday evening Paul and I went to Paul's Christmas party. Being at the party reminded me of the deprived world we live in. We did not stay very long- pretty much made an appearance and then left- Just enough time to say hi to everyone and then leave!

Sunday was a great day- after church we went to lunch with Pastor and his family. We had a wonderful time of fellowship and introducing them to Mediterranean food.

Well, I gotta run for now... Just wanted to let you all know that I have not forgotten you- I am a little busier than normal.

Happy Thanksgiving

Today Paul and I start our trip to Charleston! We are excited to see everyone and looking forward to some Rest and Relaxation!

On another note- Please pray for a friend of Lizzie's from Georgia. On Monday her son was in a car accident. He went home to be with the Lord.

I want to end my post listing 5 things that I am thankful for-

1. Jesus my Saviour without HIM there would be NO HOPE.

2. Family- and truly looking forward to seeing them very soon!

3. Church- I am SO thankful that we have found a new church to call home.

4. Work- Yes- I am thankful for a job. There were months were I thought we were not going to make it- but we are still here- still plugging along and I am very thankful that we are.

5. Friends- I have made some friend in Las Vegas, but none of them were saved so I never really felt the close connection we could have if we were brothers and sisters in Christ.... However- now I have made more friends and we are also Brothers and Sisters in Christ so it makes the friendship even more special!

Milk or Meat????

Yesterday- The Lord's day was GREAT. We had a wonderful time at church and we left feeling spiritually fed.
On our way home from church Paul and I were discussing the sermon- and Paul said " You know today I felt like I was fed meat and not just milk!" What a GREAT way to put it. I thought the same but could not verbalize it quite like Paul did.
We are looking forward to the MEAT we are being fed and will continue to be fed.

Game Night

Last night Pastor Stephen and Tammy Wess invited Paul and I over for pizza and games.
They also invited this other couple- Pam and Peter. What a fun night. We started off playing Mad Gab. What an interesting game. Then we played Rook. I have so many fond memories of playing Rook as a family. The "house" rules were a little different than what I was used to. The fellowship was GREAT. I did not realize how much I was missing the fellowship with fellow believers. I now crave fellowship. Once we get back from South Carolina, Lizzie and I are going to plan out when to have people over for dinner and fellowship. Truly looking forward to it.
Today it is colder than normal and I am having a challenge keeping warm. Paul and I like to save money and not put the heat on. Our theory is to bundle up more-
Tomorrow is the Lord's day and I am truly looking forward to church.

Goossen Happenings!

Our life has been so full the past few months- Hence the lack of posting!
I know that some of you miss hearing what is going on in our lives! I decided to take a break today and sit down and write what has been going on with us!
We have a new Roommate living with us! My sister officially moved in with us in October. She has been a blessing to have around. She helps with housework and she is my company while Paul is doing school work or gone to the billiards league. I am back to making cards- which is REALLY a good way to relax after a rough day at work.
Elizabeth has also started working with me at Landini & Associates. God had everything planned out for us- Becca the lady that was our receptionist gave notice about 1 month prior to Elizabeth coming to live with us. She and her husband moved to Utah- leaving a vacancy at my place- the funny thing is that her last week was a week after Elizabeth moved here! Well- what do you think that means???? She got the job!
Her first week was rough... She has not worked outside the home for 3 years therefore getting back into the swing of things can be rough at first. But she has SO much potential! I am training her in other areas that will help me out even more. She is a pleasure to have at the office. No matter what her circumstances she is always so cheery and happy. She sits at her desk and hums all day long. It makes me happy to see her content where the Lord has put her!
On another note, since Elizabeth decided to move here- we decided that we needed to find a new church. Not that where we were going (Calvary Chapel) was not good- because the preaching is good there- it is just TOO big and very hard to get plugged in. The music style never really appealed to me- I prefer singing out of a hymnal, and it was time to stop being pew warmers.
So, Elizabeth and I went one Sunday to Canyon Spring Baptist Church (the weekend that Paul was sick). What a pleasant surprise. The church is very small. This is a plant church not even a year old. We have now gone 3 weeks in a row and REALLY enjoy it. We have gone to a picnic and truly enjoyed the fellowship. The people are VERY friendly and welcoming.
We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us at this church.
Work has been good for both of us! Paul keeps busy, but as time goes on seems to enjoy it more and more.
Next week Paul and I travel to South Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with the family. It will be good to be together again!
I will be doing my best to blog more often so that I keep you all up to date on the happenings in Goossenville!

Tag... I'm it!

My aunt Rita tagged me- so I am going to answer the questions she had:


1. Do you have a "bucket list"? Not really a bucket list- but there are some things that I have in mind that I would like to do at least once in my life.


2. If so, what is at the top? Visiting Israel- I would love to see places that I read of in the Bible.


3. What news story stood out from those you heard today? That Miss USA won Miss World.


4. What are you most thankful for this year? Family. It has been a ROUGH year but I am so thankful that my family is ALWAYS there for each other and willing to help each other out.


5. What small thing always makes you happy? When my husband makes the bed for us right before he goes to work.


6. What is your favorite old movie? Miracle on 34th Street.


7. Was there a surprise in your day? YES big one. Poor Paul got up at 4:00 am vomiting and with diarrhea. He is in bed sleeping and trying to get better.


Now I am supposed to come up with seven different questions and tag seven people, which I always hate doing. And you are not obligated to participate. And if I don't tag you, you can grab the questions and play along, or answer them in the comments!

Here are my questions:

1. What is your favorite holiday and why?
2. Where did you go on your last vacation?
3. What do you enjoy doing on your free time?
4. What is your favorite Bible verse?
5. Have you ever been to Las Vegas if so what did you think?
6. What is your favorite easiest recipe that people really enjoy when you make?
7. What do you like most of your occupation?


I'm tagging the following people:


Elizabeth Williams - Zizzie Happenings

Aunt Linda- Grandma's page

Tesa Goossen- The cookie mom

Dad Hoyt- Comments from the corner

Rosalyn Hoyt- Hanging with the Hoyts

Elizabeth Houston (just leave your answers on comments)

Judy Knepper (just leave your answers on comments)

Thank you for reading and participating... This sure was fun!
Thanks Aunt Rita for tagging me!