Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Constant Change


“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou



Learning involves change. The only thing constant in life right now is change. My life is continuing to go through drastic change. But I am learning and growing. Change, even drastic change is inevitable and constant. Compared to what some of my online friends are going through and have gone through, my change is minimal. 
The biggest change is my marital status. After being married for nearly 25 years, I left my husband and moved into my mother's house 10 months ago. I'm separated and getting divorced. 
The second biggest thing is that since December, I've been working full time for the first time since my first daughter was born 24 1/2 years ago. AND I love what I do. I work for Travelex Currency Exchange. We are located in the Guest Service Desk at the mall so in addition to exchanging currency, we do all the guest service-y type things. It's actually the perfect job for a financial-minded-jack-of-all-trades-people-lover like myself. 
And the third major change in my life is I've gone from making cards and blogging about it EVERYDAY, to not making cards or blogging AT ALL. As far as the blogging is concerned, what I'm going through is too personal. It's not something I want to write about online, but in my journals. And the card making used to relax me, but now it doesn't. And there are just not enough hours in a day. A few months ago in the last post, I thought by getting my room (somewhat) set up that I would start making cards again, but no, that didn't happen. 


For those of you who, like me, would wonder "what ever happened to 'So and So' who used to blog everyday?" This post is for you.
I do miss the friendships that I made through this blog and the Yahoo blog before that since 2004... I still pop in on Facebook, so, if you are on there, be my friend? 
Definitely, keep in touch. I would love to know that you are praying for me. 


As always... I'm still Choosing JOY... It's always a deliberate choice... and some days it's harder than others. But I know that God is with me, just like Joseph in Genesis, God is with me. 
So long for now from your card-making Princess...  Choosing JOY! Jacki

8 comments:

Penny Hanuszak said...

I loved your last post and the quote. We'll miss your posting but you'll come back when you're ready and you'll make things again when the time is right. Now is your time for growing and healing and finding out who you are. Take care of yourself and good luck in your new travels.

Louise (KardKrazy) said...

You are not alone -- in all these things -- as you know. I know the blogging was there for a reason for me, kind of hard to believe I used to post every day. I'm sure it served a purpose for you, too.
And although life gets in the way some time, I don't believe your creative spirit is going to sit quietly for too long. We'll just watch and see how it comes pouring out:):)

nise said...

So, last weekend I was driving over to the Parchment Library for 2 days of watercolor flower classes and you crossed my mind. I wondered how you were; I wondered if you were happy. I listened to your beautiful voice coming out of the cd player and I said a little prayer that life would be better for you each day. Glad you posted and shared that you are well. Even if you're gone from blogging/stamping, you are certainly not forgotten. Wishing you all the best as you continue the journey of your life. {hugs from the mitten}

Anonymous said...

I am glad you are doing what is right for you. Though for selfish reasons, I have missed your cards. They always made me happy to view and I imagine they were a blessing to whomever received one. Best wishes!

Colleen R.

Nancy Ward said...

So good hearing fom you again, Jacki. For some reason, FB isn't the same as a blog.

Glad that things have improved for you. You made a tremendous decision, and it's wonderful you know it was the correct one.

Joy, peace and happiness.

Nancy

Myra said...

Hi there, your cards are amazing. I found one in my P.O. Box today..can't wait to send you one back. Don't worry I will sent smiles, laughter and hugs with every card.

Elizabeth said...

Hi! I just found your blog from a link on Pinterest about craft tool storage. I want to let you know that I am praying for you.

I love your motto of "choosing joy", it reminds me of Nehemiah 8:10 "for the joy of the Lord is your strength." In keeping with the spirit of joy in the Lord I want to leave you with Isaiah 61:3, "To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
God promises to turn our pain and struggles into beauty and joy so that we can praise and bring glory to Him. Our struggles are not in vain but have a purpose in His marvelous plan!

In Christ's <3,

Elizabeth =-)

Hi! I'm Shirley and said...

Hi Jacki! I am so glad to see a recent posting from you. I have your blog bookmarked and come here frequently to see if you are posting. I pray for you often and wish you nothing but happiness.