I had to do a task that was difficult to do at work today.I was asked to step out of my comfort zone and put my self in the unknown.In this instance I did not know what the out come would be.on this my day off , I arrived twenty minutes  early and sat in my car. at the last moment I said If a certain friend and co worker of mine would show up I would go do what was asked of me.It was now 5 minutes prior to the start of work,and my friend pulls up and parks the car,she said she would show up for me,and I had just started the car to go home .so I was obligated to follow through with my task.My friend stated I will go with you,and be with you during the time . So we made our way to work .we walked in the meeting room,and stood in the back, and some seating opened up in the  front row, so i suggested we sit up front.We Sat on the front row!

Today was awards day at work, and I was to attend the festivities dressed fancy in my best clothing . I was nervous ,due to the fact we work in uniforms and for the most part have not seen me dressed in street clothes. For our non uniform functions the dress code is business casual. That means nice tops and a pair of slacks. But today, was awards and it meant for me a nice top and a skirt and all the trimmings. having never been any thing but uniformed or business casual, I was nervous. I was afraid what people would think,or if people would laugh at me. We finished the awards, and headed for the lunch portion,where I received compliment after compliment.And rave reviews on my attire.My fear faded in to smiles and elation. In this case the risk was worth the reward. I did not receive a single reward,but was rewarded for my stepping out  into the unknown,and Allowing God to lead the way.

My devotional verse this morning was Psalm 23:4’Yea,though I walk through the shadow of death ,I fear no evil :for thou art with me;thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

I was in a shadow in the parking lot this morning,but he was with me,and provided for me.All I needed to do was trust him,and he took care of me.

Amazing
how the ones you love the most
can turn their back on you the worst.
Dumbfounding
that alcoholism and pregnancy out of wedlock
can all be forgiven
but not being true to one’s self.
Bewildering
the things you’d never thought would happen
can come on you in an instant.
Incredible
how many friends you thought would turn their back
are there with open arms, accepting and loving.
Perplexing
the thought that this might be permanent
that they may never come around.
Unbelievable.

****Many thanks to my friend tru poet for this poem..it speaks to me.*****

I have just arrived home from Oshkosh,and the Scott Hall reunion. I enjoyed renewing old friend ships,and seeing people I have not seen in a long while. I Want to thank our group for the reception you all gave me. It meant the world to me. I felt at home,and comfortable and like family. Thank You Sooo Much!!!! Lets continue our lives ,Live well,Laugh allot, love often! Chuck it was a Great time, Thank you! Hugs to all, Markie Wenzel” Wenz”

Things I have learned over the years.

I am a few days away from a residents hall reunion,at The Homecoming weekend at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. The weekend will be approx.30 years after we had studied at the University. Over that time for me Life has happened, some good some bad.I have had to battle heart disease,and in a loved one Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.We have had our children,and seen them grow and go. Success and failure have come and gone professionally and personally. And then the heart ache of losing parents and other loved ones.I have longed to be young again and back in Oshkosh. But we have grown, lived, laughed, and loved. Additionally, we have have earned graduate degrees and PhD’S in The University of Life,and the School of Hard Knocks.Others have had special life challenges,for me it is Gender Identity Disorder,Which has made it necessary for me to transition from Male to Female.This is a medical condition,which has been the greatest test and challenge of my life. I am thankful for my athletic career at Oshkosh both on the Football team,and in the varsity Wrestling team.These teams gave me valuable life lessons in commitment and perseverance. I rejoice for Scott Hall basement,where I trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour.I have been comforted often that he has not forsaken me over the years.So my Oshkosh years were foundational years.I look forward to the weekend to celebrate life , in the place that has been instrumental in my life success.See Ya There!!