Home again

Hello again!

I have rejoined the modern era!

With cable, phone and most importantly,

Internet

up and running again,

I can let out a contented sigh.

I am happy to report that my family and I made it to our new home and most of our boxes have been unpacked. Only a few things were broken and everyone is settling in nicely.

I look around at this place that is now my home and I smile.

With my children's art work hung, my teacher's licence above my desk and Mary smiling benevolently from peaceful domestic scenes, I feel at home and comfortable.

Fuzzy blankets and candles... bookshelves full of stories...closets full of clothes...

It is strange how our "objects" help us feel secure.

As a creature of habit, I crave familiarity.

Because this is true,

I am surprised that being somewhere new actually makes me feel calm and hopeful.

Looking at the brightly painted walls...

...my gardens anticipating spring...

...rooms waiting for family memories,

I feel like the "do over" I've been given is a positive thing.

I can honestly believe that the adventure in store for me has an excellent chance of being delightful!

Tonight, I wish for you the hopefulness that I feel.

I pray that we will all find a level path as we walk the road before us...

That when we face bumps along the way,

we will always find a loving hand to hold.

May your life be blessed,

Now, Always and Forever!

A New Home

This evening I signed my lease and got my keys.

Before I left my house to go in to finish up the paperwork, I loaded three things into the car. I took a Bible, my grandmother's ceramic garden toad and my statue of Mary.

After I had access to my new abode, my parents, my eldest daughter and I drove to the house.

I got out of the car and placed Mary in the center of where my front garden will be.

I placed the dear sweet toad that has been a part of happy gardens longer than I have been alive, on the side of the house near the downspout.

I motioned for the rest of my dear ones to come and handed the Bible to my dad.

I know my eldest thought I'd gone a little kooky, but it just seemed right to me.

I asked my dad to read from the book of Matthew chapter 6 verses 25 to 33.

I would have to say that these are the verses that have sustained me in my darkest hours.

They speak of trust and love; the assurance of an unending and unshakable, loving God.

Life holds no guarantees.

Sometimes sad things happen.

I really believe...

I honestly do...

That there is someone who made us...

Who loves us...

Who hears us when we cry...

I am on a path that I would never have guessed would have been mine to tread. I am sometimes scared. Sometimes I worry about the "what if's" in life.

Then...

I see a tiny toad...

Get an email from a dear friend...

Find a wonderful deal on tiny tomatoes...

Receive a hug from my children and a enthusiastic tail wag from my dog.

It is then...

that I stop...

that I realize...

How blessed I am.

That regardless of my future.

I will walk on!

That I still have a lifetime of adventure!

Tonight, I wish for you...

Peace and assurance,

joy and adventure!

May you be blessed.