::step by step::

 [entrance to "The School" also commonly known as the "Guest Cottage" on the Staal farm]

Sometimes, we [collectively] speak of God opening and closing doors.  I don't necessarily love this word-picture.  But honestly, if we truly live "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths..." then God points the way for each step we take.

My grandma has been living in the same retirement community since she moved up to the Hoosier state with us.  Recently, my parents made a decision for various reasons that she needed to move to a facility in our town.  I thought the grand move would happen in August while I was on the other side of the world.  

It never did.  Meanwhile, construction continued on a gorgeous new facility down the road from us.

Through a series of circumstances, Granny still hasn't moved.  

However, she's most likely moving this weekend or next week to the newest, most-beautiful retirement/care-giving facility in our town.  

We are so over-joyed at how God cares for us and directs each step.  Even delays and misunderstandings work out for our benefit if we trust He has a greater plan.  :)

 

::just a peek::

FOR TODAY, October 8th

Outside my window...sunshine, blue skies, breeze, changing leaves
I am thinking...about the compassion of Jesus gleaned from Bible reading this morning [Mark 4-6]
I am thankful...for Leon
In the kitchen...baked garlic parmesan chicken for dinner
I am wearing...skirt, long-sleeved white top, scarf [the usual]
I am creating...needing to finish a dress I began sewing months ago
I am going...to work, then to a cake decorating class
I am wondering...why mail doesn't get delivered on Columbus Day
I am reading...The Complete Works of Emily Dickinson
I am hoping...that our current president is removed from office in November
I am looking forward to...Wednesday, December 12th
I am learning... God's plans are always best
Around the house...bathrooms cleaned, laundry + vacuuming done <<< love a fresh house
I am pondering...the documentary Agenda that I saw on Friday night
A favorite quote for today..."To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." Abraham Lincoln
One of my favorite things...Words with Friends
A few plans for the rest of the week: work, church,
A picture thought for the day...[would you guess any other would be on my mind?!]

 

::living without worry::

[doesn't this pool look positively tranquil?!]

Recently, I've discovered the works of J.R. Miller.  But honestly, I shouldn't say "recently" because I was required to read one of his books for a college class.  But discovering the wealth of a good writer is always more of a treasure when it's not required reading.

I downloaded two of his books to my Nook for $.99 each.  I know!!  A great deal.

Today, I've been working through Living Without Worry.

 The lesson [living without worry] is well worth learning, at whatever cost.  To live nobly, energetically, up to one's best, and yet without worry, is one of the highest attainments possible.  It is the ideal life.  It is the life whose vision of beauty is pictured for us in the peace which our Lord promises his people, the peace that passes all understanding that keeps the heart and mind in Christ Jesus - the perfect peace that comes to him whose mind is stayed on God.

This week has been great.  I took the day off work on Monday and spent time with my Mom.  And tomorrow, we are going to squeeze in an "emergency" [i.e. have-to-return-something and catch a sale] shopping trip before work.

Also, the month of October is going to fly by.  Even though I'm not restricted by school, my life very  much revolves around the school calendar because I'm an after-school sitter.  There are all sorts of extra hours at work pecked into my phone's calendar which makes me happy. Busy weeks = a quick month

So that's what's happening on the home front. Anything new with you?