Where Did It Go?

Fourteen years ago today this guy came into our lives - what a transformation took place on that day, so long ago, and yet it seems like just yesterday.  It is true what everyone says about how quickly the years go by........  We are enjoying every one!

Happy Birthday, Son!   You enrich our lives!  

The Myth

The need for order.  Ever wonder about it?  I admit, it's not something I think of with much intensity, although I know it is an issue for me.  But as of late, I'm very curious about it's importance, and the imminent control the lack of it threatens to have upon me.  

Why is it that my mind wants me to think after all the little details are tucked away and remedied, I will have arrived in a state of controlled bliss? It's as if knowing more about our new geographic location will erase the discomfort that comes from not knowing such things.   How odd, and how silly!  

I suppose, for many of us it ends in the effort we put forth to try and achieve (rather, the myth that says we Must Have) control over even the minor details of our lives.  Isn't this in part, why we women nest?

Well friends, after much grappling (I love that word), I think I'm starting to get it.   Settle in to what isn't familiar - to what is, in fact, uncontrollable. Normal is ever changing.   God, however, is not!  

House Pics

Some of you have asked for pictures of the house.  I can appreciate that 

because I'm a visual person, so I'm sending a few along 

of the  kitchen/family room/outdoor loggia areas.  

Can you see us here?

 

Always

Two weeks ago today we set foot in our new home.   It's been exciting, surprising, and wonderfully fun.  Now....... reality is setting in, and the last few days have been a bit challenging for me.   

I want to tell you that God is so amazing - when we go to Him, there He is, waiting patiently, and full of comfort.  I have found the book of Philippians to be a great encouragement to me as I consider what Paul must have been experiencing. Admittedly, I feel so small in my grappling in comparison to Paul's trials. And yet what he writes about is so pertinent, even for today. God, who is infinite, is also so very basic in His message to us.  

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: rejoice!"  Philippians 4:4

The secret to Paul's joy was that he was grounded in his relationship with Christ, despite what was (or wasn't) happening in his life.  It's that simple..... and that complex.  

My flesh threatens my dependency upon the Lord.  Intentional time with Him - that's where it's at.  Getting to know who God is by reading His word, and communicating with Him.  

And that, I believe, is why He allows the bumpy road.  If it weren't for the trials, we'd be far too dependent on ourselves.  

Thanks Paul, for your incredible example.   

I rejoice in you, oh Lord!!

The Beachhhhh

If you've seen the Bean movies, you'll hear the title to this entry and laugh!

We spent the afternoon at the beach on Sunday.  

Take a look at these gleeful faces!  

I don't know who had a better time - the kids, or Bill and I 

as we watched them run from the crashing waves.  

Right now this feels like the never-ending vacation.  

I'm sure it won't be that way forever, but we're taking it all in!

Happy Birthday Arville ~ We Love You!!

Culture Shock

Forever sunshine!

LARGE bugs!

Rattle snakes (not yet seen, but warned to take precaution)

Black widow spiders!!

What you thought must be a rolling black out, but was only a scheduled power outage that you weren't informed of.

A lock on your water - note to self:  this happens if you neglect to contact the water company.

Small town atmosphere in one of the world's largest economies

Finding out that preconceived ideas are never accurate

Bobcats, mountain lion, and coyotes are common backyard possibilities

Drought friendly plants

Navigating control panels 

Trash limits - only what fits into two 100 gallon barrels - anything else gets left behind, unless otherwise scheduled - oh, and for a fee!

No recycling service in our neighborhood (we didn't have one back at home, but I mean, come on, we're living in the land of "need to be green" for goodness sake!).  I'm sure this is because we are in a rural area, but still!

Not being able to speak to the Mexican workers who show up for weekly property maintenance!

Random patrons stopping to ask for a dollar, or two.

Really good food available at every corner!

Waking to the sound of the rooster

Uninvited house guests - be they lizards or baby mice (they were found after their cries were heard from underneath the dryer), they're always around to make us feel welcome!  

Really fast drivers

I'm sure the list will continue to grow!!