Friday, July 29, 2011

My Hotel Room

Ok, we've been living in a hotel room since April 25...and it's July 29. Why? We've made an international move and instead of immediately finding a house and settling in, we've decided to build one. I was really gripping to the Lord about it and He did two things that changed me completely. First, He told me to count my blessings. When I looked around, I realized how many there are. Secondly, He told me He was providing exactly what I needed to make the massive adjustments of life in America, a husband newly retired, ministry office changes and re-entering our family network after a 7 year absence. What I needed was zero responsibility and that's what I've got. Precious Fay from Jamaica makes our bed and cleans our room each day, sweet Beatrice cooks our breakfast each morning, and cute Anwar at the front desk makes us new keys when we lose ours. Life doesn't get simpler or sweeter than that.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Noah Built an Artwork

Last night we were keeping two grandchildren, ages 1 and 3. (This is a different family from my previous post quoting a grandchild.) In response to a request that I continue to occaisionally quote my funny three year old grandchildren (I have 3 three year olds at present!!), I have to post this one. It's just too cute. I asked, "What did you learn at church today?" The response: "We llearned about Noah building an artwork." I said, "Oh, yes, Noah built an ark." She said, "No, he built an artwork!" Well, I stand corrected. She's right!!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Kids Say The Funniest Things!

I promise I won't quote my grandchildren's quips often, but this week when we kept three granddaughters, ages 3, 4, and 6, their funny little mispronunciations tickled me. As we were riding up an elevator, the 3 year old informed me she is no longer afraid of the "alligator" (elevator). If you look for it, something funny happens almost every day. "A cheerful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

New Every Morning

We are driving home from a family trip to Colorado. It's been a great week of respite from Texas heat and a wonderful time with the Lord. In the past 24 hours, He's reminded me that this move and transition from my life in Australia is an opportunity to enjoy new beginnings. Lamentations 3 tells us His compassions are new every morning...great is His faithfulness. I'm getting ready to build a new house in a new neighborhood, we have a new team at the Kardo/MotherWise ministry office, David and I are reinventing our relationship since he has retired from the marketplace and is full time at our ministry, and we have the chance to establish new family traditions now that we're back home with our kids and grandkids. New mercies every morning. Great is His faithfulness!!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Tree Transplant

Yesterday, David and I realized that our move from Australia to Texas is sort of like being a transplanted tree. When you uproot an oak tree, some of the roots will be cut, the leaves will fall off, it won't bear fruit for a while, and when you replant it, it will need support just to stand. It won't be too functional while the new roots are forming. We love being back home in Texas near family, friends, and faithful ministry partners. But it doesn't matter how glad you are to be in a new place, moving stinks. I feel a bit foggy most of the time. So if you're talking to me or texting or emailing, just know I'm on about 30% power right now. Just smile at me and give me a hug. :)