Home

"May I a small house and a large garden have. And a few friends, and many book both true, both wise, and both delightful, too."  Abraham Cowley

Our New Home on Albritton Lane

There is a part of me that is hesitant to write this down because I am fearful of something going wrong at the last minute...but here goes. Anyone who knows me at all knows that my home is my "nest". It is important to me that our home be a haven from the world, and a safe place for my children to "fall" when the world is harsh. I want our home to be a reflection of Him. I've never cared much for cathedral ceilings and crown molding, etc. I can enjoy their beauty in others homes, but I'd much rather have just the spot for a chair under a window with perfect light to watch birds nearby, while I read a good book. I started a little tradition back in 1993. When I am in need of a new home, I go to God in prayer AFTER I take the time to write down EVERYTHING I would like in my new home and why. It has been amazing to see how He has provided my very hearts desire. Now, don't misunderstand me. I am not talking about the gospel of prosperity. I do not see my Father as a big Santa Claus. But He is my Father, and He loves me. He likes to please me, just like I love to please my children.Do I give my children everything they ask for? Of course not. I often can see what they can't. About two months ago when we first made our decision to move to Alabama, I wrote my list on a small board and put it on the side of my refrigerator. The side no one else usually sees. Well, last week we made a trip to Montgomery, and we looked at four homes. And we bought one. A home in our budget. A place we can call home. A place where my grandchildren can catch lightening bugs and play out in the playhouse. A place where my sons can play soccer (we've had two broken fence pickets and two broken windows since spring:). Every single "request" was there. God even threw in a few sunflowers out by the garden. Did I mention the garden I did not plant, toil over--but now get to gather the harvest? I am humbled and grateful. I am content, and most of all I am eager to share this place with those who need a home, even if it's just for an afternoon. He said "No" to the overseas program in Italy this year, and He said" Later" to the trip to Israel. But He said" Yes, a resounding Yes!" to our new home in Alabama.And we are so grateful.

The Fourth of July

For those of you who have spent the Fourth of July in a country outside of America, you know that the holiday takes on an entirely different appreciation. I will never forget the first one we celebrated while living in Porto Rafti, Greece. A friend from back home in Arkansas sent us a care package like no other! There were red and blue tortilla chips, confetti, small flags, a Patriotic CD, blue plastic glasses with stars, a red plastic pitcher, flag napkins- even red, white, and blue candles! We made the traditional flag cake with strawberries and blueberries, the layered jello salad, and pulled out the sparklers. And we thanked God for the amazing country of our birth. The attack on the Twin Towers had happenned since we left America, and we felt so far from home. We were meeting with the American Consulate, and having to receive updates on a daily basis as to whether it was safe to travel. Tensions ran high. The flag was not to be flown, we were to keep a low profile. We watched Bush be burned in effigy in the streets of London. There were anti-America protests in Rome. Bush was once again set afire on the streets of downtown Athens in front of the Embassy. And still to this day, I have such a feeling of pride when I see our flag flying. I remember those who have died for our freedoms, I remember those who continue to keep God in the forefront as new laws are passed, and I remember to vote so that our country will have the leaders who will look to God for wisdom. I love America, the home of the free and the brave. May God continue to bless us.