Got Peace In Uncertain Times?

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."   --- Psalm 32:8

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Another week between posts? Wow. It's this peace, I think, which kept me silent--the kind that passes all understanding. 

I especially felt it yesterday, the first time I returned to my 'sit down gardening', sun on my back and all contented that I can still clean out a flower bed at my age and in my (sorry) shape.

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Naomi was parked out front in her van home (still loving van life) and I thought how good of God to give us a daughter to help us these later years. Weekly she works on clearing out our basement, she buys us treats and also wheels the trash receptacles curbside. And more.

Last week, finally, I told her we may not be moving from New York. We might! But we might not. She took it well, especially after I mentioned a move would be hard on Tom (she's such a daddy's girl). She's still considering her own major move and I told her we understand. Totally.

After searching (via online) for housing in 3 states (FL, SD, NY), my, my, my. Tom and I are ultra-grateful for our Hobbit Cottage, even without an attached garage and even counting its cave-like basement laundry situation:

She's paid for.

We've low taxes in a high tax state.

We've got that large front porch with a (if you squint) river view.

Our indoor stairs? One of only 2 means of exercise I get each winter (so they're appreciated).

Online my next bedroom options all appear tiny, but upstairs here at Hobbit Cottage--though we've slanted ceilings--I've got (app.) 24 feet by 12 feet of floor space which I've broken up into 3 rooms with lots of bookshelves. In no other house would I have such spaciousness.

I'm flinging away many possessions, but to fit what's left inside a tiny, average bedroom? I may not yet be emotionally prepared for that, although it's my aim.

I've discovered our 860 square feet may be few, but they're arranged nearly-perfect for us. Well, except for that basement laundry and garage across the yard--but yes--no house is perfect.

Anyway, the aforementioned peace weaves itself amongst my dreaming, searching, wondering, imagining. And it's Spring! The glorious time of sit-down-gardening, pulling leaves and twigs from the 5 flower beds God helped my younger self create years ago.

Flower beds that, no way, could I build now, which reminds me--timing! Always move according to God's timing. I don't care how many people quip all happy-like --

"It's never too late to be what you might have been."

--it's simply not true. I mean, hey. While young, I dreamed of becoming a professional ballerina (while I was a gymnast) but Honey, it's been too late for that for decades! (Let's get real.)

But God's word? That's true, especially when He says we can do all things through Him who strengthens us.

All things which He ordained and which we cooperated with, that is. 

Yet if we missed one of those points? How good of God to provide us (if we leave space for it) an also-special Plan B.

He's incredible that way and those who follow Him the closest, miss out on no good thing. You've noticed for yourself, right?

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."   --- Proverbs 16:9

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Here's something fun--

Rhoda Stone has been sharing 'mug recipes', you know, food you can create in a coffee mug rather than making a big batch which you scarf down all by yourself.  ツ

Corn dogs and doughnuts.

Pancakes

Brownies

Muffins

(She also made a mug cake, but can I find it again? Nope. Let me know if you do, ok? Thanks.)

It's a nice concept to get us thinking outside of the box, still eating what we want, but in smaller portions.

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Oh! 

And I had another 'book miracle'. Now, I bought only 2 or 3 books last year since I gave away 300 in The Big Book Purge, but for at least 6 years I've enjoyed Marjorie Hillis', Live Alone And Like It (bought an original at a yard sale for 50 cents, but that's a different miracle).

For nearly as long I've watched the prices on her later book, You Can Start All Over, but always they've hovered around  $28 and more, and well, I didn't want the book that much.

But yesterday! I found one that cost, with tax, $6.43. Wow. Guess who immediately thanked God a few times??

Good things really do come to those who wait with faith!

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One more thing: Tom and I watched the cutest, funniest movie last week.  It's called Who Gets The Dog? A delight!

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15