Liz's Front Porch

20. Quick Trip

         I almost missed one day of posting! But, it is 11:55 as I post; it is still Thursday night, December 18; and I’m back with you!

        Dear Heart and I had to take an unexpected overnight trip but managed to turn it into an adventure. This is as good a place as any to remind you youngsters who happen by my porch or fireplace, that you can always make an adventure out of most anything!! Take it from one with LOTS of white hair.

         Our travels took us through many small communities and one CITY. It seemed to me that:

1.      There are fewer decorations proclaiming the birth of our Lord. Everywhere.

2.      Every other driver on the road has a cell phone stuck in his/her ear.

3.      People in general are in a bigger hurry than ever.

4.      The country smells better than cities.

5.      Every time I venture away from home, returning brings greater pleasure.

          In a quick message to a friend as we were leaving home on this quick trip, I said, “Oh well, I’ll have lots of time to pray.”

    

           How did I forget that highways and traffic and worry and hurry-up overtake the mind so easily? I did make time to pray, but I was always surprised that it did not come as easily… that pray-without-ceasing thing that our Father enjoys so much. I also found that when those prayers did spill out, my soul was peaceful and quiet and satisfied.

          Remember 3 things:

Count your blessings; take time to pray; and hold on to you joy during this 3rd week of Advent!

    Hugs and love!  Liz

 

Rejoicing at Home Again

Hi Dear Ones.

We absolutely INTENDED to take a trip. And, we did - - - of sorts.

After packing our new van full to the brim, and driving all afternoon Tuesday, we arrived at the eastern border of Texas, long about late news time. Exhausted.

In the middle of the night, Dear Heart's back said, "I hate traveling."

An old, worn-out tooth of mine whined, "I've lived long enough. I'm giving up!"

The next morning, Dear Heart looked at me. I looked at him. We nodded in agreement and drove all afternoon, arriving back at our own hearth and home Wednesday evening, about late news time. Exhausted. And sad.

We would NOT see his grandson, Captain Nick, play his last college football game. We would NOT see the other Ohio grandkids and their special others. We would NOT visit my active-duty-Marine-son and family in Kentucky. I would NOT do the last bit of research needed to finish my historical novel. We would NOT be renewed by the vibrant colors in the forests and hills of Ohio and Kentucky.

Back home, we saw our own physicians and gave thanks that wisdom had over-ruled our grandparents' hearts.

I've heard it said that when God shuts a window, He sometimes opens a door.

Somehow, “rejoice” comes to mind.

Deuteronomy 12:7 says: “There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and SHALL rejoice in everything you have put your hand to…”

Why, I asked? “.. because the LORD your God has blessed you.”

Isn’t He an awesome God?

I think I’ll rejoice by the open door on my front porch!

I hope YOU, also, will rejoice as we go into this time of Thanksgiving.

Blessings,

    Liz