A Whole New Way of Life

Sometimes God doesn't give us what we ask for. This time I am soooo glad! Seven and a half months ago we asked God for the desire of our hearts--to move back to California, and for awhile it looked like that was going to happen--but it didn't, and now we're glad it didn't. That's because God gave us something far different than we would have thought of on our own. He gave us a whole new way of life (right here in Oregon), and we are really enjoying it!

Here's a little "snapshot" of daily life for us:

(10:30 P.M.) Larry says, "Are you about ready to go to bed?"
Jeannie says, "Yup", and heads for the kitchen to pre-make a pot of coffee (using programable coffee maker).

(6:15 A.M.) Larry gets up quietly to start his day. Jeannie doesn't hear a thing, and doesn't wake up, because he now uses the bathroom in the hall (instead of the one in the master bedroom), to get ready for the day (having put his clothes there the night before).

(6:50 A.M.) Jeannie is roused by soft music, but doesn't budge from her comfy, cozy bed. She wakes up gradually while enjoying the pleasant sounds coming from a CD in her alarm clock. Within a few minutes Larry enters the room with a smile and a cup of coffee. After a quick "good morning" greeting, he says "goodbye" and heads off to work--downstairs.

(7:00 A.M.) Jeannie props herself against extra pillows and sips the delicious, hot "wake-up" brew, while taking in the wonderful view out the bedroom windows, and thinking thoughts such as these:
"What a beautiful day! I thought it was supposed to rain today, but it sure doesn't look like it right now. There's some foggy mist hanging in the air here and there in interesting swirls, but the sky doesn't look like rain. Lord, what a beautiful world you created for us to live in! What a good God You are to your children! Thanks, Lord! Thanks for all You have provided for us! Thanks for all You have done for us! Thanks for your awesome goodness to us! Then there are prayers for friends, family, and this new day set before me.

(7:30 A.M.) Jeannie gets up with a happy heart and starts her day, (instead of dragging herself out of bed around 9:00, as been the usual habit lately).
1. Got dressed and checked my email.
2. Had "quiet time" with God, while enjoying coffee and toast.
3. Cleaned up the kitchen and started the dishwasher.
4. Made the bed and did the daily personal grooming.
5. Did a quick run through the house to put things in order.
6. Set up the ironing board, and while iron was preheating, played a computer game (or two).

(10:00 A.M.) Larry comes upstairs for a hug and a kiss, and says, "Hmmmm, this is good--I really like this benefit to working at home!" Then he invites me to go out to lunch with him today. (I also like the benefits of him working at home.)

By 10:30, much has already been accomplished, and Jeannie is back at the computer, with a happy heart and a good sense of satisfaction!

I am so glad that God delights in giving good gifts to his children, and that He always knows what's best for us. Who knows what will happen three months from now when the trial period ends with Larry's new job (only God knows). But, for now, we are delighted with this new way of life.

Oh! Larry just came upstairs to see if I'm about ready to go to lunch . . . gotta scoot!