By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies.          Isaiah 30:15

 

For Nancy

My heart is breaking for my sweetest friend Nancy has passed away 4/19.2015.  She had a major stroke while we were at mass.  We found her laying in the pasture alive, but not able to get up and she continued to have seizures.  As the day wore on, we knew we had to call the vet to come out and put her to sleep.  A thunderstorm was approaching and I wasn't going to let her get rained on.  It was one of the most difficult experiences in my life.  A chapter has been closed, not only for Nancy and me, but for my daughter and her childhood.  Nancy was a huge part of my child's life, she taught my daughter, myself and my family many life giving lessons.  She was a friend, mother, protector and teacher.  I am grateful for each and every day I was blessed to share in her life over the years.

Suffering is salvific

Not knowing what to do, how to help, fight for and rescue a loved one from the grips of illness tests my faith.  It makes me think about how difficult it really is to let go and allow God to be God.  My thoughts run amok and take my heart for a roller coaster ride.  I become exhausted and find myself crying when doing the dishes, folding clothes, sweeping the floor or staring out the window.

I have said goodbye to quite a few loved ones and each time I am presented with another goodbye, all the previous ones come back to add their tears and memories to the present.

This is part of loving someone.  Saying yes to God, "I'll take this one home".....until You really take her home.

I think a person who would read this would think I am talking about a human's demise, not a horse.  Until I owned a horse, I would have never understood why anyone would give so much of themselves to an animal.  I am convinced that having animals in my life has taught me a lesson about love that I would have never learned any other way.

When you drive down the road and see cows, sheep, horses, dogs, cats, birds; what do you see?  I see feelings, personalities, cares and concerns, preferences of food, babies wanting their mommies, orneriness, freedom to fly and loving it. I see in animals what I see in people, a need to be loved, protected and cared for.

I was raised with hunters and my husband is a hunter.  Do I like this? No, not at all, but it has taught me to accept another's way even if I cannot understand it. I try not to assume my way is the right way because it makes sense to me.  We are all mostly ignorant, even when we think we know we often make ourselves ridiculous when we talk.

Bottom line?  There is a bottom line and that is: all we have is the Mercy of God and each one of us relies on that Mercy. I cannot say it is possible that this person or that person may not need His Mercy.  I see, we all need it, whether human or animal, it's all any of us really have.  And, based on my personal experience, that Mercy is a Gift from God and is called, Jesus.

When I say, "personal experience", that means what has occurred in my life has validated the Presence of Jesus, what I learn at Church or read in scripture also validates His Presence.   When I am at Mass, I feel: "Ah yes, it is YOU!!"  I recognize Him there in the Mass, because He is there in my barn, in my car, in my soul!  Everywhere, I recognize Him in scripture as well as in a stranger's face.  Same Guy, it's Him.

I'm going to be okay!  Sighing, I feel more centered after typing my feelings out on this computer.  I would have said all this in my journal, but I'm so tired I can't get up the energy to go find it, besides, Lacey is sound asleep on my lap.

Wishing Nancy would get better soon....................

Spending time in the barn every chance I get.  Brushing her, talking to her, trying to get her to eat and telling her over and over how much I love her.  I can't imagine life without Nancy in it.  She's been such a strong friend to me.  I've been with her almost every single day for years and years.  I promised God I would take care of her for Him.  Nancy was trained to give handicapped children horse back rides and riding lessons.  She was the legs for many children who could not walk or run but could fly like the wind on her back.  She was so gentle, such a good mother.  A good mother to my own child who in turn became a good mother to her 3 children.
I have learned so much from her and I will carry her in my heart for the rest of my life.  I believe our animals are in Heaven, I know God's love is so great, He would never create just to let die.  Many argue that, but no one will ever convince me otherwise because I prayed to God about this.  If I have a question, I ask Him!!  He's my Father for Heaven's sake.
He assured me.
I have peace about where she will go, I just hate separation that death brings into our lives. 
One day at a time.  I keep telling myself.  Maybe tomorrow, she'll be better and may snap out of this bad spell. 
I tried to give her some molasses water today, yesterday, jello water.  I also tried to give her a cupcake, but no.  At least she did drink a little water and eat a little hay today.
So, yes, much of my life is revolved around my pets.  They need me and I can't be any other way.

Hello from Oliver

Oliver
 
My youngest grandson, Oliver loves to smile and warms my heart!

 

S

Phoebe!  Our newest member of the family.

We welcome each new gift of life God sends our way. 


"Keep attention in yourself and keep only one standard in your mind-to please God in everything, both great and small.  Then life itself will teach you to discern clearly and see through the wiles of the enemy."

     _Fr. Lorenzo Scupoli



(Fr. Scupoli (1610 was a Theatine priest from Italy and a spiritual author. Information regarding Fr. Scupoli from the March issue of the Magnificat magazine).


Peace be with you♥

 

Winter Retreating

Winter weather, I actually love it for the most part.  It gives me permission to stay indoors and experiment/play with dyeing muslin in teas, herbs and coffee concoctions.  Even used sassafras bark which created a warm copper color.  Dried the muslin in the sun, hanging them on just about anything in my house that would offer itself up for this job.
Peaceful days, quiet and if there is sunshine all the better.
Not busy with art work.....because?
Because I just can't make myself pick up a brush and create a picture.
Will I ever again? Probably, and I intend to, but when, I don't know.

 
 
 
 
 
 

For now, I am busy putzing around, sewing primitive type articles, reading some of my old, old craft books and reminiscing about days gone by when I spent time cross stitching on the back porch while sipping on ice tea, listening to my horses and watching birds flutter in the trees next me. 

I need to get back to that place again.  Create something with no intention whatsoever of selling it.
Create homey things again, for my own nest.







The temperatures come what may, that will not determine the worth of my day!

 
 

 

 

 

Frozen pastures

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Gift from St. Francis

Lacey Marie came to live with us this past September.  We adopted her from a rescue mission named SaveAMomPetRescue.  She easily captured our hearts and made her place in our lives and brought joy to our home.  I am so grateful to Denise, the owner of Save A Mom, for all her work that she does to rescue pregnant dogs and their puppies who were neglected and discarded. 
It hurts when I think of what Lacey has experienced before she was rescued.  I have a feeling she remembers that bad time of her life so I try to make each and every day happy and full of love for her.  
Thanks to St. Francis for helping us to find each other!

Loves my socks!

 

FOR ELLE

The past few weeks I have been recovering from our beloved dog's passing on June 29th, 2014.  I had kept a journal about the days prior to her passing because I was so comforted at God's bending down toward me, embracing me and giving me love and direction through this difficult journey that I had to write it down.  And as a tribute to Elle and to the help God gave me, I wanted to blog a little about what my experience was like.
God is my Father.  Jesus is my Savior.  Our Lady is my Mom.  I'm on a journey through a thick forest, keeping on the path with a constant ear toward the sky.
I subscribe to "Magnificat" which is a monthly publication of the Mass Readings.  God frequently speaks to me through scripture and spiritual works written by others.



May 28, 2014
God cared that my dog was dying.  He cared that my heart was broken.  I felt Him close by as the Lord is close to the brokenhearted.  During struggles, God speaks and tends to His children in special ways to protect and guide, to comfort and reassure and ultimately to strengthen the bond between Father and child.

The Lord sent me to comfort all who mourn.
                                      Isaiah 61:1-2

Wondering the purpose of Elle's suffering and why it was permitted.

My word shall not return to me void but shall do My will, achieving the end for which I sent it.
                                       Isaiah 55:11  

She gave us so much love and laughter, she brought tenderness and compassion to our marriage and to our home.  She gave us purpose and helped us to learn self-forgetfulness.




In the May issue of the publication "Magnificat", page 388, Saint Hedwig said "Yet every sorrow was folded into prayer."

I feel every sorrow should allow us to grow closer to God and to give purpose to our loss thereby uncovering the truth of the loss and turning it into spiritual gain.

Saint Hedwig further said, "Our lives are His; our will is whatever He is pleased to ordain, whether our death or that of our friends."

Merciful Father, through the intercession of St. Hedwig, grant us total trust in Your Holy Will.  _Magnificat

Beasts wild and tame, Praise the Lord!         Psalm 148

God gave this little dog to us as a gift.

Rather it is He Who gives to everyone life and breath and everything.  Acts 17:24-25

Page 391 Magnificat May 2014 issue:
O God, Creator and Redeemer, You are the Author of being and of life.  Inspire in us a spirit of praise, that we may give you glory in everything we think, say and do, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.  Amen   

I pray that my grief for Elle gives glory to God.  We need the Spirit of Truth to guide our rebellious human spirits.
Trying to remember: HE COMES TO THE DOCILE.

May 30th
Early in the morning during barn chores I wondered about something God had told me a few years ago.  I had asked Him why He would allow me to love my horse so much if only to have her die and vanish someday, like a common soap bubble.  Would God use a living creature for all it's worth and then......pfffffft!?!
He assured me, with these words received as an inner locution:
"I take nothing from you".

I continued to ponder if that meant what I originally thought was that all animals He created go to Heaven when they die.  But now, a new thought entered my grieving mind:  He takes nothing from me because I never had anything to take, it was always His to do as He wanted.  Had I just thought I had been given something?  I began to feel frustrated, but based on experiences of lessons learned, I knew to put it on hold until God decided, if ever, to address the subject further with me.

Later as I read the devotions in the Magnificat for the day this scripture was given:

Everything that the Father has is mine, for this reason I told you that He will take from what is mine and declare it to you.           John 16: 12-15

Again, I am humbled by His everlasting arm and marvel at how compassionate and caring He is towards His children.


Perhaps you will ask how can I imitate Jesus as He is God and I am misery?  by the Spirit that dwells in you, you can acheive holiness.  As God's child.  An heir to the Kingdom by the Savior's gifts. (Magnificat).

 June 14, 2014
The look in her eyes says goodbye and I love you.  Her eyes indicate her resolve to accept that she is dying.  A sadness and serious attempt to connect to me before she goes.  Sadness because she must go, but seriousness because she wants me to remember how much she loves me as this will have to last until we meet again in Heaven.
I am nauseated with sorrow.  Everything hurts ten times more under the roof of grief.   She feels like she is full of sawdust, but it is cancerous tumors and the hardening of her flesh and organs.  This all seems like a nightmare.

Everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the invocation of God in prayer.  Timothy 4:4

"cherries are small, but as soon as you have a ripe one you immediately realize how much goodness can be contained in something so small"  _Fr. Sullivan

SOMETIMES THE SMALLEST THINGS TAKE UP THE MOST ROOM IN OUR HEARTS. 

June 29, 2014 We had to have Elle put to sleep.  She died in my arms.  My husband and I sobbed and spent the rest of the day walking around sniffling and trying to be strong for each other.  I spent a lot of time in the barn hugging my horses.  They seemed to understand.
In the weeks that followed I've had a tooth extraction, a sinus infection and several bad colds.  I must have gone through a stack of tissues 10 feet high.  I've found myself talking to toads, tree frogs, the neighbor's dogs, bugs and the like as if they were my very own babies.
It's been quite a summer and the only place I really find a break from my grief is on the lake.  Which is a first for me.
My husband bought me a kayak and I've been spending time out on the lake.  I would have never guessed this would come about, but out there on the lake, I feel a sense of space and calm and for that I am grateful.  The exercise has helped with my depression tremendously!

Soon, we will be adopting a new dog.  Her name is Lacey.  She, as was Elle, is a rescue dog.  I went to meet her last week, we locked eyes and I fell in love with her.  Meanwhile, I pray to St. Francis for a smooth transition and his blessing.

Every spring the barn swallows return to my barn to bring up their young.  "Hello!"  I am excited to see last year's babies come back to their old homestead to raise new families.   When I enter the barn to feed the horses, they stay up in their nests and watch me.  Once in awhile, they'll flit out, but for the most part I feel they trust me and so they stay rested.  I feel honored to be trusted and known by them.

I pray for their safety as they seem so very vulnerable, just like us.  All they want is to take care of their children and each other.  

Somewhere on this earth, if possible, safe keeping just has to exist!   I yearn for their well being and find my heart longing for Heaven where no one thing suffers.   If only for a tiny bit of time, I pray these birds can rest inside where they are warm and dry  and have plenty to eat.

 

 

Barn Swallows

Coffee colored specks on chalky white shells

beneath the nest and among the droppings

 a constellation of sorts

splattered spring after spring

on a cool cement floor.

Another notch on life's belt.

 

 

Reflecting the span of time's passing I find myself floating above the barn where

the swallows dart,

"Lord, are you there?"

"Where am I, what am I, where are You, What are You,

why, how?"

To comfort my own caged soul, I leave the barn door open

day and night to tend to the swallow's freedom.

All I ask dear tenants of the barn

is to keep my horses company.

 

Thank you for answering God's call to be

Barn Swallows.

For anyone who struggles with Hereditary Peripheral Neuropathy you know that come morning you can wake up an entirely different person than you were the night before.  This morning I woke up feeling neuropathic (my word), which means I feel sluggish, heavy and a tad disoriented.  Doing my morning chores becomes a major challenge and I get a bit cranky about it.
The cold and snow do not help.
After years of dealing with HPN, I have learned that you cannot give in to it.  Keep putting one foot in front of the other and think about anything that might make you smile.  Pray!!!   Remember that it will pass!  Know that putting up with oneself is not an easy task!
Pushing oneself not to give in to despair has it's rewards as I did managed to make it to morning mass inspite of myself.
The readings were about "a change of heart".  Father John said sometimes we as spouses, friends, etc., can influence a change of heart, for the good as well as sometimes, for the bad.
I really thought hard about that!  I don't want to change another person's heart towards the bad because of the way I treat them, even if I have somewhat of an excuse due to illness.
But what of the illness?  Why let it rob me of even more?!!!!
When I got home I found a note from my husband who had cleaned up the kitchen while I was gone.  He said he hoped I had a better day and that he loved me.
My husband's kindness turned my heart towards God, love, hope and the feeling of being accepted, warts and all.
It's been about 5 hours now since I woke up.  Friends at mass were so kind.  My husband was so good to me.  I got a call from a dear friend telling me about an art exhibit I should go see which all fed my energy and lifted my soul.
My heart is turned toward God and I feel better physically, mentally and spiritually.

                                               George and Nancy enjoying a corn/hay casserole.

                                                A sparrow enjoying breakfast on the front porch.

True Peace and Inward Trust

When I least expect it, an unsettling feeling creeps up on me and stays.  Call it worry, fret or hormones; it robs me of my peace.  I also feel a little guilty for my lack of trust in God.  At times, my fear seems bigger than my trust. 
I get rattled and ponder the heaviness of life and how it can be so overwhelming.
Yet, there are directions.

Chapter 23, page 147 in the "Imitation of Christ":
To enter the abode of true peace and inward trust one must seek to do the will of another rather than his own.  Always choose to have fewer riches rather than more.  Always seek the lowest place and desire to be subject to all.  Always wish for and pray that the will of God be accomplished in you.



This really works!

This morning I was reflecting on a dream I had about 3 years ago.  It was a dream of a huge bible that opened up before me and a light shown down on the verse Hebrews 11:8.   I've been wondering about this for 3 years.  This morning I decided to find out what the readings were for this coming sunday and sure enough, Hebrews 11:8 is within the 2nd reading.  It's a reading about faith and about how temporary this life is, but to keep our eyes on Heaven; the promise land.
If I could do anything I wanted today, I'd go to St. Joe's and sit in front of the Holy Tabernacle and just be with God in that special way so that all my fragmented inner parts would softly go back together and peace would prevail in my mind and spirit.
Instead though, I have to go to the grocery store, do laundry and clean, bake, cook, etc., but I'm trusting I can find time with God in doing these chores with order, patience and reflection.  I'll try my best.

Here is Our Lady's last message to "non-believers" she gives on the 2nd of each month.  I'm not sure why "non-believers" are addressed this way.......maybe it's folks who have not yet taken God at His Word and just go for it?  Not sure, but at any rate, there is love there for those who wish to partake of It.




August 02, 2013 "Dear children, If only you would open your hearts to me with complete trust, you would comprehend everything. You would comprehend with how much love I am calling you; with how much love I desire to change you, to make you happy; with how much love I desire to make you followers of my Son and give you peace in the fullness of my Son. You would comprehend the immeasurable greatness of my motherly love. That is why, my children, pray because through prayer your faith grows and love is born, the love along which even the cross is not unendurable because you do not carry it alone. In union with my Son you glorify the name of the Heavenly Father. Pray, pray for the gift of love, because love is the only truth: it forgives everything, it serves everyone and it sees a brother in everyone. My children, my apostles, great is the trust that the Heavenly Father has given you through me, His handmaid, to help those who do not know Him, that they may reconcile with Him and follow Him. That is why I am teaching you love, because only if you have love will you be able to respond to Him. Again I am calling you to love your shepherds and to pray that, at this difficult time, the name of my Son may be glorified under their guidance. Thank you." 08/02/2013


(via the seers of Medjugore)+

PEACE BE WITH YOU♥ 

Summer blues

It seems like every summer I get SADS "seasonal affective disorder syndrome".  Most folks get it in the winter, I know.  But, alas, it is here in full bloom like the algae in Lake Erie.  I have tried to deal with it the best I can by remembering what I have learned from past episodes.  Even praying is difficult but I trudge onward.  
I have these wild and ferocious ideas to just scrap everything in my art studio and have a huge bonfire and experience total freedom.
I imagine myself doing this in a fit of rage and then having a huge cry afterwards that would last for hours.  Drama queen.
I have not followed through with this self made path of destruction and fall back on trying my best to imitate the virtues of Our Lady.  I can't see Her having a coniption fit, but I can see Her waiting out the storm doing something constructive that would help others. 
That other voice in my head says, "yeah, but that is all you do now: cooking and cleaning.
It does seem like that is all I do, but I have to remember to do little things with great love and to remember what Blessed Mother Theresa said about how it all comes down to you and God at the end of the day
.
"So, what did you do with your day today?"

I sat and stared out the window,
I tried to pray and read Your Book,
I watched reruns of the Housewives of Orange County, Jersey, and some other locations I can't recall,
I spoke grumpy to my husband and looked for everything wrong in what he did today, and brought it to his attention,
I asked You to have patience and pity for me and apologized a few times for being such a wreck,
I worried about money,
I did notice how blessed I am but ruined it with how soon it could all change for the worse,
in the end I accept this phase as from Your Hands and trust You with it and wonder what it is You are teaching me.
I miss our priest who is on retreat and haven't been to daily mass in his absence yet, take good care of him please.
So, basically, that is what I have done with my day.

"Remember when you asked Me if I loved mosquitoes?  I said yes, I do because they have always done what I made them to do: be mosquitoes."


You made all things for Jesus and He holds it all together for our sake.  I'll try not to make His job any harder.  Tomorrow is a new day and another chance to be a better me.  Love you,
me.

Stay

 Every morning, after feeding the horses, I make a trip out to my garden.  Sometimes, I write with my gloved finger a message to Our Lady.  From me to Her.  I usually have something on my heart I need to go over with Her.
For a long while now I have felt like our country is at war, within itself.  Seems like now, children are committing serious crimes and as well are victims of serious crimes.
Everything is a grievous mess.  I wrote the word "stay" on the bench in front of Our Lady's statue.  Imagining Her looking down from Heaven, reading it.  I was pleading with Her not to stop appearing in Medjugore, not to give up on us and I reminded Her of Her promise not to abandon us on this journey.
After kneeling and praying a Hail Mary, I rose up and went to walk away to continue with the morning chores and I felt a gentle nudge at my soul saying to me: "Stay with Me, do not give up on Us, do not abandon your faith.  Stay!"

Yes Mother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I WILL stay!!!!!! I will NOT give up on Heaven and I will NOT abandon my faith!!!  I will stay and fight for God as long as He allows me to breathe!!!!

A new surge of hope filled my entire being and I felt encouraged and ready to serve with less questions, just actions of love.  That is how we serve, in humility, simplicity.....acts of love and kindness.  Just like the song says, "Trust and Obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey."

MESSAGE OF FEBRUARY 25, 2013 from Our Lady:
"Dear Children! Also today I call you to prayer. Sin is pulling you towards worldly things and I have come to lead you towards holiness and the things of God, but you are struggling and spending your energies in the battle with the good and the evil that are in you.  Therefore, little children, pray, pray, pray until prayer becomes a joy for you and your life will become a simple walk towards God.  Thank you for having responded to my call".

You can always count on your family to give you new gray hairs on a regular basis.  No need to look for a place to learn about how to become stronger and better at being who God called you to be.

Listening is so important!!!!  I just read in the book "The Art of Loving" by Eric Fromm, that when we do not listen well to the other person, we tire easily, but if we DO listen, we are not exhausted and even sleep better.
I look at my grandson and my swells with hope and gratitude.  I love to just watch him as he goes about my house discovering what he can get into.  He's ALL boy!
What a gift!
Even though he isn't talking (he's only 11 months old), he has a lot to say.  He can fill me with so much joy, just with his big grins.
Everything gets put on hold when he comes to visit!

Meet George

Meet George the newbie. He's a year old and this is as big as he gets. Nancy (the big horse) is not quite thrilled with him yet, but I'm hoping she will adopt him into her heart as she has in the past with other animals. It's been about a month now and George is still getting in trouble now and then. Nancy makes a sound like a dinosaur which I find upsetting, but I guess she knows what she is doing. Meanwhile, Elle and I have been working on some new paintings and experimenting with paint and sewing machine combos. I'm not sure where I'm going with this lamp on blue jean material tho!

Binky on my lampstand

Table tops are Mount Everest conquered everything, anything must be moved (by him or me) put him down to crawl, pointing him in the direction of places less adventurous, which doesn't work for longer than 15 seconds. Wilma and Fred's BamBam comes to mind. So, when he goes home, I yell "Timber!" and crash. Next morning over coffee I see his forgotten binky. I think to myself, what a treasure God has given me! The most costly interior decor could never light a candle to that binky of my lampstand. Blessed be my little Henry♥

Hearts Opened and Lessons Learned

April 25, 2012 - Our Lady's Message to Her children: "Dear Children, Also today I am calling you to prayer and may your heart, little children, open towards God as a flower opens towards the warmth of the sun. I am with you and I intercede for all of you. Thank you for having responded to My call." Our Lady has answered my prayer for a couple young people who were on the brink of disaster. She pulled them back from the edge of heartache. I see so much good that has come out of this recent struggle. My faith is stronger and I love more deeply. Praised be Jesus!

Trust, trust, trust, Home, home, home

The older I get, the easier it seems to be content, however, maintaining peace in my heart is tricky, especially when the phone rings and all of a sudden my sweet, peaceful morning spent painting goes kaput. To watch loved ones who are younger and trying hard to make it in their chosen lives, take a hard fall, robs me of my peace. Having to watch someone you desperately love suffer is one of life's most intense emotional pains. How do we survive each others turmoils? No wonder so many suffer alone because we don't want to upset anyone. We become isolated. Like that lone lost sheep Jesus goes after. I try to remember that Jesus is close to the brokenhearted. He hears their cries. This reassures me and I truly believe. However, my body is slow to grasp these words of Truth. I notice this by the fact that I'm not breathing, I can't eat and I feel my entire body slowing down, almost to stone. The Lord has said many times not to fear, but to trust. Okay, He said this so it must be possible not to fear, think the worse, croak under the pressure of exaggerated anxiety. I remember our priest speaking about Our Lady at the foot of the cross, how she must have recalled all the things in the past that God did, so that now, faced with this unspeakable pain, she was able to reassure herself that God is real, He is with her. Maybe she recalled how she became with child in the first place........"yes, that really happened via God", she may have thought. "Yes, my Son will rise again, I believe". Did she instantly feel fabulous? No. It takes time and that reminds me, "Wait, wait upon the Lord." I think back on times when I thought my world was coming to an end only to find out that it was a new beginning, much better than I could have ever imagined. Trust, trust, trust. Stand firm, keep faith! My loved ones belong to God. Period. And, could it be that the rough road they have to travel is the very road necessary for their redemption? I bet it is. Sometimes we have to get out of the way and let God drive. In this one Litany, it says, "Mother of Risk". I understood that when I faced my son's death. When we love someone, they are out there walking around with our heart. A couple weeks ago, I was praying hard for this person and I reminded the Lord that they were walking around with my heart and I understood Him to say, "And Mine." Difficulties pass just as great times pass. We need to keep our eyes fixed on Heaven and accept the trials here below as gifts because how could God let us suffer if it wasn't necessary for our sanctification and to get us to Heaven? I'm a blessed soul, for I totally believe God and His Word. No doubt whatsoever in my mind, heart, body or soul. I completely believe and yet, I have fear issues. I'm praying for the ability to keep my imagination under control and in the realm of facts! Trust, trust, trust. Home, home, home. That's what my dad said when a nurse asked him how his Thanksgiving went. He was in a nursing facility at the time and was able to go home for the holiday. These words have stuck with me these past 12 years. They direct me. Trust God and keep eternity (home) in mind, always.