Times Are Changing...

Do you like things to change, or stay the same? I suppose I'm prefer a little of both, but I have experienced an enormous amount of change in my 40 some years. The way God has orchestrated my life has led to a potpourri of experiences giving me a wealth of memories. Sometimes along the way, I have detested moving into empty houses, the lonliness, new churches and schools, unknown streets. However, the change of scenery also gave excitement as well.

What I am facing right now is another major change. We are ready for the remodel to begin on our house. This week, my husband Mike delivered our construction plans to the city, along with the PLAT. (did you know what a "plat" is? it is a basic sketch of the property lines, with the building outlines included) We wait for the city's approval and permit, then the "fun" begins. I will try and post pictures along the way.

What's included with this phase? I suppose I can tell you what I expect to happen, but since I've never lived through a remodel, I would only be guessing. Here is my take:

1. ground breaking

2. foundation poured for new part of building

3. air conditioning added to accomodate the new square footage

4. framing for new addition

5. finishing the new addition

6. my current kitchen being torn up, and new one built (this will take several weeks, at least, I'm thinking)

7. whatever else happens is my guess

If you are someone who would like to come for a visit...you will have to wait. Our house is small enough already, but while we are stretching our boundaries, the little bit of current space we do have is going to be limited. It is probably a good thing that Elizabeth and Rachel are away at college. Less people to trip and fall over each other! Thanksgiving is going to be spent out of town. Not sure what we will do for Christmas. I'm ready for the ride, though!

There are so many things I could worry about, but I'm going to try to not do that. One time, I heard that our lives could be compared to a patchwork quilt. Sounds corny, true. But consider this...with God as the artist, He has a design for each one of our lives. With our limited human vision, we may only see one patch, or a few stitches at a time...maybe even the back side of a few patches, stitched together, which isn't usually very attractive. But when it is all finished, it will be just as God planned it, and beautiful.

Considering my "quilt theory," I'm of the opinion that this remodel is another patch (or two or three) in the project of my life. I am happy that God has my future in His hands. Even through potential difficulties, He still has a plan for my welfare.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope."

I sincerely hope that you have had the pleasure of resting in God's plan for your life. It's not always easy, but it sure does take the worry out of life!