This summer has seen us come through some incredible and totally unexpected life changes. We truly believe that God Himself has been in the midst of all of these changes, planning and weaving in ways that we could never have imagined possible - He truly is an amazing God.
Jonathan continues to maintain gardens and has treasured a dear customer for the past 2 years - a remarkable 91 year old widow and, although he cuts her grass she continues to tend her flowers and plants. For some time now Val's family have felt that she should not be on her own although suggesting some form of 'sheltered housing' would be totally out of the question! In May, in passing conversation with visiting family members, it was suggested that Jonathan and I would perhaps live with Val, be company and security in the house for her and provide a daily meal.
Since our house was already on the market for sale we felt we had already 'detached' ourselves from it so leaving our beautiful and much-loved home did not pose a problem. We prayed about this offer, felt truly led of the Lord to accept and believed we could see His hand clearly guiding us into this unbelievable phase of our lives. As we met with the family and discussed it further it was quite clear they were keen to have us accept and we were presented with an offer which we just could not refuse - we had asked the Lord to show us clearly His way and we believe He did. It was agreed that we would take us residence with Val on 1st July and Jonathan and I moved in, with Jessie and Jojo of course!
Our house, which was a beautiful 100 year old, 3 storey townhouse did not have a back garden, just an enclosed courtyard which we had beautified with patio furniture, candles, plant baskets and tubs. It was a delight to sit in the summer evenings and listen to the traffic go past but I did miss having a garden. Some months ago, when considering the sale of our house, I asked the Lord to give me a new home with a back garden. Oh how the Lord surprises and indeed surpasses even our greatest expectations!! As I write this I am looking out over my new back garden .....acres of garden rolling down to the River Bann, woodland on either side!
I love trees - I now have trees as far as the eye can see! GOD IS GOOD!
 |
| THE VIEW WHERE GOD HAS PLACE US FOR NOW |
Yes, I know it's not my own home - I know this position brings responsibility and committment of time and energy BUT I know without doubt that God is in all of this. He has His plans - His purposes for bringing us here and we look to Him to bring it to pass. We have the privilege of giving Him thanks as we eat our evening meal with Val -acknowledging before her that all things come from Him. She listens, says a loud 'Amen' and we pray that He will speak to her heart even through this simple act.
Our God truly CAN and DOES do exceeding abundandantly above all that we can ask or even think ........ nothing is too hard for our God......... to this end we pray that He will save Val's precious soul, that in these end years of her life she would come to know Him, the Master of this glorious creation that she so appreciates and enjoys.
