Blessed be the name of the Lord

The Lord giveth, (first picture is the binder front I made in 2015 to store all my important house papers and plans)

and the Lord taketh away

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Choose Joy!

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." I've been making some alterations to my mental habits. I was recently given a devotional book (not my favorite things) but its called 40 days of Joy so I started it. Today I wanted the full context of the quick devotion section. A quick read of the entire book of Habakuk ends with a 4th of July fireworks style finale! I've been learning the joy of the Lord in new ways. Being still and waiting while choosing the joy of the Lord. Not waiting for the feeling to come. Choosing to rejoice. I don't have a bad fig tree or empty livestock barn, but there's some sad spaces in my life. Today I choose joy. Some rewards are worth waiting for. Some rewards are found in the waiting. Joy is both.

Helpers

The children are helping me run a popcan drive to earn money for our new house!

Peace

Peace I leave with you. My peace, I give to you. I do not give to you, as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Picture Perfect

I think Norman Rockwell grew up in a family like ours!

Money train

The little boys like playing train. the big kids took over and started a money factory!

Oh Yes He Cares!

I was listening to some 8 hour YouTube collection of comforting Christian hymns and heard this one. I don't remember ever learning it. I shared it with my Mom and Dad started singing it with tears in his eyes. Yep. My father here has shown me, my heavenly Father most definitely cares! Does Jesus Care. This sweet lady even tells the back story after she sings. If you feel like crying, this is a great one to cry with. https://youtu.be/PI2nm4gB7Sk?si=IVXL_dmf3Ni90LyB