Tuesday, October 29, 2013

PROVISION

The 5 weeks since participating in the 3Day 60 Mile Walk for Breast Cancer, have been a whirlwind and it seems like a lifetime ago. One of my favorite sayings such marrying my husband nearly 47 years ago is "life is NEVER dull at the Moody house"  You would think, or I did anyway, that after retirement things would slow down and get 'normal'. Well, I should have known that my normal would not fit in the mold of what most people would consider normal.

My first hint that I  was about to enter on a lifetime of adventure should have been when he came home on a two week Christmas Break and  ask me, " If we were to get married this month what day would you want to get married" We chose the 30th and 17 days later I was walking down the aile . But that is a whole OTHER story....

Just before leaving for Seattle we had listed our home...with no particular plans for life without the house...

While the excitement and awe of completing one of the biggest challenges of my life was fresh in my mind..our realtor called to add to the celebration..We had an offer on our home. Because this was not our first rodeo..as some would say..we didn't get TOO excited. But we chose not to be completely      out of the loop either.  After spending a week with our daughters family and collecting as many hugs and cuddles as a grandma could possibly collect we came home to make sure all was going smoothly on the business end of life.  The next week is filled with a home inspection, bank appraisal, family weekend celebrating the births of four of our children and the word comes back that all has gone well and we have 15 days to pack our belongings and usher new owners through a door of a house we have called home for 13 years, and which is holding 47 years of treasures and memories.

To add another level of excitement to the mix, Jim had decided to proceed with treatment for a knee that had been limiting his mobility level for several years, but had gotten considerably worse in the past 6 months.  We had set and appointment with a specialist before leaving home.  We are now thinking that having a home to recuperate in would be a nice side benefit " :0)

As I have written many times during my training God  made Himself known nearly daily, by the little moments He had chosen to share. Or was it the times I was patient enough to be aware? His faithfulness and provision throughout the years has always added the 'awe' factor to my life. 

Let me share our latest "Wink" from God...After hearing that the sale on the house was actually going to happen we had made a 'to do' list.  At the top of that list was securing temporary housing, hopefully furnished.  While visiting with a neighbor, to share the excitement of their new-to them motor home, we shared our news. To our amazement, they both, without hesitation offered their home. [They are 'snow birds' and are leaving for warmer climate] They were to be leaving town the same day our home closed and will be gone for approximately 6 months. Their home of course is 'fully furnished'. We are moved in and will be warm and secure while Jim takes time to recuperate!!

In the business and hectic pace of life I am in awe once more of the mindfulness of God. It is totally amazing that with all the chaos  and pain in this world that He in His AWESOMENESS smiles in on my life!! 

We still have no set plans for life but feel pretty convinced that HE has a plan and am thinking I am gonna need to "Hold on Tight" as a new adventure begins!





Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Love and Safety..Ending Domestic Violence

October is Breast Cancer Month...my world for the past several years has been bathed in Pink. Last week I learned that October is also Domestic Abuse Month...this year I will add some Purple to the Pink.                                                                                                                
I just arrived home from a most remarkable adventure that  will forever be a life changing event in my life. I was so blessed to have the love and support of my husband as he not only made the 600 mile trip, to Seattle, WA to the beginning of the 3Day Walk, but followed the route in a strange city to cheer me on! Thank God for the GPS and cars and vans covered with pink :)

In the 46 (nearing 47) years of our marriage we have shared more adventures and challenges than I would care to count. Many times we have moved to new areas and set up our home and endeavored to make it a safe haven for our family and many times friends and strangers. Raising 5 children together and finding a balance of love, cuddles and discipline.

Our marriage is a normal marriage and has not been without it's difficult times. Through those unsettled times violence has never been an option. This last week I was made VERY aware of how blessed I am to be able to live within the walls of a "Safe Zone".

Domestic violence came closer to home than ever before through the marriage of a family friend. Lives in that home and the lives of extended family are changed forever. A husband and father sits alone in a jail cell contemplating his violent actions. A wife and mother lies in critical condition fighting for her life. The lives of their children are in limbo as they try to understand the upheaval in their lives and what is to come. Friends and family are rocked to the core with the horror of it all.

Many times in these cases blame can be placed at the feet of both parties but blame is not what it is all about now. Safety, security and wise choices are what we look back on and wonder how the outcome could have been different. Could we have somehow had a more positive influence in these lives?

This year I will not only be walking for the end to Breast Cancer 3Day San Diego but will look for a way to be a part of bringing an end to Domestic Abuse.

If you or someone you know is living in a potentially violent environment reach out.  Find that  person or BE that person who offers understanding and a safety net. There is no shame in reaching out for help. Your life or the life of someone you love may be dependent on that choice.

Wishing each of you a life of love, safety!