Blooming Where I've Been Planted

This rings so true for me. There were times I was so depressed, I felt as if I was sinking in quicksand and I couldn't find any foothold with which to boost myself upward. I felt buried, but not only buried, but that pernicious roots and vines had engulfed me, wrapping around my whole body to keep me in my underground tomb.
In hindsight, I realize it as the refiner's fire taking me to a place I needed to be to realize I didn't want to be there anymore.
Now I am planted in a home 2,000 miles away from where I started, and blooming beautifully.

What I Do Today is Important

August 31?

As in the end of August?

Wait a minute.

Didn’t I just plant my annuals?

Wasn’t it just the longest day of the year?

Didn’t I just blog about fireworks on the Fourth of July?

But what else did I do?

Ever since I moved to Utah, I vowed I would live in the present—be present to all around me. But, considering how quickly time flies, and not seeing much to show for its passing, I’m wondering if I might be flittering away my life, not filling my moments with memories as I should.

I used to have a tagline with my emails:

“What I do today is important

because I am paying a day of my life for it.

What I accomplish must be worthwhile

because the price is high.”

Author Unknown

I think Author Unknown is one of the most profound human beings that ever lived. This person has

made me realize that minutes and seconds are precious. Instead of spending time watching television,
how about a meaningful conversation with someone? A book in hand is worth more than playing two
video games. Pen a thank-you note, rather than an email.

I have to re-commit to make each day meaningful in some way. What must I do before I lay my head on my pillow that will help me feel fulfilled?

Family, friends, having meaningful conversations, art, writing, reading, giving service, doing the best you can, leaving a place better than you found it. . .

What is important to you?

What is worth paying a day of your life for?

Being Optimistic

By Susan Knight

Was feeling a little down because my ankle doesn't seem to be healing as fast as I thought it would.

Got a wonderful blessing yesterday from my son and son-in-law. I was told to be optimistic, to do what the doctor tells me and that I will walk again.

That's what I wanted to hear. I've been praying so hard along those lines. I'm glad for priesthood blessings that let my Heavenly Father speak to me in no uncertain terms.

Going to see a new doctor tomorrow. The doctor who performed my surgery is leaving for a three-year mission (Mission Prez) tomorrow, so I'm seeing his son. A new guy. I'm told by those who have seen him, he is very good, too.

I'm still praying fervently, though.

Seeking Meaning in My Life Every Day

By Susan Knight

One of my favorite quotes by that well-known unknown author is this:

What I do today is important because I am paying a day of my life for it.
What I accomplish must be worthwhile because the price is high.

That quote is an exhortation against laziness and having a purpose-filled life.

Each morning when I pray, I ask my Heavenly Father, "Please let me do some good today. Please help me to be cheerful so I might bring joy to someone's life."

Every night as I pray, I examine my conscience and ask myself, "Did I do enough today?" or "Did I do any good today?" I seem to always come up short--according to my expectations.

It's a heavy burden to lay on myself. But that's how I feel about my turn on this earth.

When one hits fifty-ish, one starts examining one's life. The urge to have laid up a legacy resonates in one's soul. Trust me. I'm at the highest end of fifty-ish, so I know.

"Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad, or made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed."

The words to that hymn pretty much sum up how I feel.

I want my life to have a purpose. My life comes at a great cost. I don't want to blend into the woodwork every day. I want my life to mean something.

As I finish up here, a song is playing on my blog: "Oh Very Young" by Cat Stevens.

Serendipity!

Oh very young, what will you leave us this time?
You're only dancing on this earth for a short while.
And though your dreams may toss and turn you now . . .
They will vanish away . . .
. . . And though you want them to last forever, you know they never will.
You know they never will . . .

I take it as a sign to not be so melancholy about my life and keep dreaming anyway.
Keep hoping. Keep praying. Keep at it.

S.m.i.l.e.

General Conference

This morning when I woke up, I prayed that the prophet and general authorities would give talks that I needed to hear. Not only that, but I prayed that, if they did, I would hear them.
It was funny to hear Elder Uchtdorf start out by telling about a letter he received from a sister who asked him to talk about something specific. Are we allowed to do that?! I'll have to try it.
However, his talk hit home with me. Let those that have ears to hear...
I just love Elder Nelson. He is one of my favorites. I love how he talked about the body and all its organs and parts. It really made me realizee how my life--my body--is a miracle. I am thankful for all my working parts.

And our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, is just so precious to me. I love his stories and that he does all the gestures. I caught his eye at one point and he seemed to be peering directly into my soul. I have choices I can make that will steer my life.
I am grateful for all the talks that were given. I wish we could have General Conference every week...or at least every month. I so look forward to it.
And when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang, "Oh, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," my absolute favorite hymn, tears couldn't be restrained from falling down my cheeks. I was so moved.
I look forward to the last session in a few hours.
I know I will be uplifted. I will also be sad to see it end.

2011--Oh, What a Year!

So, 2010 was a horrendous year for me--finding out about husband's shenanigans; deciding to leave him (good riddance!).  I consider it the longest year of my life.  I didn't realize how much I would miss my friends and family in Pennsylvania.  I figured, there's only one way to go--UP-- right?  2011 can only be better.
And it was...until September 3rd.
So, let's see what has happened this year...

January, 2011--still living with Meyersons (bless them abundantly, Lord) * found a house * thankful for my job

February, 2011--bought my house February 10th * moved in February 19th * was greeted by the many good people of the Midvale East 2nd Ward

March, 2011--Zannah's wedding on March 11th, my birthday * got my divorce notice (YAY!)

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas C. Trujillo
Sealed in the Salt Lake Temple March 11, 2011

April, 2011--Alex moved in with me to live in my basement apartment

This is a terrible picture of Alex, but the only one I have at the moment

May, 2011--started planning and planting my garden--total bliss! * called as Sunbeam teacher at church * joined the Old Glory Vintage Dance group (it's so much fun!)

My back garden in May

June, 2011--helped with the Tour de Cure bike ride sponsored by SelectHealth * fell in love with Brigham City * went to the Utah Arts Festival in SLC with Zannah and Nick (so fun!). There was a whole display of a Knit-a-thon (crochet, too) where everything was covered in knitted or crocheted yarn--trees, parking meters, bicycles--even a whole car!  We also saw a performance by Ballet West, which is why Zannah wanted to go.  We rode Trax and had a great time.

Tour de Cure riders getting ready to ride. Beautiful backdrop.

I didn't realize I got the temple in the background. It was several blocks down the road.
The Wild Bird Refuge was closed due to flooding.  Maybe next year!

The new Brigham City temple, under construction

They knitted everything--even a car!  That's me standing next to the car.

UTAH ARTS FESTIVAL

Zannah and Nick waiting for the ballet performance.  It was wonderful.



They knitted and crocheted trees...



...and even bicycles--poles--parking meters--everything! 
It was so fun to discover all the places and things
that had been knitted and crocheted

July, 2011--visited Jewely and James in Rexburg * visited the Campbells in Idaho Falls * stopped in at Brigham City again (why am I drawn to that place?) and saw the angel Moroni on top of the almost completed temple * went to a couple of rodeos with Bonnie (who knew I would love rodeos?)

July 4th rodeo in West Jordan. 
There were fireworks after.  That made my day complete.

Brigham City temple with Angel Moroni

August, 2011--had a Divorce Party--I mean, a "First Anniversary of My Flight to Freedom" party with my PA Pals * had visits from Theresa Sneed and Betsy Love from Arizona;  hosted a book signing for them at my house! What fun! I also went to a book signing/reception for them and rubbed shoulders with authors and editors and publishers (bliss!) * Carla and Ellen Campbell visited from Idaho (so great!); we went to This is the Place Park and to Joe's Crab Shack (YUM!); we attended Music and the Spoken Word on Sunday before they left to go home * Jewely visited for a day or two and we went to Hogle Zoo * (I can't believe I didn't take any pictures. I have to be better with bringing my camera)

September--da.da.daaahhh * while painting a tiny cut-out wall over my fireplace, the ladder I was standing on collapsed and I ended up in the ER. No break was seen on the X-rays, so it was assumed to be a bad sprain.

This was the little wall I was painting when the ladder collapsed.

This looks like a very bad sprain, doesn't it?

This is me, the day before surgery, standing and kneeling on my knee walker
in front of the little wall that Sandy painted in 15 minutes.

 October--finally got an MRI October 11th which disclosed a displaced fracture in the talus bone; surgery needed immediately; surgery on October 17th disclosed dislocated tendons and ligaments; out of work for 3 weeks * my mom flew in from Florida for a week (nice!)

November--follow-up doctor appointment November 1st; stitches out * back to work on November 7th * one-year anniversary at SelectHealth November 22nd (so grateful for my job and understanding boss)
December--started Physical Therapy December 7th; was told I am in the very beginning stages of recovery.  I may not walk without a boot until May.  I may not fully recover for 12 months.

So, I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with three out of four of my kids (and their spouses).  I can't wait to talk to my missionary on Christmas Day, so we will all technically be together that day, via technology.

The year 2011 was mostly wonderful, until Labor Day weekend.  I worked on gaining my freedom and learning who I am, forging a new identity in a new state, new city, new job.   I hope to be able to finish my book, take some creative writing classes and maybe some art classes.  I'm also thinking about taking voice lessons from my friend, Jane Kessler, if she'll teach me. 

So, I'll say again, there's only one way to go--UP--right?  Yes, I choose to believe that.

Merry Christmas 2011

One Year Anniversary at my job

I don't usually post about my job. I don't think it's appropriate. And, people have been fired for doing it. But, this is a milestone in my life, so I'm posting.

On November 22, I celebrated one year at my job at SelectHealth.
Well, I mean, there was no celebration or anything, but I was asked to post what I liked about my job.
While the people celebrating seven years and 11 years and nine years all wrote a sentence or a paragraph, I, of course, had to write my life story.

I told the person in charge to edit the verbosity (is that a word?) and I had some bullets at the end, she said, um, no, I'm sending everything (a mass email went out in my department).

This is what I wrote.

One Year Ago:
Last year was my Leap of Faith year when I left Pennsylvania with no job, no home and not knowing what was going to happen to me.
When I arrived in Utah in September, I went to work right away on the Internet finding a job.  Sometimes I would wake up and not even brush my teeth and just hit the computer and stay there until midnight.
It took about 10 weeks before I started getting prospects and interviews.  Luckily I had some temp jobs.
On the day I interviewed with Eric and Matt, I had 3 other places that I interviewed as well.  I wrote off SelectHealth.  They didn’t really appear too interested in me so I decided not to get my hopes up.

Irony:
Right after that interview, I started temping at Merit Medical in South Jordan, helping the HR department with open enrollment.  Their insurance—SelectHealth!
During that time, I got a call from Marissa Johnson in HR at SH offering me the job of office coordinator for the pharmacy department.  I was flabbergasted! I didn’t think I had a chance.  I asked for time to think about it and she gave me 48 hours.  In that time, I talked to all the SelectHealth people at Merit, asking them how they liked working there.  All I received were positive reviews.
After doing my investigation and finding out how great SelectHealth’s reputation is—#1 place to work in Utah voted upon by the employees—I realized how lucky I was to get the offer.  Benefits would kick in after a month (a real plus) and I could earn a pension on top of a 401k plan (who gets a pension anymore?).  So I called Marissa back and told her, “I accept!”

This whole year I have learned why SelectHealth is the best place to work in Utah. 
When I first arrived, I would ask people in the elevator and the parking lot, “So, you can tell me, do you really like working here?”  Everyone always replied, “YES!”  I thought it was too good to be true. Or I thought the elevators and parking lots were bugged…
There is so much employee appreciation, it couldn’t go unnoticed—free pie; a luau; Christmas presents; raffles and drawings; ice cream; community service; lunch and learn; massages...and a gym!  I joined the gym, I joined the Book Club, I get two massages a month, and I’m making new friends all the time as I take every opportunity that is offered.
I am so lucky to work in an environment that is caring and friendly.  Everyone around me always has a smile and a kind word. And I have the best boss in the whole company!! (True! I’m not just saying that!)
These last few months have been hard and I have to fight feeling sorry for my poor little self, but coming back to work actually brightened my days.  It was so refreshing to know that my co-workers care about me.  I have a little bell and flashy handlebars on my scooter and someone anonymously taped a business card to my wheel (that recently broke off) so I could be even more annoying.  These things tell me that people are thinking about me and caring about me.  It makes me feel good.
I’m so grateful to work here.

So, what do I like best?  Succinctly:
1.       The people.  They’re all good people.
2.       The environment. It’s very caring and friendly.
3.       The employee appreciation.  I don’t feel like a number here, but like a valued contributor.
4.       The opportunity to better myself through educational presentations.

Thankful

Usually all I do is whine and complain on my blog, it seems.  This is the time of year to be thankful--and I am.  I so totally am thankful for all I have.

I read once, somewhere, probably FaceBook, what if you only got those things you thanked God for?  What would you have?

I remember to thank God for all I have in my prayers every morning and every night, but it gave me pause to think that I could be oh, so much more thankful than I am.

I am truly blessed.

While I won't list all of my blessings, I know that my Heavenly Father knows that I am one of  His  most grateful recipients of his blessings and tender mercies He gives and shows me every day.  I see the hand of the Lord in my life and I know that coincidence and serendipity are really Providence in my life.

Thank you, Lord, for watching over me and blessing me.

I am truly thankful.

The Saga Continues ... and continues ... and continuess

Last night, for the first time since September 2nd, I slept with my foot unencumbered by boot or brace or even Ace...

The doctor said I didn't have to sleep with a brace if I didn't want to--so I thought I'd try it.
I actually slept on my side.  Both sides.  It was so wonderful.

After months now of sleeping only on my back with my foot held high by pillows and enclosed by a night brace or, at the very least, an Ace bandage, I slept on my side, with my right leg and foot under the covers with my other leg and foot.  It felt so good!!!  Such joy for such a small thing.

I think I'll try it again tonight, too.  This might be habit forming.

And this morning, upon awakening, I actually sat on my back chair and typed on my PC--with a keyboard!  So much better than doing it with thumbs.  Another joy.

So Sandy took me to the doctor on Tuesday for my first post-op appointment.  I prayed so hard the night before and the morning of, "Please, please, let me walk again?"

I got my stitches out--and it hurt like @#$%!  I thought she was making a new cut!  There was blood even!  I am such a baby and have a barely perceptible threshold of pain.  It is so low.

So I was fitted with a new boot, too.  It's smaller and more compact.  The one I had from the ER was too large because nothing smaller would fit my swelling ankle.

It turns out, I still have 98% of my talus bone.  Only small bone fragments were removed.  The real problem was that my tendons and ligaments were mangled.  The P.A. said they were dislocated and had to be formed around my bones and joints in the right places again.  That's why my ankle was so swollen on the right side.  Apparently they were all there and not where they were supposed to be.  He said it could only be corrected by surgery.

I am so thankful for modern medicine.  100 years ago, I would have been left for lame and used a cane or crutches for the rest of my life.  I am thankful for MRIs and Xrays and ortho surgeons who went to med school to learn how to fix me.

So, the prognosis is: 3 months on crutches and in boot, gradually putting weight on my foot until I can walk in the boot alone.  Then, ditch the crutches and stay in the boot for another 3 months.

That's 6 months!!!  By the time this is all over I will have given almost 3/4 of a year of my life to an 'unfortunate accident.'   More like a freak accident--dumb ladder collapsing...

I have another appointment at the end of the month and we'll talk about PT.  I can do some mild exercises until then, like flexing my foot and wiggling my toes.  Honestly, I'm afraid to do anything--anything, I tell ya'!!!

I also realize I never gave enough credit to my good friend, Patty.  She broke her leg right after her divorce.  Her recovery was two years.  And she had two young kids.  Who am I to whine?  (but I will anyway...)  I hope I can learn life lessons like she did.  I feel very selfish compared to her.  I just pray every day that this will be over fast.  I don't want to wish my life away, I just want to wish this pain and anguish and inconvenience away.  I want my life back.

However, this IS my life right now.  I have to live in the present, so I have to strive to do the best I can with what I have.  I am so thankful that my son lives with me.  He has been so helpful and solicitous.  He's taken many days off to accommodate my appointments and surgery and when he gets home from work (at 9:00 p.m.) the first thing he says to me is, "Can I get you anything?" Most of the time I have a list.  He has never complained.

Thank you, Father, for giving me good guardian angels so that I didn't break my arm--or my neck, for that matter.  I'm grateful that my mother made the trip from Florida to be with me the second week.  I really didn't know if I would need her here, but I did.  I'm grateful for everyone who prayed for me.  My mom said her Bible Study was all praying for me. 

Prayer works.

I am on the mend.

Two Weeks Ago...

Well...it's been two weeks since my accident and when I woke up today and looked at my foot, I could actually see space between my usually swollen toes.  They are still purple (and green), but they are thinner.  I'm still taking it easy today and will tomorrow, too.  I found someone to take my Primary class again.
I even hobbled outside briefly and saw the state of all my flower gardens.  *sigh*  Oh well... I won't be able to get in and weed them or prune the roses or cut some of my beautiful zinnias for a bouquet right now, but I forgot how beautiful and profuse flowers are in September.  So I took a book outside, sat in my anti-gravity chair and finished it while steeling glances at the back garden and feeling the sun and a cool wind on my body.
I read in Organic Gardening to plant Morning Glories with Sunflowers so they will grow up the lanky stalks.  I think that was a mistake.  It looks like my sunflowers are choking as they droop over with masses of Morning Glory vines encompassing them.  haha.  It's from lack of supervision these last two weeks. I went out almost every day to arrange the vines on the side fence, so they are definitely rebelling from lack of discipline.
It's really amazing what a difference a split second can make in your life.
I have decided to be positive and when people ask how I'm doing, I am saying, "Better, thanks," and then believing it.  It has made a world of difference since I was feeling sorry for myself because I can't do anything.
But I know that my Heavenly Father is watching out for me and my angels were working overtime.  When I think what could have happened and what did happen...it makes me oh, so grateful for His love.

Happy Anniversary to Me

One year ago I arrived in Utah.
It has not been an easy year.
It has, frankly, been the longest year of my life.

I arrived in Sandy, Utah, at the home of my friends, Bonnie and Mike Meyerson, on Saturday, August 28th.  Jewely had come down from Idaho for Amy Smith's wedding and to see me.  I probably would have spent more time in Boulder if not for that.  As it was, I got to see Jewely for a day anyway.  And, of course, Sandy and Zannah lived here, too.  It's why I moved here.  My kids are here.

I was so blessed to live with the Meyersons.  Bonnie was my strength.  She lived through my whining and crying and feeling sorry for myself.  She was my sounding board because I really didn't have any self-esteem to speak of and had so many questions.  Is this right?  Is that normal?  I came to her a basket case.  I was having a lovely time out on the road seeing the U.S.A., but inside I was scared to death to move on to the next step, as I knew I was heading for it. She was there to comfort me and let me know that I'm a good person and a daughter of God. 

By September 1st I hit the internet looking for a job. Sometimes I would wake up and not even brush my teeth or get dressed.  I'd just get on the internet and look for jobs and apply.  I would stay like that until midnight most days.

But it paid off.  By the end of October I was starting to get calls for interviews.  In the interim I subbed at Bonnie's school and went on a few jobs for Manpower and Kelly.

By November I was getting call backs and got a temp job at a very good place, Merit Medical, for two weeks.  While at Merit, I helped the HR department through the open enrollment health insurance process.  They had SelectHealth, oddly enough, a place I had just interviewed with for an administrative assistant job in the pharmacy department.  I didn't think I'd get it, though.  But while at Merit, I got a call from SelectHealth with a job offer.  The pay was decent--more than I made in PA.  And the benefits would kick in in 30 days--a plus!  And they had a pension plan for people there longer than five years.  Hmmm...sounded too good to be true.  They wanted an answer in 48 hours.

I prayed about it, got Priesthood Blessings and really didn't feel like I got any answer.  Bonnie said sometimes, if it's obvious, why do you feel you need an answer?  Duh!  I woke up the next morning and, while praying, it dawned on me.  All the pluses were the answer I needed, especially the benefits kicking in by January 1st.  I knew this was the job God meant me to have.  I started November 22nd.

Now I could concentrate on a permanent place to live--and Zannah's wedding. Nick proposed November 30th. 

I was so blessed to have the Meyersons let me stay in their basement bedroom.  It had its own bathroom, too, and a big closet.  I was comfortable there.  I was scared to move.  But I had been scared in every single next step I had to take all year.  I was scared to decide to get a divorce.  I was scared to leave Pennsylvania and my friends and family. I knew I had gotten through the other steps.  I could get through this one, too.  I had the Holy Ghost as a comforter the whole year (still do).  He would not fail me now.

My dear friend, Lisa Clark, is a realtor and had also been there to give me advice on job hunting and just good old fashioned moral support when I needed it.  Lisa tells it like it is, and, for that, I'm grateful.  She and I began house hunting in December, before Christmas.  I had been looking on-line ever since I arrived and was able to see what was out there for me.  I went from thinking I wanted to live in a single home to townhouse to condo to twin and back to single home again.  I thought I should live in South Jordan in the Daybreak Community and Lisa and I looked there but couldn't find anything suitable in my price range.  We decided to wait until after Christmas.

In January, Lisa found a cute newer twin which met all the criteria I had for a home:  I wanted a rambler (ranch) with a finished basement--family room, bedroom and full bath.  I wanted at least three bedrooms.  I also wanted two full bathrooms on the main floor.  I didn't want a big yard to take care of.  This twin had four bedrooms--two up and two down.  It was located in Midvale, four miles from work and two blocks from a church.  It's 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and about that far from the airport.  Midvale is in the middle of Salt Lake County.

It was more than I could afford, but Lisa talked the bank down to my price range and by February 10th, I was a homeowner!  I moved in February 19th, with the help of my new Elders Quorum from the Midvale East 2nd Ward--and Sandy, Zannah, Nick and Mike Barclay.  The boxes are still in the basement, but I decided nothing has to be done yesterday--or tomorrow, for that matter.

Then it was time to think about Zannah's wedding, which took place on my birthday in March at the Salt Lake Temple.  Luckily Zannah did all of the planning and I did nothing.  I just showed up.

In March, three days after Zannah's wedding, I learned that my divorce was final.  It was like I was hit with a ton of bricks when I read the letter. Marriage was important to me and I believe in the institution.  I am the kind of person who should be married.  I loved my home and wanted to give my children the continuity of a nuclear family. But they understand I couldn't stay there.  They lived there.  They knew.  I have the greatest kids.

At the end of April, Sandy moved in with me.  I love having him here.  I don't feel so alone.  We give each other our own space.  He has the whole downstairs, unless we have guests come stay with us--which, during the month of August, was weekly.  I loved it!

Meanwhile, I am still learning at my job.  I feel comfortable there.  The people I work with are very nice.  My boss is really good to me.  SelectHealth was named the best place to work in Utah by its employees four years in a row, and we are in the running for 2011.  What more can I ask for?  And my department is growing.  We are probably going to be hiring about 25 more employees in 2012, so I don't have to worry about being laid off.  In fact, before I signed the paperwork for my house, I had a talk with my boss. He told me we were growing and if anyone was going to be laid off, "...it certainly wouldn't be you," he said to me.  That made me feel good!

So...it's been one year that I've lived in Utah.  I love it here, really.  I love the climate.  It's dry, so even if it's 90 degrees, it's not oppressive.  Hot, yes, but not oppressive.  At night it's in the 60s and 70s, so I can open my windows and be very comfortable while sleeping.  And the mountains as a backdrop--priceless!  I can't imagine living where there aren't mountains now.  They are so beautiful.  I never grow tired of looking at them.

I do miss my friends and family in Pennsylvania, though.  They are still in constant contact through Facebook and email and good old fashioned phone calls--and Skype, too! 

I consider myself blessed. Thank You, Lord, for watching over me this past year.  I know there were times when I looked behind me and saw only one set of footprints.  They were Yours.

Now on to year two.

My House

SCRIPTURE OF THE Day: Doctrine & Covenants 110:7

"For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house."

This is so ironic. I subscribe to the Latter-day Light Daily Devotional where I get a scripture and quote from a Prophet every day. The one I received today (above) is just another testimony to me that my Heavenly Father is watching over me and blessing me.

Tomorrow I sign the settlement papers on my new house!!!!

Now, I know the above quote is about temples, but, if I read it in the context of my own house, I can see the hand of God blessing me and confirming that this is the right decision for me.

Do I put too much stock in these devotionals? I don't think so, especially since they have been right on for the last year. I look forward to reading them every day and have looked to them as answers to prayers that I have daily.

I was thinking of having my house dedicated to the Lord. I hope that I will be able to help people by having a house, whether it be family or friends. I pray that the Lord WILL manifest Himself, in mercy, in this house--my house.

I am ever grateful for a loving Father who leads and guides me every day. He has not forsaken me. I know He never will.