When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart

Another year has passed.  April 30, 2002, my husband Don got up as usual.  His routine was to shave and sit down for his morning devotions.  He faithfully read Scripture each morning and read the daily devotional, "Our Daily Bread."  This morning was like every other morning.  The Scripture that particular morning was Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them the love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  Later that day, Don was ushered into heaven through an accident.

Ten years have passed.  I used to put flowers in the church each anniversary, and I finally stopped realizing that the money spent on flowers could be used to feed some hungry people or given to some worth cause.  I decided, though, to have some in church this morning.  Several people spoke to me after church, remembering Don fondly.  One gentleman, in particular, shared with me how he and Don had had such a good working relationship.  This man was an electrician before he retired and offered his services to the church when a need arose.  He often spoke to Don asking him questions to be sure he was doing everything right, and he appreciated always the assurances that he received from Don.

A few months after Don died, I received a CD from some friends in Cincinnati.  Their son-in-law who was a music minster in a church had recorded a song that I listened to over and over again in those months that followed, and I'd like to share it with you.  The words are so true...when you can't trace His hand, trust His heart.

Spring!

 It has been a long time since I last posted.  In fact, it was after I had traveled to Virginia at Christmas time, so maybe my blogposts will depend on trips that I take.  I must confess that I spend more time reading what everyone is doing via FaceBook, but I know that there are many who do not go there, so I hate to give up blogging completely.  The purpose for my trip to Virginia was to visit Ella at her school for Grandparents' Day.  Last Friday, I got to visit her classroom and then enjoy a program that was presented by the music teacher at her school.  School was a half-day, so we left, went to Chick Fil-A for lunch, and then went to her house, where her mommy was working from home for the day, and her daddy was recovering from pneumonia.

 One of the perks of coming at this time of the year has been getting to see all of the beautiful spring flowers.  This dogwood is in David's yard.  Dogwood has always been a favorite of mine, and I have just been in awe of all the flowering trees in the neighborhood, and in the parks and along the highway.

 David lives not far from a park where all kinds of activities take place.  Right now the baseball season is opening for the kids.  A river runs along the edge of the park, and a little way away is a serenity garden which has been dedicated to cancer survivors and their caregivers.  This particular photo and the one below were taken from that garden.

 This lovely building is the P. Buckley Moss Museum.  She has lived in this area for many years and can be seen at different times of the year here and also in St. Petersburg, Florida.  When I went to a signing one year, she told me she prefers now to paint in St. Pete, because the light is so much better there.  I understand completely what she means!

Ella is playing T-Ball once again.  What a difference a year makes!  There are some really tiny kids playing ball.  When they swing the bat, they usually go around with it.  Ella has pretty good form and pays more attention this year.  If you've ever watched four and five year olds play, you know what I'm talking about.

It is so much fun to listen to her read and watch her write.  I told her mother the other night I'm interested to know where her imagination is going to take her.  Dr. Seuss's book, Oh the Places You'll Go, is a great fit for her.

Until the next trip...or maybe before...