Traveling alone

As I was packing for a 10 day trip, I was apprehensive about driving alone and kept thinking my husband would suddenly start packing too. As I toted my suitcases to the van and slide behind the wheel, it was all too apparent he truly wasn't going with me.
It is the little things he does that I take for granted, such as filling the gas tank on my van, checking the air in the tires, watching traffic & weather reports and just being at my side.
At my daughter's suggestion, I got a book on CD. When the warmth of the afternoon sun called me to close my eyes in sleep, the captivating voice on the CD would keep me alert.
Actually, the name of the book was "Captivating" and it was awesome, just what I needed. It did the trick! Even through the rain (no sunny afternoon) time seemed to fly by and I enjoyed the time alone.
My visit with family was precious and ended all too quickly. The excitement grew at the thought of the return trip and giving my husband a big hug. I would tell him how much I appreciated and missed him.
Another great book on CD, this time a fiction and good weather made the time sail by. I felt renewed and excited about getting back to the daily routine of life.
Our plans were to meet at our youngest daughter's home and attend Easter service at her new-found Church. The mountain-top experience just kept getting better!
As I hugged my husband and searched his eyes, he was distant and tired. The weight of the world on his shoulders. I understood, as I had felt the same way before the trip.
I did tell him how much I missed him and his forced smile made me sad.
I am already planning a trip for him (with or without me) and what book on CD should I get?
I know Christ will lead me to the book that will renew my husband's spirit, just like He renewed mine!

Are answers blessings?

After the last posting, the housing market has picked up a little. With three transactions scheduled this week, the stress has eased some. Even though I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is the constant in our lives, I insistantly have to worry and stress over day to day activity.
Will there be a day I'll understand the verse "praise Him in all things" and live it? Yes! That is what I'll seek this week with all my heart.
May you find something peaceful for your life this week and seek it with all your heart, too.

What is retirement?!

The weight of the world seems to be on my shoulders and yet, I couldn't imagine being a government official right now. Whew! I won't even go there.
My mistaken assumption of the "golden years" is the basis for this stress, I'm sure. My imagination must have envisioned an easier life as I aged. Why, I'm not sure but maybe it got me through the family challenges, job changes and new homes that came with each military move.
So to me, "retiring" from the military was the golden egg. Moving would be our choice and enjoying the empty-nest years would be "perfect".
How unrealistic that proved to be! It is just different challenges through different seasons of life. Clinging to the fundamentals is the only answer to bring peace back into my life, whatever the season. The God that has brought me through thus far won't leave me now and I'll forever stand on His Word.

From journaling to blogging

Encouragement from my daughters is why I've set up this avenue of "journaling". Thank you, girls.
First things first, though---I'll change the verbage from journaling to blogging in an attempt to modernize my writings. And second---may I become more diligent with this than many other ventures in my life.
With all things new, they are first and formost in my thoughts and therefore my actions. As time wears on me, those "new" things become mundane and boring. Eventually they fall away to a status of "no action" and become a chore to reactivate the activity.
Here is to my blog remaining "NEW".