The end of July

kaytrasundem

Hello everyone! I am typing on my new keyboard (Bluetooth, so it works with my iPad), and am enjoying the click-clacking of the keys beneath my fingers.

The weeks seem to be going fast, and the days seem to be slower than molasses – probably because I am home a lot and my favorite time of day is when Mark walks through the front door. 🙂

I thought I could mention some of what the Lord has been teaching me on here as well as photos and adventures. This place and space I find myself has been sweet with praise and meditation on the Word as I am still working on finding a steady rhythm of routine.

Please admire his new wellies (rain boots), they are a necessity over here in the countryside, and we are so excited to tromp around in them! With coffee mugs in hand, of course.

I am still learning to rely upon the Lord day by day – now to a new level within marriage and as a military spouse. I have always known my faith could move contexts since God is unchangeable even if my seasons are. He is sovereign in His love and care of me.

“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling…”
1 Peter 4:9

I am so looking forward to having a full functioning kitchen, dining room chairs, and my can opener! Meanwhile I DO have a kinda-sorta functioning kitchen, and a lovely living room rug.

One of the highlights of my week was hosting friends for lunch all the way from Eastern Europe – we picnic-styled it on the floor and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the fellowship.

And humbled.

Because I had been using my lack of instruments as an excuse not to open my home and be creative with my hospitality.

One of the oldest apple trees here – I wish I knew how old it was!

Paul and Lizzie stayed the whole afternoon! Here we are enjoying the front lawn. Our East Wing is where the two small chimneys are on the left.

The church on the estate – the service on Sundays is the same since 1672!

Another way the Lord has been instructing me is through a book called Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

I wish I could give you all a copy, as it has been so helpful for my time of change and being an addict to grumbling (even if I don’t speak it). One of the lessons she writes about has stayed with me more than any other:

Anything that makes me need God is (ultimately, in the truest sense) a blessing.
N.L.D.

I have been chewing on that for a while, and how it stings when I recognize that the very objects of my grumbling, however small – are all blessings that require the Lord’s help!

Here are a few more pictures of our week. I got wellies too – and we have been loving walks together in the evenings. We seem to meet a friendly new face each time we explore!