9. Day 16: Joy Is Four Ducks In A Row
We have had the most wonderful time on this trip traveling all over England, visiting friends, seeing ancient and sacred sites, experiencing history and many new perspectives. Still, the highlight of our trip begins as our beautiful daughters finally join us to celebrate Christmas together as a family. We have been blessed with children who grew up to be wonderful adults, full of love, peace and adventure. That they choose to spend the holidays with us is still one of my greatest joys. I know the times will come that it might not always be possible and I want to treasure each time that...
Read More9. Day 15: How Mighty Is His Love
It is with great tears of joy I share the following news. My dear cousin’s son was diagnosed suddenly, with a life threatening cancer just days after I began my Twelvemonth of Self Love blog. Somehow these two journeys are connected in my mind and heart. The path of trust, commitment, the unknown and the unending extending of love on a minute by minute basis have melded into one. So many times the texts would come for more prayer, firm willingness, and unwavering trust. My cousin gathered as many as possible to stand with her and the family in faith to pray for her son. Today I...
Read More9. Day 14: Joy In “Muddy Boots Welcome”
One of the biggest surprises in coming to England has been in discovering walking; what I thought it was, what it is here and the huge gap in between. You may remember that I started walking daily as inspired by Holy Spirit, long before even deciding to go on this trip. Not ever registering as an athlete of any kind, walking suited me in that I do it naturally therefore “walking” as health encouraging exersize seemed an obvious next step (pun intended;). I have been walking 2-3 miles a day for over six months. My walking started not as a bid for bodily health exactly but as a...
Read More9. Day 13: Joy On Ice
So there we were, hand brake fully ON yet sliding and slipping down the narrow lane, ever closer to the police car blocking the path to the previous car who spun out of control on the suddenly appearing ice at the bottom of the lane. “STOP!!” I cried in futility. There was nothing to be done. No words. No actions. Just trust and waiting. And sliding. The car did stop and we then had to figure out what to do next. The police had closed the road (sadly, after we started down it) and told us to turn around and take another road. Turning around on a hill in a one lane road in...
Read More9. Day 12: Joy Is Not An Afterthought
I am feeling joy in so very many areas yet feeling joy within my body lags behind. I try to listen, notice and be aware of what my body needs but the thrill, excitement and wonder of the moment leaves me ordering a second glass of mulled cider and another mince pie. We are doing plenty of walking yet my lumbering pace rugged up against the weather makes for very slow going which is not quite as beneficial. However, I am doing lots of stairs (at the moment we are staying with friends in a glorious four story turn of the century house), hills and hoisting plenty of bags....
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