Just another day!

It is obvious that I will not be winning any blog awards... I can't believe how fast time just flies by. I love to write, but it is just finding or making time to do so that is my problem.
Alot has happened since the last blog. God is good, all the time, no matter the circumstances!
Even in the midst of a mess, I could see God's faithfulness, goodness, strength and grace. The mess that I am speaking of is when the neighbor upstairs left a skillet on the stove which started a fire. Here is how it all unfolded...My night has been filled with some excitement. I came home from work this PM (worked a 16 hr. shift) and fell into bed. At 1900 I woke up to the sound of running water... I thought to myself, I know it is suppose to rain but it is really coming down, did I leave a window open?? Well I came out to the kitchen I had 3 inches of water on the floor and my kitchen cabinets looked like Niagara Falls was coming out of them. I then heard a loud banging on my door, it was the neighbor upstairs, who by the way was dripping wet stating that he had already called 911! Apparently a fire had started on his stove... and the sprinkler system went off. Well as I was contemplating whether to put a sign outside stating that we now had an indoor pool, 5 trucks from the local fire department come charging up! WOW what excitement! I thank God that no one was hurt. My prayer was that God be seen in all of this... well, I had several FD Personnel ask if I was in shock, because I was too calm had a smile on my face and I was joyful. Well as I told them, now we know the sprinkler system works and God is in control! This has been the most excitement that I have had in some time! They will be working on the ceiling damage tomorrow... well after a month of work, the condo is now back to "normal". I have enjoyed having people over for fun, fellowship and encouragement. Well that is all for the moment... until next time!

Tis' the Season!

Hello there!

It has been a busy few months but I wanted to share a few things with you all. I think I have FINALLY settled in! All the boxes have been unpacked, everything put in their place, blinds hung and pictures straightened! I have been so blessed. I forgot how nice it is to "set up" and "keep" a house. I have enjoyed ever moment of it. I can't believe it has alreadys been 4 months already, time flies when you are having fun.

I have had the blessing of being the hostess to several gatherings already and look forward to MANY, many more! The recent one of these gatherings was my FIRST THANKSGIVING Rebekah and Ruthanne were the only ones that could make it, but we had a blast.

We each contributed a little to the Thanksgiving table. We took time to say what we were thankful for. I am so thankful for God for His grace and mercy, for His love that I do not deserve. I thank God for His provision, for the last year I have seen Him work in mysterious ways! I thank God for the family He has blessed me with. They encouraged, supported and prayed for me, and I thank them!
We have to remember to take time out for Thanksgiving! Our society encourages us to forget it in many ways. This year we went from Halloween straight to Christmas. Society has us running from in my opinion a celebration of evil to a celebration of greed (ok, I will get off my soap box for a moment!) Christmas music being blasted from the intercoms, as if to whisper, "better hurry up and buy, for Christmas is almost here". Ummmm, it is only November!!! If I may ask this question... "where are our thankful hearts". Don't get me wrong I love Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Deliverer from sin. But take time out to be thankful for the blessings God has blessed us with. From the air we breathe to the freedom that we have in America, there is so much to be thankful for.
I will close for now, may God continue to bless you and reveal Himself to you!
Gretchen :)

Hello all!

I know that I have not been up-dating this blog... I have been very busy the past few weeks fixing up the condo, moving in, unpacking, and putting things away! It has been an exciting time to say the the least! I thank each of you for your support and prayers! I can't believe it has almost been 2 months since signing papers! We signed papers on the 27th of July, finished painting on the 27th of August (at 2030). Could it be that I will be settled in by September 27th? The only thing that I really have to do now is hang wall hangings! But I have to say none of this would not have happened for several key people! First of all God, for His provision. My prayer that this place would used for His honor and glory and that others may be encouraged within these walls! Dad was one of my key contributers, coming whenever he could to paint. Dad, thank you for bearing with me...(I was impatient at times). Thank you for your hard work. I couldn't have done it without you! Mom, thank you for your help. I have enjoyed just sitting down to chat where things may go, trying it out and then putting it back when it doesn't work!

Rebekah, Heather and Ruthanne, thank you for your support, for helping out. The only room that is picture perfect at the moment is the bedroom...

More pictures to come... so keep coming back!