Give You, Give Me

I’m listening to a Chinese artist these days, Mao Bu Yi, who has a pretty, soft voice with sweet songs. This blog post title is one of his prettiest songs. It’s about growing old and relationship.

Songs help me learn the language. It is hard to find particular songs without knowing some of the characters in the title. It is sleuthing at its best for a language learner like myself.

The Christmas/birthday season is upon Corgi Hollows. Cherie and I have been decorating, culling decorations that we haven’t used for awhile, finding the essence of our memories in others.

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, this end of year holiday serves as a time marker. I have a little notebook with a Christmas Chickadee on the cover that I keep as a Christmas journal. I only write about the Christmas in it, whatever I can remember, menus, gift ideas, gifts received (I have such a bad memory about that!)

I haven’t sent Christmas cards in so long. I love getting them, but the tribulations of the past few years have thwarted my own sending.

Tribulations.

I fell carrying Christmas stuff last week and badly sprained my foot/ankle. I couldn’t walk for a day, but a little boot really did the trick for helping me get mobile. I’m supposed to be “off it” for a week at least.

I still hurt.

Falling at age 60 is not falling at age 30. I got a taste of what the end of my life may be like, alone with the dogs and cats. My pups were immediately on top of me…concerned? !

That is why I pray for the Rapture!

Then on Sunday night the downstairs once again flooded with water. I have battled water in this house since we moved in. Cherie said yesterday, “Let’s just build a swimming pool downstairs, Mom.”

I was able to get a plumber to come and help us yesterday afternoon. It’s actually a major problem which requires tearing up the concrete floor and replacing corroded iron pipe.

We’re looking at major.

Tribulations.

Right now the downstairs bathroom will be out of commission until this summer when more excavating can occur.

I guess it had to happen?

Sometimes you wonder. I am at the mercy of the experts. I have no clue how to deal with things like this, so I’m ripe for being taken advantage of.

I have trust issues to begin with. Dealing with “professionals” who are also strangers is somewhat uncomfortable for me.

I cherish the friends that have helped me, particularly with past water problems, and the water heater which broke the same week Brian left us. Such wonderful friends came and helped me with these tribulations. Also my septic system.

I will always be grateful for that help that horrible time after Brian passed away. Great is your reward in heaven!

Since we have an older house I should expect maintenance issues. In Japan they must rebuild stuff every 40 years, says Ed. Earthquake regulations require constant monitoring of buildings housing millions of apartments and offices.

This house is about 70 years old. I guess major repair is to be expected. Regardless of earthquakes. Minnesota is the most geologically stable land on earth. We have blizzards and tornadoes.

I’m thankful I can run next door to use the facilities while Corgi Hollows undergoes major repair. What a blessing! Count your blessings!

Also, here in Minnesota it is a very warm winter. It’s easy to be outside and get around. No snow yet. Another blessing for me, though of course everyone seems to want a White Christmas!

It’s the season of gift giving. What can I give you? I can only assure you that God is sovereign. God won’t leave you even though things are HARD. Because of my own Job-like experiences I have been gifted with this knowledge on a deeper level. Even when you question Him, feel frustrated with His plan for you, weep, the underlying truth is that He cares for you.

Jesus is Lord. He is the Christ. God is love. God provides. God is a Father to His children, a husband to the widow, the faithful one who does not leave us alone. He will never leave nor forsake us believers.

Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep waiting and watching.

MARANATHA