Challenges, part of life...

I had such a good visit with my quilting friend today!

She is moving soon to the West Coast. 

I am really going to miss her.

We hope to have tea in NYC before she leaves,

soon I will be able to do this!

***

We had such good tea, vegan chocolate and take out for lunch!

It was fun to visit with her!

***

So, some new challenges have arisen for us.

I can't write about them here yet,

but one we are able to fix soon and the other,

well, we will see what happens.

***

My foot still is continuing to heal.

I have been so very grateful for all the love, 

support, prayers, cards and care packages I have 

received! Such blessings!!!

***

Please do pray for my 'unbloggable' prayer request. 

God is with us and that is what matters.

***

I have been watching this short video again today,

it's so beautiful. 

This one encouraged me years ago in Ottawa

and I am appreciating it again now.

I've watched this video a few times now

https://vimeo.com/224390260

it's really beautiful and encouraging. 

***

There are so many of us who are in such difficulties. 

But God IS with us and will help us.

Lord have mercy on us small ones! 

Oh Monday, why do you have to be do difficult!? (+God's mercy)

Well, this has been a Monday.

Various things this morning seemed to be going wrong,

I felt quite discouraged.

***

My sister-friend texted me very consoling but also bracing words:

"...on St. Anthony's feast day (they were at a small church) and the homily 

was about St. Anthony.  The priest quoted him as saying, 

"perseverance in times of difficulty/adversity chases 

the demons away."

***

It helped me: I rallied and was able to do various things,

cleaning, phone errands, finished reading a riveting YA book

by Richard Peck, and researched a few recipies...

and got a lovely gift of three

Madeleine L' Engle books from a dear blog friend,

thank you Sara!

They could not of come on a better day...

and so I had tea and a bit of chocolate...

and began re-reading L' Engle's Walking on Water,

which I first read and read again and again at age 19...

***

I need to start on the other 2 she sent me, as those are new to me books...

but today, well, I was craving the familiar...

***

I was blessed by various friends praying for me,

when I said over a private social media channel that I was feeling

discouraged but a walk would help...

I know the prayers are what helped turn things around,

and my dear friend's words, 

all with the Lord's mercy...

And so I took my walk,

late this afternoon and am going to try to make it a habit...

one of the things that has been difficult for me is that,

esp. with the last year's discouragement about where I live +

getting so sick in Lent, is that

I have not been getting out enough and have lost 

some of the strenght that I normally have from frequent walks...

so Holland, where walking was plentiful,

was more tiring than it may have been if

I were in better physical condition...

I know I have to start slow on trying to get back on my feet,

as it were and I am hoping to just get into a better habit of

getting out, even if it is only a little each day....

and going from there.

***

Well, Mr. Husband is on his way home now,

I will make a simple meal for us

and hot tea and just be glad to see him... 

and thank God for the mercies of this day!

***

Mr. Husband and I are trying to do some small

extra prayers for everything, since the world (and country) we 

live in seems in so much trouble...

we are starting with a bit from this Akathist to the Protection of the Mother of God,

which is also quite bracing and encouraging!

***

I also refound a note about this song, 

which reminds me of my PEI/Halifax classically Anglican Friends

and I enjoyed another listen...

Beauty in Late February

Since it is not super cold and white new snow
here in Ottawa
I like everyone is ready for Spring.
*
I went today to a friend's house
with another close friend
and we prayed the
Akathist to the Protection of the Mother of God
which I found very comforting.
*
I finally heard back again from my potential employer
and am emailing my references,
explaining that I already have a verbal offer
(which I hope is still on!)
*
Still have my cold
and have a dentist appointment tomorrow
needed sadly
and more costly that I would wish
but I feel a bit strengthened and
have some renewed hope.
Lots of work to be done
and I am still feeling very weary
but at least a little more
hopeful.