Photos tell a story, don't they?
That is one of the reasons why I love to gather the moments at the end of a month. As I look back, I remember the moments that have been woven together to make our life story. I am always amazed at all that has happened in a brief span of thirty-ish days.
This month's story is one of gatherings. Gatherings with family and games of charades and breaking bread together and cuddly babies and seafood and pie and coffee and multiple generations and the sun porch door opening and closing more times that we can count and adults saying "Close the door please." Gatherings with friends and Mama Coffee and catching up and hosting FLDC (Fashionably Late Dinner Club) here at Pineapple House for the first time and Kati's friends coming to play games.
The story told is one of house projects. Installing the new dryer in the basement and taking the old one out of the bedroom closet. Painting the living room and dining room and feeling more at home. Sewing new fishtail swags for the living room windows.
The story is one of love and loudness and sharing and sweetness.
But beyond the photos...
there is more to the story.
Also part of the story this month is vehicle woes. First Kati's car, then Ron's truck, then Kati's car, then Ron's truck, then Kati's car, then Ron's truck. (Yes, it's true.) Along with that is the story of cha-ching and coordinating schedules so that everyone could get where they needed to be.
This month's story tells of a huge (to us) unexpected bill...in three unexpected parts. (Money is flying out of Pineapple House!)
The photos don't show that the elderly man for whom Kati had cared for a little over a year passed away this month.
This month's story is also a sick kitty and changed plans and discouragement and impatience and hot, hot, hot.
And thus...the story is life.
As I tell you the hidden parts of the story, it is not with complaint. Oh, yes, I have fretted some, but then I have settled in my heart that it is all from His hand. Life is filled with sunshine and shadow. In both, He is near. In both, He is faithful.
It has been a good month!
All I can say is that this post makes me so happy and I love being your friend! Sorry about the car woes and the unexpected bill! God is good and will provide what you need, as you know.
ReplyDeleteI must come soon!
Cheryl, yes, your story does tell a story of life. Even though all of our stories are different, they are still the same...in the ways you mentioned. Life is most definitely a mixed bag, isn't it? But it sure looks as though your joyful moments were w-a-y more pronounced than the few other not-so-good moments. My last post speaks of that too! Your home is so cozy and warm and I love the updates...including that LOVELY fabric you have chose for your window treatment. I can picture it now :)
ReplyDeleteHow your pictures always calm me and bless me would be hard to describe, but they just do. So thank you for sharing them. And oh yes, life...it happens to us all....the good, the bad, the happy, the sad, the horrifying and the glorifying. It's always soo comforting to know that He sees us through it all Hope your car situations improve soon! Enjoy the rest of your week!
ReplyDeleteI think I agree with Debbie about your photos bringing calm. Just your header smacks of that. (how's that for opposites--smacking calmness?) Anyway, I'm sorry for all the woes, and doesn't it seem like things like that happen in bunches? I hope things are improving and I love your focus of course. God's hand is in it all. By the way could you email me the color of your living room paint? That looks so much like what I'm thinking of for the kitchen. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just went back to your original post about the paint and see the colors! They don't sound green at all but look it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a challenging month in the middle of a lot of HOT weather. I always love to see the photos of your month. Your family does more together than mine does and I do love the interconnections. This month, I especially like the photo of your son-in-law with his baby girl. Precious. I know that The Lord will provide all your needs. It is not fun to have all vehicles kick it at once.
ReplyDeleteJoy and sorrow. God takes us through it all, it's our attitude in how we approach life. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, thanks for sharing the happy photos, and moments but also for sharing the woes of the past month! You are such an encouragement to me!
ReplyDeleteAs I studied the photos of Pineapple House, I was thinking "it looks like your family has always been there , you truly have made it a "home of love"!
I know it was difficult for Katie to hear of the passing of her patient, as it was for me when mine passed last year! She's seems so caring!
Thank you for your sweet words and prayers,
blessings,
Sue
Sorry to hear about car woes, and Kati's patient, and the poor kitty cat. But as you say, it is all in His hand, and always works out for us.
ReplyDeleteTruly understand the sunshine and shadow. Ugh...about cars. I have a simple philosophy that they just need to run and not give us grief. Glad you have ice cream and good food times with your loved ones in the midst and that God continues to encourage and His faithfulness never fails.
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