A Joyful Noise

Most mornings I decide on a song that I carry in my mind and my heart through the day.  In a recent conversation with one of my sisters-in-law, I learned that she does the same thing.  Sometimes we tell each other what the song is so we can both focus on it; sometimes it's enough just knowing the other is singing.

Yesterday, a bible verse sang out to me.

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.  Zephaniah 3:27

What a lovely reminder that we aren't the only ones singing!

The Lord is at Work

We've had a few rough days as we awaited biopsy results for my mother-in-law.  The news came yesterday, and it wasn't what we wanted to hear.  She is diagnosed with lung cancer.

While waiting for the tests to be read and for the doctors to get in touch with us, I often had periods of frustration and irritation.  What's taking so long?  When are they going to call?  How can we handle the situation when we don't even know what it is?

Yesterday I was reading a devotional* that spoke right to me.  It's main message was that God is in the reconstruction business.  Of course He is!  Things change - reconstruct - all of the time.  People fall in love, move to new cities, have babies, change jobs, get parking tickets -- lots and lots of things.  And sometimes people get sick.  But God is right there with us during all of these times.  It made my heart lighter to remember that despite the disruptions and seeming chaos in our lives, the Lord is at work.

So now I will begin learning what our new "normal" is.  I will be looking for all of the new blessings and opportunities that He is placing before me.  I'm ready to find out what my job is.

*(The Upper Room. March-April 2012.  "A Highway for God" by Gerald McCann. pg 65.)

Georgia Aquarium

Today's outing was to the Georgia Aquarium. We arrived at 10 am, and there was already a line to get in. We eventually made it through the line, and we enjoyed the fishy sites for about 3 hours.

When we left, we noticed that the line to get in was very, very long. It had been getting crowded inside and we figured out why: lots of people were coming in, but very few were leaving! But, it was Saturday and we expected it would be busy.

Here are a few photos. Colorful fish:

Really big fish:

Waxy Monkey Frogs:

Is it disturbing that we left and went to Legal Seafood for lunch??

Welcome!

Installment #5

The Living Room

Here is our seating area:

The entertainment area:

And the doors by our chair! The weather has been so nice that we often open one of these doors. Cool air, and even though there are no screens, there are NO BUGS! So far, at least!

Apartment, sweet apartment!

Welcome!

Installment #4

The Dining Room

The column is just to the left of our front door, so this is the left side view when you walk in the apartment.

We were anxiously awaiting the dining room chairs. They were the last things we received. But now they are here, and we love them. Much more comfortable than the folding chairs were!

We use the table for a desk more than for eating! But, back to the chairs:

The front of the chairs have a velvet-like feel with a peacock-colored pattern over a brown background. The backs are a creamy yellow color with an embroidered design pattern. I couldn't get the pattern to show up well on the photos. Guess you'll have to come see it in person!

We are using this console as a catch-all bookcase copy machine table. I haven't put any books in yet, but we do have some to put away. And there is Ruby -- patiently awaiting her next vacuuming assignment.

When you come in our door and look straight ahead, here is what you see:

I thought Atlanta would be a good time to get more serious about learning to play the keyboard. I haven't done it yet, though.

Next up, the Living Room.

Welcome!

Installment #3

Here's the bathroom:

Notice the granite countertop!

There's a nice, roomy shower.

And a closet plenty big enough for our bathroom things.

Next up, the dining room!

Welcome!

Installment #2: The Kitchen

Again, don't blink. This goes fast!

The sink area:

The stove area:

The best part:

Next up: The Bath