The Blueprint

Okay, I'll admit it.

This mostly cheerful, smiling self of mine has been struggling a bit.

After just saying that, I can't help but feel a bit guilty because since we have retired and relocated,

there have been so many blessings to count...so many.

You'd think I'd realize by now that our plans don't always unfold the way we imagine they will. 

I mean how many blog posts have I written about "plans" in the last six years??

I could blame it on the weather which has just been pretty awful...rain, rain and more rain.

We have everything ready to go down on the property to hook up the RV but the rain has kept us from being able to get the dirt smoothed out and bringing the gravel in.

Or I could blame it on the fact that my recent health issue has raised its ugly head again,

making it necessary to make a couple of unplanned trips to NC and Duke Hospital.

I had a little pity party yesterday morning....and I was the only one I invited.

After the party was over, I dug into some emails where I found some encouraging words

from a couple of lovely and wise blogging friends.

I felt so much better.

 So after all of that, this is what the Lord had for me in my devotional reading for this morning.

Blueprint.

The word seemed to hit me right between the eyes.

I'm sure it seemed that way because ironically, today was also the day that we were to pick up

the blueprint for the farmhouse.

Even though we may look at a blueprint as a plan or design that represents a finished product,

blueprints can also be revised, changed, and adjusted.

It got me thinking that even though I know that I know that God has the grand plan,

He doesn't necessarily map out every single detail of our lives in blueprint form...

...at least I don't think He does.

He gives us free choice which means that at any given moment we can blow it all to smithereens.

Sometimes all it takes is a bad attitude...or yes, even a pity party!

So now, with all that out of the way...

Looky here...I'm so excited!
Seeing the actual blueprint (although it's not blue at all) for our new home all professionally drawn up just really makes it all......so.......REAL!

  

The next step is getting the plans to our builder and sign a few papers.

He hopes to be able to start by the first of March, possibly before...(hmm)...

That's where the weather comes in to play again...it might be rain, it might be snow, who knows?

Today it was in the 70s and tomorrow it isn't getting out of the 40s.

But whenever the Lord allows the actual building process to begin, we are making progress!

So we've been talking about blueprints here and since we're on the subject,

I will just say that for the last ten years or so, my hairstyle hasn't changed much.

Well, right before the new year, I decided it was time for a new blueprint for my hair...

...I guess we might call it a "doo-print". 😄

Last year had been particularly hard on my hair with all of this weird stuff happening to my body.

It has gotten quite thin so I thought cutting it short might be a good thing.

My first thought was, "Oh no, what have I done?!"

I hate fresh haircuts but I figured I would like it better in a couple of weeks.

I am getting used to it day by day....and Jim really likes it too. 😉

After all, it's only hair and it will grow back. (I hope.)

So even though my pity party is over now and all the mess is cleaned up,

I would just like to mention that if you think of me, I would welcome your prayers.

The prayers from my blogging friends have gotten me through some of my darkest hours

this past year and I cherish and appreciate every single one!

Much love to all,