Back in the old days, when my parents moved to the Northwest (our East Coast relatives thought they’d never see us again) my mother and father purchased a large relic of a house with a fabulous unobstructed view: 180° looking east. From our dining room table I recall watching the boats in Portage Bay below and gazing at the far-off Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier. When both parents died, I longed to live in that house but for many reasons we chose to stay where we are today, a neighborhood where I knew everyone and was near Lake Washington, yet not on it. But we don’t have a view! I’ve wondered: when would I be content living without a view? But it seemed I never would. As you can tell from my many photographs, whenever I catch sight of the mountains I snap a pic to take home with me.
Last week, our pruner, who’s worked for my extended family many years and now the new owners of my parents’ house, called and asked for my email address. He was sitting on my parents’ old balcony and he wanted to send me a photo. He told me the people below my parents’ home were building two humongous houses. I thought: no, I didn’t want to see their view obliterated. Yet, when his e-mail arrived and I opened his photo, an enormous burden was lifted. I was suddenly filled with contentment for our home, even without a spectacular view. I felt sorry for the present owners of my parents’ home, but I’d made the right choice! Right now, if we lived there, I’d be heartbroken, as I’m sure the owners are. I thought of the Amish, how they are instructed to be content instead of trying to imitate the “world”.
Have you ever had an experience like that in your life? When all things worked for good? Help me celebrate my improved attitude by leaving a comment and entering to win this Amish-made tea towel from Lancaster County and a copy of either Pennsylvania Patchwork or Leaving Lancaster.
Please leave an e-mail address so I can locate you! Last day to enter is Saturday, August 17, 2013, midnight. Only those in the U.S.A. are eligible. Winner has one week to respond.
Hurray and congratulations to Lora, winner of last week’s giveaway: the Amish-made potholder and a copy of either Pennsylvania Patchwork or Leaving Lancaster.
Yes, I have had those times in my life when I have wondered what if……….But God has been good to me and given me a spirit of contentment.
Mercedes H.
hall.mercy@gmail.com
I’m one giant step closer to Contentment!
Hi, a home with a view is certainly a blessing. The memories of all the joy and happiness in the home is more then a blessing. Enjoy the memories.
True, Carol, the many happy memories are more a blessing than the view.
Loved your first book. Brought back so many memories of the times I visited PA. When times get tough we always need to remember that GOD is in control. We may not see it at the time,but He is always there beside us.
Isn’t that the truth, Rita? Sometimes it’s a long wait until our eyes open.
Barbara Gauthier Hi, I would love to win! I collect tea towels, and this would be ideal to add to my collection. Better yet, would be a book. I am having a complete shoulder replacement next week and could sure use some Amish reading.
If I’m not careful I may start collecting them myself! So cute. Sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery.
I just noticed you didn’t leave an email address.
Here’s my e-mail address: Bgauthier49@live.com.
I have had those times in my life. You bring back many memories. I try enjoy sunrises and especially sunsets, most of all in the Lancaster Amish Country. I find a sense of freedom there. That is the reason I read all the Amish books. Please keep writing. Also, Thank you, Judy M. jude601@verizon.net
You remind me of me; I love sunrises and sunsets in Lancaster County!
fond memories of growing up in Pa. loved Leaving Lancaster and look forward to reading Pennsylvania Patchwork!
peggyjanke@hotmail.com
I am pleased to hear you enjoyed reading Leaving Lancaster! Thank you SJ shark
I would love to win. Angela fromKY angelachesnut246@gmail.com
Thanks, Angela!
I always have to keep reminding myself that God has everything under control – this is a difficult lesson for me, but I am working very hard at it! rlepree@musfiber.com
A difficult lesson for all of us, Rachel. Thanks for your comment!
Three years ago we had a choice to make. Our children High almost lost accredition. I did not want to take a chance. We moved to NC from GA. Our oldest graduated in 2012 and our son will graduate with NC Honors. That is something he would have never got to do in GA. He was a special Ed child that with the right help it works cause he is not in special Ed and in Honors classes. A bad situation turn into am amazng one. Thank you Lord. angel4god(@)charter(dot)net
Wow, you took a giant leap of faith and your family experienced amazing results with God’s help!
I thought there were laws about obstructing views. Maybe that’s with trees.
Only if you live in a community with restricted rules, Judy. Same goes for trees.
I’m in this same situation myself. I had always envisioned myself being a stay at home with the kids but my husband’s work has never been stable so I have to work outside the home. I was upset and frustrated with God for some time but I’ve started to see that He has made things work out just in a different way! My kids have their grandmas come over to our house when I’m at work so they’re building strong inter generational relationships with their grandmas and I’ve been discovering that there are a lot of opportunities to witness at my job working with patients. I’ve realized that this is where God wants me and I’m a lot more content trusting Him.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story! How wonderful your children spend time with their grandmas. Sounds like you’re a blessing to your patients.
My email address is ljgarrity80@gmail.com
This has happened to me many times over the years, yet I cannot count the number of times when instant peace and contentment flood my soul when The Lord reveals a piece of his plan. So thankful for all the blessings in my life. donnaeharmon@yahoo.com
A wonderful testimony, Donna!
Sometimes, the trials we go through in life seem to drain us, and we wonder what is going on. It is so important to know that God is and always will be in control. When my husband and I met, I was suffering from Panic attacks that morphed into Agoraphobia. It was, honestly, the worst moment of my life and something I struggled with. I prayed to God, when I realized that due to my condition, I would never have my own family.. I asked him to send me my husband, and to let me know t was him by having that man take my anxiety away. In June 2013, met that man. It has been an AMAZING ten years, I am no longer on Zoloft and while he have suffered many miscarriages, the Lord blessed us with two beautiful boys, when science said it was not possible. (I have MTHFR). So while a situation may seem nothing but heartache, it always gets better. That moment you take a step back and allow yourself to totally and completely trust in God and know he will always take care you, your cares and burdens will just melt away. God is truly good 🙂
Info@Imaginary-Bee.com
Your experiences are an encouragement to all of us, Elizabeth! And your story is so thrilling it makes me feel like writing another book!
I had felt guilty moving my mom into assisted living after she was diagnosed with lung cancer. I brought her over 300 miles from the home she had lived almost 3/4 of her life in. I knew I could not care for her on my own (our girls were in high school). The next 9 months were the best I had ever spent with her. She did thank me for the move before she passed away.
Our girls were able to spend time with her and share some of their activities with her. I am thankful that it worked out the way it did.
Thank you for the chance to win one of your books. I’m looking for to seeing it arrive in my mailbox!
barbarabeers (at) verizon (dot) net
Thank you for your lovely comment, Barbara. I experienced much the same guilt when moving a parent, and the move also turned out to be the best blessing in the world!
Yes, I know God is in Control, such a Blessing to know.
I’d love to be a winner.
God Bless,
Carolyn Jefferson
carolynj63@att.net
Thank you, Carolyn!
Hello
Ok got it. I would like to enter Jbernadt1@windstream.net
Great, you’re entered!
Thank you
Please enter me luvgarf32@bellsouth.net
You are entered!
County fair is over! Now I hope to get into a good book again! That also means catching up on the house after a week of dump and going…..which means dishes….a tea towel would be useful! 🙂 Have a blessed week!
Busy lady! Thanks for entering. I just noticed you didn’t leave me an email address, my way of contacting the winner.
I know God knows what is best for us and he kept you in your house for a reason. Would love to win one of your books.
Thank you for leaving a comment! I also need your email address should you win.
I was born and raised in Minnesota. 5 years ago our home was hit by a huge flood and we needed to move. Through many situations it was clear the Lord was taking us to Pennsylvania. I had read many Amish books and knew I would like that aspect of living in Lancaster county, but I was incredibly sad to leave my home area. I knew God was leading us here, but now as I look back, I realize how much better God’s plan really was and how glad I am that we obeyed. While I will always be a Minnesota girl, I am blessed to live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. And I am thrilled with what God is doing in our lives here.
Thanks. My email is GlamorousLooks[at]live[dot]com
Yours is an amazing story! Thank you!
momtr3@yahoo.com Would like to enter.
You are entered, Bonnie!
Yes I had experiences like that and not ones. The biggest was when I was 25 with 1 year old(who turned 20 today). The only thing I moved from different continent and from beautiful 700 hundred years old city. It was the hardest thing to do. I still miss architecture. But everybody says it changed so much that it better not even see how it looks today. And so many great things happend her. Which I would miss if I never moved here. I guess that’s the God’s will where we should be and live. And whatever happens, happens for the reason. Would love to win.
Janna brs882@yahoo.com
Oh, how wonderful! To move to a different continent and culture would be enormous! Thank you for your comment!
Would love to win! Thanks! Karen in Holmes Co. OH! Millersburg3@gmail.com
You’re entered, Mrs. Miller!
Your post reminded me of a time when God gave us a house I absolutely hated! The move occurred in January…not alot of options. We found one we could afford. Long story short, I have come to realize God didn’t move us there so I could fall in love with the house…but for the wonderful neighbors we had who introduced us to a wonderful Christian school system & helped us grow in our relationship to Him. I will be forever grateful to God…for He had more eternally important things in mind. Besides, doesn’t I Peter remind us we are “aliens & strangers?” Some of us live like we’ll be here forever!
So true, Linda! A very touching and poignant story. Thank you!
oops! email address for Linda is:
lldietz@gmail.com
i had similar experience sold our family ranch-sibling were not getting along knew it was for the best!
Selling the family home is over is difficult, even though my sister and I are best friends, Jackie. Please leave an email address in case I need to contact you.
Seems as of late I am working on one of my major flaws….the one with contentment. I yearn so much for that at times. I think this is perhaps one of the reason I love reading the Amish stories. They feel me with that simple yet content life I am in search of.
Would love to win one of these awesome books.
Cindy
cindybazzy@gmail.com
My dear mother-in-law and I have joked about contentment, an ongoing battle, Cindy, In fact, I dedicated Pennsylvania Patchwork to her.
What a shame the view for your families former home has been spoiled! I would love to be entered into your contest. Thank you 😀
winterrose(at)comcast(dot)net
You are entered, Louise!
dphill7@yahoo.com
As long as they have an email address to reach you, you are entered!
Two years ago I lost my job & subsequently my home. After much prayer & deliberation I knew in my heart that I was to move to the town where my daughter works, instead of retiring to CO where my son lives (retirement to CO had been my dream for many years!). My daughter had an unexpected pregnancy at 40 years of age and needed someone to watch her baby & her 10 year old (after school) while she worked. And they couldn’t afford the $800 a month they would have had to pay for day care. So here I was, living in an apartment (& I definitely do not enjoy apartment living!). However, I do have to say that I love Payson & I love being here for my daughter & my grandsons. They are 11 years & 22 months now. They are the light of my life. And I have learned to be content with wherever God leads.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter your contest. Would be awesome to win.
Mary E
mdegram218@centurylink.net
Oh, my, you took a radical U-turn! You sound like a marvelous mom and grandma, Mary!
Sometimes I am very content like the Amish and other times I definitely appreciate my life as it is now. But I am always happy to learn of their simple life and learn how to uncomplicate mine!
Blessings,
Sonja
Amish friends tell me they struggle with many of the same issues we do, Sonja, so I’ll bet they have times of discontentment also. I too look for ways to simplify my life …
Enjoyed reading your blog, Kate. I have a copy of Leaving Lancaster in my ever growing collection and would be thrilled to add Pennsylvania Patchwork. I have been a resident of PA all of my life and love reading books about the Amish. The adorable towel would be an added bonus. Please accept my entry in this wonderful giveaway. Thank you.
Mary Ellen Ashenfelder / meashy@verizon.net
Thank you for visiting my blog, Mary! I think your Leaving Lancaster needs a companion!
I enjoy reading stories of the Amish. I live in an area where we have many Amish Neighbors. I would love to be entered into your drawing for a either a copy of one of your books or the hanging towel..Thank You!
Cindy LaMay / smiles48624_2@yahoo.com
Thank you, Cindy! You are entered!
i love reading your books.thanks for the chance to win one of your giveaways.debbiemosley44@hotmail.com
Thank you for entering! And I appreciate your encouraging words.
It says in the bible that we are to be separate from the world. So, I can see why the Amish would say to be content and not imitate the world. That’s a good word to take with you in life and seizing the day and asking the Lord, “Not my will, but Your will be done, in my life.”
Amanda M.
whereallthingsbecomenew@gmail.com
An excellent way to live your life, Mandy! Thank you for visiting my blog!
Sometimes it’s hard to think that God is working for our good until we get farther down the road and look back to see it was the best way for us. I love your books. Would love to win.
Thank you for sharing and please enter me in the giveaway.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Isn’t that the truth, Barbara? In His time, not ours.
I have had times like this in my life,but in the end,God always knows what is best for us.Love your books…jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
Thank you, Jackie! I wonder how many of those times slipped right by me unnoticed. Thanks for your kind words about my books.
would love to win really need a new book to read!!!cindyba_1994@verizon.net
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Having moved many time over the years while in a situation of domestic violence, I acquired a sense of discontentment any time I was in a place more than a few months or so. Finally, upon leaving the relationship, even though I had nothing in the way of material things, I had my 6 children and often struggled without a roof over our heads or food was sparce. Yet, I often share with others, the contenment my children and I felt, just being together; knowing we were safe from harm.
Bless you, Cynthia. I’m glad you and your children are in a safe place now.
Yes, when I had to leave Jackson Hole, Wyo. I left such beautiful scenery. I could always see the beautiful TETON mountains, and right beside town was the Snake River. Just a short driving time we were at beautiful Lake Jackson and Jenny Lake and more beautiful of GOD’s beauty. Then moved back to an area where was thing to see but a few trees . But, did love the town because I had lived there when younger and my folks still did. But, no beauty in the scenery. I would really love to win this book. Thanks for the give-away. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
I’ve never been to that fantastic area nor seen the mountains. It sounds as though you and I share a similar story. Thanks for writing!
Many years ago I visited some very dear “adoptive Christian parents” who had taken me under their wings and helped me through many things – anxiety, depression, stress from my first very abusive marriage along with the stress of raising 4 sons by myself. They lived in PA and took me to church with them and through some Amish Country which was near where they lived. It was so peaceful and while staying with them I could just feel the peace of God radiate in that house and all around me. God was still in control even through everything I went through. I thank Him for sending me to that wonderful couple (“adoptive parents”). I know without a doubt that He sent that couple to me that one Sunday Morning.
Please enter me this contest. judyfritz@yahoo.com
Thank you very much for relating your beautiful experience.
To be completely honest, I’m having a hard time with this one right now. My late husband and I had our dreams all worked out – retiring to our beach house (with a beautiful view). He had retired and was waiting for me to finish teaching. Well, my dreams disappeared almost 4 years ago when my husband suddenly died. So far, things have not worked out, although I am still trusting God to see me thru this awful pain. Hopefully, one day I will be able to answer this question differently.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
To be completely honest, there are a few areas in my life that I struggle with contentment also. I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband. May you find comfort during this time of grief.
Tell the owners of your parents’ house to build a perch on top of the house so they can have a view. That’s what we had planned to do to our beach house………now my late husband has a view of God’s house every day!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
I am tempted to go over for one more look around, but keep delaying …
I am entering Mary K and know how to contact her!
I have been very sad, since my husband died–over 3 years ago, but I do have faith and trust in God that He knew best and that He is working everything out for my own good and for the good of everyone concerned.
may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com
Kay, my heart goes out to you. But it looks like you’ve placed your trust in the right One.
A year ago, my husband and I felt the Lord leading us to leave CA to Ohio to help our Pastor start a new church plant. While we were leaving with my parents…waiting for job openings and saving money. Every job I put in turned out in some type of rejection(well, it felt like a rejection)….it was not God’s will for us to move to Ohio. We are trusting and having faith in God to direct us to where He wants us to go. This past year, has been a test of patience and learning to lean on God in all things. If I had to do it over again….I would! Growing hurts, but when you see the results from growth…it is awesome!
strgth4yu(at)Hotmail(dot)com
May I quote you, Linda? “Growing hurts, but when you see the results from growth…it is awesome!” Exactly!
lovely blog post. would love to win the books and tea towel.
thanks, Rhonda
nashhall@aol.com
Thank you, Rhonda!
Though the view is somewhat gone, I’m sure the pruner’s memories and the love of the house you once made memories in will always be in both your hearts. Life goes on and God guides us in many different ways to live our lives in the best way we can.
So true, Bobbe. That spectacular view is more than somewhat gone. And the loss is inadvertently a blessing to me.