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.
Please, please pick me. Amen!!!!
farley13@comcast.net
You are entered, Karen!
My dream has always been to live somewhere with an oceanfront view (a log cabin on a mountain top overlooking the ocean would have been even better). Never was able to afford it, but now that I am retired – I have time to “visit” the ocean whenever I want(that is, if I can find anyone to travel the hundreds of miles with me). Life is never perfect – I am content knowing the Lord is providing for my needs.
Would love to read the book – thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
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You sound content, a wonderful encouragement to me!
Yes, I have had that where I doubted my decision or thought I had made the wrong one and then in the end it was the biggest/best blessing I could have ever had. It all worked out perfectly! God does know what is best for us. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
lattebooks at hotmail dot com
Thank you, Susan, you’re right! It’s hard letting go of the reins …
Please enter me in this drawing for these books and tea towel. I love to read about the Amish. I also enjoy reading your blog!
d.brookmyer@yahoo.com / Donna
You are entered! Thank you for visiting my blog.
My immediate family and I moved out to Seattle 10 years ago, and we left my entire family back in Indiana. I was frightened of how things would work out, but God is good, and things have worked better than we could have possibly hoped! I hope my entry works this time, right Kate? 😉
Mallory
seagirl_98@hotmail.com
Your entry worked and it’s a good one! Glad to hear you’re happy living in Seattle!
Please add me to your contest, I began reading the Amish books when I had my left knee replacement last year and haven’t stopped since. I cannot find anything better and uplifting to the soul and spirit as to read of the simpler life -although they work far harder than so many I know here in the English lifestyle. I have a very deep admiration for the Amish whether plain or more advanced. I recently met a wonderful Mennonite lady whom is now a pen pal and we share ideas and recipes and our faith. Bless you all and even if I never win a free book I won’t stop buying and reading them. Sincerely Barb Pitcock
I agree, there are few books I’d rather read! And you’re right about their work ethic. I have seen Amish men and their teams of draft horses in the fields after sunset … particularly just before Hurricane Sandy.
makes me think back at the cruise my mom and sisters took sitting on the balcony watching the sunset over the ocean it was so beautiful im glad i have that wonderful memory now that mom is with God now i would love to win this set kimingam46@yahoo.com and mrs. Kate i learned how to send a comment i hade to set up a blog.
Thanks, Kimmie, what wonderful memories!
I thought at one time that I was being called to teach in my classroom. I accepted a first grade position in a new district, left my ed tech position that I had held for 12 years in my former district and taught for that one year. In March I found out I was not being renewed. At first I was devastated, but after much prayer and being unemployed for a year I went back to being an ed tech in another district and have now been there two full years. I start my third year in two weeks. I love this job and found out I am not cut out for my own classroom!
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Yours is a great story, Linda! Thank you for leaving your comment.
Kate I just found your blog and Facebook page. I’m really looking forward to reading your books.
Nancy Hart
jnhart@sbcglobal.net
Thank you, Nancy! You are officially entered.
Kate, this is a lovely piece and it truly expresses to me how things change, and time moves us, and we change our thoughts about things. I felt very much what you felt when I saw the new and permanently obstructed view, but it wasn’t until we speoke about it and I read your piece that I saw the good side of this atrocious ‘progress’ to our wonderful childhood home and neighborhood. In a funny sort of way you have helped me move on, too. I thank you for that my dear sister. Love to you, Margaret
Thank you, Margaret!
Loved it Kate,
I understand when I got sick with a neuromuscular disease and was in a wheelchair I learned that God has us right where we are suppose to be and knowing that gives you peace and contentment. Boy was I surprised and thankful when God,.after 9 yrs in the chair told me to walk and I have been for 3 yrs now. So like the poem I wrote while in my chair Right here Right now right where I’m suppose to be living the life God has for me and oh how that has set me free, just a small part of the poem but that is how it is. Glad for you and your view. Love to win God Bless
Deb lhxp73@yahoo.com
You have an amazing story/testimony to share, Deb! Thank you for your enlightening comment.
We never know what God has in store for us in life. Sometimes I think we miss our blessings because we wanted things to work out differently than Gods plan. Thankful for all my blessings. Love reading the Amish books. Would love to win your contest. Thanks and God Bless.
So true, Donna, like tripping over dollars to pick up the pennies, as they say. Thanks for writing!
I would like to enter your contest. Thanks for offering us this opportunity. My e mail address is
bjphillips3170(at)gmail(dot)com
Consider yourself entered!
Wow, you areva popular author with all the entries above. I would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity.
Monique Wood
Mosbe@aol.com
Thank you for visiting my blog and entering!
I love reading inspirational books. Makes me feel hopeful. Please enter me at
trichie(at)windstream(dot)net
You are entered, Trichie!
So glad you found some contentment Kate. That is difficult in today’s world.
colleen.bartell@gmail.com
Please enter me. Love your books. Thank you and God Bless
Amber Horton
amber_horton@yahoo.com
Thank you for entering!
I was laid off in June after 12 years working with the health department (70 hrs every 2 weeks). I knew I was supposed to move, however, my timing is not God’s timing and it is a difficult thing. In the meantime, my part time job increased my days from two days a week (I was working 7 days a week when I had both jobs) to 4 days a week. I work 72 hours every two weeks now and it covers the bills. Because I did not move and I now have M-W off, I was able to enroll for my 2nd semester of college with DAY classes! Never thought I’d be able to take classes during the day.
How wonderful, Deb, that you are enrolled in college taking day classes! Hang in there!
I was sitting at my desk praying that God would let personnel call me & tell me my retirement had been approved. Before I could end the prayer and say “amen” my work phone rang. “Congratulations Mrs. Moore, your retirement has been approved.” I answered with “Praise the Lord, you just answered my prayer”. She said what & I repeated the first 2 sentences. She said she had never had that response before. My osteo-artheritis was to the point each day at work was painful. I dreaded getting out of bed and making the effort to go to work. The people were great, we had a Christian office and we were family. Have I regretted retiring – not for one day.
I read Pennsylvania Patchwork and loved it. I have left reviews & hope you can find them. If I win, I would love “Leaving Lancaster” as I can’t remember if I’ve read it or not. Thank you & have a blessed weekend everyone.
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How fabulous, Pat! Guess He was one step ahead of you. I hope your pain is lessening with a stress-free day. Thank you very much for leaving reviews on Pennsylvania Patchwork. I’m pleased to hear you enjoyed it!
PLEASE enter me ami2late65@yahoo.com
LORI DeBusk
You are entered!
Our God does wondrous things and HE knows what is best for us. Just like he knew that one day there would be houses there to block the view. God is in control. We may not realize it today, tomorrow, or next week…..but He knows what he has in store for us. We just have to slow down enough and listen so that we can hear him.
Anonymous – Robin
That is certainly the lesson I learned. Please write back and leave your email address so I can contact you should you win.
My best friend and I of 30 plus years have grown children that have fallen upon hard times..So being the loving moms that we are..we each gave our children our homes to live in and we in turn moved in together in our own new home. It has been a struggle and sometimes very different from what we are both used to.. But for the grace of God, He is providing and nurturing and honing us into a deeper relationship with Him. As a avid reader of all things Amish, I find it a wonderful way to live in a simpler and gentle time. Thank You for your books and God Bless!!! lindylu54@gmail.com
You two women are amazing and have my admiration! Oh, no, now I want to write another book …
Have not read your book, but am so looking forward to it! Hope to win!
I can enter you if you leave an email address. You can still remain anonymous, But I have to be able to reach the winner.
In His timing….I His hands….and always under His control. Sometimes we just need to surrender that control and just sit back and enjoy the small things that come along. Enjoy your books…they are always such a blessing.
Lynn Mahoney
dm20mom@Aol.com
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoy my books and the small things!
I can’t conjure up anything specific to share, but I have learned through the years that I shouldn’t get upset over all the things I dislike or worry about all the “what ifs”. It’s better if I give them to God and go on with living. Usually I realize later that I didn’t need to worry or fret at all because in the end it all worked out.
Kathy Faberge
finulhour@sbcglobal.net
I’ve had to relearn that lesson a few times myself, Kathy. Thanks for writing!
I grew up in a large city, my folks were both country folk and I am not sure what made them relocate us to the city. As an adult I lived in suburbia and always enjoyed it. Now I live in the country, and cannot think of any other place I would rather be! I go back home for visits and get so flustered with all the traffic and people rushing about to get where? When I come back home I am more at peace with all that is around me. We have chickens, goats and our garden out in the middle of nowhere and I LOVE it!
Susan Cravatt
susancravatt@yahoo.com
Your life sounds wonderful! At times, I feel hemmed in, surrounded by other houses and with cars zooming past. Hurry, hurry, hurry. Well, that’s why I need to visit Lancaster County … at the end of tourist season.
Please, enter me in the giveaway! Thank you, Penny westfall1982@yahoo.com
You are entered!
I would love to enter to win. I have not read stories about the Amish and would enjoy adding that to my reading.
Thank You, Nancy Sulzynski
jdnes7@yahoo.com
Consider yourself officially entered! Thank you for visiting my blog.
I love my mountains. I do miss my family in Pa, but wouldn’t change living here for the world. I have read so many Amish books I keep looking for more for my kindle. I love the hard copy as well as the ebooks. I cant wait to read both of these.
Guess you need my email too LOL
tedinger4given@gmail.com
Thank you, Terri, for leaving a comment! Your mountains sounded grand!
Enjoyed your post! It’s worth it to cultivate what God’s Word says,
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11
We can have contentment no matter what is going on in our lives if we trust that God has gone before us! : )
Please enter me in your giveaway. I thoroughly enjoy your books.
Thanks!
Carol
Very true, Carol, some of the least content people I know have had the most … on the outside, anyway.
About 26 yrs ago, my husband was downsized and we ended up having to move 600 miles away from family and friends for his new job. We left a very small town in the middle of nowhere to live outside a city of 100,000. At the time our kids were 8 yr and 12 yrs old. Because of our move, they were able to attend prestigious universities,get their degrees, and have careers that they love. They have met and married wonderful spouses and given us 3 (so far) wonderful grandchildren. I’m not sure what would have become of them if we stayed in our little town.
I’d love to win one of your books. Thanks for the opportunity.
A very heartwarming story, Sandra! Thank you for leaving your comment.
Here is my e-mail address:
kaczmom@gmail.com
Kate,
I really enjoyed reading your blog today. Many times people wish for what others have and take for granted what they have been given. If they would take a step back and realize that so many people have great hardships, they would appreciate what they have and be content. It seems like everyone is always wishing for more instead of truly appreciating what they have. I’m sure I would be heartbroken if that beautiful view was obstructed from my house, too! My email address is jociadam@hotmail.com I just got “Leaving Lancaster” and started reading it today. I’m enjoying it already and can’t wait to read “Pennsylvania Patchwork”.
Have a great day and weekend!
Thank you, Cynthia! Good to hear you’re enjoying Leaving Lancaster! An example of obstructed view in the mirror: I always wanted straight hair like my sister; it sure feels good to finally appreciate it.
I am so thrilled to find yet another author to read. I am hoping to read my first books from your writing soon. I have heard great things about it! My email is BucciHomeSchool@yahoo.com. Thanks for the chance to win. Best of luck to everyone!
Thanks so much for entering, Keri!
Sometimes the best blessings are unanswered prayers. God puts us where we are supposed to be often not where we want. I know God is taking care of me so now I have learner to relax and enjoy the ride and the blessings. Loved your book leaving Lancaster blbeing from Pa I can relate. I would love. To win Pennsylvania Patchwork. Be blessed and thanks for the contest. VICTORIA Concepcion. Vcprincess@comcast.net
Thank you, I appreciate your kind words about Leaving Lancaster! Thank you for entering!
Your a new author to me and i like what i read,cant wait to read your books, sure would love tobe the winner thanks
Shirley B
Thanks for entering, Shirley. I need an email address in case I need to contact you.
Sorry my email is jcisforme@aol.com i would sure love to win
Shirley B
Would love to win! Thank You =)
With God in control there will be perfect contentment.
Deb Hardt
hardt09@comcast.net
Thank you! Too bad I’m also blessed with free will …
Long story short–Several years ago, I had to move away from my mom & my hometown which was devastating, then my step-dad died leaving my mom alone and me very far away…with God in control, guiding my path what looked hopeless became a much sweeter, closer relationship with my precious mom. Still far away but phone calls and trips back to visit quite often keep us connected. God truly worked out the impossible…Thanks for the opportunity to win…Linda
dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com
Thanks, Linda, for sharing your story of how God worked out the impossible!
I sometimes wonder about all the decisions we made in our life and how different our life would be. I know God was in control, but I wonder if we with our free will, made decisions counteractive to His plans for us. It is so hard to know what to do sometimes. eksj@msn.com
I’m sure I have many times, even after becoming a Christian in midlife. Thank you for your comment and for entering the contest!
I enjoyed reading this. Recently I saw parts of a bible study video series, about when the Israelites got into the promised land. Each family or extended family got a section, and it was “just enough” with an olive tree, grapes, etc. Not an overabundance, but enough! God is good, and our purpose in life is not happiness, but a relationship with Him and bringing others to a relationship with Jesus. The happiness comes when he provides “just enough” and we are content with it–you still have your memories of the “view” and nobody can block that!
Blessings,
Mary
marydevey2@verizon.net
Oh, that is such a great illustration! Thank you!
I would sure love to win one of your books, which look really great. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for entering!
I would love to win. thanks for the opportunity. Sharma Darby
Thank you for entering, Sharma!
God certainly gives us blessing in so many different ways, so times in the touch of a hand, a smile, a hug, or words from someone.
Would love to win your contest. Have a wonderful and sparkly day.
Thanks, Deborah, for taking the time to comment! Yes, too late for this contest, but more around the corner …
is it to late to enter…just wanted to say yes I see the house I grow up in everyday. had a chance to buy it a few years ago for a song….but husband didn’t want to…..I would hate the view to be obstructed….someday it’d be awesome to get it back…but probably will never happen….just as long as someone loves it like I did. vrush729@aol.com
Thanks for writing, Virginia! Yes this contest is over, but I will have more.
I have been reading so many posts on how God had his hand in and over so many situations. Yes God is Good. I retired one year ago it was not by choice, the school district cut the technology department by 50%. GOD does have a plan, I have spent the last year taking care of my husband over the last 8 months with 2 surgeries and 1 hospitalization. I could not have worked with all his health problems. Now we have learned his retirement will possible be cut by 110%. I am very anxious about this and about what our future holds (would mean relocating and living cheaper). I have given this to GOD. I would love to enter your contest. Thank you patinsanger@yahoo.com