One year after my husband and I were married

"One year after my husband and I were married, we bought a home on a beautiful lake with an island in the middle. When we moved into our house, our realtor had a poinsettia on the fireplace to welcome us to our new home. We felt it was such a warm and friendly way to be greeted into our first home.

The poinsettia brought tears to my eyes as I thought, “Good things are starting to happen to me!” Ever since, my home life has been stable and secure. We have been happily married for twenty-seven years this November." 'Opening the Envelope' found on Amazon.com

One of my favorite places in my house is in my breakfast nook adjoining the kitchen where there are windows overlooking our lake that has an island. The lake is shared by others in our neighborhood. Recently, our neighbor purchased 2 beautiful swans. As I look upon the lake, my eyes scan the lake for our beautiful swans. The swans have cleaned up our neighborhood. They discourage the Canadian geese from dwelling in and around our lake. The geese were very messy, making our yards and sidewalks a mess. The swans peacefully glide across the placid lake. Currently, I have been sad and melancholic over past circumstances. Now when I gaze across our lake, looking for the beautiful swans, they bring hope for a bright future. This picturesque space brings light and love into my heart. It also reminds me that my life is a work in progress. God gives us His awesome creation to remind us we are not alone. I am not yet where I ought to be. Through God's amazing grace and transforming power, God is shaping me into what He wants me to become.