VACATION - NOT

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts. to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  Colossians 3:15

By the first of March we were getting all excited about our trip to California to visit our son, Roger.
We already had our plane tickets scheduled for March 17th and were beginning to plan our itinerary while there. At this end there were many things to keep us busy until our departure including subbing, hosting our church's evangelist, working on a painting, and helping to organize a Lenten breakfast hosted by our church. This event was held on Wednesday, March 11th, and the following day Gail began to come down with flu like symptoms. By Sunday she was feeling so bad that she called the doctor who prescribed some medication in hopes that Gail would feel better. However, after taking the medication, she not only continued with coughing and congestion but developed intestinal issues as well. With the plane flight less than 36 hours away Paul suggested that she stop taking the medication in hopes that things would settle down.

On Tuesday, March 17th we flew to San Francisco by way of Seattle and met our son in sunny California. But, even with the sun and 80 degree temperatures Gail's illness progressively got worse. By Thursday we found ourselves in the emergency room trying to get some answers as to what could be done to relieve the illness. She was given some medication which she reacted to adversely. So, by Saturday we were back at the emergency room still trying to get some answers. A strong antibiotic was prescribed which only made matters worse. By Monday we were back at the emergency room was completely packed with at least 80 people. We waited almost six hours and finally after 10:00 p.m. we decided to leave without seeing a doctor. There was a real dilemma as our flight was scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th. No way was Gail able to fly on that date. Our only solution was to call our daughter Christiane who frequently flies Delta Airlines, which was the airline we were flying. She had a special phone number she was able to call and with very little trouble she was able to change our tickets to a direct flight on Saturday, March 28th. Even better than that, she was able to do it at no charge. Fortunately, Gail was able to fly home on that date and was so glad to be home. Christiane suggested that a wheelchair be available at both airports for Gail's convenience because she was too weak to walk any distance. That was truly a blessing.

Many times in life things don't turn out as you have planned them. This was one of those times that all the activities that we had planned during our stay were scrapped, and we basically spend the entire time in Roger's townhouse. The weather was spectacular as the sun shined everyday with the temperature in the 80s. Roger was truly a saint during this entire time as he never complained or made any indication of his disappointment. He had even taken the entire week off from work just to spend time doing things with us. It was not in the plans to visit the emergency room three times. We keep wondering why God allowed all of this to happen, but we just have to trust and to believe that He is able to bring good from all things.

We were hoping to have several beautiful pictures of California to show with our blog but this is the best we can do.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

WAITING

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
                                                                                                                          I Thessalonians 4:16-18


Already, in spite of the piles of snow, there are reports of a robin sighting here and there. Those that have returned are probably wondering if they made a mistake and should head back south. There's no way they can get through the snow to find any food so they must rely on the bird feeders to help carry them over until the snow melts. However, realizing robins are beginning to return and listening to the chorus of birds in the morning makes us anticipate that spring is just round the corner. We've heard people more than ever say that they are anxious for spring to come especially when we understand that this past February was the coldest on record.

Robin on a warm spring day

 

There are definitely signs that clue us in on the ushering in of spring. Gail often says she can smell spring in the air. Of course, the sighting of robins and the daffodils and crocuses poking their green stems out of the ground on the south side of the house foretell that spring is at hand. The Bible gives us very clear clues as to the soon return of Christ. There are several places in the New Testament that describe the things that will take place just before our Savior comes back. As we eagerly await the coming of spring we as Christians anticipate Christ's return.  It is imperative that we are ready because we don't know the day or time this will take place.

Daffodils and crosuses poking their heads through the snow

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny