I have a story to tell and something new to reveal, so come with me on a walk through my neighborhood.
I begin my walk out the gravel drive of our lakeside home in search of Shades of Green.
As much as I thrill to the riotous color of spring and summer blooms I am soothed by the many shades of green found in nature.
Green signifies new life, new beginnings.
Have you ever heard of taking a prayer walk? I’ve been doing a lot of praying lately as I’ve been seeking God’s will in our lives.
There are many shades of green along our rutted gravel road, once lined with old fishing cottages . . .
. . . like this tiny log cabin with it’s “living” roof . . .
. . . or the verdant grass in the yard of this vacant summer cottage.
Golden greens glowing with sunshine.
Woodland greenery sprouting up from an old log.
The shiny leaves of an Oregon Grape.
Snowballs tumbling over an old fence.
Then off our “country” road into the paved suburban neighborhood that surrounds us, where my camera finds a beauty less wild.
As I walk I talk to God and thank Him for this place He has given me to call home.
I have loved living beside our peaceful lake. Our home is not large but it more than I could’ve ever hoped for.
If you’ve seen Our Story you’ll know that it is more than we ever deserved.
Now we’ve been called to a new place which I shared about in my post Life Interrupted.
OH, you just have to see the pictures!
We’ve been called to a place far, FAR away!
I finish my circle through the neighborhood and end up back at my house where I capture the view from the top of my driveway . . . ancient evergreen trees against the backdrop of a misty Mount Rainier.
My own grass so green (this time of year) as my camera peeks through the side path down to the lake.
The path to my front door is filled with shades of green, so fresh in morning’s light.
Haha! Even the fountain is beginning to turn a little green!
I’ve loved this old . . . OLD apple tree which has only once born fruit in the time we’ve been here,
but has been a haven for the birds that Mr. OTN loves to watch.
Green so beautiful after the rain.
Home again, at least for a few more months. Then the long trek across the country to Greenville, South Carolina.
Yes, I will be sad to leave this place I’ve called home. But something about the name of the city that will be our new hometown leads me to believe that my camera and I will be spending a lot of time together as we settle in.
Excitement mixed with sadness but no fear of what is in store for us.
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?” – Isaiah 43:18-19
When the Lord asks, “Shall you not know it?” He is saying, “Do you want to open yourself to My new thing? Are you willing to embrace it?” (Link to full article HERE)
What about you? ARE YOU being called to a new thing? If so, I’m excited for you too!
Blessings to you,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
Su says
May 13, 2014 at 10:37 amBeautiful photos!
Shelly says
May 13, 2014 at 10:49 amI am soi excited for you, Patti! I recognized the familiar signs in your last posting. So this posting comes as no surprise to me. Beautiful pictures and a very nice wire up! God is going to bless you beyond what you can dream of imagine!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
May 13, 2014 at 11:18 amI’m sure it is exciting and sad at the same time, Patti. When we moved for my husband’s job I made myself keep on the positive side of thinking, even though we were leaving our son and other family behind. I wish you all the best as you prepare for this move to a new area. It can be fun! A new adventure and experiences, and a new home to make your own.
Pat says
May 13, 2014 at 6:24 pmPatti,
AMAZING news combined with amazing photos, dear friend!!!
Let the packing begin!!!
We made the move to this side of the Praire
just a bit over 12 years ago. . .and it has made all the difference in the world!
Keep us informed inthe process along the way!
Fondly,
Pat
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles says
May 13, 2014 at 6:30 pmBeautiful photos, Patti. I can understand being reluctant to leave such a beautiful place. I look forward to meeting you as we both make that move of faith to SC. 🙂
Sharon H says
May 14, 2014 at 9:00 amGorgeous photos that depict the love in your heart, Patti. I “knew” you’d be going….and I also “know” that it is going to be okay, because as long as we are in His Will, everything will be okay, even when we don’t know what okay is!
Blessings to you,
Sharon
Romans 8:28
Rachel Kathyg @ onlinesisterhood says
May 15, 2014 at 9:53 amDear Patti, found you at imparting grace linky this morning. So glad I did. Following you now. I am from Eastern WA (where my sister and family still live). The verse you shared in Isaiah is one I read often. I understand about moving—My husband and 3 little kiddos, 7 and under-moved to Brazil temporarily because my husband’s father has Alzheimer’s. It has certainly been an adjustment. But we are trusting God and waiting for the time when we can come home:) Have a wonderful week.
Lisa @ Lisas Creative Designs says
May 18, 2014 at 12:54 pmLovely pictures! I love being around nature. It can be so peaceful. The living roof is really neat!
Jann Olson says
May 20, 2014 at 7:44 pmPatti, green is such a soothing color! I love moss growing on trunks of trees and the living roof is amazing! You have a gorgeous collection of hostas and ferns. They are among my favorites! I have heard of a prayer walk. We have had our youth groups do them white a camp. I always feel so close to God when in nature. I am excited for your new adventure! I know that you will find a wonderful place to call home and you’ll have so much fun making it your own! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Jane O says
May 21, 2014 at 7:04 amOh how I love the shade of this post!
http://www.minnesotajunker.blogspot.com
Kathy says
May 21, 2014 at 1:42 pmYou live in a beautiful, enchanting area – gorgeous photos! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
Cindy says
May 27, 2014 at 8:09 amGorgeous photos!!! You’ll be heading to our neighboring state, SC is beautiful too. Praying many blessings as you transition. Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY…
Blessings,
Cindy
Jeanette @ Creating a Life says
May 27, 2014 at 10:01 pmI’m a little late seeing this, but your photos are absolutely magical, Patti. It’s so bittersweet to leave something you love for something you hope you’ll love. Well, I know you’re following God’s will, so you WILL love it! : )
Thanks for taking us on this beautiful photo walk with you!