Feel led today to just update you on what the Lord has been doing in our lives. As you know, we have moved to Pasadena, Ca because my husband took a job here in November. We have been here for two months which on some days, have felt like 2 years and some days, has felt like 2 weeks. We came, knowing that we had spent many hours in prayer about this. We knew that just because we were leaving under God’s direction, that there would be times that we would experience lonliness, sadness for friends and family not being close by, sadness for not knowing anyone and no one knowing us. There would be days when we just wanted to see a familiar face, or having someone know who we were, really. At our age, that process of building history and memories is harder than when you are younger and have children to bond you to other couples or events that bring you close to other people. Knowing this, it was only in trusting in God and knowing that He truly was leading us to a new place, that we are now, in California. We have experienced all of the above, but not only that, we have experienced God in a whole new way. We prayed that He would lead us to a Sunday school class where we would feel loved and welcomed, and that’s exactly what happened. The first Sunday we walked in to the Disciples class, everyone, not just a couple, but everyone came over to us and some hugged on us and then took us around and introduced us to everyone there. They immediately told us about the class party that was going to be held last Sat night and we went. We had a great time and in so doing, meet a lady who was not at class that week. She has since invited me to a ladies Bible study on Thurs mornings and is meeting me there to introduce me to the teacher. We are living in a place where we have meet all 5 of our neighbors and have already been invited in to two of their homes for a little get together. Today, I have been invited to a new friends house for dessert and to play Mexican Dominoes with 3 other ladies. All of this has been such a blessing. That God, in His infinte wisdom knew exactly what we needed. We are adjusting well to California and although we miss everyone so very much, we also are excited to see how God is going to use us here. We might not know many people and people might not “really” know us, but God does and that is what we give praise for today!

Is this the best comfort sounding food or what? We did not get to cook these last night, as we had to leave the house early for a Bible study, so am making them later on in the week. Will be sure to post the recipe when I do…

Last night, watching Diner, Dives and Drivein’s we watched a restaurant owner cook stuffed pork chops. They looked amazing. So am going to try to make them. If they turn out, I will post the recipe I use. They didn’t of course give out the exact recipe, but told us the ingredients, so am headed to the store to buy the necessary items to make them.
Also, on this same show, they showed a lady who fried her chicken in a mixture of oil and butter, after marinating the chicken for 24 hours, so I have to try that also. Will post this tomorrow after cooking it tonight.

The middle of a new week and once again, God is showing me how faithful He is. When moving here, I didn’t know anyone and yet, God in His infinite love and wisdom knew exactly what to give me; friends. Last week, a lady who I had never met, only through Face Book, being told to contact her through another friend, and I had lunch. What a precious Christian lady who I knew immediately, she was God’s gift to me. The conversation just flowed. We had so much in common, even our husbands share the same name, Randy. We laughed and talked for 3 hours. We talked about our kids and grandkids, our husbands, our faith, our friends and both of us felt like we had known each other for years. It really touched my heart to know that God was looking down and had blessed my life with such a sweet lady who I can laugh with, pray with and explore this new area. She assured me that even though she doesn’t cook a lot, she loves to eat, so I told her that would be perfect. I can bake and she and her husband can be the recipients of what I bake. So now I’m off to another new adventure with Shirley, who we met in Sunday School. She is from Louisiana and has been here a year. We keep being amazed at the gifts that God is bestowing on us, and yet, why do we continue to be surprised. He tells us that He is faithful to give us what we need, if we will only trust Him. Sometimes, isn’t it easier to trust Him in big things, but a little harder to give him the everyday “needs”? This should be a reminder to myself that He cares for me and for you, no matter the need, big or small. He is a most wonderful and awesome God!