October 19, Tuesday - 9:50 p.m.

It is hard to believe that exactly seven months ago today our home burned down.

"God is concerned with growing us up, stretching us, humbling us, accomplishing a deeper work within us. He can do it through illness, through failure, through disappointment. He can do it through unexpected hardship... God uses such times in our lives to accomplish His greater purposes, to prepare us for a work we simply cannot see from our ant-like perspective. The best we can ever have will come from the hand of God - as we follow hard after Him.

Perhaps you are saying, 'I find it hard not to worry about tomorrow. I struggle to enjoy the moment in the midst of its difficulties.' Sometimes life is exceedingly hard; and we have been hit so hard by life that it is difficult to move forward without looking for the next hit. The hardships of life can destroy our ability to trust. If we have a perspective on the big picture, then it's much easier to take life one day at a time. It's much easier to have hope. But if we have lost perspective, we begin to lose hope.

Ahead of us will be hardships, unexpected turns, and setbacks. That is the nature of life. If you are in one of those dark, unexplainable times, cling to this. Look for the roses, for they will come from His hand.

~Life is hard...but God is Good.

~Life is unpredictable...but God is Sovereign.

~Life is unfair...but God is Just.

~Life is short...but God is Eternal.

~from Choices by Mary Farrar

Siding continues.

Mr. Carl uses Kenton's help to put up the frame for the corner window.

The octogon window is framed in the large gable.

Mr. Steve paints a color sample onto the side of the house to assist us in the decision process. Making quick decisions is not our forte, as patient Mr. Carl can confirm.

When a lift was rented for the day, Roger and Duncan were able to accomplish many high-altitude jobs.

One of the tasks was to cover the metal strips with wood trim.

The view from the lift was a sight to behold.

Kenton waited on the ground to tie siding or trim to a rope which was then used to hoist the needed items to Roger up above.

Thanks to Roger the kids had a chance to ride on the lift before it was returned.

Wendy's birthday was celebrated recently with this charming gang of friends and family.

Although the cake said "29", everyone knew better.

Niece Elsie, who also celebrated a birthday this week, gave a beautiful gift of roses.

Doug worked feverishly to meet the extended tax deadline on October 15th. Thankfully the charred tax papers which were found in the burned filing cabinet were sufficiently decipherable to use in the filing process. And though some of our records were burned beyond recognition, most were salvagable.

Installing the octogon window and the remaining windows on the front of the house.

The temporary doors are put in the doorways and the garage door installed. Now with the exception of one window the house is totally enclosed in time for winter.

The support beams for the temporary shelter are finally taken down.