Friday, November 1, 2013

Fall enters softly as the Welcomed Raindrops

Fall 2013 comes sweetly over our very precious little valley and hillside.
Open your doors to a morning touched by dew and destiny through the eyes of the GateWay.

 The little bur oaks we planted have offered a few acorns this year, and we are in hopes of more next year as they send their roots deep into this porous soil.
 The sunsets on days offering rain are spectacular... Texas skies are incomparable in our view.
 Lantana will always attract the swallowtails just before the monarchs migrate through.
 Cattle in the grassy valley will always be one of our greatest indicators of truth when it comes to storms over the area. Our one little longhorn is glad to have the company of 44 Farm's young heifers for a while before they are all moved to a more lush field across the way.
 Horsemint is one of our favorite end of season beauties. They send their purple spires Heavenward as if royally praising the ONE WHO gives these latter rains always available here from September through October. We do thank the Father from Whom all good and perfect gifts are given.
 The bounty offered here is not only that of a tangible quality... more often than not it is the kind that no amount of money could buy. It is the peace that comes from hearts settled on truth and absolutely sure of the place one holds in the scheme of the universe. The identity of the ONE WHO made all things and called them "good". 

May you know and feel the richness of the season.
May you be blessed as the season of Thanksgiving and Nativity touch your soul with Peace that passes understanding of these often chaotic times in which we are living. The true meaning of "peace" is "the authority to come against the one who creates chaos"... 
May you know that you know that you know.... exactly who you are and what is TRUTH.
Shalom friends and yet to be friends.


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Spring of 2013 Jehovah Jireh

Texas is hot again this spring, but not as hot as the past 4. We thank YOU Jesus for Your abundant provision for this land that we call home.

 We've had wedding parties, business trippers, and graduation families at our homes. What a welcome group each one has been. It seems that weekend of the Western Heritage, all three college graduations and then all the other things added in make it difficult for people to find lodging. Once again, the LORD set up the ones who were here at our homes. What joy each was! 
 We had a community couple get married this month and the bridesmaids stayed in the 2 bedroom on some of the most crazy weather nights of the season... I suppose the OK tornadoes as well as the Gandbury one have us a little extra cautious. Luckily it was clear that one of those bridesmaids had a savvy mind when it came to preparations. Hence... no worries for me. 
 In spite of the heat and lack of water, the poppies and the purple verbena still made a show for our people. We are always grateful for the color up on the hillside. 
 Lord, may I never take for granted any thing You allow in our life. I know that one of the greatest gifts You allow is TIME.... we thank YOU for the time that you give to each of our guests and we ask that You let them take some of the peace You grant here back to their homes. 
 As the times we live in are changing so rapidly, we ask that You make us aware of the seasons and give us grace and discernment to be the people You call us to be. We ask blessings over those who have walked our hillsides and that Your providence follow them as they leave our hillsides.
Just as the unexpected wheat sprang up from under the oaks signified to me that it is YOU WHO make the plans and provide for our needs, make us aware of each moment and each treasure that may go unnoticed if not for Your impetus to our vision. Thank You Father.....
AND...
Thank you to each of you who have prayed as you were here in our cottages. 
So often the guest book reflects the truth that was spoken from the beginnings of GateWay GetaWay...
THERE TRULY IS PEACE IN THIS PLACE....
thank you for praying for it's continuance.
Grace and peace to all who read these words and see our cottages.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

The New Offices for our guys business are finished!
Across the street from the cottages there should always be someone available:)
 Our first neighbor gathering at the offices for Providence and GateWay turned out to be a great and warm success. Men in the kitchen and women in the living room while children played all over the offices. Next year, again will be at the cottages, but this year we needed the blessing of our neighbors in our new space. Thank YOU ALL! God is so gracious to us with you who live, work, and play around and with us.
 Father God may we always know the there is only one "fear" that is ok with You. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding. May we here in the GateWay always reflect Your Light so that the city on a hill will be visible to ONLY those You allow in our path. 
 Perfect February day for a group wanting to take pictures for brochures... Yes... we do many things besides just host you, our wonderful guests, family and new friends. Picnics, reunions, meet in the middle rendezvous with couples wanting a short getaWay (heheheh)... we can do it!

But mostly, it is
SANCTUARY
SOLACE
SOLITUDE
SERENITY
and
SWEET REST
in the LORD...
These are the draws that we find from those who find our place.
May it always be so! Thank You Jesus!