I thought I would write more once I got settled in Colorado, but find that time goes by and suddenly, I’ve been here two weeks! I am enjoying being with my friends, and so very thankful for them. I have a lovely room that gets lots of bright warm sunlight in the daytime, and is cozy at night, despite the chill nights. Guay my cat is adjusting to the change, and finds the lace interesting. He moves from sun spot to sun spot, enjoying laying in the sun, while I work at the computer, read, or visit with Layla and Jon.

This is a strange state of affairs. I feel, in one sense, in limbo, neither here nor there. I miss people in Michigan, and even some aspects of Michigan itself (though not Michigan weather), I am enjoying meeting new people in Colorado, the weather is wonderful, and the view – pure majesty – reminding me of the Psalms, “The mountains declare the glory of God.”

Yet grief is a part of my every day life in some form of another. Loss of home, loss of family, loss of my husband, no longer being in a choir… The knowledge that where I am is temporary, and why, is a very real part of my every day in one way or another. Tears always find a way to rain on something… but if rain is needed for growth, then maybe so too are tears. That is not to say I am moping or depressed all the time – on the contrary – only that to see me smiling and enjoying life here does not negate the very real sorrow that has affected every part of my life in one way or another.

I enjoy being able to read my Bible and journal in the mornings, working through various Bible studies, and the occasional devotional. It never ceases to amaze me how I’ll open up something to read and somehow it is exactly appropriate for that very day, and the thoughts I struggle with. Email, Facebook, and other messages challenge to focus on thankfulness. And I am thankful…

Thankful that the God of comfort brings comfort to my heart.

Thankful that Rich is with the Lord, healthier and more whole than he ever was on this earth.

Thankful that my Savior has forgiven and cleansed me, and is so very patient with me.

Thankful that my step-children are in better care in HIS good hands, than they could ever be with me.

Thankful for precious friends

Thankful for work

Thankful that I can walk, breathe, move, and use my senses.

Thankful that God is unchangeable, reliable, trustworthy, and that I belong to Him.

I pray that you too will have a thankful thanksgiving, no matter how you are challenged.

In HIS Grace,

Dvora

Hi Everyone, a friend at our congregation in Grand Rapids succeeded to get all the segments of the recording of Rich’s funeral combined into one MP3 file, and uploaded it to the web. Please feel free to download and listen (or listen online). I know this is a bit late, but I hope it will be a blessing to you and help fill you in on some of Rich’s life, and the blessing he was to so many.

Yesterday I drove to Chicago. The traffic was not as bad as it could have been, but bad enough. Had a nice visit with friends, and ate home made Chinese Hot Pot – yum! Read a few books to their daughter, and we had a nice evening sharing and catching up with each other.

Got on the road at 8:30 am… the traffic in Chicago was horrible. I am SO thankful for my GPS. I knew where to go, but the cars would not let me over into the lane I needed, so was forced to go the wrong way. The dreaded (now welcome) “Recalculating” voice was heard and within 15 min I was back on track. For… Lake City, Minnesota to visit an elderly friend whom I’ve known for I guess 30 years or more…

I drove up North through Wisconsin, crossed the Mississippi and then drove north along the Mississippi. The scenery was amazing. I didn’t stop to take pictures as I wanted to arrive at a decent time to be with Evelyn. But oh, what an amazing day. Had the air conditioner on for a while… was actually too warm! And I packed all my summer clothes. Crazy… flurries and ice last week, and summer this week. But I’m thankful as, apparently, there will be good weather all the way on to Colorado.

Had a wonderful time with Evelyn. Neither of us are younger… hmmm… but the view was wonderful. We ate at a reasonably priced restaurant on the river with a view and all… …came back and shared photos and pulled out my guitar… we sat singing old songs and giving thanks to God for His love for us… a blessed evening. God IS Good.

Tomorrow I’ll be up early and begin the 14 hour trek to Colorado. I hope to put in a lot of hours driving tomorrow, so I can get in to Fort Collins at a decent time. More later….

With autumn fading into winter, and Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, a friend on Facebook challenged people to make a list of 15 things they are thankful for. I thought I would answer that challenge via my blog.

1. I am thankful for my Savior, Lord, Friend, and greatest comforter – Jesus – who died for my sins, redeemed me, and placed His Spirit in me.
2. I am thankful for the three years I had with my husband Rich, and all that I learned and am learning as a result.
3. I am thankful for my step-children – all of them – and all that God is teaching me through them.
4. I am thankful for my brothers-in-law, Rich’s brothers. They have been such an encouragement to me in little ways that count hugely.
5. I am thankful for my congregation and everyone in it here in Grand Rapids – for the way they show their caring and love in deeds and not just words.
6. I am thankful for my friend Judy, who is now with our wonderful Savior. I am thankful for her love and friendship over the years, and how God worked in our lives to help us each be more receptive to Him.
7. I am thankful for my congregation in Israel and all my friends there – who also show their love in deeds and not just words.
8. I am thankful for my colleagues and friends at Biosense where I used to work in Israel.
9. I am thankful for the people God has brought into my life. I have been blessed beyond words to have such amazing people in my life.
10. I am thankful for the Grace God has showered on me, grace upon grace. Truly unmerited favor.
11. I am thankful for a garage that checks my car carefully, and has discovered serious problems before an accident could have happened.
12. I am thankful for phone calls from our mortgage company that get disconnected without me having to hang up (5 so far today)!
13. I am thankful for friends in the Central African Republic who sent me a great CD to encourage me while I am busy packing.
14. I am thankful for friends I can stay with in Colorado until God makes it clear where He wants me.
15. I am thankful for work that I can take with me via computer.
16. I am thankful that God is taking care of me (woops, did I say that already?)

I am going to be terribly busy. But Lord willing, I’ll be able to write something during my trip… In any case, I’ll be posting something by the week of Nov. 15. In the meantime, I’d appreciate your prayers that I don’t forget what I need to do, get everything done here, and a safe drive to Colorado.