First things first

My kids have their priorities straight alright. First thing they did after swimming in the warm water of Kailua Bay was build a castle. Ever wonder why kids do that? Give them blocks, cups, sand or rocks and they'll build. I believe that's because they were meant to build. As creatures made in His likeness, we share God's desire to build a Kingdom. Usually, we confuse that desire with an attachment for things, a hoarding of resources, a huddling of comforts. We think these building projects will make us content. We make mini-kingdoms in our homes, our hearts, our comfort zones. But we're never satisfied. We always want more. Not until we build something that lasts do we feel fulfilled. No money that we make, save, trade or invest will bring us the satisfaction of building God's Kingdom. Sure, there are really happy rich young people out there building their kingdoms, investing in themselves...but like my kids castle, those kingdoms will be washed away by the tides of life. If we build the Kingdom of God through relationships and sacrifice, and giving, we find that we are satisfied beyond our wildest imaginations. And we come to learn that He will provide those needs that we were grasping to fill on our own. "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

Kaneohe Kottage
Today we saw our Kaneohe Kottage. To me, this Kottage is a miracle. Affordable housing just doesn't happen in Hawaii, and when it does, it doesn't come with panoramic views of mountains and three bedrooms (not that it isn't a great place to live). Pictures are to come. The yard is in need of a good gardener... I was wondering how I would afford getting new plants and herbs. Nancy, my new boss and current hostess, has asked me to take all the cuttings and herbs I can use from her overflowing gardens. She said that she has a gardener who is very territorial (how appropriate for a gardener) so she has asked me to let the gardener do all the digging up, just tell her what I want...no problem! God amazes me. He has provided so much and in addition to that He arranged for Nancy and her husband to visit her father-in-law at just the same time that we arrived and are getting moved in. We are staying in a lovely home overlooking the Kailua Bay and mountains all around. Explain to me...why do I doubt? Oh me of little faith.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21