Palisades

Bill and I are facing an interesting dilemma.  He and his sister are in the process of settling the estate left to them by their parents.  The largest portion of the estate consists of a single family home in the city.  In addition both Bill and his sister co-own a small, rundown, but beautiful recreation property.

The decision we face, is whether to use the cash from the city property he inherits to buy sole ownership of the recreational property, or accept the cash from the city property and continue to jointly own and manage the recreational property.  I have discovered there are many things to consider.  I am appreciating the fact that with increased resources, comes increased responsibility.  Property is not simply something a person accumulates.  Property is a stewardship that has to be sustained, maintained and used.  It can be a source of great satisfaction and joy, but it requires attention, organization, resources and accountability.

Bill and I have asked ourselves some of the following questions: What would the Lord have us spend our time and resources, doing?  What is the best way to preserve and expand the use of this land?  Is it simpler to manage the use and expenses with others, or is it easier to have full control of the decisions and future possibilities?  What obligation should we feel toward his parents, in preserving what they have given us?  How can we maintain relationships and feelings in the extended family while making these decisions?

View from Palisades cabin deck

It is interesting that these "things" have come to us without any effort on our part.  There are benefits and drawbacks to both scenarios   Either way requires an accounting and stewardship.  We face decisions about how to properly use, save, or invest.  This is a new experience for us, who have spent all our effort investing everything we have, into building a small business.  This is the first time we have had something to keep.  And, what role does all this play in the Lord's greater plan for us, he who owns and creates all things?  Is he presenting to us our next opportunity, to be stewards over just a little more?  We are looking to him for help in making this decision.

Sacramento California Temple - Can I Stay?

Can I Stay?  This is what I felt, while sitting in the Celestial Room of the Sacramento California Temple.  It was so beautiful, neither Bill or I wanted to leave.  It wasn't just the physical beauty of this place that kept us there.  There also existed a wonderful feeling of peace and warmth, that I have come to know as the spirit of the Lord.  The glorious chandelier, the full length windows surrounded in tinted blue, the magnificent arches, all echoed a song of love to and from the Lord.

When God created the earth, he made an especially beautiful garden for Adam and Eve.  There they walked and talked with him, and he taught them.  They were told to tend and take care of the garden, and to have joy.  I believe it is good to enjoy
and create beauty.  In reality we are each given a small garden, or world, to manage: our bodies, our families, our homes and property.  We tend, repair, improve, beautify and enjoy these creations made through God's gift and our own hands.  We praise him through our efforts and are accountable to him for these stewardships.  It is all practice and a prelude for a more permanent and glorious place.

When my husband and I planted two honey locust trees in our front yard, 20 years ago, we prayed for them to grow and be protected.  When they were new, a strong windstorm came up, and Bill and I literally held on to them to preserve them.  Our neighbors laughed at our comical efforts.  I have cleaned and painted every corner of every room in our home.  Bill has tended the yard, tilled and planted tomatoes and cucumbers in our small patch of garden.  We have laughed, loved, cried and pleaded with the Lord, for ourselves and our children, within this small plot of ground.  I pray the Lord will continue to sanctify and hallow this small spot in Eden's former plot.