"Peace, be still."

So quiet.  I can't hear a sound, other than the clicking of the computer keyboard, a bird's call every now and again, and the pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof.  If I were to open the door, I'd hear the water lapping on the shore, but the chilly temperature has chased me inside.  We arrived after dark last night - looking forward to spending a lazy week just enjoying the sun and playing in the water, through Indian Summer days, so common in the South.  Fall does not officially begin until September 23, and usually warm/hot temperatures of an Alabama summer last throughout the month of September, if not October and November - with the only real noticeable signs of fall being cooler evening and early morning temps, and the changing colors.  Back when I first reserved this rental lake house, on the shores of Weiss Lake, there was every reason to expect plenty warm enough days for swimming, boating, sun bathing, etc.  Well, as the old saying goes, "the best laid plans of mice and men often go asunder."  Fall had the nerve to arrive a bit early this year - without my permission!  :o)  But even though it isn't what I had earlier envisioned, I find I can't really complain.

We have rented a lighthouse for the week - a unique lakeside rental built in a lighthouse design.  Situated right on the shores of the lake, it has a large lakeside patio, with outdoor dining table and chairs, comfortable Adirondack seating, and gas grill.  The "lighthouse" has four floors, each with a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding woods. The ground level is a small sitting area and kitchen, including a dining area.  Leaving the ground floor, the stairs wind upwards, bringing you first past the door to a cozy bedroom-with-bath that Jimmie and I have claimed.  Passing that doorway, the stairs continue winding upward, coming next to two doorways - one opening to a bedroom, the other to a hallway bathroom with laundry - tiny, but complete.  Resuming the  upward climb, you finally reach the crowning top of the lighthouse - complete with a skylight opening, rising even higher, housing a rotating beacon light.  A sleeper sofa graces this snug little viewpoint (as well as ample floor space for air mattresses and sleeping bags), making it the preferred bedroom for our guys.  When the rainy weather moves on, some of them plan to sleep out on the balcony, listening to the waves and watching the stars. This summit room, resembling a lighthouse Lantern Room, is the apex of the winding stairwell.  It is completely surrounded with windows, and opens onto a narrow balcony, which wraps around the structure - imitating a Lantern Gallery.  It was to this balcony that Jimmie and I ascended this morning, coffee and pastries in hand, to enjoy breakfast with the view and sounds of beautiful Lake Weiss.

I love spending time like this with the love of my life - just chatting about this and that,  no reason to hurry, no schedule to keep, just enjoying the blessings of the day and being together.  This morning, while in our upper retreat, we heard from two of our children back in Birmingham, both situations needing supportive counsel and reassuring love.  We gave both as best we could, then spent some time asking the Lord to provide for them what we could not.  What a joy to know He hears, He cares, He loves, and He is abundantly willing and able!

The lighthouse design of this house is so unusual.  There is basically one room on each of the four floors.  As I huffed and puffed my way onto the top floor this morning, I laughingly told James that simply walking from one room to another was somewhat of a challenge in this cute, little place!  I love it, though!  It makes each room so quiet - even if mere conversation between rooms is a slightly ambitious undertaking.  :o)  I wouldn't want to live here with my wimpy arthritic bones, taking off on a "mountain hike" every time I change rooms or need to be heard ... but I'm loving it for this week!  Such a quaint, fun place to enjoy!

Right now, we only have Josh and Hannah with us.  Josh will take Hannah's place later today, and all the kids will be going and coming through the week as work and school schedules allow.  It's proximity to the B'ham area makes this a workable plan, which is one primary reason for choosing it.  I'm looking forward to the weekend, when they'll all be here, except Tiff and Michael.  With their wedding so close, they're understandably up to their eyeballs with things to do!  But Jamie and Colin, Sarah, and Ben will all be here over the weekend, which makes Mama a happy camper!  To top it off, even the weather is supposed to smile on us - sunny blue skies and warm temperatures.  Swimming may be out, but the hot tub will be nice, and the kayaks fun ... if they stay upright!  I'm sitting here watch a couple two-seater kayaks out on the lake.  They seem to be staying right side up without any difficulty, so maybe I'll scrounge up enough courage to give one a try!  :o)  If the needed amount of courage appears to be unavailable, I'll take a paddle boat out for a spin.  :o)

I'm a blessed woman, and today, this moment -  I'm very conscious and aware of those many blessings.  Thank You, Lord, for each and every one.  And keep me ever mindful of them - each and every day!