6,578,932 and counting

No that really isn't the exact number of my blessings, and it probably doesn't even come close.

Yesterday, while Stealth and I helping cut firewood with my Dad, i lost my balance for a fraction of a second and ended up with a large cut in my right foreleg. As you can see it takes up about 6-7 inches on the top of my thigh. Now you wonder, how was this a blessing? I could enumerate a number of reasons, but it all comes down to this. I could have cut off my leg.

Immediately after the accident I applied direct pressure to the injure, but I was also upset that my whole day had been ruined and concerned about how fast it would take for me to heal. Dad went to fetch some towels to use as a bandage, and I limped to the side porch. After this was bandaged, up all three of us went to the hospital. Stealth stayed with me while Dad went to get Snow White.

I'm no anatomy or medical expert, and the makeup of the leg is unfamiliar to me. I was hopeful that my leg hadn't been permanently damaged. After examination by the medical experts, it was discovered that most of the damage was to my upper and lower layers of skin and only slight damage to the muscle.

Boy, what a blessing! Although painful and inconvenient it is certainly much better than it could have been. I am constantly being amazed at God's bounteous blessings and constant watch over me and my family. It is wonderful to know that He is ever watchful and constantly aware of me and of all others. I suppose it is because He is perfect that He can be ever mindful of all His creations. Oh the wonder mercy, kindness and love that He shows to us! Please remember that he is ever aware of all that we do and are, as well as all of those things that we could be.

PC

Honestly!!

You've heard it before, and you'll probably hear it again. Honesty is the best policy. Not only is it the best policy, I would argue (if needed) that it is the only policy.

We recently purchased a use microwave oven from a free local listing service that is made available through one of the local news companies. Users post items for sale, and submit contact information. Well, this particular listing was for a never used microwave that was considerably larger than most. After we brought it home, and started using it for about 3 weeks, we discovered that the door switch was faulty and the oven would turn on when opened. This is not normally a desirable feature to have on your microwave. We called the manufacturer in the hopes that it was a simple fix. After they had the necessary information (serial number etc...) they inquired about how long we had it, and when we had purchased it etc.. It took only a moment, but I truthfully explained to them the situation and how we had acquired it. It was amazing, but they said that they would send me a warranty letter for this one repair.

I was shocked! I did not expect this from the manufacturer, to tell the truth, I didn't know what to expect, but definitely not a free repair. It certainly pays to be honest.

PC

When the King Speaks, Listen

This is good counsel anytime you are living in a kingdom. You'd better listen to what The King tells you to do.
Over a month ago, a catalyst of change was activated. This was due to PC's employment. He was mandated to take a 5% pay cut for the first quarter of 2010. This prompted him to consider his options.
He has been working for his current employer for almost 9 years. In the course of those nine years there have been only 5 (or less) annual cost of living adjustments. None in the last 3 years, and yet the non-salary benefits continue to be decreased or the cost of such continue to increase.
He has applied at a number of places, but the place that appeals to him the most is with the Church or Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in their Family Search department in Orem, Ut. Both He and Snow White have had strong feelings that a move is in the works and when we asked The King if that is what he was prompting them to do, the answer was an unmistakable yes. We are looking now to purchase a different abode in Utah County.
There have been miracles performed on our behalf. With the limited funds that we were able to acquire to fix up the castle, we have been able to install new countertops in the kitchen, remodel a bathroom, paint most of the interior, install 100 yds of new carpet, and repaint the exterior siding, gables, soffits and facia. All that remains is to clean up the yard, and finish a few other tasks. The castle will then be ready to sell.

Today we returned from looking at homes in Utah County. There were two that appealed to us. One is in a cul-de-sac and has a 25% finished basement on .35 acres. The other is 100% finished, no basment on .28 acres. We will see if The King can still influence us as we seek for His help and guidance in this matter.

Most of the dwarves (not so dwarvish any more) are handling the prospect of moving just fine. Others are demonstrating a lamanitish attitude. We'll see how things work out. We feel that this move is for the best and are gearing up for it by packing up all unnecessary items and moving them out to the garage.

All our love
-- PC