Yes, but the Arboretum is out west of the city, a long way from our house (in Evanston). I’ve been there, but it’s been quite a while. We enjoy going to the Chicago Botanic Gardens a couple of suburbs to the north of us (much nearer!). My father-in-law has been kind enough to get us a family membership for the past few years. We go there at least once every two or three months! Lovely flowers, beautiful landscaping. And such a place for birding! All wonderful reasons to go there. God has created such diversity and beauty in this world. Awesome!

I am impressed that you are content in 4 rooms for 4. But I guess the children will leave eventually. Do you have time to walk and explore. I remember a glorious arboretum in Chicago!

Congratulations on the new job, Elizabeth. I hope you thrive in it!

Paris for Easter, wonderful. We dropped in to Paris briefly in Feb–showing the girls Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur! Next big trip, Helsinki, God willing!

Thanks, Kathy. I lived in CA for 7 months (on the Stanford Campus, at Palo Alto), and have visited numerous times in winter. I would like to visit again if the Lord opens a way, and I pray he does!!

I agree with you–there is something about not having quite enough that spurs one on to greater productivity and creativity. It’s taken me a number of years to come to realize . . . that I am _content_ in my four-room condominium. (Even though my husband and two children do bump elbows with me, at times.) However, my new job makes me very happy! Totally providentially, I am now an interim co-pastor for a smaller congregation in the Chicago suburbs. Please, could you pray for the church and the dear congregation? St. Luke’s Church. Thanks so much, Anita. @chaplaineliza

How bitter a thing it is to look into happiness through another man’s eyes (As You Like it V,II)

I have forsworn Pesach in Jerusalem for Easter in Paris, btw.

A parable and story reflects unique understanding in the heart of the reader. Perhaps it is I who feels unworthy of unearned kingship.

Karrie, thank you for the reminder. I like how Jesus told his Father, “All that I have is yours, and all that you have is mine.” I think that’s somewhat true of us who live in Jesus, though when I am tired I find it hard to hold on to my inheritance of creativity and grace towards all men and women 🙂

Ah, contentment, I shall seize you!
A little easier today as my own garden is looking beautiful in the spring sunshine. It is 1.5 acre, large for an English garden, though a mimuscule fraction of Blenheim’s. I am, however, totally incapable of looking after it.