Before and After
BEFORE
BEFORE–From the porch facing out to the street–dry rot had taken over after eleven years.
I stepped outside my house. It was time to face reality. I had to hire a contractor to tear out and replace the worn wooden railings and banister and steps with a fresh look and new materials.. But oh the cost!
I had put off the job for over a year but now I faced increasing dry rot in the corners if I didn’t act now!
And so I did. I found a company whose workers I liked. The price was within my budget and the owner’s vision for the final outcome lined up with mine.
Next came the task of deciding on the kind of wood and stone to use. That got my heart pounding. I’d rather write an entire book than face decisions that required knowledge I didn’t readily have.
Where was Charles when I needed him? Oh that’s right–in heaven. 🙂 I pressed on, learned a ton about wood and stone and style and durability and a whole lot more. The original builders had used reclaimed wood so it was definitely showing its age.
And so I forged ahead and below is the result. I am more than happy. I’m thrilled! Not only does my front porch look lovely but I walked through a minefield of decisions and came out all right.
AFTER–beautiful new redwood railings painted white and gorgeous new stone steps that pick up the exterior colors of my house.
God was my partner as I sorted out what to do, what not to do, and how to manage my anxiety. After this experience, I feel even closer to our Lord who never leaves nor forsakes us.
I realize that not every woman would react as I did. We each have our own threshold of worry and fear but the point is that God meets us where we are and leads us from that point on. We serve an awesome God. And I have a beautiful new front porch as just one example.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8)
It’s lovely, Karen! Good for you, taking the plunge!
Thanks, Kristi, for your words of encouragement.
Love this! Especially the line, “I’d rather write an entire book than face decisions that required knowledge I didn’t readily have.” Boy isn’t that the truth? It reminds me of when we were in India and Dick was doing dentistry on the kids while I was painting a peacock on the roof of the dining hall. He came up there to help me get the lettering straight and after 10 minutes in the heat, he announced, “I’m going back down to do some dentistry. It’s SOOOO much easier!”
It’s like the church. All body parts are needed for it to function as a whole. I love how you pressed forward with help and knowledge of professionals and the result was beautiful. love, Heidi
Thanks, Heidi. What a cute story about Dick’s talent for dentistry and yours for painting while in India. To each is given a gift, for sure.
What a great God we have who can walk us through every
decision that we have to make. Your front porch looks very
professional.
Love Janet
Thanks, Janet.
Call me any time to help you with decorating/remodeling questions. I LOVE all that stuff. But you did a great job. Your front porch looks beautiful! 🙂
Thanks, Sherry. I will remember your offer when there is a ‘next time.’
We sure do have to learn the hard way sometimes! What a challenge you faced and it sure did turn out great~~beautiful! Sit back and enjoy!
I was divorced after 27 years of marriage and I had never worked outside the home and boy did I learn! God sure was with me every step of the way and I did very well with God planting people in my path that led me to become a successful “working girl” including a successful real estate agent! It sure was a surprise to ME to know I could do so much! I sure did thank God each day and thankfully listened to Him and let him guide me.
I am proud of you, Karen! Love to you. Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. Yes, I have grown a lot since Charles died, now that I have to make such decisions without his input. But my heavenly Father is there to guide me as I keep finding out each day. I enjoyed hearing that you started a career after you became a widow and were successful. Yeah! You keep inspiring me.
The steps are beautiful!
Thanks, Barb.
Looks wonderful, Karen. And doesn’t it feel great to accomplish something you didn’t know you could. The best part is knowing God led you through the decision making process and is always faithful. Loved reading this!
Thanks, Carol. Yes, I look at the project each day and feel so happy with the outcome, only possible by God’s grace.
Being a widow myself for 20 years now, I continually look to the Lord to guide and direct me. Whether He’s steadying my ladder when I’m forced to climb to a higher rung that makes me nervous – or to help me pick the right professional or product– God has always been my faithful “husband.” It’s great to know that He is always there, behind the scenes in big and small ways, to carry me through the toughest situations. PS Your new railing and steps look fabulous!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Glenda. I have watched as God guided you through all the years since Cliff passed away. It’s been inspiring! I appreciate your kind words about my porch. I’m so pleased and grateful for the result.
It looks great! Thanks for sharing with us how God helps us in everyday practical applications.
Thanks for your support, Rebecca.
Have you been peeking through my window? I just had to make the decision to hire someone to remove dry rot on my house. Having a Charles in Heaven doesn’t make decisions like that easy.
Oh Janet, I can relate to your situation as you can relate to mine. Both of our guys are in heaven so we have to fend for ourselves–with God’s grace, of course.
Simply beautiful Karen. A job well done. Congratulations on making such wise decisions. Now you can relax and enjoy sitting on your porch and feeling blessed and secure on your new steps up to your front door of your very inviting home. Sending you love and blessings sweet soul sister. XO.
Thank you, Kathleen. It is good to have the task behind me and the result in front of me every day. Welcome home!