Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: The Game of Life (09/11/08)
-
TITLE: Dreamscapes and Nightmares | Previous Challenge Entry
By Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
09/17/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Three years ago, when I saw the real estate ad for this six bedroom four bath home for sale at what our bungalow was appraised at, I jumped at the opportunity to have a home wherein we could help the indigent homeless and build another Church for honoring God. I bathed this house in prayers that God would submit to my desires for this home to glorify Him.
Hardwood floors, an enclosed front porch, upstairs balcony, Jacuzzi bathtub and sauna were incredible draws. A great room for a pool table for the preacher's pool hall! Oversized garage to house and work on our Jaguar restorations! Grandiose dreams, this life we were playing.
Continuing the dream, I envisioned a bedroom, bath and sitting room for my sister who was unhappy in Adult Foster Care. I would become her caregiver! An honor and a privilege, albeit a challenge!
We were immersed in our primary work - Biblical Research. We would have such a library in the upstairs wing! Room for two offices! And a craft room for Barb and me!
Funny thing about life, though. We weren't prepared for the health problems that embattled us from the day we moved in. My hubby had his seventh ankle surgery, requiring eight weeks of solid bed rest. My Fibromyalgia worsened, as did my Chronic Fatigue. Most of our possessions were parted out or stolen during the move-in period. After three years, I still have unpacked boxes upstairs. The craft room is our dining table off our tiny kitchen.
Our neighbor complained to the City that we had broken down vehicles (eight Jaguars in process of restoration). The business fell apart, and we took a terrible loss.
My hubby lost his Driver's License due to worsening eyesight. He had multiple accidents falling asleep at the wheel. Our dream was rapidly becoming our worst nightmare. We both move about in motorized chairs. The bungalow had no room for a wheelchair.
The bungalow, purchased by friends as needing some repair was transformed into a three bedroom two bath home. Razed practically to the ground. Took over a year and a half before it was resold. By that time, all the equity had been drained.
We purchased our dream home on a zero percent loan - interest only. Making minimum payments. Thought to do a reverse mortgage when Mike turned 62. House lost value. No reverse mortgage - no equity. Now we are packing again. Hoping to find a home.
We are not alone. So many foreclosures. Thank God we can still make the minimum payments, but not for much longer, as the interest rates are increasing greatly.
Please be in much prayer for all who are hurting, whether it be financially, physically, spiritually, emotionally. "This too shall pass" - and it will.
Continue praying for those who know not the Christ, those who are overwhelmed by this world - all who suffer greatly. Having Jesus is our only security in this rough game of life we play at so blithely..
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Much Love,
Judi