A Land to win ~ Aquire in My Name.

      We woke up to a cool breeze, abundant sunshine, birds signing and delicious French R oast coffee brewing. To our delight it was one of those golden autumn days that made residing on the east coast seem like we were living in a wonderland. The alluring season of fall is the time of year that is likened to a beguiling redolence, intertwining the essence of nostalgia bringing forth an abundance of memories from the autumns of years gone by. To add to our bliss on this perfect day, the Lord spoke to us anew asking us;  “Would you like to return to your land of felicity? I have another venture all set in motion for you in Mystic.” Believe me, we did not have to hear Him ask twice! Our enthusiasm was boundless.

      The very thought of going back thrilled our souls beyond words. Our hearts and minds had been thinking nonstop about our beloved, new found seaside town ever since Kit and I had returned to Alexandria. (I can't tell you how many times we watched Mystic Pizza just to see the river with all it's thalassic boats, rustic harbors, picturesque sea faring villages, shops and unabashedly romantic homes adorned with and abundance of inviting, ancient notable trees. In the short time we had been home from our first visit, the Lord said it was a “NO GO” to Kit and I in regards to seeking new jobs in the Virginia – DC area. We wondered what He was up to...We continued seeking Him daily and held on to His every word. In our hearts we were ready to traverse once again in faith to the area God had knitted our hearts to. We asked for His confirmation as logically it did not make a lot of sense (in the natural) to make another trip with no jobs lined up or any more paychecks coming in. He confirmed "YES" very quickly! We knew it was a crucial time to 'listen and obey' to everything the Lord spoke to us,  keep our eyes solely  on Jesus and not to allow any distractions. (Like Peter walking upon the water in faith to get to Jesus but then seeing the boisterous waves and stormy sea,  he  began to sink. ) This adventure we were on was of the spirit and that is where we set our hearts, eyes and  entire focus.


      As we were preparing to go, the Lord spoke something new and different about our upcoming trip to Connecticut. “This time in Mystic, you are to go and walk the land in faith. The land in which your your feet shall tread upon in faith is the very land I am giving  to you.” Now you know by now how much we love a good mystery.  (And a  mystery it was indeed.) What did all of this mean? Where exactly Lord are Kit and I to walk?  Knowing we  would have plenty of time to ponder all of our many thoughts, we continued to pack and prepare to go...Needless to say, we were in a state of reverie and elation.  

      It was mid October when we left for our magical sea faring town. Once again, Graham was nestled upon his tapestry bed in the back seat of our jeep  and Kit and I were in a place of ease and repletion with our favorite Cd's, coffees and snacks, filled with anticipation of our new venture in Mystic. This time we made reservations at a place within the  town of Mystic itself. We were blessed to be staying at a tiny rustic Bed and Breakfast on the River. The first two nights of our stay we would reside in the B&B's quaint adjoining cottage. Its on line photo showed a large bedroom with a very romantic fireplace, living room, kitchen and eat in dining room. Most excitedly, our little chalet had a beautiful and quite capacious outdoor jacuzzi. We were so eager to see what God was going to do this time...so elated we did not care one bit that we got lost in New York City and arrived hugely late to our evanescent abode for 3 days. At 11:00 PM, greeting us at the door was truly Earnest Hemingway's main character Santiago, in his classic novella The Old Man and the Sea's look-alike. He appeared as a ships captain who had just returned from the sea ,(and I am talking about a  long journey at sea). The Only thing missing was a pipe in his mouth to match the famous and  renowned painting.

      After signing the legendary guest- registry book, he escorted us through the dim lit Inn to our adjoining cottage. Kit and I felt like we were at Disneyland's enthralling attraction the Pirates of the Caribbean as the Inn's bucolic decor exuded the song, “YO HO YO HO, a Pirates life for me.” With pictures of mysterious sea ports, eccentric fishermen and monstrous ships accompanied by austere trinkets, the Inn brought forth imagery and emotions of what it must have been like to live a life at sea upon the treacherous waters hunting for treasures and buried gold. Not like our usual B&B, a Victorian or Country Inn at all but it surely possessed  a unique and inviting charm all the same.

      As we entered the cottage, it too was quite unpolished but very quaint and cozy...An abundance of wood, a stone fireplace at the foot of the bed, (I loved that), a TV with cable, (loved that too) and the homey kitchen was equipped with everything for cooking. (I was hoping Kit did not notice all the dishes, pots and pans as I had my heart set on revisiting a few of the congenial eateries we had discovered...A huge part of Mystics charm.) After we brought our suitcases in and got settled , we were ready for a long soothing jacuzzi. To our dismay, the hot tub was out of order. Being that it was so late and Kit and I not wanting to keep 'Santiago' up any longer, we decided to settle for hot baths and a newly made fire. With all three of us cozying up on the bed, we talked until we fell asleep listening to the crackle and snap of the wood burning, enjoying immensely the soft glow of the dancing flames that lit up our room, all of us so snug by the river. We had such contentment knowing that the Lord would once again speak to us in the morning and tell us what He had planned.

 

      Upon our awakening, (already knowing we were going to Mystics downtown Star Bucks  for our lattes ), we still popped into the Inn to get some coffee and muffins nicely displayed at the Continental breakfast. Waking up by the enchanting harbor was within itself a dream come true for Kit and I. Hearing the haunting sounds of the seabirds calling, watching the impressive boats bouncing upon the water and taking in the coaxing smells of the river were all a symphonic background to this endearing Inn. This extraordinary moment that we were 'seizing' was likened to the joys of when we experienced our first snow in Virginia, tasted our first bite of fresh oysters (during the 'on season') at The Crab Cooker in California or when we saw the first batch of the magical fireflies in Delaware promenading as the twilight hour arrived.


      Sitting on the couch in our snug living room  inquiring of the Lord as to His heart for the day, we believed He told us to begin walking the land beside the Mystic River.  We piled in the jeep Cherokee and as we journeyed down the spell bounding streets of downtown we were mesmerized by the many beauteous sights, all evoking a warm feeling within likened to meeting a cherished friend for dinner at our favorite eatery. Our souls were so full, filled with the Ah ~ Wow factor of being completely at peace. The assurance of the Lord that we were exactly where we were suppose to be was like the safety of an over sized umbrella in the midst a colossal and booming thunderstorm. We were in a place of serenity. Now, you know that we went by our blissful dream house to gaze upon its beauty and allow our souls to be revived with all that God had done a few weeks earlier.  We then drove to an idyllic stretch of land beside the river. In faith and Peace we began to walk, claiming the land for the Lord and His purposes. It felt strange...this would take some getting use to. (Obedience does not always feel right...you just obey and trust, no matter the emotions...soon enough the feelings will line up with the spirit of the Lord.) After wards we rode over to the green belt area by the old Bascule Bridge, visited the doggy 'barkery' that Graham adored and some of the quaint downtown shops where many of the shopkeepers invited Graham to come in and browse. (Another thing we, (as well as Graham) loved about Mystic.) This town was beyond loving, kind and they were certainly tugging on our heart strings 24/7! 


      We decided to return to The Skippers Dock  for lunch. Just like our first visit, (except this time we chose to dine in the bar), our meal was superb! Yes, there was a roaring fire burning, a view of the choppy bay waters and the notable Long Island Sound in the distance. We ordered two cups of hot coffee to warm our hands and souls, savory spicy seafood stew and hot garlic bread. As we sat at our cozy table filled with bliss sharing our thoughts, it was as if the Lord challenged us both in our spirits with a rather large requisition. (Not large to Him in the least bit.) To be honest with you, we were just so happy He began speaking to us as He had been a bit quiet all day. He reminded us that He was the one who brought us to Mystic. It was He that led us to the house on Mystic River and that His anointing had been upon us our entire exploring expedition in this amorous nautical town. After all of that, He reminded us of His latest request to walk the land in faith and that the places our feet would tread, would be ours. Just His reminding us about all of this was very reassuring.


      "Lord, do you want us to walk the property of the home You led us to on the river?” We asked a bit timidly feeling a little  like David when he faced Goliath, the Philistine giant who stood nine feet tall. He then answered; ”Is it the money you are worried about? If I tell you the provision is no issue to me, will you in faith walk the land that I tell you to, the house being on the list?” Isn't it strange...in the natural, when we were looking at a home that was over 2 million dollars, we felt like tiny ants at a picnic where the chocolate cake on the table seemed so out of our reach but the Lord, who owns the universe and every bit of wealth in heaven and earth can supply every single need according to His riches and glory. Our answer was “Yes Lord, we will go and walk any land you show us to...we believe You and trust your heart and plans for us.” It was quite an intimate moment between Kit, God and I. The Lord loves it when we are honest with Him. It  felt like we had taken our Volkswagen Bug engine to a gas station, filled up with premium gas and drove away in a Mercedes-Benz classic sedan. We thanked Him for His refreshing and encouragement.


      As we finished our delightful cuisine, ordered one more cup of coffee and were making our plans, even more heavily, (if possible), the anointing of the Lord came upon us in abundance. Yes the home was out of our reach but certainty not our Fathers.

     Arriving to Starr St., we could not avoid the  “No Trespassing and Viewing with Appointment only” sign. No one was home at this time but still, we did not have a peace to park in the driveway. We parked down the street and walked slowly and cautiously back to the house , feeling as if a million eyes were upon us as we were planning to walk the land. We were a little unsure of how to do this as we did not want to be arrested or confronted by an allegiant neighbor in this prestigious community,  all the homes being very luxurious and regal with yards that looked like they came right out of a fairytale or Hollywood movie. We were also discreet as we did not want to be attacked by a dog (or dogs) hiding in the shadows. Though the house appeared to be empty, we could not be sure. There was a large white picket fence, (yes really), guarding the home as well as a cobble stone fence protecting the land next to the river .We did our best to OBEY the Lords instructions, placing our feet all around the fences...a little step here and a little  step there,  proclaiming  in faith that the home was the Lords.  "Yes Lord  in Jesus name, we claim this home for the the Kings Tavern...a place that will bless and minister to your kids."

     Kit and I felt a flood of diverse emotions as we continued...a bit silly, a little anxiety going on with the thought that the “neighbors were watching,” a little mischievous but truly, we were having a lot of fun and the time of our lives. 

      OK, the task at hand was done, we had obeyed the Lord. We walked back to our Jeep parked up the street knowing we had done what the Lord wanted. Did we have a few thoughts or doubts like, “Lord is this really you? Are you seriously telling us that as we have claimed this home in faith, it really will be ours?” The thoughts and doubts really did not phase us as our spirits were filled with His peace. God says in His word that He makes the wise things of the world foolishness and His wisdom makes wise. To the logical mind this made no sense but obedience is every thing to God. Knowing that it was not about Kit and I or up to us to make it all come about, our doubts were extinguished. It was all about the Lord, His heart and instructions. We were at perfect peace.


       Our little (big) Grantham deserved a treat as he had been such a trooper in all of the events of our day. We decided to drive over to the beautiful park by the old Bascule Bridge and let him run free,  gallivant  about and explore his own land. Together we all played, sat by the river and watched all the people,  diverse boats and ships upon the water and once again all of Mystic's  charms captured our hearts just like they did in the very beginning. Each time the Bascule drawbridge would open up for the large ships to pass through, we began to draw quite a bit of attention. You see, Graham is very sensitive to sounds and the noise of the (not one) but two  '40 horsepower cacophonous engines operating  got him going to town like there was no tomorrow. With all of his jumping, barking and showing his big pearly whites, (one of his endearing traits in his excited moments), we could have charged admission for all of his spectators laughs, smiles and inquiries. This was surely another special entry for our Connecticut memoirs .

      The dinner hour was upon us. We were so hungry and ready for a night out. After going back to the cottage and getting refreshed, we headed to a lovely eatery in downtown Mystic on the wharf called the River walk. With it's delicious fresh seafood and warm and cozy ambiance, we enjoyed our wine, homemade chowder, sour dough bread and entrees of salmon and swordfish. The restaurants décor was that of light woods possessing an air of repose and merriment with an abundance of windows reflecting the glistening white lights amidst all the trees within. The staff was extremely friendly and inviting. Kit and I were taken aback with the humility and kind hearts we continued to see throughout this little seaside community.


      We arrived back to our cottage and were determined to take our long awaited jacuzzi. 'Santiago' had promised us he would have it fixed for our last evening in the cottage. YEAH... It was working! In order to get into the jacuzzi, Kit and I had to walk up several stairs as the tub was set up high in the midst of a wooden deck. Slowly we stepped into the bubbling water as it was VERY HOT. Graham , ( a dog that has a very strong aversion to hot water), stayed content on the cement beside the steps . He had found his cozy place, his long hair blowing in the breeze and his tummy full. (He too got to enjoy some of the delectable cuisine from our evening out.) Totally content, he could still keep an eye on us and hear our voices but didn't have to get to close to his a ngst of the piping hot Jacuzzi. Being that the Inn was nestled by the river and far from the bestirring  city, the night sky was  stygian black... the only light bedecking the celestial sphere being the myriad of incandescent stars and the resplendent moon aglow.   As we sat in the soothing water amidst the chilly breezes of this Autumn evening looking up at the heavens , it looked as if someone had sprinkled hand fulls of glitter atop a dark canvas as the twinkling stars were brilliant, sparkling opulently...their count affluently more in number than we had ever seen in Virginia. It was one of those  perfect evenings you remember forever.

 

      We were in ecstasy, the hot jets soothing our every muscle, talking, sharing and laughing about our JOURNEY thus far.  Now I am not one for fleeces, (like Gideon with his wool fleece to receive assurance from God as his country was in a time of trouble) but occasionally the Lord does humor me with an answered one from time to time. This particular night, I asked Him for one without telling Kit. I whispered to God, “Lord, if Kit and I are really hearing You correctly and this is ALL OF YOU, can you please allow something out of the ordinary to happen tonight...Maybe a shooting star above our jacuzzi or an angelic sound that Kit and I would both hear harmoniously? Anything to just show us that  all of this is a YES.” With only about 10 minutes passing by, suddenly out of nowhere, Graham got up, walked up the steps and shockingly jumped into the Jacuzzi. Both Kit and I were flabbergasted... never in all the years we had known Graham had he ever done anything like this.We both rushed to his side as he was so uncomfortable in the hot water. (All 130 pounds of him.)  Finally we got him to the side of the tub and Kit got out with him to dry him off. We laughed then sighed a sigh of relief  knowing that our Graham was OK . It was then I told Kit what I had asked the Lord. We both laughed and again sighed with a new relief and peace as we knew the Lord had answered my prayer. (I know with a big smile on His face.) We experienced His assurance once again. We, feeling a bit like prunes as we had  stayed entirely to long in the water ventured inside, dried Grahammy off some more , changed into our PJ's and turned the TV on, getting all cozy and snug for the rest of our evening!


      As we began watching a movie, our candles lit and glasses of wine poured , we both began to feel a nudge from the Lord that we needed to drive back to the house on Starr St. and walk the land once more.  we were to walk it undauntedly and with immeasurable boldness. Kit and I felt like the first time we went, we were a bit timid and not acting upon the full assurance from God, (our human side  in the way). This time we would walk the land truly BELIEVING HIM and all that He had spoken to us. We quickly got dressed, (saved the wine for later) and the three of us hopped in the jeep and drove over to the house. As suspected, there was no one home. (Or at least there appeared to be no one home as the house was dark.) We still parked up the street but this time walked in faith and boldness...yes, we even stepped over the fences and onto the land. We prayed and claimed all that the Lord had told us to in total peace...all the time an elation and joy springing up within  as we knew we were pleasing our Father. When we left the house, we had a new confidence that it truly was done. Our hearts silently speaking to God; Lord, you said that this trip we were to walk the land and that which our feet had tread upon was our inheritance...we have obeyed in faith. Thank you Lord for your blessed assur ance, mighty and awesome works and Your amazing grace upon our lives. Feeling a great accomplishment, we couldn't wait to get back to the Inn, build a fire, have our wine and get a great nights sleep.

 

      Our third day in Mystic was the day we were scheduled to move out of the cottage and into the actual Inn itself. Our new little room had an even nicer view of the water...the boats bobbing upon the river,the inveigling  sounds of the fog horns and gulls squawking charmed us all the more. (Our jacuzzi was now inside, located in the colossal and  quite classy bath tub.) We spent this last day in Connecticut playing tourists again.   We  drove back to the both romantic and historical town of Stonington,  an old fishing village that is home to the countries finest 18th century homes. We delighted in its many quaint shops, renowned symbol of hope - historic light houses and grandiose landscapes with magnificent old trees and fairy book streets. We visited the adoring and esteemed  country surrounding Mystic in awe of its bucolic barns, Apple Cider factory and the august and resplendent graveyard over looking the river. We ended our day at the seaport admiring all of the Tall Ships and then visiting Main Street with all of its inviting shops and coffee pubs. Wherever the Lord told us to claim and walk in faith, we obeyed! In our spirits, we knew our trip was ending and we were going back to Virgina, unsure of when we would be coming back to this new place that filled our hearts. We were ready as we knew we had completed the Lords task.

 

      Our very last evening in Mystic was relaxing and though we spent it within our room, it was still magical and full of joy. We got some take out, a nice bottle of Chardonnay, watched a romantic movie amongst our candle light, took another jacuzzi, (this time without our furry friend) and slept like babies. We checked out of the Inn the next morning at 11:00 AM after our continental breakfast and saying our goodbyes to our Inn Keeper Santiago...OK his real name was Charles! The drive home was once again filled with many hours of talking, thinking, thanking God and enjoying the sites of Autumn on the east coast. We felt blessed to see all the brilliant colors, medley of sites, people busily going about their daily routines and the beauty and diversity of New York, New Jersey, Delaware and our home state of Virginia. We had hoped for something more tangible in the natural to happen while in Mystic but we gladly rejoiced in all that God did  in the spirit. It was ENOUGH... We had a great time on our acquisition,  enjoyed some delicious food and once again fell in love with the Maritime Village and all of its splendor.


      Being home was nice...all of our familiar things surrounding us, our shabby chic home very comforting. We loved Virginia, we just had the knowledge now that the Lord was getting ready to move us ...we were not sure when, how or  exactly where so we decided to  stay content,  keep ourselves  temporarily planted and enjoy all the things we so adored about the south until He gave us the green light to GO.


      Within less than 2 weeks, we would be flying to Southern California (Newport Beach) to see friends and family as well as celebrate my fathers 80th birthday. Though excited to take this trip, my heart was already missing our little-(big) Grahammy. We had never been separated from him and it was not going to be easy. (Our three musketeers bond and adventure would be minus one of its cherished members for awhile.) We busied ourselves with the preparation for our trip and daily mediated on all that the Lord had said and done. It was an exciting time and one that we could hardly wait to share with everyone once in CA. It was a lot like our visit in 2000, where we spent the holidays in Orange County (preparing to move to Virginia and had no answers...only our faith. ) This time  it would be a bit easier as we were getting to be PROS and connoisseurs of this new life of “Faith filled adventures!” (Kit and I prayed and hoped  it would be anyways...I will give you a little “ sneak peek” into the next part of our 'journey' and tell you...IT WAS! )

 

      Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your childrens forever because you have fully followed the Lord My God, Joshua 14: 9


     'Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel, All came to pass.” Joshua 21:45



Intro Before beginning on our journey with us, here is a little bit of our history!

Born a twin, I grew up in a loving family with five brothers and one sister. Much of my.......

CH 1 - The Vision In the year of 1997, the Lord gave Kit and I a vision for our future that would begin to change and reshape our lives forever.  ...
CH 2 - Confirmations will come!

     God is a God of confirmation!

CH 3 - Decorating and Hospitality 101  The Lord began showing me how to create.....
CH 4 - Our training continued God continued to train us up.....
CH 5 - The Call within the call I will never forget the day....
CH 6 - Quite the comical moment

  It was a funny moment in time..... 

CH 7 - More confirmations will come! Thank you Lord for always confirming....
CH 8 - Our Journey to the east coast begins... A new year, a New President and a new home.......
CH 9 - On our way to New Beginnings The first step of a journey is 'loosing your way.'
CH 10 - An unexpected turn Kit and I were taken aback by what transpired next..... 
CH 11 - Never question if God answers your prayers!    Just when things looked as if they were not going to happen...BOOM!
CH 12 - A New Chapter Begins Kit and I felt as if we were living in a dream world....
CH 13 - Finally....Virginia! The Lord had spoken over a year ago, He was moving us to Virginia....
CH 14 - A time of Transformations. There were some days Kit and I would leave the morning worship, shaking our heads....
CH 15 - A Light in our covered passageway. Kit and I were so relieved when the Lord showed us that the scriptures He was revealing were not about us....
CH 16 - Though the sail may tear, the Anchor holds. The Lord began speaking as my pen composed His words upon my paper....Change was coming....
CH 17 - A New Itinerary from the Lord He began to give me visions, a welcoming and peaceful scene before my eyes......
CH 18 - A New Haven The mystery of God was finally being revealed...we were elated......
CH 20 - Counting Down, Before Blasting Off! Kit and I really did feel like we were ready to begin creating and "breaking ground" for the Kings Tavern.....
CH 21 - Standing By Night in the House of The Lord. The Lord surprised us with what He had in mind...
CH 22 - A Magical Return We were surprised when the Lords said; "How would you two  like to journey with Me to Connecticut  tonight?" 
CH 23 - Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread. With grins on our faces, Kit and I asked each other; "What do you think the miracles will be?"
CH 24 - Majestically , A Golden thread is woven. It was a dark, stormy night when....
CH 25 - An Unexpected Turn in the Road As we were crossing one of those scary bridges, our mobile phone rang..it was Tina
CH 26 - To Everything there is a Season It was a time we wished there was a phone line to Heaven so we could call them up and ask......
CH 27 - Befuddled, Bedraggled but Blessed. While enjoying our delicious dinner at On the Border, our phone rang and it was Miranda....
CH 28 - A Respite, A Miracle and A Detour If you do loose everything, you will not need to find the Lord in all of your pain...He will find you...
CH 29 - Chapter 29 ~ Be still and know that I am God.  Part Two of Journey to my Fathers heart is up and running. To read chapter 29, click on the new link ( part 2 of our journey) at the top or bottom of the home page or inside Chapter 29. Thank you and God bless you, Susan
CH 30 - The new Chapters 29,30, 31,32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42 and 5 new Rabbit Trails stories have been published. Chapter 43 is in the making. God bless you, Susan

 As of April 30, 2017, Journey, Part Two  has 5 Rabbit trails story and I am currently working on Chapter 43. I hope you are enjoying The second  part of our Journey with the Lord. Bless you, Susan