I'm Back!

I know. I know. BAD Blogger! I've been wrapped up in moving and painting our new house, and I have neglected my blog. But, no more! I'm settled and ready to get back into the swing of things. I hope to have a creative, inspiring blog for you to read within the next few days. (Remember. . . I said, "I hope"!!) Wish me luck! And, welcome back to my blog. . . I've missed you!!

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! We are all moved in and settled in our new home in Kansas. Just in time for my favorite holiday. . . Christmas. I just can't get enough of this holiday. I love the lights. The music. The decorations. The traditions. The cheer. The excitement. And, of course, Santa!! I'm telling you, moving around this time of the year has been a great motivator for me. In just two weeks time, I've completely unpacked, decked the house out for Christmas, and am ready to host our annual "Holiday Open House" on Sunday. So much fun, I can hardly stand it!!!
You see, if it weren't for my love of all things Christmas and my clouded vision that comes from the joy of the season, I would be staring at a number of things that aren't so festive. Like the fact that we had a leak from the hot water heater that flooded our basement last week. Or the fact that running the washing machine made the shower drain overflow Monday night, causing the basement to flood again. Or maybe, the fact that Oliver is getting more teeth, has his first cold, and hasn't been so jolly the last week, to say the least. Or possibly, the fact that our living situation is temporary because we are renting a house that is for sell while we wait for our house to sell in Illinois. Or the fact that while our house is charming, it is TINY, and half of our belongings are still packed, stored in the garage with all the furniture that won't fit. Or even the fact that in a week's time, we lost the house keys once, locked ourselves out of the house once (had to call the realtor at 9:00pm to let us in), and locked the office keys inside the office.
Crazy, huh?!?!
It would be easy to become the grinch if I focused on all that craziness. But, I'm thinking of better things. . . twinkling lights, mistletoe, christmas carols, joy, friendship, and laughter.
It's easy for me to not say "bah hum bug" during the holidays. The real work begins when problems arise and there are no silver bells to distract me. I wondered what I would do then. But then I thought of the perfect scripture. . .
"...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
May your days be merry and bright too. . . during the holidays and beyond!!

Renovation. . . A Step of Faith

Life is crazy but God is good!! Lately, we have been knee-deep in our own version of "Designed to Sell". We have painted the entire outside of our house. Removed carpeting, tile, and a banister from our porch. Sanded, grinded, and painted the concrete on both the porch and the flowerbeds. And, if that wasn't enough, now we're on to the big job. . . the bathroom! We have needed to re-do the bathroom for a long time now, and after yesterday, we realized why we hadn't been jumping at the chance to get started. What a nightmare! At the moment, our bathroom is down to the studs in half the room with debris everywhere. Today, we will be making our bazillionth trip to Lowe's to get more supplies. Water will be turned off again today (why is it that you always have to go the bathroom more when you have no way to do so?!), and poor, little Oliver will have to learn to nap through the mighty hum of the shop vac.

Crazy times, but all for a purpose. Our house must sell. We are moving on. Kansas is calling our name. Jarrod has accepted a preaching position with a wonderful church there, and we are excited for the future. Of course, leaving here is hard. Amazing church. Awesome friends. A great community. It's bitter-sweet, but our faith is in God and in His plan for all of us. We are "stepping out of the boat" and walking toward the new opportunity He's handing us, all while, trusting that He will take care of the precious people here.

Sometimes, it seems that "stepping out in faith" is a lot like our remodeling. Messy. Confusing. Stressful. Hard work. Scary. But all the effort is worth it when the outcome is revealed. Peace. Joy. Excitement. Beauty. It may be down-right frightening to let the Master Builder hammer away a new life/opportunity/outlook for you. But, I believe (and am about to find out for myself) that He has a remarkable masterpiece waiting at the end of the renovation.