Last week I had a theme-day; a day when the same theme was woven through everything I heard. By the end of the day I had to wonder and try to decipher what it all meant. It went something like this...
I overheard two friends talking about God stirring up women to be like "keys" to unlock a movement of freedom in the way we act, think and live; to have vision beyond the limits we set ourselves in; to realize our potential and power to influence our homes, communities and world. It's likely I have misquoted them and added a few of my thoughts, but it was something along those lines.
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Monday, September 8, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
12 Old-fashioned Winter Activities for Toddlers
It is February in Minnesota, the month when all moms of toddlers start going CRAZY because the kids are STIR-CRAZY!! In the Fall, I thought to myself, "Hmm, it would be such a smart idea to make a winter activity list for those long winter days when the kids are bored." Well, it's no longer a smart idea, it's a survival necessity! :)
Friday, August 23, 2013
A Week In Thoughts
So many things I want to write about. So little time. I keep dreaming of sitting at a coffee shop and pouring all my inspiration into writing, but I've realized I can keep dreaming or I can force myself to summarize. So here's the summary of the little things I'm learning lately, which by the way, I mostly write for my own benefit. Putting it into words helps me remember the lesson better.
Super Mom days may be followed by Super Hard days. Why? I don't know. But it's still ok to call your mom and cry.
Positive Words: Never thought I was a wife who needed to hear "I Love You" constantly. But without being asked, that's what my husband has been telling me over and over this week and it has strengthened me more than I can explain. Words are powerful. "Be careful what you say", they say. But also be intentionally positive with what you say, I say.
Embrace the Giggles. Sometimes it's bedtime and all you want is for the kid to get in bed and fall asleep ASAP. But then he gets the giggles. It's more fun to join in than to try to stop him sometimes.
The Sound of Music: life and chores are always better with music. And random dancing and twirling with the little peeps.
Make a short list. I love lists and I can really get carried away with them. But this week I made a list with three things on it just so I could actually cross them all off at the end of the day and feel accomplished.
Just do it. Sometimes you gotta forget the list and just do whatever's in front of you.
If there's any bit of humor in the situation, laugh.
That's it I think. Happy weekend!
Super Mom days may be followed by Super Hard days. Why? I don't know. But it's still ok to call your mom and cry.
Positive Words: Never thought I was a wife who needed to hear "I Love You" constantly. But without being asked, that's what my husband has been telling me over and over this week and it has strengthened me more than I can explain. Words are powerful. "Be careful what you say", they say. But also be intentionally positive with what you say, I say.
Embrace the Giggles. Sometimes it's bedtime and all you want is for the kid to get in bed and fall asleep ASAP. But then he gets the giggles. It's more fun to join in than to try to stop him sometimes.
The Sound of Music: life and chores are always better with music. And random dancing and twirling with the little peeps.
Make a short list. I love lists and I can really get carried away with them. But this week I made a list with three things on it just so I could actually cross them all off at the end of the day and feel accomplished.
Just do it. Sometimes you gotta forget the list and just do whatever's in front of you.
If there's any bit of humor in the situation, laugh.
That's it I think. Happy weekend!
Friday, October 26, 2012
A Cozy Sunrise
It's been a while. We now live in a new city, in a wonderful little townhome overlooking a lake! A lot has happened, yet sometimes it seems like not much at all. We've cleaned and packed and cleaned and travelled and moved and cleaned and unpacked and cleaned some more. I'm not that crazy about cleaning, but it was pretty dirty! We've said many sad good-byes there and many nice-to-to-see-you-agains here. We've discovered our local grocery stores, library and playgrounds.
But at the same time, whenever you're in a place where you don't yet know many people and don't have an established community of friends, it seems like not much happens at all. We are looking forward to finding a church to plug into and make friends!
Still, so much to be thankful for: Husband's job is going well, the kids have been marvelous at adapting, and having this time as a family to discover a new place together is amazing. But one of my favorite things about living "north" is being COZY! :) It got pretty chilly almost as soon as we got here a few weeks ago so I've been thoroughly enjoying my sofa, soft blankets and many cups of hot drinks whenever I can! Right now, it's not my ideal time to do that, perhaps...at 6 a.m. after a sleepless night with a feverish baby girl. But maybe it is. I just looked behind my shoulder and there are blueish orange colors coming up from the lake! Sunrise...something I usually skip and should learn to enjoy more often.
But at the same time, whenever you're in a place where you don't yet know many people and don't have an established community of friends, it seems like not much happens at all. We are looking forward to finding a church to plug into and make friends!
Still, so much to be thankful for: Husband's job is going well, the kids have been marvelous at adapting, and having this time as a family to discover a new place together is amazing. But one of my favorite things about living "north" is being COZY! :) It got pretty chilly almost as soon as we got here a few weeks ago so I've been thoroughly enjoying my sofa, soft blankets and many cups of hot drinks whenever I can! Right now, it's not my ideal time to do that, perhaps...at 6 a.m. after a sleepless night with a feverish baby girl. But maybe it is. I just looked behind my shoulder and there are blueish orange colors coming up from the lake! Sunrise...something I usually skip and should learn to enjoy more often.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Looking for Simplicity
It's almost the end of February and it's been a busy year already! Let's see...there was false labor, then real labor, new baby, lots of lovely visitors and house guests, two in diapers, family and church commitments, Valentine's, husband's birthday, and now, at the hospital again with our baby girl for RSV.
As much as I've wished for it, my longing for simplicity doesn't seem to be working out. I love being busy and involved, but sometimes I wish I lived in a little cottage out in the country where my main concerns were making delicious dinners, playing with my kids and hearing my family's laughter. The candles would be lit every night, there would be fresh flowers in vases. I would grow my own herbs on the window sill and maybe even venture into planting flowers outside! Oh, and the laundry would never pile up like the rocky mountains around my bedroom!
Ahhh...what a daydream. But of course, if I lived there it would not be perfect, I know. I believe God has us where we are for a reason, all of us. I also believe that I'm not meant to be disconnected from the people and world around me. Still, it takes some adjustment and learning to figure out how to balance everything, let alone just your own home and family!
So anyway, I'm looking for simplicity. I'm longing for it, really, because I honestly don't want to live the crazy-paced life that our generation seems trapped in. I don't want to look back and wonder where time went. I want to enjoy the little joys and moments with my little ones. I want to fully embrace the adventure that my husband and I are on. But I don't want to be a stressed-out, frazzled mom!
But since life itself doesn't seem to be calming down, I guess I'll have to discover the art of simplicity in the midst of it. Like sitting under a cozy blanket with a warm cup of cocoa, looking out the window at a thunderstorm. (I love doing that!) The Bible says God gives us peace that transcends understanding... when it doesn't make sense or it seems impossible, we can still live in His peace! I'm eager to discover how to apply that in this busy life!
As much as I've wished for it, my longing for simplicity doesn't seem to be working out. I love being busy and involved, but sometimes I wish I lived in a little cottage out in the country where my main concerns were making delicious dinners, playing with my kids and hearing my family's laughter. The candles would be lit every night, there would be fresh flowers in vases. I would grow my own herbs on the window sill and maybe even venture into planting flowers outside! Oh, and the laundry would never pile up like the rocky mountains around my bedroom!
Ahhh...what a daydream. But of course, if I lived there it would not be perfect, I know. I believe God has us where we are for a reason, all of us. I also believe that I'm not meant to be disconnected from the people and world around me. Still, it takes some adjustment and learning to figure out how to balance everything, let alone just your own home and family!
So anyway, I'm looking for simplicity. I'm longing for it, really, because I honestly don't want to live the crazy-paced life that our generation seems trapped in. I don't want to look back and wonder where time went. I want to enjoy the little joys and moments with my little ones. I want to fully embrace the adventure that my husband and I are on. But I don't want to be a stressed-out, frazzled mom!
But since life itself doesn't seem to be calming down, I guess I'll have to discover the art of simplicity in the midst of it. Like sitting under a cozy blanket with a warm cup of cocoa, looking out the window at a thunderstorm. (I love doing that!) The Bible says God gives us peace that transcends understanding... when it doesn't make sense or it seems impossible, we can still live in His peace! I'm eager to discover how to apply that in this busy life!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
My Top 5 Tips to Saving Money
I promised to write soon about my current journey on learning to be a resourceful, effective and frugal stay-at-home wife and mom. There is so much I want to say, it will take many posts and the very thought of organizing my thoughts and ideas has kept me stalling. So here's a start...
Recently, I had the chance to speak to a group of ladies for a few minutes on what I've learned about saving money in the home. If I narrowed it down to the 5 things that help keep me on track the most when it comes to saving money and trying to steward it well, this is what it would be:
{1} Live like no one else so you can live like no one else. I'm pretty sure this is a Dave Ramsey saying, although probably not word for word. Women are naturally given to comparisons and if you are constantly letting yourself notice what others have and do that you don't, you will always be unsatisfied and unhappy, no matter how much money you have. But if you focus on your personal season in life, as a young family, young marriage, whatever it may be; and decide to be ok with not having certain "normal" luxuries in order that you may save money and be better off in the future, you will be able to be content and move ahead. It requires a change in perspective and priorities, really.
{2} Always keep your goal in sight. Not only in mind, but in sight: on your fridge, your mirror, your car. You will need a strong goal to begin with, for example, to stay at home with your kids so you can be their primary influence and coach them through their growing years. Or to help your husband pay off debt. Or to save up for something specific. Or to set apart money to be able to bless missionaries or a specific ministry. Or to save up for adoption. Or simply to change the atmosphere of your home by being more pro-active in your homemaking. These are all goals that require money, but the answer isn't always to go out and get a job. There is so much you can do at home while not giving up the incredible blessing it is to be at home.
{3} Plan, plan, plan. Yes, I am a planner/organizer addict. But I've been able to convince my husband, who isn't as much of a planner as I am, that planning saves money. The best example is going to the grocery store without a specific list and meal plan in mind. Without a fail, we always end up spending more money that way than if we had planned our grocery list. This applies in everything, though. Look at your last month's budget and spending and you will probably notice that most money "leaks" occurred when things were unplanned: an unplanned meal out in the middle of a long day of errands, an unplanned last minute birthday gift, an unplanned purchase when walking past a great sale. You get the picture. Plan ahead and stick to the plan!
{4} Discover what motivates you. Some people are motivated merely by their goals. They won't rest until they have reached them. Not me. I'm motivated by rewards! Nothing huge. Just little things I use to help myself accomplish tasks. For example, if I get everything done on my to-do list, I can make brownies and watch a movie with my husband at the end of the day. Or if I can save $20 from our grocery budget, I can use $5 of it for whatever I want. Little rewards help me a lot. But for you it may be something else. Discover what that is. If competition motivates you, for example, team up with a girlfriend to see who can reach their goal first. Loser gives winner a free babysitting night, or whatever you can think of!
{5} Don't forget about generosity. When we get all caught up in struggling finances and working hard to reach certain goals, it's easy to forget everything God has to say about it in His Word! The Bible is packed with wisdom on finances and promises of God's never ending faithfulness and provision for His children. Just because you have a goal to reach doesn't mean you should ignore the needs around you. In fact, the more you faithfully learn to be the wife and mom God created you to be, the more you will see His incredible provision in your life, and the more you should be inspired to go above and beyond in caring for and giving to others who need it. Yes, even when it means dipping into your grocery budget or delaying something you've been working hard for. I'm still trying to learn how to work with that very fine line between wise management and joyful generosity. It is very fine indeed! But the minute my feelings start to look like selfishness or fear, I know I'm not doing it right because those things do not blend with gratitude, faith and loving my neighbor.
Oh so much to say and learn. This is one area where I feel I've been on an intense hands-on course, where I see myself growing and struggling and learning so much. I'm so excited to share what I'm trying to learn with other wives and moms because I've seen God moving in our marriage and family through all this and I want every amazing woman out there to experience the same! I keep using the word "learning" because it's a process and I'm just starting out! Many out there know way more than me but I'm just excited to learn and grow and bless my family and those around me.
More on this topic coming soon...
Recently, I had the chance to speak to a group of ladies for a few minutes on what I've learned about saving money in the home. If I narrowed it down to the 5 things that help keep me on track the most when it comes to saving money and trying to steward it well, this is what it would be:
{1} Live like no one else so you can live like no one else. I'm pretty sure this is a Dave Ramsey saying, although probably not word for word. Women are naturally given to comparisons and if you are constantly letting yourself notice what others have and do that you don't, you will always be unsatisfied and unhappy, no matter how much money you have. But if you focus on your personal season in life, as a young family, young marriage, whatever it may be; and decide to be ok with not having certain "normal" luxuries in order that you may save money and be better off in the future, you will be able to be content and move ahead. It requires a change in perspective and priorities, really.
{2} Always keep your goal in sight. Not only in mind, but in sight: on your fridge, your mirror, your car. You will need a strong goal to begin with, for example, to stay at home with your kids so you can be their primary influence and coach them through their growing years. Or to help your husband pay off debt. Or to save up for something specific. Or to set apart money to be able to bless missionaries or a specific ministry. Or to save up for adoption. Or simply to change the atmosphere of your home by being more pro-active in your homemaking. These are all goals that require money, but the answer isn't always to go out and get a job. There is so much you can do at home while not giving up the incredible blessing it is to be at home.
{3} Plan, plan, plan. Yes, I am a planner/organizer addict. But I've been able to convince my husband, who isn't as much of a planner as I am, that planning saves money. The best example is going to the grocery store without a specific list and meal plan in mind. Without a fail, we always end up spending more money that way than if we had planned our grocery list. This applies in everything, though. Look at your last month's budget and spending and you will probably notice that most money "leaks" occurred when things were unplanned: an unplanned meal out in the middle of a long day of errands, an unplanned last minute birthday gift, an unplanned purchase when walking past a great sale. You get the picture. Plan ahead and stick to the plan!
{4} Discover what motivates you. Some people are motivated merely by their goals. They won't rest until they have reached them. Not me. I'm motivated by rewards! Nothing huge. Just little things I use to help myself accomplish tasks. For example, if I get everything done on my to-do list, I can make brownies and watch a movie with my husband at the end of the day. Or if I can save $20 from our grocery budget, I can use $5 of it for whatever I want. Little rewards help me a lot. But for you it may be something else. Discover what that is. If competition motivates you, for example, team up with a girlfriend to see who can reach their goal first. Loser gives winner a free babysitting night, or whatever you can think of!
{5} Don't forget about generosity. When we get all caught up in struggling finances and working hard to reach certain goals, it's easy to forget everything God has to say about it in His Word! The Bible is packed with wisdom on finances and promises of God's never ending faithfulness and provision for His children. Just because you have a goal to reach doesn't mean you should ignore the needs around you. In fact, the more you faithfully learn to be the wife and mom God created you to be, the more you will see His incredible provision in your life, and the more you should be inspired to go above and beyond in caring for and giving to others who need it. Yes, even when it means dipping into your grocery budget or delaying something you've been working hard for. I'm still trying to learn how to work with that very fine line between wise management and joyful generosity. It is very fine indeed! But the minute my feelings start to look like selfishness or fear, I know I'm not doing it right because those things do not blend with gratitude, faith and loving my neighbor.
Oh so much to say and learn. This is one area where I feel I've been on an intense hands-on course, where I see myself growing and struggling and learning so much. I'm so excited to share what I'm trying to learn with other wives and moms because I've seen God moving in our marriage and family through all this and I want every amazing woman out there to experience the same! I keep using the word "learning" because it's a process and I'm just starting out! Many out there know way more than me but I'm just excited to learn and grow and bless my family and those around me.
More on this topic coming soon...
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
With Love From Scratch
This is the name of my new gourmet cafe, where everything is homemade from scratch. Ok, it's not really open to the public, but it exists in my house! And my most faithful client is my husband. :)
I've been married three and a half years now and to say the truth, I don't really remember what I used to make for dinner in that first year of marriage. This is probably because there isn't much to remember! I think I heavily relied on boxed pasta, quesadillas and banana bread...I did know how to make that! Slowly I started experimenting with new recipes out of our desperate need to eat something different and soon I discovered that I loved the kitchen! Still, by their very nature, experiments don't always turn out right and my poor faithful "client" endured many bland, over-cooked, under-cooked meals before I started becoming more confident and capable.
I remember wishing I could get to the point of being known for certain dishes, like my mother and my mother-in-law are. There are certain things they make that people keep coming back for again and again. That's how I wanted to be. But it has taken over three years to feel even close to this goal, especially since my growing love for experimenting in the kitchen often keeps me from repeating and perfecting recipes that turn out well. Slowly but surely though, I have reached a point where at least in my little "cafe", we have some of our own favorites...not just hand-me-down recipes from our mothers (which are awesome), but our very own!
So my project today is to make my official menu. Maybe I went a little too far with naming my cafe and everything, but it helps inspire me and it's fun. My goal is to categorize on a menu, just like in a restaurant, all of the food I feel I can make really well. Why? Because even after so many experiments and successful meals, I still stand in front of my pantry wondering what in the world to make for dinner! Maybe it's my pregnant forgetful brain at the moment, but I still end up relying on boxed pasta and canned sauce, simply because I can't think of anything else! In my opinion, this is due to a lack of planning ahead and establishing a variety of things I feel confident making. Also, the more I make them, the easier and quicker they will be even when I forget to plan ahead.
Eventually I also want to add "prices" to my menu. Don't worry, I will not charge you for being a dinner guest at our house! It will be a way for me to plan my weekly menu based on the cost of each meal, so that I can manage my grocery budget better. Yes, I know I'm a planning fanatic.
So why do you care about all this? If you don't, I'm sorry you read this far. (ha ha) But if you also love cooking, or maybe don't love cooking but are trying to learn to make good food anyway, creating your own menu is a fun inspiring way to give yourself a plan and some variety to choose from. Think of what you would order at your favorite restaurant and dare to find a similar recipe online to try out at home! If it's great, add it to your menu. It's kind of a hobby of mine to make things at home that you would normally only get at a restaurant, and usually they turn out even better! It's not as hard as you think and it makes you wonder why people don't make these things at home more often. Like what? Molten Lava Cakes. Chicken Marsala (just like Olive Garden). Cheddar Biscuits (Red Lobster). New York Cheesecake (Cheesecake Factory)You name it...you can usually find it at www.allrecipes.com Who wouldn't want to eat this stuff at home for a fraction of the cost?
My point? Be bold, make a plan, try new things, have fun. You'll be surprised and you are sure to wow whomever you live with... they will become your most faithful clients. :)
I've been married three and a half years now and to say the truth, I don't really remember what I used to make for dinner in that first year of marriage. This is probably because there isn't much to remember! I think I heavily relied on boxed pasta, quesadillas and banana bread...I did know how to make that! Slowly I started experimenting with new recipes out of our desperate need to eat something different and soon I discovered that I loved the kitchen! Still, by their very nature, experiments don't always turn out right and my poor faithful "client" endured many bland, over-cooked, under-cooked meals before I started becoming more confident and capable.
I remember wishing I could get to the point of being known for certain dishes, like my mother and my mother-in-law are. There are certain things they make that people keep coming back for again and again. That's how I wanted to be. But it has taken over three years to feel even close to this goal, especially since my growing love for experimenting in the kitchen often keeps me from repeating and perfecting recipes that turn out well. Slowly but surely though, I have reached a point where at least in my little "cafe", we have some of our own favorites...not just hand-me-down recipes from our mothers (which are awesome), but our very own!
So my project today is to make my official menu. Maybe I went a little too far with naming my cafe and everything, but it helps inspire me and it's fun. My goal is to categorize on a menu, just like in a restaurant, all of the food I feel I can make really well. Why? Because even after so many experiments and successful meals, I still stand in front of my pantry wondering what in the world to make for dinner! Maybe it's my pregnant forgetful brain at the moment, but I still end up relying on boxed pasta and canned sauce, simply because I can't think of anything else! In my opinion, this is due to a lack of planning ahead and establishing a variety of things I feel confident making. Also, the more I make them, the easier and quicker they will be even when I forget to plan ahead.
Eventually I also want to add "prices" to my menu. Don't worry, I will not charge you for being a dinner guest at our house! It will be a way for me to plan my weekly menu based on the cost of each meal, so that I can manage my grocery budget better. Yes, I know I'm a planning fanatic.
So why do you care about all this? If you don't, I'm sorry you read this far. (ha ha) But if you also love cooking, or maybe don't love cooking but are trying to learn to make good food anyway, creating your own menu is a fun inspiring way to give yourself a plan and some variety to choose from. Think of what you would order at your favorite restaurant and dare to find a similar recipe online to try out at home! If it's great, add it to your menu. It's kind of a hobby of mine to make things at home that you would normally only get at a restaurant, and usually they turn out even better! It's not as hard as you think and it makes you wonder why people don't make these things at home more often. Like what? Molten Lava Cakes. Chicken Marsala (just like Olive Garden). Cheddar Biscuits (Red Lobster). New York Cheesecake (Cheesecake Factory)You name it...you can usually find it at www.allrecipes.com Who wouldn't want to eat this stuff at home for a fraction of the cost?
My point? Be bold, make a plan, try new things, have fun. You'll be surprised and you are sure to wow whomever you live with... they will become your most faithful clients. :)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thoughts of Pumpkin Pie & Love
It's nearing the end of this Thanksgiving Day, the house is dark and quiet and everyone else is asleep. The weather is finally cold in this Texas state, as it should be in November. The turkey turned out well, despite my lack of experience in turkey-baking. I admit though, that I could gladly have Thanksgiving without turkey. What I really love is everything else and especially, pumpkin pie. If no one stopped me and I had no conscience, I may eat a whole one by myself in one sitting. It's the truth. One of my happy thoughts as I drift to sleep tonight will be the knowledge of a whole left-over pumpkin pie in the fridge waiting for me to wake up tomorrow morning! :) Black Friday sales? Forget it. Just give me pumpkin pie for breakfast!
But my happiest thoughts as I drift off to sleep tonight are about how deeply thankful I am to the Lord for the amazing husband I have. I really can't describe how incredible he is and how blessed I am! It is the greatest joy in my life and the greatest honor to walk this life next to him, to serve the Lord together and to parent our perfect, adorable, little boy.
I am one happy, full, thankful woman.
But my happiest thoughts as I drift off to sleep tonight are about how deeply thankful I am to the Lord for the amazing husband I have. I really can't describe how incredible he is and how blessed I am! It is the greatest joy in my life and the greatest honor to walk this life next to him, to serve the Lord together and to parent our perfect, adorable, little boy.
I am one happy, full, thankful woman.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Homeless but at Home
I'm so blessed to be sitting in my comfy couch with a brownie and cold glass of milk. Sometimes you just have to sit down, be quiet, look around and realize how blessed you are. Add a brownie and it's a perfect moment! Ahh, home sweet home. But I haven't felt like this all the time recently. The meaning of "home" has been begging to be defined in my heart for a while.
We have recently been traveling and visiting friends and family in various places. Since we have only been in our current city a little over six months, being surrounded by familiar faces and places during our travels brought me to a sudden state of loneliness. Actually, it was a feeling of homelessness. I struggled to understand myself as I longed to return to the house where my bed was and my baby's awaiting crib and clothes are, yet not wanting to leave the familiarity of family laughter and friends' smiles, while at the same time just wanting to be wherever my husband was, plus also missing my immediate family and childhood memories. (If that was a confusing sentence, it's because it was a confusing moment!) I really just wanted to be home, but I didn't know where that was! And no wonder...in just the past 5 years I have lived at six different addresses, including 4 different cities, 3 different states and 2 different countries! Need any moving or culture adjustment advice? Just ask me!
So as I worked through these thoughts and feelings, I realized that for some people "home" is where they were born and grew up, where their family has always lived and their friends have always been. It's the place where they know the changes in the seasons, the gossip, and the traditions like the back of their hand. It's where they hope to always be, or at least always go back to.
Not the case with me. When you move as much as I have and try to embrace the places you are as much as possible, "home" no longer can be a geographical place alone. Or at all. I realized that "home" to me is people--the people that make me feel at home in their hearts. They are the ones with whom I can fully be myself, fully laugh, fully cry, fully make mistakes and fully find grace and accountability. No matter where it may be, those people are home to me. And, obviously, home to me in the most specific and intimate way would be my husband and my son (and future children). Wherever they are, that's my home.
Wherever God may place us through the course of our lives, I am confident and grateful to always have a home that is defined by more than just an achiterctural structure! Transitions of any kind are never easy, so if you are going through one, I hope you can be encouraged by these thoughts and define (or re-define) your own "home" as you trust what God is doing in your life.
We have recently been traveling and visiting friends and family in various places. Since we have only been in our current city a little over six months, being surrounded by familiar faces and places during our travels brought me to a sudden state of loneliness. Actually, it was a feeling of homelessness. I struggled to understand myself as I longed to return to the house where my bed was and my baby's awaiting crib and clothes are, yet not wanting to leave the familiarity of family laughter and friends' smiles, while at the same time just wanting to be wherever my husband was, plus also missing my immediate family and childhood memories. (If that was a confusing sentence, it's because it was a confusing moment!) I really just wanted to be home, but I didn't know where that was! And no wonder...in just the past 5 years I have lived at six different addresses, including 4 different cities, 3 different states and 2 different countries! Need any moving or culture adjustment advice? Just ask me!
So as I worked through these thoughts and feelings, I realized that for some people "home" is where they were born and grew up, where their family has always lived and their friends have always been. It's the place where they know the changes in the seasons, the gossip, and the traditions like the back of their hand. It's where they hope to always be, or at least always go back to.
Not the case with me. When you move as much as I have and try to embrace the places you are as much as possible, "home" no longer can be a geographical place alone. Or at all. I realized that "home" to me is people--the people that make me feel at home in their hearts. They are the ones with whom I can fully be myself, fully laugh, fully cry, fully make mistakes and fully find grace and accountability. No matter where it may be, those people are home to me. And, obviously, home to me in the most specific and intimate way would be my husband and my son (and future children). Wherever they are, that's my home.
Wherever God may place us through the course of our lives, I am confident and grateful to always have a home that is defined by more than just an achiterctural structure! Transitions of any kind are never easy, so if you are going through one, I hope you can be encouraged by these thoughts and define (or re-define) your own "home" as you trust what God is doing in your life.
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