Going Retro

Since JoAnn is so eager to see the inside of the new house, I will be brave and post some of the photos that I have from the realtor.  I say brave because the house was last updated in the 80's and I am not sure what others will think of that.  The way it is suits us just fine as all our stuff is early Good Will anyway.  (grins)  So here goes...

This is the kitchen.  It is functional and it will be painted a neutral color.  It might also get a new floor covering, but I am not unhappy with the current flooring.  I've had much worse. 

This is the livingroom and dining area.  The curtains will match my Grandma's sofa and chairs.  I just wish we could rip out the carpet as there is a beautiful hardwood floor underneath. 

Here is the main bathroom, notice the lovely blue sink and tub. 

Like I said, these things really don't bother me.  I think because the house needed some updating a lot of people were willing to pass it up, so in a way I am thankful it is not all brand new. 

Some Notes on Suffering

Just thinking about the idea makes me uneasy.  Suffering.  I admit that one of my favorite idols is comfort and ease.  However, if you've been on the road of sanctification long enough, you are going to run into the concept in a very personal way. 

I am reading an awesome book, Peacemaking Women:  Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict by Tara Klena Barthel and Judy Dabler.  In their book, they take a look at suffering in chapter two. 

Suffering tempts us to doubt the goodness of God.  I can remember struggling with this when I watched a good friend of mine die a few years ago.  She left a husband and 2 kids.  They were homeschoolers.  My small view of God caused conflict in my heart that has taken these years to resolve. 

The fact is, we live in a fallen world.  But, God  can use our suffering for His good, for our good.  Maturing in Christ requires our being willing to suffer.  2 Timothy 3:12 says,"Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Jesus Christ will suffer persecution."  Through our trials, we become more like Jesus, if we submit our wills. 

Elisabeth Elliot puts a good light on this topic when she said,"Nothing can reach us, from any source in earth or hell, no matter how evil, which God cannot turn to his own redemptive purpose.  Let us be glad that the way is not a game of chance, a mere roll of the dice which determines our fortune or calamity - it is a way appointed, and it is appointed for God's eternal glory and our final good." 

Sledding

Home Sweet Home

Sometimes my heart just overflows with joy and this is one of those times.  I don't know why I am so amazed.  I prayed for favor and I got it.  But, this was heaped on favor.  Everything we asked for, favor!  (I am trying not to ruin the moment and wonder what the catch will be later.)  The simple truth is that God is gracious and He has provided for us a new place to make our home for the next 3 years. 

I had to confess feeling a great deal of anxiety this past week.  I knew that He would not let us go homeless.  Why do I even worry?  Not many of my concerns ever come to pass.  I waste vast amounts of time when I could be finding rest in His arms.  I think it is the whole decision making process that is hard for me.  I don't want to make a mistake.  It becomes paralizing. 

And so now the process of packing up begins again.  I have done it so many times before.  I might almost think I am good at it.  I do enjoy moving into a new place and setting up new systems.  Organizing an efficient kitchen is always a challenge I enjoy.  What do people do who live in the same house for more than 10 years? 

I'll leave you with a picture of the new house's backside and deck. 

House Hunters, Planter Boxes and Life

(My mind is whirling, as you will soon discover reading this rambling post.)

Currently,we are looking for a new home to rent.  House hunting, even for us renters, is a dicey thing, especially the timing and the negotiating a fair rent. I am not ashamed that we are renting. We've owned two other homes for a total of 12 years. We made a drastic decision to get debt-free in four years, which included getting rid of the mortgage. It's been a long 3.5 years, but we've learned lessons and I think we are ready to be financially fit people.

(The current front runner)

I am so eager to get a place of our own again. We've been in a holding pattern for the last year, house sitting for friends who were supposed to move far away.   I am really looking forward to the privacy.  (They live in the garage apartment.)  And I really want to have a small garden box again. (I will really try not to say really again!) 

So, when I am not busy packing this month, I am going to again read this book from the library very soon. 

We so enjoyed our garden boxes at our last home.

We will get there again!  Maybe not right away, but we will recover from the move and then start building our boxes.  And we need to budget for camping as well, so we will have to go slowly. 

I am so proud of us. We are making radical changes, sticking to our budget, learning to live on what we make and to make do with what we have.  Go us!!  Sometimes it is not fun to wait, but it is always worth it. and if the Lord wills, one day we will own our own home again.   

~Jenn

A Smile for You

Are you in need of a nice smile today?  I received these in an email this morning.  Nothing like some sweet animal pictures to brighten a day, I say.  Here are a few of my favorites. 

Wishes for Your New Year...


May your accessories always harmonize with your natural beauty!

Should your mouth ever be bigger than your stomach, may you have a chewing good time!

May you always know when to walk away and know when to run.

And may your friends always bring you joy!

GOD BLESS YOU. MAY YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR

FILLED WITH LOVE, HAPPINESS, AND HOPE.

Jenn

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Average highs this time of the year in central Indiana should be in the mid 30's, which now are sounding pretty good.  We had a cool summer, perhaps this is just more of the same.  Regardless, winter weather means challenges and endurance.  Yesterday as I left church, I wondered why hell is going to be hot instead of cold!  (OK a weird thought, I grant you.)  Cold would be more hell-ish to me! 

This bitter weather does give us more time indoors to work on the house, read and play on the Wii, so it is not all bad.  Plus we are really enjoying having a Roku to watch TV shows we'd not normally see.  Take Man Vs. Food, for instance.  Since we don't have cable, we'd certainly have missed that gem.  It never fails to make me glad that I am not a competitive eater.  Although, I think it has inspired my youngest child to become one!  (My oldest child thinks the host must not have gone to college and therefore has such a rotten job, as food is not a temptation to him.) 

Another worthwhile show that is becoming a family favorite is The Dick Van Dyke Show.  We are making our way through the first season.  This is the first sit-com that we've watched as a family.  The kids eat it up.  I love it that they see the humor in simple comedy that is not spoiled by rude, crude or obscene words. 

Today we start back to our normal routines.  It's hard to believe there are only 75 more days left of school.  I am planning to surprise them with a trip to Dunkin Donuts to celebrate.  Only, I will abstain.  I am back on the wagon to good health.  Perhaps I should rethink my choice to take them.  But I won't.  They need a little splurge once in awhile. 

Back on the wagon, actually, the falling off part only lasted a week.  I was able to gain 4 pounds though!  Over two came off this weekend, so I am very motivated to keep moving towards my goal.  I want to loose 5 pounds a month using the tools I learned at Weight Watcher's two summers ago and by using the Wii Fit Plus every day Monday through Friday.  I actually missed my time on the Wii last week.  Sleeping late messed up my plans to continue through the holidays.  Oh well, that is history. 

I hope you have a great week back to reality. 
~Jenn