One year ago

Exactly one year ago today we purchased our first home!

Being our first home, people advised us that we won't get everything we want in our first house, but 365 days later, I'm still in love. As I look around and think about walking into this structure a year ago, so much has changed. There is paint on the walls, pictures, an awesome fence and a overflowing garden of goodness. And I think about all the people what have walked through our door in the last year. So many fun memories have been made, so many out of town visitors and friends. It's also funny to think this house was also for sale 6 months after we bought it. Glad God worked that out :)

I am so thankful to have this home. It provides shelter, security, comfort and creativity.
If you haven't visited our home, the door is always open and dinner is normally served between 5-6pm, no invitation needed. We would love to have you!

For Sale....

The word is out.

Our new house is for sale.

If you haven't already heard, Mike's company offered him a promotion back in Ohio. I have been hesitant to blog about this new adventure, because I was struggling with the fact of moving. I love living in North Carolina. I love my friends here, they have become our family. I love my house. It's brand new and we only bought it 6 months ago (I know). I have pregnant friends, engaged friends and best friends. And I like the weather :)

In Ohio's defense, our whole family is there, both sides. In a way, I felt like we moved here to escape the family drama, but no matter what, family is always going to be there for you. Mike's company is better run and managed up there, which would mean more opportunity for growth. We could get a really cheap house, which means I have the option of not working and we could start a family without so much stress about money. We would have grandparents and relatives close by for our kids to grow up with and love on.

I'm not much of a risk taker. Mike is. I only take God driven risks, so if it's His will for us to move to Ohio, He will make it happen. This is a good lesson in patience, not worrying and faith. It's not up to me. I like to control things, situations, even people. So this whole no control thing is really making me nuts.

Do I want to move?

I can see good in both situations, so I know God will prepare my heart for whatever comes.

When are you moving?

We will only go if the house sells. If you know of anyone, send them here, http://garnerexit.com/Search_20_our_20_Listings.html (1112 Lombar Raleigh, NC 27610)

Please pray for our family in this transition. Moving is never easy. The great news is that no matter where we go, our friendships and relationships are heaven bound, so we will one day all be together for good!! No moving vans up there!

What makes a home?

Well, I feel like a little kid about to go to an amusement park. I can't sleep or concentrate, only one more day til we get the keys. The boxes just keep staring at me. We are so excited. In the last month, I feel like I have had time to reflect on this whole process and I have many thoughts....
The first is how blessed I feel. We are so young, and to be buying our first house makes me so appreciative of the hard work Mike and I have done in last five years or so. I have so many emotions about the devestation of China and beyond, and in some ways feel guilty for moving into such a beautiful home, while people are struggling to pick up the pieces of their lives. So that brings me to my next thought...
How can I use this wonderful gift to be the hands and feet of Jesus in my neighborhood? We have a brand new community of families and friends. How can I use my home to share the love of God? My goal is get to know my neighbors beyond, "How's your grass doing", I want to know their story and hopefully get to share mine. I pray that our home can be a refuge for people hurting and lost. Where our friends and family feel comfortable and loved. My mom blessed me with the gift of hospitality and I don't want to waste it.
So today I feel overwhelmed with thanks. I feel peace and God's blessing in our lives. Tomorrow, I will get to know my home!!