I don't take vacations. I don't even really like vacations the way most people do it. You leave home, go somewhere where you don't know how to get around or what to do other than spend money on junk to bring home to prove you went there. What I really love is to move every year or two. Just pack it up and take off to somewhere new and then make it home. Find out who the people are, what it smells like after rain there, how the people act when you've been to church with them, eaten with them, or been their nurse. For instance, I now know that Cuban coffee is far better from the greasy guy on the corner downtown than at the swanky Southbeach restaurant. I know that the humidity actually increases in the air after one of those spectacular thunderstorms in Miami. How do I know that Miami smells like diesel fuel and sounds like a party? Because I've lived there. How do I know that the clouds in July over the sky in Minnesota are so white and fluffy that it makes your eyes hurt to look at them too long, or that Lake Wobegon is a real place to every Minnesotan who grew up living at the lake for the summer? Because I've lived there. How do I know that in the Oregon Outback people are as hard as the rocks and horses are often treated better? Because I've lived there. Would I have really learned anything of the place by visiting? Not the way I want to. I want to know intimately. I have discovered that home has several definitions for me. First, home is where ever my beloved is. Second, it is anywhere I have ever called home for more than a few months. And lastly it is where I am from. My midwestern roots have served me well and there are times when I am pretty sure I'll retire to some little cabin on a lake. But for now, I'll pack my bags again and look for the next place that I can inhabit with all of myself. Save the vacations for going home...

Today I am thankful. The Lord has opened another door and I am catching just a glimpse of what may be in store. He has been so patient with me. Normally, I leap into the next thing without just too much planning, but I am learning. Outrunning God is not a good idea. I have prayed for opportunities for about a year, and The Lord has said, "be patient". So I sit with passport in hand and thoughts on heavenly things, waiting for the call...but while I'm here I will work for the salvation of those nearest me. Perhaps if I prove faithful in the little things, He will trust me with bigger ones.

Spring Cleaning - Sort of

Last night I accidentally insulted my husband's skills of organization and earned the dubious privilege of helping him organize his desk in the living room/office space/life. Most of the day has gone by hoping that my attempt will be appreciated and not cause horror and woe when he gets home from work tonight. I have filed pay stubs, bank statements, nursing licenses/CUE's and about a thousand little post-it notes with various Bible texts, phone numbers, ideas, etc... Robert thinks too much. Just got done installing child locks on the cabinet doors to keep the girls out of the 500+ DVD's Rob has sitting around for burning and sharing sermons and such as well as the other 500 or so people have sent to us to watch. Maybe if we start tonight we'll have time to watch them all before we turn 50. Oh, even sorted coins and put them in jars. I really like sorting things.
I have a little stack of books on the sofa table and one little journal in the living room and one box full of recipe cards. Oh, and my sewing desk, that is abnormally organized. I like how I live. A place for everything and everything in it's place, right? Here's hoping my generous, playful, intelligent, but disorganized hubby is pleased when he arrives home. Maybe I'd better make a pumpkin pie just to ensure good results.

Ok, my friend Autumn balked at joining Facebook because she said she is a blogger. I didn't even know that normal people did blogging. I really thought it was all just politico and people who spend wayyyy too much time with their macbook. Interestingly, I have since read her thoughts on occasion and followed her through a very difficult time in her life and have been blessed as I see her recover and bless others. So, thank you Autumn. I have decided to join the ranks before FB decides to charge for their services. Maybe someone will actually read this from time to time and keep in touch.

new

First attempt at blogging.