My very first blog post. It begins, "I can't believe I've started a blog!! What's gotten into me?!? Ah, well...I thought it would be fun to chronicle some of our goings & comings...because there are a lot of them!"
In it I mention Greg's job, Alan's liver, Vacation Bible School, and redecorating our bathroom. I say they are "likely to be recurring themes."
I was right. Those 4 things occupied more of our time and thought than I would have ever dreamed. Well, except the bathroom. Even though we did get that redecorating done. Twice!
Six years later and those things are still relevant. The ins and outs of daily life. Both big and small. I've blogged almost all of it. Job changes. Homeschooling. The birth of 3 babies.
Through those six years of blogging I can point out to you more than one long periods of silence. Almost every time that silence is due to changes brewing.
If anyone has actually stuck around to read this ('hello? is this thing on?') you may have noticed a particularly long period of silence this time. To be honest, part of that is a result of homeschooling 3 and tending to babies 13 months apart. My plate is full. I'm still finding my groove.
But part of that lengthy blog silence is, as before, the result of me withdrawing. Contemplating. Retreating into the safeness of privacy while we sort and pray and wait. Because the silence this time is not just due to changes, but very big changes.
After months of prayer and waiting, we believe that God is calling Greg into further service for Him. Although we don't know exactly what that means long-term yet, the next step is seminary. This August, Greg will become a full-time student.
The change is definitely bittersweet. While it is exciting to see God work and to step out in faith and service to Him, there is a lot of sadness at what we are leaving. We will be moving away from our home of 10 years, parents, grandparents, and the best church family anyone could ask for. A simple one-line list doesn't even begin to describe the depth of what we are walking away from. I know people do it all the time, but not us. This is new for us.
Even so, we are moving forward with joy, not dread. We train our children to obey us with a smile, not a pout and a sigh, so should we expect any less from ourselves?
This is God's idea. He's got this.
Meanwhile, I make no immediate promises about the ol' blog. But I do have a plan for the direction of my blogging once we are settled in our new home and routine. I began this blog with an audience of 5. I sat down at the end of each day and shared the highlights of the day, and what was on my mind. A few pictures of my kids and what they were up to.
It won't win any blog awards, and I won't gain an audience of hundreds or blogging recognition, but who cares? That's what I'm going back to. I'm finally content to be 'just another mommy blogger.' I would do it just for that same audience of 5, but I hear through the grapevine there are more of you out there than that. I thank you so much for reading along, waiting through the silent times, and following our little adventures. I hope you'll keep reading through this next one.
(And leave a comment once in a while, would ya? ;) )
8 comments:
I am listening. I have always enjoyed stories and pictures from my Texas family. Now I can call you my brave Texas family. What a choice you have made! The two of you are one and have done an excellent job of listening when you were "called". You have an exciting adventure in front of you and you (both) will do great.
well hello Stella. I fall under that grandparent category and although I usually know about what you are posting before reading your blog, I still love to read your blog and see the pictures. Enjoyed seeing the sketch of your house you will be moving to and also the pictures last night. Will miss you but am excited for you at the same time. Nana
Your poise, grace, and strength continue to amaze me. You all will do great and soar to new heights! And, those left here will be fine too. You have such a way with the written word--so looking forward to more of that on the ol blog.
Still praying for you and yours, Amy. Can't wait to see the exciting things God has ahead for you.
I'm so thankful our blogs have allowed us to become true friends over the past few years - don't know what I would do without your encouragement and prayers, even if we haven't ever met face to face.
So keep on bloggin'. I'm in a lean season as far as blogging as well. Maybe one of these days I'll find my words again...
"We train our children to obey us with a smile, not a pout and a sigh, so should we expect any less from ourselves?"
What true words! I've never thought about it that way.
I can't wait to follow along. I will still call you 15 times a day no matter where you live. ;)
Wishing you & your family the best of luck on your next adventure!
Well, I was starting to get a little worried! So glad to hear everyone is fine and you have a new adventure ahead. I agree with Kristen, too, about training children! Very wise! Best of luck to you and I'll be checking back for updates!
Praying for you in your new adventure. We just moved 2 years ago from the place my husband and I grew up in! It was the hardest thing we've ever had to do, but being in God's will gives you the peace you need when the times are hard!
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