All the things...

I have this grand idea of what I wish my life looked like.

It's pretty.

That vision is full of pottery barn furniture in a spotless house, kids who always listen, money that never ends, and having the time to do all the things I want to do, including ministry, blogging, family time, crafts, and worship.

It's a fairy-tale. Plain and simple. My life has never looked like that and probably never will. I will not ever have all the money, or all the time in the world to do ALL THE THINGS. I might someday have some pottery barn (knockoff) furniture, and my kids sometimes listen (rarely). I do get to do ministry, build stuff, and worship, but I feel like a frazzled mess through most of it.

and that's okay. 

I'm stating this to remind myself that it's alright to not have it all together all the time. It's fine that I am basically starting over (again). The beginnings of Spring and of Fall seem to be my renewal seasons. Funny how God does that. He takes this time of natural change and allows me to be a part of it.



So here I am, still doing the Jesus loving-wifey-homemaker-young life leading-crafter-blogger-DIY'er thing.
I would love to end this right here with "And I'm killing it." But, I am so not.

and that's okay.

Part of my chaos is because the last few weeks have been full of grief and hard places.

My family had to say goodbye to our patriarch at the end of February. My grandfather, Papa Bill, took his last breathe on this side of heaven, and was welcomed to the other side by my grandmother. I believe my Aunt Mickey put it best, "he had a good long life, and a short end." We are trusting that we will see him again someday and that he is singing praise to God with Onward Christian Soldiers (using just one low note for the whole song). 

He was very loved and is missed greatly. 

Reality hit us hard this winter. As we get ready to celebrate Easter, I am reminded of one one reality that doesn't change. One that isn't a fairy tale. One that makes ALL THE THINGS worth it.

My savior died. He died a horrific death because He knew that it was what was best for us. He knew that taking all our sins and shedding his blood for them was the cost that must be paid for our salvation. I can't ever thank him enough for that. That most precious gift was given out of love. 

Thank you Jesus. 

So, my house might be a wreck, my children may not listen, and I may not have the things of this world that I desire, but I do have Jesus. (and a cup of coffee).

And that makes it ALL okay.