<\/p>\n

It had been a long morning, the tail end of a busy week. The sun streamed bright through our french doors on this February afternoon. Though there was a crisp chill in the air, the light was radiant, the glass warm, inviting. I pressed my face into the glass, closed my eyes, letting the warmth soaked in deep, soothing my weary heart. The tension of the day, melting. <\/p>\n

In that moment, I felt as if I were leaning, pressing in close to the God who comforts. His embrace warm, life-giving, only love. He, the only home I know that has never failed to shelter and comfort me from this weary, broken world. <\/p>\n

I thank God for the home He has given our family. A tangible reminder of His protection, provision, care. A safe place to find rest, restoration, in a life that can easily deplete me. The pace of our culture too hectic and hurried. At times, filled with unrelenting heartbreak, loss, sorrow.
\n
\nBeing ever aware of this, I desire for our home to be a place where one can find refreshment. A home where God is unmistakably the center. A place of safety where one can enter into His peace and feel the warmth of His love, like a warm blanket, wrapped snug. <\/p>\n

Easily my vision for our home can become blurred. I begin to doubt my abilities and I am left feeling ill equipped. Our home at times, feeling far from peaceful, far from renewing. With each night leaving me feeling achy, raw, restless.<\/p>\n

One may think this is the result of having a full home, bustling with the energy of four children under nine. How could I not be left ragged, weary? Our home is loud and chaotic at times, like all families. <\/p>\n

Even so, I know deep down this is not the source of this undercurrent that can easily pull me down. The true reason lies most in the condition of my own heart. When I have neglected to lean into Him. When I have not taken the time to rest in Him, my true source of renewal and strength.<\/p>\n

When I press into Him, my world rights itself, my center of gravity restored. I believe that when He is my center, than and only than, can our home become a sanctuary, a place of peace. Where His unconditional love and grace reside.<\/p>\n

I am learning to press into God more. Allowing Him to change me. Filling my voids. Healing my brokenness. Finding my identity and purpose in Him and Him alone.<\/p>\n

My desire is to be His sweet aroma, an illuminating light, to my family, to those who enter our home, to our neighborhood.<\/p>\n

Lord Jesus, I press in.<\/p>\n

You are my strength, my joy. <\/p>\n

Flood into my heart, into our home.<\/p>\n

You are welcome here.<\/p>\n

* * * * * *<\/p>\n

In the next few weeks, I will be welcoming in and sharing this writing space with three extraordinary women. They each have blessed our family and home with the sweet aroma of their presence and life-giving words.<\/p>\n

I invite you to join me and I pray that your heart and home will be equally blessed.
\nI have also included a printable that Robert and I created for a post last February.
\nA special gift from our family to yours.<\/p>\n

Download Free Printable<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

* * * * * * * *<\/p>\n

Our most recent news on the adoption front is that we are officially waiting! We found out mid-February that we have been in the waiting process with Bulgaria since January 13th! God is at work in our waiting and I look forward to sharing more in my coming posts.<\/p>\n

To God be the Glory!<\/p>\n

The confirmation email from our adoption agency:
\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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