I cannot even begin to tell you how HAPPY I was to discover that the
little tree by our front steps is a PINK flowering DOGWOOD!!
Did you know that Genesis 2:9 says, "the LORD God
made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground--
trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food"?
Aren't we oh sooo THANKFUL that He cares... not only about feeding
our bodies with good food... but also about feeding our souls
with the beauty of His handiwork? AMEN and AMEN!
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I thought for sure I would have a kitchen by Christmas. Not quite.
Now I'm hopeful for Valentine's Day... maybe even earlier.
What I'm learning is that remodeling the house you live in...
and doing most of the work yourselves... especially at our age...
is a great way to develop patience and perserverance...
and I keep hearing God say "count it all joy..."
So in the beginning... this was our kitchen when we moved in... Sept. 23rd.
It is quite small but cozy... with a nice size family room addition.
This will be a great family/tv room... someday soon!
The cabinets were original 1942... very small and didn't close well...
note the covered over chimney in the corner...
and what was the dining room through the doorway... more on this later.
November 8
After settling into the bedroom and studio as our living space...
with the camper for our kitchen...
Michael spent quite a while on the laundry room but I'll show you that later.
Here... the kitchen construction begins...
and the cabinets were the first thing to go.
I remember the day the plastic doorway went up to keep construction dust
out of the rest of the house... at least the worst of it...
I thought the zipper was oh so cool then...
now... not so cool but still so thankful for it.
November 10
We wanted to open up the space between the dining room and kitchen...
November 16
but in order to take out that wall we had to put a support beam in...
In the process of making room for the beam we discovered leaks...
which meant taking down the entire ceiling...
December 4th
and time out for replacing a large section of the roof.
We also discovered there was no insulation on one outer wall...
so the sheetrock had to come down... but thankful for the discovery!
During this time Michael was also putting in all new kitchen plumbing...
while an electrician friend was replacing all the wiring!
December 1
Lots of work went into making the ceiling level between where it sagged
and where the family room had been added on. A pony wall was built
for where a counter/eating bar will be... and electrical was wired!!
Oh yes... and the chimney disappeared...
sadly however... Michael's shoulder is still suffering from that demolition.
December 14
Trust me... some serious JOY filled the house the day
Jeff and his boys showed up with sheetrock!
December 15
After weeks of looking at the darkness of open studs, wires and insulation...
this was a beautiful site to see!!!
December 22
But back to more demolition... up came the ugly mud-colored vinyl tiles...
all the way down to the subfloor... too bad it's sub-floor because it's
really quite colorful and pretty... but do have cold air coming through!
December 28
Finished painting the ceiling and the upper part of the walls
December 29
Could hardly quit smiling as we began trimming out the windows and doors.
That's where we're at today.
What God has shown me through these past several weeks is
an incredible picture of what it means to be rescued.
He has given the privilege to take a house that had been
neglected, seriously abused and abandoned... and we are giving it new life...
an opportunity to blossom into something of beauty and great value.
I know in my heart God has a plan for this house to be used for His glory!
A wonderful analogy of what God does for us...
He rescues us... gives us new life... and uses us for His glory.
For my house and for my God...
I am thankful!
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Shortly after we bought our new house, I got a call from my publisher
asking if I would work with them on a collection of botanical art to
illustrate a book they're putting together called "100 Favorite Bible Verses."
Here is the first draft of the cover and it's scheduled to come out
sometime in the spring... it should be lovely.
So of course I said "yes" and added "50 botanical illustrations due
by November 15th" to my already crazy life! Since I've never done botanical
style art before it was both a blessing and a challenge but I LOVED doing it!!
It meant doing about two illustrations a day and I definitely give God the glory
for meeting the deadline and doing it with joy... at least most of the time!
Now you know another BIG reason for my silence!
This primrose above was one of my favorites!
Isn't this the most whimsical looking flower you ever seen? I love it!!
It's called a fritillaria! I even love the name!
I think I love it so much because it shows the incredible creativity of the Lord
and His delightful sense of humor! Don't you agree?
I had to keep reminding myself during those weeks that when God asks us to
do something, He is the One who gives us the ability and discipline to do it.
And I knew this was God because I had been praying for an opportunity to work
with my publisher again and... I had been praying for discipline! He answered
two at the same time. And as always He showed Himself faithful to give me
what I needed to accomplish what He put before me!
So I wonder...
Is there something He's asking you to do right now that you wonder if you
have what it takes to do it? Or a circumstance you're facing that seems too
big for you to handle? God never asks us to face our challenges on our own.
Instead He longs for us to trust Him so that He can show Himself mighty...
in us and through us... for His glory! I pray you will trust Him to do just that!
Love you...
Karla
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Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to take a few minutes
to count your blessings and truly give thanks.
My friend Becky counted a bunch... and her list really makes you think about
so many of the things we so easily take for granted... it's inspiring!
And speaking of taking for granted... when was the last time
you thanked God for indoor plumbing and a flushing toilet?
Well, it's been at the top of my list recently!
One of the reasons we got such a good deal on our new house was because
one of the previous owners had built our wonderful four car garage right on
top of the drainfield for the septic and thus the septic had failed! Duh!
Hmmmmmm... that means...
No Septic = No Flush!
So for the first three weeks of owning our new home, we drove in from
Battle Ground, worked on the house, took potty breaks at
Jack in the Box up the road and then went back to Battle Ground to sleep.
Our hearts were overjoyed the day the truck arrived with a new septic tank!
It was amazing to watch them lift it up over the fence...
And gently lower it into place!
The drainfield was installed in trenches...
transforming the side yard from this...
to this... and it will stay this way until next spring.
It is now slightly mounded in the center but I am just soooo thankful they
were able to hide all the mess behind the fence... thank You Lord!
But the most exciting part of the day came when they told us we could use
the toilets and sinks! Thank you Jack in the Box for being there when we
needed you but thank You God for our own working septic system
and all the men who played a part in getting it installed!
So for today ladies...
I'm giving thanks for the flush! How about you?
"Every good and perfect gift is from above..."
James 1:17
Blessings and love and hugs...
Karla
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My last post marked the closing of the last chapter of our God story...
saying goodbye to the home and lifestyle we had known for nine years...
and looking forward to the unknown.
Today... much to my surprise... this post marks the beginning of the new!!
WE JUST FOUND OUT THIS MORNING... OUR OFFER WAS ACCEPTED...
AND WE HAVE A NEW HOUSE ALREADY!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???
I LOVE this house! It's a mixture of cottage, complete with original wood
floors and character, and fixer, with lots of room for Michael's and my
creativity and craftsmanship. I look forward to sharing a few before and
after photos as we begin our new adventure of making this house our own.
We had originally wanted a tiny bungalow but we also needed a huge parking
lot for Michael's work trailers, fishing boat and the camper... and shop space
for Michael as well. The only bungalows that fit our needs did not fit
our budget so... when we found this house with a four car garage... we knew
it had our name written all over it.
And at some point in this house's history, someone added on a ridiculously
huge master bedroom... plenty of room to wall off a studio for me even
larger than my last one... I'm excited. And... I'm even dreaming about some
day having studio sales once again!
You may recall from earlier posts that I was ready to just pack the camper
and head down the road (I think there is a a bit of bohemian in my blood)
but obviously God has other plans!
Sometimes first things must come first... His timing versus mine. So rather
than throw away our money on a storage unit while we travel... we will now
have a place near the kids to come home to when we we're not on the road!
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,"
declares the LORD.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways
higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8
Heavenly Father... so often I know what I desire... but what I want and what
I need are not always the same. And even though I may not get my way, it
comforts me to know that because I belong to You, I can always trust Your
perfect and righteous way being worked out in my life...
for my best and for Your glory! Amen.
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One week ago, with mixed emotions, we said good-bye to Grace Acres
and the home we had lived in and loved for the past nine years. We will
forever remember its beauty, its quiet nature and the good times it gave us.
As we divided up our belongings in the process of packing... a portion of them
went to the trash, a portion to storage, some was given away and some sold
at a yard sale just yesterday... with the last remains going to a charity today.
I must confess... I am honestly ashamed of myself... and pray we never
accumulate that much unnecessary stuff again!! Lord help us.
Even though we had intended to stay in our camper while we're seeking
God's direction for what we're to do next,we graciously accepted the
invitation to stay in our daughter's guest room until after they return from
their trip to Italy in about three weeks. They leave in about ten days and it
will be our blessing to stay with the granddaughters while they're gone.
After that... we're not sure. But none of us truly are sure what tomorrow will
bring, are we? And just like with Abraham, the steps we take are to be by faith
and not by sight... not necessarily ruled by what is seen, safe and secure...
simply trusting God's sovereignty and grace to show us the way every moment
of every day. I know that's my hearts desire... and I hope it's yours as well.
Father God... all the days of our lives belong to You... may they unfold before
us according to Your will and for Your glory. We trust You to give us ears to
hear You and hearts to follow You in all we do wherever we go. Amen
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We're heading north to Canada for Michael's annual fishing trip...
and a time of resting and refreshing for me...
truly a much needed break from the move!
Most of our furniture is out and he house is all clean and ready
for the appraisal in the morning... trusting the Lord for the outcome!
So we'll head home in about two weeks to finish moving out and
see where we go from there.
You're going to love this...
ecause we won't have landline phones after we move and our internet
is part of our phone service, we bought a MiFi... which is a like a WiFi
card which is allowing me to write and send this blog to you while
we're driving north on I-5... I LOVE it!!
I won't be using it in Canada though... too spendy but I think the store
there has internet so I'll catch up with you there!
Blessings and hugs...
Karla
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I'll let you know for sure in the next day or two!
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Oh my friends... I'm making progress! I forgot to take a "before" but here's
the "after" of the first closet I tackled... I have two more to go!
I've already gotten rid of a boatload of stuff just from this closet and have
a nice box started for giveaways and to sell... yeah!
It's funny how the artist in me tends to move from project to project leaving
a trail of messes behind me but I also love and need a degree of order and
tidiness in order to be creative... and I know some of you are the same way...
so this is definitely feeling good.
And if you're looking for a creative way to organize little stuff I thought you
might like this... a repurposed over the door shoe organizer! I love mine...
it makes finding stuff soooo easy... and when you close the door it all
disappears! And you can buy them at the Dollar Store... what a sweet deal!
They're great for rhinestones...
and glitters...
and scissors and tools and supplies of all kinds... so helpful!
I'm taking a break to go to Michelle's today for our Arting Group... so much
fun... and then I'm on to the next area... and it may not look so bad to you
but the brightness in the lower left corner is hiding the immensity of the piles
and then there's the file cabinet drawers... oh my...
and remember... this isn't only about cleaning... it's about moving...
it's about letting go of everything I can and need to live without!
Yes Lord... it's a good thing.
Thank You Lord for loving us... even in the midst of our clutter! And thank
You for showing me that just as it's important for me to clear out the clutter
of my closet... it's even more important for me to continually clear out the
clutter in my mind and heart... to throw out those thoughts and attitudes
that are hindering me from living more fully in the freedom of Your love
and grace. Give me the courage to examine the clutter in my mind and heart
and be willing and tenacious about throwing out anything that doesn't line up
with the truth of Your Word or the sweetness of Your Spirit. Amen.
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Hugs...
Karla
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I know... I know. It's been awhile. I've been busy with lots of things and have missed being able to blog.
We're still in the process of getting our house ready to sell. Most of what we have left to do is outside work and between Michael and I having the flu for over a week and then the weather not being cooperative, we seem to be on hold for now. I am confident in God's perfect timing though, so for the moment, we are still enjoying the beauty of spring at Grace Acres! I'll keep you posted on our progress.
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As I walked around outside clicking snow covered snapshots of time to hide in my heart... I could not help but think of that moment in time recorded in the snapshot of eternity when Christ died on the cross so that our sins could be washed whiter than snow. As my singing filled the crisp cold air of the morning I not only delighted in living somewhere where no one could hear me sing aloud outside... but more importantly I was reminded of what matters the most in life and so I sang... and we can sing together...
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I know it's been a long time since I've posted. You don't know how many times I've sat down and even started to write but gotten interrupted either by a legitimate need or by the wanderings of my own mind... which have been very challenging during this season of transition and transformation. There is so much to do and so much to think about.
One of the things I've been having to do, of course, is cleaning out every nook and cranny... and having to decide what to keep and what not to keep. I have to admit I don't own a lot of earthly treasures in terms of material possessions and I'm not real sentimental beyond my photos and certain Christmas decorations, so it's probably easier for me to toss than it would be for many of you. But it's still challenging... especially knowing we're downsizing but not sure just how far down in size we're going yet!!
I couldn't help but think of the verse, "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" as I looked at these before and after photos of my closet. The before is full of clutter and stuff I've outgrown or simply don't need any more. Some of it looks good hidden in my closet on a hanger but it would not look so good if I were to wear it out into the world. And some things might not look so good on me but might look great on you so I'll be giving them away. And then there are those things I've held onto that may be comfortable but are now totally out of style or ragged beyond repair and simply need to be discarded. Oh my... can you see how much this parallels our lives and our thinking.
God knows we need to clean out the closets of our minds every day... to get rid of the clutter that keeps us confused or conformed to the ways of this world, tossing out ways of thinking that are outdated and don't line up with God's Word, or thinking that is simply comfortable but not good for us. And God knows that the best way to clean out the clutter of our minds is by replacing the old thoughts with His thoughts... and as we do the "before" is gone and there is a sense of order to our thinking that brings peace and hope and a confidence... not in the ways of the world but in the ways of God.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind... then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is... His good and pleasing and perfect will." Roman 12:2
Heavenly Father, I know I'm not alone in confessing that the clutter in my mind is a battle I face daily. I ask that as You continue the work You've begun in me... and I continue to be in Your Word... that You would replace my wrong thinking with thinking that brings glory to Your Name and peace to my heart.
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