Monday, September 29, 2008

Memory Lane

I saw this on Christine's blog and thought it would be a fun little post. Feel free to tag yourself and join me in this memory lane exercise.

15 years ago I was a young bride. Just finished my first year of marriage to Chuck who I had met in college. We were living in NJ at the shore and I was trying to figure out where my place was in this world. I was working at the mall in retail and missing everything familiar. It was a big transition to adjust to life in a new state and try to find friends. It was a time that God used to draw me closer to Chuck as my best friend.

10 years ago I was living in CA and was recovering from my c-section and trying to adjust to motherhood for the first time. After years of waiting for a child, I was so grateful to have this season of life begin. Absolutely loving this little Tally that God had blessed me with.

5 years ago I was trying to decide if homeschooling was right for our family. Now a Mommy of 2 girls who are just 18 months apart. Deeply involved in our church and loving our ministry there. Praying that God would open the right doors for our family and Chuck's job. Loving this stage of life...

3 years ago I was trying to adjust again to life in a new state. Struggling with not finding a church that was a good fit for our family. Trying to figure out how to keep my family healthy. Just beginning milling my own wheat for making bread and serving my family healthy food. Also trying to find my grove in the homeschooling world.

1 year ago I was packing our home up and moving again. After months of 4 hours of commuting for Chuck, we finally were able to move closer to his job that had relocated. Honestly, not spending enough time in God's word (life was too busy with packing and moving). Desiring to do what's right and teaching that to my kids.

Today I am living in a different state as my husband (4 hours was nothing compared to 700 miles for commuting). Longing to have our family together under one roof. Loving homeschooling my girls and teaching them what is right and how to learn about God in His word. Daily in the Bible myself and soaking up every truth I read, and encouraging others to do the same. Waiting on a contract so we can move, yet again. And praying that God will allow our family to adopt if it is in His will.

Tomorrow I am going to teach my kids, read God's word and be grateful for the stage of life that I am in. Focusing on the blessings, on what I have and not on what I don't. Continue to simplify my life and spend time on what counts.

11 comments:

Annie said...

It is interesting reading these "walks down memory lane" but makes me feel really OLD. Can't decide if I should do one, or not.

Yours really makes me see that we cannot forecast what the future will bring.... Little did you know when you moved to this lovely home.... But God has a plan that in another fifteen years will probably shine out in its glory.

A Girl, her God, and a Gift! said...

This is a great idea... kinda taking a good, honest look at yourself and your life... seeing ALL that God has done in and through you over the years. Thanks for sharing.

Sherry said...

Did I read right? Adopt? Great Cris, I'm excited for you. We are going through some adoption stuff now, with desiring to find out about birth families and such. It is very stretching for me. Let's hear some more details about this. Also, I have to say I am thrilled every time you talk about homeschooling. I remember when you were not so keen on the idea!

crispy said...

Oh, Sherry...God has changed me over the years. And I am SO thankful for it. Molding me to be just who I should be. Wouldn't it be great if we were in the same state and could be face to face friends again. Instead, I will be thankful for the internet that keeps us connected.

Yes, you read it right. =)

Annie said...

Cris - I am REALLY excited for you. The very first time I read your blog it was when you were talking about your big table...and everyone was saying you should adopt. Frankly, the thought crossed MY mind too, but that is such a personal thing.... It is such an amazing way to let God's love shine through you.

A Girl, her God, and a Gift! said...

Did I ever pay your girls for the last set of call me cards?

I have this bad feeling that I did not.

SO SORRY.

Tim and Susan said...

Isn't it good to stop and think about all God has brought us through and how we have grown and been stretched.

junglemama said...

Awesome story Crispy. Adopt?? That would be wonderful!

Chuck Peters said...

Love the new site design! I'm VERY impressed!
~cp

steffany said...

Awesome

Tim and Susan said...

Whoa! Look at you. FANCY. I love the cool, new decor on your blog. It's always nice to have a face lift!!