As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Monday, April 11, 2016

Gathering the Moments | March




March was crazy-busy and full of grace.

Many days I have wanted to pop in for a chat. I have written oodles of blog posts in my head! But there always seems to be something more urgent that takes my time. Living life in the midst of a move...











If ever there was a month of living the "in between," this was it!

We lived in the past as we cleaned out the attic and uncovered thirty-five years of memories. Baby shoes. Handmade cards from our children...and from our grandchildren. Childhood toys. Childhood books. (Lots of childhood books.) Wedding invitations. Wedding napkins. Graduation announcements. Hand-written notes and birthday cards from loved ones who are no longer with us. Outdated home decor. School papers. School notebooks. (Lots of school notebooks.) Dusty stuffed animals. Old dishes. Old furniture. Baby clothes. A set of books my dad bought for my oldest children, one book at a time until he had collected them all. Photographs. Party invitations. Old love letters. The Fisher Price cash register.

Memories, memories, memories. Some brought smiles. Some brought tears. All are a part of the fabric of life here at The Farmhouse.


We lived in the present as we continued to cook meals, educate, do laundry, and drive to extracurriculars. Kati sprained her hand at work, thus an ER visit, a couple of doctor appointments, and a splint for at least four weeks. Not able to work either of her jobs, she is helpful to me in the sorting-through-memories department.

Baby Macie suffered with some health issues during the month of March. A scary late night trip to the ER brought a diagnosis of RSV. (Praise the Lord, she has fully recovered from that.) She also struggled with silent reflux.

Bekah was long overdue for her eye appointment, so we squeezed it in. She is happy with her new contacts.

During the month of March, we continued to gather. We hosted our church fellowship one Sunday while our regular hosts were out of town the country. We girls hosted a ladies' game night because we wanted to have just one more here at The Farmhouse. We had our usual Sunday afternoon gatherings with our children and grandchildren. And we had our last holiday meal here on Resurrection Sunday.

We gathered at other places too. Kristin and Brian hosted a Sunday afternoon meal. The FLDC (Fashionably Late Dinner Club) met at our friends' and they insisted that we show up empty-handed this time. Joanne and I went for our monthly Mama Coffee. We had several coffee evenings at Ryan and Sarah's house.

Between it all, we sorted, organized, cleaned, tossed, gave to family and friends, and made oodles of trips to Goodwill and other thrift shops to donate.

Oh, there was a lot of living in the present here in March!


We also lived in the future as we packed and planned and pondered.

Friends and family helped us pack dishes (lots of them) and table linens (lots of them) and books (lots of them too). Friends and family helped us with Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the move to our new house. (The final and largest move will be at the end of April.)

We are thinking ahead to new spaces, new arrangements, new surroundings. Paint colors, furniture placement, driving routes. We are thinking ahead to two and a half bathrooms after 35 years of living with one! We are thinking about our new gathering place and all of the possibilities. Of course, we are planning projects. :)





For the month of March, we rejoice in His gifts and His faithfulness to us over these past thirty-five years, we praise Him for His grace in this present flurry of living, and we trust Him with the future.


 ♪ All the way my Savior leads me. What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy who through life has been my guide? 



17 comments:

  1. "all i have needed Thy hand hath provided.."
    reading through your post that was my first thought.
    blessings...

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  2. Oh so happy to see this post pop up and to see and hear about all that's been going on with y'all! A great example of how life goes on in the midst. Oh my I love that old Fisher Price register! Love love loved reading the few phrases from All the Way My Savior Leads me with tears. So happy for God's leading in this journey of yours. It's so good to know that He is beside us all the way!

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  3. What an upbeat post in the midst of such a huge move! I love how your life went on and you got to experience and take note of a final holiday meal, ladies game night, etc. Will pray for you these next weeks. How God has provided for you in every way and you bring Him the praise and glory. I love the song--we even have a recording of my grandparents singing that together.

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  4. Beautiful, beautiful hearts, family, home.....

    What an amazing time this has been for you all. Thankful that God knows it all. I think of you daily as your gift sits next to my desk! Late birthday for sure!

    See you soon!

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  5. So glad to find you here today--have missed you so miss and looked every day for a new post. Glad you have lots of help in this move. (Two and a half baths must seem like a dream come true--how wonderful!). Looking forward to pictures of the new home and your memories made there. Blessings, Sharon D.

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  6. Yay! A post from Cheryl! I have been wondering how things have been going...and I see they have been...GOING! Wow, you certainly have made so much progress and I know the excitement must be building as you anticipate your new surroundings! What a monumental task moving is, even when you haven't been there as long as you have...but it looks as though you have some great helpers! Can't wait to read the next update! :)

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  7. So good to read this upbeat post as you are in the midst of moving. Looking forward to seeing your new home and the ways you set it up and decorate it to make it yours.

    Have a lovely week ~ FlowerLady

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  8. Moving is so stressful, as you say, both laughter and tears are part of it. Our move back to UK from France was a hard one, saying goodbye to a wonderful neighbourhood, to friends and to my beautiful garden, knowing we wouldn't be able to see them again. But 3 years on and we are settled......but whispering, in the shed are two boxes, still unpacked. Prayers for your continuing journey.

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  9. I was soo pleased to pop on here while I am having my lunch and see that there was a post from you as I was wondering how it was all going over there...And sounds like it has been going sooo well. Busy yes, like you said with the packing up and sorting out of years and years of memories, but still focused in the present and all going on there, but dreaming about the future and all that awaits you. Perfect! It's just what life is all about. Moving is always such a huge undertaking but sounds like you've got good help and your doing well. I am anxious too to see the new house and watch the new memories begin. Praying all continues to go well and in His perfect time!

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  10. It's so good to hear how you are doing, dear Cheryl. I've thought of you many times and hoped all was going well. Your photos show much love and joy, even in the midst of a move. You are in my thoughts and prayers as the next phase of you move begins. ♥

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  11. What a March it was...even the name of the month matches the theme. I suppose that April will bring more of the same. Hopefully, we shall get to see more of you in May! Fun to see the grands and all the family. So glad that Macie is fine...had never heard of that affliction before. Be well, folks. I know that you are blessed!

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  12. Loving this post...your on quite the journey my friend. Will continue to follow along!

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  13. I am so happy for you!!!! I have lived here in my home for the past 49 years so I can appreciate all that you are going through. I enjoyed catching up with all you have going on!!!

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  14. Good to hear that things are "moving" along just fine. What a job of packing up memories, but nice that you can do it while you are still healthy, as you mentioned earlier.

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  15. It sounds like you have accomplished a lot in a short amount of time! And there are so many memories to sort through as well as belongings when you leave a home that's been lived in for so long. You have such a beautiful, loving family and soon there will be new memories being made in your new home! Be safe and stay well as you finish up your move!

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  16. Good morning Cheryl! I am sad but also happy and excited for you! I absolutely understand what a hard decision this was for your family, but also relate, Dh and I have been thinking about our future too! Your farmhouse is so lovely, I am so happy you sold so quickly!

    I wish you much happiness, peace, joy as you search for the home that God has already gone before you and is preparing!
    Indeed you did have a busy, and eventful , March, Pray all are now healthy!
    I also apologize for my lack on blogging, like you, I have been so busy with life situations!
    Much love from me to you!
    Sue

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  17. Cheryl, I can't imagine moving after so long in one house. Accumulation! :D For some reason, when we bought our house I was thinking ahead; I remember thinking, if we get a two-story house we'll have to move someday. Wonder why I even thought of that. Glad your house sold so quickly. Can't wait to see what you do with the new place!

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