Half of our country is celebrating and loving life.
Half of our country is in deep mourning and scoping out foxholes to hide.
The losers are scared and angry.
Even the winners seem angry.
And I am craving unity.
So I'm doing what I can do- focusing on my little house and my little children and the places where I wield my little influence.
I've spent the morning working with the Dancer on her reading. She can read four sentences now. I am so excited for her. I do this so someday she can read histories and literature and most of all, the scriptures. I've turned off the news- truly, I know what's going on- and we've opened our scriptures. There is turmoil and corruption in those pages, and more importantly, a guide for how to survive it and leave the world better. I need the examples of those men and women like never before.
And I've stood up and started my laundry again. My four walls will enclose a space that is clean and orderly, because heaven knows when my children leave my front door the world is confusing and messy.
And I'm writing again. It took me a few days to find my words in the midst of the chaos, but they are coming back. I hear a voice inside that says "when all seems ugly, make your voice beautiful."
And I will try.
But I got one fun surprise.
This little home that we are trying to make our own made it to the front of an article on HGTV remodels.
And that is certainly not because we are rich. We use creativity and resourcefulness to turn our limited funds into something we love.
You can see it here:
I'm out of the foxhole.
I'm brushing off.
I'm bruised, but determined.
God bless this divided nation, our children, and our homes. God bless you!
I feel pretty blessed to know you. We may not have stayed long in this apartment, but I don't regret this first stop in Kansas to meet you and all the other great people in this area. Your home is beautiful and well deserving of a spot in HGTV! Good work!
ReplyDeleteLorie, that is so sweet of you. I am glad you are in the promised land of Kansas and happy to get to call you my friend!
DeleteOur homes must and will be a barrier for our children (and ourselves frankly) from the world. They will feel peace, love and safety at least when they are inside these walls. It's good to know that my home won't be the only place they can feel that way. Families homes, some friends, church buildings, and someday the temple will also give them those feelings and that safety. And hopefully, they will be strong enough to carry that with them wherever they go. So that each step they take is on holy ground.
ReplyDeleteluvs, aby
PS - I deleted my first comment because I spelled wherever wrong. Yikes.
I am grateful for my sisters who are doing the grand working of creating places of refuge in the world. It reminds me of the underground railroad- from one blessed sanctuary to another they will make their way through life.
DeleteLove the moral of this message. We must not let the troubles of the world make our own personal troubles more troublesome than they should be. We have to rise above them, and prove that we are strong.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the feature in HGTV remodels!
Alexandra,
DeleteThanks for a word of kindness. The world needs them more than ever right now. And by the world, I mostly mean me. ;) Always love to hear from fellow creators and writers!