From Dream to Done

When we purchased this home, the basement was listed as unfinished. However, there was enough done to that level for us to make a functional office and bedroom on that floor which were instantly put to use. At the end of the hallway, there was a big black void. Just a space with wall studs in place and a concrete floor--literally a blank canvas. Though that space has been used to house many a storage pieces over the years that we've been here, the vision was to make that hole a functioning bathroom.

We knew that the task would be monumental, but we also knew that it would be well worth doing. It took us a L O N G time, but we can gleefully say that we have a bathroom! Nikolas practiced his plumbing skills, Jozsef exercised his drywall and painting skills, and John filled in all of the other gaps. From coring a can for the toilet and installing an ejector pump, to full out plumbing, making walls, making doorways, creating a ceiling, wiring for lights and outlets, installing fixtures--every little detail--the guys did it all! Ok, we had help with the coring, ejector pump, and some of the wiring--thank you Grassroots and Denver! But overall, the project was by and large an in-house project.

The boys are thrilled--as are the rest of us. This is a B I G deal! I'm so happy for the willing hands to put in the numerous hours in making this dream become a reality. Great Work Guys! and THANK YOU!

Contract to Covenant

Once upon a time, the church was the center of a community. People met there, they worshipped and fellowshipped there, creating bonds. People were married at the church and when thier babies were born, the babies were baptized there. At the end of life, funerals were held at the church and people were buried at the church cemetary. All the records were simple. The Pastor and the people wrote the name of the event and the date of the event in thier Bibles. Every sacred event was between the Pastor, the people, and God--because these were God given rights of passage. This was the way life was recorded for generations--until the government got involved and found a way to take charge of records and attach financial gain to them. This is where covenant was changed to contract. A contract, by definition, is an agreement between two or more parites that creates mutual obligations that are enforceable by law. In regards to marriage, that sounds super romantic, doesn't it. In contrast, a covenant is defined as a promise, agreement, or contract between two or more oarties, often accompanied by oaths, signs, and ceremonies. It is a relationship bwtween two partners who make binding promises to otherand work together to reach a common goal. Covenants define obligations and commitments but they are different from a contract because they are relational and personal. Biblically, a covenant marriage is a solemn and binding relationship between a man and a woman that is meant to last a lifetime. The purpose of a covenant marriage is to reflect the love and relationship between Christ and His church, and it is meant to be a unique display of God's covenant grace because, unlike all other human relaitonships, the husband and wife are bound by covenant into the closest possible relationship for a lfetime.

When John and I first were married, we were not Christ followers, and though we included Biblical verses and mentioned God in our ceremony, we definitely entered into a contract. Over the years, after trial and triumph with resulting growth, and yes, becoming Christ followers, we decided that we would rather be in covenant than in contract. It took us quite some time to reach the point of ability to make the switch, but we finally got all of our pieces together and recently made the switch. In a lake side gazebo, witnessed by the children and Bethany, John and I made a covenant vow. We didn't just mention God, we made God the cornerstone of our lives together.

It was simple, sweet, special, and significant. We topped off the night with a celebratory dinner and a delicious apple butter cake.

We made a marked moment. Praise God! ;-)

Giving Thanks

November is a great month. Not only does it cool down and we can open windows, but the foliage turns brilliant colors and we are surrounded by beauty. In the midst of it all, we have an entire month to really focus on counting our blessings and giving thanks culminating in a day of thanks and a feast. How wonderful is that?! We worked our way through the alphabet identiflying the blessings we have which is always a treat to see other people's perspectives. Thanksgiving day was filled with games, puzzles, good food, and time together.

I didn't get much in the way of photos, but that's because we were too involved in enjoying our time--and I'll take that. :-)