Life , Liberty and the Pursuit of Advertising

The wind is blowing full force today… somehow that makes it seem a little counter-productive to be spring cleaning, but that's what I am doing none-the-less.  I have been cleaning out closets, cabinets, and shelves, and washing blankets, sheets and bed spreads.  It always feels good to get things in order for the next season don't you think?  Lots of odds and ends are keeping us busy this week and last.  We sold our Nissan Van that we had purchased the first summer Russ, Olga and Eddie came home to us (you can click here if you want to read about our adoption story).  It was a wonderful van and has served us well, but it has been used to the maximum between kids, dogs, dirt roads and miles. It was time to get something new before it wore out completely, and since we had an opportunity to sell it, we did.  We haven't gotten a replacer yet, but we are trying to patiently find what we would like, and not overspend our budget; so we have been out car hunting.  We realize that we are transitioning into another stage of our life, and so we are re-thinking our vehicle situation; What would best suit our life these days; What would we would like to drive, now that we don't have to haul a crowd with us... and so on.  I've been having dreams of elephants of late… perhaps that's our next ride? He he he.  I could think of worse things.   Don't you just love the picture above? .... that's my Dad on that elephant.  I hope you don't mind me putting it up there Dad… couldn't resist.  I love this picture for some reason.  I have it in a frame in our house.

We are also seeking what comes next for us in other ways and have been earnestly pursuing God's will in our lives.  It feels like something is changing, but we are not putting our finger on it yet.   I have been working to bring my blog up to an "earning" status, which is one place where I have seen my purpose shifting.  As my children are almost grown, I have felt the calling to encourage women in the art of homemaking and embracing the joy of  life.  As women, we can find ourselves wrestling with who we are and the what our purpose is.  Whether in pursuing a career, or  full time homemaking, there is always a struggle to be at peace in our roles or callings.    Some women go back to school, or into the work force at this stage of their lives, I have felt that I can use my own gifts in a career that involves writing, homemaking and creating, and in this way be a help mate to Steve, as well as fulfilling those things that are in me to do.   This blog is a part of that and has taken a lot of my focus in this last year;  which brings me to one of the places I was going with this conversation; I wanted to mention to those of you who are my regular readers, that I am adding advertising to my blog.  It is one of the goals that I have had, so that I could work from home.   I'm still working out the kinks on the advertising aspect, so I hope you will be patient with me as I am getting there.  If you see some weird advertising…. it is not intentional… trying to get to where I only have applicable advertising, and appropriate advertising  cohesive with what this blog stands for.  I saw some crazy video game ad come up this morning, and had to pull it right off, and get with the ad people (still waiting to hear back) so hopefully I'm getting it fixed.  I will also be making a few changes on the blog itself,  am I am working on some other projects, which I will tell you about when the time is right.   I wanted to fill you in on what was what, so if something seemed a little off… you would understand.

Well, with the title of this post, and the picture on the top, you all probably had no idea what you were going to get when you read this one.  I wasn't quite sure myself when I started… just liked the title, and wanted to talk some tidbits about our life, and the elephant picture was just asking to be given its moment… and I had to explain about the advertising, and well, we should pray for the continuation of Liberty in this country(and no joke about that)… there, I covered it all .  Yes, I am well rounded today; or no, my thoughts are all over the place, I don't know which… so back to a more serious note; Let me end by telling you about the herd of elk out our side yard this morning.  They were so beautiful and majestic and a reminder of the wonder of God's creation.  He is the Creator of the Universe, and the God of every large and tiny thing.  I rejoice when I think this and of how  He holds me in the palm of His hand.  This is a wonder and a comfort.  Be encouraged those of you who entering into another stage of life.  Perhaps you are wondering what comes next for you; what is your role in life now.  Some of you may find that as your children are about grown, you are more fine tuned.  Your gifts are maturing, you can be such an encouragement to the next generation.  We all, when we are young have needed someone to encourage and teach us about life.  Rejoice in the next portion and be ready to run with it.  Blessings to you all as you finish this week.

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers.  Instead, they should teach others what is good.  These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 

to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

Titus 2:3-5 NLT