The Intentional Family

Friday, August 13, 2010

We Made It!: Two Weeks Post-Move

A gorgeous shot of California poppies to honor my home state! Photo Credit: heyrc

So it seems that my "I'll be back to blogging in one week" estimate was a bit off...

But that's okay! I've been busy planting roots and digging in heels, because we'll be in our new home for at least four years (the minimum duration of my husband's PhD. program). That might not sound like very long, but I've moved six times in the last seven years. To say that I'm ready to be settled is a gross understatement!

The moving process got off to a bumpy start but, thanks to my dear friend Caitlin (who flew to Texas in order to help us!), we were able to make it across three states with a teething baby, a 17-year old cat, and a U-Haul trailer crammed to its full capacity!

Some neat things happened along the way, and there's one story in particular I'd like to share in an upcoming blog entry.

I'd also love to share about my ongoing nesting marathon! I'm having a grand old time turning this place into a home. It has been a sloooow process, but things are coming together, bit by bit.

It feels so wonderful to be home!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

It's Moving Time!!

Phew!!!

I was hoping to post a more detailed moving update (and perhaps a cute picture of Elise holding a "California or bust!" sign!)... But then I got swept up in this moving whirlwind!

I expect to be away from my blog for about a week. It's exciting to think that my next post will be written at our new place in the Golden State!

Your prayers for a smooth and safe move are appreciated...

California, here we come!!!!!!!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The Spiritual Discipline of Peanut Butter & Jelly

Photo Credit: iboff

My husband and I eat peanut butter and jelly for dinner... nearly every night.

Before you begin to wonder if we also drink apple juice and take naps, allow me to explain how this simple meal has become a part of our family's daily rhythm.

My husband was a seminarian for about one year.

At his former seminary, some brothers owned the responsibility of cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. These brothers ate an abbreviated dinner, known around the house as a "factotum dinner." Their brief meal meant a head start on the evening's clean-up

I can't quite remember why we started eating small dinners. I think it happened rather organically-- a consequence of our very busy first married year. At some point we recognized our trend and began calling our nightly dinner "factotum."

Sometimes it's soup, toast, or an apple. More often, it's good ol' PB&J.

Whatever comprises our little dinner, I've been surprised to discover that it's always deeply nourishing-- for my soul.

First, there's something healthy about going to bed ever so slightly hungry. When our inclination is to grasp and stuff, consuming less generates undeniable physical and spiritual benefits.

We learn to grow in gratitude and humility. How can I complain about the small rumbling in my stomach when so many suffer pangs of true hunger?

Second, a simpler meal can leave room for richness elsewhere. As Christians, we know that fasting also means feasting. We can fast from food in order to feast upon prayer.

A small and simple dinner, I've learned, means feasting on conversation with my husband... entering into rest after a busy day... soaking in love and peace.

That God can bless us so lavishly through a bit of simple bread should come as no surprise to us.