Stephenson Family Ties

We each have our own customized opportunities
to deal with disappointment, yet, our
disappointments dont change the doctrine.
from: Awake, Arise,And Come Unto Christ
by: Sheri Dew

As soon as the handy-dandy lock-box was clamped on to the ironwork in the courtyard. And as soon as I heard myBuilder entertaining the idea of a for sale sign in the lawn...
I realized that its time to share with my blogosphere the news about the major changes going on in our lives. Changes other than marriages, missions and employment.
I realize that our story isnt unique. Im not pretending that it is. But its still a personal journey, and one worth 'journaling' about. I think its rehabilitative to 'confess,' to share, to come clean.
The easy description to whats going on is that we are in the process of downsizing. Here in this home we have 5000 sq ft. Who needs 5000 square feet when the nest is all but empty? The baby is flying the coop in a week, and Clark wont be here for long....college up north is calling his name.
The reality is a little more painful. We indeed are downsizing...to 22oo sq ft. We are having to rent for a while, and are praying that someone will enjoy this house as much as we have, and buy it!!! We are up a creek, and need to save ourselves.
But this bitter pill isnt quite so bitter knowing that we have found a beautiful little place nearby, that we are pleased to now call home.

This downsizing means garage sales and Craigs List listing. We are paring down with a vengeance; we are battening down the hatches, holding on for dear life and looking towards a bright future with new and enlarging experiences. In other words, we are starting over. The Brian Head project sunk us. But we have already begun the work it takes to bob back to the surface and begin again. Most days if feels like a good thing. Change has always been an exciting thing for me. De-junking is most invigorating.
Other days its difficult to embrace this change of events. As all who know us...we have expended a great deal of energy into this home. Its hard to walk away from. Very hard.
But as all growing experience go...we are learning a lot along the way.
I have learned that Im a book Junkie. Im sure I have more books than most smalltown libraries in the country own. I have boxed them up, I have sold some at garage sales, and I still have more books than I'll have have shelf space for. Anyone want some books!!???
I've learned that 'stuff' doesnt matter. yeah, yeah, yeah, we've all heard it before. But its true! It doesnt matter. What really matters is that I have my Builder, and our health and our good kids, and our beautiful grandkids.
I've learned once again that my Builder is amazing. As you can well imagine the last 12 months have been tough on him. Tough!!! And yet he will never give up. Hes on to the next venture in his life and will provide what is necessary to keep us all going. He's remarkable. Hes talented and I trust him completely to carry on and do what it takes to reach the goals we have set for ourselves. Life is good when hes by my side.
I've learned that when one door closes, another one opens. Sometimes it opens slower than we are accustomed to....but it will open. Having faith is a huge requirement in this.
So...please be happy for us and when its apparent... grieve for us when we grieve. Be patient with us when we seem distracted and off track. We're older now, and change feels different this time.