Stephenson Family Ties

I cant go back to yesterday because

I was a different person then.

from: Alice in Wonderland

by: Lewis Carroll

I have been viewing our so called  'down-sizing' through a different lens of late.  The last 3 years have taught me a great deal about myself.  Some good things, some bad.  Mostly its been enlightening and character building...my dad would be proud.  All in all its been an eye opener!  
I can honestly admit...after all this time the only thing I REALLY miss from our 'grand estate' is the pool and the hot-tub.  Even though I RARELY slipped between the ripples of that expensive hole on the ground...I miss that it  drew  the kids to us like shavings to a magnet!!!  And as far as the hot tub is concerned...well let me be a minimalist and say only that it was my and my Builders winter get away.  Sigh
I am now finding that necessity and aesthetics, old age and pinterst, priorities and a degree of laziness are all steering me toward a new phase in life. I have been lead in a new direction. 
I think its called minimalism.

I think of, I believe in and I have faith in the future.  I cling to and  believe in what my Patriarchal blessing says about my home, my family and what brings me true happiness.  I in no way have a CLEAR vision of the future, but I believe it will be bright.  
I now believe it'll be quite different than the life I've lead thus far...and Im looking forward to it with a great deal of anticipation and impatience.  And there is nothing that says that I cant begin preparing for this future now.  ( I  suppose I really have been all along, in some manner.)

I've been kicking against the pricks, against the obvious, for quite some time.  If I had been truly introspective and proactive all along, I would have seen that being a minimalist is the perfect fit for me. Perfect!!!
I dont shop. I hate to shop!! I have no need for a cavernous closets, for I am anything but a clothes hound.  Shopping for clothes is painful!  The last time I visited Target...I was looking for a fern!!! (with no success I might add!!) 
(photo)
I think we had 3 garage sales...to get rid of stuff we accumulated over the 11 years of living in our last house.  
(I REGRET the books...so many dear books...gone.)
3 garage sales and who knows how many adds on Craigslist.

Well Im at it again.  Necessity and compunction are leading me to clear out some more stuff!! 
I am me!!!
 Im not Martha Stewart, or the lady down the street who is crafty and decorates for every holiday and occasion.  Pottery Barn, Anthropology, and Ethan Allen catalogs create a feeling of unease and even covetedness in me.  I am a minimalist at heart.  This is one of the  most liberating  feelings I've enjoyed in many years.

This rental we are in now...is not our home.  Its nice for now, but not for long. Its serving its purpose beautifully now.  Its opened some doors for some great experiences for us both in our service to our church and family and its a lovely way-lay station until we find 'home' again.  
My good Builder will find  or build my dream home.  And I now know I will only put in it things that are virtuous,  lovely or of good report and praiseworthy.  I will fill it with family and light, friends and not with stuff!! ( I do envision ONE room that will appear cluttered...the library!!!)

I believe this. I have faith.
I have faith to the point of knowing. 
And I am once again grateful for the lessons, knowledge, and faith that Im gaining on this journey we call life.
Certain things have just stopped being important.


So...does anyone want to buy a bedroom set? (not kidding)