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Monday, October 24, 2011

Home is Where Your Story Begins

I have a plaque over the desk in my home office.  It reads, "Home is where your story begins."  My mother in law gave it to me because she wanted the words to inspire me as I write.  Every day I look at that sign and think of what an amazingly true and powerful statement it is.  No matter the home you come from, your story begins there.  But as I was reflecting on the plaque today, I realized that your story doesn't have to end there.


I grew up in a stable Christian home with parents who loved each other fiercely.  They attempted to have their every action be Christ and family centered.  So when I draw on the beginning of my story, it is strong and good and comforting.  But what about those whose story doesn't start so well?  What about those who began life neglected or abused or in the midst of strife and chaos?  If their story begins like that, what hope do they have?  At least when you start out life with a good story, then when bad things come, you have a solid basis on which to deal with those things. 

I began to feel bad.  Should I take the plaque down?  Is what it says unfair?  As I started to pray about it, I realized that "home" is where your heart is.  It is where you feel peace and loved.  And if the only place you feel peace and loved is with the Lord, then that's where your story begins.  That's your home.  That's where you find out who you are and what you were created for.  What a place to find out the plans and the purposes for your life.

What if your story started off well and you really screwed it up?  Then what?  You get to start your story over, with Christ.  You get to wash away the past and begin afresh.  That doesn't mean you won't have to deal with consequences of sin, but you can begin to clean up the mess and the yuck, by starting your story over new every day. 

So you see, precious one, no matter the home where your story began, you can start with a brand new chapter.  One where you are valued and precious and celebrated.  Be fierce about figuring out the plans and purposes He has for you and go after them and write a whole new story.  I've had to begin new chapters several times.  I'm so glad He wants me to make my home in Him!  I am continually amazed at the blessings He has given me to be grateful for:

100.  My parent's passion for following after the things of God.  For the example of putting Him first, above all else.  Their example of righteous living.

101.  My parent's passion for each other.  For the example of trying to outdo each other in love.  For their selflessness in putting each other first.  For their love story.

102.  For a childhood filled with love and safety.

103.  For meeting a new group of sisters this week who I get to study the Word with and pray with and do life with.

104.  For learning that He will give me grace sufficient to get through each day when I spend time with Him.

105.  For beautiful Oklahoma sunsets that make my heart sing at the glory of God!

If you'd like to see what others are grateful for, head on over to Ann Voskamp's site, A Holy Experience.




From His lap,

14 comments:

  1. This is what my husband struggles with daily...overcoming the mistakes of his past. The other day he told me that he wants to have a deep faith but he doesn't feel worthy; he'd be hypocritical if he preached to others the word of God. I was so heartbroken! Thank you for writing this post...I hope he takes another person's words (better than what I tried to explain to him) to heart and realize he has a new life in Christ!

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  2. Beth,
    Your husband has a past that he can use for the glory of God...as so many of us do! There may be many precious souls out there that only he can reach, because of his story! The the blessing of God. He takes what satan meant to be life destroying and turns it into life giving!! You just tell your wonderful husband that he can hold his head high and show others that God has redeemed him and given him a whole new story!! Bless God forevermore!
    xoxo,
    ~Erin

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  3. Certainly, being where we are NOW is where we can begin our HOME and where we can develop our heart. It is a struggle, but I ♥ the saying form Anne of Green Gables...'Today is new with no mistakes in it!'

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  4. Amen, Becky Jane! Today is new!!! Halleluia!
    I love you, sister!
    ~Erin

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  5. I too love that each day is new and that we can begin new and fresh. But it also means to me that I have to keep moving, I can't just rest on what I did yesterday, I have to keep moving forward. Thanks Erin for another beautiful post!

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  6. I read this last night on my iPhone but couldn't comment until this morning. I'm glad it worked out that way because I FINALLY went out to Ann Voskamp's site and took a look around. I also purchased her book on my kindle. I really love these gratitude posts you do...and I hope you don't mind if I join in on the fun one day down the road. I want to read her book first. :-)

    Blessings,
    Rosann

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  7. Kathy,
    A chance for a new chapter everyday! How awesome is that!! No one else in life does that for us!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  8. Rosann,
    You will ABSOUTELY love Ann Voskamp. She is a gentle soul who is in love with the King! Enjoy her site. I would love for you to join in on the 1000 Gifts posts!
    Hugs and blessings,
    ~Erin

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  9. I think what you say it's so true: home is where your heart is no matter how much hardship you've encountered or endured in your life. It's so great to visit your blog since it's always inspiring :)

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  10. Barbara,
    The hardships we endure can make our story that much sweeter when we choose to walk in victory no matter the outcome! I'm so glad you came by for a visit!
    Hugs,
    ~Erin

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  11. Beautifully put Erin. Though home is where the heart is, a solid structure with a mom and dad sure helps. I feel badly for children who do not grow up in one.

    Best wishes,

    Clayton
    http://www.claytonpaulthomas.com

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  12. Clayton,
    Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope that everyone realizes that their past, helps to write their story and it's what we do with the chapters that determines the ending of our book!!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  13. I think home means your heart and it's always there with you so you're never lost. You can always find home if you just quiet everything down and feel the moment. I always call it my happy place.

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  14. Kim,
    That's so true. If you just get quiet and listen, you can find your compass and be home! Sometimes it's not so happy, but we can choose to see the good that comes from it and go on to be happy! I'm so glad you stopped by!!
    Hugs,
    ~Erin

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Thank you for giving us a little nugget of truth from your heart!

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