An Earthly House and An Eternal Home

So the "Good Week" didn't end on Friday.  It continued into the weekend! Saturday morning I went to breakfast with Maynell and Stephanie to celebrate Maynell's birthday.  We split everything and it was truly one of the best meals I've had in a while!  We shared an omelette with lots of green veggies in it, Creme Brûlée French Toast and candied bacon! What a breakfast.  Then I came home and had a relaxing afternoon with the boys who rested.  I made another almond cake with lemon curd and raspberry buttercream for Lauren's birthday and then went out to dinner with Maynell so that she would not have to eat alone on her birthday (it's all about support of your friends, right?).  We dined at Houston's and had the best talk and best food too!  Two meals with this amazing lady in the same day without any interruptions.  Our sweet kiddos normally dominate the conversation.  I honestly worried that we would not have enough to talk about; boy, was I dead wrong!  We chatted and gabbed the whole time.  Saying goodbye to our year in California just got harder.

Sunday George had to get some work done so I took little George to the first service, the traditional one, at our church.  It was one of the most beautiful services I have been to.  We sang all my favorite songs- All Glory, Laud and Honor; Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates; Were you there? with a solo performance of Via Dolorosa that gave me goosebumps. We love our new found contemporary worship, but man it's nice to get back to the good 'ol hymns from your childhood that define church in your heart and mind.  

Sunday afternoon we FaceTimed with our realtor and looked at a house.  We loved it and offered on it immediately.  I should add that although this blog has not outlined our house search it is only because every spare second of my free time has been poured into said house search.  We've offered on two others that did not work out so this time, we were ready.  It has been an incredibly stressful time filled with just about as much excitement as we can bear.  Monday we waited.  Tuesday we waited.  Tuesday was George's birthday. Tuesday afternoon came and went.  Around 3:35 pm when we were about to give up on any news from the east coast (as it was 6:35 in Raleigh) we got a call from our realtor.  There were multiple offers but the sellers had decided to go with our "highest and best".  There was much celebration….on George's end….I on the other hand...how should I say this?...  I completely freaked out.  Completely.  After a few hours and a conversation with my husband, I was on board as well but it sure took a lot of thought and a long session with my therapist (aka, my sister).  There are many explanations for my freak out.  This is just such a big decision and such a milestone for us.  With this house, comes the end of an era and "real life" begins.  Come August, no more training- its real now y'all.   We may very well be in this house for all of George's (and any other children the Lord may bless us with) childhood and young adulthood.  No- its not perfect but it sure is close.  At this point we are both pleased as punch, tickled pink (when you see the bathroom, you'll understand this word choice) and thrilled with it!  We now just hope and pray that all the other inspections and appraisals go well.  Once the deal is more set in stone I will post a picture but as it stands now, I do not want to get too far ahead of myself.  

So I mentioned Tuesday was George's birthday.  He worked all day and into the night so there's not much to tell.  I did make him a key lime pie (his choice of birthday cakes) and had all his cards out on the table for him to read when he came home.  We plan to have a cookout this weekend with some friends from the neighborhood to celebrate.  

Wednesday felt weird.  Now that we are under contract, there were no realtors to talk to, no phone calls to wait for, no bankers to whom I needed to ask stupid questions.  I couldn't help but feel like I should do more than just sit on the patio but had no energy what-so-ever to do anything but that.  I put so much emotion, energy and work into this house search.  It makes sense that Wednesday was a little strange.  

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Today is Thursday, Maundy Thursday.  What an important day.  

"Lord, if you are willing, take this cup from me, yet…not my will but yours be done"  

I love and cherish this statement by Jesus to God the Father.  I am so grateful for these words uttered by my Lord so close to his suffering and death.  It shows his human nature arguably better than any other scripture in the Bible.  He did not want to do this thing.  At least, he was conflicted about it.  He knew it was right but he was also human like us- built from atoms and nerve endings, he housed pain receptors in his physical body and deep concern in his heart.  Surely he was concerned about what it would physically be like to endure torture;  undoubtedly he was concerned over the emotional effect it would have on his mother, his friends, his brothers; absolutely there was concern in his heart about Peter's struggle that night with Satan, over Judas' decisions and fate.  In this statement Jesus confirms that he does not want this if there is any other way. But he did it.  He did it perfectly, without sin or flaw, without complaint, without a fight.  Jesus did it.  He had me in mind when he did.  How grateful I am.

This week I (hopefully) gained an earthly house and I also celebrate the Eternal Home that Jesus provided for me by so willingly laying down his life that I may live with him forevermore.  So glad the Holy Spirit gave me this little nugget on which to meditate as I head into Easter weekend.  Could not help but share it with you all.  I will not get another post off before Sunday so Happy Happy Happy Easter everyone!