I’ve been thinking about home this morning; not this one, the one where I currently lay my head at night, but that one … the one I’m headed toward.
In many ways, I’m already there. My heart resides with God. The older I get, the stronger my clarification in the matter that this life is but a walk-thru and, accordingly, about my need to keep the tent pegs pliable—moveable and sitting on “go” for the road up ahead.
I cannot see far down the path, but I can see enough to know that there is coming a day when I will sit with Father God, look back over all of this mess I’ve called my life, and label it done. Completed. Perfected and well-lived. In this immediate season of my crazy mixed-up life, I can’t imagine that moment of final clarity, but I can trust God to make all of my “current” count toward a better good, a greater plan, his kingdom gain.
I want to be on the move with God; not mired down in the frailty of my flesh which is content on keeping me comfortable. I want a heart and life that boasts the faith of a pilgrim journey—a stepping forth and stepping on so as to keep in step with a forward God. Sure, I’ve got a past that follows me and therefore invites me to an occasional backward glance, but the closer I get to home, the lesser my desire for an over-the-shoulder, looking-behind lingering.
I’m not into “stalled” living, friends. There was a time when I found some immediate gratification in my compliance to stay stuck, but not anymore. Perhaps age has something to do with it; statistics say I’m at the half-way point of my pilgrimage—my journey home that began 43 years ago. I’m not one to put a lot of weight into statistics; I’ve witnessed the fragility of life first-hand, and I no longer hold any assumptions in the matter.
The measure of time I’ve been granted on this earth matters little to me. What matters the most is that I walk my time forward, with God and with few possessions to weigh me down. Like the ancients of old, I want to live with the perspective that no matter how good things look here … feel here … seem here, things are going to be better there. Thus, I keep my bags packed, my boots on, and the tent pegs of my heart loosened for the next time when God says “move”.
In many ways, I’m hearing his summons along these lines. One or two big “moves”; a multitude of smaller “moves”, but all “moves” intended to keep me on the move with God’s plans for my life. One of the minor forward “moves” was making some changes to my blog. I resisted the “move”; I’m not one for change along these lines.
When I began blogging eighteen months ago, I had no inclination of moving past a few posts to whet my appetite. I quickly came to the realization that blogging (at least for me) was more than a casual journey into cyberland. Blogging has become the venue for me to creatively express the thoughts of my heart. Accordingly, I don’t take my “canvas” lightly. If I’m going to “paint” my heart, I want the brushstrokes to land in a beautiful place—a home that reflects the penchant of my longing.
For a while now, I’ve quietly sat on the sidelines, admiring George & Ashley’s work at tekeme.com. Believe me when I tell you that I’ve “searched” long and wide for just the right designers. Many of them weren’t a good “fit” for me because I’m a bit of a “designer” myself, therefore not easily pleased. But there was something unique about the Weis’ work. Something that clicked with me and allowed me the freedom to trust them with my canvas. Together, we talked and worked and shuffled around some ideas until we came up with this… a new look for peace for the journey.
The message will remain the same. Peace never loses its cutting edge. The author? Well, I’d love a make-over of my own, but alas it’s still the same elaine you’ve come to know. The canvas, however, is fresh and marks the beginning of a new chapter in my journey of faith. A faith that is pushing me forward and pulling me ever closer to the place of God’s intention.
Home.
My suitcase is well tagged, don’t you think? (Thanks, George, for thinking of it; I didn’t really catch the magnitude/analogy of it all until I saw the final product.)
The prayer of my heart for the future worth of this canvas exceeds the money spent on a new design. God will determine the worth in the end, both of my words and my heart. How I pray to always be found on the road with him, moving forward and with the Great Commission as my guiding strength.
Thank you for indulging my thoughts this day. If it wasn’t for you, my faithful readers, my words read in isolation. C.S. Lewis once said, “We read to know we’re not alone.” By you being here, and by my being there … with you at your cyber address … we share in the great fellowship of believers realizing that, in fact, the road home is crowded with kindred pilgrims. Let’s continue the walk with our Lord and with one another. What a privilege to carry my suitcase alongside all of you! As always…
peace for the journey,
PS: Please take the time to visit George & Ashley over at their website, tekeme.com. They do beautiful work and have the servants’ hearts to go with! They are “come alongside you” kind of folk–two people who are content to work behind to scenes to bring about positive changes and progress for God’s kingdom gain. I am the better person for having had our paths cross at this season in my journey. Thanks, again, Weis family, for your integrity in the process and for allowing God to hold the pen of your creativity. Blessings and then some…
PSS: Some of you have let me know that you aren’t able to clearly “see” all the elements in your web browser. Ashley has sent me this link for you to update your Internet Explorer. She thinks this is where the problem lies: click here. Hope this helps.
Love it, Elaine! And, love you, too. 🙂 And, hey, who is the couple in the top picture on your blog?
May the Lord continue to richly blanket you in His peace and abundantly bless your journey. 🙂
I love the new look Elaine. I loved this post too! Words to ponder on this day!!
Love ya friend,
Lori
Elaine, you said: "The measure of time I’ve been granted on this earth matters little to me. What matters the most is that I walk my time forward, with God and with few possessions to weigh me down."
This has been my motto for some time now. Life on Earth is just a stop off place until my next trip… Home!
Praise the Lord. I love your new design Elaine. Great choice.
Amen, this world is not my home. We are aliens. I'm too old and have wasted so much time not being about our Father's business. I want to leave a legacy and make a difference. May God bless your journey here in blogland. I'm gonna send you an email to a song that came to mind as I read this post. You've probably heard it and it's a favorite of mine.
wifeforthejourney:
What a joy to know that I am married to a woman whose "movement" is motivated by her faith. I could never ask for better than pitching my tent with you!
Love you and again, the new .com looks great from my end!
~ Billy
Love the new look! I'm a bit of a designer myself and know how hard it is to find a good fit in a creative partnership.
I look forward to the beauty you'll paint on your new canvas.
Blessings and love,
Kelli
I am so excited just reading this!
Beautiful new site! I too love the home tag… how appropriate!
Blessings to you friend…
How fabulous! An Extreme Blog Makeover.
There are way too many clever elements to cite all at once, but I must say I love the Elaine pics best, especially the one with the wind playing in your hair.
Terry (hubby) and I have this saying: "I'm packed". It means we're ready; ready to die, ready to lose everything, ready for drop in guests. Just ready. Looks like you're packed too, and ready. I'll be watching to see the destination associated with that ready (probably many).
Kathleen
Great layout. Love it. Love the suitcase with the tags. Love the orange daisies in both header pictures and then the daisy outside the picture to match.
Very nice. Very nice to have the suitcase along with the journey theme.
What is the benefit to having your own url…dot.com page?
Wow, that was the sweetest shout out we've ever received. Thank you so much, Elaine! We are blessed to have worked with you. Thanks so much for allowing us to bring a new look to your home on the web!
I love the new look.
Beautiful words concerning "home."
I really like your new look. And, as always, your post gave me pause to stop and think about my own journey.
(The text for your blog on my computer is a little off center–the words go off the border on the right; maybe it is just a glich in my computer.) Blessings. Donna
Elaine…I'm in tears here. I had to take a break from the mind killing–headache reeling work…and I popped here. I knew what I'd find. It never fails. You never fail to find the words to express EXACTLY how I FEEL.
How'd you do that? Did He whisper in your heart what's been going on in mine? Did He tell you that He's been speaking to me about the "move steady on girl" "Don't slow up a bit"….
I loved everything you said…but this struck heart and flesh…
"The measure of time I’ve been granted on this earth matters little to me. What matters the most is that I walk my time forward, with God and with few possessions to weigh me down. Like the ancients of old, I want to live with the perspective that no matter how good things look here … feel here … seem here, things are going to be better there. Thus, I keep my bags packed, my boots on, and the tent pegs of my heart loosened for the next time when God says “move”."
Tears is what has blinded my vision at the present. I'll wipe them away before someone sees, but KNOW that you have touched the nerve in me. The tender spot where He is working.
I love you to the moon. And back again. Would LOVE to sit down with you!
First I love the new look and your picture on the path with your bags is just so YOU!!!! What a terrific post to begin this new journey. Oh to bring glory to a God who touches each one of us so deeply. Looking forward to future posts…now off to see what I can do to uh'e'hem fix up my look. It's terrible and I am a designer and have one hundred ideas rattling through my brain.
The new layout is great! I love the colors/lines, the pictures, the simplicity of the design, the message…it's beautiful.
I'm so glad we're walking this journey together, my friend…
Love,
Beth
Wow, Elaine, Absolutely stunnging the blog make over and your words. Piercing and they have stuck deep in my heart as if I had penned them my self.
Thank you. and girl, I am right beside you on this path and I am anticipating my home. Hugs
Elaine, oh how this aroused my heart!
I love your closing paragraph:
C.S. Lewis once said, “We read to know we’re not alone.” By you being here, and by my being there … with you at your cyber address … we share in the great fellowship of believers realizing that, in fact, the road home is crowded with kindred pilgrims. Let’s continue the walk with our Lord and with one another. What a privilege to carry my suitcase alongside all of you!
My feelings exactly!
Love your new look BTW!!
Blessings.
Thanks for deeply touching my heart, bless you.
Ohhh, Elaine! I am flabbergasted by your wisdom, words, and most of all by your relationship with Jesus. I'm on the journey with you, dear sister. Can't wait to see what's up ahead!
Blessings,
Debby
I've worked with the Weis family. They are precious. They did another beautiful site here.
And thank you for sharing your heart longing for home with us. I loved your words. They watered my heart well.
You are a gift to us here in cyberspace. I love your heart and YOU, sister. Lord willing, we will meet here on earth. If not, I will definitely hug you where we're finally home.
I love love love the new look! Again, the pictures are fabulous! VERY professional! Hope I get to do one of these makeovers some day!
I meant "when" not "where"
LOL
I absolutely love it! Great design and great post.
Blessings for YOUR journey…..
I visit here not for the design, but to read what the Divine Designer has placed on your heart to share. I know the canvas of your heart has been properly primed by prayer and I know I will leave carrying greater truth with me. Truth that will change and challenge my walk with the Lord.
In saying that, your new blog is lovely…and…tonight I can view all as it should be. (No idea why I couldn't view it last night. I didn't change anything.)
Keep on the journey my friend. I for one will remain a companion along the way.
Love ya,
Joy
Hi Elaine…the new blog look is beautiful and so in keeping with the theme of your writing.
Your post today brought tears to my eyes. You penned the cry of my heart and I rejoiced that I have found a sister with whom to walk this journey.
My bags are packed…
Be blessed,
Susan
I LOVE the new look!! and I have to agree with you – I want to be living "on the move" with my savior…and never content in a way that leaves me stagnant! Great words today!
What a warm and inviting place. My blog is a Tekeme original, too.
George and Ashley are amazing.
So true! God wants us to be constantly moving, evoling, reaching out to others. There is no "arriving" and sitting on laurels. God wants His children to live with dexterity to His calling, not sluggish, unskilled, imobile children!
Elaine
What a wonderful reminder….I needed it this morning. As I woke up at 4:30 am to go to the hospital to be with my Mom, I had decided I was mad not really mad at God but just mad. I want normal again. I want to do my daily routine and call my Mom on her way to work just as I always did. Not watch her battle with this horrible cancer.
As I read your post I was reminded this isn't Moms home or my home. I want to be always moving closer to my heavenly home. I have to keep that in the forefront on my mind. As I watch Mom suffer here I have to remember that she is going to a better place.
Lets not get to comfortable here….
Beautiful beginnings to that next thing…
I am so very grateful that you began this blogging journey; that we stumbled onto the same brief path and that we walk towards the same destination.
Shalom,
Denise
Beautiful, simply beautiful all of it…words, the look, the suitcase and everything!
Continue your journey with the LORD.
I like the new look!
Per. Fect. Home. I'll see you there, my friend. Just beautiful.
Wonderful reminder and a BEAUTIFUL new look. Love the suitcase too. I never fail to be blessed when I stop by here.
I pray to always be found on the road with Him, too, Elaine. Thanks for the visual…
Love the new look! I too am trying to keep my bags packed and holding loosely those things God has blessed me with in this time and place. God bless…
I'm going with you!
I'm going with you!
I'm going with you!
WOW I love it! Just perfect and the post was awesome, as well. I can't wait to see my next home. Hope my door is next to yours. Blessings
Elaine:
This was a marvelous post of TRUTH in all of our journeys together in our walk of faith with our Jesus!
I love the new look more and more. They did a great job with the makeover and update.
Favor and blessings over your life, your family, your church body and your 'work' as you touch us here in siber space daily!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
[JESUS – For His Name's Sake]
Your blog!
I'm loving the new look.
And feel so comfy with the same.
Elaine.
Now, it's my turn to ask.
Have you been reading MY journal?
Sweet dreams.
Wow! Talk about great minds or moving in the Spirit together…Honey and I were just discussing that clip this morning! I'll inquire about it's status and let you know when there's more to share.
Blessings!
Elaine, I just love that picture of you on this post!
I really enjoyed this and agree with you about our time, and our journey here.
I want to always be looking forward, longing for His presence!
Oh, guess what? Tonight at church I found out Alicia Chole will be speaking to our women again!
Friday October 2nd!
Oh how I wish you could be there!!
Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend♥
Very attractive format. I like the color blue (personally) and the theme of journey is visually reinforced so aptly.
So journey on. Home IS where the heart is. So keep your heart safely in Heaven's care.