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One of the great tests of relationship is being together, deciding together, and coming to compromises together.

We have had fun (?) deciding what to keep and where to put it.  The result is a greater understanding of each other, along with some misunderstanding.  We both are looking forward to a honeymoon where our big decisions will be whether to get up or keep sleeping!

As we were walking this afternoon we both affirmed that these days have been days of growth and building a good foundation.  Do we like them?  Not at all.  Would we trade them in?  Not at all.  This is a good thing cloaked in hard work.

And so, I am excited for all that God is bringing our way. 

I am preparing for a time of prayer.

During the season of Ramadan (July 9 – August 7), I regularly pray for Muslims around the world.  I follow a prayer guide called “30 days of prayer for the Muslim world.”

I have sneaked a quick peak through this year’s guide.  Over the past several years, as again this year, there have always been foci (yes, the plural of focus!) on countries, trends and themes, as well as testimonies.

Today I came across a marvelous illustration that has set my sights for today.

In Somalia, there are homes that are nomadic huts.  Formed from the dust and dirt of the ground, topped with a roof.  This particular story talks of “the church [is] like a nomadic hut that bundles all the weight of its roof on the center pole.”

Jesus is that center pole. 

My prayer for today is that I, and those I love and minister to, would find their eyes turn to the center pole.  Hebrews 12:2 says that very thing – fix your eyes on Jesus – the author and perfecter of our faith.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Yesterday we worked on amalgamating kitchen spices and food supplies.

Five boxes were emptied.  That is a good start!  And we actually have space that is still available.

Because . . .

There are five loads of garbage to be disposed of.  And some additional items that are going into a garage sale.

I could hope that all of our household amalgamation would open up that type of space.  Perhaps that will be true.  To our enjoyment, a table that once carried boxes was able to sit us for the supper meal last night.   

Of course, the matter of expectations continues to be a theme in combining our household goods.  I expect, a year down the road, we will still be discussing what to keep and what to place where and how much to add or subtract from the house.

In the midst of all this, I have heard stories related to me about flood victims in Alberta.  One family had their house red tagged.  Green tagged means you can return to a house that has little or no damage.  Red tagged . . . I think you can guess what that means.  Earthly possession sitting in piles on front yards.  And often no applicable insurance. 

I loved a phrase I learned a few years ago – “It’s all going to burn in the end.”  Our possessions should not possess us.  So, I am desiring to hold lightly that which we possess, and find promising ways to enjoy what God has blessed us with!

This is a new home for me.  But the property address remains the same.

Over the past 12 days I have been working with my fiance to prepare and move her household goods to Kindersley.  Along with her son, she will be living in this house after we come back from our honeymoon.

For the moment the house is full of boxes and desks and mattresses and clothing and all those things that make up a household.  As I wandered the floors today I found the old footpaths are blocked. 

New footpaths will need to be formed.  For the sake of combining the materials that make up a house, things will need to be moved.  This discussion has been ongoing, and I’m sure will continue as we explore each other’s tastes and sentiments. 

This morning I moved a wooden piece into the “garage sale” pile.  Not a large piece.  Not a necessary piece.  Not even an artistic piece.  There are sentiments that go along with this piece.  I suppose, for all of us, all things that we touch and move and that have had their being in our homes have sentiment attached.

In this case, I have been working on finding a way to commemorate the idea of the piece.  In this particular case, just recording that in a book of memories should be sufficient.  I imagine there are other pieces that will have heirloom value that may need to remain. 

Ah, the challenge and excitement of working together to form a new partnership!