Within a three week period we decided it was time for my husband, Aaron, to quit his job and begin a whole new business venture. It has been ruminating in our hearts for several months now. My husband has been working tirelessly. There is so many initial fears that resonated in my heart. I like the security of a regular paycheck. I am comfortable. I like paid vacations and health benefits. We have lived the self-employed lifestyle previously and its hard work. I wasn’t ready to step out again. I had my five year plan in place. But God is graciously reminding me that he doesn’t work in my timetable.
I have been mediating on the life of Rebekah from Genesis 24 lately. Abraham’s servant has been sent to his hometown to find a wife for his son, Isaac. Abraham’s servant asks this young lady to come with him to marry Isaac. Rebekah simply says, “I will go.” In a moment, she was willing to say farewell to all that she had ever known. She knew that potentially she would never she her family and home country again. She was willing to marry a man that she had never met. That is amazing faith. I want that faith. To be so at rest in my Father’s arms that I could willingly walk the unknown path before me.
I don’t know what lies behind the next corner of our lives as we let go of my husband’s job and walk by faith and not by sight. We simply don’t know what it will look like this year. The only thing we can do is strive to be faithful in the knowledge that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Am I willing to take a leap of faith into this unknown? For it is in the unknown that fellowship with my Lord is sweetest. It is in the unknown that God’s mercy is most beautifully manifested. It is in the unknown that our faith is refined and comes forth shining more brightly. Am I willing to simply say with Rebekah, “yes, I will go?” Am I willing to follow my man, to faithfully stand by his side, as I committed to at the altar nearly six years ago?
We can be confident in one thing. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He holds me by the hand and walks before me. I am not alone.
I am excited about the new adventures that life brings with it as we set forth in this new year. We will certainly be living more frugally until his new business gets off the ground. Our budget is being trimmed down significantly. I love how God seeks to stretch our faith and get us out of our comfort zone so we can see His beautiful majesty in a whole new light.
Life is full of new adventures saturated with God’s gifts to be observed and recorded and if I stayed in my comfort zone I surely would not be able to experience them.
In addition to it all, during these past few weeks, I have honestly been really struggling and wrestling with the future of this blog. At the start of a new year I want to get all my ducks in a row, have a wonderful inspiring plan for my writing. I wanted to have amazing themes for this new year. I felt pressured that I need to be this professional, organized blog. But the Lord wasn’t opening these doors. No amazing creative ideas. Was this a sign that this season of blogging was coming to an end? I was willing if God wanted to close these doors. But then I felt the Lord speaking to be gently: “Lindsay, I just want you to be faithful in sharing your messy self with these women. I just want you to share My messages. I don’t want you to be about overwhelming women in all the little things they “should” be doing, but rather encouraging them to press in to know the Lord right where they are at.”
I believe in the importance of sharing my real life messes with you. I’m far from perfect. Daily I must cry out for grace and mercy to walk this rode of mothering and homemaking. I want our team of writers (many thanks to my awesome contributing writers) to be about encouraging you in your homemaking, mothering, and wife-hood. We want to see you grow to see the beauty of your work. It is a glorious task that we have been assigned. We need each other in standing strong even when our culture seeks to make us seem invaluable. But ultimately this is all about Jesus. Everything here is for Him. I want this new year to be flowing with His Spirit in everything that is shared here.
So there you have it. The dawn of a new year. You will still find practical simple living tips and healthy recipes sprinkled here and there. These are part of my day by day passions to live by our family mission to live simply in order to give generously. We’ll be sharing practical ways that you can live a generous missional life in the sphere that God has placed you. But ultimately, our writing will be Spirit led, sharing the day by day struggles to kneel humbly before our Master and offer up our hands and feet to his service.
Will you join us and step into the unknowns of God’s amazing grace for you today?
Lindsay- I am a regular reader of your blog, although I have never commented before. I did want to share that I find myself coming back to this blog on a regular basis, and I think mostly it’s because you are so transparent and just honestly share how God is working in your life. I have been encouraged to read your life story and am so grateful that you have been willing to be vulnerable and allow God to use the mess. I often feel like a “mess” – and when I read your blog, i feel like I’m listening to a “kindred heart” who is seeking to find God in the middle of the mess and I am encouraged to do the same.
So thank you for choosing to continue passionate homemaking, thank you for deciding that you will continue to honestly share, and thank you for allowing us to see God’s glory even in the messes of life. He is so good to always meet us where we are, use the trials to change us to become more like Jesus. “Until Christ is formed in us”. . . that’s the goal! Take care!
Exactly what I was going to say!! I’ve tried reading alot of other blogs, but end up fading away after a short while. Yours is always inspiring, yet truthful and the ideas are actually tangible and God-honoring and uplifting. Keep doing what you’re doing, if God is still leading you to! We readers love it!
I like to read about the struggles, honestly, and grow weary of the trend I see in blogs to constantly tell us to do something. In reference to a blog post of yours after this one, I was also relieved to see that it’s a struggle for you too with three kids. All I can say is that this past year, where we went from two to three boys ages 3 1/2 and under, and moving to a new state where my husband started to attend law school, was exhausting. It was rare to find that time where all three would be asleep at the same time so that I could have some time alone. Now the youngest is 10 months old and sleeping more regularly, and the older two are playing more easily together, so the pressure is easing up a bit.
Thanks for being honest.
Lindsay,
I feel so inspired by this post. For the past two years I’ve enjoyed your blog and you’ve provided some fantastic recipes that my family uses daily. But to know that your “messy self” is what’s behind this is such a breath of fresh air. I love how trusting you are in the Lord and that even though you admittedly are facing some strenuous changes, you are looking at them as a positive new adventure that God is gracing you with. Thank you for sharing this. And thank your for praising God in all you do. I look forward to continuing to read your blog and learning where this new adventure will take you and your family. Congratulations!
I love the way God works. Just as you’re learning this, and then sharing it, I find myself contemplating similar decisions, and having to trust God to step away (a long way away) from family and friends to look at a more sustainable life.
Thanks for sharing. You’ve given me the kick I needed to trust God and his plans for my life.
Linsay, I am inspired, encouraged, and just plain enjoy your blogs…especially the ones that are more on the “messy self” side. No formalities needed! Having your ups and downs, your prayer requests and reminders of Gods faithfulness, and your daily “real-life” happenings has been a wonderful blessing to me, thank you. May you find peace in your family as things change with his career change, and may God give you and your husband wisdom with the new decisions you will face (business decisions, frugal choices, etc). I know I speak for many when I say y’all are AWESOME…and thanks be to God. :0)
Lindsay, I have been so encouraged and inspired by all of your posts over the years. But I think this is the best thing you have ever written. We are so dependent on our Savior. Your humility reminds me that the safest place is at my Father’s feet.
God be with you on this next adventure. Enjoy the ride. (My man is self employed too. As the years go by I am learning worry less and wouldn’t change it for anything.)
I too am very glad it isn’t in the Lord’s plans that you stop blogging. So many of your postings have been a big help to me, and I look forward to more as God leads and you are able. From coconut oil deodorant, to dishsoap, to placenta encapsulation, to childrens Bible referals; your research, experience and findings have saved me much footwork! Admitedly, there have been times I’ve thought to myself “she has it so together, how is it possible that she keeps things going so smoothly?!” I’m due in short order with my third little one, and will be happy to hear about the good and bad days in your life. It helps to know I’m not alone in the young motherhood struggles and joys.
Blessings to you from our good and faithful God in 2012!
Lindsay,
Loved your thoughts on “It is in the unknown…” You’re spot on about God’s faithfulness in the form of soul-filling intimacy.
My husband and I have experienced the beauty of living in the “unknown” through adoption. I related our story in our blog http://www.untohimwelive.blogspot.com, using your quote. I believe even the few words I shared from your post will encourage others. Thanks for making the effort to write. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! You gave me a precious reminder about our good God through your blog and my heart with joy today! Thank you!
Denise
I needed the reminder for faith today. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your messy self and seeking to encourage mommies. I appreciate what you do! ~Messy mom of 2
Praying for you and your family as you step out into something new! I can definitely understand what you are feeling as we are in the midst of a similar situation. My husband is changing careers. He has gone back to school and has a year and a half left.
I have to say that I am relieved that you will be continuing your blog and also that there are no big formal plans. I LOVE that I can still hear your voice clearly through your writing. Other blogs that I have read for a while have seemed to just become more of a business. But yours still seems like a woman and a mother who has a heart for sharing and reaching out to other women. Thank you for what you do here. Thank you for your honesty and integrity. I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you also for sharing your struggles. Sometimes it’s also just nice to know that we are not alone in those things.
Gabrielle
Hi Lindsay,
I would like to say that I really enjoyed the post you put up, and it was encouraging. I sort of felt it was intended for me too- since you mentioned Rebekah’s story and it jumped out at me, since my name is also Rebekah.
Also, my family and I can relate being self employed. It truly forces you to literally live by faith when you are self employed. We always have to depend on the Lord to provide the jobs and it really exercises us in our spiritual walk with the Lord, to trust on Him for everything. So your post was inspired.
Dear sweet Lindsay,
None of us have it all together. The only one is Jesus. I bet if you asked each of your readers what they deal w/everyday you will notice how much of us struggle w/what you do. You have touched so many lives with you posts on everything from food to the gospel of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to put up a front anymore.
Blessings to you and your family as you enter a new season. If God said for Aaron to quit his job, then no need to worry or fret. He will provide! Just as Peter step out of the boat and walked on water, as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord he didn’t sink. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and watch him do a new thing!
BTW, I miss your monthly updates
. And I’m soooooo glad you are going to continue to blog!
Love you Lindsay! And be encouraged!
You mentioned not wanting to be about telling women what they “should” be doing, but encouraging them to know the Lord (and thus become the mom/wife/woman we’re called to be!). Thank you for that! I think that is what you do most of the time, but I appreciate your desire to continue in that approach. I often point friends to your blog and tell them it’s one of my favorite mommy-blogs because doesn’t make me feel guilty for whatever craft or recipe or activity I haven’t done yet with my kids (though I love your ideas!). I walk away from reading your blog feeling encouraged, not burdened. Thank you!
To know the Lord right where we are…
Words I needed to read.
Lovely post.
oh lindsay, this is so beautiful. thank you for your candor and honesty … for sharing your heart.
we love portland, and will actually be up there next week when hubby is the keynote for the martin luther king jr day event. fun!! ))
so much of what you said resonates for me!! we, too, are walking that journey of faith … hubby (and i!) both left our stable jobs over 2 years ago. we felt certain GOD was calling us forward in faith … him to start a journey in self-employment; me to start homeschooling.
we wouldn’t trade these past 2 years for anything; our faith has been stretched and grown and we’ve been able to experience GOD’s direct provision and abundant love for us, time and again!
this type of dependence, for daily bread provision, didn’t happen when we were “depending” on our steady paychecks. it’s been so hard and yet so wonderful.
(( we live in southern oregon, too, by the way! hooray for oregonians.
blessings to you,
emily
Sounds great!
Really grateful you didn’t decide to stop altogether. Thank you for all the work you do on this blog.
I’m so thankful you are willing to take God at His Word and follow God and His Word rather than our culture. We only want to hear the authentic, messy truth of what following Jesus really looks like anyway. All God’s best blessings to you as you follow your Lord, your Man & your Ephesians 2:10.
Thank you so much Lindsay! Looking forward to the year ahead!
You completely spoke to my heart and my Spirit. What God has laid on your heart is exactly what I would love to read about more than anything. This new year has led us in a similar situation as you and your family. My jaw dropped as I was reading your blog. So….Thank you for sharing. I purpose to be led by the Spirit daily with you sharing and encouraging those around us with God’s promises and being real and open with our struggles as a mom and wife….because it’s in our weakness that He is made strong. !!!<3
Wow, thanks for being so transparent. Your blog is a huge blessing to me as well. Thanks for doing what you do.
Lindsey-
I have been reading your blog for a long time now, and I thoroughly enjoy it. I appreciate your authentic. Thank you for encouraging me to draw closer to our Lord. Thank you for being a leader to many of us homemakers. I pray for you.
thank you for taking the time to write this blog. You have an adorable family.
thank you
Amanda Brown
I full well understand your fears and excitement over this new journey the Lord is leading you into! November of 2010 my husband left his job and in January ’11 started school full time. We have two years left of school and while we have cut out almost all but the bare bones we are so, so happy! God has been so faithful in providing for us abundantly and we have grown closer as a family and to Him. It has been a trying year, but one we are so thankful to have experienced.
I hope that you find this to be true too – that the trials, unknowns and fears surrounding those things simply serve to draw you closer to Him and closer to one another!
Lindsay, I have been reading your blog for about a year now – I found it through your sister, Christa’s blog. I am 20, and though marriage and motherhood may be far away for me, you have inspired me in how I want to manage my household one day. I have begun to implement some of your ideas already, such as your tips for natural housecleaning, and your uses for coconut oil. Both you and your sister’s blogs have been a blessing to me, and I am glad that you are going to continue. God bless you and your family!
Lindsay, I too have been reading your blog for a while now and find it so comforting to read about your walk with the Lord as I am striving each day alongside you! This morning I was thinking about the tendancy I have to get overwhelmed when reading other blogs and was reminded of how gracious, truthful, and inspiring yours is — so I am so glad to hear you will continue to share and encourage others through your writing! Thank you for sharing your messy moments because we are all a mess and so in need of each other’s encouragement!
I found this site years ago while searching for a homemade laundry soap (or something silly like that). And stumbled onto something much more sweet, a connection to my own growth as I teach my children about God and learning myself. And another person who has laundry hanging all over the house (unless life is crazy)
I am always to shy to tell you publicly on the site what it means to me.–As mentioned above by other women, this is an amazing and inspiring blog. Your writing for me is like a prayer. It is hopeful, it is honest, it is heartfelt.
On the outside, you and I have pretty different lives, but your blog highlights all things close to the heart and have no criticism and lack pridefulness despite the wonderful things you choose for your family. I read others, inspiring also, but on occasion I read and just feel the differences that separate women and sadly I feel like an intrudor for reading on.
(Perhaps, I am too sensitive and misreading, but I know I am not alone in LOVING your blog)
best wishes on your new venture, that does seem to be a similar path for you and I, self employed hubby to regular paycheck back to self employed hubby
This is so great: “Life is full of new adventures saturated with God’s gifts to be observed and recorded and if I stayed in my comfort zone I surely would not be able to experience them.”
This is totally where I am at. I keep being stretched WAY beyond my comfort zone and it hurts…but there are also blessings, too.
I also love what you said here, shared from what God has burdened you with: “I don’t want you to be about overwhelming women in all the little things they “should” be doing, but rather encouraging them to press in to know the Lord right where they are at.”
That is exactly what I know myself, and many other women, need. I don’t need another to-do list item. I don’t need to think (even though its not true) that bloggers are perfect. I am so encouraged when others share on their blogs in a real way. So thank you!
thank you, sweet Lindsay, for sharing your “messy” and oh so beautiful self with blogland…PH has encouraged and challenged me when I needed it most, and I thank God constantly for the content that is shared here…everything truly is for and about Jesus, and I’m so thankful PH will continue to lead women to Him in their mothering & homemaking!!!! blessings!
I had this inside moment of “nooooooo” when I saw that you wanted a trimmed more perfect writing for the blog. I can’t tell you how MUCH you have inspired me as a new mom and growing Godly wife in the past few months I’ve been following your blog.
I’ve ALWAYS struggled with wanting perfection in my life in my persuit for excellence.. And SO many other moms out there give you the classic answer for everything instead of being real and sharing struggles. This has been so difficult for me because I felt like I was doing everything wrong.. But then God led me to your blog lindsey! Please just be you, moms like me need it. Lol
Your blog has become a daily read for me. I’m in the process of deleting unnecessarry cyber things out in my life. But you are a constant encouragement. I thank God for your blog! Seriously!
So well all be messy together, k!? Lol
There are times I feel an urging from the Lord to do things the way HE intended for them to be done (in the home) but feel so alone in my endeavor.. This blog brings encouragement to me in so many ways. God is starting a new generation of frugal Godly living with me & my husband in our families.. Were traveling a road unknown to us and how we’ve been raised. I feel a sense of family with this blog, the writers, & readers in some way. I pray for everyone on here because i know God has brought us all to this place for a reason.
So blessings on your new journey! God be with you!
I love this blog! It has inspired me beyond explanation!
Continue in the ways of the Lord.
I must also say that my husband is self employed (he teaches private music lessons no less). I had a good job teaching during the day and my husband stayed home with our little girl while I worked before he went to work. We felt the Lord leading me to quit and we had no clue how it was going to work. A few months after I quit we found out I was pregnant again and my husband’s student load DOUBLED! God DOES and WILL provide when we honor him and follow him.
Thank you to all you wonderful lovely ladies for these sweet comments! My heart is so blessed and refreshed by your encouragement. God is good! Thanks for confirming the direction the Lord is leading me.
“Sharing real life messes” sounds like an exciting direction to me. Who knows how strong the Lord will show Himself in your weakness, humility, transparency. Many blessings to you and your family, on the new path before you, and on your writing.
Don’t change a thing! You are blessing!
I admire your heart for God’s will to be done and God will bless you for that.
I think that many women feel the need to be something “great” in the world of blogging, even if it’s just “great” to our families. It often keeps me from hitting “publish” on posts I’ve written. Thank you for being vulnerable and honest with us.
Thank you for your post Lindsay! I usually don’t comment, but I felt the need to tell you how much I do enjoy your blog, and that is has always been encouraging to me. I, too, would like to step out big in my faith this year. My husband and I have made some financial blunders, and now are realizing that we need to be better stewards of what He has given us! In the midst of all that, we now have our first child, born 2 months ago and I desperately wish to be a stay-at-home mom! I believe God can and will provide for us if we are faithful in what He has given us… but I am struggling with what the next step is to work toward my goal. I admire you and other moms who have been able to stay at home, and hope I can do the same some day.
Thank you so much for posting this today. Perfect timing! I am expecting #4 (with a 5, 3 and 1 year old) and my husband is preparing to go out on his own in a few months. I am excited and nervous as his current job is a great one and people are going to think we are completely nuts! I must trust him and God and be a faithful, encouraging wife. I know that, but I needed the reminder, especially when I am drowning in all-day-sickness! Thank you!
I recently came across your site and cannot express enough how encouraging it was to meet another fellow lover of Christ who aims to live a life that is Christ-centered. There really is nothing more helpful to our family than for ourselves to spend time everyday to be infused by Him through His Word. This way Christ will be the source of our care and living.
May He continue to grace you and your family abundantly with Himself! “We’d rather walk in the dark with God, then go alone in the light…”
http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/nt/711
Super excited for you and the way the Lord has spoken to your heart. I am just excited to read the things you share…and to share in “messiness” with you
.
I loved that you shared about Rebekah. I’ve had such similar thoughts with Joseph and Mary lately: thinking about how their lives were completely turned around by the birth of Christ. And while they had the privilege of being the ones called to be the earthly parents of our Savior, think about how scary that must have been for them. And yet, both walked into it willingly, with such humble submission. That is exactly what I want my life to look like.
Lindsay – I’ve been following your blog for a few years now. Even before my husband and I were married, I knew what home life I wanted to provide for us as we entered the new chapter of our lives together. We do not have children yet, although we hope to in the near future. Your blog reaches not only mothers and homemakers, but all women. Your blog has been there to remind of time and again of how I can keep God first in my life. This blog is encouraging, it’s honest and insightful. Thank you for all that you have done, I hope that you continue in this journey.
Lindsay, to encourage you: I came across your blog a little over a year ago as a newlywed. Your blog was the first place I encountered that presented the home as being a valuable and integral part of life, and being a homemaker as a vital, God-glorifying role. I realized that home was where I really wanted to be, but in my sin I feared the popular opinion of friends, family, and society at large. Upon reading your blog, my husband and I began a several month wrestling match with God.
We searched and searched Scripture and asked ourselves hard questions. I ended up quitting my job, which was a leap of faith for us. (He is self-employed and does not receive a regular paycheck). His business has done terribly this past year, but we have been blown away by God’s provision. He has shown us that we can live healthy lives on very, very little. Your blog has had some great tips for me along the way. I’ve shared this blog with the ladies at my church, and I hear stories occasionally of how God has used your encouragement here in their lives. Thank you for writing faithfully- God is using you!
That is so beautiful to read, Kat! We have certainly been through those same seasons seeing God faithfully provide for us followed His leading in having me stay home full time. We have seen amazing provisions each step of the way. And as we have faithfully tithed, we have also seen increase in our cup. It’s a blessing!
Your posts are always so encouraging to me! Thanks for your humility!
Lindsay:
Thank you so much for your honesty! I love that God is prompting you to ‘share your real life messes’ and I love that you are willing. Thank you for being that example….it is rather Rebekah like! : )
Lindsay, I enjoy reading your posts and appreciate all of the effort that you put in to this blog.
Keep up the good work, the honest posts and the wonderful recipes. Your family will be in my prayers. That God will bless you with his abundance.
I just read this morning in Luke 5 about the fishermen leaving everything to follow Jesus. And Levi who walked away from his tax business and left everything to follow Jesus. It takes great courage to step out in faith. God is faithful, he is able and he wants to lead us.
Blessings to you!
Thank you, Thank you for your openness and vulnerability. I have been a “stay at home” mom that works in the home for 14 years. Part of that was as a single mom of two before the Lord blessed me with the amazing man I am now married to. And now there are 4 daughters to raise and I feel like I am so disorganized and unintentional. Your blog is a recent discovery in my life and I feel like it is an answer to the prayers of my heart. Your sweet spirit shines through in your writing and inspires me to seek our Lord as well as be a better mom through my home-making. Please know your words are precious and some of the most valuable tidbits I receive each day. Thank you for what you are doing!
I doubt I’m the only reader of your blog who comes from a wholly different background and who probably holds many views that you would disagree with. Nonetheless I feel regularly inspired and encouraged by your posts. Your witness of determined, joyous faith amidst all the tiredness and hard work that accompanies being a mother of young children, a homemaker and a wife is, to me, amazing. Here’s one more person who will be praying for you and your family and giving thanks for all I have received from you.
Wow, as I was reading through your post (so happy to see a post from you, by the way!), I was thinking about how refreshing your writing is and how encouraging it always is to me. I felt convicted that I need to go through all the blogs I read and unsubscribe to those that are just extras or ones that aren’t encouraging but showing me what I haven’t done or need to do. I want to spend more time in His Word and less time on the computer. The time on the computer I really want to be God-honoring. Then I finished reading your post and thought “oh no! Please don’t stop writing!! Yours is one of the few I plan to keep!” So I just want to encourage you that God uses your gift of writing and the wisdom He’s given you to bless and challenge us. And our family is “stepping forth in faith in the New Year” as well, so I know that as you share real life messes here, know that we all have our own, too! Hopefully we can all encourage each other through it. And thank you for the section you wrote about the unknown…needed to hear that encouragement today. Ok, off to clear out my subscriptions! Blessings to you!
i’m so glad you write about your mess
I think there are many many of us all over the world with our different mess, and it’s encouraging to know others are persevering in it. So thanks 
Hi Lindsay,
I am so grateful for this blog and what the Lord has done through you and your heart. 
I just wanted to tell you that I have read a lot of diff. blogs. Yours is one of my most favorites!! I Love Love Love getting to see your Jesus heart. He shines through you as you write. I have felt very encouraged and informed from what you share. Never once thought you were any less than one of the best! I only have a little time to get to read blogs during my day and I always know yours will be great
As I sit here late at night pondering the directions the Lord is taking our family, I am so thankful for your honest and open words of encouragement. It is exactly what I needed to hear tonight.
Lindsay,
Wow! It is amazing to see how the Holy Spirit can work. I have also been feeling that it is not profitable to live a life of “shoulds.” It is so much more important to do only what the Lord is leading us to do! Thank you, thank you for being willing to share your “messy” life with us, and be real about what the Lord is calling you to. We can all learn from that kind of inspiration. And we will all be more encouraged to know that life may not be “perfect,” but it is of infinite and eternal value if lived to the glory of God.
God bless you, dear sister!
Hi Lindsey,
I have been wanting to write an encouraging note one of your posts recently on how much I appreciate your blog, but kept putting it off and putting it off. After reading your post, I realized today is the day.
I have been faithfully reading your blog for about two years. I stumbled upon it as a newlywed while searching for natural house cleaning ideas. What a blessing it has been =) I not only got great natural house cleaning tips, but have been encouraged in my faith and in my role as a wife.
Both my husband and I come from broken homes and I had no idea what marriage as a Christian looked like. Our church is full of young women like me who are new to the gospel and are getting married without really knowing how to manage a home and what a high calling it is. A lot of us have been reading your blog and been so encouraged by, not only your good advice, but especially by your good news. Today’s post brought me to tears, but that could be because I am pregnant with my first, a boy, and the hormones are running high.
I look forward to reading your blog this year and gleaning more wisdom for mothering my little guy. I will be praying for you and your family in this season of big change.
Happy New Year!
Elizabeth
Thank you for keepin’ it real on your blog and being Spirit led. That’s exactly what I need in my crazy- mama- kid- raisin -life! Thanks again!
Thank you for honestly sharing your life and passions.
hi lindsay…..yes, i’ll definitely join you! praying for your wonderful family and looking forward to hearing about your journey.
My heart seems to always be near where yours is. I look forward to reading and being led closer to my Savior. Thank you.
So encouraged by your dependence on Christ. Thank you for the ever-needed reminder that all we need (and what should always drive us) is our King and Savior. Praying for peace and joy on your family, sister! To God be the glory…
Lindsey,
I have a husband in the military. His job, so far, has taken us from our home (Oregon) to two different countries (currently in Korea) and 2 different states just in the last 6 years. While we have a reliable income most of the time everything else in our lives are unpredictable and scary. We move in less than a year and we have no idea where we’re heading nor how long we’ll be there. Life has thrown us for a few loops, but if I didn’t trust every day that the Lord knows our path, I’d be a mess. You’re blog inspires me and to be completely honest, it makes me feel good to know that I’m not the only one that struggles with some of the things you write about. I look forward to the next year of real life mommy stories that are true and real to the core.
I enjoy your blog, but it’s good to just do what you can and not take on too much. As far as job changes and uncertainty, I can very much relate. If you need health benefits, we are members of Samaritan Ministries and LOVE it. It has been great that as we’ve changed from job to school to job to job that we haven’t had to mess with changing policies. We’ll be praying for you in this big time of change.
I stumbled across your website tonight while I was searching for a homemade shampoo recipe. I was blown away by what I found. Your faith is an inspiration and I can’t wait to hear more. God has a way of showing us what we need to see and I believe tonight I needed to see this post.
I sure will! I’m so grateful for your encouragement and willingness to share your story. God bless you and your sweet family, Lindsey!
Thank you for your honesty and willingness to listen to the whispers placed in your heart. I am grateful that the Lord is working through you and am certain that He will give you exactly what you need to carry on and show His love to all of us through you.
As a mom who gave up a high profile career a year ago (and the one who carried the health insurance and other benefits for our family) in order to stay home with our daughter and become the wife and mother that I am meant to be, I can certainly relate to the leap of faith that you and your husband are taking. As for our family, we have been blessed immensely through out the year and know that it is only through the grace of our heavenly father that we we have been shown the way. Our spiritual journey is much deeper as a result of our leap of faith and it is by cleaving to our Lord that we are in a much better place. You too will find what you need as a result of your faith and willingness to follow. I look forward to reading about your journey. Thanks for sharing!
Linday,
I can’t understand how other moms always seem to have it all together…they write blogs, homeschool a ton of kids, grind their own wheat, create crafts, and their home is clean and organized- and then there’s me w/ only 2 kids, mountains of laundry and an unorganized house, as hard as I try! So, when I read today’s blog my heart leaped w/ joy that I’m not alone and I love that you point us to Jesus inspite of ourselves getting in the way- you have such a gift with words! Thanks again!
Today’s post has been one of my favorites so far, and the timing was perfect…as God always is just when we need it. As much as I love reading other Christian mom’s blogs, I struggle with “greener grass” syndome
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I love you!
Thank you so much for being totally honest and open in your post today. I am a grandmother who is turning 65 at the end of this month. My husband and I thought we would be retired from our business by now, but we are not. My husband just asked me to take over the business as President, because he is burned out. We have adult children that are working in the business who will help me. However, he had been the driving force in our business making all the decisions himself. I really feel led by the Lord to step forward in faith to do this. My heart’s desire is that God will finally be glorified in our business, as we put Him first. It is a bit scary, but it is a great adventure ahead for each of us who desire to put God first in our lives so that others will desire Him in their lives also. May we all be obedient to His call on our lives.
Your blog has been and continues to be an inspiration to me, but I agree with others that hearing about other mom’s ‘messiness’ is good too! We all need to know that we’re not the only ones struggling. Maybe you can have a theme month in which readers can contribute stories of God’s faithfulness in the midst of messiness! That would give you a break from writing and would be encouraging for all, I’m sure
Just an idea!
God Bless you and yours! I’m sure it’s hard with 3 little ones, and a new life venture/job!
Dear Lindsay,
You are, as His child, a beautiful woman of integrity and dignity, . His Grace has opened your heart to say ,Yes, many times over. I thank God for you my sister, I am privileged to know say that we, the Body, need you. You are a very necessary part of the Body. This is important for all Christians to know personally. We are all needed in the Body, and all of us entirely. When we doubt, it affects the faith of others. When we step forward in faith, we can be the ones who tell that we fell in the arms of the Lover of our soul. Peace and Melody!
As far as your blog goes, great! I think it would be wonderful if, maybe, the posts were every few days, or maybe, you, personally, could focus on writing one post per week and having a couple other ladies write per week. Just ideas. So, you don’t have to be so dedicated or focused on “the next thing to write.” Personally, I limit my time my time on the computer so, it’s a bummer when I get on and already a few posts have been written. It’s hard to try and catch up:) I’m just trying to relieve any pressure, to thinking that you have to keep us “entertained.”
I love you Lindsay!
Camille Froehlich
Perfect timing with this post, my husband is also quitting his job soon and doing his own business. I too am like you, I like the paycheck, I like the security of knowing that we have money coming in every week. I know that this is definitely the best thing for us to do, but I am definitely having to learn trust both in God and in my husband.
I too want to thank you for this blog. Although I am not a homemaker, I am a wife considering starting a family after 5 years of marriage. I speak from my heart when I say that this blog has helped me tremendously in seeking God’s will to start our family after years of not being sure that I want to be a mother, due to the challenges of my own upbringing, and due to my own seeking my career interests first and foremost.
What I have learned from this blog more than anything else is that to be good parents we absolutely need Jesus. Spiritual preparation and relationship with Christ are paramount, more important than any planning that we could ever do. God is who will give us that balance we are so desperately seeking at times. We simply need to trust Him and stop trying to figure it all out.
Thank you for being a beacon, showing the world that motherhood and homemaking are desirable, valuable, kingdom-centered professions. Many blessings to you and your family during your transition.
I breathed out a huge sigh of relief upon reading that you are going to just be real in this blog. It’s not that the other stuff isn’t great but on the hard, lonely days, I just need to hear the Gospel! Honestly, as moms, wives and women all we need is Jesus…right where we are. Thank you for submitting to God’s plan and for your obedience because I love this blog! : ) I’m always so encouraged and blessed so profoundly. Our prayers are with your family during this time of transition and it will be glorious to see where and how God leads you. Thanks again!!
Yes! I love all the natural stuff but really appreciate it when I know other moms are imperfect people who need Jesus just like me. I think the main downside of blogs is that they can tend to show the best times making others (me) feel inadequate.
Bless your family on your new adventure. My husband started a business almost 6 years ago and it was rough to start but now it is generally going well. It is quite faith building to have to pray in the paychecks
Lindsay, it was a revelation to me this year to find that Christian women were blogging about what really matters. To find blogs like yours about your personal walk with the Lord and showing Motherhood, family life and homemaking valued in a way it really isn’t here in the UK. So encouraging.The practical stuff is great too but because of the inspiration behind it, that ‘intentional living for the glory of God’
May God bless you and your family in 2012.
I am so thankful that you are continuing your blog for this time. It has been a source of inspiration so many times when as a homemaker, I felt overwhelmed or uninspired or simply bored. It’s been a blessing to me and so many others. God bless you and your family in this new season of life.
I am so thankful the Lord has impressed upon you to continue your blog. I am a frequent reader and I adore how real your blog is and I am always encouraged to press on. You are truly a precious woman of the Lord. May the Lord bless and keep you and encourage you as you and your husband step out in faith in the new business venture!
I love your blog. It’s about Him and how you can live a life more simply to keep the focus on Him. You have inspired me to live a healthier life. You have inspired me to live on less so I can give more. I appreciate the time you put into your blog. Praying for you! I heard the following verses today, and they were so refreshing. I wanted to pass them on:
Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” ~Jeremiah 9:23-24
Thank you for your transparency, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS pointing us to the Lord. To Him be the glory! Sharon
This year is going to be a trial of faith for us too. To begin, we are expecting our first baby in March–we are excited to become parents, but overwhelmed at the responsibility for this young, innocent little girl we’re having. Plus, there are the normal anxieties about labor, delivery, and the health of everyone involved. We are also preparing for a natural childbirth, and that takes faith too. So far, things have been working out for us in ways we could never imagine beforehand so that I can have the birth I desire.
My husband is going to start his last semester of college on Monday, and he will be starting the process of applying for post-university jobs. He will be applying all over the country, so we have to trust that the Lord will send us wherever we need to go. He is graduating in April, and after that, we don’t know where we’re going.
Dear Lindsay,
thank you for this encouragement! I really love reading your blog!
And thank you for being so honest. I believe we all need to be reminded of God’s grace over and over again. It is an endless source of thanksgiving and joy in our lives (even when it gets messy!).
Keep following Him,
Regina
Praise God for your testimony. Your blog is indeed a blessing and encouragement to me. my husband has been made redundant twice and having 3 young children and a mortgage is not a walk in the park. But! GOD is faithful,HE is amazing, HE has provided Manna for us though we are in the Garden of Gethsemane. Indeed in our weakness, Gods strength is manifested. Hang in there sister. God will never leave you nor forsake you. I learned that everytime I hurt when I couldn’t provide my kids whims, that God hurts most for me. HE has a plan and a purpose for you. Faith will release Gods insurmountable blessings in your life. GOD loves you more than you could ever imagine =)
I will be praying for your new venture as many of your readers have already commented that they are as well. I’m kind of glad when other bloggers want to “share their messes” because I am kind of the same boat. Makes it easier for those starting out to know that the other bloggers they read are not perfect.
Thanks for being so uplifting in the time I have been reading your blog. I will continue to read!
Lindsay, thank you for sharing your heart with us today! You and your family will be in my prayers as you take on this new journey God has for you. It’s exciting yet unnerving to do a new thing. But as you said, God is there to hold our hands. He has it all in control.
This last year has been one of great growth for me. I am beginning this one with a renewed vision, and with goals I know I can accomplish. This time they are tailored baby steps for me. I want you to know that you were instrumental in that. Each time you have showed us your ‘messy’ side, it has encouraged me to persevere. I am a perfectionist. It is a blessing and a curse. LOL! Anyway, I am thankful there is promise of more of your wonderful posts to come, and more ‘messy’ ones too. They truly are not messy at all, but I know we each know when we are individually at our best and when we aren’t.
I look forward to what God has in store for each one of us this year.
Me and my husband are thinking about moving to the other side of the country, which would mean that he would have to find a new job… He’s a bit hesitant to leave his current job because it gives us so much security.
My heart really goes out to this beautiful house we saw, but we can’t move without a good job haha! So I keep on praying for God to lead us and to help me keep my opinion for myself. My husband knows I want this house but I don’t want him to make a decision based on my continuous talking about how much I want it!
Just keep on praying I guess
Thank you for being so honest with your readers today. I understand where you are- my husband and I just decided yesterday that it was time for me to go out on maternity leave (I’m 29 weeks along) due to the emotional and physical stress my job was causing me. We felt led by the Lord to put our baby’s health and mine first. That doesn’t mean we’re not stressing the reduction of income, however. We’re thankful we live in California, which provides generous maternity disability benefits. It gave me so much joy yesterday when my husband turned to me and told me he was glad I was going to be a stay at home wife and mother. You are such an encouragement and a blessing from God. Thanks for your blog Lindsay! Keep up the messiness.
I just want to say thank you. Thank you for heeding the Lord’s calling on your life and for this blog. It was has really encouraged me and helped me grow in my vocation as mother and homemaker. I don’t comment much, but I wanted you to know how much I appreciate this place. I am looking forward to where the Lord leads you this year!
I think I will love whatever you share! Some of my favorite has been the “simple” every day stuff. Keep up the good work and may God meet you during this season of transition for your family!
Be encouraged you are not alone and I look forward to reading what God guides you to write this year. Remember these words-Fear not! They have helped me a lot this year.
Jessica
You have a beautiful faith. I am so glad God has revealed this ministry opportunity to you. I join you in praying for humility in our struggles and triumphs and giving all the glory to God! Keep up the good work and always find your strength in Christ!
Thank you for sharing your messiness Lindsay as that is usually what encourages me the most!
Ah, well-said, Lindsay. An encouraging word from the Lord, and falling right in line with what the Lord has been laying on my heart as well. Thank you for sharing your family with us.
Good luck with the new venture. I am excited for you. We have been self-employed for the past 4 years and it has been the best and most stressfull and most growing thing. I wouldn’t trade the freedom now. We love it.
Your blog is great too. No stress, just keep telling us what is going on. Thanks so much for sharing!
I have been reading your blog for a couple of years. This blog post nearly made me cry and I’m not really a crier! I have followed my husband in his video game career for a few years now–from our families in the midwest to his schooling in Texas in 2006, to California in 2007 (had two sons there–3 1/2 and 15 1/2 months), to Colorado in November 2010, and after just 6 months there, in June, we moved from Colorado to stay with our midwest families for a couple months during a job transition, and now we are here in Montreal, Canada!! We gave up our car, we live in a very French-speaking borough (we don’t speak French), health care is so different here, my husband has a 1-hour commute each way, and it’s freezing cold outside now. I feel very isolated most of the time, but your blog–whether the messages are about changing your life or embracing the mess–make me feel much less alone. They give me hope and encouragement and remind me to where I should always turn for strength. Certainly the Lord does most of the comforting, but I believe He does it through bloggers like you, too! I do hope that you continue–don’t underestimate how much people need to hear about the “mess” too, OR how much support you might find you receive from your blog readers.
God bless you and your sweet family!
This blog brought tears to my eyes. Your words are exactly what I have been praying for… My husband is also venturing forth in a new direction with his work and it has been testing my patience and my faith. I love what yous aid about Rebekah’s faith: “To be so at rest in my Father’s arms that I could willingly walk the unknown path before me.” I think being a mother requires that kind of faith as there are so many unknowns in parenting. I have, however, been asking God to lead me to people that will help me be a better wife and mother. In the past I found lots of resources online but they required what felt like perfection from me. I’m grateful that God whispered my needs in your ear. Looking forward to reading your blog this year!
I have been reading your blog for about 4 months and have gleaned so much information and been encouraged through many of the stories from you and the other contributing writers. Thankyou!! I think it is the messy stuff in our lives that helps us help others. May God bless you this coming year no matter what you decide to do!!!
Thanks for sharing your honest, God-fearing heart!! I have always been a fan of transparent living, and not putting on a show, especially with other believers. It’s not easy to do. The easy thing is always to put on a happy face and pretend you are perfect!! But I have found that there is no growth, and certainly no genuine relationships if you can’t get real and down and dirty about who you really are. I appreciate your ministry and your desire to follow God where He is leading your blog! I will keep reading!
This was a perfectly timed piece for me. My husband is looking to go into business for himself, and although the overhead is low and the potential is great, I struggle with the loss of “stability” in a consistent paycheck and paid insurance. I think this time next year we will be taking the official step, but I am glad is prepping my heart right now, through this post, along with all the future posts I know you will provide. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for the honesty, too!
Praying for your sweet family.
Thankful for you and your blog. I’ve been reading for quite some time – your blog is good for my heart…reminds me what’s really important. I did the 12 Days of Christmas for my husband and he LOVED it. Definitely a new tradition for us.
Thank you for sharing your life/heart.
Happy New Year!
I started reading your blog a few months ago when I found out that I was pregnant with our first child. I was feeling scared and overwhelmed, even though I had prayed for a baby. I really hope that you continue your writing. Your words give me great comfort and assurance that I too can be a good mom, even when things get messy (which they certainly are right now since I’ve been sleeping 14 hours a day!)
Take care and God bless you in the New Year!!
I’m in a season of change and unknowns myself, pregnant with our first child. Unless something changes between now and May, it looks like God’s call on my life for now is to be a working mom. I am both excited about us becoming parents and fearful of the changes and unknowns. What God said to you, about encouraging your readers to press in to know Him right where they are, is exactly what my soul needs this year. Thank you for your faithfulness in sharing your messy self. It’s so good to know I’m not alone in the mess. Prayers for your family in your new venture.
I can totally relate to this! We are headed to the mission field in 2013 and will attempt to live just over a year with no salary. Thanks for being so open and sharing with us! I love your site and come here often for recipes and encouragement and also refer friends! Praying for this new adventure of yours! We are constantly reminding ourselves and our four children that we are on an adventure with God! It’s very exciting to watch what He can do!
I really enjoy your humbleness and all of the things that you write about. Thank you so much for continuing your writing, it means a lot to me.
Cindy
You are such an inspiration! I’ve been following your blog for several months now and I can;t express to you how many times your writing has been used by God to motivate me. There are so many days I just want to throw in the towel and say “forget this, the kids can go to daycare, i’ll go back to work.” But i know i was meant to be a homemaker. Anyhow, I can’t wait to see what this new year bring forth… cheers!
I am SO glad you aren’t going to stop blogging! I have 3 kids about your children’s ages, am homeschooling, desire to live naturally, pursue Christ, love my husband and children etc. Needless to say, I can relate to alot of what you and your guest bloggers write. Keep up the good work and I am excited to see how God leads!
Thank you as well! I am encouraged and challenged regularly by you and your blog!
Mackenzi
Speaking for myself, I don’t read your blog for wonderful creativity (though it is chalked full of that!) but because I find it a blessing to read the thoughts of other women with my same goals in life. No stressing, just blessing =-)
Good luck with your new adventures! This reminds me of a quote I heard, “Having faith in God includes having faith in his timing” or something to that effect. It’s a great reminder!
Wonderful! I look forward to reading what God brings to you and thing blog during the next year.
We are praying for you. What a neat time of drawing close to the Lord.
Ofcourse we’ll join you! You are an inspiration to me whether you have organized themes or not. You are in such a busy season of your life…give yourself grace and be assured of lots of prayers for you and your family this year.