For the past 3 weeks we have been home, there has been at least one school delay weekly. Getting the 5:30 a.m. call is not on my favorite things list; however, Logan's response of "YESSSS!" actually kind of makes it worth it:) He is already pushing me to call for his driver's exam:/

In this first month of the year, even with all the changes, I've jumped right back into living life. I used to think perhaps the 18 month period from May of 2009 to November of 2011, when we literally purchased and renovated 6 homes, was unlike any other time in our lives. Turns out, that was an understatement. We could only do it, because God was in it all.

To the natural eye, we probably looked like we were a bit nuts. Running a remodeling business full time, raising and running around with 4 kids, to maintaining a marriage and household pretty effectively, was not a disadvantage. We were not to feel defeated but elected and determined for our destiny..............

The word alone conjures up all kinds of magical images, fairytale endings, and hopeful happenings. This is all sounds idealistic; "destined for great things...." but it is honestly defined by determination, grit, and "guts over fear." Destiny is built on decisions........

Tomorrow I am making a trip to Quality Roofing to pick up 3 replacement windows for the same said rental home we are working at. I think that's a first for me, and I'm counting on help loading them:) Today I test drove a used vehicle my daughter will be driving when she returns from L.A.

I did the almost unthinkable and left my Ford Escape in Cali with Chynna, while Austin has the Toyota Corolla. I felt I would worry less knowing they were taken care of in this regard. Needless to say, I really like my car:/ I am somehow the one to make the most sacrifices, ha ha. How. Why.

Thanks to my parents for a loaner and always helping out as needed to work through this transition. And my partner John continues to embrace my adventurous side and the ideas I am passionate about. So much more is just around the corner........

Acceleration. Adventures. Options.

It's official. One year has now passed since Chynna, Logan, and myself ventured west to settle in this strange and unusual land. As I look back on the year, it is quite amazing on so many levels. After one year, I have a pretty good handle on how this territory operates.......

I can honestly say the good and bad have made their presence known, much like the parable of the wheat and the weeds in the book of Matthew. They grow together here and it is very difficult to see the difference between the two. It takes every ounce of strength to pull out the good....... but that, we must to focus on.

Tomorrow begins the HS beach season for Logan and team. As you may recall, he was fortunate enough to join the first ever beach league last year, after being here a week. This year, he's on the Varsity team, and ranked with his partner as top team for this week. That may change, but hope not

My daughter, who struggled in the early weeks after settling, now has 3 positions coaching in the South Bay and is fast becoming a libero. She had to be willing to lay down her dream, her hopes for a future in the sport, much like Abraham was asked to do. God asked him to sacrifice the most beloved thing in his life, his son, his future; but, at the last minute, there was an alternative offered.

As Chynna began to embrace the potential sacrifice asked of her, the most important thing in her life, God intervened. He gave her back what she loved the most. I know how scary it is to be willing to die to your dreams and not know what is ahead. However, I've come to learn obedience is far better than sacrifice.

As one of my sons said today, we focus so much on the sacrifice and what may be asked, rather than thinking of the rewards to come. I'm not talking about eternal rewards, I'm speaking of meaning and "wealth" in this life that comes in various forms. This belief is why I do what I do.........

I have laid down many relationships, things I love, and don't want to do without but I am reaping the rewards...... and will have far more than I can imagine.