Home, with an asterisk

I moved to Dallas in July of 2007, but for three years it felt like I moved to Limbo. My body was in Texas, but my heart was 14 hours away and across the Mississippi River. I can't count how many times over three years I said, "Dallas is growing on me, but it will never be home..." And I meant that - Dallas would NEVER be my home or where I was from. Nothing personal, Big D; I wasn't ready to commmit.

Somehow, despite that fact, I'm going to co-own a home in Texas. I'm actually a lot more excited than that sounds, so let's try again - I'm going to own my first house with my awesome husband!! Better.

About a month ago, Braden and I had a literal come to Jesus meeting about our future plans - would we give up our life in Texas and move home or would we commit to living in Texas for an as-yet-undetermined length of time? This would not be an easy decision, as neither choice was a compromise; choosing either option left one of us sacrificing our heart's desire. We spent lots and lots of time in prayer, and I shed more tears than I care to admit. But at the end of a week that saw me break into hysterics at the drop of a hat, God gave me peace. Peace about pursuing a life in Dallas. Peace that, because I had asked for His blessings, He would be faithful to bring them. Peace that Braden and I were growing together in Christ and that He has a purpose for us in Texas. Peace that we are in the right place at the right time.

And so, we began to look for a house. It was full steam ahead, and it felt great! I have rarely felt that secure in a decision - and I know that feeling can only come from relying on one's faith. We looked at houses for not even a full two weeks and made an offer. The offer was accepted, and we're moving forward towards closing day.

We are blessed!

Without further ado, here is the beauty:


Barring any unforeseen issues, that will be our house and our home*. (*even though it's in Dallas)