Three Years Down a Dirt Road

Three years ago today, I came the closest I’ve ever come to having a full-throttle panic attack. Melissa was in the passenger seat of my car while I was at the wheel and she started frantically turning every air conditioner vent on the dash straight toward my face. “Breathe, Mom. It’s going to be fine!” I’d worked like a crazy woman for three days packing up our house for this move so it shouldn’t have caught me off guard but suddenly the reality of that huge moving van right in front of us with 27 years of our lives stuffed into it nearly did me in. I wanted to pull up beside it, roll down my window, and yell, “I changed my mind!”

 

I’d raised my babies in that house, stood at that mailbox and waited for the school bus with them, buried three beloved dogs in that backyard, danced with my man on that linoleum kitchen floor, fought with him in that den, fallen head over heels with the Scriptures in that tiny dining room, pulled trashcans forty million times to that curb, cried as many tears and thrown my head back with as many laughs…all in that one house. We’d bought it at a foreclosure price and still struggled to pay the mortgage but not one day did we take it for granted. Our very best friends helped us move into that house. Our oldest kids were 5 and our youngest 2. Our kids played together in that house too many times to count. We were inseparable in those days.

I loved it so much. I declared over and over that I’d never leave that house. But I did.

photo[14]

 

Three years ago today, we followed that moving van down a highway on the outskirts of Houston then down one bumpy dirt road then another that my man had cleared himself in order to move us in. He’d had to dig a water well, have telephone lines and electric lines put in, and bulldoze enough trees out of the way to tuck in two houses: his parents’ and ours. They’d lived in town beside us. We wouldn’t have moved without them. Most of my neighbors at my house of 27 years had lived there for decades, too. We loved those people and they loved us. Our preschoolers had played together then graduated from high school together. We could holler at one another across the fence. We had a new fence now and new neighbors who, as you can see, were set in their ways. They only had one word to say to us when we got here. “Mooooooooooooove.”

photo 3

We also had snakes.

coral snake

 

Several different kinds.

 

water moccasin

So this became our fashionable footwear.

 

boots

Big Pops and Memmaw soon got a rooster and chickens. It took us a while to get used to them and them a while to get used to us. Big Pops and Memmaw enjoy the eggs but I just can’t eat them. Something about eating eggs from a chicken I know personally doesn’t sit well on my stomach.

chickens

 

We’ve had a few unexpected visitors drop in.  Some of them were particularly delightful.

donkey

 

It helped that our kids started liking it out here. The Jones live in the suburbs about 20 minutes from here and we knew they’d adapt well because their kids were at the perfect age for tadpoles and hoot owls but our city girl, Melissa, lives smack downtown in Houston, Texas almost an hour away. She was the least enthused about our move. Some might even say slightly pouty. One day a few months after we moved, she succumbed to a sudden bout of sentimentality and went back to our old neighborhood to go for a walk there like we’d done thousands of times. She’d even planned to shed a few tears. She called me on her cell phone when she got back in the car and said, “I don’t like it here anymore. Y’all aren’t here.” And that very moment, her heart shifted to the country. These days she makes the trek constantly. She’s fallen in love with these woods and these neighbors:

 

photo[31]

 

Living next door to Big Pops and Memmaw means that we have ample time with all four generations. When Jackson is grown, he probably won’t remember that we ever lived anywhere else. Not even that house where we raised his mommy.

Jax and Pops

 

 

Needless to say, I’ve spent a lot of time with Big Pops myself. Here on the gator. This is only one of three John Deeres on the property. Big Pops planted his behind on a tractor the second we moved in.

 

photo[15]

 

We’ve put a lot of miles on this thing in three years. Here with my two girls and our good friend, Crista.

photo[18]

 

The idea came to me for Bibby’s Secret Closet here at this new house. The kids never know what surprise Bibby’s gonna pull from it.

photo[25]

photo[33]

 

We often have our pastor and his wife over for dinner. We make it our goal to be their favorite church members.

 

photo[27]

 

It’s amazing how much he looks like my son-in-law.

 

Annabeth loves having her birthday here. She says she’s always going to have it here. We’ll see. But we’ll take it for now.

photo[23]

 

We have a tiny little sliver of water not far from us that you could call a creek if you were in a particularly generous mood. It’s got some sand by it that the kids really like. Be blessed that this is not a scratch and sniff picture because the creek doesn’t always smell all that good, especially if it hasn’t rained in a while. But if your nose is slightly stuffy, it can be pretty fun.

photo[26]

 

Don’t think there’s not plenty of excitement in the country. Keith was Superman to this baby hawk with a broken leg that we found on this branch down from our house one day. Flies were already all over it when Keith rescued it and took it in a box to the only vet clinic in Houston that takes this sort of patient. Keith kept tabs on him with the vet and, sure enough, he made it.

photo[34]

 

 

Several months later a hawk swooped down and ate one of Memmaw’s chickens. I couldn’t help but think, “Seriously?? After we saved one of your very brethren???” But not long after that, Queen Esther helped herself to a chicken and Geli (our birddog) followed suit and has thus far made a picnic lunch out of two. Well. Maybe three.

Geli begs to eat out. She likes her food to be organic. Here she had a bad hankering for a double-meat rabbit burger. Cut the bun.

Geli looking outside

 

We find all sorts of critters in our backyard. We host raccoons and rabbits constantly but we also have possums. I used to hate possums because of their pointy little teeth and the way they hiss but somehow, now that we live out here, I feel like I can’t hate them as much. I feel compelled to be a good possum steward. This was our favorite backyard drop-by of all. We got up one recent Sunday morning to this sight and nearly died.  Two more were just on the other side of the iron fence.

 

photo[35]

 

 

Three years is long enough to have lived through some losses. Remember those beloved dogs I told you we’d buried in the backyard of our house of 27 years? We’ve been forced to start a pet cemetery here in these woods now and we are not anxious to populate it. With many tears we recently laid the Jones’s faithful, dearly-loved golden retriever, Beckham, to rest.

photo[37]

 

 

He was, without a doubt, the happiest dog in the whole USA.

photo[36]

 

 

My man and I are coming up on 36 years of marriage in a few weeks. You can’t live together that long and not have a lot of ups and downs. Well, maybe some people can but they are not us. Not by a long shot. We’ve ridden a roller coaster together, my man and me. But we are so glad we stuck it out. We’ve had the happiest season of our lives out in these woods. We loved our home in town so much but, heck, sometimes you just need to move somewhere new. This was from Thanksgiving a few weeks ago. Keith put a fireplace on our back porch and, if it’s lit, our family doesn’t get three feet from it. South Texas has the kind of climate where you could spend the whole winter on your back porch as long as you had a little firewood.

photo[30]

 

 

Just last week our long-since adopted family member, Travis (Cottrell), was out in the country with us and he snapped this picture right before he left. He loves Keith Moore and Keith Moore loves him. I’m mad now that Trav wasn’t in the picture.

photo[29]

 

So, three years to the day later, we’re making it out in these modest woods. These acres would not be beautiful to everybody but they’re beautiful to us. Life has been brand new out here. I won’t kid you. It’s been an adjustment. A lot less eating out. A lot more cooking. A lot more driving to work. The cars stay filthy. The raccoons won’t stay out of the trash. Fed Ex never can find us. But we don’t mind. Because it was time to make a move. For us, it was out where the dawn breaks to the crow of a rooster.

 

My heart is filled with gratitude to God as I glance over my shoulder at the last several years. He knew this was just where we Moores needed to be. Out here in the sticks.

 

It turned out to be the season for moving in the tightest part of our social circle. Our very best friends of 34 years bought a new house, too. I don’t think they’d mind me showing you a picture. You know, they’re the ones I told you about earlier. We raised our kids together. They love their new house.

We love it, too.

photo[14]

 

 

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137 Responses to “Three Years Down a Dirt Road”

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Comments:

  1. 51
    Joy French says:

    Thank you for sharing! This could be, hopefully be timely;)

    joy~

  2. 52
    Marilyn…in Mississippi says:

    Thank you for sharing your personal joys and sorrows with us Beth. It helps my heart somehow!

  3. 53
    Beth says:

    My heart is full of thanksgiving this morning to get to hear from you like in days of old. But seriously, that coral snake photo?! I’d never set foot off that porch! Thank you for this walk down memory lane! Much love to you and continued blessings on you and your man! Merry Christmas!

  4. 54
    Daria says:

    Such a lovely post. So sweet of you to share with us. It was just so simple and sweet. thank you.

  5. 55
    Christine Cobb says:

    Thank you for letting me know I’m not alone. It was 3 years ago this July that this Brooklyn girl moved with her husband to a country home in Northern NY. Our nearest neighbors are Amish dairy farmers. We’ve had heifers in our driveway, an escaped bull in our garden and so many horse-drawn carriages we put up a hitching post. I’ve gotten over the fear of eating fresh eggs, chicken and venison and love getting fresh milk to make mozzarella.
    Some lessons learned the hard way like trying to humanely trap and relocate the racoon in the garbage but catching a skunk instead. Here’s a tip for you – Don’t try to release a skunk without a bio hazard suit and a gas mask.

    What a blessed life we have here and Beth Moore has impacted the North Country through our weekly bible study. Some day we may have high speed internet so we can participate in your simulcasts.

  6. 56
    Shelly says:

    Thanks for sharing! God bless u big! We love u!

  7. 57
    Melanie Beam says:

    You don’t know how much I needed to see this post today 🙂 It’s too long a story to tell but just know it’s given me great encouragement that moving from what you know to what you don’t know in support of your man (I’m married to a Keith as well!) is the right thing to do and my grown children, hopefully, will learn to like it too & visit. Thank you!!

  8. 58
    Gretchen says:

    Wow, Beth – has it really been three years!? I remember so well your blog posts about that time. So thrilled to hear how the Lord has blessed you and your family in your country home with new and wonderful memories. I’ll be making a huge move myself right after the first of the year – from CA to TX. It’s hard to imagine what the Lord has there, but am hopeful in His faithfulness that in three years I’ll not trade anything He’s brought from it.

    Many more years of blessing to you in your family in the country!

  9. 59
    Cathleen Huckaby says:

    BRAVO! Sooo well crafted Beth! Book-ended w/ the same house pc and a whopper of a surprise that your best FRIENDS bought the home too! Ya just never know and it was a deeeliiiggghtt to read your funny script and devour each and every pic…
    Your love 4 all and abundant ‘attitude of gratitude’ is contagious….I’ve plowed thru many a bible study from you and never written but this blog begs a reply- THANK YOU YOU YOU and our most amazzzing Savior for your 1-2 punch…His gracious word and YOUR sincere fun and velveteen-rabbit realness all scrambled tog.= a WIN WIN combo.
    How I have SAVORED learning, digging for answers, meeting sisters who REALLY wanna dig also. Combining it w/ getting to know u and your fam-bam (grandparent nicknames and all!) has been refreshing and again….REAL…
    With awe I say “Merci Me” Beth….u r the real deal and I’m your Velveteen Rabbit friend named Cathy from California!

  10. 60
    Redeemed says:

    I love that you drive a Gator in ballet flats. 🙂

  11. 61
    Mary says:

    I forgot to ask, and I hope you wouldn’t mind sharing another beauty product with us. You always have a great glow to your cheeks! What blush brand and shade do you use? I have similar coloring and would love to try it! Thank you!

  12. 62
    Kimmi G says:

    What a sweet post and a perfect way to start my Monday! Thank you and have a super blessed day! <3 <3 <3

  13. 63
    Brittanie says:

    God always knows what we need to hear when we need to hear it. I’m in the process of moving and it has not been easy. Thank you for sharing I really needed this today.

  14. 64
    Kathy S says:

    Your post is so encouraging to me today. To know that you have adjusted to your move and that though it was hard, it was good. I’m in a bit of a different situation – I moved from a home I loved – that my husband and I raised our daughter in – but I was forced to move for a sad reason – after 24 years of marriage, my husband chose another. I’m now in an apartment after living 35 years in a home of my own. An apartment that the Lord provided but is just not home. I’m hoping that I’m in a different situation, a different place as the days go on. I pray that joy is restored to my heart. I pray that God reveals His destiny to me for I am quite at a loss at 60 years of age. But, our God is faithful and I suspect that down the road all will again be well with my soul. Moving can be good – yours clearly was good. I’m hoping I will someday see the good as well.

  15. 65
    patti reavis says:

    Patti, Clemmons, NC
    Thanks for the wonderful window of a story concerning your move. We’ve been in our home 24 years. I understand completely. We love you.

  16. 66
    Lynn Larson says:

    Thanks for this post. Very heart-warming. Feeling a bit nostalgic now. Perfect time of year for that. Miss your posts.

    -Lynn

  17. 67
    Dana says:

    Beth, I do love your posts! I love them when you’re teaching and I love them when you’re just sharing your sweet family life with us!

    Thank you very much!

    Love you and your sweet family and staff!

    We are very blessed, siesta mama!

  18. 68
    Diana A. says:

    Great Story!

    Thanks for sharing! Loved the kids pics!
    Have a Blessed week and a Merry Christmas!!!

  19. 69
    Michelle Henderer says:

    Beautiful post! I so enjoyed reading it!!

  20. 70
    Sandra Oden says:

    You don’t know how timely this post is…must have been just for me. Husband and I are searching for a new home in Arkansas, our birth state. We’ve been in Spring, TX. For 28 years in the same house. My emotions are on a roller coaster. One minute I’m excited and happy about a new place and moving closer to extended family. The next minute I’m sad about leaving this wonderful place we’ve called home for almost three decades. And my church..and my friends.

    But I know God is calling us home, so away we will go as soon as HE shows us THE house..

    thank you for ministering to me this week..

    • 70.1
      Rebecca says:

      You could be looking in a mirror with this post. After almost 50 yrs in same place moving to another state to be nearer family. One minute elated the next terrified and want to change my mind. I know God is faithful and will carry us.

  21. 71
    Kelly Aylward says:

    It was good to be reminded that many of us have very strong emotions towards leaving the familiar and dearly loved places in our lives…( I feel like there are days when, I could experience a full blown panic attack:).. After the Christmas season, we are leaving our home in Maryland of 18 years and moving to HOUSTON, TEXAS :)… I am grieving yet fully trusting in God’s plan for your lives-knowing that He has a “good work” for us to do in Texas. I guess I will be learning to say ‘ya’ll ‘a lot more frequently. (smile)
    Blessings, thank-you, Beth for sharing…

  22. 72
    Jennifer Hart says:

    Now that is God!!!! Flipping cool!

  23. 73
    Elisabeth says:

    LOVE this! Thanks for sharing!

  24. 74
    Pam says:

    Thanks for taking the time to share that was so fun.. Now Beth you really need to learn to eat those eggs they are so much better for you !!! And those snakes Really !! I just don’t think I could do that boots or not Lol… I’m in the country in southern In. Its been several years since I’ve seen a snake in the yard. I had the neighbor come and shoot the last one and after that I walked my yard and prayed !! ( for real ) and ask God if he’d send them else where and He most surley did, I’ve not seen one since… :0) God’s good isn’t he to care enough that snakes really are hard on my heart..! I am in a new season just retired from working.. and I think I like it…. I know God has something for me to do… in the mean time I’m just doing what comes up that day. No stress or hurry.. 🙂 Didn’t mean to go on and on Your are so sweet to share it is like I’ve always known you …. Have a Blessed Christmas and Love ya…

  25. 75
    Shelly says:

    I love your blog posts so much! It’s wonderful how you tie things up so beautifully. The last part of this post was so touching and I always love seeing the pictures of your gorgeous family. Thank you for sharing this 3 year milestone with all of us. I can’t believe 3 years have passed!

    Merry Christmas! xo

  26. 76
    Harriet Renner says:

    Dearest Beth, I dearly loved reading about your country experiences! You are wonderfully honest!
    It is an honor for me to read your personal blog. God bless you and your family during this beautiful Christmas season. Merry Christmas! I would love to share a thought I had lately. Do you know when God cried for the first time? It was when little Jesus cried when He was born in the stable. I love you, Harriet

  27. 77
    JoAnn Janik says:

    It is so nice to hear your family stories. I’ve missed them. Can’t believe it’s been 3 yrs. Enjoyed the pictures and just the fellowship. I’d love to be a country girl and hopefully will one day. My dream is the hill country (Texas, of course)! Near Lake Travis. I have a few more years to go. Thanks for sharing and encouraging us that “Change is Good”…..might not be easy, but oh, the blessings that can come from it when we trust God in it with us. I hope you are enjoying the time off from your traveling with LPL. I pray these are sweet times for you and your family. Merry Christmas!

  28. 78
    Becky R. says:

    Merry Christmas to you and yours and thanks so much for visiting with us again. We know you have the best team ever but somehow we love it when like in the olden days — you talked to us.
    Your country was my country for a few years until I left home for college but you can’t take Texas out of me. I’ve lived in Florida for almost more years than I lived in Texas and for our retirement days we choose Florida.
    Your ministry came into my life at a time when I so needed to hear your thoughts and life memories — Thank You.

  29. 79
    Annette says:

    Merry Christmas, Beth! And happy anniversary…and blessed 2015!

    There is something to moving out of Houston and finding wide open spacious grace in the country. We just did the same thing a year ago. While I can get frustrated with the country pace (of everybody else LOL)I never tire of the peace.

    May you have many more years of spacious Grace and joy-filled togetherness in your little piece of paradise.

  30. 80
    Annette Geffert says:

    Merry Christmas, Beth! And happy anniversary…and blessed 2015!

    There is something to moving out of Houston and finding wide open spacious grace in the country. We just did the same thing a year ago. While I can get frustrated with the country pace (of everybody else LOL)I never tire of the peace.

    May you have many more years of spacious Grace and joy-filled togetherness in your little piece of paradise.

  31. 81
    Judy Birmingham says:

    Do timely! I just finished reading a devotional about Paul going to Arabia for 3 years before he began his ministry with no other apostles around him. That must have been a very blessed and distressed time of growth for him. This is timely for me because I have been reflecting on my own past 3 years of difficult but blessed growth. God has always been very faithful to speak to me through others when it’s needed the most. I’m looking forward to seeing what more He has in store for me and I’m grateful to be leaving some bad stuff behind. Stuff like jealousy, envy,being controlling, learning to be less selfish and more empathetic and sympathetic. Patience and more loving. Just to name some of what God has been doing in my life. I’m in the middle of the James study which is also very timely. God bless you and your family!!

  32. 82
    kathy says:

    Beth, Thank you!!! I have been lamenting (aching) the loss of my beautiful home 18 years ago. I sold it to “save” the family. What was I thinking??? Little did I know I was walking into the “dark night of the soul” and a crazy wilderness experience that I could never have imagined was possible. A precious son hit with clinical depression fueled by moving him out of his childhood home, economic roller coasters, a husband diagnosed with a narcissistic personality disorder laced with alcohol abuse who stole money and lost his profession, his dishonesty and indiscretions exposed- Oh Boy, the other side of the coin was ME, a stellar enabler and co dependent. I have now sold 2 more wonderful houses to “save the family”(ME) and finally had the courage to end a 43 year unhealthy union. I left no stone unturned as far as I know to try and reboot the marriage. I have come to believe our Lord sometimes allows a complete demolition rather than a remodel so he can give us the opportunity for him to rebuild us- At 65 I’m not sure what that looks like- but I am AWAKE, thanks to the grace of God himself. Every time it appears all is lost with no potential for rebuilding, God has stepped in and opened one more door to step through- I am now faced with what appears to be a very risky move and little understanding how I can possibly hold on to my cherished community of friends. I soo appreciate your post. As in Hebrews 10- my anchor is in the hope of my Lord. sorry this took so much space, it helped to put my aching heart in words. Blessings and love to you and yours.

    • 82.1
      Kathy S says:

      Kathy,
      I so understand. It is mystifying to me the paths we sometimes must walk to wholeness. I pray for wholeness for you and a destiny bright with His hope. I, too, have left a destructive marriage after 25 years of prayer, on the knees begging and hope that things would change. I, too, believe God releases us sometimes to restore us. We have left our Egypt; it’s my hope our grumblings are few and our hope in Him sustains us. God is good; all the time. Though circumstances are heart crushing, we have a hope and future. And even at 60 (me) and 65 (you) God has a destiny for us – for His good and for our good. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand and may we see the light and hope of our Savior’s birth this Christmas.

  33. 83
    Sandi in MN says:

    So fun to catch an update! Thanks for sharing. We live in the country too, I so relate to the dirty car thing…ugh, I gave it up 🙂

  34. 84
    SueinSC says:

    Beth, what a beautiful picture of God bringing things full circle. His timing for movement in not only your lives but those of your dear friends…amazing. God is so wonderful! Thank you for all you and your family does in serving God and serving us. I cannot tell you how much I love the ministry and your family’s authenticity. May you be blessed in this season and continue to marvel in the great journey with its twists and turns! Merry Christmas and praise to the one true King!

  35. 85
    Jamie says:

    Oh Beth . . . You have no idea what a blessing your post is for me. So timely. My family and I moved out to the “country” about 6 months ago. Although I only had 7 (not 27) years in our home, it was our first home and first real sense of community. I brought 2 babies home to that house and lived countless memories. Our new home is great, but I have most definitely had the hardest time adjusting. But God has been so faithful to remind me that this move was HIS doing. When I read about your long drive to work, the vehicles staying dirty, and FedEx never being able to find you–I nodded, laughed, and cried in agreement! I am experiencing the exact same things! Your post was an answer to my prayer that God would help me to embrace this new life and quit looking back and longing for what used to be. I grow deep roots, so it hurts when they are transplanted, but I know they will grow deep here in the country and someday I won’t be able to imagine calling anywhere else “home”. Thank you! God Bless!

  36. 86
    Angela - Puzzlepiecesista says:

    BEST STORY EVER TOLD!!!!!!! BEST ENDING EVER WRITTEN!!!!!

  37. 87
    Beth Averett says:

    Loved this blog ! Reminds me of moves we have made. I have found that when you live with someone you love…it doesn’t matter if you live in a crummy rent house or on 4 acres in a nice new home ! Adventures come in all places. Change is good … Just like God .
    Beth

  38. 88
    Kelly says:

    Beautiful!

  39. 89
    Jean Schlosser says:

    Dear Beth,
    Thanks so much for sharing! My husband, almost 8 years ago,
    moved me way out in the country by big and little critters, too. I marvel at God’s handiwork out here. I’m so grateful you have embraced your new home and all the critters, too.:)
    I praise God for you and all your labors of love (Bible
    studies) that I have the privilege to learn from such a godly women as you. Thanks for your transparency!
    I wish you all of God’s blessings! Merry Christmas to
    you and all of your beautiful family members.

  40. 90
    Mika says:

    I read this while surrounded by boxes in the house where I also have raised my children…one of which has already made her way to our forever heaven home. I feel the pendulum swing with my emotions….joy for our new home where you must drive to find a neighbor ….sadness over leaving a place saturated with memories. Thank you for posting this encouragement today for new moments for me and my family!

  41. 91
    Dayna tirado says:

    Thank you for sharing another piece of yourself. Thanks to your family for letting you share a little piece of them too. When I read your blogs I’m reminded that we are all a piece of one big family. The more I know you the more I love you.

    Thank you Beth..
    Hughug!
    Dayna
    Bedford, VA

  42. 92
    Suey Caldwell says:

    WEGM .. ThankYou! I’m in tears gal! Jim and I are reading this post together! Happy happy Anny!
    I’m used to drive to your other house dressed up like a clown and you would run upstairs and put on your clown suit! Hee haw Grin!
    When you had us new moms over to your house for bible study and prayer, I was privileged to pray in your closet… Over all your clothes and your speaking schedule!
    Yesterday WEGM at BCF , Jim and I witnessed our granddaughters’JAE and ELLE Caldwell
    Dedicated To Our Lord Jesus… I truly don’t know what I would do without your love.. and also
    You need to know the hardest gift I ever gave you was that necklace I gave Amanda to give you
    Bc WEGM I’m Living Proof…

  43. 93
    roy freels says:

    Beth: My wife and I love and pray for you and your
    ministries. There is nothing like country living. We
    live on my mom’s farm. Pray for Gods mercy and that moms
    trust be followed to the letter. She pasted away to haven
    and is now with Jesus. Keep up Gods work and may he Bless
    you and yours. Love brother Roy an sister Melissa

  44. 94
    Pat Schuessler says:

    That was fun.

  45. 95
    Pam says:

    My husband and I have been married 38 years. One year ago, after living in town and in the same house for 36 years,we felt the Lord telling us it was time to move. We’d raised our 3 children in that house and welcomed 7 grandchildren too but…….God said it was time. We, like you, moved to the country. Although not as primitive as you for the first time we needed a riding lawnmower. Our daughters weren’t so happy about us moving and our grandchildren have said the other house would always be Nana and Poppy’s house but just the other day our 5year old granddaughter said to me, ” Nana, I really like your new house.” My heart swelled with joy. It’s not the house that makes it a home, it’s the joy that’s in it. Thanks for your story.

  46. 96
    cantsaytoday says:

    LOVE when you share this way… feeds my soul. I am struggling with a 29 year marriage and I want to give up. Just this morning, I was in my closet thinking about you talking about going to your car in the garage and wanting to be released from your marriage. Then I read this and see you today and I know you are glad ya’ll could stick it out…And it gave me hope. I read other posts, some who had to let it go, others who are kids from a split who still remember the heartache and I think ‘I can’t do this to my sweet sweet child’. We have talked recently of leaving our home of 21 years and headed to country living. Its just all too much to contemplate right now.

  47. 97
    Laura says:

    Thanks for sharing your story! As always, God is using you in ways you don’t even know.

    My 10 year old son and I are about to leave the only home he has known. My husband passed away unexpectedly in May and we must move. My boys little heart is broken wide open over his father and each change wears on him. I finally told him that God sometimes asks us do things we don’t want to do because he has a bigger blessing for us. You see, my husband died in our house. I know we will do better by moving, but it isn’t easy. Change is never easy.

    The Lord has been with us through this entire journey. He always is! He started preparing me during SSMT 2013. It’s a long story, but the end is a glorious Savior who heals and blesses us beyond our wildest imagination. So, I thank you for showing His face to me…again.

    God bless you.

  48. 98

    So loved this post and all the really great pics!!! We can totally relate to remote living conditions, since we live in the National Forest up here in East Texas. Cows, deer, snakes, dogs, rabbits, panthers, cougars, bear, bugs, and more bugs… Thanks so much for sharing your life with us. The Lord truly is wonderful as He gives mercy new each morning along life’s journey. So glad you two stuck it out and are reaping the benefits of His faithfulness to you.
    Hugs and love,
    Paulette

  49. 99
    Heather M says:

    I absolutely love hearing/seeing about your life. Thank you for your willingness to share. You are a blessing.

  50. 100
    Donna Smith says:

    Beth–thank you so much for sharing your story with us; I enjoyed so much looking at all of the pictures and felt I was moving through all these events with you. I just love how your friend bought your old home! Merry Christmas to you and yours,
    Love,
    Donna

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