The Examined Houselife

Well, I must be ready for some new adventures in life if I am starting a BLOG.  I mean people who BLOG have things to share, right?  This will be the story of my upcoming year.  God has cleared from my "schedule" so many of the things that I have held dear for many years.  I even joked with my husband that I wouldn't be surprised if I get fired from my job of 10 years this year because, God knows I won't go willingly.  I am stubborn.  I prefer persistent.  However, the truth is, if I get an idea and I think it is what God would want me to do, then I probably wouldn't leave unless something dramatic happened.  So, I am excited and anxious all at once to see what God will lead me to this year. 

Since I am a college professor, everything in my life revolves around the school year and semesters.  I define my life in 16 week increments.  Time passes very quickly this way, and sometimes years go by and I can't believe it is the start of another school year.

This BLOG is going to be about my journey to examine life in the suburbs.  I work online.  I work out of my house.  I am social but I am also introverted, so The Examined Houselife seemed to combine exactly what I want to do this year. 

I want to write, I have been afraid to do so until now.  I don't know what has changed, but something has changed.  The fear has lifted and now I just feel the freedom to explore.  Possibilities are endless when you just let go of the fear of failing.  There is nothing to lose.  There is only knowledge and wisdom to be gained.

Authenticity and honesty are two characteristics I value above many other character traits.  I am looking forward to the journey now, and not so worried about the end product.  I don't know why there has been a shift.  I think it has to do with letting go of perfection.  Anyone out there know about trying to live up to some ideal or expectation?   

I am passionate about many things.  I am most passionate about my love for Jesus Christ.  I was introduced to God when I was 3.  I heard the Gospel message of Salvation and Redemption when I was 6 and I remember when Mrs. Trudy Rose invited the children in the chapel in front of her to receive the gift of Jesus, the indwelling Christ, to come "into our hearts".  I knew that day, I wanted more than anything a love relationship with this guy, this God of the Universe.  I was sold.  That was 33 years ago, and although we have had some times where communication was limited, we have never broken up.  He has always pursued me with the love that He showed me on that first day.  I wish I could say the same about my own pursuit of the things of Heaven.

My attempt to examine and dissect this next stage of life will be what this BLOG discusses.  I am going to try to focus a bit more on the things that matter.  I think life moves faster than the speed of light sometimes, and I value taking time to think through the deeper issues that arise as we live.  I don't want to be a passenger in life, I want to be fully engaged.  I want to squeeze every drop out of every day and go to sleep exhausted from having enjoyed it all.  If you are like me, then welcome to the ride.  If you aren't like me, well, we should talk, you may be someone I need to get to know.  Anyway, all are welcome, but be warned--it might not be pretty.