ramblings of an imperfectionist

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We all know how crazy I am about playing house... for the past week I've been thinking about one of my favorite homes: the Openshaw home.  It's a darling house, thanks to my Aunt Kristen ;) But beyond its cuteness is a feeling there that I can't quite explain.  Honestly, I struggle to come up with a single word to describe the atmosphere found in my cousins' childhood home.  Comfort.  Peace.  Welcome.  Today in church, I heard something that struck so near and dear to my heart.  Something I'm sure I've heard several times over.  But for whatever reason, I listened with both my ears and heart today.  "Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness."  And I realize the word I'm searching for is sacred.

Later in church we talked about the importance of the family unit, and this month's Visiting Teaching message is about nurturing the rising generation.  And it hits me again, that I want my home to "emanate the spirit of family."  For it is family that is central to God's plan of happiness.  Family is sacred.  I've recently come across Cultivating Home, a beautiful and inspirational blog.  I could read it for hours!  While I am indeed jealous of her farmhouse, I'm even more envious of the relationship she has with her children, and with God.  It reminds me to get on my knees and plead for guidance on how to strengthen my family and home... 

If I had to pick between my ultimate dream home (see here) versus staying forever in my little two-bedroom townhouse that emanates the sacred spirit of family, I would choose the latter.  *B