Our Third Annual Move by Sharon Espeseth

Janis Cox, in the beginning of her book The Kingdom of Thrim, quotes, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (Thessalonians 5:16-18)

This is what my husband Hank and I have been trying to do. You may not understand until the end of this blog what the saga of our third annual move has to do with this month's topic or Janis's book. I beg your patience.

Give thanks in all circumstances

In July 2014, we sold our house--the one we planned, had constructed, finished to our exact dreams and specifications, and paid for. Although our dream house wasn't a mansion, it was beautiful beyond anything either of us, having come from humble homestead beginnings, could have ever imagined.

Our youngest grandchild reading on the steps

We lived in our house for fourteen years. Our two daughters were married during this time period and  our six grand- children were born while we lived there. Memories lived in every corner of our house.






As seniors, looking after our home both inside and outside was taking up more of our time. When Hank first mentioned moving, I wasn't ready. Then it dawned on me that downsizing would allow me more time for reading, writing, and living.

Our first move was unsuccessful as we took on a care-taking role of the property for a landlord who had different standards and was overseas half the year. We wanted the place to look like our home. Our landlord didn't mind our upgrades, as long as it didn't cost him anything. We had taken on more work than we had in our own home.

Our second move, one year later, was to half a duplex where we discovered we had downsized too much. The second bedroom became my office only, with no room for overnight guests. Big mistake. This room wasn't even adequate for my downsized files, books, and writing paraphernalia. Still another move looked ridiculous and out of the question.

Then we saw an intriguing ad in our local paper for another duplex with more square feet, a deck we could actually sit on, a raised garden, a second bedroom and a yard beautifully landscaped without grass to cut. Hmm! Something or Somebody told us to check this out.

We fell in love with it. We could envision ourselves living there. We called our kids. They helped us move again. We are so thankful for this house and for our three adult kids and our two sons-in-law, who all pitched in.








The basement has a finished floor. The walls are only gyproc. Our kids started moving back wall units and furniture we had given them, but could use in this extra space. We have right-sized our living space, and you should see the space I have for my office. We have an extra bed downstairs so the family or other guests can stay over.

Hank loves the raised garden, which is also the right size for him.

With a nudge from God, we believe, we took a chance--a big step with moving a third time in three years--and it is working well. We feel content like Yoj in Janis's book. You may have to read her book to see how Hank and I have moved back from Shadowland to our "Kingdom of Thrim." We rejoice in what we have come through and in our present situation. We pray and give thanks that the discontent leading us here was only temporary. We believe God has led us through Shadowland to our blessed home. With God's help and support from our kids, we believe we are where we are supposed to be.

I love my downstairs office with its big windows and ample space. I believe this room in our house in God's kingdom will allow me to create. Moving here was my/our most recent big step.

I am especially, and continually, thankful to God for my husband, family, and my joy in writing.

Taken on our 40th Anniversary.
This month we celebrated our 41st
Anniversary living in our new home.

Thanks to God by Sharon Espeseth

You may recall that in June 2014 my husband and I downsized and sold our dream home. We continued to downsize while living in a rental place that didn't suit us. During that period, my husband had a mini stroke, and I had a bout of depression. This June we downsized further and moved into a half duplex that is peaceful and more suitable for us. During the actual move, Hank was hospitalized, but our kids moved us anyway. Hank came home to our new place that seemed calm in comparison to our previous manor.






Recently, Ruth Snyder, president and fellow InScriber, created a poster of a few verses from Psalm 107. This chapter begins with, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." The Psalmist admonishes those who have been redeemed by the Lord from the hand of the foe to tell their story.

For about the next 25 verses of this chapter, we read of people enduring tribulations, storms, and illness. We see the Lord come to their rescue and they are encouraged to give thanks. In verse 28, we read, ". . . They cried out to the Lord in their trouble and he brought them out of their distress."

Hank and I had called out to God, and we believe he delivered from a stressful situation. I had faith that we would find the right place. Our neighbours, rather new friends brought us a copy of an online ad for this duplex. Things started falling into place.

Further in Psalms 107, we read, "(God) had stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." For the present and near future, this home will be our "desired haven."

Our half duplex, only two-years old, is right for us. Our new home requires less work and upkeep. Hank and I feel more at home, and I am comfortable writing here. Not everything is in perfect order yet, but we are thankful to have landed well. As the Psalmist continues, "Let (us) give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for (us)."

A couple months back, InScribe bloggers were discussing a report on our summer writing. For accountability purposes, I can say I have done the following writerly activities--

1.  keeping up with my InScribe blog.

2.  trying 25-minute writing sessions with some success.

Writing for 25 minutes

3.  enjoying morning writing sessions with a writing friend at the lake

4.  daily Bible readings and devotions

5.  reading and commenting on InScribe Writers Online

6.  entering a few Word Challenges. (Thank you, Glynis Belec.)

7.  submitting to a few contests. Just when I thought I had lost my writing flow, I was awarded
     first in the InScribe Fall Contest in Creative Non-fiction. I am thankful for the great
     encouragement this award brought me after a dry spell.

8.  reading books that survived downsizing

9.  editing for a writing friend and a family member who is working on her master's degree

10.  attending InScribe Fall Conference


C. S. Lewis has said, "Faith is the art of holding onto things in spite of your changing mood and circumstances." With God's help and grace, I'm trying to relinquish control and trust God even in the tough times.

Saint Pius of Pietrelcina says, "You ought to ask our Lord for just one thing: to love him. All the rest should be thanksgiving."

The old Swedish hymn, "Tack, O Gud," has always been part of my life. Here is a YouTube English version of the song, www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdkzqL4GV_goriginally written in Swedish by August Ludvig Storm in 1891. This man's expression of faith is still valid today.

God's Grace Is Sufficient by Sharon Espeseth

My husband and I are seriously downsizing. Both Hank and I have come from humble, homesteader beginnings. I could show you the houses we each lived in when we were young, but it would take time to find and scan the right photos. Since time is in short supply, I will forgo the images and let you imagine our little houses on the prairie. No yard light, because we had no electricity. You will see the outdoor toilet in the background.

We both worked hard during our single and married years. I was a teacher and Hank was a business man plus a Hank of all trades. We raised three kids. Then in 2000, just before the grandchildren started coming, we designed and contracted for the building of our dream home. Lovingly, we chose the colours, flooring, cupboards, and if I do say so myself, it turned out well. Ours is a comfortable place, a good place for entertaining family and friends. 

During this past fourteen years, our two daughters were married and our six grandchildren were born. This is the only house our young ones know as Papa and Nana's house. Hank and I decided some months ago that it would be better for us to give up some of our earthly possessions and find a smaller place to live. I'll spare you the details, but those of you who've downsized will understand that it's an operation easier said than executed.

Treasures: Papa and Lacey

Discouragement enters the picture and we sometimes ask, "What were we thinking?" But we both know we've gone too far to turn back, and we also know that the new owners wouldn't appreciate our staying here, so we forge ahead. We've packed up antiques for a sale. Our kids will get some of the furniture and family treasures they are attached to. Life will go on.

Last night I agonized over some of my family and teaching treasures--cards and letters from students and parents--and special e-mails from loved ones. A serious amount of this had to go. Today I'll tackle my writing files, another tough job. I may need to reread Marcia Laycock's devotional, "A Pack-rat's Epiphany," from her book Abundant Rain. Here she laughs at herself for keeping a hand-written, musty-smelling, mouse-chewed draft of her first book-length manuscript. Marcia also quotes the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21 where he reminds us to store up our treasures in heaven rather than on earth, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

In the midst of my muddle, I was following the renewed debate on abortion laws, or the lack thereof, in Canada, and I felt called to write on this topic. I asked a few friends, including a few InScribers for prayer support as I grappled with the topic. God granted me the grace and focus to research and write on this vital topic, even though I was limited to short time frames. It's gone to a publisher, but I need to follow up today. Would you please pray that I find a suitable publishing home for this story?

With apologies, I admit I've had to cut out reading and commenting on InScribe blogs this month. I miss this part of my day, so I will definitely get back to reading all of you when we get more settled. 

Togetherness in tough times and in good times

I am thankful that our downsizing has not been due to a financial crisis, an earthquake, or flood. It is a decision we made ourselves. We've put our hand to the plow and we cannot look back, but we know God's grace is sufficient for us. We are also fortunate that we as a couple can accomplish this feat together.

Life Has Lots of Corners by Sharon Espeseth

"If something is keeping you too busy to write, write about it." Thanks, Joanna Clark Dawyd, for reminding me of this in your column, "Writing in Life's Corners" (Fellowscript February 2014.) Considering Joanna's advice, I looked around our house and noticed many corners and right now most of them are too cluttered to write in. Here's why. . .

My husband, Hank, and I designed the house we live in, gave our plan to an architectural drafter, and hired a  contractor. We lovingly chose the colours, window coverings, cupboards, and we furnished our home with photos of loved ones and art pieces we liked. After living in our "dream home" for fourteen years and entertaining friends and loved ones here, we decided it was time to downsize before we got in a situation where we needed to.

Downsizing isn't a task for the faint of heart or the feeble of mind and body. Without a sign on our lawn, and in short order, our house was sold. Then comes the second-guessing and, yes, the grieving. Having put our love and energy into the building, furnishing, landscaping, and gardening, we realize this isn't just a house, it's our home. But in two months, it will belong to someone else.

Our house is full of books we enjoy, music, photo albums, antiques, china, crystal, memorabilia, file

Espeseth Collectibles

cabinets stuffed with tear sheets of published stories and drafts that need touching up before submission. Our treasures combined are the accumulations of a lifetime, but it is time to let many of the trappings of this life go. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21.)

Another matter on my mind these days is the fact that my sister, sixteen months my senior, was recently diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer. Since Joan has been a single parent of one daughter, I joined them for Joan's oncology appointment. Being a support, along with my two other sisters, for our busy niece, Billie, has been my duty and privilege. Billie and Soraya live close to Joan's residence and spend much quality time with her.

Joan, Granddaughter Soraya, and Daughter Billie-Jo

The doctor explained that Joan has had this cancer for some time. Her main symptom has been a persistent and worsening cough. Miraculously, she has no pain at this time and it has not spread to her brain. I mentioned to the doctor that Joan has many prayer warriors backing her. He acknowledged that could be a plus.

After the appointment, I prayed for Joan for a couple days before I phoned her. As I broached the subject of cancer, Joan confidently repeated what she'd said the day of her diagnosis, "I've had a good life, and I'm ready to go when my time comes."

"So you're saying, 'Sufficient unto the day is the worry thereof?'" I asked, somewhat quoting from the KJV in the words we memorized as young people.

"Where is that?" she asked, the references not coming as quickly for either of us now. The "Do-Not- Worry" portion of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6: 25-34) is amazing advice to live by. I've pored over these words of Christ many times in the past weeks.

My sister knows that worrying will not add an hour to her life. The doctor told Joan not to worry. Joan's daughter, Billie, responded, "She won't." Joan will forget to worry and, if her illness comes to mind, she will leave it to God.

I had phoned to comfort Joan. Instead, she had comforted me and given me a refreshing view on downsizing and all of our earthly concerns. In that phone call, she shared a verse that comforts her, "Remind me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you." Joan also mentioned the gospel song, "This World Is Not My Home." I can picture Joan seated at the piano or organ with a bunch of family or young people standing around her, some playing guitars and all of us belting out this song and other gospel favourites. Here's the song sung by Jim Reeves.

After my phone call with Joan, still my mentor, I read the rest of this verse, Psalm 143:8, which says, "My prayers go up to you; show me the way I should go." Joan, as my older sister, is still teaching me. I am trusting God for his continued care of my sister. I have faith that he will not let her suffer more than she can bear. I am also praying that God will show Hank and me and the rest of the family the way we should go in downsizing, illness, or whatever the corners of our lives may hold.