Contentment (sometimes) means Creativity!

It's not always easy to do with less. In fact, it's hardly ever easy to do with less. But I'll let you in on a little secret: Creativity helps SO much in being content with less.

I've been learning this lesson alot over the last almost five years of marriage because we have lived anything but a "normal" life. Right now, we are living in our 13th residence since we got married in 2007. Now, by residence, I mean sometimes just a room in someone elses house for a month or more, sometimes a home, sometimes an apartment off of someone else's home, etc.

This lesson of creativity, though, is a really fun one! I remember when we were in a tiny apartment with our first little girl and I had almost no cupboards and so I stacked up some cans of stockpiled tomatoes in a cute display in our window. When we lived as missionaries in Africa for two years, I had even more opportunity to be creative. Talk about living with less! I had fun, though, making these cute button curtains, making beautiful (if that's possible) mosquito nets and the like.

Now we're here stateside again. But that doesn't mean life is just easy and wonderful. There are still challenges and struggles. My husband, Victor, is working to plant a church here in Iowa and we're learning about northern winters (among other northern things).
Shortly after moving into my grandparents big old farmhouse, we discovered that the kitchen cabinets had lead paint and something would have to be done to fix them. We ended up living out of kitchen boxes for about two months while we communicated with my Uncle (who owns the house) about how he wanted it fixed, and while we worked late nights fixing it while Victor also worked full-time and pastored the church. We're still not fully finished, as we're waiting to get some drawers made to replace the old ones. In the meantime, I have two choices.

1. Feel frusterated and discouraged wondering when life will return to normal.
2. Find a creative way to make do!

Well, I've decided on #2 and below you'll see a picture of just one of the ideas that came to mind. Sure it might not be the most glamorus, but it was actually helpful in more ways than one. First, it got our silverware out of a box and more accessible, and second, it took care of my little ones always calling for silverware at the beginning of every meal (ever heard "Mommy, I need a fork!!) . Now I could just say, get your own!

(Notice the forks and spoons in sundae glasses in the middle)

Is creativity easy? Some people think it is for other people. Not really though... unless you have a heart attitude of thankfulness. That's really where it all comes from. If you are thankful to the Lord for His many blessing in your life, you will find it easier to be content with what He's given you, realizing that you don't really deserve anything!

Psalm 37:25 says "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread."

It's fun to be creative. But I'll tell you what's even more fun!!! Watching God provide in amazing ways.

And now, I'm going to get to put into practice this whole idea of contentment, thankfulness, creativity and trusting God to provide once again.

Victor has turned in his 2 week notice at work, and starting January 27th, we will be living by faith, working together at home and watching God provide in amazing ways!

We're hoping to plant a huge garden next year, have chickens and work together making and selling candles and selling used books. Our hope is that this will free Victor up to be more involved in the ministry God has called him to here, as well as to spend more time with our three precious girls (who are growing up WAY too fast!).

So, we're embarking on an exciting journey. One of faith and of trust. But also one of blessing and excitement! And besides, most women I know would give anything to have their husband come home and work with the family. And so... I count myself blessed!