Living an open handed life...

Something this past season of my life living overseas taught me is to be open handed with my life and my family before the Lord. I never planned to move abroad, but through a series of events and confirmations, we felt the Lord inviting us to move to a foreign country. If you don't know our story, you can read it in my free ebook here. I didn't plan to move back to America in the timing we did this past winter, but when we felt the Lord asking us to move again, we packed up and moved...again!

I read a book this week that reinforced my need as a Believer in Christ to live my life open-handed. I finished Chip Gaines' book yesterday and what an awesome read, I highly recommend it! Seriously entertaining and incredibly inspiring. I am totally a fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines. I have never seen one episode of their show, but I have read both of their books. (and in case you are wondering, I do not get anything for endorsing them😜). I love this family. This book is inspiring because Chip calls all people forth into the purpose and destiny God has on their lives. He encourages everyone to take risks and not give into fear by sharing their family's personal and vulnerable stories.I love how the Gaines' would hear the Lord on different business ventures, obey and take the risk. But what is even more remarkable about them is when the Lord asked them to give up a SUCCESSFUL business venture, they were just as obedient! Not everyone can do that, it is such an admirable trait.

I respect how sensitive they are to hearing God's promptings and their fearlessness in obedience. They are willing to say "yes" to God, even when it didn't make sense in the natural and you can see the obvious blessing in their marriage and family from their obedience! As I am nearing my 40's, I am excited and expectant about what God is going to do in my life in the years ahead. I am so grateful that our house is settled and we don't live out of suitcases and boxes anymore. As much as I LOVE our new home, many people ask us if we would consider moving back overseas again and our answer is an emphatic "yes." I honestly don't know if we WILL ever move overseas again, but one thing I do know is that I want to give God everything...I want to live my life with courage, faith, and full of love for Jesus. May I follow Him wherever He asks me to go all the days of my life, whether it's in America or over the ocean. 

I highly recommend this book to everyone and may you begin dreaming anew and asking God how He wants to use your life, regardless of your age. My in-laws are in their 70s. They are healthy and they just moved overseas to help refugee children for one year. I could not be a prouder daughter-in-law. They are living examples to me and my family that you are never too old to fulfill everything that God has planned for your life! (I was at a dear friend's house recently and I was admiring this new decor on her wall. I asked her where she got it and of course, she got it at Magnolia when she visited a few months ago. Chip and Joanna Gaines, thank you for bringing God's beauty to the lives of others in your marriage, your family, and your amazing creativity!)