Part Three and an Update

Well... I think I've left the blogworld in the dark long enough. And frankly, the cat got out of the bag last week on Facebook. Which was completely unintentional... but oh wells. At any rate... Part 3 & an update.

First, the update.

I moved back to Henderson in August. And I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE being back here. It was a bit of an adjustment, just from leaving my own home and being back with my parents for a bit... but it's been incredible. I love being around my family and the people I love on a daily basis. It truly fills me up. Also, I close on my house THIS FRIDAY!!! That's right... it's about to be a DONE DEAL! Whoop. :) God is so good. So faithful. And, man, I just love Him to pieces. I'm blessed beyond measure.

Now for Part 3.

I've always wanted to own my own business, specifically a retail store. So, a few months ago, I decided that now was the time to do it. God literally closed every door in front of me except for Henderson and a store. So, I started praying for God to help me to do something different... something that would help people... but all the while getting to own my own business that people loved to come to and shop at. I started praying about the things I posted in this post back in June. 

So. To cut to the chase. In mid-November, I'm opening Heritage Intentional Mercantile. No... the H.I.M. was completely unplanned. I had no idea until I went to my accountant to file my tax stuff. Which only helped solidify what I was doing. :)

I chose the name "Heritage" after much much much thought. Heritage seems to just fit this place... and me. Heritage is what makes this store part of the community. We are a small community, but we are proud of our town in a really big way. We love where we've come and where we're going. So... that's that.

Intentional mercantile is key to me though. No, it's not a typo of International. No r, one a. I can spell. I digress. I want this store to serve a purpose. I want it to be a place that helps people. I want it to be a place for the community to be proud of. So, the idea came to me that a portion of the monthly revenue will go to an organization, family, non-profit, etc. I want Heritage to be a place that people can count on for help. Do I wish I could give it all away? yes. Do I wish that I could give $100 to every person that walked in to ask for it? yes. But, I know that I can't. At least right now. But, what I do know is that the people that DO know about this part of the business are pretty pumped. We are in the age of giving back. We are in the age of being intentional in all that we do. To either help people, animals, the earth. So. That's where the heart of this business lies.

So now. The big questions I've been getting...

What are you going to sell? a MASS variety of goods. Everything from candles and soaps to kitchen and barware to tshirts and jewelry. It'll have a little bit of everything.

How are you filling that huge space?! easy. I'm renting out square footage to different individuals that love the concept and style of Heritage.

Will you have food? I.hope.so. This is seriously the one question that EVERYONE is asking me. I'm working on it.

When will you open? The goal is Saturday, November 17th. But it's not written in stone.

Website? Facebook? Twitter? 1) heritagehenderson.com 2) facebook.com/heritagehenderson 3) @heritageETX

Ok... that's what I got! If you want to know what's going on with Heritage... then be sure to follow us on Facebook... and check out the website. I'm really going to try to keep this blog separate from work. Cause, let's face it... I will need some type of non-work life. :) As little as it will be!

Thanks so much for everyone's support... and I hope you'll come visit the shop!!!!
 

good night Austin.

I don't even know where to begin. Tonight is my last night in Austin. It's my last night to really live life day in and day out here. It's so weird. And it's finally hit me.

After saying goodbyes to so many amazing friends, after packing a U-Haul of stuff to move home, after closing the door and being in this quite house all alone. It hit me. I'm leaving.

I'm leaving the city that captured my heart when I was 18 years old. The city that, at 22, I was drawn to after college. The city that I left at 26, and then beckoned me back at 27. I love this city. I love love love this place. Until about 4 months ago, I never imagined leaving this city. I thought it would be my home until I went Home. But, tonight, my heart aches for leaving behind a place I've called "home" for the last 8.5 years of my life.

In the stillness tonight, I started crying. I think there is a part of me that's afraid of leaving a piece of my heart in Austin. Or should I say a piece of my life. I think I'm afraid of losing myself. And, being 31, I don't think that I should be afraid of that. But I am. Everything is changing. From my living situation to my Church to my job to my friends. It's a lot. But. BUT. I'm reminded that this is not my Home. That I, by His sweet Grace, don't live for me. One sweet day, I'll be in a place with no more goodbyes, no more financial struggles, no more big, life changing decisions. But, until then, I'm called to look beyond me... to seek the bigger picture... to look beyond my circumstances. And, that alone brings me Hope for what tomorrow may bring. For what this move, this life change, this leap of faith will bring.

A few years ago, I shared with Blair my "new favorite verse". I was going through a really rough season, and the Lord showed me through the book of John, particularly John 15 that all that happens to us in this life is not done in vain. There is purpose. And it's His purpose. At any rate, that Christmas, Blair gave me one of the most precious gifts I've ever received. He made a chalkboard for me, and on it, wrote my "new favorite verse". What's a-dor-a-ble about this story is that he wrote it in cursive... which Blair does.not.do. And that he wanted me to erase it and replace it with a memory verse. My response was this, "ummm... that verse, in your handwriting, is NEVER coming off of that board."

I tell you this story because after blindly walking past this every single day in my home, the Lord brought this verse to mind tonight in the midst of my sadness. He is pruning. He is pruning me by taking me out of my beloved Austin. He wants me to be more fruitful in Henderson. That's where He wants me. That's where He will use me. There is purpose. There is hope. There is meaning. There is peace.

So, good night Austin. I will miss you so so so much. But the Lord has a BIG plan for this small town girl...

 

coming soon... part two

It's not over yet... not even close. Change is still a-coming...

After a long job search, I can't seem to find anything that isn't more than part time in Austin. I weighed taking two part time positions, but even those began to fall through. I started actively pursuing jobs in Colorado, as I would absolutely LOVE to live there. But, the Lord kept on closing those doors. Which, led me to pray about the one door He hadn't quite closed just yet... Plan C.

After almost 7.5 years in Austin, 1 year in Dallas and 4 years in College Station, I think I'm ready to go to my home. My first home. My roots. I'm going to Henderson. It's been a long time since I thought that I would move back to Henderson. Not that anything is wrong with it, just didn't see myself back there for a while. But, after being out of a job for almost 3 months, and being able to be home more often, I've remembered how much I truly love that place. I've never forgotten. But, I could see how much I loved living there. I'm so proud of this town. I'm proud to be from this town. I love what a small town stands for... what it means to those that live there. I love being able to know people when I go to the grocery store... or WalMart... or just driving down the street!

It's been 13 years since I've been in the same place as my parents, aunt & uncle, grandparents, like-family friends, childhood best friends... and now those friends' babies. I'm so excited to be Aunt Sarah with these sweet dumplings I've only gotten to see a few times a year. I'm excited to reconnect with old friends on a daily or weekly basis, versus yearly. I'm excited to meet new people, to find my place in this community again.

I'm also really hyped to not have to worry about traffic anymore, or having to be ready 30-45 minutes before I have to be somewhere. I'm excited to explore this town I've called home for the last 31 years. So much has changed, yet so much is still the same. I'm excited to find a new home... whether renting or buying when the time is right. I'm really ready to make a mark here.

As excited as I am to move back to my roots, I'm desperately going to miss my Austin. I'll miss the craziness, the weirdness, the uniqueness. I'll miss the trails, the constant things to do outside. I'll miss the awesome places to grab a beer with friends, the countless places to eat. I'll miss being literally around the corner from a Starbucks and Chipotle. I'll miss having movie theaters, Targets and Anthropologies within minutes. But, most of all, I will truly truly miss my community.

My community in Austin has become my family away from family. I have some of the best friends in the world. Women and men that love me as a sister, support me no matter what, and pray for me regardless. It will be so incredibly hard to leave them. But, it's taking me back to my senior year of high school and of college. Living in the same town as my best friends, living life day in and day out. And you know what? The ones that have mattered, the ones that have "stickiness"... well, they are still in my life. I know that those friends I've gained while in Austin, will make road trips to Henderson. I know that they'll meet me with open arms at the homes I stay at or restaurants I meet them at in Austin. I know that many of these friends will be friends for a lifetime. Regardless of where we all end up, I know that these people will be who they are to me today for the rest of my life.

And lastly, gosh, I will miss the Austin Stone. I will miss the church that has challenged me to get out of my comfort zone, be IN the Word everyday, to pray continuously, to make disciples, to live a life reflective of Jesus, to be a Christian FOR the city. I think the Stone will end up being the hardest thing for me to leave. I know that we are all a part of The Church. I know that I will be able to find community, spoken Truth, I will be challenged to be a better me... because of Jesus' love for me. I know I will find another Church to call home. But, I will truly miss this place. I will miss sitting under the teachings, I will miss worshiping under our worship leaders. But, I trust. I trust that the Spirit will move in me no matter where I go!

So bring it on Henderson. Bring it! This girl is ready!!!

Now... seeing as how I am an adult... what will I do for a job?! Part three to come...

coming soon... part one.

Indeed... big things are coming soon. So many things are up in the air in my life, but I think that writing a blog to inform everyone I haven't spoken with is the best bet!

So... what's next? About a month ago, I came to the realization that no matter what position I would end up taking, I would most likely not make the money I used to make. The salary that afforded me to purchase my first home. I decided that I would need to rent the house. My sweet friend, and former roommate, Linda, once again opened her home up to me as a place to live. I could have my old digs back, Layla could go with me and I would be able to save a considerable amount of money. So I had decided that would be my next step. UNTIL... I spoke with a few close family friends, and prayed a whole lot, and figured out that it would be best for me to just sell the house altogether. 

Why sell the house versus rent the house?

I was so blessed to buy my home almost 2 years ago in a buyers market. I was able to get an excellent price for the location and size of my house. After purchasing, I updated a large part of the house... and then over the last year, I've updated the front and back yards. Now, Austin is currently in the swing of a sellers market. After discussing my options with my friend, Tyler O'Brien, who also happens to be the best realtor in Austin (there's a plug for you, Tyler!), I realized that I was in the best situation possible. The selling of my home will not only allow someone else to love this house, to grow here, but it will also allow me to move forward in my own life. After much consideration and prayer, I found that selling is the best solution for me.

The photographer comes on Thursday to take pictures... which I will post on here, as lots of people want to see pictures of the house! And, Tyler said he should have the house on the Austin MLS on Friday night! Today, he came by to put up this in my yard...

So here it goes. I'm selling my house. Officially. While I'm not sad or scared yet, that could easily change...

For the rest of the change in my life... that is in the works... so you'll have to stay tuned!

she took a midnight train going anywhere...

I haven't taken a train to anywhere... yet. But don't think I haven't thought about it! But, I'm seeing right now that life really is a journey. Oh.my.goodness. I just said Journey... that was not planned. Sometimes I surprise myself.... anyway, on to the blog...

Hi, my name is Sarah. And I'm 31. And, for the first time in my life, I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. At one time, last month, I joked that I was going through a mid-life crisis. But, the sweet thing, is that it hasn't felt like a crisis. I lost a job I felt I was going to be at for a LONG time in December. Accepted a new position in a career I knew absolutely nothing about. Realized after 3 months that I was miserable and it wasn't how I should be spending my time. Quit that job... all because I felt like the Lord was calling me to take a leap of faith and trust Him. And now, one month, and one birthday, later... I'm here. Waiting. Praying. Trusting. God... in His faithfulness, has not let me go through this season. He is my Provider, Counselor, Teacher, Leader, Shepherd, Savior. He has also helped me to see, yet again, that I have the most incredible support system. I could not be more blessed. Paula and Terry are the hands and feet of Jesus. My Henderson family have been nothing but supportive and encouraging. And my sweet friends are covering me in prayer and laughter. Community is key, people. I'll preach that till the day I leave this earth. 

So let's go through a few things that I've learned/figured out during this season...

God + Boxes don't equal good.

I tried to put God in a box. And well, He doesn't really do that. When I lost my job, I wanted to take a position that required me to lean on Him every.single.day. Well, He has answered that prayer. And not in the way I hoped :) Lesson learned. At any rate, when I took this job, I didn't have many other irons in the fire. I wanted to stretch myself, not rely on my own abilities and talents. So, I told myself... and the God of the Universe... that if I took this job, I would lean on Him daily and that would give Him glory. Yep, I was telling God how I would give Him glory. Instead of laughing in my face, He just let me try. But, I learned quickly enough... that's not how He rolls. And thank goodness for that :)

 I don't want life to be the same.

I'm 100% beyond blessed. Everyone and everything in my life has been given to me. I promise that I have learned to not take those things for granted. However, I don't want my life to look the same as it has. No, my life has never been horrible... nor do I want it to be horrible... but I just want my life, my heart, my intentions, my time, my service to look different. If I end up with another 8-5 Monday through Friday job behind a desk, that is great... but I want my time outside of that to not be used in such a selfish way. I also don't want my money or even my vacation time to be all used up on little ol' me. I want to give more. I want to go and serve more. I want to take those mission trips I've always wanted to take. If the Lord opens a door in the ministry or in some kind of philanthropic organization... I want my life and my career to be the same. I want an overflow from one to the other. I want to live out my passion for Jesus by helping and serving others. I don't want my life to look the same as it has.

I want to be unique.

Some of you probably laughed at this title. Because, let's face it... Sarah Decker is pretty unique. :) I'm different, and I know it. But, I'm actually talking about a different kind of unique. For the first time in my life, I'm not afraid of taking a chance or a risk. Put my house up for rent? Ok. Downsize to a bedroom again? Ok. Leave my beloved Austin? Sure. Leave Texas? If that's what you want, Jesus. I'm at a point where I want the Lord to open my eyes to really see things from His view. I want to be open to Him using me. I'm so grateful for every opportunity I've been given so far... but I want more. I want to be apart of something bigger. I want to really just LIVE. Apparently, I've got one free spirit that is screaming to come out.

I want to make a difference.

I've been blessed to be a partner at a church the past 4 years that reiterates over and over again that God uses us ALL of the time... no matter where our circumstances. And, I truly believe that. I know that I don't have to work for a charity in order to make a difference in someone's life. I know that I can do that behind the desk at a state association. And I believe that He did use me for the past 8 years in that environment. But now, I want to make a difference with my life... and not just my job. I want to work somewhere that I can see change being made. See lives being made better. I want to fight for those that can't help themselves. I want to live out the call on my life, on all of our lives, to make disciples and to help the widow and the orphan. I want a career that is also a passion. I want to put myself into something 100%.

I want to have a garage sale.

Only because I need to lighten the mood a little... and because I like lists in increments of 5, I want to have a garage sale. It's time to purge some of this stuff. So... stay tuned. Because I'm thinking I may get creative and have an online garage sale. Maybe through Facebook. Or some other fancy website I'll find out about in the near future. At any rate, I just need to clean house. I need to be in a place that if I move to a different city, or if I rent my house for a year and move back in with my old roommate, it will be a little bit simpler because of a big fat purging of stuff I don't really need.


So... if you're still reading, thankyouverymuch. I ask you to please say a few prayers for me... as this is kind of a big time in my life. And, if you think about it, email me (or comment on this blog) some organizations I can look up to see if they have openings. Anything would help!

well good gravy...

I can't believe it's been so long since I blogged. So much life has happened... and let's face it, the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is look at a computer screen.

I'll try to keep this as brief as possible...

NEW JOB

Whoop whoop! I gots me a new job. It's not only a new place, but it's a career change as well! I'm now in sales. I never.in.a.million.years. thought that I would be in sales. I have nothing against sales people, I just don't think I'm good at it. However, on day 2 of my job, I realized that I'm more of a marketing consultant. I'm selling ideas. I'm selling ways to brand these companies... then I was good with being in sales.

Here's the heart of the matter... for the last year, I've been praying for the Lord to show me what it looks like to work for Him versus man. Because, I had no idea what that looked/looks like. So, after December 2nd, I just started praying that He would show me that in my new job. But, the real heartbeat of my prayer was that I would depend on Jesus every single day... and not just my own talents or wisdom. I felt like every job I had had up to now were jobs I was really confident in... and that, without knowing it, made me NOT lean on Jesus for the day to day. My mom and my dear friends are teachers... they lean on their own gifts, but everyone one of them lean on Jesus EVERY DAY to show those kids love and discipline.... and to keep their own sanity. That's what I wanted... and I'm hoping that's what I got...

STUCK

My Austin best friends: Linda, Casey and Rubey, and I have started a Bible study called STUCK. It's by Jennie Allen... and so far, it's amazing. I would recommend ANY group of women to do this study together. We are all stuck in different areas of life... this study not only helps identify those areas, get to the root of them, but addresses how we can overcome being stuck because we have the love and healing grace of Jesus. Thank goodness.

This is going to be so good for my heart.

HEALTH

I joined a gym. I swore I never would again, but I did. I work from home now, so I can go at lunch. And let's face it, there's only so much sitting I can do in one day. I'm excited to get back into shape. I will say it here to make it official... but I plan on being in the best shape of my life by my 31st birthday. May 21st. Goal date. Let's do this.

Life is good.

And now for pictures... they tell the stories best...

Aggie Basketball. I love it. And I love these 3 friends. And I love random road trips on a Monday to my 3rd home (College Station... Austin is 1st, Henderson is the home away from home... that makes the CST my 3rd). Sing-a-longs, good food, LOTS of laughing... and an Aggie loss. I mean... I'll take what I can get!

This precious sweet Nugget made her debut on January 11th. Miss Audra Claire... my niece. I love her so dang much. I love her sweet snuggles... they make me one happy aunt!

And then there's this guy. My brother (from another mother). My cousin Blair. Running his 2nd Austin Half Marathon. Not necessarily feeling his best... but finishing in STELLAR time. He inspires me more than he knows. I thank God for this guy... everyday.

the proud cousin...

And I can't not mention the recent digital date. It was a first, of hopefully many. My friends and I embrace technology pretty well... but we've had difficulty in realizing that there are such things as Skype and FaceTime. We changed this a few weeks ago... and it made my night. Love my Beash... and love that I got to see her face! 

Even though if she ever reads this blog she will kill me for putting this up here.

adios 2011. HOLA 2012!!!

Well... it's been over a month since my last post. I've been unemployed for over a month. Christmas has come and gone. And well, 2011 is out.tha.door. PRAISE THE LORD! :)

2011 was an incredibly hard year for me, and so many around me. I don't regret it. I don't hate it. I don't wish it never happened. But, I'm so thankful that it is in the rear view mirror. Don't get me wrong, there were wonderful moments, and I really hate that the hard stuff trumps my memory of this past year. The reality of the situation is that it was hard... but I'm stronger because of it.

House fire and dad's injury. Rodents. Collapsed sewage line. Three difficult deaths. Mourning with and for friends. Sicknesses. Heart struggles. Struggling marriages. Job struggles. Losing a job.

That's kind of my summary of 2011. I don't want to go into each of those things... more than likely you can just re-read any blogs from '11 and you'll be caught up.

So, here's the deal. Every one of those situations have been difficult. They have stretched me in uncomfortable ways. But, I'm thankful for each of them. I'm better off after each of them. You see, the greatest, most valuable lesson and reminder I can walk away from 2011 with is that God is Sovereign. He is in control. I've blogged about Sovereignty before... but this past year has been a constant reminder that I don't hold the key to happiness or controlling situations. I have zero control. I've learned that God has given me a heart to trust Him with. To find my HOPE in Him. My friends, my family... yes, they can help... they can support... they can carry my burdens just as much as I can carry theirs. But, in the end, my Hope, my Help, my Trust, my All comes from the Lord. It is through Him, through His eyes, His Grace, His Mercy, His heart that I am able to face any trial. I found myself over and over again this past year thanking Him for loving me... for choosing me to be His daughter. I've thanked Him over and over for not letting me go. For always being with me... even when I feel completely alone. I've thanked him over and over for His bigger and better plan for me... thanked Him that He knows what is best for me... and He won't do anything to harm me or hurt me. I've been so thankful that He is my Rock on which I can firmly stand... and know that I am safe. This year has been a lot of unknowns... unknowns that certainly flow over to 2012.

Nothing changed when the clock struck midnight on January 1st. My struggles were still there. But, as with every new year, I am hopeful for a new chapter.  A new year to learn more incredible lessons from my God. But, my prayer is that He goes a little easier on me this year... and on my friends and family. :) I can't help that! I pray that the lesson I learned of His Sovereignty in 2011 is one that I will look back on with JOY, rather than contempt or sorrow. I know that each and every situation was for my good, for my betterment, for my future. Nothing was done in vain. Absolutely nothing. Hallelujah!

For the past few years, I have tried to pick a verse that becomes my "verse for the year". In 2011, I chose Galatians 6:7-9 ::

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one that sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." 

I read that, and can't help but be grateful for Him sewing the lessons of finding trust, hope, salvation, security, comfort and myself in Him.  He is good!

This year, I'm going to have 2 verses. I chose these after I heard the sermon at my church on January 1st. The sermon was about God's Resolutions for each and every year... not just 2012.

God will be EXALTED, no matter what - Psalm 16:11 - You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

He has my BEST interest at heart - Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

I pray that each of you have an incredible 2012. That it is a year of wonderful, new beginnings. A year that we all treasure His abundant and great blessings. A year of growth and change. A year that He captures hearts. A year that lives are transformed to bring Him glory. And a year that kicks 2011 in the face! :)

Happy 2012 people!!! May this year bless each of you in God's Holy and Perfect Name!