There's no place like home.

I've never quite known what to do with that quote. I've never been terribly fond of my "home" as others would think of it. My home was full of let downs, lies, and secret lives. I look back and notice that I made a lot of effort toward being anywhere but home. For me, there was no place like home - no place had I developed such deep mistrust, discomfort, and bitterness.

Aaron and I have begun the grand search for a house. What a process this is/will be! I've always had a vision or making my home a place of ministry - one where others who, like I had, make effort to be anywhere but home could come and find a place of peace and comfort.

Last night, however, while I was sitting silently before God and praying for our future home, I had a real vision - an image. I saw our home with a guest room, an open kitchen and living room, a backyard with the sun shining on dewy grass. I imagined myself baking in a house full of [faceless & nameless] people. They were so comfortable and felt so at-home. They knew they were welcomed there and loved for who they are. We were all so full of God's joy!

And I LOVED it! I loved this image, and for once in a long time, I felt excited by what God can do in and through me. I felt like crying. I felt overwhelmingly like this was what I was made for. I felt like God had said to me, "remember, when you give everything over to me and live a radical, sanctified life, then you are being who you were meant to be - you're being who I made you. And by the way, the joy that comes with it is indescribable."

And this vision was different than most because I felt a deep and abiding hope that this could be a reality.

Later in the night, I spoke with Aaron about my vision and experience that evening. We seem to be on the same page - we'd like to dedicate this home to the Lord. We pray with confidence in our Lord that He will provide a home for us, in which we can have a thriving ministry of comfort and peace and hope for those who are in need. We know that this type of ministry will require a few things - specifically: an open floor plan that makes people feel like there is room for everyone, a large kitchen where food can be prepared for the hungry (in body and soul), furniture that is hardy but comfortable (possibly not the most beautiful, but furniture on which everyone can be comfortable and we can not grasp with pride), a backyard that speaks God's praises through his creation, a guest room for those who need rest and retreat (and the furniture to furnish it). And most of all, we are praying that God will open our hearts and transform our thoughts so that we can selflessly open our home to everyone without feeling intruded upon or overwhelmed.

We'd like people to see our home as the embassy of God's kingdom. We hope that when people enter our home they understand that this place is very different than other places they've been - it's ruled by God, a loving, caring, compassionate God. We hope that someday the phrase will go, "There's no place like the home that God provided for Steph and Aaron's ministry."

And so... the search continues ... with sincere prayers for God to show up and minister to and through us!