2nd Verse & Some Heavy Processing

It's almost February 1st, and I haven't even shared my January 15th verse! So here it is, from memory:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road; when you lie down and when you get up (Deuteronomy 6:5-7, NIV).

Okay, I had to look it up and edit a few words....

I am drawn to these verses because of the "Impress them on your children" portion. My boys are 13 and nearly 11. Between adolescence, pre-adolescence, and our major life transition, our family life is rocky right now. Most days I feel like a parental failure - and I don't say that because I want to bunch of people to validate me. Parenting is the toughest role I've ever held, and it is the most valuable role I've even been given.

More than anything in this world, I want my sons to know God, and to follow hard after Him. There are no guarantees. I work with people every day who make bad decisions - with and without God. I see my own kids in some of their eyes, and I grieve - both for the individual, and for his/her parents. I can't imagine how hard it is to watch adult (or adolescent) children fail or struggle because of poor personal decisions. It makes my insides quiver if I think about it too long.

Parenting - from pre-conception to death - is a out of our earthly control. Children of good parents make messes just like children of poor parents overcome. I must rely on prayer - lots of prayer; setting an intentional life example; giving daily guidance - with and without their realizing it; deep faith in God; and immeasurable grace - towards my boys, from my boys, and from God. The future is unknown, and I can't control every thought, action, and choice of my children. I can't transform the influence of culture - though I certainly attempt to compensate for it every day. The daily concerns are overwhelming at times, and I think it is only going to grow more complex over the next 8+ years. Memories of the last 13 years feel like a walk in the park! Am I depressing anyone, yet?

For all of these reasons, Deuteronomy 6:5-7 helps me focus and gives me strength. My children are a gift from God to Steve and me. I trust that He is equipping us to handle their unique needs - even when I don't feel strong enough for the job. These verses remind me how impressionable they are, and I pray that what I share at home, in the car, in the morning, and in the evening will be transformed by Holy Spirit into a language that speaks Truth to their hearts - whether or not I do it perfectly by my (or another's) standards.

Parenting - wow - what a trip!

Home Tour

A couple of friends asked that I post pictures of our new home. I am just so excited to be in a permanent place that I am happy to appease.... I am not a photographer, and I really don't have much interest in improving the skills that I lack. For my mom's sake, I have to add that every element in these pictures is not perfect.... She left the house in perfect condition yesterday, and I should have quickly taken pictures within minutes of their departure, but I waited 24+ hours. :)

Interestingly, my parents sold their house a year ago, and have been living in a motor home with their belongings in storage. We could not bring all of our belongings in the size of moving truck we chose to rent. Since my parents are just a day's drive away, they brought some of their furniture and appliances to temporarily replace the items we left in Ohio.

I am standing at the front door in the first three pictures. The entry is in the living room with the kitchen straight ahead, and the dining area is adjacent. The china on the buffet is my mom's wedding china; she gave it to me at my wedding. It is called "Charming Barbara." Ha!

Our "coffee table" was once our kitchen table - just as it had been for my parents and paternal grandparents. In HGTV style, we cut the legs and created a coffee table.

This is directly to the right of the front door. These windows face the front of the house. We're training Mandy to use the chair with the towel when she looks out of these windows.

Everyone is happy to be settled - even Mandy.

This furniture is cool - because it is Steve's grandparents. We retrieved it from the attic of Steve's parents' home. Because the living room, dining room, and kitchen are all connected, I've gone back to my original grape-flavored decor.

This is one of my favorite features of the house, and I plan on having my morning, afternoon, and evening coffee here with my Bible study, blogs, books, or whatever. It is also homework central, and it will likely be our main spot for snacks and dinner. I've always wanted a "breakfast bar" area.

This is looking from the breakfast bar towards the master bedroom, laundry room, and main floor 1/2 bath.

And this is looking the opposite direction towards the dining/living areas.

Another favorite feature of the house - a pantry!!!! So excited to have a pantry!

The very large 1/2 bath - wasted space in my opinion - but it turned out cute with this piece of furniture. This piece was in my bedroom as a very young child.

The master bedroom. It is smallish compared to others in many houses of this age, as is the master bath. We don't have a soaker tub, which is also common in this type of house. I gladly gave up these features... no biggie.

I love this little corner of the room! The chair has been re-covered, but I remember it from my earliest days. The dresser is from Steve's mom's childhood bedroom. We have another dresser in this room - that is not pictured - from my paternal grandparents. I am so glad that we were able to inherit furniture from both of our families - a benefit of living in both Ohio and the Northwest. They just don't make furniture like they used to.... ;)

This is a walk-in closet adjacent to the master bathroom. I heart it very much!

The laundry is between the master bedroom and the kitchen on the main floor. I am soooo thankful to have it conveniently located! Me, full laundry baskets, and flights of stairs are a dangerous combination!! The door goes into the garage. Not many newish houses in Nampa have basements, but many have three-car garages. Our third bay is labeled "the basement" - for a few more years, anyway.

Just another view for perspective sake: laundry on the left, master bedroom straight ahead, 1/2 bath on the right.

Front door with the stairs going up on the right.

Second floor bonus room (i.e., family room, game room, rec room, sports room, the place to display Steve, Tanner, and Tyler's sports collections). The Cleveland Indians are featured on this wall.

Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Bengals are featured on the opposite wall, as well as Tyler's team of the choice: The Arizona Cardinals (he always has to be different.).

Ty's room.

Tan-Man's room. He made that funny-looking thing on the wall at school last year. I can't believe it survived the move, but I love it!

From the top of the stairs, one end of the second floor is the boys' rooms, bathroom, and the bonus room. The other end is the guest room, bath, and office. This picture is looking towards the guest room and office.

Turn around, and these are the boys' rooms.

The bonus room with another shrine dedicated to Ohio sports.... Slider's happy to be out of the box!

The Tracht Wall of Fame.

The guest room. My parents furnished this room, as they are our most frequent guests. The bed set is the same one my parents had as newlyweds. The quilts are over a hundred years old; I think they are from my dad's side, but I can't remember.... Funny thing is that this room looks just like my parents' guest room that I stayed in for all of those summer 3-week trips to Oregon while we lived in the Midwest/East.... deja-vu!

The desk is from my set as a little girl-teenager.

The office. Again, my parents' office furniture.... It might as well be here as in a storage unit!

The guest bath - had to add a picture of it cause our friends and family are WELCOME to visit!!

I am too cold to take pictures from the outside - maybe I'll add some of those in the spring or summer.

Thanks for visiting our home tour!! We are so blessed by your prayers during this past year as we have made such a significant transition. Moving into our permanent residence feels good, but we still have our Ohio home to sell. It is currently off-the-market, though we'll likely put it back on soon. A recent MVNU grad is renting it, and we are thankful for that provision. God knows who needs that home, and we are anxiously awaiting His revelation towards that end.

SSMT - January 1, 2011

Once again, I am joining Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team (SSMT). You can read about here. I would love for all of my friends to join; it is life changing!! My first verse of the year is this:

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 13:18-19 (NIV).

This verse is meaningful to me as I begin the new year because so much is new in my life. I have several painful memories from the past few years. These former things are a part of the impetus for the changes we are living, I am tired of pondering those memories. I am ready to move forward. Nampa is considered a "high desert," and the way that the Lord is making for me and my family here is filled with hope. He is doing a new thing; I see it!!

Looking Back - Looking Forward

I'll be honest - I haven't had much time to think about either 2010 or 2011. Most of 2010 was given to transition: thinking about the possibility of moving; sending resumes and cover letters; waiting for responses; interviewing; thinking about the reality of moving; saying many, many good-byes; moving; a new job; temporary housing times 2; new schools; a new church; new friends; house hunting; moving again; and just this week, getting settled into a new neighborhood. I am exhausted in many ways, and just as excited about the future in numerous other ways. 2010 will be remembered as a year of transition with a high level of uncertainty and stress. At the same time, 2010 will also be remembered as a year filled with many blessings. Our family is maturing (sort of); we have jobs; health care; and provision for all of life's necessities, plus more.

My friend, Robin, inspired me to consider one word for 2011. I believe my word is RELATIONSHIP. My lack of personal connectedness in recent years has really worn on me. In 2011, I plan to be more intentional in building connectedness with Steve, Tanner, and Tyler. I also plan to be more intentional in seeking relationship with new families, couples, and girl friends. Oh, how I miss laughing 'til in hurts, and deep discussions into the night, and sharing tears of sadness and happiness. Finally, I want to help my boys find depth of friendship in Nampa - especially Tanner. I would love your prayers on his behalf.

A second area of focus for 2011 is scripture memory. Some of you may remember my goal for 2009 - to memorize 2 pieces of Scripture a month for one year (I completed the goal, BTW). This focal point is based on a movement of women on Beth Moore's blog. This goal changed my life in 2009, and I look forward to experiencing God through memorizing His Word in 2011. Tomorrow is January 1, and I am awaiting His guidance in choosing my first piece to memorize....

Finally, I continue to grow in the area of healthy living, cravings, choices, and discipline. I made progress in 2010, but I have some mental and spiritual work ahead of me in 2011. I will begin by reading and participating in Lysa TerKuerst's "Made To Crave" book, participant guide, web casts, etc. The subtitle is "Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God Not Food" which pretty much sums up this area of my life. I love Lysa - she is real, she is Godly, she is funny! She sent me a copy of her manuscript for this book, and she quoted my blog, but I don't know if I made the editorial cut. I need to read the book to find out - ha!

Well, that about does it. I've shared what's on my mind as 2010 comes to a close. It was a good year - albeit a challenging one. I love new beginnings, so 2011 holds great hope in my heart. May God bless you, my dear friends who share this journey!

Tracht Family Christmas Letter 2010

The Tracht Family Christmas 2010

I feel like I begin every Christmas letter with some kind of phrase identifying the past year as one filled with change. Once again, The Tracht Family has experienced great change…. Preparation for this change began more than a year ago, and change continues to this day. In a sentence, we moved from Mount Vernon, Ohio to Nampa, Idaho. Everything is new and different!

Tyler is 10 years old, and in 5th grade at Sunny Ridge Elementary. He plays soccer – both traditional and indoors. He’s become obsessed with the National Football League, and fantasy football. Heaven help us! Tyler’s sense of humor keeps us on our toes – his one-liners are hilarious. He enjoys school, and has his first male teacher this year. Mr. Bright has certainly brightened our transition; he is an answer to prayer. Tyler came home from school one day with a concern: “I think I may be the teacher’s pet." Mr. B moved several times as a child, and he’s taken a very active role in helping Tyler adjust to Nampa!

Tanner will be 13 in December – oh my! He is in 7th grade at South Middle School. He loves soccer in both the fall and the spring. The transition to Idaho was tough, and it weighed heavily on our hearts. To ease the pain, we bribed Tanner to join a soccer team within days of our arrival. Steve and I did not realize that Grandpa Gordon had also bribed him…. Needless to say, Tanner was the highest paid player on his U14 team! In addition, he recently completed a career assessment at school. The assessment advised Tanner to consider business management. So far, he’s proven himself able as his own sport’s agent.

My job led us to Idaho. I am the Director of Academic Advising & Testing/Assistant Professor at Northwest Nazarene University. Overall, it has been a wonderful transition. I consistently remind myself that I enjoy challenges, as this change is definitely stretching me in every way. I see the hand of God making the way for me to walk forward. Sometimes I long for the safety of the familiar, but mostly I look to the future with excitement. I lost my Grandpa Keller this year, and I miss his earthly presence. In January ‘10, the day after I returned to Ohio from his funeral is the day that the tangible steps towards Idaho began….

Steve left his job in Ohio without a secure position in Idaho. This was a step of faith for our family. We relied on the statistics that accountants are needed everywhere. After submitting many applications with no responses, we began to worry a bit. Then, the floodgates opened. In one week’s time, Steve had 3 viable options on the table, with a 4th option opening up soon thereafter. In the end, Steve accepted a position at the College of Western Idaho – the fastest growing community college in the U.S. He is developing their scholarship program working with both advancement and enrollment. I am very humbled by his willingness to move for my career development, and I am very proud of his accomplishments.

As we start over this Christmas, we are reminded of our dependence on God, of His loving provision, and of His sacrifices for us. Advent is a time of waiting; waiting for the second coming of our Savior. For us, change has put us in the position of waiting in many ways: waiting for employment, waiting to sell our house, waiting for the boys to make friends, waiting to find a church home, waiting to develop community, waiting to feel confident in new positions, waiting for new ministries and purposes to be revealed, waiting to feel “at home.” In the midst of this, we believe that serving God is worth the wait as we look forward to His Second Coming someday!

I am happy to share our house address with you – please email (tracht4@yahoo.com) or Facebook me.

Merry Christmas!!

The Trachts

Mystery & Intrigue Without the Deep Darkness

I am "Blogging for Books" today! This book is the sequel to "Thirsty" - one of my first book blogs....

I love to read, but I've been experiencing a dry spell in terms of motivation. I picked up "Tandem" simply because I read the first book in this set - "Thirsty." In spite of my dry spell, Bateman hooked me within the first few pages. I couldn't put the book down!!

Most of the characters in "Tandem" are the same as in the first novel. The storyline picks up six months later in the same small Missouri town. I connected quickly with the characters, and found myself trying to tie the two novels together. The plot and character development were mysterious and intriguing in an entertaining fashion. Though I am not a fan of vampires stories, this one kept me guessing to the end.

I enjoy the intrigue without the deep darkness that both "Thirsty" and "Tandem" afford. I felt the turmoil of the characters, yet I also felt the fulfillment of relationship building. Overall, "Tandem" is a quick, entertaining read suitable for adolescents to adults. I recommend the novel!

From Fear to Recognition

Do you remember your childhood fears? Certain situations bring mine to light, and I have the opportunity to ponder them from a different perspective. I like that. Last week I was reminded of a childhood fear: What if I don't recognize Jesus at His second coming.... Is that a "normal" childhood fear? I also remember fearing that my future husband would smoke cigarettes, but that he would hide it from me until after we married. Yes, that fear is strange!

On more than one occasion, I've heard a preacher ask, "Would you recognize Jesus? Would you even like Him were He on earth today? You know, He would likely offend you!" These are questions and comments that I am likely to ponder.... Yet, this much I know: I want to experience Christ! I want to know Him. Not only do I want to recognize Him, I want to run into His arms with abandon. I'm not so much concerned about Him offending me, but I certainly don't want to offend Him!

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:4-9, NIV).

I am certain that my worldview is tainted by my life experiences in the US of A. These verses lead me to believe that my spiritual understanding does not need to be complete in order for me to recognize Jesus. It is not my human mind that matters, but it is my openness of mind that allows God to "enrich" me. Truth is not based on my intellect, but on my willingness to hear His voice, and see His presence. With all that I lack, Jesus promises to make His presence recognizable to even me as I seek Him.

The need to make sense of all that is around me utilizing intellect is overwhelming -- the kind of overwhelming that makes me want to throw in the towel. At the same time, the need to hear God's voice, and sense His presence day-to-day is invigorating. So, I choose to focus mind on the latter - the supernatural aspect of seeking and receiving Godly knowledge - to recognize Him.