One of the VERY first blogs that I ever discovered was Kelly's Korner.
She is bringing back one of my FAVORITE link-ups!
It's my favorite because it isn't about someone's shop or business (not that those aren't inspiring) but these are about REAL LIFE. The struggles, the triumphs and the mundane all honored because of WHO we do it for :)
I'm Tenneil -- yes -- like "The Captain and..."
My parents weren't crazy stalker fans or anything they just liked the name.
I do too now that I've matured but as a kid I was certain I would change it some day...
This blog has been with me through 7 years now. Seven years that were anything but predictable.
When I began this blog I had left my career as an executive to stay home with our baby boy that I thought I would never have due to PCOS and world of other 'girl troubles.'
Our sweet baby boy was born with Ulnar Dimelia -- and each day was full of therapy and tests in addition to the usual diapers, feedings and other things that make up the blur of having an infant.
I blogged about all of the messes that make up everyday life,
thus the blog name "Dirty-Hands: Beautiful Life."
(This was my first header for my blog. My little guys hand on mind)
I blogged about thrifting, decorating, cooking, and shared encouragement through my faith in Jesus.
I learned to follow links and had a great following by email.
Then. The unexpected. The unwanted. The unforgivable (or so it felt).
Divorce.
I tried and tried to rebound into blogging and I felt so unworthy. so ashamed.
Well as you can tell from the photo above -- I have been blessed abundantly in the last 7 years and went from me and my baby boy to a family of SEVEN!! Yes -- count them 7.
I met a swoon worthy cowboy and in him I found what it was like to be friends with the one you love.
There was just that one detail -- that um...he had 4 kids.
Then there was the complication that he also felt unworthy. ashamed. unforgiven.
We took each other hand in hand and made up our minds to walk in God's grace and that Jesus' blood could cover all of hurts and wrong doings and even USE them.
We made up our minds that all we wanted our kids to know is that we love them and God loves them so much he gave us Jesus. From that simple mission, a legacy was born.
Every day brings a new challenge. Our schedules are so busy we literally can't see straight at times.
But -- we return to where it started. Simplicity. Love God. Love each other.
I'm back to writing and teaching with a new purpose.
I want others to know that anytime, anywhere, in any circumstance they to
can RECLAIM love, life and hope.
It's something we have to do DAILY.
The idea of RECLAIM is in every part of our life. We've reclaimed several properties in an effort to make a home for our family. We reclaim God's grace multiple times a day as we stumble along at this. We love to reclaim antiques, trash to treasure projects and the occasional orphaned animal.
So -- all of that to say at some point perhaps the title of the blog should change, but it's sentimental to me and every step of the way is part of what Jesus uses to make life count for something.
We call our family R7.
There's 7 of us and we've settle on 7 acres in the middle of nowhere, Iowa.
So -- I can't wait to meet you!!
There's more about us on the sidebar or feel free to browse around.
There's always room for one more around here!
From R7 to you --
Be a blessing.
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