simplify.

...that's the only username I could think of whenever the technician asked me on the spot what I'd like to rename our wifi network. Whit rightfully critiqued it as "dumb" upon her returning from her third crusade to Bed, Bath, and Beyond. But after hours of extensive unpacking, hanging, leveling, and drilling, I've come to the very un-American conclusion we have too much stuff. I'll be supressing my OCD deisres for more Container Store products (so we can store more stuff) and opt to donate or throw out anything that is not emotionally nailed down. Yvon Chouinard (you may wear him as the founder of Patagonia) once said, "The hardest thing in the world is to simplify your life." He's right. It took several hours of personal and marital stress to communicate the point and I'm praying now not to lose a grip on it.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 

This verse has put me on my butt several times. Whether it be experience or clothing, technology or real estate, the human heart never ceases in consumption of something. And too often, it'll take anything. 1


My gracious in-laws and parents helped us immesnsley at the start of our journey not just with packing but also with advice and encouragement. They certainly deserve the first shout out. Thanks one and all! We continue to pray for you, please pray for me and Whitney as well as she begins to use power tools, specifically prayers of "drilling discernment." 2

Louisville has been incredible. There's so much of the city that's easy to fall in love with. Gang-chain restaurants have been shoved out in favor of local pubs and burger joints. To quote my mother "the house building must've stopped sometime in the 1960's," which is true, much of the zoning is a throwback to an older time. We've been here for 5 days and enjoyed each hour of it, except the two severe thunderstorms but even those were welcome reprieves from triple-digit-Texas. At the end of the day, how could we not enjoy life with a house like this? 3

Ya, maybe in a few decades. 

But for now we're in a niche apartment about 4 blocks, a dangerous road and a super busy railroad crossing from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. (pictured-actually-below)

Seminary Lawn with Norton Hall in the background.

Here are some streaming photos of our move-in days:

Tool room

The Dreamatorium.

Living room in progress 4

Front door, final product

Whitney's winter clothing Part IX

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1My wife and friends will be quick to point out I left books out of that list. Yes, I know. I have a working theory on verse seven.

2 Come to find out, the square ikea peg and round hole do go together with a little elbow grease, just don't place anything on the shelf.

3 Every house around us is beautiful with blue paint and white trim, so I shouldn't be surprised Whit wants to take down realtor numbers, right?

4 Please contact (817) 239-5703 if you have an extra dvd stand you're considering throwing out.