Some of the areas within our backyard have become a haven for many of our old treasures. Some are new additions. Soon we’ll have to downsize the outside of our house.

“What’s so fascinating and frustrating and great about life is that you’re constantly starting over, all the time, and I love that.” Billy Crystal

My husband and I possess a propensity for old things. It may have to do with the fact that we’ve lived a long time. It might be that we find value in some of our old treasures and want to share that with others. We also love going to garage sales and antique shopping. It’s kind of funny thinking of two antiques looking for more antiques. I guess misery likes company, right?

We purchased our final home – an 1875 farm house, which has been updated over time – in an old section of a historic little city close to two rivers, one being the Mississippi. Over time the river has carried many a treasure to and from far off places. People have forged their futures here. It is the birthplace of Garrison Keillor and could be considered Lake Woebegone in many ways. Our downtown area is a charming combination of old and new shops. Antique stores – a speakeast, residing in the old post office building – stately old mansion converted into a tea shop & restaurant – and a dam which spews water from the Rum River into the waiting Mississippi – and an old farm house which sits near the freeway, which we call home.

When we moved into this place almost five years ago, we had to downsize from a house that was twice as big and filled to the brim with 24 years of accumulation. In those five years, we have accumulated more old items and turned them into shabby chic for others to enjoy. Paul has some of his art work displayed amongst the relics. I’ve added some flowers. Together we’ve added to the gardens and integrated some of our finds into them.

Life is a constant work in progress.  I’m up to the challenge.  I’ve always possessed a pioneer spirit and even though this old body is falling apart, my spirit is alive and well.  As I repurpose some of the things we’ve brought with us from our old house, I’m also repurposing my life. This isn’t a difficult procedure if we remember who is in control of every breath we take.  God has a purpose for everyone.  He knew us before our conception.  He knows how many hairs are on our head and cares for each one of them. He has designed us for a reason and created us for a purpose.

Though life gives us many changes, we can turn them into opportunities, because each day is a new beginning when you walk with Christ.