A new blog series and a new song

A year ago, my wife and I left our beloved home and church ministry in Florida to return to Minnesota to be closer to our family.  It seemed counter-intuitive to leave the warm climate of Florida to endure what would be one of the snowiest and coldest winters in Minnesota meteorological history. But we sensed that God wanted us back here, so here we are!

Our home, located 50 minutes north of Minneapolis, is a wonderful house that had an unfinished basement and a sliding glass patio door that led to nothing but air—some 12 feet off the ground. To be sure, the sliding door was bolted in place so it couldn’t be inadvertently opened. Terese and I both knew this would have to be finished (and soon!)

Over the cold winter months we prayed, talked, envisioned, and finally decided to move ahead with what would be an ambitious construction process that, for months, stretched us spiritually, emotionally, and especially physically. There were ups, downs, challenges, setbacks, and finally the successful completion of the basement and 3-season porch projects.

As I reflect on the process, I realize there are spiritual lessons that God was—as is—teaching me. I will share some of those lessons that I hope will encourage and help you, whether you are a home-improvement person or not.  Beginning in December I will begin a new blog series entitled “Life Renovation: Lessons from Home Improvements”. I invite you to follow and read this series as a new one is revealed each week.

I’m also very excited to tell you about the new Christmas song I wrote and then recorded with my friends David Koblish and Murray Adam.  With music produced by Dick Tunney, this song was inspired by the heartbreaking conflicts happening in the Middle East and Ukraine and will be released in early December. I will update you with release information and the music/video links.

God bless you,

Chris Atkins