myLowes Home Makeover Sweepstakes Winner

A few weeks ago I sat down to my computer and opened an email from Lowes that was promoting their new online customer tracking software.  Being one who can never remember the color paint I buy or the size door I need, I found myLowes to be a handy tool.  After registering, I was given the option of entering the myLowes Home Makeover Sweepstakes.  "Why not?!" I thought.  After some trouble uploading my picture, I finally submitted my little essay and walked into our kitchen.  "Rusty," I said to my husband with a grin, "I have a solution to our living room painting discussion.  I just signed up for a Lowes sweepstakes and we're going to win $100,000 Lowes credit."  His reply?  "Great!  We win that $100K, we will paint the living room."

Guess what I get to do????

I can hardly believe it, but I am really the winner of $100,000 Lowes credit for a home makeover.  The official announcement was made on March 28, and the wheels in my head spin constantly.  Of course, Rusty and I (along with our kids, Samuel and Star) have planned, schemed, and dreamed for weeks now, but always with hesitancy. It's almost hard to let go and really enjoy the journey now.

The journey, by the way, must be about more than new and additional "stuff" and upgraded containers to store our new "stuff."  Herein lies the meaning behind my blog title.  Our family is the weight-bearing wall to our home.  The house and its extras are just that - extra.  As we prioritize ways to use this incredible blessing, these are the questions we ask ourselves with each purchase:

1. How will this make our family stronger?
2. Will buying this strain any relationship in my family?
3. Will buying this encourage or discourage time spent with family and friends?
4. Will owning and maintaining this allow me to reallocate time to my priorities of faith and family?
5. Will my children be stronger and more independent because we bought this?

So, here we go.  There are already those online who don't know me but judge me and my "worthiness" for this great gift.  I'll never convince them.  When I look back at this time, I hope to have honored my family and the Giver of all gifts.  And maybe the Lowes Corporation will be convinced to do it again for someone else!!

PS:  I will start posting "before pictures" soon!