Several years ago, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a movie called "Johnny Lingo" In the movie, a popular Polynesian tradesman has come to an island in search of a wife. As was customary, when a man asked a woman's father for her hand in marriage he would declare her worth and beauty by offering cows. If a woman was considered very beautiful, the higher the cows that would be offered.
Johnny falls in love with and desires to marry a young woman named Mahana. She is considered ugly and not beautiful by all the people in the village. He father is counseled to ask for 3 cows in the hopes that he will at least obtain 1. When Mahana's father asks for 3 cows, many laugh and think he is crazy for asking such a high number for Mahana. Johnny thinks for awhile and then says that 3 cows are a lot to ask, but not enough for Mahana. He then offers to pay 8 cows for her, the highest price offered for any woman up to that point.
After their marriage Johnny takes Mahana with him as he travels to other islands with his trading business. They eventually return to her home island and to the shock of all the islanders, she is radiant and beautiful now. So beautiful in fact that her dad is angry and feels he was cheated and she was truly worth 10 cows.
Johnny saw Mahana's true worth and beauty. By treating her with love and respect, he was able to allow her to blossom and become the beautiful woman she always was.
What does all this have to do with "The 8 Cow House"? When I first saw our new home it was not a house I would call beautiful. Of all the houses in the neighborhood, this was the house I said to myself at one point, "I could buy almost any house in here, BUT that one." Fortunately God had other plans, and over time softened me and allowed me to see the real beauty this home has - it just needs a little encouragement and help to get there.
While the premise and focus of this blog appears to be the home, I really hope it will be a place that will encourage and inspire you to grow and discover the beauty that resides inside yourself as a beautiful child of God. I believe it is when we come to discover the beauty within ourselves, that we are truly able to share it with others.
I have no doubt it's going to be a great adventure!
Love,