What’s Your Family Story?

- Doug Scott -
Vine_Center_Gold

There are few things that move me more than music. Sometimes a song will just send me somewhere. And you can call me a sap, but “The House that Built Me” is one of those songs. Although Miranda Lambert didn’t write it, her performance and the words that writers Tom Douglas & Allen Shamblin penned, really get me each time I listen to it.

Sometimes it wells up memories of my childhood, but most of the time it causes me to consider what memories our girls will have of our home … when they are grown and have a house of their own. (Watch and listen by clicking below.)

 

 

As you can probably tell from our posts, the idea of “story” is important to us.  And what story we’re telling at home is something that Britt and I talk about a lot.  In fact, asking ourselves the question “What memories will our girls string together to tell their childhood story?” is one of the things that started us on this Redeem Your Ground journey … recognizing that we (primarily…I) had gotten a bit off track.

What we try to do is to tell a story at home that our girls are both interested in and actively engaged in.  A story that grounds them and helps them better understand who The Scott Family is…and who we aren’t.  A story that breathes life into them, builds confidence in them, and helps them embrace who they are and how they were uniquely created.

We believe that a story being told at home that is rich in meaning and steeped in love and full of adventure will help them graciously embrace life’s ups and more firmly withstand life’s downs … both of which will inevitably come their way.  In contrast, we also believe that if our story is not very interesting or engaging, that they will likely go looking elsewhere for a story that they think is … and odds are, that story won’t end so well.

This is one of the primary reasons why we’ve so intentionally considered what happens in our outdoor spaces at home.  We’ve tried to redeem our ground in a way that sets the stage for deeper relationships and richer involvement of body, mind, soul, and senses.

We don’t want our home to simply be a place where we park, eat, sleep, pass each other by, and leave. But rather a place where life happens and where meaning is discovered.

 

 

We are definitely a work in progress … and I know we will never truly arrive.  But simply being aware of “story” has caused us to be more intentional at making sure that our story will not only have a richer ending, but that it also makes our hearts beat fuller and faster and more in sync and is defined by love, experience, and purpose.

Stepping back for a second, what story is being told in your home? 

Cheers all,
Doug initial

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12 Comments

  1. Jaison Heard on January 14, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    Douglas,

    I am enjoying keeping up with your journey through the blog. I love all of the ideas and creativity that you bring. Deb and I are bringing a bit of RYG to Orlando this year. We are building a chicken coop and a few gardening beds to start growing our own veggies! Not sure how I really feel about chickens, but I am going to give it a good ole’ college try. Give my best to Brit and the girls. Hope to see y’all soon, take good care!

    Reply
    • Doug Scott on January 14, 2014 at 12:28 pm

      Thanks Jais! Let me know if you want some tips on your chicken coop…I have a few. I can also talk to you and Deb about what it means to have chickens…the good, the bad, and sometimes really ugly. But we love it. Same with your veggie beds…we’ve been doing it for several years now…and had had a few successes, but probably learned more in our mishaps. Let me know. Take care my friend, Doug

      Reply
  2. Ann Hart Hunter on January 14, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    Doug- you are auch the writer! Who knew? Seriously, I love reading your and Brittany’s posts on
    your blog. Sending love and wishing you many blessings for a great year ahead!
    Ann Hart

    Reply
    • Doug Scott on January 14, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      Thanks Hart…appreciate your words, friendship…and reading our blog. It’s crazy. Squeeze Steve and the kids for us, Doug

      Reply
  3. John Cerqueira on January 14, 2014 at 3:33 pm

    Love this buddy. So great to see what you and your lovely ladies are up to!

    Reply
    • Doug Scott on January 14, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      Thanks Johnny! Great to hear from you…and thanks for your words. Now that I finally got on FB (I know…the fact that I’m corresponding w you now by way of my own blog i seething in irony), it’s great to see what you and your ladies are up to. I hope you’re well my friend. I do miss my periodic visits from my swarthiest of friends. Let me know when you are in Atlanta again next…would love to connect. Take care, Doug

      Reply
  4. Deborah on January 14, 2014 at 4:11 pm

    Thanks RYG…you’ve inspired our family to look beyond the walls of our “house”. We have begun the process to start our garden and will look to Douglas to complete our plans to ensure that we are on the right track. We will also need help with the design of our chicken coop. Yes, chicken coop….because of the love that my wonderful husband has for me, he has agreed to having chickens in our “city” backyard. We have filed for one of 85 permits which will allow our family to grow from six (including our puppy) to 9…by adding three chickens. Thanks for the inspiration and I look forward to following your blog, it is beautiful!!
    I love you and your beautiful family, chicks and bunnies included!!

    Reply
    • Doug Scott on January 14, 2014 at 4:54 pm

      Oh…go on Big Sister. I’m excited for your family expansion! Let’s talk soon about your garden AND chicken coop. Very excited. Love you too, Doug(las)

      Reply
  5. Dani on January 15, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    Just one more reason to love the Scotts! Great writing Douglas!
    Your’s truly, Danison

    Reply
  6. Sabrina strickland on January 16, 2014 at 10:44 pm

    Hello my friend, just thought I’d let you know that I enjoyed reading your blog, it’s very inspiring. I just might have to do a little digging in the dirt. I see why you love the words of that song. I wish you much success with RYG. Here’s to you living your life like it’s golden.

    Reply
    • Doug Scott on January 19, 2014 at 6:03 pm

      Thanks Sabrina…my long-time friend! Yes…do a little digging, I think you will find it will do your heart some good! While you’re at it, plant some hydrangeas for your momma…I know she loves them! Take care, D

      Reply

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