Introducing Lindsey Feldpausch

Hey all.

Have you ever known someone with whom you hit it off instantly? Someone that, although you’d only known them for a few hours, you felt as if you were already lifelong friends?

About 7 years ago in the fall, I met such a person. She was a college student visiting a huge, annual event that takes place in our circle of friends: The Davis Harvest Party.

Hay rides.

Donuts and cider.

A hot dog roast and old-fashioned square dance.

Many couples have begun their “courtin’ days” at the Harvest Party.

That year, my friend Eileen (mother of 11!) and I chatted while the dance was beginning. Her son Josh had brought home a group of friends from college. In the group was a young woman with the most contagious smile ever. Her name was Lindsey.

I joked with Eileen about this gal being Josh’s ‘girlfriend”. She insisted she was just his friend.

I knew better. College guys don’t wipe their hands on their jeans before holding hands to square dance with a ‘friend’. I knew he had his eye on little Miss Lindsey.

By spring they were engaged.

They got married late that summer.

Fast forward to the present. Lindsey and Josh are now the proud parents of three young girls. Lindsey has a knack for writing about motherhood and musings and finding God in the midst of the mundane. Thus far, her readers have consisted of  family and a few friends who get her weekly family email update.

I’ve decided to ask her to periodically share her thoughts with you.

I was fortunate enough to have a few mentors help get me started speaking and writing. I have never forgotten their kindness.

And I determined that whenever I came across a friend who needed some help or a forum or a blog to chat in (while I took a little breather) I’d happily help her too.

Today will be Lindsey’s first post.

Can I ask you to hop on and leave a comment welcoming her? I’m sure you’ll come to love her as much as I do…..

________________________________________________________________

Hi all! My name is Lindsey Feldpausch.

If your wondering how to pronounce my last name, don’t worry, I was thinking the same thing when I first met my husband. It is said “feld-posh” Like “this party is so posh!” Except that I don’t think I have ever been to a posh party or could really be described by the word posh in any way. Well, I do own some pretty posh salt and pepper shakers that are from France.

Anyway, I am the stay at home mother of three girls ages 4, 3, and 1. So, It’s a barrel of chimpanzees around here (“monkeys” sound much too tame.) I have been married to the most amazing man for 51/2 years.  I love God with all my heart and am continuously surprised at the power of His word, the freedom that He offers and the sovereignty of His plans.

I’m originally from the suburbs of Detroit, but after my husband graduated from Grand Valley State University last spring, God laid it on his heart to come to the Houston area for a teaching job, which is where we are now.

I had never been to Texas until moving here. You can imagine what kind of funny things I find myself getting into and/ or observing.

I’ve taken notice of an interesting food-on-wheels attraction here in Texas. They look like beefed up ice cream trucks (minus the weird music) and sell hot tortilla, cheese, and meat creations. You can find these type of vehicles in Michigan at carnivals. Except down here, they show up without the carnival.

I haven’t sampled anything yet, but I applaud the concept. Why wait for the fair when an “authentic” Mexican food truck could pull right up outside the grocery store? I’m still making up my mind as I stare at the driver wondering if he is the cook as well. I’m tempted to roll down my window and say “I don’t know what that smell is, but just give me whatever fried flour sensation that’s creating that delicious Tex-Mex food incense.” Of course that would go against every frugal and health conscious bone in my body, so I don’t.

The most obvious difference between Texas and Michigan is, predictably, the weather. It is winter, but much sunnier and warmer than any Michigan winter.

Here‘s the interesting part… I still act like it’s winter. You would think that I would be out with my stroller enjoying the weather, but I find myself inside for several days in a row wearing my hoodie and fuzzy socks. If it were in the 60’s during February or March in Michigan, you better know that I would be running around in my bare feet wondering if we could bust out the hose and slip and slide.

Here, though, I just keep doing what I did up in Michigan. I stay inside and have hot tea as if I were snowed in.

Isn’t this what happens in our Christian walk? Just when God lifts us up, transplants us, heals us, or sets us free, we end up doing what we always did because we haven’t known any other way.

It’s like when Jesus healed those who could not walk. Wouldn’t it be absurd of them to have the ability to walk, but just go back to sitting on their mat and begging?

In the same way, God has given me the privilege to enjoy the sunshine, but I keep telling my kids that it is “a little chilly out there”. Either I have acclimated way too fast to the warmer weather or I just need to get up off my mat and stretch my legs.

Mark my words, I am getting out of this apartment tomorrow and if I do see one of those Mexican meals-on-wheels vans, I am at least going to see how much they’re charging. If I’m going to be embracing my new life as a Texan, I better get out, enjoy the sunshine and try something new.

I shall trade my hot tea for a hot tortilla and my mat for the stroller.

Here’s to making the most of the new life and new opportunities God gives us!

Sincerely,

Lindsey Feldpausch

50 Comments

  1. Welcome to Houston Lindsey!! It is a great city and the people are its’ best asset. I am a native Houstonian and I still can’t get use to the hot summers and humidity. Good luck with your blog and I look forward to reading it. You be careful with the Mexican food on wheels. I agree with another reader—you might do better at a restaurant like Pico”s, Ninfa’s, Papasito’s,or Lupe Tortillas!! Good Luck and God Bless you and your precious family!

  2. Nice job Lindsey! You’re first blog was easy to read and very entertaining. It’s obvious you’re walking with the Lord. Yay for your family!! About being acclimated to the Texas weather already: I think you are! My in-laws used to live in Arizona. When we’d go out to visit over the holidays, people could always tell we were “tourists”. While everyone was wearing jeans and jackets, my family would be in shorts and t-shirts sporting our white, pre-tanned legs :-) I look forward to hearing more from you!

  3. Oh Lindsey, you are so right! My husband and I just recently moved to Houston as well and we are trying to adjust. But I do notice us sliding into old habits instead of embracing our new life. Thanks for the post, it was the little bit of inspiration I needed today.

  4. Good morning Lindsey – First, I enjoyed reading your story. Thank you for sharing a brief, but wonderful clip of you and your family.
    I agree with you about how we can get so used to the old way that when GOD moves us to a new place with plenty of new ways to experience and enjoy, we continue still in the old way; our physical has changed, but our minds are still the same. If we are EVER going to enjoy the blessings of GOD and all their fullness then we are going to have to allow our minds to move too. Only then will we truly be able to see just how much GOD has really blessed us with. I’m reminded of 2Kings 6:8-17 when Elisha prayed for GOD to open the eyes of his servant so he could see just what GOD had done for them: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+6%3A8-17&version=NKJV&src=embed

    I love living outside the box. It’s so much more fun out here.
    Be blessed,
    Kelli

  5. Hi Lindsey
    I really enjoyed your story. I had never gone to any blog sites till today, guess it was time. Your girls are beautiful. My kids are 30 and 40. I love forward to more of your life. Your new friend, Cathy

  6. Hey Linds! Can I call you Linds? I feel like I know you. Well kind of. I’m the mother of 3 boys, ages…wait for it…4, 3, and 1. Oh girl I can’t wait to hang out with you at She Speaks. We are going to have a blast! I’d love to hear from you, and let me know if you get the “what did I get myself into” panic attack about She Speaks. I went twice before I joined the team. Scared the pee out of me. (Are we close enough for me to mention bodily fluids? As a mother of toddlers, I figure you’re as overly familiar with bodily fluids as I am.) Anyway, count me a new fan and friend. Hugs from the trenches! Oh, and I love.love.love me some Karen Ehman!

  7. Lindsey –
    I loved reading your blog. I live in south-eastern Michigan and am a transplant from Missouri. Its funny to hear how you are reacting to the winter there. I loved your analogy about God’s healing. Thanks for writing!

  8. Welcome! I am new to this site too. Loved the idea of posh salt and pepper shakers. Both of my Grandma’s were very poor, and both have gone on to Heaven. But as a memento of them, I asked for their salt and pepper shakers. I wanted something that graced their kitchens, and wouldn’t take up much room. Now I have a small piece of their everyday kitchen displayed in mine!

  9. Hi Lindsey,

    Thank you for such a wonderful post. You are very encouraging. I’m new to this myself. (My first time.) I live in Alabama and have been to Texas several times and understand where you are coming from. Texas is different, but has wonderful people. Hope you settle in and enjoy the warmth and the new foods!

    Alice

  10. Thanks so much for the uplifting comments. I am no longer amom to little ones, but have the most beautiful and wonderful grandchildren in the world. Today is my day to begin stepping out, getting on my mat and moving. Thanks for the help. Keep praying.

  11. Hi Lindsey! I enjoyed reading your post. I was excited when you said you live in Texas now…and even more excited when you said Houston!!! I’m a native Texas girl and was born and raised in the Houston area, but my husband and I moved with our two children just last year. I’m not sure if you’ve heard the term those taco mobiles go by, but we always referred to them as the “Roach Coach”…so beware, haha!!! I pray you and your family experience an amazing transition and acclimate to Houston (and the heat and humidity) quickly! And grow in your walk with the Lord, as well as make wonderful friends and memories that you’ll have for a lifetime! Blessings.

  12. Great post Lindsay! I thought your way of relating was wonderful. I am reading along enjoying your style and then BAM there it is and it is so obvious. Can’t wait to read more from you!
    Alison

  13. Hey Lindsey,

    This is the first time I have visited Karen’s website and I read your post.
    I am so blessed to have read your first post. I have trouble when it comes to change. Change and the “unknown”. But you said it perfectly, “We need to make the most of new life and the opportunities that God gives us”.
    If God has allowed it, it is a change worth embracing, exploring, and enjoying!
    Thank you for that reminder! And best wishes with your writing; you did a great job of your first post!

  14. Lindsey,

    God is so awesome! This is my first time visiting Karen’s site and your first time writing on it and He used your writing to speak clearly to me about letting go of the past. The following ministered to me more than I can put in words,

    “Isn’t this what happens in our Christian walk? Just when God lifts us up, transplants us, heals us, or sets us free, we end up doing what we always did because we haven’t known any other way.

    It’s like when Jesus healed those who could not walk. Wouldn’t it be absurd of them to have the ability to walk, but just go back to sitting on their mat and begging?”

    Thanks for being obedient and using your gift to bless others.

    Elaine

  15. Hi Lindsey,

    Great first post and welcome to Texas! I live just a few hours north of you and am a Texas girl by birth. Your post is so “right on time” for me! Thanks so much for the encouragement and keep up the good work! I am looking forward to hearing more from you. God Bless you and your family!

  16. Hi Lindsey! Thanks so much for your blog post. I too have just found myself as a transpant in Houston (Sugar Land actually) as a result of my husbands job and can so relate! I have small kids as well and it is hard to make your self get “out there” in a city that is unfamiliar. Anyways, hope you get settled in and I look forward to more of your P31 posts!

    Angie

  17. Lindsey, thanks. I am much older than you and I needed to hear your words. I moved a few years ago and am still struggling with the move. You are right, I need to get our and try something different. Grace and peace to you and your family. Thanks for the words from the Lord.

  18. Welcome Lindsey! As one who has moved often, it is always a challenge to bloom where you are planted but sounds like you are off to a good start! Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures and growth in Christ from your new home in TX. Blessings!

  19. God often challenges us to jump out of our comfort zone. After awhile in the south, you and your children will be wearing shorts year round, even when it is cold! I will pray for you as I have had others pray for me. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more blogs from you.

  20. Hi Lindsey. I enjoyed your message. I have 3 gitls to but all grown and have families. They were the same ages as yours. A real handful but wouldn’t change a thing if I had to do it over. Am looking foreward to the nest one. Yes get out into the beautiful world that God has given us and enjoy. I am completely new at the computer so hope I do this right. God Bless.

  21. Lindsey, I used to be the “Welcome Wagon Lady” in my little town in NC. I was in our neighborhoods a lot, and those trucks visit all the construction sites to bring lunch to the workers. I have ALWAYS wanted to try lunch from one but been too chicken. I’ll try it if you’ll try it. I’m going to watch for it in your upcoming blogs!!!

  22. Hello Lindsey! Welcome to the South! Too right you are about doing what we’re used too. On Monday I put my kids in jeans and jackets even though it got to an amazing 80 degrees! My sweet hubs gently mentioned that the kids were burning up that afternoon and I replied with “It’s April, way too early for shorts!” Poor babies!

    Nice to meet you!

  23. Hi Lindsey,
    Thanks for the blog today, it was just what I needed to read. Your statement about how we always go to what we know even when God has delivered us from that way of life really rings true to me. I had just been praying that I could figure out how walk in a new way, but old habits are hard to break. Thanks for the blog, I will keep plugging along and looking to God for guidance on what to do different.

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