Building Our Homes Together ~ June 22nd

Building Our Homes Together ~

with Jesus!

(Blogger isn't wanting to load pictures today....everyday it seems to be something new.)

At least we can visit with one another...that's a blessing!

Be sure and go by Linda's at Prairie Flower Farm for more Building Our Homes Together blog posts.

Picture one of those little girls Mary Englebreit draw's tapping her foot.  The caption underneath reads ~

Must Change Attitude!

I smiled to myself at the thought, “How is that house cleaning coming along?” while nearly tripping over one of the seven pallets of sleeping grandkids on the living room floor.

This leads me to one conclusion ~ When things do not happen the way you planned, it is much better to accept life’s interruptions with a smile and enjoy them as the gift they are.

G.R.A.C.E.

The BBE (Bible in Basic English) translates Proverbs 31:25 this way:

“Strength and self-respect are her clothing; 

she is facing the future with a smile.”

Do I face the future with a smile?

More than a house, I desire a home.

More than clean, I desire harmony.

Rather than strife, I desire peace.

Rather than ‘Susie Spotless’ (anyone remember Susie?), I desire to be like the lady in Proverbs 31.  I want to embrace the future and be able to smile, rather than look toward it with dread.

That’s not to say I enjoy chaos!  But some amount of chaos is going to be with us, unless we isolate ourselves from those we love.  And how can we invite the

~ Fruits of the Spirit ~

Love – Joy – Peace – Longsuffering – Gentleness – Goodness –

                               Faith – Meekness – Temperance

to dwell within our lives, unless we are willing to be flexible and accepting to those God sends our way?

Do I want a house that is a total disaster?  No.

What I want is for those who enter our home, to feel  

WELCOMED!

 

I want – from the very youngest, to the very oldest to feel  

“at peace” 

when they come.  I want God’s presence to reign over everything and everyone.

I have a friend who recently shared with me, that after praying one morning she felt lead to tie small red ribbons and hang above the doors in their home …. Just a small reminder.

I have another friend that once she finishes “deep cleaning” a room, she anoints the door of that room with oil and prays over the room and all who will be entering.

Is there something that you have felt lead to do?  Do you allow your home to become your ministry?  Does the presence of God feel welcome in your home?  

My prayer for you is that above all else, your home is a sanctuary from the outside world.  When you walk in the doorway, you are able to smile and relax, not fret over what hasn’t been done.

Obviously, with seven very active grandkids here, cleaning has been put on the back burner…except for the ever present (happy) hum of the washing machine (clean clothes are such a blessing, after being without a washer for nearly a week!).  The pool has been busy!  And while they have played in the water, I have had time to go through more papers and I was even able to write a note or two.  Little things yes, but moving forward….smiling at the future!

If you could see seven kids (three teaching the other four) how to milk, you'd be smiling too!

Remember, if you have a prayer request, let us know.  See my side bar for more information on Fearless Fridays and how to contact.

  Cranberry Morning's soap giveaway is still going on.  Be sure and go by!

Please kept Taylor in your prayers.

Blessings,

Cheryl