Being at "home".

I hope you are well, and finding the blessings in each day.

I am grateful that our family is healthy, and following the conditions set forth (whether we agree with certain rules, or not) by the people in authority during this pandemic.

I was just over at Diana's @Nana Diana Takes a Break, and her post was wonderful!

She asks what happened to all of the "trendy projects" we used to work on for our homes.

I realized that, in my haste to have my décor "fit in" during those earlier days of blogging, I would try to make, or find something that would keep my home "up to date" with the other blogger's homes and décor.

My home has basically been considered "shabby".

Lots of whites, and Racheal Ashwell linens.

Architectural pieces, antiques, and reproductions.

Vintage, vintage, and vintage everywhere!!

Chippy and worn pieces throughout the cottage.

It's basically the same.

I've added pieces over the years, and then purged things.

Always having shabby clutter everywhere!!!

The thing I learned over the years is to stay true to yourself.

If you love something, and can afford it, get it!!  From the smallest piece of ribbon or lace, to an old table that makes your heart smile.

Surround yourself with the things that bring joy.

If you want photos of your family on a whole wall of your living room...hang them! Who cares if it's "in".  If it's "you", than do it!!

During this time of being at home for weeks, I realized what was needed to make me feel comfortable, and grateful.

What I see as a treasure, someone else might see as "not necessary".  That's okay. It's all in how you view what's around you.

It doesn't really matter to me if someone likes, or dislikes my home. What matters to me is how my family feels when they walk in the door. Do they see ME? Do they know what I stand for? Do they feel welcome and loved?  Do they understand that I know this is all just my temporary dwelling, and my REAL home is with our Father? 

My focus used to be the here, and now......Things have changed.

Even my blog posts have changed.

My focus isn't what is "on trend"  in décor.....it's what is important concerning eternity. 

xo

Choose humility over pride.

There is no excuse for hurtful words toward someone as we try to make a point.

No one has the right to put someone else down, just because we might not agree with what they choose to do in their own situation!

Everyone makes decisions based on what their priorities are.

What I feel is important in my life, doesn't mean everyone else sees the same order of priorities should be put in place in their lives!

I am very opinionated, and open my mouth when I should really be keeping it closed.

What is right for one, is not right for all!

Last year, I prayed for God to humble me, and break my prideful attitude.

It's been a work in progress.

After years of spewing my opinions freely, I have been learning, the hard way, to keep my mouth shut!

When I don't keep my opinions to myself, and someone calls me on it....instead of defending my actions like I did before, I have to do what God commands, and give up the prideful attitude and say I am sorry.

It is not always an easy thing to do.....

When you are conditioned to take control, and say whatever you feel, no matter what anyone else thinks....having God humble you is not pleasant.

Even listening to, and understanding circumstances from someone else's point of view comes into play.

I really didn't care.

As long as I got my point across.

You come to realize it's not everyone else that needs changing....it's you!

You have to surrender your heart for God to soften, and mold it into something He can use.

Like having spiritual heart surgery.

God is the Great Physician, removing the hardened scar tissues, and replacing it with soft, pliable parts that He can use to comfort and convict.

I still struggle with keeping a bit in my mouth!

Just like I used on our riding horses for controlling them when we rode.

God uses situations to pull on the reigns, and remind me Who is in control!!

When we fall back into those old habits, it reflects on our ministry, AND on our witness.

I need to be kept accountable. 

I need to choose humility over pride.

I need to pull up my sleeve and look at that tattoo(I know, badness) WWJD, and make a decision for Christ.

xo

This too shall pass.....

Getting more things accomplished while the stay at home order is still in place.

We had two very large dead trees cut down yesterday.

I am so happy about that, because now we will have sun shining on the dock, and beach all afternoon during the summer months.

Plus, the moss on the roof should no longer be a problem.

Best of all, no more messy yard to clean up after the dead trees drop branches, and pine needles!

I've been baking....ALOT....which is nice for Jim, but bad for me.

Yesterday, I made banana bread, blueberry pie, and creamy blueberry muffins.

Just the day before, I baked oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies.

The Livingroom also got rearranged, and cleaned yesterday....as well as the dining room.

Today the sunporch was opened up for the summer.

I love reading my Bible, and praying in this room all summer.

Sleeping out here is such a treat.

Outside the window, behind the dressing screens, is the kayak rack.

I was able to take my kayak out a week ago (a few times), but have since put it back on the rack, because of snow and cold weather again.

There are a few other things that need to be done....wash windows, more yard work, some painting, etc.

Hopefully, while we are still under the lock down, I will get more done.

I don't care for the lock down orders...but am doing what is expected of me during the virus, staying home, and safe, as well as keeping others safe.

It doesn't matter what I think about the situation, or who I believe as to what is really going on.

What matters is WHO I believe IN!!  I know, without a doubt, that God is in control of this whole situation.  I trust His plan, and His Will.  

This too shall pass.

Until it does....I will keep busy, and accomplish what needs to be done.

xo

The Book of Ruth.

Sometimes situations come up, and they remind me of how far God has brought me from the past.

I think of the Book of Ruth, and how she left everything she knew to follow her mother in law, Naomi, to a completely new land.

Ruth said to Naomi, "for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

Ruth's devotion to Naomi was unwavering.

I can only hope to be as devoted to my heavenly Father.

No matter what has happened in my past.

No matter what I was comfortable with, as opposed to sinlessness.

No matter what I chose to do in the former years of my life....

I decided to choose to follow God.

I have confessed all the former things, and God has forgiven me.

In the Book of Ruth, 2:12 it says: The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

What a lovely verse....under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Those words give me comfort, especially when I think of those years I spent without God in my life.

Another verse that I love is Joel 2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.

He surely makes all things new~~~~I just needed to trust and follow Him.

The past is gone, and I have new life in Jesus Christ.

Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered...

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  Psalms 119:105.

Years ago, my life changed when I asked Jesus into my heart.  

Like Ruth, I left the things that I knew behind, and chose new life in Christ Jesus.

It was a process, and still is.....it was a decision I made, not a feeling.

When situations come up that, in the past, would cause feelings of fear and doubt, I stand on that decision I made to follow and trust God, my Father, the Giver of Life!!

xo

Change our thinking....

When the circumstances start getting you down, the reality of being ordered to stay at home this Easter, instead of gathering together as families.....turn your attention to "why" we would be getting together in the first place.

It's tradition to celebrate this holiday with our families.

Having large gatherings, wonderfully prepared foods to share with each other.

Filling baskets full of treats, and hiding eggs for the little ones to find.

We all look forward to this time of being together for fellowship, and fun.

What is the true reason behind all of it?

Is it just another Hallmark holiday?

Instead of being irritated that our weekend will be ruined, we should, instead, be rejoicing for the great love of the Lord!

Read Isaiah 53:3-7

Matthew 28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.   verse 20. AND, LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD. 

When circumstances way us down, let us turn our attention to the Lord, and consider the great Love He has for us....and Rejoice!

xo

God is in control.

It feels like my world has become smaller these past few weeks.

Staying inside, and at home during the virus, and cold weather causes me to be aware of just how small I am compared to what is going on in the world.

Not even being able to travel to see my family members changes my perception of things.

How would God be able to take time out, with all of the crisis going on in the world, to spend time with me?

The weather, finally, warmed enough for me to take my kayak out and experience the open air, and spend some time with God in His greatest cathedral....Creation!!

The water was like glass. 

The only movement came as my paddle cut through it's surface.

I loved the sound as the kayak sliced it's way across the water.

I could see the bridge that opens the canals to the lake coming up ahead of me.

I paddled across the East Bay, to the mouth, and looked out across the whole lake.

It's a massive area of open water.

I felt so small, but knew that a Big God was right there with me, looking out at this great body of water....this place that brings my heart solitude whenever I look out at it.

I wanted to live on the water since childhood....and here I was, sitting with God, my Father, looking out over this wide expanse that He spoke into existance so long ago.  Knowing that this very day we would be sitting here together, enjoying each other as Father and child....even in the midst of this corona virus.

As I paddled back, small waves rose out of the water from nothing...no other boat, no jet ski, no passing breeze.

I set down my paddle and reached over the sides of my kayak, and just let my hands rest in the water for the gentle waves to pass.

I don't know where they came from, and I don't know where they went....but I was full of peace and joy.

God meets us where we are at.

He's never too busy, or too big.

This virus still goes on, but God is in control.  Whatever happens, I believe what is written in His Word. I will trust you, Lord when I don't know why, I will trust you Lord, till the day I die. I will trust you Lord when I'm blind with pain, you were God before and You'll never change!

xxoo