Bits and Pieces

Each one of us is called to do something--
whether that something is working in the home or outside of the home
raising a family or building a career.

My calling as a wife and mom
is to create a place where my husband and children want to return to
a place away from the usual.

For now, I am managing our home and all of our maids...
YES, we have maids...
they are otherwise known as our dishwasher, washer, dryer, and answering machine. 

The difference can be in how our home looks if you were to walk across our thresh-hold
but it can also be in how you feel when you walk in
welcoming, calming, and yet filled with life.

Life for us is busy and bustling with school and sport activities
church meetings (for my husband), AWANA, Bible study
and being available to help at church or school whenever called upon.

If I can take the time each day to take care of a few
little things like making beds, emptying or filling the dishwasher,
or keeping the laundry going...nothing gets too chaotic.

Life in our home includes everyday maintenance AND long-range projects
such as redesigning a flower bed, getting things around for a garage sale
or sewing ragged jean and cotton potholders.

However, if I spend time making everything wonderful
and am not pleasant to be around,
everything I've worked for is lost.

I caught myself just this morning as we were getting ready for school
using a not very pleasant voice with my blessings
as we were headed out the door.

Did our home feel like a sanctuary then?
Most likely not...not for me...not for my blessings...
thankful today that I can begin anew with forgiveness from my blessings AND from my Father.

Living in a sanctuary is NOT living in a museum,
or living in a perfect place...but it is
making where I am living perfect for my family.

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. --Proverbs 14:1

Lord, today I want to build my house.  Use the words I say 

be as a soothing balm to my family and as sweet honey to all who hear.

May the things I do help to promote peace and rest for

my blessings.

Amen