I love Fixer Upper. I love Property Brothers, Home Town, you name it I really enjoy home improvement shows and one phrase that seems to be the theme of most of them is, "forever home."
I like old stuff. Old dishes, old furniture, old houses, David loves old cars, we like old stuff. There is something so satisfying about getting a room painted, a new area rug, an old drop leaf table with an old pitcher sitting on it filled with hydrangeus from my yard that makes me feel all warm and cozy inside. I'm a nester, I love my home and there is no other place I'd rather be than safely tucked in, within the walls of my little place on earth.
In 2019 Americans spent an average of $9,081.00 on home improvements. We did not, but I sure spent my fair share. Home improvements have increased more than 17% and decorating/renovation cost now surpass home maintenance. Let's face it, we like to decorate our homes. And within reason and the right priorities, there isn't anything wrong with wanting our home to be a refection of our personal style and taste. The Bible even says it's ok and encourages us in Proverbs 31 to "look well to the ways of our household." In Genesis we can even read about some of the decor that adorned the tents of Sarah, Rebekah and Rachael. But here's the thing.....this little corner where I live is not my forever home. And no matter how much I paint, fix up, keep up with the latest styles and decor of my friends it will still be just a little house here on earth that I live in for just a little while. But..... while I am maintaining my home here on earth and copying what I see on all those decorating shows or trending designs of my friends, Jesus is preparing my real home, my forever home. In John 14:3 Jesus tells me that He is preparing a place for me, a home like nothing I have ever seen or can imagine. Nothing can destroy it, it is mine, His gift to me. It will be decorated beautifully.
In our church service last Sunday evening, our pastor encouraged us to share what we had learned about ourselves during the covid 19 shutdown. I knew without even thinking about it that I had learned the true meaning of contentment. While I grieved over the images I saw on tv about the suffering taking place all over the world, I was content to stay home, to stay put. David and I have lived here almost 50 years. We've raised 3 sons here (believe me it shows the scars) and 9 grandchildren fill it up with love and laughter. (and sometimes a few more scars) So what do all of these random thoughts and ramblings really boil down to? Simply this:
Don't get caught up in the house and miss the home.
There are no forever homes here on earth.
Let your home really be your home. It's ok if everything doesn't match, if it looks a little dated, if there's a few bumps and scars. Sheetrock can be fixed, believe me I know. Someday I'll write a post about all the holes in the sheetrock from wrestling matches, "hall ball", and yes, walking on your hands and falling into the wall. The memories that are made here are eternal and our kids will learn early in life what we really value: do we value them more than we value our temporary home? Because you see, children are eternal, they are forever, houses are not.
So... I guess I'll keep watching Joanna Gaines do her thing, and the Property Brothers work themselves crazy trying to create a forever home. But while I"m watching, I won't loose sight of my forever home in Heaven. There, I will live for all of eternity with the One Who made it possible for me to live in a forever home, bought, paid for, created by Him.
Matthew 6:20
Lay up for yourselves treasure in Heaven, where moth nor rust corrupts and thieves do not break in and steal. V21: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Where is your treasure? Where is your heart?
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
The Most Important Question You Can Ask
The sudden deaths of Kobe Bryant, his young daughter, and seven others has shocked the world. So young, so much life to live, so much to give, and then in an instant it was gone. As a believer I know that God has complete control over life and death, our world and everything in it, but still, we wonder why some who have so much to give and to live for are taken so young, and the evil we see around us continues, unaffected by the good.
I read a short article by Randy Shepherd and Jamie Johnson telling that they had met Kobe Bryant in a hotel lobby at the Summer Olympics. They talked briefly, then they asked him if he had ever accepted Jesus as his Savior and he said yes. They gave him a gospel tract and he took it graciously, the three had their picture taken together, then went their separate ways. Even though I do not know these men, actually never heard of them before, I must say I admire their boldness in asking someone I would think as unapproachable, the most important question that a believer can ask: "Has there been a time in your life when you knew you were lost and you asked Jesus to forgive your sins, then asked Him to save you?"
Many people believe that if the good they do outweighs the bad, they'll go to heaven when we die.
Many believe they must be baptized, be a part of a certain church or movement, or do good works and that will be sufficient. But the Bible declares that the only way to heaven is to: recognize that we are lost without Christ, repent (turn) from our sin, ask Jesus to forgive our sins and to save our soul.
Be bold today; ask someone you love the most important question. Ask a friend the most important question. And yes, ask someone you hardly know at all the question that could start a conversation that would change a person's eternal destiny.
Listed are scriptures that can help you get started. Be bold. Share your faith. We never know how close someone may be to hearing the gospel message for the last time.
John 3:16
Romans 3:23
Romans 5:8
Romans 10: 9, 10
Penny
John 3:16
Romans 3:23
Romans 5:8
Romans 10: 9, 10
Penny
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
A Measure of Faith
Doubt is such a terrible thing. Whether it was doubt expressed by the Israelites when Joshua and Caleb returned from spying out the Promised Land, the doubt of the rich young ruler, or my doubt that God's promise is for me, doubt is defeat for the believer and victory for the enemy of my soul and it is a terrible thing.
I confess, I have doubted, and not just once. I tend to lean toward the premise that what can go wrong will. But in the last few years I have recognized what my doubt is really doing; it creates a spiritual wall between God and me and prevents the answers to my prayers and the intimacy with my Heavenly Father that I so long for.
One day last spring I experienced the provision of God after a long season of doubt and it left me in such a state of awe that still amazes me today and replaced my doubt with belief. This is an entry in my journal and a poem I wrote about that experience:
"The Lord provided yesterday in a surprising way. I am still awed this morning. Oh how I love Him. Oh how thankful I am for my Jehovah Jireh. He is my provider, He is my everything."
When I Thought He Couldn't 4-25-19
Just when I thought He couldn't, He did
Just when I thought He wouldn't, He did
Just when I doubted, cried and complained
When all I could do was to call out His name,
say, "Oh it's impossible, I am to blame"
Just when I thought, "Not this time." He did.
If you have doubts that God will keep His promise, answer your prayer, or do what He says he will do, you are not alone. The men and women of the Old and New Testament had their doubts from time to time as well. But when we recognize that what is missing from our doubt is faith, and when we realize that it is God who provides the "measure of faith" (Romans 12:3) we need to believe, well....that literally changes everything.
God is faithful. He Loves you. He can. He will. He has given you the measure of faith to believe His promises. He will never fail you.
Penny
I confess, I have doubted, and not just once. I tend to lean toward the premise that what can go wrong will. But in the last few years I have recognized what my doubt is really doing; it creates a spiritual wall between God and me and prevents the answers to my prayers and the intimacy with my Heavenly Father that I so long for.
One day last spring I experienced the provision of God after a long season of doubt and it left me in such a state of awe that still amazes me today and replaced my doubt with belief. This is an entry in my journal and a poem I wrote about that experience:
"The Lord provided yesterday in a surprising way. I am still awed this morning. Oh how I love Him. Oh how thankful I am for my Jehovah Jireh. He is my provider, He is my everything."
When I Thought He Couldn't 4-25-19
Just when I thought He couldn't, He did
Just when I thought He wouldn't, He did
Just when I doubted, cried and complained
When all I could do was to call out His name,
say, "Oh it's impossible, I am to blame"
Just when I thought, "Not this time." He did.
If you have doubts that God will keep His promise, answer your prayer, or do what He says he will do, you are not alone. The men and women of the Old and New Testament had their doubts from time to time as well. But when we recognize that what is missing from our doubt is faith, and when we realize that it is God who provides the "measure of faith" (Romans 12:3) we need to believe, well....that literally changes everything.
God is faithful. He Loves you. He can. He will. He has given you the measure of faith to believe His promises. He will never fail you.
Penny
Thursday, July 18, 2019
God is Able
God is able. No matter what your situation may look like, no matter what you have been told, God is able. Ephesians 3:20; God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us.
Are you lonely this morning? God is able to comfort you and give you companionship.
Are your finances pulling you under? God is able to supply your need.
Hungry? God is able to feed you.
Afraid? God is able to protect you.
Is your marriage falling apart? God is able to restore love and your broken marriage.
Are you sick? God is able to heal you. He is our Jehovah Rapha.
Are your children in trouble and away from God? God is able to draw them back.
Are you anxious for the days ahead? God is able to control the future.
Is your heart burdened with a deep desire that you haven't shared with anyone? God is able. He knows your heart and He is able to give you your deepest desire.
Trust in His promise, believe with all your heart that He is able. Don't quit, don't give up.
God is able.
Penny
Are you lonely this morning? God is able to comfort you and give you companionship.
Are your finances pulling you under? God is able to supply your need.
Hungry? God is able to feed you.
Afraid? God is able to protect you.
Is your marriage falling apart? God is able to restore love and your broken marriage.
Are you sick? God is able to heal you. He is our Jehovah Rapha.
Are your children in trouble and away from God? God is able to draw them back.
Are you anxious for the days ahead? God is able to control the future.
Is your heart burdened with a deep desire that you haven't shared with anyone? God is able. He knows your heart and He is able to give you your deepest desire.
Trust in His promise, believe with all your heart that He is able. Don't quit, don't give up.
God is able.
Penny
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
My Remembrance Book
I am a fan of Little House on the Prairie. Each Monday night at 7:00 my little boys and I would sit in front of our big ole box tv and watch as the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder played out on that screen. Most Monday nights David was working and each fall and winter when a new episode aired I made sure homework was done, baths were over, the popcorn popped and we were ready for each new adventure. Of course I had read every single book she'd written and even though most episodes weren't actually in the book, the theme was the same each week; good wins. In the very first episode of the tv show, and in the opening page of her first book, Laura says, "If I had a remembrance book."
In a recent conversation with a friend, she shared the very real struggle she was having with depression and anxiety. As a woman I could relate. Studies show that women are more prone to suffer depression and anxiety than men, and while I am certainly not qualified to speak from a clinical perspective, I want to share with you something that helps me when I feel myself slipping into that dark pit of self absorption and lies of the enemy; my remembrance book.
I have loved writing since I was a little girl and for most of my adult life I have kept a daily journal. I also love to keep a journal of my daily Bible readings and even writing down on paper my prayers. But I have one special arrangement of writings that reminds me of God's love, His mercy, His faithfulness, His goodness, and the truth of who I am in Christ. It is my remembrance book and it has truly been light in the darkness, my shelter in the storm, because it is God's perspective of me.
You see, for me, a remembrance book cannot be written in the dark; it can only be written in the light. So I prepare for the dark, while I am in the light. So how do you make your own remembrance book? Today, begin remembering the good things, and writing them down. It's good to put a date beside them if you can. Write a scripture with a promise, write what you feel the scripture is speaking into your life, write about a special memory, a fun adventure, those you love. While you are in the light, look for God's activity in your life and your family. Look for the little things like a sunset, your granddaughter's laughter, a gift from your son, a dinner with your husband, a special hymn that touched you deeply. The point is....remember something good, then write it down because when the darkness comes, it's hard to remember the good times of the light. And when the fear, the dread, the depressing thoughts come to your mind, get your remembrance book and begin to read.
Many times in the scriptures God encourages us to remember the good. In Genesis 9:13 God gave Noah a rainbow to help him remember His promise not to destroy the world again by a flood. When we observe the Lord's Supper we are to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. The most important memory anyone can have is when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. And each time I remember the good, the darkness is beaten back just a little bit farther because nothing dark can exist in the light.
This is by no means the answer to all forms of depression or anxiety. It is simply something that helps me keep a balance in my thinking. Remember the good, write it down, choose to read it when you feel the dark creeping in. Laura Ingalls Wilder had no idea that her remembrance book would have such an impact on the literary world. What could your remembrance book do for you and maybe others?
Penny
One of my "Remembrance" books.
In a recent conversation with a friend, she shared the very real struggle she was having with depression and anxiety. As a woman I could relate. Studies show that women are more prone to suffer depression and anxiety than men, and while I am certainly not qualified to speak from a clinical perspective, I want to share with you something that helps me when I feel myself slipping into that dark pit of self absorption and lies of the enemy; my remembrance book.
I have loved writing since I was a little girl and for most of my adult life I have kept a daily journal. I also love to keep a journal of my daily Bible readings and even writing down on paper my prayers. But I have one special arrangement of writings that reminds me of God's love, His mercy, His faithfulness, His goodness, and the truth of who I am in Christ. It is my remembrance book and it has truly been light in the darkness, my shelter in the storm, because it is God's perspective of me.
You see, for me, a remembrance book cannot be written in the dark; it can only be written in the light. So I prepare for the dark, while I am in the light. So how do you make your own remembrance book? Today, begin remembering the good things, and writing them down. It's good to put a date beside them if you can. Write a scripture with a promise, write what you feel the scripture is speaking into your life, write about a special memory, a fun adventure, those you love. While you are in the light, look for God's activity in your life and your family. Look for the little things like a sunset, your granddaughter's laughter, a gift from your son, a dinner with your husband, a special hymn that touched you deeply. The point is....remember something good, then write it down because when the darkness comes, it's hard to remember the good times of the light. And when the fear, the dread, the depressing thoughts come to your mind, get your remembrance book and begin to read.
Many times in the scriptures God encourages us to remember the good. In Genesis 9:13 God gave Noah a rainbow to help him remember His promise not to destroy the world again by a flood. When we observe the Lord's Supper we are to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. The most important memory anyone can have is when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. And each time I remember the good, the darkness is beaten back just a little bit farther because nothing dark can exist in the light.
This is by no means the answer to all forms of depression or anxiety. It is simply something that helps me keep a balance in my thinking. Remember the good, write it down, choose to read it when you feel the dark creeping in. Laura Ingalls Wilder had no idea that her remembrance book would have such an impact on the literary world. What could your remembrance book do for you and maybe others?
Penny
One of my "Remembrance" books.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
What Are The Consequences?
The day began well. The sun was brightly shining, the air was warm and I had big plans to fill my flower pots with beautiful, colorful flowers and enjoy a day on the patio reading and writing. I love May in Kentucky and I read a statement many years ago that I recite each May; there is no place like Kentucky in May. This was one of those May mornings in Kentucky that make the long, gray winter worth the wait. But then, seemingly out of nowhere, I had a decision to make about something and without thinking any further than the moment, I hurriedly decided to.........
Have you done that? I knew better than to be so hasty in my decision. I knew to pray, think it through, weigh all the options, even chuck my pride and ask advice from someone much wiser than me..Oh how many times I have said, "If only I could go back and do that differently." And for the zillioneth time I was reminded that every decision has a consequence. Every word, every action, even our very thoughts have consequences.
As a Mom I tried to prepare my children for the consequences of their decisions. I often reminded them that they were responsible for their actions and words. I often cautioned them to think about what the consequences might be if they don't do their homework? What will the consequences be if you drive too fast, or if you drink alcohol? And what might be the consequences of choosing the wrong friends or the wrong wife?
The Bible has much to say about making a wise decision and thinking ahead to what the consequences might be for the right decision and even for the wrong one. So today I simply encourage you to:
1. Think it through. Ask God daily for wisdom and spiritual discernment, and when the time comes to make that quick decision, the Holy Spirit has already been preparing your heart and mind with "the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:16.
2. Ask the tough question: what are some consequences if I do this? Who could be hurt?
3. Fast and pray. There will be many decisions we will be called to make that are minor in nature; what to have for dinner, which color looks best on me, should I go to the gym today? Then there are those decisions that have big consequences. In Matthew 17 a man had brought his epileptic son to the disciples for healing, but they could not heal the boy. The father then brought him to Jesus and asked Jesus to heal his son, stating that he had brought his boy to the disciples, but they were unable to heal him. Jesus healed the man's son and the disciples asked Jesus why they could not heal him. Jesus replied, " This miracle could only be done after you have fasted and prayed." (my paraphrase) I believe Jesus had been fasting and when He added His prayer to His fast, a miracle occurred. Making the right decision in a critical situation demands something from us; something that shows God we mean business, we are serious and fasting says to God what our prayers alone cannot.
Often we are compelled to make a quick decision and there is no time to fast; my son chooses one specific day each week to fast his lunch and pray. The disciples did not have time to fast, the man's son needed healing at that moment. But if they had been fasting regularly they would have been "fasted and ready" to pray for a miracle.
I was able, with God's help, to "fix" my decision that May day. The consequences were not as bad as they could have been. Maybe you're waiting on the results of your consequences; while you wait ask God to do what I often ask Him: "Lord, subdue the consequences of my sins." This is biblical and I have seen Him work on my behalf to lessen the consequences, while still teaching me the lesson.
Even if you aren't in Kentucky, enjoy this beautiful May day; think through your decisions, ask some tough questions even when you don't like the answers, and learn the spiritual power of fasting and praying. God will help you through it, I know He will because He helps me.
Penny
Have you done that? I knew better than to be so hasty in my decision. I knew to pray, think it through, weigh all the options, even chuck my pride and ask advice from someone much wiser than me..Oh how many times I have said, "If only I could go back and do that differently." And for the zillioneth time I was reminded that every decision has a consequence. Every word, every action, even our very thoughts have consequences.
As a Mom I tried to prepare my children for the consequences of their decisions. I often reminded them that they were responsible for their actions and words. I often cautioned them to think about what the consequences might be if they don't do their homework? What will the consequences be if you drive too fast, or if you drink alcohol? And what might be the consequences of choosing the wrong friends or the wrong wife?
The Bible has much to say about making a wise decision and thinking ahead to what the consequences might be for the right decision and even for the wrong one. So today I simply encourage you to:
1. Think it through. Ask God daily for wisdom and spiritual discernment, and when the time comes to make that quick decision, the Holy Spirit has already been preparing your heart and mind with "the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:16.
2. Ask the tough question: what are some consequences if I do this? Who could be hurt?
3. Fast and pray. There will be many decisions we will be called to make that are minor in nature; what to have for dinner, which color looks best on me, should I go to the gym today? Then there are those decisions that have big consequences. In Matthew 17 a man had brought his epileptic son to the disciples for healing, but they could not heal the boy. The father then brought him to Jesus and asked Jesus to heal his son, stating that he had brought his boy to the disciples, but they were unable to heal him. Jesus healed the man's son and the disciples asked Jesus why they could not heal him. Jesus replied, " This miracle could only be done after you have fasted and prayed." (my paraphrase) I believe Jesus had been fasting and when He added His prayer to His fast, a miracle occurred. Making the right decision in a critical situation demands something from us; something that shows God we mean business, we are serious and fasting says to God what our prayers alone cannot.
Often we are compelled to make a quick decision and there is no time to fast; my son chooses one specific day each week to fast his lunch and pray. The disciples did not have time to fast, the man's son needed healing at that moment. But if they had been fasting regularly they would have been "fasted and ready" to pray for a miracle.
I was able, with God's help, to "fix" my decision that May day. The consequences were not as bad as they could have been. Maybe you're waiting on the results of your consequences; while you wait ask God to do what I often ask Him: "Lord, subdue the consequences of my sins." This is biblical and I have seen Him work on my behalf to lessen the consequences, while still teaching me the lesson.
Even if you aren't in Kentucky, enjoy this beautiful May day; think through your decisions, ask some tough questions even when you don't like the answers, and learn the spiritual power of fasting and praying. God will help you through it, I know He will because He helps me.
Penny
Monday, December 31, 2018
A New Beginning
This past Sunday David and I, along with our son Jeff and his family had the privilege of worshipping with our son Kyle and his church in Cadiz, Ky. My spirit was refreshed as I listened to Kyle's message and I was reminded again that God delights in giving His people "new beginnings."
As many of you have shared with me in the last few weeks, "2018 has been a very difficult year." I cannot remember when David and I and our family have faced so many battles, but we have also seen God's faithfulness in each and everyone. And today, December 31, 2018, as I look back over this last year I can only stand amazed at His mercy, His faithfulness, His goodness.
Lamentations 3: 21-25;
This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. It is because of God's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion says my soul, therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him.
2019 will hold many things for all of us, but this one thing I know and am assured of; God is sovereign over all His creation. That means absolutely nothing can enter our lives unless He allows it and if He allows it, it is something He can and will use for our good and His glory.
In his message Kyle encouraged us to commit to four things for 2019;
1. Read the Bible everyday.
The word of God is powerful, it is alive, it will direct us, change us, convict us, love us, help us.
2019 will be a year of much wisdom when we read and apply His word.
2. Share your faith.
We all know someone who is lost. Invite them to come to church with you. Tell them about when you were saved and then share the Roman's Road with them.
3. Grow closer to your church family.
Be faithful to each service. Reach out to those you don't usually fellowship with or know well. Commit to knowing your church.
4. Give more.
Whether it be more money, time, effort, prayer and study, love, mercy, compassion, kindness, goodness, praise, just give a little more.
Thank you so much for your love and support of the blog. I enjoy hearing from you. May 2019 be your best year ever and with love and hope I say, "Happy New Year. God bless you. God be magnified and glorified and exalted. And may this be the year that Jesus returns for His bride, His church."
Your new beginning is about to begin.
Penny
As many of you have shared with me in the last few weeks, "2018 has been a very difficult year." I cannot remember when David and I and our family have faced so many battles, but we have also seen God's faithfulness in each and everyone. And today, December 31, 2018, as I look back over this last year I can only stand amazed at His mercy, His faithfulness, His goodness.
Lamentations 3: 21-25;
This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. It is because of God's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion says my soul, therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him.
2019 will hold many things for all of us, but this one thing I know and am assured of; God is sovereign over all His creation. That means absolutely nothing can enter our lives unless He allows it and if He allows it, it is something He can and will use for our good and His glory.
In his message Kyle encouraged us to commit to four things for 2019;
1. Read the Bible everyday.
The word of God is powerful, it is alive, it will direct us, change us, convict us, love us, help us.
2019 will be a year of much wisdom when we read and apply His word.
2. Share your faith.
We all know someone who is lost. Invite them to come to church with you. Tell them about when you were saved and then share the Roman's Road with them.
3. Grow closer to your church family.
Be faithful to each service. Reach out to those you don't usually fellowship with or know well. Commit to knowing your church.
4. Give more.
Whether it be more money, time, effort, prayer and study, love, mercy, compassion, kindness, goodness, praise, just give a little more.
Thank you so much for your love and support of the blog. I enjoy hearing from you. May 2019 be your best year ever and with love and hope I say, "Happy New Year. God bless you. God be magnified and glorified and exalted. And may this be the year that Jesus returns for His bride, His church."
Your new beginning is about to begin.
Penny
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