TIME

Good things take TIME ...at least that's what we're often told when we find ourselves in the midst of trying circumstances, or in the midst of a project that is taking too long to complete. Patience and perseverance are character traits that are difficult for us to develop in a culture that prizes instant everything.

Since the end of July, when I last wrote, the focus of much my TIME has been on the completion of an outdoor space for this house. We spent over a year working inside and now it is TIME for some outside renovation. I drew a picture of the vision I had for this outdoor space on a piece of paper. We took measurements and counted the cost. The project was a big one. 
March 2011...

 August 2011...

 And in July 2012...After educating ourselves about laying patios, building stone walls, we started shopping for the needed materials: flagstone, gravel, stone dust, tampers, chisels, etc. The work began...

 The materials were literally dumped in the back yard. We wondered what we were getting ourselves in for; did we really know what we were doing? How long will this take?

 Digging out 400 square feet of yard was work! We persevered and encouraged each other through it. Because the contour of the land was so uneven, some places we had to dig down 16 inches while other places it was only six inches. Level lines were drawn and followed carefully.

 Finally, the day came when we could begin laying the flagstones. It was like putting a giant jigsaw puzzle together.

 The old original brick walkway sank into the ground over the years. It created a sort of water channel towards our house whenever it rained. We pulled up all the bricks and laid a better foundation, reusing the bricks to create a new path from the house to our parking area.

 This is one of my favorite spots to spend TIME reading, reflecting and enjoying meals together at the table.

And just yesterday we added some plants...
 

 TIME...yes, this good thing took time. And hard work. But the reward is wonderful. I look forward to enjoying this space in the future. But for now, we prepare for another season ... autumn and winter. TIME keeps moving. 

I want to make the most of the TIME I have been given. Seasons change, and with each season new opportunities to enjoy what we have. I want to be a person with patience and perseverance to complete what is before me; a person who encourages others in their tasks; a person who finds peace knowing that TIME is in the Father's hands.

"Lord, help me to stay strong in You knowing that TIME is in your hands. I want to be a faithful steward of all You have given me. Don't let me run ahead. Thank you for this moment. Thank you for today."

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying "You are my God!" My future is in your hands... Psalm 31:14

CONTINUING

...yes, CONTINUING. In a few days we mark one year that we have lived in this house; one year that I have been caring for this house. I apologize to those of you who look forward to more regular updates from me. Work is CONTINUING even though my blogging may not be. Here is a peek at a few things we've been working on . . .

Those radiators that were hauled outside last month were finally taken to the salvage yard. Now our back yard doesn't look like a dumping ground anymore. Next month's project? A patio and flowerbeds!

Without window treatments, the master bathroom felt bare and sterile. Keith and I took a trip to Philadelphia's garment district last month where I finally found fabric to make curtains for the master bathroom. Thanks to instructions found on a blog, I am perfectly pleased with my new Roman shades.

And our third floor is finally taking shape. We purchased some cabinets and counter-tops. A mini kitchen is evolving.

We're waiting on the plumber to install the sink, one of the windows will be replaced, and some trim work needs to happen yet. It is sort of like a little apartment up there (bedroom, bathroom, living area and mini kitchen). If you need a place to stay or a place to retreat, let us know. 

 I also look forward to using this space for crafting and artwork.

...and the fireplace. Just before the gas insert was installed, we got the idea to re-tile. While the original tile was still in good shape, we just weren't in love with the colors and design.

 A quick trip to the home store and a few evenings of labor gave us the look we were after.

 So all these things make the house our home. It's a work in progress...as time goes on...more ideas and more projects...CONTINUING.


In the midst of all this, life CONTINUES as well. Nothing stands still or stays the same. New jobs, new routines and new seasons keep us from getting bored. But we CONTINUE to keep our eyes fixed on the One that never changes. Our God is big enough and good enough for whatever tomorrow holds. He CONTINUES to love me and call me to trust him for the future. 


Where are you looking?
Are your eyes on Him? 
He's the One Who Never Changes; the Faithful One. Malachi 3:6

A song by Brian Doerksen comes to mind (do you know it?):
           
            Faithful One, so unchanging
            Ageless One, you're my rock of peace
            Lord of all I depend on you
            I call out to you, again and again

           You are my rock in times of trouble
           You lift me up when I fall down
           All through the storm your love is the anchor
           My hope is in you alone. 

PEACE

PEACE: (noun)...Freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility

During my morning walk today, I was pondering this word. I believe PEACE is something every human being is longing for. We search for it in everything we do, and even through things we acquire. We say things like, "If I could just get that new dress, that will make me feel much better about myself." Or, "If I could work for that company and earn more money, then I know we'd be happier." And how much of our time is spent wishing our general circumstances were different? We want PEACE. We want quietness in our souls. We want our minds to be free from disturbances.

During the recent month, I have been experiencing several disturbances. I want to do something about them...now! I think that if I can remove them, then my inner PEACE will return. I want the nagging feeling of frustration to go away.

It began last month with the "death" that I talked about in this blog. The smell eventually dissipated, however there continue to be signs of critters on our property. Lately we've confronted oppossums at night. HATE those things! They leave droppings and I dread the walks from our car, through the back yard, into our house at night. Mosquitoes have made their return as well. We're doing our best to formulate a plan of attack so that we can enjoy our outdoor spaces. Ants seem to like the one corner of my kitchen. We have to exterminate them every morning! In addition, the full time job I've held during the last four months has allowed me little time to tend to the basic housekeeping tasks I actually enjoy. And there are a few more frustrations that I could name but I'll end there...

Then, one day, a good friend posted a short statement on Facebook. "Frustration is an expression of selfishness." hmmmmm. I went quiet inside...my journey towards humility continues.

Lately, I've been praying a specific prayer: "Father God, You created me. You know me. You know my future. So I trust You." I've prayed this many times out loud. It's been good to hear myself say those words. When my circumstances are not delivering PEACE, I must remember to run to Him. It was interesting to me when I later discovered that this same Facebook friend posted another short statement, "Godly PEACE and calm is trust in action."

"Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me where I still need to trust you. I want more of You and less of me. Fill me with your PEACE so that in all things others see You instead of me. You've created me and know me. You even know my future, so I trust You. Amen"

Yet, I still like to do everything I can with my physical surroundings to promote PEACE for the soul. My surroundings definitely affect how I feel. Perhaps I can illustrate this with a few things we are currently working on around the house...

(so many projects, so little time)

    DOES NOT BRING PEACE...         

.......MUCH BETTER!

The built in wardrobes located in 2 of the bedrooms originally held sinks. After using plywood for several months, we finally had some marble cut. A shiny marble top vanity is satisfying.

           NOT PRETTY....                 

the old front taken off revealed 100 year old dirt...

 ...and now mid phase; FEELS BETTER ALREADY.

                                 A new gas fireplace insert is on order!

And then there were the radiators; 3 of them just sitting on the 3rd floor. We finally scheduled a day to do the dreaded task of hauling them down 2 flights of steps and out the door.

Hard work, but so glad they are out of the house. Now we can finish renovating the room on the 3rd floor. In a few weeks we'll decide how to get them out of the yard.

Oh yeah...the back yard! Green space and dirt is good therapy for me. I can't wait to have an urban garden. We are currently in the planning phase of designing a larger patio space and flowerbeds. But right now it's just a space to walk through on the way to our parked cars, dodging mosquitoes while watching your step on uneven bricks. FRUSTRATING!

 We've torn down an old lattice fence so that we can plant a green border...MUCH BETTER.

...but the second floor porch is being transformed into a place of PEACE. (still needs paint and other misc decor) Here we can relax. We've already enjoyed a lazy Sunday afternoon followed by some good family time by candlelight into the night. Yes, I need spaces like this to help bring PEACE.

DEATH

DEATH. Quite a different theme for this blog. I'm all about life and encouragement. But into everyone's life comes a time to think about the unpleasant, the inevitable and the reality of DEATH. Death stinks....literally.


This week as I entered our master bathroom, there was a strange odor. Because I was collecting dirty laundry, I thought perhaps someone's clothing was exceptionally in need of cleaning. But later in the evening as I went into the bathroom to dress for bed, the truth was revealed. There is DEATH behind our walls somewhere!


Now I have to admit it came as no surprise. In the past months we've heard some sort of critter scratching around sporadically in the ceiling. And there are lots of squirrels in our back yard. I distinctly remember during the demolition stage finding a storehouse of walnuts in the walls of this old house. Perhaps the squirrels came back for their treasures.


So currently our lovely master bathroom stinks. We keep the door closed and the window cracked open. In addition, inside the wall is the sound of one (hopefully only one) frustrated critter, scratching and clawing at the studs and inner workings of the wall. It's the wall that divides two sanctuaries...my bathroom (where I prepare and clean myself physically) and my study (where I prepare and clean myself spiritually). DEATH is disturbing the peace around here.


What an amazing allegory this is for me today! God speaks in all things...even DEATH. 


I mentioned to my husband not too long ago that it feels like something inside of me is dying. Since taking on a full time job I've not had time to create and work on things that bring me life. In addition, my new job is more about numbers, files, forms and rules of compliance; there is little space for creativity and interaction. I'm giving it my best shot at learning a new field and serving my co-workers. I am trusting God to show me his purposes for me in this new role.


But in the mean time I will transparently admit the DEATH that I am feeling. It stinks. My peace is disturbed in the morning especially as I have to dress and prepare myself for going off to work instead of having more time to stay home and "care for the house". Even personal quiet time with the Lord is affected by this DEATH. There is less inspiration and less time for dwelling in his Word. During this season of DEATH, I find myself longing for more of the LIFE he has for me. I long for the peace he gives.

Father God, today I ask for revelation. Show me how to live in the midst of death. I ask for your peace today in the midst of difficulty and frustration. Carry away the affects of death and breathe the sweet aroma of peace into my soul. I need you. Amen.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matt 11:28-30

(still no pictures...but soon. In this season of time, the work that is being done is unseen. But the results of the unseen work will be evident in time.)

PERSEVERANCE

Recently, we took a walk through the house, room by room, and wrote down all the little things that still need attention. It would be easy to live with many of these things left unfinished. Life is comfortable enough for us now. But hidden behind pieces of furniture is unfinished baseboard. Stair railings could use a good polishing to bring out more of their beauty. Several walls need a touch up of paint where I skipped a spot in the rush of finishing a room. No one else probably notices these things. But I know they are there.


For some reason, we have not been able to find the same working rhythm we had a year ago. With comfortable clean rooms, who feels like getting out tools or paint? Why would I want to sand and polish another stairway if it will coat everything with a fine layer of dust? And now that the bills are finally paid and the bank account is being replenished, it is difficult to think of sinking another chunk of money into more projects.


So we write lists. We break the final finishing work into do-able jobs. We'll get it done little by little. We will schedule it on our calendar in between weddings, church meetings and family activities. Here is a small sampling of what needs doing...
       - polish woodwork
       - remove linoleum on 3rd floor stairs
       - make curtains and pillows for family room
       - fix hole in floor
       - caulk where wood shrank
       - paint trim on inside of closet
       - seal kitchen tile
       - finish painting 3rd floor windows
       - and more...including larger items such as installing a gas fireplace and landscaping the back yard.


Caring for the house is never really done. It's a process... sometimes we find a working rhythm and we make good progress. But when we'd rather relax, or when we get busy with other things in life, it takes PERSEVERANCE and intentionality to finish the work.


Isn't that just the way it is with our spiritual house? Sometimes I hit a season where I seem to feel more spiritually alive; God speaks and it is easier to see growth. Other times, I find it difficult to get into a regular rhythm of Bible reading, prayer and worship. It takes PERSEVERANCE during those times. Caring for the house is never really done. It's a process and a journey.

"Father God, give me more strength for this season. I want to see new growth; feel new life. I ask for more grace to complete the tasks you give me to do each day. And I am thankful that you are walking with me on the journey. Amen."

PERSEVERANCE: steady persistance in a course of action, especially in spite of difficulties or discouragement; Continuance in a state of grace to the end. 


James 1:4
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I'll PERSEVERE in caring for the house and provide you with pictures in the coming days. Until then...

CANVAS

I love a blank CANVAS. It's an invitation for me to create something. It's a new beginning, a chance to start something new. A blank CANVAS can also produce some doubts and fears. Will it turn out like I want it to? Will I be disappointed? 

For the last year or more, I've been carrying around an idea in my head. I enjoy playing with color and paints. Finally, one evening I became brave enough to buy some paints and a large canvas (bigger than the one in the above photo). Then I played...

While it did not turn out exactly like I imagined it in my mind, I enjoyed the process of creating it immensely. It inspired me to keep practicing and playing. So we'll see what the future holds in this area of my life.

A few other projects that have kept me busy lately involved finding pieces of furniture at second hand stores. But of course I am looking at each object as a CANVAS upon which to create something new and fresh; something to fulfill my purposes for it. Take a look.

We found a set of chairs with worn, dull wood and ugly fabric. We removed the seat, stained and polished the wood frame. 

I bought a yard of fabric to match the fabrics of our living room couch and curtains. Cut it to size... 

stapled it in place, attached the seat to the chair frame and...

... a new set of chairs!

I discovered a set of bookshelves in yet another second hand store a few weeks later. And it was two for a good price. I would use one in the study and the other in the family room. (I still had several boxes from our move yet to unpack; all of them filled with books.) We hauled the bookshelves home only to discover we couldn't stand them up in our basement where we needed to store them until we had time to paint them.



Again, they were dark, dull and worn. But I saw good lines in them. We laid them down, stripped them of hardware, and primed them.




We purchased shiny new knobs. A fresh coat of semi-gloss white paint gave them new life. For the one in the study, I painted the back panel a soft gray-blue. Now I can begin to unpack the boxes of books.

 This house has been my CANVAS. The renovation and design has been a process of creating that I am enjoying immensely. 


What is your CANVAS?


I think God uses our lives as his CANVAS. He sees wonderful purpose and beauty in us. We may feel dull and dark and useless or cast aside. He wants to refresh us and use us for his purposes. Allow him to touch you with his creative hands. His Word speaks new life into our souls. 

"We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (NLT)

Ephesians 2:10 

REMEMBER

It's a snowy Saturday morning in January. The house is more quiet. The normal street traffic sounds outside our front door have given way to the sounds of snowblowers. This is our first real snow here at this address. It will soon be one year that we began the journey of caring for this house. And we all know that whenever we reach a "one year ago" point in time, we REMEMBER. Our minds begin to say, "REMEMBER when....?"

This snow reminds me of our very first visit to this house. A year ago no one was taking care of this house. We had to trudge through snow and slush to get to the front door. And inside, we had no idea how warm and comfortable the house could feel. As we inspected the back part of the property, we had no idea what was buried under the snow; walkways, grass, flowerbeds?

After a year of hard work, it is satisfying to REMEMBER how things used to be. It encourages me to see how far we've come in such a short time. 


Do you ever look back at things in your life like this? REMEMBER how it was "back in the day?" I suppose as we get older we do that more often. Our world today moves at such a fast pace. We have become quite accustomed to change. In fact we have become so comfortable with change that we often forget to look back and REMEMBER. We can learn a lot by looking back and reflecting.


I remember one situation in my life that was particularly trying. It was difficult. A relationship in my life was painful and broken. I even stopped praying about it because I didn't have any faith to see things get better. Then one day, a few years later, I was reflecting. I was aware that things had changed. As I REMEMBERED how things used to be, and now observed how different the relationship was, I was encouraged. It renewed my faith in God...He was surely working in spite of my lack of faith and trust. What a wonderful loving God.


I encourage you to use some of these quiet cozy winter days to REMEMBER. What challenges have you been facing over the past years? How have things changed? Look for the kindness and goodness of God. It is there...if only we take time to REMEMBER.

"I will REMEMBER the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will REMEMBER your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds."

Psalm 77:11-12

God tells us many places throughout His Word to REMEMBER what he has done. He especially wants us to REMEMBER the covenant He made with us through the shed blood of Jesus. Live with that in mind today.