Grace and Mercy

I have learned a few things on this glorious journey of biblical and wise womanhood and of it all, it would be not to fall into the foolish woman's trap. I know I must keep my wits about me and so must you--so I'd like to share them with you.

There is no one such woman that exists that is perfect--not I, not you, not Suzy Homemaker down the street. We all need the abounding love that comes from our omnipotent Father and the grace and mercy from one another.

I do not want to build a home to look down upon others or compete with others. My homebuilding is not a race, nor is it a track record of how well I am doing spiritually. It comes from a heart of love to do the right thing and heart of obedience to serve the Lord.

My homemaking is not perfect--nor is yours. Strive as we might, we cannot and should not mimic the staged scenes of the ever so popular and glossy magazines. There is so much more to homebuilding and that is cultivating and loving the tender hearts and atmospheres at our homes. If you stop by my home during the week you will see the imperfection I am speaking of! Toys on the floor, fingerprints on windows---yes, I would rather have that with happy children and husband than a neglected family and pristine home. In the past, I have known of godly women who purposefully make it a point to keep their homes 'imperfect' while having company to encourage the young ladies who visit ...what an encouragement, indeed!

And where shall I begin with imperfect children? Why, we all have them! They are the product of us--their imperfect parents. We should not be surprised when our children sin except be prepared for it so we can handle it biblically.

We do not want to ever fall into the trappings of pride. Prideful about our homes, our families our Christian walk, our material possessions, our so called 'good works'---it is the awful and seductive web of deceit that Satan spins enticing us throughout our days. I have heard it described as a yummy, enticing ice cream sundae---from afar you are tempted, its look soooo attractive with whip cream and cherry toppings. But as you get closer you see it for what it really is---it is not ice cream after all, instead you find that under all the whip cream, it was really manure! How could this be--what looked so great at a distance turned out to be a sham. And so how it is with Satan's allurement. It is but an ensnarement and a lie. At the end of the day, we need to ultimately measure ourselves through the eyes of Christ.

We need more grace and mercy towards one another. We have it with Christ, now we need to practice it...especially towards ourselves. So many of us are struggling right now with financial difficulties, layoffs, losing homes, and illnesses. Grace and mercy needs to be abundant in our lives. Our love needs to be evident and extended wholeheartedly in the way that Christ would want it, especially during difficult times.

I love to share what inspires me on this blog, but I never want even one of you to feel that you cannot measure up---these articles are here to encourage to help guide the way---to spur on, to inspire and most importantly--- give vision. Never to raise the bar so high that we feel we are miserably failing. NEVER!!! We need to take things with baby steps. Here a little there a little. Soon enough we will learn to 'walk' as we teach and train ourselves to do what is right and necessary to build a home that is pleasing to God.

It is with love that I share my heart on this blog, first to my children and then to you, my dear readers. May you always "hear" the undertones of this in my writings and know I am constantly praying for you. We are on this journey together--learning side by side--and what an honor to be able to do that with you...my dear friends...at the feet of Jesus.

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