Comforts of Home

Spring is in the air here in North Carolina. Not sure how long it will stay, but it has been an absolutely glorious weekend!!

As most of you know, we have recently moved. It has taken us 2 months to get our house in order. When we bought it, it was in dire straits, but now we almost have it like we want it. Praise God!

Thanks to the beautiful weather we had this weekend, I finally got a jump on the outside of our new home. It was in rough shape. After a long hard look (allowed by the warm air and sunshine), I was able to determine what needed to be done in order to improve it. I spent all day yesterday raking mounds and mounds of leaves, shoveling dirt and moving rocks. Much to my surprise, we have a lovely patio that I wasn't sure even existed! I jokingly ran into the house and announced to my family that I had "found our backyard"! They were just as surprised as me when they went out to view my discovery! It is amazing what years of neglect can do to a property.

Our new house was most certainly neglected by it's previous owners, but lots of elbow grease, determination, and love, and it is slowing changing into a place that feels good to us; A place that feels like home, inside and out. When your life begins to feel not-so-great, maybe a few things are being neglected. Maybe now is a good time to step back and take a good hard look at your surroundings. Do you see your Creator anywhere? Have you been speaking to Him? Listening to Him? Neglecting Him? Sit a spell and have a one-on-one conversation with Him. You may just find a whole new place of comfort that you never even knew existed!

I am learning that home really is where the heart is. That sounds cliche', I know, but it is so true. Now that I have experienced living in 3 different places since December, I realize that home is not a structure or a building of any sort, it is wherever my family is with me. My family is what fills my heart. My God is what fills my heart. Both were with me every step of the way. Neither ever left me feeling neglected. For that I am truly thankful.

Here's wishing you determination, love and a heart filled with a sense of home.
Love and Blessings,
Starr

Evidence

"Tattoo Me On You". I remember hearing a Heavy Metal Christian song with those lyrics. Don't know who recorded it, but I really liked it. I can hum it it my head, but since you can't get in my head, I won't be able to sing it for you. Oh well.

I bring that up because my 19 year old son,Chase, got a tattoo today. Actually, I think it's pretty cool. This is a son that, as a child, had to be practically hog-tied to receive a shot or even a throat check from the doctor. Go figure.

It looks awesome! It is a cross with a treble clef running through it. That just says "Chase" to me. It tells the story of who he is. He is deeply devoted to Christ and to his love of music. He eagerly uses his musical gifts to glorify God and to worship Him in a profound way. If I had a digital camera that was working, I would take a picture of it for you. Maybe soon.

I know a lot of people have a variety of opinions when it comes to putting permanent markings on the body that God gave us. I do too. I don't think certain tattoos are appropriate at all. Nor do I think an over-abundant amount of them on one person is becoming. But,I am proud to the core that my son chose to demonstrate his love for God by permanently marking his arm with a distinguishing design that just says "I Love Jesus and I Will Serve Him With My Talents".

The tattoo shop we patronized is actually owned and operated by a member of our church. Isn't that amazing!? I would gladly recommend them to anyone who asked as they are very reliable and trustworthy to work with. It was just an entirely "God Thing" experience.

Brings to mind a verse from Galatians 6:17. "....I bear on my body the [brand] marks of the Lord Jesus Christ [the wounds, scars, and other outward evidence of persecutions-these testify to His ownership of me! " (AMP)

I'm sure Chase will be persecuted by some for having gotten the tattoo. I am more sure, though, that he will proudly display it as a banner of God's ownership of his soul and body. And, above all, I am sure glad that God blessed me with a son that I am pleased with; One who lives as an example of what God can accomplish in a life willing to surrender to Him.

What outward evidence of His ownership of you are you displaying today? Maybe it's your godly attitude. Maybe it's your smile or your willingness to help another human being. Think about it and be proud to wear that banner!!

Love and Blessings,
Starr

Snow Day

Frigid. Bright. Sunny. Mushy. This is today.

Lazy. Sleepy. Snug. Secure. Comfortable. This is today.

Entire family at home together. Unusual. This is today.

Missing my parents who are four hours away. This is today and this is tough.

Hungry. Bored. Burned out on television. This is today.

Breaking down to finally go play outside with my six year-old. This is hard on an old soul. This is today.

Refreshed. Glad to be alive. Vibrant in spirit. This is today.

This is good!

Here's hoping you the good comfy spot in your day.

Love and Blessings,
Starr