Squirrel

What does this word conjure up for you? For me, the first thing I think of is the movie Up!. Have you seen it? It is a wonderful movie. There is one scene in particular where the main characters meet Dug the dog. Like most dogs, Dug is easily distracted by squirrels. Here....watch:



Perhaps you think of the furry, tree animal. They are cute. Somewhat. If you are into rodents. Which I am not. I don't like rodents. Not one bit. Especially when they want to make my home, theirs. That's what a particular squirrel has done.

The hubs and I were in the living room. Talking. We hear a noise. It's coming from upstairs. We investigate. It gets louder the higher we ascend. It's a gnawing. On wood. I go back to the main floor and retrieve a flashlight and step stool. The husband pushes back the trap door to the attic. Insulation and wood shavings drop from the opening. Yuck!

He cannot find the culprit but sees evidence of his intrusion. Tomorrow we are borrowing a couple of live traps. We are on the hunt for a squirrel. I'll keep you posted.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 15:13 (NKJV) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We Finally Have A New Home!!!

I just got off the phone with our Realtor and the sellers have agreed to the fixes that were noted in the home inspection. The appraisal has been ordered. Now we wait to close at the end of the month.

This is so not the house we set out looking for, but this is clearly the house God had prepared for us. He has planted a seed in my heart that this home will be a "magic" house; a haven where the love of Christ will be felt and realized by all who enter. Praise His wonderful name.

Here's a slide show of the house. These photos came from the listing and are kind of fuzzy when enlarged. I just couldn't wait to share. Once I have better pictures, I'll post them.

Thank you so much for all your prayers during our search. You are the best besties a friend could have because I know that today, This Day, you rejoice with me at God's provision.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Still Learning and Project 365

I'm caught up again on my picture posting at my photo blog, Shutter Clicks. Can you believe it? Half of 2009 has passed along with half our summer. Please stop by and see photos from the last two weeks.

Lessons about God providing a house in His timing continue for me....us. Today, I watched a Hallmark channel movie where a town was about to be taken over by a land grabber. Rather than give up their homes, the blew them up. They knew their houses could be rebuilt and that God would provide all their needs.

A house is just a house....it can be rebuilt and replaced. Whether it's a high-rise apartment in NYC, a condo in LA, or a log cabin in the mountains, it's still just a house. We make it a home.

May your home be blessed today, This Day, with the love of Jesus.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 12:4 (NKJV) And in that day you will say: “ Praise the LORD, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.

Joy in the Journey

I have started this post several times but just couldn't get the words to flow. Initially, I had the title as "House Update." Yet, I felt like that was all I was able to say. The offer we made was not accepted, and we continue our search for a house to buy. Thank you so much for your continued prayers in this matter.

My outlook turned from optimism to discouragement, and it has stayed there for several days. I needed to get my mind off what we didn't get and on to what God has done, is doing, and will do for us. To accomplish this changing of my thoughts, I'm concentrating on the joy of the journey and the type of place our home will be....not just for us but also for everyone who will cross the threshold.

My joy comes not from what is seen, but from what is not seen. That joy is the work God is doing behind the scenes to accomplish His plan and purpose for our lives. This is a time to discover the treasure of where God is leading us. The journey is not always a pleasant one as He hones us (me and hubby) to take us to the next level, preparing us for the home and mission He has in store for us.

Our desire is to have a home that is a place of order, peace, and safety. This home will nurture and burst with light, joy, and love. Where the presence of Jesus can be felt. When you walk thru the front door, you should be able to shut the door on the chaos, hatred, cruelty, and pressure of the outside world and into the light of His presence. Our home will reflect the love and joy, peace and gladness of our Father in heaven.

What is your home like? Is it a place of order or chaos? Is it a dark, depressing place lacking the light of life that lifts souls? Is your home filled with nasty looks, hurtful words, disrespect, and dishonor? Or when others come into your home can they feel Jesus there?

Shut the door on the world today, This Day, and walk into the light of His presence. You, too, will feel the joy of the journey.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 7:11 (NKJV) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!