Normally, the opposite happens.
Spending time on the Internet...eyeing decorating blogs...pinning fabulous kitchens/bathrooms/craft rooms...one can become green with envy...
...or overwhelmed by their very surroundings...the mounds of laundry...or toys scattered everywhere...or the unfinished decorating projects...
But the answer to true joy and happiness is contentment.
"...for I have learned, in whatever situation I am to be content."
Philippians 4:11 (ESV)
I wanted to cry.
The photo actually did do the place justice.
This house needs so much work.
So.much.work.
I didn't even photograph the interior.
It was too disheartening.
It is disappointing to me that people are not better stewards of God's gifts. This home was trashed on the inside. In fact, the previous owners did not even pack up a lot of their belongings. Medication bottles strewn around...clothing left in the closets...cat feces everywhere.
And then there is the structural damage...
...the farmhouse needs a new sceptic tank...the in-ground pool needs to be filled in or replace...the house sits on a slab foundation that is sinking...
Then I came home to this...
She's far from perfect...
...and my interior will never find itself gracing the pages of BH&G Magazine or spotlighted on any decor blogs...
...but it is my home.
Structurally sound. Built with hard work and determination. Decorated with love...and kid art!
I think God intended for me to see today's potential property to give me a wake-up call!
To be content with the situation that I currently find myself in...
...as a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children...married to a wonderfully hard-working (not perfect!) husband...and living in a gorgeous-to-me home. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
How about you...
...are you living a contented life?
Wishing you a peaceful Sunday night,
XXX OOO
I'm linking up with Charlotte over at
And Amy at Homestead Revival! Happy Barn Hopping!
And last, but certainly not least, Jordan from Lily White Designs!
THANK YOU Jordan for inviting me to join up with you today!
Following you from Spiritual Sundays. You are so blessed and viewing the mess that others have made to property (and lives) is sad, but can change our perspective at times. I have lived in grand houses, small apartments, and now in a mobile home, and I am content and happy. Perhaps the Lord willing you can have your chickens. In the meantime, use the butcher shop and the egg department at the grocery story! :-)
ReplyDeleteAh! I am so happy I stumbled across this blog! God has been dealing with making my heart fully satisfied in Him for some time now. Quite the humbling on going process, but so worth it.
ReplyDelete"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."-Psalm 16:11
xoxo, Jordan
We also have a blog hope going on. Would LOVE for you to post this to it. Thanks!
www.lilywhite-designs.com
This post really hit home for me. When I saw the photos of your home, I thought, oh my gosh, how lovely! And it's true. Your home is glorious, chickens or not. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Thanks so much for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteHello neighbor. You have a beautiful home with an awesome porch. It is so disappointing to see how properties with such potential are left to ruin. I feel so blessed everyday but sometimes need reminded of my blessings. I'm so happy to be a new follower.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog! Loved this post today. I struggle with the same thing...and that verse always reminds to be content and thankful for what I already have.
ReplyDeleteNew fan here via Homestead Revival. I love this post and hope one day you can keep chickens. I would love it if you'll come share at my weekly Farm Girl Blog Fest: http://fresh-eggs-daily.blogspot.com/2012/12/farm-girl-friday-blog-fest-12.html
ReplyDeleteWe blog about our small farm in Virginia where we raise chickens, ducks and horses as well as a spoiled barn cat.
Lisa
Fresh Eggs Daily
This is probably something everyone deals with at one time or another.
ReplyDeleteI know I do. I agree with Carla.
It's too bad that some can't take care of what they have.
Thanks for the shout about the Peanut Butter Muchies. Hope they were good.
Great idea adding the M&M's. YUM!!!
M :)
Content--it's a good way to live. I'm intentional about contentment--makes my heart happy!
ReplyDeleteWell said, Valerie! The grass is NOT always greener on the other side (or at another house, even if it does sit in the country).
ReplyDelete