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Extreme Makeover: Heart and Home Edition*

Jeannie Waters4 Comments on Extreme Makeover: Heart and Home Edition*

Ugly, black spider-like mold and wet floor joists dampened our enthusiasm. We had no idea destruction lurked behind the sheetrock until my husband removed the kitchen cabinets. Now, instead of creating the beautiful new decor we envisioned, progress halted as we assessed damage from an old pipe that had been secretly leaking.

We budgeted for new countertops, paint, and cabinets but elected to keep our ceramic tile floor to save money. Did you know that removing floor joists under cabinets can trigger cracks in ceramic tile? Yep! One problem led to another. A hidden issue had damaged a vital part of our home one layer at a time.

As a result, our renovation project took three extra months and more money for new flooring. Without a sink or dishwasher, we were grateful for a good insurance plan that allowed take-out dinners.

The restoration company removed damaged materials and ensured the area was dry and mold-free before reconstruction began. A small amount of moisture or mold spores left behind could have spread and jeopardized the integrity of the house. Home renovation projects are time-consuming and must include thorough cleansing of problem-causing culprits. Heart renovation is the same. Layers of worry, impatience, lack of self-control, jealousy, or other sins can lodge in our hearts like mold spores, then fester and spread into other areas. Unforgiveness can turn into bitterness, and pride can lead to self-centeredness. Sin left hidden can undermine our heart’s foundation.

When we want God to transform our hearts, we must spend time with Him in prayer as we study the Bible, His letter to us. Romans 12:2 teaches,

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (ESV).

As I pray for God to transform my heart, I’m enjoying a recently-published Bible study entitled Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character. I am honored to have two articles in this compilation which focuses on cooperating with God as He builds godly character into us.

Two of my favorite sections are “Repairing the Hidden Problems of Character” and “Constructing Character that Overcomes Life Issues. ” There are parts devoted to children, the fruit of the Spirit, and many other subjects.

This publication is perfect for group Bible study and includes a leader guide, but it is also ideal for personal reading. Answering questions at the end of each entry challenges me to apply principles I’m learning.

And now—to borrow a Paul Harvey term—”the rest of the kitchen story” . . .

After a parade of subcontractors, more financial commitment than we’d budgeted, and hundreds of paper plates, the sparkly “new” kitchen adds value to our home and makes food prep a joy. Once hidden issues were addressed, we built on a firm foundation.

Here’s an even better story:

God fills my heart with peace and joy as I yield to Him, the heart Builder, and invest the time and study needed for Him to cleanse and renovate my heart for His purpose. The hope of becoming more Christlike encourages me. As God changes us, we are better equipped to share encouragement and hope with others.

Please share below what helps you become more Christlike.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you decide to purchase the book via my link, I’ll receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) which will assist with blog costs.

Click on the book cover link to read more about this amazing resource.

The book is published by Lighthouse Bible Studies .

         

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

     –Psalm 51:10 ESV

*Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (television) was produced by ABC. The show was cancelled in 2012.

Three Ways to Bless Teachers as a New School Year Begins

Jeannie Waters

Vacation time has ended and back-to-school sales fill newspapers and websites. Arms laden with newly-purchased supplies, teachers are scurrying to prepare for a new school year. As a retired teacher, I know well the level of energy educators require, especially in August and September.

The work of preparation (lesson plans, family needs, bulletin boards, classroom design, data entry, meetings, committee work, and more) must take place BEFORE students arrive. Most teachers work long weekday hours and on weekends to ensure a smooth beginning and successful year.

Prayer is the most powerful way to influence the lives of educators and students.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

See my post about prayer for suggestions:

Three Ways YOU Can Influence the Lives of Hundreds: Pray for Schools in Your Community

Here are ideas for gifts, acts of kindness, and volunteer activities to encourage teachers you know or those you could meet at a neighborhood school:

Small gifts

  • a small vase of flowers or a green plant for Open House
  • personalized notepads, pencils, or bookmarks
  • gift card for morning coffee or afternoon smoothie
  • basket of healthy after school snacks (plus chocolate!)
  • pretty pencil holder, basket, or tote bag
  • muffins or donuts to share with team members

Acts of kindness

  • assisting with classroom set up or bulletin boards
  • preparing instructional materials
  • labeling folders and other supplies
  • arranging books and learning centers
  • assisting with nametags and backpacks
  • running errands

Volunteer activities

  • read to a class once a week
  • assist struggling readers
  • help with math practice
  • prepare instructional materials at home
  • tutor a high school student in your area of expertise
  • shelve library books
  • work in the school supply store
  • serve as a guest speaker
  • mentor a middle or high school student
  • help a student learning English
  • assist with art projects or musical productions

Each student deserves excellent teachers to guide and inspire them and each geographic area requires productive citizens and a competent work force. Without the dedication and expertise of local educators, how would our communities prosper? These dedicated professionals deserve our support.

                “Be kind to one another . . .”

                –Ephesians 4:32 ESV

How can you bless an educator this year? Please share in the comments section. See my post about praying for schools in your community:

Three Ways YOU Can Influence the Lives of Hundreds: Pray for Schools in Your Community

Back-to-School Teacher Support

Jeannie Waters

From the moment our son played on the playground and noticed the bright yellow doors, he was ready to start school. Chocolate brown eyes danced with excitement as he entered Mrs. Tippett’s kindergarten class.

Memories of a second-grade homework assignment make me smile. Not understanding that his teacher meant essay, he wrote a summary of his summer activities and titled the paper “My S. A.” (I didn’t say a word knowing it would give his teacher a smile.)

Our daughter, never one for the ordinary, chose either sparkly silver pencils or those with a Strawberry Shortcake motif for her school debut. Ponytail bouncing, she skipped in daily with enthusiasm.

My favorite school memory of her was the day she insisted on “taking” her brother for Show-and-Tell! (He obliged her.)

Like all parents, we wanted the best for our children. Hopes and dreams, and a few tummy butterflies dance in minds and hearts as a new year begins . . .

Wax-shined hallways abuzz with teacher prep and Open House questions

“Welcome Back” bulletin boards

Fresh-from-summer children and teens meeting friends

Parents with high hopes

Nervous newbies (students AND teachers)

Many factors contribute to a new school year ending successfully, but one of the most significant is the teacher-student relationship. Students know when teachers care.

How can we show local educators that we care about them and want to encourage them as they set out once again to foster a love of learning in students?

As a retired educator, I believe our first responsibility is to pray for students, parents, and school system employees including:

  • teachers
  • paraprofessionals
  • counselors
  • clerical staff
  • bus drivers
  • custodians
  • administrators
  • substitute teachers
  • board members

Let’s include public, private, church, and home schools. Whether you have children or grandchildren in school or not, teachers in your community will benefit from prayer support.

Here are suggestions for prayer topics:

  • home and family responsibilities at an incredibly busy time of year
  • physical health and safety for staff and students
  • relationships with students, parents, and colleagues
  • insight into individual differences
  • planning for instruction and meeting standards
  • flexibility and creativity

A simple card pledging to pray for them the first few weeks or regularly throughout the year will be a blessing. (Hint: A tray of cookies to accompany the card will add an energy boost and a smile.)

 

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.               

                                                                 –Colossians 4:2 ESV

 

See Gift Ideas of the Month, August 2018 for gifts

and acts of kindness to share with teachers.

Would you share below a memory of a teacher

who made a difference in your life?

At Home with Winsome Words

Jeannie Waters16 Comments on At Home with Winsome Words

Come on in the house.

I’m glad to see you.

You’re such a blessing to me.

I’m thankful you’re my friend.

God bless you.

You did such a good job!

Good night, sweetie.

Words matter. In fact, they can encourage, enlighten, and edify a person’s heart. Winsome words stir warm memories, make us think, inspire us, and extend welcome. Those are the ones I want to speak and display in my home.

Join me for a brief tour of our house to see some words I’ve chosen to display.

Well, y’all, I’m Southern and that’s what we say here. Doesn’t this greeting cultivate a sense of welcome?

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. –I Peter 4:8-9 ESV

 

Erin, my dear friend, asked me one day which accent colors I intended to use in a newly painted room. Months later, I found this treasure under my Christmas tree. Do you agree with the words she cross-stitched on this sampler?

10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. . . .19 We love because he first loved us.  –1 John 4:10, 19 ESV

 

This little piece of art in my kitchen reminds me to take concerns to God instead of worrying about them or uttering complaining words. Do you need reminders like I do?

Pray without ceasing. –1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

 

My sweet friend, Susan brought an assortment of pretty magnets to a birthday gathering for high school friends. This is the one I selected. Can you imagine how these words encourage me to focus on blessings?

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. –Psalm 118:24 ESV

 

From the time she was about four years old, our daughter would respond to “I love you,” with “Love you more.” What perfect words for this moment we shared just before her wedding! (I do love that girl . . .more!) Would you agree that the memory of  joyous words is worth capturing?

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. –Proverbs 17:22 ESV

 

This custom-made postcard sparks memories of my dear friend Lisa visiting from Kent, Ohio. We laughed a lot and prayed together. Time with friends is time well-spent. Which words come to mind when you think of dear friends?

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. –Proverbs 27:17 ESV

 

I enjoy sharing encouragement through words, acts of kindness, and meaningful gifts to brighten someone’s day. Knowing this, my talented friend Katy painted this canvas just for me. How can our words serve as blessings to other people?

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. –Proverbs 16:24 ESV

I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick “tour of words” in my home and that you’re thinking of ways to use words to bless others.

Your words will brighten my day!

In the comments below, please tell me if this post has been a blessing to you and how you use words in your home or conversation to encourage others.

Thank you for reading.

  

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold

in a setting of silver.

      –Proverbs 25:11 ESV

An Inviting Invitation

Jeannie Waters8 Comments on An Inviting Invitation

Anxious to join the festivities and meet Chelsea’s “Prince Charming,” my husband and I planned our 580 mile trip to witness the marriage of our oldest niece. The bride-to-be expressed appreciation that we’d accepted invitations to the rehearsal dinner and wedding.

The morning of her big day, my niece texted to say, “Aunt Jeannie, would you like to be here at two o’clock when I put on my wedding dress? You’ve known me all of my life. Only a few people have known me that long because we moved out of state when I was young. Please come if you can.”

“Yes, I’d love to,” was my immediate response.

As we headed to Chelsea’s house, memories surfaced. Yes, I’d known her all of her life. I’d attended a baby shower for my sister-in-law, and days later at the hospital, I held a tiny infant, my brother’s firstborn, moments after she was born. With a mop of dark hair and gorgeous eyes, she won our hearts instantly.

I watched her learn to walk, helped her play dress-up, observed her opening Christmas gifts, and talked with her on the phone each birthday of her life. I can almost hear her giggle when I browse family photos.

As with my own children, Chelsea’s growing up seemed to happen quickly. Her parents shared milestones as she progressed through school, played basketball, styled her friends’ hair, and accepted Christ (the best news of all.)

As she approached adulthood, she called and texted to share news about college, jobs, and starting her own business . When I received Chelsea’s high school graduation announcement, I was stunned to realize she was almost eighteen years old.

Now, a few years later, another invitation . . . to come watch her prepare for the most anticipated day of her life. I had expected the beautiful gold and cream colored card in the mail to give us wedding details, but this invitation was a gift that thrilled my heart. What an honor that she would include me in this special moment! (Her mom and three sisters were there to share the joy and assist her. She didn’t need my help; she wanted my presence.) My visit made the wedding even more special.

Printed or email invitations issued with love offer proof of acceptance and of someone desiring our company. They are often posted on the bulletin board or placed on the refrigerator with a magnet. They’re important and they’re meaningful. Even when we cannot attend an event, it’s nice to be included.

Spoken invitations promote friendships, family love, and a sense of welcome. Asking a new church member or employee to join us for lunch is inclusive and prevents isolation. Inviting an elderly relative or someone grieving the loss of a loved one to accompany us on a drive or share a meal can fill lonely hours. Simply requesting lunch with a friend allows us to share life with others and build close relationships. Does someone need your invitation this week?

As endearing as my niece’s invitation was, the greatest invitation I’ve received is one offered to each of us by God, an invitation to a life-long and eternal relationship with Him. John 1:12 (NKJV) reads, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” He invites us to accept Jesus, who paid for our sin on the cross, and give our life to Him as Savior and Lord . What an “inviting invitation!”

So, friends, confirm God’s invitation to you, his choice of you. Don’t put it off; do it now. Do this, and you’ll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.

–2 Peter 1:10 The Message

What special invitation have you received?
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Thank you for reading.