Do you like DIY projects?

Do you ever watch DIY or home remodeling TV shows?

Flip or Flop * Property Brothers * Love it or List it * Rehab Addict *Good Bones * Fixer Upper

I do. I am also addicted to house hunters especially in destination locations. I like to see how much things cost, and what the areas look like. To me it is kinda like traveling from the luxury of my recliner on the budget of the TV bill. Not sure about your TV bill, but it is at least a one night stay somewhere each month. Do you not think so?

Do you have a DIY project you are currently working on or would love to have done? Sometimes things just need a change or renewal or refreshing. Sometimes things get old and drab- worn out. Things start to peel, crack, wrinkle or fall apart. Sometimes we like to keep up with the trends. Like the famous olive green appliances, pink tile, blue & white ducks, roosters, or stainless shiney. You cannot forget the subway tile era. You know, the country chic, shiplap, contemporary, or vintage? Some times we might worry that the crome is out of style and we need to upgrade to copper hardware or fixtures. Those of us that are experts know, the trend is open concept… take down those walls, with the kitchen being the heart of the home.

Maybe your desire is to clean out that closet or clear the clutter, and quit sweeping those dust bunnies under the rug. Whereever you may be on your journey to remodel or clean-out projects, I am sure you are ready for the end result.

Let’s switch gears and think about ourselves in the perspective of DIY projects. Is there anything that needs to be refreshed or cleaned out or remodeled when it comes to our lives and how we carry ourselves or how we act? Are you ready for new results. I am not talking about adding a fresh coat of paint to your face….. although that little bottle of Double Wear from Estee Lauder is more expensive than a gallon of paint! Not to forget about the brush you need to paint it on..

Is there something that we need to quit sweeping under the rug? Are we the heart of our home, do we have an open concept when it comes to sharing our testimony or what do people “see” when they observe our space? Do we constantly think, we must keep up with the trends at ALL COSTS$? Are we falling apart, worn out, are we worried about those skeletons in our closet that we are hiding and we desperately want them removed?

Guess what? You have all the help you need. You do not have to do it yourself. I can tell you that God can not only meet you at the point of your remodel, he can coordinate it and provide that help you need… it is already paid in full. If you need a jumpstart read this from 1 Corinthians 6:15-20:

¹⁷ But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. ¹⁸ Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. ¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? ²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

I would like for you to think about this:

My life is unique and should not be compared to yours. Who likes green grass, not to mention a beautiful manicured lawn? I heard once, that grass is never greener on the other side if you tend to, or nurture your own. Can you imadgine how much better you will feel when you can see change or fresh renewal? Would it not be nice to know that when you open that closet, a bunch of stuff will not fall out on you? I am thankful that God continues to clean my closets and runs to my aid when I am falling apart or need a new look or perspective on life- my life. Or maybe it is just the need for a little rest from all of my ‘projects that I am sure I over’thunk.

Our heavenly Father is the best partner for all of those projects. All you have to do is invite Him in, provide a little hands on labor, focus, lots of patience and He will direct your paths.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7

Don’t worry if you started your project and did not finish it.. He can come to your rescue to get you back on track. Did you set it aside because you realized it was more than you can do on your own? You thought you were a little more qualified than you actually are? Are you worn out? Are you confused?

²⁸ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Do you have a dirty ‘house or remodeling that needs your attention? How do you start?

8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

Are you ready for a change? All you have to do is pray the following:

At this point, are you doubting that your self renewal is too big or too little of a project to even get started? No Mam or sir… remind yourself of this: Don’t skip this orange box.. that we will call Isaiah 43: 1-9.

1But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel:“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name;You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west; 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth—7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” 8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears. 9 Let all the nations be gathered together, And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, And show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say, “It is truth.”

…. Ok. If you did not read the entire box, you are missing out… so here is another one…. Make sure you read this one.

18 “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19

Just something to think about.

All my love and HIS – Lauren

PS Don’t forget you are the pineapple of His eye!