New Homes

The Lordship Of Christ In Our Homes

May God’s peace be upon this house
That God has blessed you with
A home that reflects His awesome love
And the grace He freely gives

May it be a home with open doors
That welcomes strangers in
And makes them feel loved and accepted
Knowing that God dwells within

Our homes should be more than a house
Where we live day by day
It should be a place where God can reign
And precious memories are made

For as we establish in our homes
The Lordship of Jesus Christ
We invite His presence to come and dwell
And fill each room inside

So as we continue to lift up the Lord
In every part of our lives
It’s then our homes will reflect the faith
And hope we have in Christ

© By M.S.Lowndes

After a wonderful week in sunny Ontario for our friends Krista and Andrew's wedding, we have arrived back in BC. It was harder to leave this time knowing that we wont be seeing most people until Christmas now. I was thankful that I had the opportunity to see the new homes of two of my best friends, Brenda and Krista. There's something so neat about moving into a new place. It's more than the excitement of organizing a new space and transforming an empty pallet to a homey place where people want to be. It's the mystery and the anticipation of all that will happen in that new home. The memories, meaningful conversations,  and life changing moments that will take place between those walls in the years to come.  As you explore the neighborhood, you are encountering many new faces, each acquaintance has the potential to develop into a friendship. Who will be the people that you will walk closely with?

As We moved into our new place here in Chilliwack, I found myself asking God "How can you use me in this room? What can you teach me in this place? What are your plans for these spaces Lord?"  I'm so thankful for the ways God has already showed us how he would like us to use our home to further his kingdom, serve our neighbors,  care for little people, welcome strangers, and to provide a place of comfort to the hurting.  Now, is the tough part for me- listening, waiting, and acting in his timing.  Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." This is a verse that has always been a struggle for me. When God shows me a glimpse of his will or a snap shot of his plans for me, I just forge forward often forgetting who gave me the idea's in the first place. I am so eager and excited to see what's next that I forget to pursue God for the direction of how to get there. So, to combat my constant struggle to self-direct and take charge, I've decided to plaster my house with verses that have often served to remind me to walk in his ways.... here are just a few.

Isaiah 48:17b

"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."

Proverbs 16:9 

"The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps."

Proverbs 19:21 

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

Please, feel free to check in and ask me how I am doing with pursuing God's plans for our home. I crave accountability as there are few people who know me well enough ask the tough questions.  I covet your prayers as I wait on God's timing and direction for the relationships I am intended to invest in and the use of my time. I am so thankful that my role as wife and mother is a constant during this new beginning.