Monday Blueprint Madness

These days I feel like I'm parked on a steep incline, investing energy just to stay in place.

Whoever planned this neighborhood didn't seem to think about the connections between home and the world. Is everything on the same plane? Or at least close enough to transition between the two with grace?

This image gives a whole new meaning to the idea of sliding into your day.

Monday Blueprint Madness

When a dear friend forwarded this image to me, I was struck by a moment of introspection. It seems the owners have closed up this room, sealed it for whatever purpose, painted it up pretty and added ventilation to keep it cool. Closed off from the world but livable. No biggie, right?

But don't we sometimes take the same measures with our lives and our hearts? Do we establish secret places that we close off from the world or from God? We can paint it up pretty but there's no light and fresh air. How much better to be open to the world and open to God - letting light in and letting the world see in. God sees inside of us whether we hide or not. God wants us to be in the world, giving of ourselves and receiving by his will.

Don't close yourself off. No matter how much you pretty it up, there are signs (steps, boarded up windows) that tell us we're missing something!

Peace,

Monday Blueprint Madness

This staircase makes me think about trust. You would only take these stairs once before you realized that a descent here is futile. You would not keep taking these stairs hoping that one day you'll find the path clear to some pleasant destination.

How differently we approach relationships. We will engage over and over again with people who've proven themselves NOT trustworthy hoping each time that the trip will turn out to be rewarding.

In some cases the investment is worthwhile. I'm working on training our youngest to be truthful and honest; teaching him that the penalty for lying is worse than the penalty for whatever he felt compelled to lie about. At 15, he's a little old for this - but it's never too late. I trust that he will learn the importance of establishing and maintaining trust. No matter how difficult the truth is, it is better to share a painful truth than to fall into disuse, considered worthless and untrustworthy.

In our relationships, we are not rigid and constant but we are fluid and dynamic; ever changing and eternally capable of redefining ourselves and rewriting our scripted responses to others. And this, my friends, is truly a blessing.

Monday Blueprint Madness

This is a cleverly integrated stairwell/bookcase. It appeals to me because there is no waste. This is how my life feels right now. Nothing wasted. Every minute is busy and occupied. Hopefully that which occupies my time is worthwhile. Sometimes I wonder.

I've been thinking about my compulsion to reach my destination rather than enjoy the journey. I've been taking the stairs at work (4 flights) instead of the elevator. It's good exercise, surely. I wonder how much different the experience would be if I were climbing a stairwell lined with books. Initially, I'm sure I would slow down. My ADD nature would cause me to stop and look at titles, occasionally pulling a book off the shelf and considering its merits. I have a stack of "to-reads" to prove that I'm easily baited.

How many trips up/down the stairs would it take for me to become numb to the color, texture, thickness, height...the overwhelming variety of tempting treasures? How long before I became immune to the distraction and returned my focus to the destination? The door at the top of the stairs that takes me to my office or the door at the bottom that leads to freedom at the end of the day - they too easily become the center of my thoughts.

Life is similar. What's next for me? What's behind the door at the top of the stairs? I'm learning the importance of taking in my environment, considering the colors and shapes of all that surround me. Appreciating and stopping to investigate that which intrigues and titillates. Slowing down and not being in such an all-fired rush all of the time.

God, help me to enjoy the journey of this life and to stop speeding through it in my rush to my next destination. Thank you for all that you put before me to distract me and to give me pause.
Amen.

Monday Blueprint Madness

This morning I've been thinking about honesty and the importance of presenting things as they are. It doesn't matter how this mantle is situated, it doesn't change the location of the fireplace. Reality doesn't change as a function of how we present ourselves.

I've found myself challenged recently by the need to reflect back to an individual a reality in which they are off-center. I believe it is important for them to know they are off-center. I don't think it's fair to surprise people with the consequences of their imbalance without first making them aware of the situation. This fireplace can do nothing about its situation. As individuals, we can. Through prayer we can access the Almighty and through Him all things are possible. Whether the individual changes or his circumstances change - I'm hopeful.

And for myself, I pray that I am an effective mirror - reflecting in truth the reality that needs to be shared.

Monday Blueprint Madness

If you think I'm going to mock the contractors here, you're wrong. I think this exemplifies perfect faith. "Trust God and obey, even if you don't understand."

Do you have enough faith to do something that seems silly ... maybe even incomprehensible? Are you willing to be ridiculed by your peers? How about your boss?

These days I am trying to wholly and completely trust in the LORD and walk in faith. Today I prayed about my blog's makeover. Silly? Maybe. Mundane? Probably. Not something I'm likely to be mocked over. Not like building an ark during a drought. Whether I'm working on something big or something little, I trust God has the master drawings - the blueprints of our lives. Even if I don't fully understand the orders, I'm stepping out in faith.

The more I read the Old Testament, the deeper my faith. Ironically that means that stepping out in faith feels a lot less risky and daring than it used to. May I always be willing to act faithfully, even if my actions seem incomprehensible to others.

Praise His name!

Monday Blueprint Madness

Yet another ill-conceived bathroom brings to mind an important principle of life: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

I'm not saying that life is in the toilet! Don't get me wrong - I believe that sometimes taking the narrow road is difficult but necessary.

Today I was able to participate in most of the 4 sessions for Day 1 of "A Woman Inspired." There were many interruptions on my end and occasional technical difficulties - but I am truly blessed to be able to join this forum. I'm uplifted by the message of faith shared amongst the women participants. It's a narrow road I'm walking and I'm grateful for every minute of it.

Monday Blueprint Madness

In the beginning God said, "It is not good for man to be alone, I will make a companion for him."

...but there is such a thing as too close a companion, wouldn't you say?

Matthew tells us that where 2 or more are gathered, Christ is with us. That said, there are times when it is more appropriate to pray alone.

Monday Blueprint Madness

I'm continuing on the theme of upward spirals. What fabulously atypical spiral staircases. In the middle of an airy room (right image), you step into a chamber of shadows. One step at a time, in semi-darkness, in a tight circle of upward mobility...stepping up in faith.

The double-spiral is also interesting. You can't tell who else might be ascending or descending beside you.

I'm fascinated by the images. What a wonderful feat of architecture - to allow ascension without taking up much "real estate."

Spiritually, our own ascension can take place without adding or detracting from our environments. We should not consider this acceptable, no matter how common.


No matter whether our spiral staircase is grand or simple, we should plan to make an impact. It's not enough to slip quietly from view! We need to be proud of who we are. We need to bring light into the world. Declare yourself! Step out in faith!

Happy Memorial Day! In recognition for all who stepped out in faith and courage, losing their lives to protect our freedom and/or to support the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Monday Blueprint Madness

It seems that in some houses the builder thinks to himself (or herself) "Gee, since I've already got plumbing here, I might as well take advantage of the waterlines." It's not unusual to group a toilet with a shower, but to throw in a washer and dryer? Why? Just because you can?

I'm reminded of the times in my life when I've wandered without purpose. Doing things because I can, not because they make sense or they are part of a greater strategy. At one point I wanted to be an interior decorator. Hubby likes to bring this up whenever we talk about my future as a writer. He says "it's not like when you wanted to be an interior decorator." He doesn't really articulate how it's different but I think I know.

One other element of this misguided bath/utility room that strikes me as a common misstep in life...the clock on the wall. How easy it is to sense the relentless passing of time and to feel the need to rush through - jumping from where we are today in our sincere desire to be where we think we should be tomorrow.

God, help me to know Your purpose for me. Whether or not I know Your will for me, don't let me be distracted by things that I *can* do, if those things are not in line with Your goals for me. Help me to embrace the journey. Grant me patience through the growth process. Help me appreciate learning and developing the skills needed to fulfill Your purpose, Your will, in Your time.

Amen.

Monday Blueprint Madness

On the heels of Mother's Day, I thought it appropriate to share the "Mother Goose" building. I couldn't find any scriptural references to geese explicitly, but the Psalms make several references to being under the protection of God's wings.

He offers protection like a mother hen. God is more than our Father - He is also our Mother!

Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Praise Him! I will gladly nestle in the warmth and comfort found beneath his loving wings. He is faithful in his protection of us. Today I took another step in faith, delivering a hand-written apology to someone I was short with on Friday. Maybe that doesn't sound like a big deal, but in my work environment - "never show weakness" is the motto. But I'm determined to set an example based on God's desires and direction for me. "Be humble," He says. And so I shook off my pride and said "I'm sorry." Tonight, I'll nestle into the safe place behind my shield and rampart. Tomorrow is another day.

Monday Blueprint Madness

This real estate listing has 1 bedroom, 1 bath, a living room and a breakfast nook with a stove/oven. What more could a person need? It has everything. Private. Neat. Set apart from the world. Very tranquil, indeed. Only $850/month.

I'm not too sure about the stairs, though. I think getting the groceries up the ladder might be a bit of a challenge. This loft is described as "a separate part of a single family home."

I'm reminded of how, at times, we set God off in a separate part of our lives. He can stay in the loft, out in the back corner of the lot. Maybe He's somewhere quiet and peaceful that we can seek out when life is troubling or complicated. Maybe we have to be very committed to the effort to spend time with Him. Willing to climb a rickety ladder. Willing to put ourselves "out on a limb."

Or, we could invite God into our lives. Let Him walk with us, sleep with us, watch TV with us, eat with us, work with us, Twitter with us, Blog with us....you get the idea. Then that precariously perched loft will be available for rent payers.

Don't leave God sitting alone waiting for you in that quiet tranquil place. Let Him bring His peace to you, into the midst of the chaos and madness that is our world today. I dare you. I'm doing it. One day at a time I'm transforming my heart, my mind, my spirit; truly giving myself to God. And He is giving Himself to me. And I am wholly blessed and redeemed.

Amen.

Monday Blueprint Madness

You know, they do say **it rolls downhill...

Following on last week's theme of poorly placed potties, I thought I'd highlight this throne. Maybe it's the purple walls, maybe it's the ascent, but never has a toilet so conveyed such a sense of supremacy.

The message today is this: "Don't become arrogant and hardened with pride, lest you be deposed and stripped of your glory." (based on Daniel 5:20)

Monday Blueprint Madness

I'm amused by the horrors posted on Lovely Listings. I'm finding this to be a pot o' gold for funny pictures, although not all are blueprint goofs. Fortunately, there are a few I can pick on. Here's one that made me giggle:

Is this really for people with ultra-long legs? The average joe will be left with their footsies swinging. Orienting this potty back to the wall would make a little more sense....but not much. This is next to the hot water heater, right? Is the water heater really in the shower?

It does look like maybe the toilet has been pulled from its original position and left sitting there for someone else to deal with, but I'm not sure I would have included this photo in my on-line sales pitch.

In case you think the Bible doesn't have anything to say about bathrooms: "Designate a place ... where you can go to relieve yourself." (Deuteronomy 23:12) This is a good tip in general for homeowners. Bathrooms should be dedicated, not combined with utility rooms or other functional areas. And if your bathroom is a fixer-upper, don't include photos that reflect the impossible nature of the work to be done!

Peace,

Monday Blueprint Madness

I'm not sure why someone deemed it necessary to fill these openings with cinder blocks, but I'm reminded of the two ways we block God in or out of our lives.

First, the obvious: all of us, at one time or another, have probably blocked God out of our lives. Especially if we're doing something (i.e. "enjoying a lifestyle") that we believe God would reject. If you've spent any time at all in the Old Testament, you know that when God is angry, bad things happen.

Because God has given us the freedom to choose Him (the power is in the choosing!) we are also free to ignore Him - to hold our hands over our ears and sing "la la la la la" as if we can outlast His persistent will for us. We can busy ourselves with our lives and not give Him a second thought. We can put cinder block across any mental openings to ensure that His will can be denied. I've done this. I know how it goes.

We can also close God "in" by defining Him in such a way that we are comfortable. Yesterday our church was packed to the rafters. I'm hoping that some of the newcomers are not just "Chreasters." I'm hoping that they felt the Spirit moving in our midst and that they feel called to return to our blessed congregation. That having sipped from the well they recognize that God's son is the only source of the living water. Interesting that so many people celebrate his birth and his re-birth, but they miss out on celebrating his life. They've put God in a box that they visit once or twice a year. They might think about God once in a while, but they don't recognize the life changing presence (or maybe they fear the impact of embracing the Spirit?).

Have you boxed God in or closed God out? Are you willing to let God fulfill his promise to you? He has told us that if you seek Him, you will find Him. If you knock, the door will be opened. No amount of cinder block can keep Him from you. Invite Him in (or let Him out of confinement) and He will not just open the doors, He will blow down the walls.

Alleluia!!!

Monday Blueprint Madness

Paul's advice to Timothy is applicable to us today.
"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

Or...if you choose to neglect your gifts, they can rust and become overgrown - a loss for all. There is no pleasure in witnessing a gift that is lost to disuse. It is a tragedy for all.

God, help us to discern the gifts you have given to us. Help us to be guided by your wisdom, sent to us through the Spirit. Help us to be diligent, giving ourselves wholly to you and submitting to your will for us. Let us bear witness to your grace, so that others can benefit from our efforts.

Amen.

Monday Blueprint Madness

Technically, this is art.

Sometimes, as I wend my way through life, I feel like I'm living something similar. Ups and downs, not getting anywhere even though my perspective is changing and I seem to be working hard.

I've been looping back a lot lately. Playing the same conversations over again. Not replaying dialogues like we do after a weird conversation. No, I mean self-talk ... arguing internally. Talking to my soul.

Maybe this sense of deja vu is the result of weeding the same flower beds, pruning the same trees, going over the same ground I've gone over before.

Meanwhile, I'm working up the nerve to try something different. To trust God's guidance as I leave the track I'm on and venture out into new territory. The Holy Spirit gives us power to do things we never dreamed. There's comfort in the paths we know. The familiar places make us feel strong and confident. But me, I'm talking to myself. Telling my soul, "Be strong. Rest in the knowledge of God's love. Trust Him. Step out in faith."

Praise God!

Monday Blueprint Madness

We had a family reunion of sorts this evening; all but the oldest gathered together for dinner. Middle daughter, accompanied by spouse and our precious 9-month old grandson. Youngest daughter visiting during Spring Break. And or course, our 14YO son, who still lives at home.

At the moment, I'm home alone, sipping wine and trying to unwind. Our son went to spend the night with youngest daughter at her home-away-from-home...where she went to live when she moved out on the eve of her 18th birthday. Hubby is giving middle daughter, SIL and g-son a ride to the MIL's 1 bedroom apartment, where md, SIL and g-son live.

My nerves are about shot. Mostly from the effort needed to keep my mouth shut without clenching my jaw. For instance, Hubby mentioned that he wants to put an island into the kitchen. MD says "Don't do that! You should be giving $ to your g-son so we have $ to buy food." She's not working, but SIL is working...almost full-time. Or like when she told us we should quit being hard on our youngest.

Middle daughter is at the age where she knows much more about parenting than we do and is giving us advice. Hubby engaged, I ignored. So much more fun to coo with the g-son than to debate parenting techniques with a know-it-all 20YO.

But it got me thinking about perspective and I decided today's image for "Blueprint Madness" should be a reflection on perspective.

Monday Blueprint Madness

I love the images of doors that cannot be opened. Doors that have been permanently sealed. Re-engineered. Locked, never to be unlocked. This is not the simple matter of a massive stone that can be rolled back. This is a door that has been closed to all who desire to enter.

How different is our path to light and life? Knock and it shall be opened.

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

These words lift my heart and my soul. Having recently read the oppressing words in Leviticus, I can tell you that pages and pages are devoted to the creation of the temple that traveled with the Israelites as they wandered the desert. The temple that housed the Arc of the Covenant, the place where Moses and Aaron communed with God. The holiest of Holies. The "most holy place"....until we were saved. Then, through the blood of Christ, we are granted a spiritual meeting with God in the Most Holy Place that can be found anywhere, any time - in our direct, sanctified communion with Him.

In the Old Testament, the temple was finally built as a permanent structure in Jerusalem. In the New Testament we see that the Priests have become corrupt with power. Money changers and vendors work there. Jesus preached there. And when Christ died, the temple curtain was torn and the rules changed. We don't need pages and pages of rules telling us how we can safely approach God. Our faith and our pure love of Jesus throws open the doors and invites us in to the blessed inner chambers of our Lord. Alleluia!

God, I pray that I never take for granted Your blessed presence. I know that we value the things we have to work for. A relationship with You is a gift, but it does not come without effort. May I always find the time and energy to focus on You. To put the effort in to seeking You and listening for You. You made the ultimate sacrifice for us - Your son. There is nothing we can sacrifice that compares, and yet You ask nothing of us but our devotion to You. Help me to maintain that perspective. Your greatness is beyond measure. If ever I believe the door is closed, help me to open my eyes and see the torn curtain and the path opened by the blood of Your crucified son.

Amen.

Monday Blueprint Madness

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10)

The door may not be where you think it should be. You may need to stand on a chair. But if you ask, if you seek, if you are persistent and determined in your quest, you will be rewarded.

Blessings,