That has been my thoughts for the day.... 

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:11-12

Although, my Bible Reading (dug out My Utmost for His Highest) was:

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

John 15:3-7

The main topic was "Abide in Him" and what that means-- something I haven't considered in some time-- but it was timely for what my day held.

You see my day started with a phone call from our mortgage guy-- he said he had some urgent news.  (never good).   It turns out the mortgage underwriters--did not realize this house was in a flood plain, until we called to see if we could pay this yearly vs. escrow it in.... and now the house is a "NO GO" due to being in the 100year flood plain!!  .   Can I be honest though-- I was disappointed but at the same time I took a HUGE breath of almost relief.   I woke this morning to have my quiet time with the Lord and in that time-- I really cried out to him "Lord, I don't know if this house is the 'right house'...but you do-- Lord,  if it is your will, allow things to continue, if not Lord, may the crumble to pieces."   Yes, that is what I prayed-- and I confessed it to dh after telling him about our bad news phone call. 

So things were still actually a bit up in the air, as the mortgage guy was going to see if he could find something else for us-- and he did around 3:30- but it took $7000 more down at settlement and our payements were $150 more than we wanted-- so it was a NO GO.

So now what?   So now it is time to unpack-- and turn this home into our HAVEN.  How timely I had an e-mail from Laine - a re-run of Sharpening my Ax

I really enjoyed our church's sermon yesterday (a post on this subject soon, not tonight) as the beginning they start with "Case Law" and yesterday was in Exodus 22 and about the 'welfare system' very interesting-- and what we are to do when a need occurs, and how we are to handle it biblically.   There was then some connections with how much we 'need' our governement.. and how invovled they should / should not be according to scripture...very interesting stuff..... But when they talked about how we need to be able to help each other when a need arises...it made me think-- when we buy this house and have payments and repairs and all those things that come with OWNING a home-- will we be able to REALLY stick to our financial plans?  Will we get our debt (2) paid off quickly, will we be able to help other beleivers if the need arrises???  

After church during the meal (this church has a meal almost every Sunday after church, a really nice time of fellowship) I was talking with another woman...and we got to talking about how spoiled we are as "Americans"-- we really feel "entilted" to have a house (a big enough house, with air conditioning, a garage, etc) , a nice car, and on and on-- no where does the Bible promise us those things.....  In no study I've done on Financial Stewardship has it been said, that is the "goal"-- no the goal is to owe no-one...and to help advance the kingdom.

So that is where I am-- time to unpack the near 40+/- boxes I have packed-- time to make a few little improvements to make this house a bit more 'compact' and workable for a family of 7..... it can be done--  and with the right attitude-- it can be a HAVEN for my family.

Just see where we were at ALMOST this time last year.....  July 2, 2008     Happiness was BLISS!!! 

A few thoughts:

Working with What You Got

The Home: Our Haven