Rebuilding the House

Our Pastor is giving a series of sermons right now called Extreme Makeover. It is hitting home hard and I so appreciate his willingness to step out and talk about real, hard issues AND how to resolve them. God wants to rebuild the house (us) from the ground up. Pastor Mark likened it to the TV show Extreme Makeover Home Edition. In just about every case now, they completely demolish the old house and build a new one on a new foundation from the ground up. This is what God wants to do in my and every one of His kids' life. There's no duct taping, patching, bracing and painting just to make due and make it look new. No. He wants to build fresh, with strong materials, protective coverings and beautiful finishes. My house is battered and worn with life's pains and has been sadly neglected. I feel kind of like the house pictured above. I am currently in the demolition phase and am finding it a very painful but hopeful process. In the end, if I cooperate, I expect some great results. As we give away or throw away the majority of our earthly possessions I am seeing it now as a demolition of the old, painful life I am leaving behind, preparing for the new life that will be revealed. It will certainly make moving cross country easier if that is what is to be. Thanks to everyone on Lopez who has wittingly or unwittingly contributed to our preparation for such a time as this. The memories of our friends and church family and knowing they have not forgotten but continue to hold us up in prayer are a rock for us during this time and will help us see things through. And to my parents for helping us with all the details. We are forever grateful and we love you all.