Haven at Home Happenings and Lessons Therein

"... For what is your life? It is even a vapour,
that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
~ James 4:14


How quickly time seems to pass in this life.
Here we are at the end of another week
and I sit recalling the events...

After the new year weekend,
my beloved did not have to work Monday
so we enjoyed having him home.
As he went to the commisary with the younger children,
I was able to get some deep cleaning done,
working to dust and scrub corners
and those places that are not easily seen
and do not get cleaned regularly.

As I write, I think about how the Holy Spirit, too,
was doing some dusting and scrubbing in my heart,
those places that are not easily seen and regularly cleaned.
He guided me through a painful growth spurt this week,
as more of the dirt and grime, the sin, in my heart was revealed
by His wiping the dust away so I could see it
and was cleansed by His beautiful forgiveness.
"Wash me throughly from mine iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin."
~ Psalm 51:2
I may not look at cleaning our home the same, again.

In addition to the cleaning,
I spent much time organizing my secretary desk and dry sink.
It's amazing how long and tedious organizing can seem
but how much easier it can be to function afterwards ...
after opening that area that needs to be organized,
digging thoroughly through the area so you can
examine, purge, sort, put in order...
I need more order in my life, as well as in my desk
and the Holy Spirit was gently reminding me of that
as I spent hours doing the task.
"Let all things be done decently and in order."
~ 1 Corinthians 14:40


Early Tuesday morning, we had the privilege
of going to Daddy's work to attend his promotion!
This promotion is an answer to prayer
and we are rejoicing in this reward for Daddy's hard work.
Will and I, together, pinned on Daddy's Master Sergeant chevrons.



Thank you, LORD!
"For promotion cometh neither from the east,
nor from the west, nor from the south.
But God is the judge:
he putteth down one, and setteth up another."
~ Psalm 75:6-7


After a quick trip to the commisary,
the rest of the afternoon was spent cozily at home...










Wednesday was spent at home,
aside from our church service in the evening.
And it was a day of spiritual breakdown,

surrender, and revival for me.
A glorious work, answer to prayer,
and victory from the LORD.
I was faced with the realization
of some things about myself
that I would have, in many ways, liked to ignored.
But I am glad that God is Faithful...
Faithful in opening my eyes...
Faithful in teaching me, changing me...
Faithful in forgiving me, loving me.

This day involved many bitter tears,
verbal apologies to my children,
deep conversation with my eldest,
hugs, forgiveness, smiles, joy, peace,
growing in faith, and a fresh start.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me."
~ Psalm 51:10

We enjoyed the afternoon together
and I even enjoyed coloring with the children, as did Ally...


I was reminded how I do like to color. ;o)

That evening, in church, Pastor gave to Ally
a package that he had received
from a missionary family in Greece!
It thrilled my heart to see
this answer to prayer for Ally.
We look forward to watching
their presentation today as a family.
Also, that evening, my beloved shared with me
some of the things that may be happening
with this new promotion.
They will be moving him to another unit (likely local)
and with that unit will likely be
orders for deployment in the fall.
And before that, he will be absent a lot due to training.
With the Holy Spirit's help, I was able to accept it well.
We have been blessed with having Daddy home
for the past two years and we are thankful.
We understand Jehovah is the One in control
and are thankful that He is.


Thursday was spent preparing a package or two to mail,
talking with my mama on the phone,
and, then, errands in the afternoon,
including Beth's violin lesson.
She is learning her first hymn, "Holy! Holy! Holy!".
This is our goal in learning how to play an instrument...
to use it for God's honor and glory.
It has been a blessing to hear her practice this song.

In the afternoon, I worked on a lesson
for our upcoming Keepers of the Faith group.
The lesson was on contentment...
and it is not only for the children, it was for me, as well.
I was reminded of Jesus' perfect example.
How He was God and left Heaven
to be born on Earth.
How so many did not love Him,
mocked Him, were cruel to Him,
He served others day and night,
He got little rest or time to Himself,
He didn't have time for fun, games, or vacations,
He didn't have a lot of clothes, money, or even a home.
His own people rejected Him and He was beaten
and even crucified on the cross, YET, HE was content.
There is no record of Him complaining
that it was too cold or hot, that there was enough to eat,
or that people did not treat Him kindly.
He was/is the Perfect Example!

It was, also, comforting to be reminded
that even Paul had to LEARN contentment.
Godly character habits take time and effort.
It is a choice to be content. And it takes practice.
"... for I have learned,
in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
~ Philippians 4:11

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."
~ 1 Timothy 6:6


In the evening and late into the night,
I cut out and sewed Carolynne's birthday dress.
Ally sacrificed her sleep (more than willingly)
to keep me company.
We enjoyed our time together.


Friday was spent with friends.
During the day, the mamas worked on
schedules and lesson plans while the children played together.
In the evening, we all enjoyed fellowship,
sourdough pizza, and celebrating Carolynne's birthday!




I give thanks to the LORD for the week He gave
and the lessons therein.


"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits,
even the God of our salvation. Selah."
~ Psalm 68:19