i just want to share one thing that happened during this past 4 weeks (can i only share one? let's see at the end of this post!!) ...
when leo and i were just 2 starry eyed kids ... we built a house ... we cleared the land, made a road, put in the septic field, dug a well ... then our church family came out for an old-fashionged barn raising - or house raising! it was truly an exciting time in our young lives ... we'd been married for 4 years and leo had been a christian for a year ... we were enjoying our little country church and the warm, loving folks who made us a part of their family ...
and we really loved our chalet type home ... we entertained A LOT in those days ... all kinds of people ... from all walks of life ... we had dedicated our home to the Lord, so it was open to all ... when we sold it - we walked away with tons of good memories ...
this is what our home looked like then ...
and this is what it looks like as of a few weeks ago ...
our old neighbour called to say it had burnt to the ground ... even though we had sold it decades ago ... it still felt sad to have this labour of love gone in such a horrible way ... thankfully no one was at home and no one was hurt!
which made me think of Jesus words: "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" ... "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." ...
the old saying of "here today, gone tomorrow" sure does apply to the material things of this world ... it was a very good time for a heart inventory ... where am i storing my treasures?
12 comments:
I'm sorry! When you put a lot of yourself into something, it's hard to see it gone, even when it's no longer yours.
I know your treasure was not in that house, or in earthly things and that certainly makes it easier!
Oh Saija, what a shock to scroll down and see the second picture! I know that both of you built that home out of pure love. I'm so glad that no one was hurt..or even worse in the fire.
You are so right..where are we storing our treasures? Like your beautiful home, our time on this earth is so temporary. I realize the truth of this more and more every day.
I'm glad you had your time there, memories made, frienship and fellowships shared.
Sorry :o( but yes His word tells us ALL our works will be tested by fire. Thanks for the reminder. By the way, I've been missing you :o) Glad to see you post, even if it had to be about sadness.
Dear Saija,
Even if you had sold the house and bought a new, suitable for Leo and you as things are now, I know the feeling of all that love, hours and spirit of creation you put in your former house, must have made you feel devastated when your work burned down.
I can feel deep sorrow over a building I do not own either burns or is torn down. (Like my grandfather's home were.)
I see nothing unchristian in that.
We pray with Moses, in psalm 90 "17 And let the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us;
establish Thou also upon us the work of our hands; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it."
We pray for the blessing of the works of our hands.
I think that is nice and right.
We also know that we shall not be here forever, and we are longing to come home to heaven.
No contradiction.
Just now Gunnar is working hard to find a solution as he is fixing the bath in the flat.
I pray the Lord bless the work of his mind and hands.
And I pray for you to get to peace with the loved house you have in fact lost twice.
May his peace fill you both.
From Felisol
Dear Saija, sorry sorry to see the way your lovely home was burnt to the ground. Even though you were not living in it it held such precious memories for you. I can sympathize with your shock and sadness.
Oh, Dear, it was so pretty, and I know it is sad for you to see it like that. Thanks for sharing those thoughts. They are something to think about. Love you my friend ~
Oh no! I'm so sorry this happened. I'm glad you still have your precious memories, though. Years and years ago, the two houses where Tom and I lived when we met both burned down within a year of each other. They were in totally different parts of town from each other. At that time I also thought of the things you mentioned in your post. As they say, "Some day it's *all* gonna burn." (Tom and I repeat that to each other when we see each other craving more stuff!) :) Blessings, Debra
Your house was beautiful, as are the memories from those times.
Brian and I have left behind a few houses, and it's sometimes hard to see what becomes of them.
But, you are right...they are only material of this world....not our true home....we're only passing through.
Have a nice day....hope the sun is shining where you are....we're finally seeing blue sky here!
I remember seeing the photos you emailed. What a story! Interesting how we deal with "stuff" but a house is more than "stuff" and although it wasn't your possession any longer, you lived in it and it was a part of you. Both times we were burglarized, the verses, "lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth..." became so real to me. Much love and prayers for you...
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
(John 14:2-3)
Dear Saija, I feel your pain coming through this post and rightly so. What a sad loss. Your early years of marriage and church family fellowships and memories sound so very special. Our hope is in the Lord...and what a comforter he is! =) *hugs*
I'm glad you have good memories from your early marriage years. What a beautiful home you and Leo built. Something I'd like to live in out in the woods. Sorry to see it burned to the ground. Good thing our treasures are not stored in earthly vessels. Hugs
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