Remodeling - A Never Ending but Freeing Process

We are knee deep in remodeling AGAIN! I'm beginning to wonder if this process will ever end. We've torn apart our master bedroom and everything is out in the garage. I have to admit - going out to the garage to find what I am going to wear is totally not my style and way of doing things.

However, I've noticed a few things while everything is disarray in the garage.

1. There is so much that needs to GO. If we haven't worn it or used in months it's time to let someboby else enjoy it.

2. Many things need our attention -- to be cleaned, dusted, mended, or shined.

3. Amid all the clutter, it really is hard to see the special things we have.

4. And our bedroom - while empty - seems simply peaceful, and free.

Relating this to my spiritual life - I see the same benefits to cleaning "house" -- my inward self "God's house."

It is gut-wrenching to take time out of our busy lives and haul everything out of our inward self to take a good look at it, but once we do we realize there are things that need to go and things that need attention. While all those things clutter our hearts, it is hard to count our blessings. But yet, once we take the time to clear our spiritual house we soon feel God's peace and freedom!

Is it time for you to do some remodeling? If so, come join me on this freeing journey.

And Then There Were 11

Every year Internet Café Devotions hosts Blessed Aroma, a call out to blog readers to nominate their favorite blogs, in specific categories, written by Christian Women. What an honor to have been chosen one of The Most Joyful among the Top 100 Blogs!!! Thank you! I'm blown away.

Last Tuesday evening totally rocked. It was the beginning of our online Bible study of I'm a Fixer-Upper. (more information here)

There are 65 on the roster and girls from all over the US and Canada showed up for our first gathering. It was unbelievable - God was surely raising up His girls! We had a great time studying and being encouraged by one another. When our time was up I wanted to end us in prayer. As I switched to my last screen layout - unbeknownst to me I lost my attendees -- I asked for prayer requests and waited ... and waited ... and waited ...

No one was acknowledging me, so I thought maybe my group had gone shy - even though they had chatted up a storm all evening. So I began the most precious prayer for them, our studies and where God was leading us thinking they weren't ready to share since it was our first time meeting.

When I said Amen and looked up there were only 11 gals left in our online group. I was taken back. My mind first went to "Oh my lands - this isn't touching anyone. They were so ready to get off and get on with their life. Lord, what have I done? They surely will not come back net week. blah, blah, blah . . ."

About an hour later, I received the recorded transcript of the chat and as I read through it for the first time these gals had me laughing, crying and amening their comments they had posted all through the night. I kept wondering "Lord, they chatted like they were touched and yet they all bolted."

Then all the sudden they start writing, "Where did Alene go? Can anyone hear her? Is she coming back?"

I lost it. I have laughed for days. Here it was my mistake. I left the class in a lurch and yet my crazy mind was wondering where they went and what I did.

I'm so thankful for the replay of the chat, otherwise I'd still be sitting here beating myself up!

I can not wait for our second class this next Tuesday. These gals rock!!!

Amazed & Giveaway

I am continually amazed at how God works. He always knows who to bring together and at just the right time.

We finished our 6 week study of "I'm a Fixer-Upper" last night at my home church BAF, where I serve as the See Jane Grow coordinator. We had an awesome time studying together and learning about God and ourselves.

Last night was a treat for me. The gals wrapped up our class by telling how God had been moving in their lives and how the study has touched their lives. Amazing!

Here's a little snippet of what they said:

I am learning to refocus my thoughts on God each day!

I felt insecure about my physical appearance and I thought plastic surgery could make me “happy”. I’ve realized now that I already have a lot to be “happy” about. And who knows if having that surgery would make me “happy”.

I learned the Christ lives in me – really lives in me!

I’ve been reminded to SIT – to sit and receive His word and food for my body each day.

I have realized I CAN change with God in control, but change is not easy.

This study has brought me closer to God. We now have a personal relationship.

To release myself from the bitterness and anger I just need to take baby steps with God and not give up!

This study has given me a feeling and the knowledge that I am so special, which has given me a feeling of self-worth.

I’ve learned to journal. It’s still very awkward, but I’m pursuing and trying. This has kept me more diligent in my quiet times with Jesus most every day.

I’m God’s special creation and worthy of His love. He loves me and can use the brokenness of my life.

With control I can think good, positive thoughts about myself just as easy as I can think negative thoughts!

It is never too late to accept Christ and change. Don’t give up!

How about you?

Have you been wanting to join a study but there just hasn't been time? Are you wanting connections with other women?

If you are thinking "yes!", how about if I told you there's a way you can have both? And not only that, but you can have it from the comfort of your own home, in comfy clothes, and with a warm cup of coffee. No need for make-up or a fresh hair-do!

Yes, that's possible, if you join Alene Snodgrass in her first online Bible study beginning Tuesday, March 2nd, 8-9pm CST.


The study is free and easy to join.


1. To register email Alene at alene@alenesnodgrass.com and put Online Registration in the subject line. You will receive your link to the private online study room in a few days.

2. To learn more about the study go to this web site.

3. To get the most out of this study you will need Alene's new book, "I'm a Fixer-Upper", which you can purchase HERE.

Leave a comment and win a signed copy of the book! The winner will be randomly chosen Sunday Feb 28!

Let the Renovation Begin

ONLINE BIBLE STUDY BEGINS MARCH 2nd

Head HERE to learn how to register!

I recently had a friend ask if I LOVED renovating. That’s crazy, I thought under my breath. I can not stand the process of renovation. Seriously, what is there to love -- dirt, grit, dust, noise, and huge messes everywhere?

I’m beginning to believe God is trying to teach me something and I’m just not getting it. This all began last year as I began writing “I’m a Fixer-Upper”. Wouldn’t you know it, that was when hubby decided he’d start remodeling our master bath.

As I’d write the smell on construction would permeate the air and the noise from power tools would be deafening. Just as the process of remodeling our bath took time and the writing of a new book took time, so is it with our spiritual houses. It just takes time to renovate.

There is also just as many decisions. Where are we going to start? What needs it the worst? How am I going to get through these changes?

I’ve decided I don’t like renovating because it is a mental activity. There are so many decisions to be made. Seriously, I’d so much rather just slap on a pretty coat of paint and move on to something else.

I do that as well in my spiritual life -- I slap on a white smile, put on a newly pressed garment and try to feel like I’m renovated within. Unfortunate thing is that newly renovated feeling doesn’t last very long.

Renovation from the inside out is where it all begins. I don’t like the process. Never have and never will. But once the remodeling is complete - ah, you can stand back and soak up the peace.

Right now, I’m figuring out which item to renovate next. Seems there are always too many things I’m trying to fix-up in this spiritual house I will have it narrowed down by the time our Online Bible study starts on March 2nd. I’ve learned when you come expecting God to move in awesome ways He meets you there and works over time.

If you are not registered for the online study, email me at alene@alenesnodgrass.com and put Online Registration in the subject line. The study is free; however, to get the most out of the study you’ll need at copy of I’m a Fixer-Upper. Buy it HERE!

More info HERE!

I’m off to figure out what I'm going to demolish next! And you'll never believe this -- hubby is tearing apart the kitchen now -- mercy! Head over HERE and let us know where you are going to begin.

Let the renovation begin!