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!

I'm a Fixer-Upper

Do you feel like a fixer-upper? I do!

As I’ve visited with and taught women over the years, I’ve noticed they are just like me. It seems that no matter what season of life we are in, there is always something we feel that needs fixin’ up in our spiritual life.

The problem is that many think they need to be fixed-up before they can come to God. However, that is not the case. God, since the beginning of time, has longed to dwell with his imperfect people.

In my new book, “I’m a Fixer-Upper”, you will journey with Jesus through the rooms of your soul and look at renovating your days and remodeling your life to become more like Him. Using God’s blueprint and day-day-day remodeling tips, you will design and renovate your life.

It's amazing to note that you will be fixed-up, as you become fixed on God.

Preorder this book now. Click here for the new release promotional.

Prayer for Safety

God is our king. God runs this place and he'll keep us safe. Isaiah 33:20 MSG

With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what's best— as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You're in charge! You can do anything you want! You're ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. Matthew 6:7 MSG

In view of all the tragedies happening recently this post receives hundreds of hits. We want to pray for you in your time of need. Please email us and we will begin praying for you. Email prayer requests HERE.

If you are looking for comforting words to pray yourself, please feel free to copy the prayer below and use it often as your guide for prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being the God who runs this place. I pray that you watch over us, our families, and our children. Lord, as the world seems to spin out of control we realize daily we are not in control – You are.

Lord, keep us safe from ourselves and protect us from the chaos that is unfolding. You are in charge and can do anything you want. Lord, we lift up to you at this moment those we love and ask you to keep them safe in their jobs, schools, and environments.

You know our every need Lord and we thank you for that. We thank you for being there so we can run to You for safety, refuge and shelter. Hear our prayers, Lord. Keep our hearts tuned in to You as we dwell in the shelter of Your tabernacle. Amen.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5 NIV

Do you need prayer today? If so, please let us know.

Homecoming

There is something so exciting about a homecoming. Whether it is your schools homecoming, your child coming home or your heavenly homecoming it makes your heart skip a beat.

This past week was full of homecomings in our family.

Our oldest daughter, Court, came home for the weekend and Seth her boyfriend got to join her. I love it when they are here. I espcially love our girl time and visits. I hate that our time together goes way toooooo fast!

We also traveled to my moms for a homecoming and some birthday parties. It is always relaxing there out in the country with only the cows mooing in the background.

While Court was here Bubberz came to visit more. Not only did he stay awhile and visit (a challenge for a busy college kid) he also played the guitar and piano for us. Oh – I can’t tell you how I miss the sound of his guitar ringing through the house. (I texted him late last night and asked if he’d come play for me – he texted back LOL!) Where's the love?!!!

When everyone left and the house calmed down after the weekend, it was time to get ready for our school Homecoming. Linds is a sophomore and had been sick all week. Guess what? She miraculously managed to be well-enough to make it to Homecoming on Friday. (I'm sure the cutie in the pic had something to do with it! Go figure?)

Fun times definitely!



But just imagine your heavenly homecoming . . .

Time will stand still
No need to rush – you have eternity
It will be calm – not sure about mooing cows
You will have opportunity for guitar and praise music all day – wow -
and what about that trumpet
There will be no more sickness, nor sorrow, nor loneliness, nor death – Hallelujah
It won’t just happen once a year

It will be a heavenly homecoming everyday!

Amazed!

When was the last time you stood in awe of God? I mean you stood there speechless, full of wonder and emotion feeling like you needed to fall to your knees in worship.

My eyes and heart have been opened again this week as I’ve jumped into writing about the temple. As I’ve studied, it’s as if I’ve been transported back to temple times. I could hear, see and smell just as if I was standing there outside the temple walls.

What brought me to my knees in worship was the fact that God truly wants to dwell and abide with me and you. All through time He has provided ways to dwell among us. Today, He even lives in us! He is even preparing a heavenly home for us for eternity. We will never be without Him or His desire to be with us. Makes you just want to scream PTL! Praise the Lord!

My educated mind knows that and has most of my life. However, I think this week my heart finally got it! I'm sure it is just the beginning of understanding, but the thoughts leave me breathless, speechless and totally in awe!

What an awesome feeling to know He loves me so much that HE, the creator of the galaxy and stars, wants a continual personal relationship with me. Oh my, the Creator of the moon, stars, zebras, oceans, and platypus, wants to know me. Not only that He wants to live in the same body as me. You can't get much closer than that! Mind boggling.

What was the last amazing thing you experienced that left you standing in awe of His Holiness?

Spring Cleaning 101

It’s that time of year again – Spring – and I’m loving it. Spring ushers in such a newness and freshness to the year. The cool, crisp mornings are awesome. The air beckons you to breathe deeper, slow down and clean. Oops, did I say clean? I thought spring cleaning was something my mother invented, but no it has a history all its own.

Online Definition: Spring cleaning is the period in spring when time is set aside for cleaning a house. The most common usage of spring cleaning refers to the yearly act of cleaning a house from top to bottom which would take place in the first warm days of the year typically in spring, hence the name. However it has also come to be synonymous with any kind of heavy duty cleaning or organizing enterprise. A person who gets their affairs in order before an audit or inspection could be said to be doing some spring cleaning.

One possible origin: Spring cleaning can be traced to the ancient Jewish practice of thoroughly cleansing the home in anticipation of the spring-time holiday of Passover. During this eight-day holiday there was a strict prohibition against eating anything which may have been leavened. Therefore, observant Jews conduct a thorough cleaning of the house, followed by a traditional hunt for chametz (leavened food stuff).

I’m learning there is so much more to spring cleaning than I ever imagined. I’ve been called to a strict cleaning season this year to get my affairs in order, to rid my home of dirt, and to conduct a thorough clean-up of all that lies around my home that is forbidden. Yes, this will take some serious and organized efforts. My home, my heart and God’s temple are in need of a serious sweeping, dusting and polishing.

This spring I’ll be hanging out in the temple. Actually, I’ll be tackling the temple. It will certainly be a Spring Cleaning 101 class. I have so much to learn about the temple, my heart and my home. One thing is for sure – a cleaning has begun. Spring Cleaning! Believe it or not, I’m not growling! I’m enthusiastically enthralled.

Psalm 69:9 has captivated me, “Passion for your house has consumed me.”

Today, I have a renewed passion for His house, a temple to sweep, and a home to clean. Girls, I’m in dire need of some cleaning suggestions. Care to share?