For those of you who are non-geeks stay with me, I won't bore you with a ton of nerdy details, but I do want to share one thought. In the portion I read last night the characters were about to embark on a very dangerous journey, and yet none could feel worry because they were staying in the "house of Elrond", where cares just seemed to dissipate. As I came to this part in the book, that I've read many times before, this portion simply jumped out at me. This is what I want for my house!
I want my house to be so filled with the Holy Spirit and so peaceful, that no matter what is going on outside our home, you lose your cares when you come through the door.
What's going on in the world right now sometimes terrifies me. I'm not just talking about natural disasters and wars either, I'm talking about a culture that has so turned it's back on God and His teachings. The world seems so far gone I wonder if there is any hope for revival. Thinking about my children growing up in a culture that spits upon the Word of God, scares me to death. And yet, my home needn't be a house of fear.
The journey my children are being prepared for, the journey my husband and I walk every day is very real and filled with peril. Satan would love to give us plenty of opportunity to stumble, and would love our faith to weaken. Our home however can be a sanctuary.
A sanctuary is a Holy thing. It is a place where one meets God and can feel His presence in a real way. That's what I want for my home. I want the Lord's presence to be felt so keenly that my family is drawn to home like a moth to a flame. I want them to say this is a house of peace, not worry and strife. I want them to feel Jesus here.
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; Isaiah 32:17-18