Ecclesiastes 10:18

Because of laziness the building decays,
And through idleness of hands the house leaks. Ecclesiastes 10:18

Before we allowed our house (building) to decay, at the end of the summer, we had our roof assessed by our insurance agent to see if it needed replaced because of hail damage over the course of the past decade. It did. After we purchased materials, we decided to do the roofing ourselves (mostly by my husband). Since school started, he knew he wouldn’t have the help of his wife and children.

Today, we have the day off from school (teachers’ meetings). So, at 7 AM, we all slowly made our way to the roof and began peeling off the old shingles and throwing them into a trailer below. It’s been hard work. Of course, we’ve been hearing a lot of moaning, but I’m reminding everyone of this verse in Ecclesiastes, that through idleness of hands the house leaks. They got a good chuckle from that. It’s actually been kind of fun. Backbreaking (for me anyway, as the age of forty gets closer and closer). Still, it’s enjoyable on this cool autumn morning, to work alongside my husband and children.

1 Thessalonians 5:25

Brethren, pray for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:25

Here Paul is ending his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, imploring them to pray for him and those with him who are preaching the Gospel. He does the same in his second letter (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

This is a reminder for us today to pray for not only our minister in our own church, but also those in our community, neighboring cities, across our nation, and around the world. Their work is great.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8

I’ve mentioned that when my husband and I were first married, we didn’t have a lot of anything. We lived in a trailer, drove two very used cars, and managed to eek out an existence on the salaries of a teacher and a construction crewman (with college debts to be paid). However, we still tithed each Sunday, knowing that we shouldn’t expect to be blessed if we didn’t give to the Lord our “first fruits.”

Through the years, we remind ourselves of what little we had back then and that we were so blessed in many unexpected ways. We’ve never been in need these past sixteen plus years. God sees us through, as long as we are faithful to Him. So when I write a check each Sunday, I smile and think of those early days, and cheerfully give to God.

Psalm 121:1-2

I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

My eleven year old daughter had a bad day yesterday, mostly that she was homesick. It was heart-wrenching. It’s bound to happen when you’ve been home schooled all your life. I read this passage to her this morning and encouraged her to say it throughout the day when she’s missing me.

This afternoon, she said she had a wonderful day. I’m so thankful for God’s promises. Not only reading His Word is comforting, but it’s real. It’s true. It’s sad for those who do not have that comfort and knowledge, and don’t rely on Him or what He has revealed to us.