Love Lives Here-by Heidi McLaughlin
Posted: April 11, 2021
In my daughterMichelle’s guest room there is a sign that says: “LOVE LIVES HERE.” Whenever I spend time with the family I am the recipient of that love when I sleep in that pink, grey and cream beautifully decorated bedroom. As I walk into the next room I am greeted with another sign that says: “HELLO BEAUTIFUL.” It’s uplifting being surrounded by reminders of beauty, love and encouragement.
During this past year we’ve been spending a lot of time in our homes and we need jolts of beauty and comfort that bring us joy. I’ve needed to make my home my haven and have also surrounded myself with signs, colours and images that lift my spirits. Joy doesn’t just happen.
Let’s tap into the portals of Heaven to unleash joy through the reality of goodness.
I’ve just finished reading the historical fiction book called: THE FOUR WINDS by Kristin Hannah, which left me wrecked in a good way. I reeled with emotion as the author took me into the great depression of the 1930’s and tragic deprivation of livelihood caused by the horrific dust storms. As I immersed myself into their losses of homes, livestock, gardens and everything dear to them, I came away grateful for my life. Yes, the Covid pandemic is harsh and has altered our lives substantially, but we still have so much to be thankful for. We have homes, fridges full of food, the internet, zoom, Facetime with family, cars in the garages, Netflix and every sort of entertainment. We have showers, comfy couches and fresh air. If we take the time to look around us we will see that in spite of tough times, “Love Lives Here.”
And, let’s stop the negativity.
Let’s focus on the goodness that is all around us. These days most conversations turn negative and dark words leave us feeling sad, depleted and rob our joy. Let’s be the ones that turn gloomy into goodness. When we remember, “… the Lord, who is great and glorious…our God will fight for us!” (Nehemiah 4: 15, 20), our dialogue can literally change the atmosphere. When we’re reminded that God’s goodness is with us in the good times and the bad, and that nothing can separate us from His love, it gives us the God confidence to speak truth with love.
Right now we desperately need encouragement. So let’s surround our homes with uplifting signs, beauty and immerse ourselves in God’s promises. Let’s look for joy in unexpected places. You may have to iook a little harder, but it’s there. Where do you find joy these days?
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I find my joy in knowing that even though I live alone I am never alone as Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always with me.