Childhood pictures....soul dreams

I have drawn the same picture all of my life. It is a simple picture of a large tree with fruit on it, a house with smoke coming out of the chimney, flowers, and a bright smiling sun. As far back as I can remember, I would draw that picture whenever given an assignment to draw or even as an adult doodling on paper.

My journey with God has revealed to me over time how that picture has been a dream fulfilled in my life. A few years ago, He showed me that I am the tree, filled with fruit and offering shelter to others. His hand on my life in family, business and friendships has shown me that is true. The house represented a desire I had for a solid, loving, happy home. It also represented my desire for a pretty home, with light shining out its windows and enjoyable company within. For years I passed houses as we traveled from our home to our parents' homes out of town and longed for a house that I felt good about. I was out walking one night a couple of years ago and realized that I now have that home. It is simple. It is a dream home. It is a reflection of our family. The flowers are yet to be here - but I have hope because one of my dear "adopted" sons has started a landscaping business in Atlanta this year, and I know his new interests will help us get more landscaping done!

I have struggled with an intense sense of being a loser a lot of my life. It is an area that satan worked in since my very young years, trying to create a sense of shame about myself. I was ashamed of my face, my status in life (or lack thereof), and frequently had to gulp for some air of truth. Satan worked so hard to spin in my mind a sense of being shameful.

Peace by piece is the name of this blog, because that is exactly what my journey with the Lord has become. Every area of my life that lacked peace is being made whole in my relationship with Jesus. I realized this weekend as a friend and I were sharing our lives how my childhood art was my childhood heart. And now at 58 years old, I realize it is complete. Our home is a healing house. God brings people into our lives to bring them His healing. And very often, He does it right here in our humble abode. I am awed as I think of how true this is. It is a work He has given to me and my husband together. It is a holy thing. We joke that in our life, "flip that house" means change the beds, clean the bathrooms, restock the frig, because new folks are coming! As I prepare for some to leave and new ones to come this week, I delight in the awareness of just how wonderful my life has become.

What about you? What are your dreams? What are the lies you keep believing that hinder your joy? Give it some thought. Talk to God about it. "Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, feelings lie buried that grace can restore." (Fanny Crosby, from a hymn entitled, "Rescue the Perishing.")