House Blessings

This morning, waking up in our new space (still can’t believe it), those signs placed on my mantle captured my attention.

They are there temporarily until I really start designing the space, but for now, they are perfectly placed.

The first frame, the larger one, was a quote I found out my local hobby lobby. I work as an intake specialist/legal assistant/customer service liaison at a family law firm, and preciously before that I was a secretary/intake coordinator at another family law firm. That sign hung in my office so everyone working with me could see it. Those words resonate as I hear on a daily basis heartbreaking stories of divorce, child custody, domestic violence and more. Not all of the stories being told to me are necessarily filled with chaos or ugliness. But, truth be told, a lot of them are.

So the words I utter matter. I want those who choose to call in feel safe to share their stories and trust that they are being listened to. I also want to speak words and in a manner where people want to listen because they know they will be encouraged, affirmed, and moved toward better.

I want that in my home, as well. I want my children to know that they are being heard, and I want my children to be encouraged And equipped because of how I speak to them. This won’t look perfect, by the way. I have spent many nights beating myself up thinking of ways I could have instructed them better, or spoken more kindly. It is part of being human. That growth part can be painful, but it is necessary.

I want my home to be a life giving home filled with good words, and a safe place for those desiring to share their stories and be listened to.

The second photo is from someone so special to me. B gifted this prayer which aligned itself with Numbers 6:24-26. It reads:

“Within this house may His peace abide to bless all those who step inside. And may there be joy & laughter heard and love in every act and word.”

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6:24-26‬ ‭ESV‬‬

It was a gift given to me for Valentine’s Day, yes, way back in February. When he and I were just starting to get to know each other. He knew I was looking for a place of my own and wanted to give me an early housewarming gift. We had no idea that my finding a home would take until September. Nonetheless, it was a precious gift and one that I knew was going to be in my home whenever God provided it.

On the night we moved in, Sean had it in his hands and instantly placed it on the fireplace mantle. I don’t want to move it. It seems to fit perfectly there in that spot. A blessing for my home.

I am still trying to formulate all the words and emotions I have been feeling this past weekend. For those of you who have been following along and praying, you know that this was one of the most fervent prayers I was praying: Home. God. Please give me a home.

The Lord answered way beyond what I imagined. Lots of prayers were answered this past week. So, and this doesn’t happen often, I am rendered speechless and in awe.

God. Is. Good.

And so I praise Him. And sit in this. And just worship.

Beyond Grateful.

Tiffany Rhea