living water

the bathroom renovation is nearing completion

things at first only imagined are becoming real

fixtures are in place

lines are connected

and water flows

there is a finish line

we will cross it

and the work will be over

the renovation of my heart

mind and spirit

continues and continues

no perfection until I stand

in His presence

drenched in living water

flow fast

flow free

drench me

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, 

that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 RSV

walking with the imperfect but redeemed at Emily's

 

put a coat of paint on it

does your day feel

dark, messy

put a coat of paint on it

maybe no one

will know

are there cracks

where the  pain

weeps and leaks

put a coat of paint on them

it might seal

what will not 

heal

or at least forget

for a little while

memories like dirt

streaks ragged

put a coat of paint on 

everything looks like new

looks like

but isn't

no 

give me the paint

that washes 

clean the deep red 

flow that leaves 

snow white behind

Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. 

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow 

Isaiah 1:18a Amplified

back at the bar with the poets

 

standing on new ground

Remember the old ugly?  

I have lived with a floor I hate 

since moving into this house eleven years ago.  

It still covers the hall and the kitchen/dining room,

but in those areas there isn't water damage underneath.  

How much is hidden beneath ours foundations that is rotted and soiled?

When we know something is wrong but are afraid to look the damage increases.

It was time.  We stripped the old away.

It was bad, but nothing that couldn't be dealt with.

Yes, our imaginations magnify.

So I ask Lord, search me.

Show me the wrinkles and spots.

Let me see so I can let You change me.

Investigate my life, O God,

    find out everything about me;

Cross-examine and test me,

    get a clear picture of what I’m about;

See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—

    then guide me on the road to eternal life.

Psalm 139:23-24 The Message

This is what the floor looks like at the moment.

The wire for the under tile heat is in place

and leveling cement has been poured

to prep for the laying of ceramic tile

There are spots from dry wall mud

yet it feels clean, fresh

a picture of where I am

standing on new ground

waiting to take the next step

 

God's sense of humour

Our bathroom renovation continues, and with it dust, ongoing mess and a sense of upheaval.

Once finished we will have the room I have dreamed of for years.

Soon we won't be here to live in it.

I could almost see our God winking and snickering when I read the following in an email I received today about our potential mission placement:

"We make use of outside bathroom facilities and cook over charcoal and gas." 

Outside bathroom facilities?  There is no doubt this is His sense of humour, so I will laugh with Him and rejoice in the life He chooses for us.

 

walls coming down

walls stand

against the hammer

stubborn they resist 

the falling but

freedom waits

rising from the 

dust breathing in

new life

possibilities unleashed

back at the bar for another poetry shot

 

opening doors

I never would have

dared to swing wide

the door, exposing

private messes better left

unseen

but as change 

draws near

old will bow 

to new

and freely now

I display before

dirty, cracked

faded sad

all the better

to reveal the glory

after

letting truth hang out at the bar with the poets