Messy? Okay. But Do We Camp There?

"Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom."   ... Daniel 6:3

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So as I'm visiting lots of Christian blogs the past 6 months, I keep seeing the word, messy. Messy, messy, messy.

Messy rooms.
Messy hearts.
Messy lives.
Messy relationships.

I'm being told that messy is okay and that it's real life and God understands.

And yes--to a point--I agree. I mean, hey, if God doesn't understand our messes, who does?

But. (You saw that coming, right?) Does He want us to park, forever, at The Messy Campground? Should we still be settled there in our messy tents after He's worked with us for years?

I mean, families have children and children make messes. Granted. But why should moms be the ones at night cleaning-up the Play-Dough, the Lego's, the little pink socks? What has happened to teaching, "You were able to pull these toys out this morning so you're also able to put them away tonight?" 

Teaching personal responsibility habits. It's a parent's job.

And seeking to make Jesus-led decisions (financial and relational and otherwise) so we stop reaping messes from the bad ones--that's every Christian's job. And forgiving others so that we'll stop unnecessary depression, stress and sickness messes. And asking for help with our ill-chosen words so we cease living in the messy pits they dig for us.

And looking unto Jesus, our author and finisher, allowing Him to finish this work He began. That, too--our responsibility. Day by day we should resemble Him a little bit more ... not the mess we were when He found us.

All I'm saying?

Messy. It's a great place to start.
But as for me? I'm sorry, but I can't pat myself (or my readers) on the head and say, "Just keep doin' what you're doin'. God gets you. Messy is fine." (But oh, the temptation to pull in more readers that way!)

Yet, no. I'll keep asking God for Grace who gives the enjoyment of creating a clean, healthy, sweet home for my husband, our cats and myself. And for the desire to honor God in all I do and am.

I long for a better place than The Messy Campground and I'd rather have Grace than the personal messes that would trap me there forever.

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"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"   ... Romans 6:1,2

" ... as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."   ... Romans 6:4

“Excellence - Take what you have and do the BEST with it.”     ― Joyce Meyer

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Here's a post from years ago where I spoke more about balance between housecleaning and playing with children.


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Oh wow. Did you read this article about the couple who found buried cans of treasure on their own property? Amazing. And I can totally understand why they'd wish to remain anonymous ... can't you just imagine all the people with flashlights, shovels and metal detectors sneaking around their yard at night? :)


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Interested in brushing-up on some writing basics? I enjoyed reading this free, short Kindle book yesterday.