GIVE-THANKS NOVEMBER Thanksgiving for Home

Nov 9

We have lived in the same modest house since moving to Coeur d’Alene in 1992, and I love our home. I appreciate the safety and familiarity of a place filled with fond memories. Yes, like Dorothy said when returning home to Kansas after her epic adventure, “There’s no place like home.” Please join me in today’s Give-Thanks November post …

I pray that from [Christ’s] glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then [he] will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:16-17 (NLT)

Since moving into our home 34 years ago, we’ve had the opportunity to travel to several wonderful places. My soul has been altered by every travel experience, and I honestly believe a piece of my heart remains in places like South Africa, Israel, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, England, Ireland, and Scotland plus many more within the United States. While returning home is always wonderful, I like the fact that I never return home the same, and yet, I’ve realized every travel experience has made me even more appreciative of home.

In 1954, a gospel songwriter, Stuart Hamblen, wrote “This Ole House.” According to Wikipedia, the song, which was written after Hamblen’s hunting trip in the Sierra mountains, “describes the last words of an old man living in an old house that has fallen into such disrepair that it is no longer structurally sound. The man says … that he was not going to need it any longer, nor did he have time to repair the house's numerous flaws because he is dying and going to heaven very soon (‘ready to meet the saints’).”

This story reminds me of Jesus’ words to his disciples shortly before his death,

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” John 14:1-2 (NIV)