The thuds were rhythmic and ground shaking. From the basement, it sounded like someone was trying to chop down my house! Who does construction on Saturday?

* * * * * * *

Derek left mid-morning to attend a wedding with Rachel. In 10 weeks it will be their turn!

Revelation 9:15, “…all prepared for the exact year, month, day, and even hour…” The Message

Last week was Rachel’s bridal shower. When I arrived home, I found David had cut down the bushes out front. They were a type of cedar that caused a rash when you brushed by them.

This week he attacked the stumps. He cut the roots with several blows from an ax. It took hours:

• Digging the dirt out around them.
• Cutting the smaller roots with a hatchet.
• Attacking the tap-root with an ax.
• Prying the stump up with a pry bar.
• Disconnecting the stump from the tap-root.
• Filling in the hole with dirt.

David wisely paced himself. He attacked the roots for several minutes and then took a break. He drank water and Powerade to replace fluids lost in the 80° weather.

He was persistent and determined. By suppertime, all three stumps were gone and the area was level and smooth.

Revelation 9:20-21, “The remaining men and women…went on their merry way – didn’t change their way of life, didn’t quit worshipping demons, didn’t quit centering their lives around lumps of gold… (21) There wasn’t a sign of a change of heart. They plunged right on in their murderous, occult, promiscuous, and thieving ways.” The Message

Changing our ways is never easy. Old habits have roots that go deep. It takes a lot of digging, chopping, and prying to remove them. We have to replace them with something else or they will grow back. It takes persistence and determination. We need sharp tools.

* * * * * * *

I spent the day sewing. I decorated my white jeans with ribbon and mended towels. We use large bath sheets for towels. I folded over frayed edges and hemmed them. Then I used a zigzag stitch on the areas that were starting to separate. (I know, who mends towels? Right?)

“Paul said, ‘Do your own work well…don’t compare yourself’ (Galatians 6:4 Contemporary English Version). …Avoid comparisons, resist exaggerations, and seek only God’s commendation.” “Find Contentment by Killing Comparisons” by Anne Peterson posted 1-31-11 in christianitytoday.com

When I finished mending, I moved to the couch and watched David work. (It’s not like I could go outside and help him.) Twice I handed him Powerade and twice I cringed when the ax hit the house!

Revelation 12:6, “The Woman herself escaped to the desert to a place of safety prepared by God, all comforts provided her for 1260 days.” The Message

Being stuck in the house is as appealing as a vacation in the desert! But God designed me to enjoy the view without experiencing nature. He provided all the comforts and I have everything I need.

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