Tag: house maintenance

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #8

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot. I find grace overflowing in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

green grass

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?

  • My mother-in-law came to visit us this week. We always have fun with her and were glad she came. She watched Lydia for me a few hours each day so I could work and write without daycare time limits. It was such a blessing not to have to rush to pick up Lydia! That meant, she and Lydia had special activities each day, including making rice krispy treats, seeing a movie, swimming, and going to the library. Lydia was in heaven! We planned her next visit and will see her later this summer.
  • Lydia played outside with the neighbors on Thursday and Friday. She made a May Day basket with Grandma, and delivered it to her friends across the street. We had rain earlier in the week, so it was nice to get outside!
  • Later in the week, on two different days, we babysat some little friends. Lydia loved holding the babies and being the ‘big helper.’ I was glad to help these moms because I had other friends help at a moment’s notice years ago when Dave was sick. We are all in this together, and it feels good to help others in a pinch. Pass it on! 🙂
  • All the rain meant…I needed to mow! Yep, I mowed for the first time in APRIL. It’s usually at least the middle of May before that starts up. But, again, I am thankful for God’s grace. For three summers, a few of Dave’s coworkers rotated through the mowing each week. They took good care of my lawn when I was struggling. As Lydia has grown older, I have done the mowing. These guys bought an ‘almost-new’ mower for me, and resold my old one after fixing it up. I’m so thankful for their help and generosity. Mowing my lawn makes me realize just how far God has brought us. Thank You, Jesus!
  • I love the changing of seasons. While I was mowing, I saw several buds on the trees. New leaves will pop out soon. It feels like summer will be full force soon!

**********

These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Miscellaneous

Water Heater Heroes

Last Saturday, I was exercising in my basement when I heard: “Um, Mom, come in here! Someone peed on the floor!”

 “What?! Lydia!” I grilled her thoroughly about all the possibilities. “I didn’t do it, Mom.”

(Hmmm, who did she think peed on the floor?!)

towels

Well, the floor was definitely wet. I grabbed a towel and mopped up the hand-sized spot. Then, I started investigating and found the surrounding area was damp too. Hastily, I called my neighbor who was the plumber when my house was originally built.

Now, that’s God’s grace!

My neighbor came right away. He discovered the water heater needed replaced. Though, he was supposed to leave town within the hour. He couldn’t alter his plans…nor did I expect him to.

Yet, he stayed to help! The wet area was relatively small, and we hoped to salvage the carpet once it dried. We peeled back the carpet along an entire wall to expose the wet padding underneath (which I tossed). To do this, we had to unload and move two bookcases. Then, I borrowed his industrial-sized fan to dry the wet area.

fan under stairs water heater 1

I hadn’t showered yet on Saturday when this all happened! I thought about bathing at a friend’s house or staying at a hotel. But, all things considered, heating water on the stove seemed like a perfect solution. We still had cold water, electricity, comfortable beds, plenty of food, clean dishes and clothes… I was set for days without my hot water heater! And, I know many people around the world do not have easy access to clean water, let alone the luxury of hot water.

While it was a little inconvenient, it was not unbearable. You see, we do not have to be afraid of bad news or problems. Instead, let’s have confidence in the Lord, and watch Him take care of us! (See Psalm 112:7)

On Monday morning, my water heater was replaced with a new, more energy-efficient one. Praise God, the warranty was still valid for three months! My carpet was also restretched to its original form (with a new pad underneath). I enjoyed talking to the kind, older gentleman who helped me. He laid the carpet several years ago before we moved in, and grew teary-eyed as I told him some of my story.

pot of water

I needed God’s grace and help because I didn’t know how to fix these problems on my own. He showed me favor in the following ways:

  • We were home when the leak happened and we avoided water all over my basement. This is especially significant given our recent travels. It could have been disastrous even if we were just running errands in town.
  • Lydia noticed the wet floor and told me right away. Later, I apologized for being upset and thanked her for speaking up. I don’t think the floor had been wet for long!
  • My neighbor was home; I caught him just before he was supposed to leave town.
  • He was willing to help and promptly came over. Thank You, God, for good neighbors!
  • We found the problem quickly and my neighbor knew what to do about it.
  • I had washed dishes and laundry that morning, so had plenty of fresh items to use.
  • The perfectly-timed warranty saved me some money. The new water heater also has a good warranty (let’s hope I don’t need it!).
  • My neighbor recommended the man who fixed my carpet. It was good I called when I did, because he is usually booked several weeks out. He was able to squeeze me in that day, after finishing another job earlier than planned. (Praise God!) I paid a very fair price and was saved the stress of having to call other people. He even vacuumed the area and helped me move the heavy bookcases back along the wall!
  • Our city is switching to a new water source in June, so now I’ll have a new, upgraded water heater with better water.
  • Moving the bookcases revealed several books I no longer need. I donated the books and a few other household items, and now I have some extra space. 🙂

**********

Heavenly Father, thanks for covering this situation with Your undeniable grace. Thank You for giving me favor and restoring my home. Please bless these men who helped me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What’s the worse home disaster you have had? Can you see how God helped you through it?