My Magnificent House

I was talking with a friend yesterday about a mutual friend's new house.    I haven't seen it, yet, but hear it's magnificent.   I think it has an elevator in it.  (okay, so how cool is that?)

Earlier in the week, I visited with another friend at her home.  Her husband is a builder and her house is amazing, too. 

Today, I am headed to yet another friend's beautiful house and we will all be hanging out by her pool and hot tub celebrating some birthdays among us.

When I say that these homes are beautiful, amazing and magnificent - I mean they are homes that are well beyond the half million dollar mark.    Not to put a price on what is lovely in a home, I'm just telling you that because it has something to do with my point.  

Because I might.  Just maybe.  Have a little bit of house envy.

Okay, you can say it...

You should be thankful for what you have.  I am.  Really and truly, I am.

You should be happy for your friends.  I am.  Sincerely, I am. 


You should not want for more than you have.  Yeah.   Most of the time, I don't.   Sometimes, though.... 

So, back to the conversation with my friend yesterday.    We were talking about how fun it would be to decorate a new house.  Buy new furniture. You know, get new stuff.   Yes, of course that would be fun.  It's not happening right now but, yes, it would be fun!   She was expressing some boredom in her life - she thought that maybe this would help distract her.  

I shared my thoughts with her that there is always a bigger and more beautiful house.  There is always new furniture, new cars, new stuff - but that none of that will fully satisfy us for long.   New boredom and emptiness will creep back in our hearts if we are looking toward those things to fill us up.   Oh, look at me giving all the advice and then having house envy.   Hello, kettle, just call me the pot.


In the front of my bible, I have a quote written out by Oswald Chambers. 

No love of the natural heart is safe 

unless the human heart has been satisfied by God first.

I love that quote.  I love it because it is a constant reminder that nothing of this world will satisfy me like God will satisfy me.  That my heart must first be satisfied by him.  Everything else will fall into place if it is.

This morning, when I sat down to read my bible,  I was drawn to a page that I had bookmarked from earlier in the week.  And as if it was highlighted,  a verse just literally popped off the page.   Another little big reminder to me. 

For he himself is our peace.   Ephesians 2:14 NIV

Now that I can count on.  The economy doesn't have to be good.  My house doesn't have to be perfect  and I don't have to have something new to make myself feel better.   From a recovering shopaholic - that is hard to say, y'all. 

Focusing on what blessings I do have matters a great deal.   Like my own pretty magnificent house and the amazing family that lives in it.   The beautiful friendships I have and the opportunity to share an afternoon poolside with them.   (update:  we had so much fun!!!  What a special group of women.)

Now see, things are better already.  

What area do you struggle in with being content?  New car?  New house?  Recognition for being an amazing writer?  Wanting more accolades in your career?  Relationships?    I'd love to know, I'm not alone! Or maybe you don't struggle with being content - great, please share.   I'd really love to know more about that, too!