Two Thousand Eleven!

Here we are.  Two. Thousand. Eleven.  Can you believe it? Have you set plans for this year?  Do you have goals? Are there things that you would like to accomplish?  I can say yes to all of these.  Some of these plans are still in formulation, but one thing is for sure:  I cannot plan alone.  Being a wife & mom, photographer, and a mixed bag of many other things can take me in a bazillion directions at once.  Prayer is an absolute must in order to gain direction for a New Year.  As I pray, I begin to prioritize my various roles in life to keep things in check.  I'll give you a little sneak peek into my brain {pretty scary-I know}.

1. God :: Communication with the Lord is my highest priority.  Without this, I am doomed before I even take the first step.  This means prayer and Bible reading consistently.  It is as essential as eating regular meals.  It is the food for the soul, nourishment to my character.  All those around me suffer when this is neglected.  He is what makes me worth anything to anyone at all.
2. My Marriage  :: What would it be like if you only cared for one half of your body, but neglected the other half.  How about if you only washed the right side of your face but never the left?  When we join together in marriage, the Bible says that two become one flesh.  If I only care for myself, but not my husband, in essence, I am only caring for one half of my body.  Life is busy, and sometimes it is hard to take the time out to care for our spouse in the way that they do not feel neglected, especially when there are children to be cared for.  When I place my marriage at the top of my priority list, right under God, I not only honor God, but I give my children a stronger home.  I pledge to do even better in 2011.
3. My Children :: As parents, we are commissioned by God to train up these children in the way that they should go, so that when they are old, they do not depart from it.  Sometimes I have to ask myself if we are training them in a way that I would want them to carry out for the rest of their days!  I just keep on pointing them to Jesus, and pray that they will stay on the path that will bring them joy like no other.
4. My Contribution to the Marketplace :: Each of us are blessed in various ways with talents that become creative outlets for glorifying God, blessing others and as means to provide for our families.  Each of these outlets are opportunities for meeting new people and affecting the lives of others.  The Proverbs 31 woman is a great example to pray upon while considering this area of my life:

{Proverbs 31:13-31}

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

I pray that your New Year's Planning is underway in a great way! Make 2011 GREAT!

A Little Scribble from the Soul...

As I was journaling this morning, I was overwhelmed with thanksgiving for that are 'right' in my world.  Please don't misunderstand, that hasn't always been the atmosphere of my heart. You see, I tend to be the melancholy type.  You know, the one who has an ideal way for things to be; one who likes things to be just so, and when it isn't, my view of the world is askew. Though this is my natural tendency, I don't believe that is the response that reflects my faith in God. 


Over the years, as battles have rolled onto the landscape of life, there have been times that I cannot see past them to realize that even after they are over, my God is still there. Somewhere along the road, the Lord has begun to correct my vision.  It's not 20/20 just yet, but I've begun to wear my "Trust God" boots and just walk right through the battle.  No way over it, no way around it, just gotta go through it!   It is not hard to see the bright silver lining when the storm is fierce, which is why it makes perfect sense that the 'right' things in life are standing out in bold color right now.  May the lessons that we learn in this time stay with us for a lifetime...


“Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” – Isaiah 43:1-3

Building The Brick House

...He huffed, and he puffed, and he huffed and he puffed, and he puffed and huffed; but he could not get the house down...

{The Story of the Three Little Pigs}

There is no question which little pig we would like to be, but what are we doing to build our brick house? When the adversary comes knocking at the door, what is your first response? Do you panic, fret and cower to the enemy? Or is your home built upon The Rock as in Matthew 7:24 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:" 

We have a choice to respond in that hour of trouble and Psalms 50:15 tells us to "...call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."  With every breath I have, and all the strength in my being, I seek to glorify God even when the adversary is at my door.  There is a very real purpose for the challenges that come our way, and we must realize that "...my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12:9. 

 

What sort of building materials are you using to build your

brick house? 

 
Did you know that "Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];"?  Has your house been built upon faith in Him alone?  We all know that foundation is the most vital component to any sturdy structure. 
 
Are you building your walls by fixing your mind on the Rock of Ages as in Isaiah 26:3-4 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength {Translated as Rock of Ages}." 

Is your home covered (roof) "...by the blood of the Lamb, and by ithe word of their (your) testimony..." as in Rev 12:11?  The scripture says that is the way to overcome the adversary.  This word is truth, and it lights the path along our brick house.  Though the adversary stands at the door and threatens to "huff and puff and blow our house down,"  our advocate, Jesus Christ has provided a way to persevere during great struggle.  He amazes us with His method of warfare, and seek to hold firmly to Romans 8:28 which says "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose."
 
Written by Tasha Brickhouse

The Blessing of Walking with a Stranger...

Yesterday morning, I took my normal morning walk a little later than usual.  The music was flowing out of my headphones and I was moving along at a pretty brisk pace.  Just ahead of me was an older gentleman, out for his morning walk, carrying a cane just in case he may need a little help on his travels.  The pace I kept was just a bit faster than his so in time I caught up with him.  First, I cleared my throat to create a little noise so he would not be startled when I came up along side of him.  When he turned, I apologized if I had startled him, and he kindly said thank you. 

At first, I was going to keep my pace and pass him, but then he said, "Do you walk here much?"  So I answered, "Yes, a few times a week."  He explained that he was hoping the walk would strengthen his back, so he committed to walk as much as possible.  The questions kept coming.  He was kind, gentle and almost seemed glad for someone to chat with while he pressed himself to walk this 3 mile treck.  I got to know a little about him, how he recently had to place his beloved wife in a nursing home, which explained his desire for a little conversation.  He told me that he served in the military and retired from 35 years of service at the Post Office.  We talked about family that lived close by and he gave me a little grandfatherly wisdom concerning the path to success from his viewpoint.  Never pushy, just very kind. 

I felt like I had taken a walk with my Grampy.  Anyone who knows me, knows that my Grampy means the world to me.  It's been a couple of years since I've been able to visit him, so this little walk with a stranger seemed to be a blessing that Jesus taylor made for me.  It is a reminder to me to not get so busy that I "forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2.

Welcome the The Brick House!

Make yourself at home here!
For those who have not had a chance to come in and make yourself comfortable, I urge you to grab a cup of coffee and let's get to know each other!

At The Brick House, we will learn from each other about taking care of our families while we grow in the Light of Christ.  Some of the areas that we will talk about are faith, families, childrearing, cooking, strategic shopping (on a shoestring), crafts, housekeeping, friendships and many more!  If I come acrossed a great deal or a something new, you will be the next to know!  A passion for all thing home and family has led me to this great world of blogging and now to you! Will you join me?  Find us on Facebook and you will never miss a post!

God Bless you!
Tasha Brickhouse
thebrickhousebunch.blogspot.com
altacompanyphotographygallery.blogspot.com



A Faithful Woman, TGIF:: Marketplace Leaders

TGIF « Marketplace Leaders
Today God Is First


A Faithful Woman

October 8th, 2010 by Os Hillman

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:28

She was the Vice President of Household Affairs for her entire adult life. She had a husband, four daughters, and one son whom she managed. Her calling was not to the workplace; it was to the home. It was a calling that she fulfilled well. She often went beyond her job description to fulfill menial tasks like sewing clothes for her twin girls, playing dolls, and even playing catch with the only boy in the clan.

Things were going along well until midway in life a telephone call came that changed everything. The caller informed her that the love of her life had been killed in an airplane crash. She was in her early 40’s, still beautiful, with five kids to raise on her own in spite of the fact that she hadn’t worked in the business place for nearly 20 years. The death of her husband removed their steady upper middle-class income, and she was now faced with the greatest test of her life. At her lowest moment, wondering how she was going to make it, she cried out to God. God answered, “Trust Me, Lillian.” Those audible words became the strength that she needed to care for her family for the next 40 years. From that moment on, she came to know her Savior personally and shared Him with her family. Her children came to know Him as well. Grandchildren became the recipient of her prayers, and they came to know Him too. She was building an inheritance in Heaven, one prayer at a time, one soul at a time. She never remarried; Christ became her Husband.

Whatever wisdom and encouragement has come to you through these devotionals, it is only as a result of one who answered the call to the greatest and most important workplace there is: the home. You can thank my mom, Lillian Hillman, for whatever grace you have gained from these messages throughout the year, because she remained faithful to the call to invest in those she was called to love and serve. “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Tasha's note: We leave a legacy for other to follow when we we allow the Lord to mold us through the challenges that come our way.  It can be very difficult, but when we yield to the Master's Hand, the results will be beautiful!