Homemakers Are Priceless...

When you think of

:{Homemaking}:

What is the first thing that you think of?

Just like you, my family is my heartbeat.  When I think about my life's aspirations, to have a happy, healthy household ranks at the very top of my list.  The investment in my home and those who dwell in it is the type of investment that multiplies.  Somehow the hours translate into character building opportunities and the source of joy emanates through one another. 

To me, homemaking is building the structure in which a household can grow and flourish in a stable and strong environment.  The precious souls that make up our homes depend on us to mold and shape their worlds.  

:{Homemaking is among the greatest callings

to which we will ever answer}: 

No one can ever replace the homemaker.  A homemaker's value is not measured by a rate-per-hour.  Do you ever wonder why? Because the homemaker is PRICELESS!  A homemaker can not be hired.  There is a miraculous thing that happens when a homemaker takes steps into her role.  There is an ownership mechanism that takes place and it unveils a creative side in this woman that she never even saw.  She is able to breath life into her home that would otherwise seem like hollow collection of 2x4's & drywall.  Suddenly she discovers her love for her home and all those who visit.  This love takes wings and carries us over every sleepless night and through every unanswered challenge. You are PRICELESS!

:{Tasha Brickhouse}:



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

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• Piled-High Apple Pie

Looks like a good reason to dirty up the kitchen and try out some new dishes!
Thanks, iheartpublix.com!

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



Word of the Day | Tenacious

Words mean a great deal to me, the Word of God being the most important of all.  When it feels like the Lord gives me a word of inspiration, many times it is just that, a word.  As I sat in church last week listening to Pastor preach about increasing our faith and commitment during our 40 Days of Fire revival, the word  "Tenacious" came to mind. Though I've used this word in many ways, I immediately I jotted it down to look up the official meaning.

te·na·cious [tuh-ney-shuhs]
–adjective

1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often fol. by of ): a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits.
2. highly retentive: a tenacious memory.
3. pertinacious, persistent, stubborn, or obstinate.
4. adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous.
5. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough. 

And then I saw on #3 the word PERTINACIOUS.  On the hunt again...

per·ti·na·cious  [pur-tn-ey-shuhs]
–adjective


1. holding tenaciously to a purpose, course of action, or opinion; resolute.
 
That is it! So clearly, I could see how God was redirecting my attention to THE PURPOSE of all that I do.  So many times, the discouragements of the day or the frustrations of family life can leave us feeling like we should be doing something else or that we have gotten ourselves wrapped up in stuff that has led us away from what is our true purpose.  He was telling me loud and clear that I need to  "Hold tenaciously to a purpose"...not just any purpose, but His purpose for my life, as one of his daughters, a wife, a mother, a business person as a tool in His hand for the greater good of all creation...