Write them on the doorframes of your houses
We’re building a home for our family.
Although this is our second build (I’d like to think we’re wiser and more prepared this time compared to our first), the process is still largely stressful.
But at the same time, it is such a blessing and source of joy.
One of the advantages of building our own home is that we get to decide what we want, where we want it and how we want it (barring budget constraints).
Not just the things that we see, but also things that we don’t see.
I knew from the moment we started building that I wanted this house to be a 'thin place’ - spaces where heaven and earth overlap. I wanted it to be a special place where God is always present.
So I decided that we were going to do 2 things:
1 - build our home on God’s word, and
2 - surround our home with God’s word.
While these things are achieved in our daily life by how we conduct ourselves, I decided that we can do them literally as well.
In order to do #1, we put a bible in the foundations before the concrete was poured. We placed it by the front door at the entryway, in the hopes that everyone who enters and leaves the house will firmly stand on His word.
I’m still kicking myself internally because I forgot to take a photo!! I was so excited that I just stood up and left after praying over it. We thought about it after driving away but by then, it was too late 😪
So I made sure to remember when we did #2 - write selected bible verses on the doorframes/doorways to each room.
Deuteronomy 6:1-9
6 These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
We picked out verses that carry our hopes and prayers for each room (and the room’s occupants).
Entryways (front, back and garage door)
Living area and kitchen: That we always be hospitable and dwell on all things good
Our bedroom: May our relationship will be one where we choose love above all else
Our son’s bedroom: That He may grow to be strong and courageous in the Lord
Our daughter’s bedroom: May she put her trust in God and lean on Him always
Office: May our works bring glory and honor to Him!
Wardrobes: That we be clothed in God’s armor daily as we get dressed for the day
Pantry: This was a scary one to write, especially for a space that is designed to store food (which implies future use). Do I really just want to ask for ‘daily bread’? But we decided that this was the most appropriate, and that He knows what’s best.
Bathrooms: A plea for clean hearts, not just bodies
That’s the writing done.
Now to the more important part, which is to live them.
