Keep It Shut -- post #4

Although the Proverbs 31 online study has wrapped up and moved on, I'm still working my way through Keep It Shut. One of the best truths shared with me as a young and busy mom:

There are times when we are better to take one verse and pray over it, meditate on it, and digest it the entire day than to rush through reading an entire chapter of the Precious Word only to be just as distracted as when we sat down.

So...call it mulling it over, call it letting it simmer, call it what you wish; but I finally feel peace in my heart about my 'take-away' from the next few chapters of Keep It Shut.

In chapter 5, "Manners and Motives," we look at both the why and the how of what we say. Although the following chapters (6-8) get into gossip, what we say online, and other more specific principles of pure speech -- I really think if we let God's word cut us in our hearts, our lips and our fingertips will reflect his grace and glory. We want to "become people who not only utter words that are true but also say them for the right reasons" (Ehman).

"All a person's ways seem pure to them, 
but motives are weighed by the Lord." (Proverbs 16:2)

When we consider not just what we say, but WHY we say it and HOW we say it, I don't know about y'all, but I immediately feel the need to cut down the number of words I say just to keep track of them! I want the words I use to be balanced and carefully chosen to reflect my motive and some good ole' fashion manners.

"A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much." (Proverbs 20:19)

Well, I certainly don't want to be avoided, so I better keep rolling with this...

Motive. We know that means your reason for doing something; but take a little closer look at Webster's:
a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious.

Now we are getting right to it. When I find myself trying to conceal the truth of a situation or especially how I feel about it, I better do a motive check. As I told you from the start, I could be a wealthy attorney with my ability to twist words. When I feel that tongue twisting start -- what's my motive? What's my heart say? Would the Lord want someone to avoid what I'm about to say? Ouch.

A cure for that is simple. Let God's word shape my heart. With technology always in our hands, our back pockets, or an arm's length away; God's Word is easier for us to access than ever before.

"Stop listening to instruction, my son, 
and you will stray from the words of knowledge" (Proverbs 19:27)

As I was wrestling with sharing my take-aways from these chapters, an anonymous poem shared on the back of the church bulletin helped shape my path. Enjoy.


A Word
A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress.
A loving word may heal and bless.


From R7 to you-- 
Be a blessing.






Family Room Reveal

For those who might be new around here, Saturday night we had such a wonderfully fun time watching the live air of our episode on Renovation Realities on DIY. If you missed it --- check it out this coming Saturday, March 28th, when it airs again on DIY.

We will have hysterical one-liners, detailed tutorials, and close-ups of designing the room to come; but for now we are just relishing in FINALLY getting to REVEAL the Before & After!!

The Before...

Ready for Demolition...

After...



If you missed the back story or the sneak peeks -- check them out and then stop back to learn more about our DIY realities!



From R7 to you --
Be blessed.


Linking to:


More afters of the" Register Job"


I love the daylight just pouring in the windows!


And the room feels so much bigger now!


So much of the room is repurposed.
I like that it feels contemporary & timeless at the same time.


I had so many doubts about mixing the harshness of the granite against the rustic wood, but I am absolutely in L-O-ve with it!!


Stop on over -- we can sit by the fire, gaze out the window and spend time together ---
That was the whole point of this crazy renovation anyway!

The story behind the 'Register Job'

With our air date just a few nights away, why not set the scene for you with pictures captured by the crew throughout filming. Here's a peek of the schedule and show description.


I'm Tenneil. I'm crazy. I've passed that crazy gene on down to my baby boy pictured here wearing his favorite souvenir I brought home after taking his big sister to China this summer.


This is the cowboy that heaven sent to balance out my idealism, to teach me the fun of making silly faces, and to provide the muscle that propels my madness.


In a no-grazing season such as November -- these friends greetthe crew on their way into R7.


This is our modest and plain ranch that provides us with plenty of bedrooms for the seven of us...


Here we are just before the holidays -- as in -- there will be no turkey in this house in 2014 because the dates are so close --- We are remodeling part of our basement to make a family room.


Because of the afore mentioned craziness -- we are doing this on camera.


The family room area had no windows and the door is in a less than convenient place unless you were hoping to trip over the couch and tromp your muddy boots onto the carpet. 
Not saying that ever happened or anything...ahem...


Then there's this big open space behind the seating area....hmmm....
Anyone see the opportunity to move a door???


If the gas line is going to be right there -- why not put in a fireplace?
What's that you say? We don't know how to do it?? 
I have the power of Google in my pocket. 
We got this.


Man the space looks bigger EMPTY~ 


Wish us luck and tune in!!!













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