Introduction
There are a lot of simple fixes we can do ourselves in our homes. Rather than spending money, or putting chores on a very long “Honey–Do” list, this program features small repairs that the women can tackle themselves and advises when it is time to call an expert.
Decoration Ideas (Optional)
For centerpieces use plastic toolboxes from the Dollar Store filled with tissue paper, a hammer, measuring tape, screw driver and nails. Display home improvement books and magazines.
Program Ideas – Speaker
Invite someone from the local hardware store to share with the women how to do simple repairs on toilets, sinks, walls and other areas around the house. Ask them to discuss which larger projects need the attention of a professional.
Check Pinterest for common home repairs. Print some of the best helps and share the best videos. If possible, have someone demonstrate a couple of the easy repairs.
Repurposed
Some things can’t be repaired, but can be repurposed. Invite the women to bring their favorite broken or chipped dishes and china, which can be turned into stepping–stones for their gardens. All that is needed is an aluminum cake pan, Quickkrete® (available from the local hardware store), water and broken pieces of china. There are several tutorials on the Internet, but the following is a simple one that includes pictures. https://overthebigmoon.com/from-oops-to-ahhh/
Plan Acts of Service
Spend time gathering the names and information of corps and community members who are elderly or disabled and need help with simple home repairs. Set a day to go out in teams and tackle as many as possible.
I Will Rebuild It and Restore Its Former Glory
There are many shows on television that highlight the house flipping industry. These shows look for homes with a potential high resale value after the new owner makes an investment. These homes are often run down and in disrepair. Since the purchaser often doesn’t fully know what is wrong with the house until after they’ve purchased it, the show takes us through a variety of situations. Some of the most challenging flips include situations where the roof or foundation is severely damaged or where the electrical system is deficient. Such repairs become costly and can eat away at their potential profit very quickly.
We might ask when watching these shows and seeing the damage, “How could anyone let it get that way?” It’s interesting to note that our human nature adapts easily to new situations allowing us often to become blind to what is right in front of us. Perhaps it is a noisy faucet that drips all night. When it first started dripping, it drove you crazy, even keeping you up at night; however, eventually it became just another household sound you no longer noticed. Or what about that stain in the carpet by the kitchen? You remember when you first saw it and how annoyed you were by it. Now you pass it every day and barely seem to notice it. Perhaps you just add a rug on top of the carpet to cover the stain.
In the book of Amos, the prophet leaves the house of Israel a promise. After spending nearly nine chapters of doing a full house inspection, he lets them know not to worry because there is still hope. He tells the people of God’s future promise for the nation of Israel and for those of us who would be grafted into His great plan through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. “In that day I will restore the fallen house of David. I will repair its damaged walls. From the ruins I will rebuild it and restore its former glory. And Israel will possess what is left of Edom” (Amos 9:11,12).
In our relationship with Christ we can become complacent, often overlooking seemly small sins that accumulate just like a noisy faucet or a carpet stain. Perhaps we noticed them at first, but then they just became part of our everyday existence. This promise reminds us that God is in the repairing, rebuilding and restoring business. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 we are reminded, “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” When this temple (the house of God) becomes stained and dirty with sin, it needs to be restored. God’s temple is to be holy. Do you have a stained carpet hidden under a decorative rug? Are you hiding sins hoping that they won’t be noticed? Where does God need to bring restoration in your life today? Thankfully, He is waiting for us to confess our sins to Him. We read in 1 John 1:9, “But if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Aren’t you glad that God is in the restoration business?
