BLESS Your HOME with the PRESENCE of GOD

 

What do you think makes up a home?

What is the difference between a house, and a home?

Let SCRIPTURE define it for you.

4 For every house is builded by some man; 

but he that built all things is God.

Hebrews 3:4 

King James Version

5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thine heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy might.

6 And these words, 

which I command thee this day, 

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently 

unto thy children, 

and shalt talk of them 

when thou sittest in thine house, 

and when thou walkest by the way, 

and when thou liest down, 

and when thou risest up.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 

King James Version

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, 

choose you this day whom ye will serve; 

whether the gods which your fathers served 

that were on the other side of the flood, 

or the gods of the Amorites, 

in whose land ye dwell: 

but as for me and my house, 

we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:15 

King James Version

29 Therefore now let it please thee 

to bless the house of thy servant, 

that it may continue for ever before thee: 

for thou, 

O Lord God, 

hast spoken it: 

and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant 

be blessed for ever.

2 Samuel 7:29 

King James Version

91 He that dwelleth 

in the secret place of the most High 

shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, 

He is my refuge and my fortress: 

my God; 

in him will I trust.

Psalm 91:1-2 

King James Version

127 Except the Lord build the house, 

they labour in vain that build it: 

except the Lord keep the city, 

the watchman waketh but in vain.

Psalm 127:1 

King James Version

33 The curse of the Lord 

is in the house of the wicked: 

but he blesseth the habitation 

of the just.

Proverbs 3:33 

King James Version

3 Through wisdom is an house builded; 

and by understanding it is established:

4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled 

with all precious and pleasant riches.

Proverbs 24:3-4 

King James Version

16 Therefore 

thus saith the Lord God, 

Behold, 

I lay in Zion for a foundation 

a stone, 

a tried stone, 

a precious corner stone, 

a sure foundation: 

he that believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 28:16 

King James Version

18 And my people shall dwell 

in a peaceable habitation, 

and in sure dwellings, 

and in quiet resting places;

Isaiah 32:18 

King James Version

25 And the rain descended, 

and the floods came, 

and the winds blew, 

and beat upon that house; 

and it fell not: 

for it was founded 

upon a rock.

Matthew 7:25 

King James Version

14 Let not your heart be troubled: 

ye believe in God, 

believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: 

if it were not so, 

I would have told you. 

I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:1-2 

King James Version

5 For we know that if our earthly house 

of this tabernacle were dissolved, 

we have a building of God, 

an house not made with hands, 

eternal in the heavens.

2 For in this we groan, 

earnestly desiring to be clothed upon 

with our house which is from heaven:

3 If so be that being clothed 

we shall not be found naked.

4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, 

being burdened: 

not for that we would be unclothed, 

but clothed upon, 

that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

5 Now he that hath wrought us 

for the selfsame thing 

is God, 

who also hath given unto us 

the earnest of the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5 

King James Version

Some verses sourced from:

"Bible Verses About Home"

Compiled and Edited by BibleStudyTools Staff on 3/18/2018

Image source: Unsplash

Updated 24 January 2022

JESUS as the FOUNDATION of Our Life, Home, and Work

 

Psalm 18:2

King James Version

2 The Lord is my rock, 

and my fortress, and my deliverer; 

my God, my strength, 

in whom I will trust; 

my buckler, 

and the horn of my salvation, 

and my high tower.

Fifteen months ago, I surrendered my whole life and work to the MASTER Builder -- JESUS.

Material things of the world, and its constant bickering, don't appeal to me at all,.

Only God has control over how anything would turn out.

I prefer building my "house" (my soul, my whole life, my whole work), upon the STRONGEST foundation of all -- JESUS.

He is the Builder, the Rock, and the Foundation.

JESUS is ALL.

These verses testify to the infinite strength, glory, and wisdom of the LORD, upon whom we must all build our lives, homes, and work.

Find permanent STRENGTH in these powerful verses:

Genesis 49:24

King James Version

24 But his bow abode in strength, 

and the arms of his hands were made strong 

by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; 

(from thence is the shepherd, 

the stone of Israel:)

Deuteronomy 32:4

King James Version

4 He is the Rock, 

his work is perfect: 

for all his ways are judgment: 

a God of truth and without iniquity, 

just and right is he.

Psalm 62:5-8

King James Version

5 My soul, 

wait thou only upon God; 

for my expectation is from him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation: 

he is my defence; 

I shall not be moved.

7 In God is my salvation and my glory: 

the rock of my strength, 

and my refuge, 

is in God.

8 Trust in him at all times; 

ye people, 

pour out your heart before him: 

God is a refuge for us. 

Selah.

Psalm 89:26

King James Version

26 He shall cry unto me, 

Thou art my father, 

my God, 

and the rock of my salvation.

Psalm 118:22

King James Version

22 The stone which the builders refused 

is become the head stone of the corner.

Matthew 7:24-25

King James Version

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:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, 

and the winds blew, and beat upon that house;

and it fell not: 

for it was founded upon a rock.

Matthew 21:42

King James Version

42 Jesus saith unto them, 

Did ye never read in the scriptures, 

The stone which the builders rejected, 

the same is become the head of the corner: 

this is the Lord's doing, 

and it is marvellous in our eyes?

1 Corinthians 3:11

King James Version

11 For other foundation can no man lay 

than that is laid, 

which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:4

King James Version

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: 

for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: 

and that Rock was Christ.

Ephesians 2:20-22

King James Version

20 And are built upon the foundation 

of the apostles and prophets, 

Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together 

groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together 

for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Peter 2:6

King James Version

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, 

Behold, 

I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, 

elect, precious: 

and he that believeth on him 

shall not be confounded.

Other references:

The CHIEF Corner Stone

ROCK steady

PEACE through JESUS

34 Bible Verses about Jesus Is The Rock

17 Bible Verses about Christ The Rock

Bible Verses about Jesus Christ as Rock

Updated 29 October 2023

No Quackery Here

 

Here are real DUCK stories.

Even a karaoke song.

I kid you not.

The objective being, to have a bit of play.

The world's too crazy.

We must be like a bunch of happy ducks, catching some sun.

Mask, and all, we take that dip.

So, will entertain you a bit with educational duck lingo, a FREE advertising site, and finally, the cute karaoke song.

They all came together on their own today, so I'm merely sharing with you -- to bring a smile to your face.

1. WORDS.

What do you mean by "ducks in a row"?

Dictionary dot com says it's to "complete one's preparations, become efficient and well organized".

Wow, are you organized?

What do you mean by "sitting duck"?

Merriam-Webster says it's an "easy and defenseless target".

Oh, boy, we better be not be.

What do you mean by "duck"?

Wikipedia gives a good description and definition of the noun.

Used as a verb, "duck" means to "take cover". 

I suppose super heroes can "dodge" bullets, and mere mortals have to "duck" from attacks hurled at our person.

What do you mean by "quack"?

Cambridge Dictionary says it's "to make the usual sound of a duck" or a "person who dishonestly pretends to have medical skills or knowledge". Verb or noun, I chose the noun.

I'm a quack architect, thus, the blog.

2. FREE advertising.

I was waiting for someone to purchase Traffic Ducks*, and today, someone finally did!

Thus, I signed up right away, confirmed my email address, logged in, and put in my ads, thinking to myself I'll promote it on this blog.

Ducks have to stick together, ya see.

For no trouble at all, you receive the following:

-- 1,000 credits

-- 2 solo ads

-- 2 long banners

-- 2 square banners

-- 2 text link ads

-- FREE graphic and online marketing tools

If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's online marketing lingo. And if you're curious, you'll sign up under me here.

*I shared this blog post with Traffic Ducks and got a response today, "Your site quacked us up."

No need to apologize admin George, it did me, too.

3. KARAOKE song.

Want to polish up your "counting"?

Or have a kid who needs to?

Or plain just want to have a fun time?

I found myself singing along, mind you.

Methinks I'll keep hearing it in my sleep.

Click the video below.

Updated 25 January 2022

Why Designing Homes Never Really Interested Me

 

2 Timothy 2:20-21 

King James Version

20 But in a great house 

there are not only vessels of gold 

and of silver, 

but also of wood and of earth; 

and some to honour, 

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself 

from these, 

he shall be a vessel unto honour, 

sanctified, 

and meet for the master's use, 

and prepared unto every good work.

I really stood out like a sore thumb among my peers.

Apart from myself, there was another older architecture student, who didn't follow the popular route of becoming a full-fledged architect.

Perhaps, we are both failures in their eyes.

I can almost feel them cringe when my friend and I are around.

And I smile at the pedestal they've built for themselves.

I used to read a lot of design and architecture magazines.

Such choices for floorings, counters, roofs, walls, carpets, tables, chairs, beds, upholstery, entertainment areas, kitchens, and everything else the vain and moneyed heart wished.

All slick, expensive, and made my heart feel empty.

And I'm so glad I was that sore thumb that didn't quite fit in any tongue-and-groove layout, for I was cut differently -- from day one.

If anything, I was more like an old, irregular wooden plank that fit among other wider, older planks.

I had a humble father on earth to teach me.

He was into real service, as opposed to wealth accumulation.

And surely, God -- my REAL FATHER -- created me differently, too!

Where people built monuments to money, fame, power, prestige, beauty, intelligence, I can only laugh in delight at that image above, of a child's play house.

Nothing slick, and shiny, about it.

But definitely fun!

Oh, if only people built more child-like homes!

There's be more imagination, and creativity.

No desire to impress, nor oppress.

Has to be indestructible, and low-maintenance.

Children don't have time to clean up.

They have more important things on their mind.

They play.

They eat.

They run.

They sleep.

They create.

And yes, they fight, too.

So, that house has to stand all that.

Large houses feel like mausoleums.

Actually, if GOD is in every house, it will come alive.

I honestly believe God lives in kid's play houses.

I think He finds it more fun there.

JESUS did say:

Matthew 18:2-5 

King James Version

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, 

and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Except ye be converted, 

and become as little children, 

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself 

as this little child, 

the same is greatest 

in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive 

one such little child in my name 

receiveth me.

Now you know why slick houses, or designing for rich people, don't interest me at all.

It's all vanity.

Anyway, God gave me a different work to do.

It's more precise than architecture.

Oh, and one last thing:

Jesus was born in a manger.

Luke 2:7 

King James Version

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, 

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, 

and laid him in a manger; 

because there was no room for them in the inn.

You know what a "manger" is?

Merriam-Webster says it's:

: a trough (see TROUGH sense 1a) or open box in a stable designed to hold feed or fodder for livestock

The LORD Jesus, the SAVIOR of the world, the MESSIAH, had the humblest "bed" no rich folk would ever want to put their kids in.

A house was out of the question.

And yet He was KING, and LORD, of all.

Revelation 19:16 

King James Version

16 And he hath on his vesture 

and on his thigh a name written, 

King Of Kings, 

And Lord Of Lords.

And you know what else I know?

If those kids, in that tiny play house, saw baby JESUS, they'd make sure He had a cool place in there.

Maybe the LORD will be inside that tiny play house, with the kids standing outside, sticking their necks through the windows, making sure He's okay.

There might even be a fight of sorts.

Of who gets to carry Him first!

And yes, JESUS will get ALL the teddy bears.

Updated 30 July 2022

The CHIEF Corner Stone

 

Psalm 118:22

King James Version

22 The stone which the builders refused 

is become the head stone of the corner.

The only REAL architect is GOD.

God planned everything.

God made everything.

God is perfection.

God is precision.

And JESUS is the "corner stone".

But what is a corner stone?

Why is Jesus the "corner stone"?

What does Jesus -- the WORD of GOD -- have to do with Architecture?

What do all these have to do with the world?

I assure you, it's all so relevant, and important, for all things were built by God.

Hebrews 3:4

King James Version

4 For every house is builded by some man; 

but he that built all things is God.

Wikipedia defines "cornerstone" as:

"The cornerstone (or foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. All other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure." 

Here's what Scripture has to say about the "corner stone":

Job 38:4-6

King James Version

4 Where wast thou 

when I laid the foundations of the earth? 

declare, if thou hast understanding.

5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, 

if thou knowest? 

or who hath stretched the line upon it?

6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? 

or who laid the corner stone thereof;

Isaiah 28:16

King James Version

16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, 

Behold, 

I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, 

a tried stone, 

a precious corner stone, 

a sure foundation: 

he that believeth shall not make haste.

Ephesians 2:19-22

King James Version

19 Now therefore 

ye are no more strangers and foreigners, 

but fellowcitizens with the saints, 

and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation 

of the apostles and prophets, 

Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together 

groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together 

for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Acts 4:10-12

King James Version

10 Be it known unto you all, 

and to all the people of Israel, 

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 

whom ye crucified, 

whom God raised from the dead, 

even by him doth this man stand here 

before you whole.

11 This is the stone 

which was set at nought of you builders, 

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: 

for there is none other name under heaven 

given among men, 

whereby we must be saved.

1 Peter 2:4-8

King James Version

4 To whom coming, 

as unto a living stone, 

disallowed indeed of men, 

but chosen of God, and precious,

5 Ye also, as lively stones, 

are built up a spiritual house, 

an holy priesthood, 

to offer up spiritual sacrifices, 

acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, 

Behold, 

I lay in Sion a chief corner stone,

 elect, precious: 

and he that believeth on him 

shall not be confounded.

7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: 

but unto them which be disobedient, 

the stone which the builders disallowed, 

the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a stone of stumbling, 

and a rock of offence, 

even to them which stumble at the word, 

being disobedient: 

whereunto also they were appointed.

Now, you understand why we are as nothing to the might, power, and glory of the LORD.

God is the CHIEF Architect of CREATION, and JESUS is the CHIEF Corner Stone -- without which, we'd all fall apart -- lives, homes, self, families, buildings, societies, governments, businesses, institutions.

Take heed then, we give honor and obedience where we must.

Related material:

JESUS as the FOUNDATION of Our Life, Home, and Work

ROCK steady

All verses from biblegateway.com

Updated 12 December 2023

Designing For People

The LORD JESUS said:

John 15:12

King James Version

12 This is my commandment, 

That ye love one another, 

as I have loved you.

If there's one steady thing about my unsteady, varied career in design, communications, and entrepreneurship was this:

I always designed for people.

Everything, whether it's a tiny house, a room, a jacket, a bag, books, a workshop, a letter, a blog, a post -- everything had to be designed to serve people well.

I was designing for living, breathing humans, imagining them happy, and content, without the fuss of having to care over possessions or getting confused about ideas.

I wanted everyone to have freedom of movement, of thought, of enjoyment, of ease.

As a designer, I cringed at the idea the people I serve would have to buy expensive stuff, and left to care for the item, when the item should serve them first.

My heart has always been for the people, and since I was trained in Architecture and Anthropometrics, and did research in Ergonomics, every detail was taken into consideration.

Of course, I could hardly go by the books, as not everyone is of a standard height, or width.

There are nearly eight billion people in the world right now.

It would drive a designer nuts, to chart all the varied sizes of people, in order to design perfectly well for them.

But we, designers, could sure use the rarest sense of all -- COMMON sense.

I also took note of the "flow", wherein I put myself in the shoes of the client, or customer, and took my brain on a spin, visualizing how objects, structures, and policies must serve man.

When I use, or touch certain objects, ride certain vehicles, sit on certain furniture, or go on slick buildings and establishments, I can literally feel the "pinch" on my spirit, when something feels laborious, or uncomfortable.

Such as a delicate cup that will shatter easily.

Or sharp edges of a table, where I imagine a child bumping his tiny head on.

Or shiny, slick, but slippery floors.

I literally shiver at the thought objects and structures would "hurt" people. 

Designers must have heart, that's what.

We must not design for our own ego.

That has always been a principle for me, in most everything I do.

After becoming a born-again Christian for nearly a year now, the learning has been exquisite, and ego must not be found, if I serve the LORD of all.

The learning has been taken to the HIGHEST level -- the only level I care to serve my fellow human beings.

All the more design must "serve the needs of man".

I have this common-sense theory, wherein I feel the best designer of homes for families, would be wives who truly love their families.

They'd know the flow, the furniture, the colors, the furnishings necessary for their families.

They also won't ask the husband to spend for what they may not have.

She won't ask kids to have rooms that are more her look and color.

She will make sure everyone's happy and comfortable, and not there to please her.

There is no diva in this humble lady.

We designers must assist this lady every way we can.

Of course, I look at many structures and establishments around me, or the policies that govern us, and again, I cringe, as more often than not, it is to serve the ego of owners, designers, and officials, not really the end consumers.

Where before, condominiums in the big cities where I live are low structures, now they're all towering Babylons.

Where before, the units and rooms are large and spacious, they have become expensive, tiny boxes that cramp their poor occupants -- physically, and financially.

Where before, these units and rooms are sold, or rented, at a fair market price, now, they have soared as high as their Babylonian aspirations, which, to my Christ-centered heart, signify tenant "expiration".

People can't breathe with the high cost of living, as if all you're here on earth for, is to pay rent, or mortgage.

I imagine a lot of heads nodding.  

Because I love details that people don't normally pay attention to, I suppose I became a more aware writer, designer, and entrepreneur.

Trained to imagine structures and potential design, I can literally visualize everything, to the last detail.

I owe all that to God, of course, thus, the heavy, initial training, before I could even write this post you're reading now.

I also thank God, that He gave me the heart to really care for people.

Perhaps, that's all I really have.

Not so much the technical knowledge, for I shunned too much high tech.

I left all the structural computations, plumbing details, electrical specifications, to the proper "authorities".

I prefer low tech/high heart, my ears closely attuned to God's heart, not addicted to trends, but focused on how to make people genuinely happy, comfortable, safe, and secure.

Is that at all possible?

For sure!

Be a follower of CHRIST, and He will show you the WAY.

Betcha didn't expect that, huh?

I don't blame you, they didn't teach me that either at Architecture school.

It was all nuts, bolts, until I turned into a nut, and bolted.

Kidding.

Well, kinda.

But I always speak from experience, so you can't really say I'm a pretender.

When you follow Jesus, whether you're a designer, or in any other profession, your heart and thinking will be opened up wide, and you will begin to really, really "see".

You will see what the unawakened human heart can't see.

You will think what the jaded human mind can't think.

You will see through the LENS of the Holy Spirit, the TEACHER of All Things, the One who helps us remember to focus on what matters most -- GOD, and others.

When you reach that point, all your "designs" (whether structures, education, policies, finance, law, clothes, furniture, transportation, reading material, media) will be kind to humans.

That is the ultimate.

To design as GOD would.

Updated 24 January 2022

A Simple Home Rocks!

Hebrews 3:4

King James Version

4 For every house is builded by some man; 

but he that built all things is God.

What a beautiful find yesterday!

Reading some marketers' mails online, and clicking on the appropriate links, I came across the very awesome Low Cost Log Homes of KY website.

The image you see above was its frontispiece, and it depicted EXACTLY my idea of a simple, sturdy, and straightforward home.

Just a simple, rectangular design, with a deck out in front.

A perfect, low-maintenance way to live and entertain simply.

I could stare at this beauty all day long, and imagine how lovely it would be to live in one.

I live in the Philippines, but somehow this American design is the one I wish to share with you, for it has captured my heart with its simple, unadorned beauty.

We know how people are, where many wish their homes to be as huge, complicated, or expensive as their neighbor's.

Well, I'm not one of those people.

I've designed and researched tiny, affordable rooms, and homes.  

I've even visited building trade fairs where I could find alternative home designs -- and I've found many.

In college, I've even applied to study low-cost housing in Asian Institute of Technology* in Thailand, in my desire to really get to the bottom of it.

Despite the Deans of Architecture and Engineering giving letters of recommendation on my behalf for the scholarship, AIT thought my grades too low.

Oh well, no one had high grades in Architecture anyway har har. 

My heart has always been closest to those who cannot afford expensive homes.

There is a way to live simply, and happily, and I can assure you, if your heart is right with the LORD, having a roof over your head, whether just a tiny, rented room, or a simple, basic home suffices.

In these days of covid, I can barely imagine how many families in the less fortunate neighborhoods, manage to fit in.

So, when I see a simple, sturdy, and straightforward home like the one above, and priced low, my heart soars, wanting to share it with your right away!

Even the website is tiny, and simple.

And yet, the links and tabs are all you need.

Nothing flashy or complicated, so refreshingly wonderful!

Exactly what my designer's heart loves, and respects!

If your heart is like mine, grounded, and yet looking up at God for all my simple needs, then please click this Low Cost Log Homes link once more.

*Just a little funny thought: Nearly 20 years after having applied to that AIT scholarship in Thailand, and being turned down, God comes in and makes me marketing communications consultant for a local university. And guess who was the dean there, this time? The VERY same head of that AIT university. Funny how things come around, eh? Anyway, the Dean and I had a good laugh about that one. Actually, he was speechless, but I found him to be a kind person, too! 

Of course, my revolutionary heart wished people would look upon the DESIRE, and INTENT of the student, and not on the foolish grades, or capability to pay tuition. Those don't really mean anything in my books, except it did in theirs. But I guess I can put up my own school one day, where grades are the last to be considered. I'd rather look upon the heart, the mind, and spirit of each student, praying that God show me how to serve each student, and family, and to help them reach their fullest God-given potential. Oh, that would be a dream!

(Image sourced from Low Cost Log Homes.)

Updated 24 January 2022