Mon., Apr. 2, 2018

2 Corinthians 5:17 – When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand-new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!

About two-and-a-half years ago, we purchased a 110-year-old farmhouse. We have been updating, refurbishing and bringing new life back to this old girl. Structurally, the house was in good shape. Our goal has been to keep the original character while making it fit more of today’s lifestyle.

Initially, we redid several rooms in the house while we basically “camped” in the house. Since this initial significant undertaking, we have been more careful about only having one project going at a time. We have avoided having a whole bunch of half-finished projects.

This winter, we tackled the downstairs bathroom. While I spent several weeks with my Mom in the last days of her life, Rick was busy giving new life to this bathroom. When the house was built, there was not indoor plumbing. When the downstairs bathroom was added, we believe the original pantry off the kitchen was converted.

Sharing our DIY house projects is new for me. Unfortunately, I did not take “before” photos, which would show how much new life it now has.

The project was inspired by this floor tile. I knew I wanted to choose a very traditional, period-appropriate tile from which the rest of the room would evolve.

Rick removed the awkward old cast iron bathtub. It was replaced with a stand-up shower. The traditional white subway tile is the same tile we used for the kitchen backsplash.

When we bought the house, there was an entrance from the kitchen into the bathroom. During the kitchen remodel, we closed off this entrance to make more room in the kitchen. Rick came up with the very creative way of turning the old kitchen entrance into a wonderful closet. Isn’t it great?

The entire room has been updated. Weekly date nights became trips to Menard’s for supplies. Rick was excited to install the mirror over the sink into the wall and make it flush. This was until he discovered a large pipe going through the wall. We are still happy with the mirror, even if it sticks out from the wall a bit.

While there are many projects in our house that I am thrilled with, this bathroom’s new life makes my heart so happy. Every time I walk into this room, I feel extreme gratitude for Rick’s willingness to make every little change just like I wanted. He took a worn bathroom and turned it into a room that takes your breath away. Literally. When our grandsons were with us last week, they were so impressed with the new bathroom. When their buddy Jordan arrived, the first thing Bryce did was show him the updated bathroom. How interesting that this is what a 14-year-old chose to do first.

When a person discovers Christ in their lives, Paul writes the person becomes a new person on the inside. The person has been changed. They experience new life! I feel our downstairs has found new life. For this, I am very grateful.

Lord God, it’s just a bathroom. But it helps remind me of the new life I can find in you daily. Thank you for the gift of new life in Christ we can discover each day.  Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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