My husband's company took part in an episode of ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. If you've ever seen the show you know that a family in need of housing is chosen for a 'makeover' - but in reality they go in and demolish the existing home and build them a new one - in seven days!

Companies donate materials and labor while the community volunteers to help with everything from construction to food. Hundreds of people are on site working 24/7. My husband thought it was an amazing thing to be part of and an experience he will long remember.

Here are a few 'lessons' he shared about what he observed while he was there (However, I must confess that I have extrapolated and generally paraphrased much of what he said - sorry, Honey!) So here are some life lessons from a tv show.

1. The old must be removed in order for something new and wonderful to take its place.

In the show, they remove the old house and build a new one. In our lives we have to 'clean out our closet' of old baggage to make room for all the new 'clothes' God wants to give us. Hanging onto the past keeps us from embracing the future.

2. A new foundation has to be laid for the new structure.

There's no way a house can stand without a solid foundation. The same is true of our lives. Our 'firm foundation' is Christ. Our life must be built on the Word of God in order for it to remain strong when all else is collapsing around us.

3. There was a vision for what could be built.

While God knew us before the foundation of the world, it takes us awhile to get up to speed with His plan. We need to take a step of faith and trust Him. Whatever our past or present, there is hope for the future and we need to check with the 'Architect' of our lives to capture the vision.

4. There was a detailed plan before the building began.

God has the blueprints for that plan. We need to put all our hopes and dreams in God's hands. 'A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.' Prov. 16:9

5. It takes excellent teamwork to get the job done.

"If everybody does a little, nobody has to do a lot" (This is a take-off from what my husband used to tell his youth group - 'Everybody sings a little or somebody sings a lot'. Since none of them wanted to sing a solo this generally ensured active participation!) We need the strength and support of fellow believers. We were not meant to go through on this earth alone.

6. On a project that size there was very definitive leadership; there's one man at the head of the job.

Christ is our head. All other leaders are under his direction and authority. this actually makes our life much easier!

7. There was tremendous progress made.

As we grow in grace and mature in our walk of faith the power of our testimony increases. Our faith is a journey, a progression, a reaching toward the goal of Christ-likeness.

8. Something of the old will be incorporated in the new.

Take from what you've experienced and learn from it. God's grace is active in our lives, changing us into the image of His Son. God uses everything to work together for good. He takes our mistakes and uses them for His glory.

All for Him,

Missy

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