Don't follow your heart (even when it's dressed in velvet and Victorian dreams)

When I was a young mother, with many children,not a lot of money, and a deep desire to create beauty, I decided I wanted a Victorian living room.

I could see it all so clearly,I planned it in my head, then on paper. Soft floral curtains, warm light from the many beautiful lamps I'd have. Morning sun, streaming in the crystal clear windows as I had my morning coffee, nursed the baby, and did my devotions.( mamas, are you laughing yet?) It was so idyllic. In my head.

Imagine my excitement when the PERFECT set showed up on Craigslist! (no marketplace that long ago) So I redid the weekly menu to include some budget friendly meals, got an extension on the electric bill and off we went!

When we arrived, I noticed that the set looked a little small. I told myself,The kids are also small,perfect! I saw the carved wood trim and thought,wood is sturdy,it'll hold up. Threw it in the back of the truck and home it came. Sold on a dream.

The second it was in place,I knew. It looked ridiculous. The scale made the whole room look like a shabby dollhouse. There would be no peaceful mornings, curled up with coffee. More like perched stiffly, knees almost to chest.

I cried. And after a week, it was sold for under what we paid, the old, well worn couch, put back in it's place and I had learned a real big lesson. One of many about following the heart vs seeking wisdom.

Your heart was never meant to lead you.

"He who trust in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered."

-Proverbs 28;26

"The heart is deceitful above all things,And desperately wicked;who can know it?"

-Jeremiah 17:9

The worlds message, "follow your heart" is in direct contrast to what God's word says. "Follow the Truth"

The flesh has a voice-and it's loud.

"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace"

-Romans 8:6

"For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh,the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world.

1 John 2:16

My vision for a beautiful living room wasn't wrong. It just wasn't wise. What my heart wanted, wasn't actually in my best interest.

This is a pattern that plays out in everyone's life at some point. Decisions,relationships,the way we justify sin.

"Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh with it's passions and desires"

-Galations 5;24

May we all learn to to follow Truth and Wisdom,and wait on the Lord.

Scenes from today

rain outside the window

Reluctant to get up this morning