(This one’s from Ben.) I like fixing old houses because I love a good redemption story. Remodeling is so much more than boards, nails, and paint; it tells a story of making old things new, making dead things live again, making ugly things beautiful once more.

I want to do for our farmhouse what Jesus has done for me. I only hope it tells His story well for those who come to see it.

There was a time in each of our lives when our foundations were shaky, our corners were out of square, and our interiors were full of filth and rottenness. But then Jesus came into our lives! He gave us a steadfast rock to build upon, He tore out the old and rebuilt it with new, and He washed over the ugly with pure glistening white. (See. 2 Cor 5:17)

This may or may not be what the living room looks like right now.

When I first laid eyes on the entirety of the farmhouse we are buying, I have to be honest: I saw an utter mess. Now, we have done a couple fixer-uppers before, but this one is going to be intense. Think 1,800 square feet of total and complete re-do. There’s no quick fixes or gloss overs this go ’round, this house needs the kind of love that leaves it completely transformed.

My heart fills with joy to stop and think that somehow Jesus sees me in the mess that I am in, and He chooses to make me new again. He sees me deeper than anyone ever has, and even still He takes his toolbox out and works until what’s left if a new creation. Praise God for redemption stories. I am one.

Hopefully you are one. And with some time, money, and old-fashioned work, our farmhouse will be, too. Stay tuned on the blog to watch the transformation take place.

Do you need some remodeling at the heart level in your life right now? If you need to talk to someone, we’d love to chat and pray with you and tell you about the greatest Carpenter that’s ever lived.