Wednesday, September 15, 2021
I am a DIY freak. It all started back in 1994 when HGTV was a brand new channel. It used to have many wonderful and achievable craft and DIY shows like “Decorating Cents”, “The Carol Duvall Show” and “Room by Room” to name a few. Do you remember them? I was OBSESSED, thank you very much! HGTV has changed so very much in the past couple of decades. I really do miss what it once was, but I guess that’s pretty typical of a DIY-er… often pining for things of the past.
I really have only watched a few of their more recent shows, including everyone’s favorite, Chip and Joanna’s “Fixer Upper” which, by the way, I have completely exhausted. What to do to get my fix? There is, thank goodness, one show I literally stumbled upon within the past couple of months, and it is one I simply can not resist… “Escape to the Chateau”. If you have not heard of it, let me share a brief overview.
“Escape to the Chateau” follows the story of British couple Dick and Angel Strawbridge who (along with family) pursue their dream as they purchase, restore and redecorate the Chateau de la Motte-Husson a 12 acre, 45 room abandoned estate located in northwestern France.
After the property was acquired by the de Baglion family (descendants from princes of the Italian city, Perugia) in the 1600’s, the castle was rebuilt in the late 1800’s and throughout the years fell into deep dilapidation. It was purchased by the Strawbridges in 2014 for only £280,000 (approximately $387,000 US)… a bargain to say the least. As of July 2021, Angel stated most of the renovation is finally complete. I’m only on Season 3, so by my timeline, they still have a loooooong way to go! YAY!
Last night, as I binge watched this couple resourcefully, tirelessly and lovingly restore and prepare their glorious mansion not only as their residence, but also as a wedding venue for brides and grooms from around the world, I got to thinking. I really got to thinking. Enter the scripture…
Enter my thoughts…
Not only are Dick and Angel resourcefully, tirelessly and lovingly preparing their home for their brides, God is resourcefully, tirelessly and lovingly preparing His home for His Bride, too. And that home, my friends in Christ, would be Heaven!
If you’ve ever read in the Bible what Heaven will be like, you will most likely find yourself in Revelation 21 where only part of Heaven’s description is revealed to the apostle John. I have summarized some of these scriptures from the King James Version below, but please read them for yourself. These scriptures are so beautiful and hopeful!
Heaven is where God, Himself, will dwell among us forever! It is here He will wipe away every tear. There will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain. All things will be new. The city will be of pure gold, like unto clear glass.
There will be 12 gates each made of pearl and each with an angel. There will be 12 foundations each created of a different stone… jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, topaz, amethyst and more. There will be no need of the sun or moon for it will be The Glory of God and The Lamb who will shine brightly!
Oh, Yes and Amen!
Now, I would absolutely LOVE to visit Dick and Angel’s Chateau de la Motte-Hudson one day, but more than that… I am absolutely IN LOVE with the fact that I will have eternal visitation in the grandest home of all in Heaven with my Lord!
I’ll see you there!