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Women Living Well Blog: I Live In A Miserable Place

Women Living Well Blog

Friday, August 27, 2010

I Live In A Miserable Place

Two years ago Forbes magazine dubbed my hometown among one of "America's Fastest-Dying Cities"(many of our steel mills have closed leaving people jobless). This year we ranked 9th among the magazine's "Most Miserable Cities" in America. Our closest city to the north is Cleveland, Ohio who was voted NUMBER ONE as the most miserable city! This is not a list you want to be ranked on!


How did we get to 9th place? The newspaper says, crummy weather, high unemployment, high rates of violence and crime, problems within the education systems, corruption with public officials and poor sports teams (while we boast of having the Pro-Football Hall of Fame in our town, our pro-football team - The Cleveland Browns - haven't had a winning streak in decades!)


The newspaper says I live in a miserable place! But I beg to differ! No matter where my home is - a hut in Africa, a city studio apartment or a ranch in Texas - God, the giver of joy is there! My joy is not dictated by weather or public officials but by my hope in Jesus!


I'm in agreement with Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home!".


One of my favorite blogs to read regularly is A Wise Woman Builds Her Home. I found this quote there:


"I work for a King. He has put me in charge of his home. When He comes to see how I have managed His possessions and His children, I do not want to be found wanting. I want to do my best. Everything I have is on loan from Him. I have room and board and a job to do, but it is all for Him. Therefore I want to dress my best and do my best in all my work. I also want to be creative, for this is a sincere attempt to glorify Him and His beautiful creation. How I manage my home is a form of worship to Him." --Lydia Sherman


Do you sometimes feel like your home is a miserable place? You have the power to turn it around. The woman influences the entire tone of the home. We all know the saying "if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."


Hold your tongue. Build your family up with your words. Create memories and special moments by adding special touches like lighting a candle or baking a cake for no reason at all. Work hard to create a joyful haven, a peaceful rest, and a place of growth for your family. Do your best! Be creative and glorify the King of Kings as you manage your home. Our homes are a form of worship.

Proverbs 14:1 "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."


Walk with the King!

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31 Comments:

Blogger LouAnneL said...

There was a reason I read your blog first this morning. *sigh* Our day got off to a very rough start, but this nugget of truth has most definitely opened my eyes to how it went wrong. Thank you for being faithful to share His message of hope for the home!

August 27, 2010 at 7:54 AM  
Blogger Suzanne said...

So true! Whenever somene asks who runs my home I tell them God is the CEO, my husband is upper management and I am middle management;-)

August 27, 2010 at 8:30 AM  
Blogger Sharon Cohen said...

What encouraging words! It is far too easy to to fall into a state of misery simply because we do not choose to rise above it all. Choosing to be content.

What kind of effort? Prayer, meditation and listening to the still small voice of the Holy Ghost. It has taken decades for me to discover the peace that the Savior brings. It means choosing to invite Him in - every day.

I appreciate this post. It is a wonderful continuation of my own post of yesterday - lest I forget!

August 27, 2010 at 8:35 AM  
Anonymous Alison said...

Beautiful post:)

August 27, 2010 at 8:40 AM  
Blogger Tammy_Skipper said...

Amen sister!!

August 27, 2010 at 8:50 AM  
Blogger Jennifer said...

A great reminder for me this morning as I've become extremely overwhelmed with the chaos that has become my home.

August 27, 2010 at 8:58 AM  
Blogger Alliwoo said...

Such a good reminder to refocus and put the priorities in check! Thanks Courtney!

August 27, 2010 at 9:02 AM  
Anonymous Mrs. Team S said...

Amen! Thank you for this joyful reminder this morning! We have happy hymns playing and I am off to go hug my precious blessings and make some memories. Have a blessed day!

August 27, 2010 at 9:05 AM  
Blogger Carolyn said...

Just the reminder I needed today, thank you forbeing such an encouragement,
Hugs
C

August 27, 2010 at 9:06 AM  
Anonymous Tina said...

Thanks for posting this...exactly what I needed to read! Between your writing and this post here-http://mycharmingkids.net/2010/08/im-gonna-miss-this-2/...Iv realized I really needed to reign my thoughts and actions in this week about my home and children.

August 27, 2010 at 9:18 AM  
Blogger Marieanne said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

August 27, 2010 at 9:28 AM  
Blogger Marieanne said...

I love it, and you are absolutely correct.

After many years and many tears, I live in a truly, truly peaceful home. The joy it brings me is indescribable. The effect it has on my children is beautiful. Seven years ago, God sent me a warm, wonderful, patient man who is as easy to love as it is to breathe.

But the most significant change has been within myself. I have learned, through the example of beautiful and long-term marriages at my church, that one must be patient and forbearing always if one's marriage is to be truly happy.

As an aside, what impresses me about you, Courtney, is the wisdom you possess. When I was in my mid-thirties, I was nowhere near where you are spiritually. What a gift you have.

August 27, 2010 at 9:29 AM  
Blogger Theresa said...

Yes, Amen!

August 27, 2010 at 10:03 AM  
Blogger Jessica said...

Agreed! My husband is about to deploy again to Iraq and I just told him that I would live anywhere in the world if it meant that we were living together. Thankful that my heavenly Groom is will still be with me wherever I live.

August 27, 2010 at 10:14 AM  
Blogger Toni said...

I love love love this message. I have to say, when I read that one of your favorite blogs was "Wise Woman", I thought, "But,...I'm not even blogging there yet." ROFL! Didn't realize there was a similar blog name out there, but I'm not surprised (it IS a great name!) And now that your message has convicted me, I'm off to push my 3yo on the swing for recess.
Blessings,
Toni

August 27, 2010 at 10:17 AM  
Blogger Karen said...

This is a wonderful, uplifting, encouraging post!!! AMEN!!! :))

Keep up your ministry here, you are touching our hearts.

Happy Birthday by the way! You make "35" look awesome!!!

Have a Blessed day!

Oh, how is that 5am wake up call going for you? ugh! ;)

August 27, 2010 at 10:20 AM  
Blogger Kristen said...

This is such a timely post for me Courtney as my husband's job may soon take us far away from the place I have called home for a long time. But really each place is what you make of it. It will only be miserable if I allow it to be. Thanks.

August 27, 2010 at 10:24 AM  
Anonymous Angel @ Finding The Inspiring said...

Great post! I think our attitude has a huge affect on the effort to make our home a haven. Sometimes we just need to have fun and let the happy flow out from the walls of our heart to the walls of our home. I posted about Fun stuff today if you want to have a peek.

August 27, 2010 at 11:22 AM  
Blogger Valerie said...

So very true...there is no place like home and it is our duty as women of faith to build up our homes to honor God.

Our homes, regardless of geographical location, should be as welcoming and comforting for our family as we create it to be for guests. Our family deserves our best everyday!

Blessings to you,
Valerie

August 27, 2010 at 11:22 AM  
Blogger Mariah said...

Courtney, I completely agree!!! Well, said! You really can be content with God anywhere. I live in WA state now, which is gloomy most of the year, and I came from sunny SO CAL. I'm not depressed, and I'm not planning to be...because God is here with me!!! through rain or shine!

August 27, 2010 at 1:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I came across your blog a couple of days ago and I am so glad I did. I have begun a slow journey to find God. The things that slow my process are excuses. I feel these excuses run deep through my soul. Reading your blog in the morning seems to have kept with me the remainder of the day and I have tried my best to watch my tounge. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is my new marriage motto.
Thank you.

Jaime

August 27, 2010 at 1:24 PM  
Blogger Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

Louanne - so glad you are here!

Suzanne - love that! So true!

Sharon - amen - prayer is key!

Jennifer - hang in there you are not alone!

MrsTeam S - Music makes a huge difference in the tone of the home - love hymns!

Hi Carolyn! Always glad to see you here!

Tina - I have to check out that post!

Marianne - only God can do this Amen!

Jessica - ((hugs))as he deplys :-(

Toni - lol!

Karen - it's 5:30am these days and I'm TIRED!

Kristen - God bless your move - God is with you always.

Angel - Amen - attitude is everything!

Valerie - That's right - we women shine in this role!

Mariah I love your definat joy!

jaime -Keith and I memorized I Cor. 13 when we were dating - excellent passage for marriage!

And thanks to everyone else for you sweet words!! Keep walking iwth the King!
Courtney

August 27, 2010 at 3:34 PM  
Blogger Kristy K said...

I live outside of Akron, so I too am from this miserable area :). Good thing I'm just passing through in this life! :)

August 27, 2010 at 3:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I live the 3rd most miserable city in America- but I know God is moving in our city in most incredible ways. One day, you will hear the stories of saints in Memphis who reached this city and the nations for the Lord!

August 27, 2010 at 4:18 PM  
Blogger JennaK said...

This is such a true concept. I have a brother who thinks he will only be happy if he and his wife move to a certain city, and currently they live in San Diego. He always asks me where my ideal place to live would be, and I have no answer. Wherever we live, we put down roots and make that place a home by doing just what you said. That's the key.

August 27, 2010 at 5:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm just inside Wayne County (Amish Country) and thankful to live basically in the middle of Small Town America. From the list of miserable cities, 2 are the birthplaces of our precious children. I know we are blessed to be able to raise them in the fresh air, sunshine and family atmosphere of this area.

August 28, 2010 at 2:59 PM  
Anonymous Heather said...

Thank you. Like others, I needed to read this. I am in a similar boat to Kristen's. my family and I have rented a beautiful home on wonderful land for the past couple of years. I have a great garden and am learning so much here. However, the landlord is selling the home and we have to move. While here, my husband has been commuting an hour to work and spending a lot of money on gasoline. So, we are looking to live a bit closer to work. The problem is that work is in Baltimore City - another miserable city, whether it made it to Forbes' list or not (I speak from experience, having lived there before). Anyway, I was feeling sorry for myself and you have given me a reason to look at it from a different perspective. Thank you.

August 28, 2010 at 4:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Courtney (and friends) this is a great song for any "miserable" city - "God of This City" by Chris Tomlin. Very encouraging. We need to remember to pray for our cities :-) Love, JLC

August 29, 2010 at 1:31 PM  
Blogger kimberley said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

August 29, 2010 at 11:41 PM  
Blogger kimberley said...

thank you for this incredible reminder - i needed this so much!!

August 29, 2010 at 11:42 PM  
Blogger Elizabeth Sue said...

Courtney dear...First of all I would like to say, maybe I am a weirdo but I loved living in Cleveland. I don't live there anymore but I miss it! My husband and I were newly weds there. I went to nursing school there, and I had my precious daughter Avery there. So I have many happy memories of Cleveland. I just found your blog and I must say it has been a HUGE blessing to me. Thank you for what you do.

September 1, 2010 at 6:04 PM  

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