Just "Do It Yourself." We have all heard this phrase at some point in our lives. When we were young it may have came from our parents, a teacher, or a frustrated sibling not wanting to help us tie our shoes!  But,  as we've  grown older and matured, this phrase has also changed and matured in it's meaning; it has become a common term used in our every day lives.  There are TV shows about it, magazines with the same name, articles in newspapers, blogs that specialize in DIY for just about any topic!

 DIY has definitely become a household expression and lifestyle by many of us today. Whether learning to tile an entry for a home improvement project or taking a chalk painting class so that you can finish your dining room set yourself, DIY is the smart, trendy and money saving way to go!

I was thinking about this the other day and it occurred to me that my mom (probably like many of yours) was THE ORIGINAL DIYer! As a child growing up in rural southern Missouri my family was always looking for ways to save money or do it ourselves. Back then DIY was a necessity in life, not a trendy choice. 

I wouldn't say that we were poor, because we had everything we needed and never seemed to lack for anything. But, I know that my parents sacrificed and saved for what we had. Unlike so many today, they did not spend money without much consideration.  We did not go to fast food restaurants on a regular basis, as a matter of fact we very rarely  went out. (When you live in the Ozarks though, you don't miss such things. We went fishing and frogging and had all kinds of fun in the fields and woods around our house.)

My mom was so clever and thrifty. She often made her own curtains, she painted and refinished all our furniture herself, I remember once she distressed our front door using a hammer and a chain. People driving by would stop and ask her where she got that door!  She planted flowers and gardens and mowed lawns and worked harder than any woman I have ever known.  And, she usually had us kids out there helping with all those chores. Now, am I complaining? Oh no I'm not! I feel blessed to have had one of the best childhoods in today's America.  My folks taught me to look at everything as an opportunity to learn and grow by doing it myself!  I learned how to use a hammer and nails by helping my dad roof the house once when I was a teenager. I learned how to paint, mow, grow a garden, pull weeds, sew, cook, clean,  be humble and help others from my mom. 

So, I love the term DIY.  It is near and dear to my heart. Not just because I am the total DIYer! (No joke. Last week I fixed my dryer all by myself! Yes, I was a bit proud of that task. However, it was easy to do after I got clear directions from a nice handyman!)

I also love the term DIY because it is a mentality that I was raised with. A necessary lifestyle that we embraced.  A way of life.  And my parents had no idea what they were starting! Trendsetters, who woulda thunk it?

Colossians 3: 23  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men

I am happy to announce that I will soon have a new page on my site for DIY craft tutorials!  You can also find them along with  free scripture printables and  encouragement at IndoorOutdoorSpace.org

Wow, so much pressure and I don't even know you yet! But, I want to make a good impression.
There are so many reasons I am here today, typing on my laptop to a virtual world, not knowing if anyone is even going to read this. 
Reasons like-the Lord called me, He won't let me rest until I follow through, I want to be obedient and there might be one person out there that needs to hear what the Lord has laid on my heart! 
Not reasons like-I think I have something important to say or  I think that I am particularly clever or talented in writing. I don't and I'm not (as you shall see). However, I do feel a huge burden to share something with you, whether I do well or not is irrelevant! My goal is to obey the Lord and hopefully be a blessing in the process!
So, what has God called YOU to do? Has He put on your heart to   take a step of faith?   Has He asked you to be bold and talk to someone about Him? Or maybe he is working in the quiet places of your heart to just trust in Him. Or maybe you haven't yet taken that step of obedience He has called you to, by tithing, or serving in the church, or .... only you know what God is speaking to your heart. Whatever it is, get confirmation. Seek the Lord and His word to make sure it is His calling. (More later about how to know God's will; this is not meant to be a mystery!)
And then, DO IT! I know, I know,....easy for you to say, right? You are right. It is easy to say, and hard to follow through. I know because I have been like Moses giving God every excuse as to why I should not be doing this. But, when it comes down to it I had to ask myself, "Do I want to disobey God?" Well, what is YOUR answer to that question? Take that step, and let God prove Himself to you. God does not call us out and leave us hanging.
I Thess. 5:24 Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.
What a promise! I'm sure God has already proven His faithfulness to you, as He has to me so many times. He is faithful! And when He calls us, He also does it! He doesn't leave us alone to do it ourselves! 
I implore you, my new friend, if God has laid something on your heart, called you to take a step, burdened your heart, don't procrastinate. Take that step and He will bless you for it.
I mean, think about this, the God who made the universe and everything in it  has communed with your heart and asked you to do something. That gives me chills! What an awesome privilege.  
If you have felt a tug on your heart to take a step of obedience and would like to share or need prayer, you are welcome to contact me. I would love to pray for you and hear your story. 
God Bless your step of obedience. He is already blessing mine! 

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Phil. 4:20

- Angie