Hello Great Family,

This has been the summer of D.I.Y. for the Jackson family.  We have been putting off some major repairs around the outside of our house and for some reason, we have decided to tackle every one of them now. Most of these projects have been very labor intensive and several of them were done during the excessive heat wave. 

Here is what I know. Everything deteriorates over time and needs attention. Decks need new wood, block walls lean and need a new foundation, dirt needs to be moved into low spots, new grass needs to be planted, mulch needs to be replenished and spread, weeds need to be pulled, garages needed to be cleaned out and brick paver walkways need to be leveled and sealed. These are just the latest projects around our place.

My most recent project was the brick pavers. Julie and I noticed several bricks started to sink over the past few years. This summer it was clear that something had to be done and it couldn't wait. Our walkway was not safe. It was a tripping hazard. Mostly, it was just ugly!

I did some research (YouTube videos) and had some good advice (thanks Shaun C). I started pulling out a few bricks and discovered that ants had been digging under the bricks causing them to sink. This was not going to be an easy project. This would require getting on hands and knees. Bricks had to be pulled and a new foundation had to be laid. The final step was to spread Polymeric sand over the entire walkway and work it into all the cracks and spaces between bricks. This is a lot more work than it sounds. Pushing sand back and forth and from side to side with a broom is exhausting. After completing this task, the final step is to lightly wet everything (not too much...not too little...not with too much force). When swept between pavers and lightly sprayed with water, the polymers activate, binding the sand grains together. As it cures, it hardens into a durable, flexible, and grout-like seal that prevents weeds, insects, and erosion. The result is amazing! It's like having a brand new walkway.

Sound familiar? Our spiritual lives can be a lot like aging infrastructure. Over time we deteriorate. Foundations are weakened. Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Have you taken a look at your spiritual life lately? Has there been some deterioration? Does there need to be some work done on your foundation? 

Good news, I know just Who is qualified and experienced in doing the work. I recommend Jesus for the job. He can stop any decay and restore the foundation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Jesus makes us brand new upon salvation. However, over time we need some correction, redirection, and renewal. Philippians 1:6 says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." 

If you examine yourself and realize you need some work, ask the One Who made you and loves you to start the work project in your heart. The result is amazing! It's like having a brand new you!

God Bless,
P.D. (Psalm 139)