Renewal

The rainy winter here in North Carolina delayed some of the work, like a new roof to match the barn and a front porch addition. Eventually the transformation of this dusty, dirty storage building began. Kudos to Carl and to our son-in-law, Barrie, who built the front porch for me!

Inside this 10 x 10 space, I began by priming and painting the walls and floors a clean, crisp white. I added a pretty zinnia-inspired yellow for an accent color on the floor. Then, I turned my attention to the windows and the door inside the shed. I dressed up each with wood trim, using 1 x 3 finished boards from Lowe’s. I trimmed the baseboards with unpainted wood moulding to match the windows and to tie-in the natural wood beams of the ceiling.

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Originally, our daughter Emily (@bluetruckandjunkantiques) and I were going to work on this project together, but due to Covid-19, we socially distanced ourselves and used FaceTime to share ideas as I tackled the projects. Even though we didn’t get to work side by side in the she-shed, Emily was a huge part of the project from afar!

So, most of my spring break week was spent transforming the drab building into my garden getaway. With the painting and woodwork complete, the fun began by adding the furniture and items to make it my space. Carl helped me hang a peg board I painted to match the floor and we hung a recycled cabinet on the wall for storage. Fun artwork, furniture and rugs were added to make the space cozy.

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As I plant the garden and look forward to the summer flowers, the she-shed is a welcomed retreat, but still a work in progress. Outside, a window box was added for flowers, a Kimberly Queen fern fills a planter, while bright colored Vinca bloom by the porch.

Carl and I just hung a sunflower “barn” quilt on the shed, inspired by my beautiful friend Lynn who loved sunflowers. The twinkling lights are hung from the rafters of the porch and inside for the special effect I wanted. The porch floor needs a fresh layer of wood chips, and the list may go on and on, but that is okay. The major transformation may be complete, but weekly, and sometimes daily, I am continuing to work on the she-shed and refine it into the image I have in my mind.

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This project reminds me so much of how God is at work in each of us. He is the master Creator and he has a divine plan for each of us. I know in my life he has taken the flawed, imperfect person that I am and carefully began transforming my life to the specifications of his unique blueprint for me. I love how the Bible provides a guide for us on this journey through life on Earth! God’s plan is revealed the more we read and study his word (his blueprint) for each of us.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Colossians 2:10

During this unfortunate “Stay at Home Order” we find ourselves under, I have been able to spend more time reading his Word and asking God to search me and lead me in the way everlasting. (Reference Psalm 139:23-24). The process of renewal can be hard work, sometimes painful, but always rewarding in the end. Just like the she-shed project, I am not complete, but so thrilled to know that God is at work in me, renewing, refining and guiding me on this beautiful journey called life!