Getting rid of the Clutter

A lot of the messages lately have told us to remove the clutter in our lives. It is amazing that this is such a freeing experience. I have lived in this house for 29 years and it is amazing the stuff you keep in case you might need it. We have learned in our work that it is good to give away. We are amazed daily at God's providence and the many ways that He helps and provides for our needs. You forget that everything you have is from God and you forget to say thank you. It is not by chance that some people are gifted in the area of hospitality or that someone might be gifted in the area or putting things in right order. My sister is excellent in coming into a room and seeing the mess and putting everything into place. We have had to build a new grotto the last couple of weeks and for Eileen nothing is daunting. She trusts completely in God's help and gets on with the task at hand. She has done an amazing job.

 

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 The Upper Room - the curtains act as a wall and gives us space of 1metre behind to store the beads for the rosary making and the big screen television that we use for praise and worship on Sunday nights.  These can be hidden by drawing the curtains.  This area had a lot of clutter and good to clean and clear out what was not needed.  We had a cupboard that was water damaged so we used a hand saw and recycled the cupboard by cutting away the damaged area and now this stores all the DVDs and videos.

 Upper Room - We made new curtains behind out of crystal organza that was draped on the roof.  It is beautiful at night with the candles as it shimmers.  People comment that this room is very peaceful and the only thing missing is the real presence of Our Lord in the tabernacle.  One day He will be back there.

 The Grotto - It was so beautiful to watch this area transforming.  We used a desk inverted on another desk and used steel mesh to form the archway.  This was covered with a foam underlay and then we used cans of foam to form rocks over the arch.  When this was dry we mixed up lime cement with builders sand, a little detergent & grout colour and this was layered over the foam.  We were given a piece of domed glass from a Subway shop refit that we knew we had to use but we weren't sure where.  This was used at one point for a little hot house.  Finally we were given where we had to use it and that was to form the back of the grotto.  It is so amazing as the glass was exactly same size as the desks.  Nothing is by chance.  You just have to be docile and trust and you will be shown. 

 The Craft Room - This area houses the knitting machines, sewing machines, statues waiting to be painted and all the craft.  It is to the side of the Shrine and is sometimes used as a dining area.

 Images of Our Blessed Mother

The message below sums up the little areas where people can go for quiet reflection in The Holy Family House of Prayer

3rd May 2011 (Night Prayer)
My dear children,
Thank you for the work you to do to further God’s Kingdom. My house will have little sanctuaries of peace for My people to come and spend time in stillness and prayer. Just as I told My disciples that there are many rooms in My Father’s house so too, I ask you to make My House of Prayer a place of many rooms where My peace and love can be evident for those who are searching for rest from the storms of life. Let the restful waters revive their drooping spirits. Many will come to experience My peace and love – to sit in quiet solitude to reflect on the love of their Lord and God. Let My house be a house of reflection. I want you to imitate My Mother for My Mother reflects the love of the Father, Son and Spirit in all she does. It is not the outer garment that reflects the glory of God but the heart within. Let your heart burn brightly with love for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I ask you again to continue in the work I have called you to do – let My House of Prayer be a holy sanctuary of love and hospitality. Welcome My pilgrims and show to them God’s love. There is much work still to do. Walk with Me moment by moment. I will reveal to you God’s plan. Do not let the work you do overwhelm you. Walk with Me in the present moment. Put all in right order. Remove the clutter that is unnecessary. Go back to a simple life of holy love. Learn to be holy as I your Lord and God am holy.