I want to walk with God. I was not dead, for God took me.

 Daily walk with God, here. 

There's a man in the Bible named Enoch. And though we don't know much about him, one phrase makes his life unforgettable. 

 "Enoch walked with God ."

That's it. 

He didn't build kingdoms. He didn't write books. He didn't lead armies. 

But what marked his life was the fact that he walked closely with God day after day, step after step, heart in sync with God's thinking. 

And scripture tells us, "He was not, for God took him." It's as if God looked at Enoch and said, "We've walked together for so long you might as well come home." 

What a testimony. 

What a legacy.

What a reminder that the greatest thing you can ever do is 

to 

walk 

closely 

with 

your 

Creator.

Walk with me Lord; walk with me

Walk with me Lord; walk with me

Ooh, while I'm on this tedious journey

I want Jesus to walk with me

Oh, hold my hand Lord; please hold my hand

Oh, hold my hand Lord; hold, hold my hand

While I'm on this tedious journey

I want Jesus to hold my hand

Be my Friend Lord, be my friend

Be my Friend Lord, be my friend

While I'm on this tedious journey

I want Jesus to be my friend

每日与神同行，就在这里。

圣经里有一个人名叫以诺。虽然我们对他了解不多，但有一句话让他的一生难以忘怀。

“以诺与神同行。”

就是这样。

他没有建立王国。他没有写书。他没有统帅军队。

但他一生的标志是，他日复一日、一步步与神亲密同行，内心与神的意念同步。

经文告诉我们：“他就不在了，因为神将他取去了。”仿佛神看着以诺说：“我们一起走了这么久，你还是回家吧。”

多么美好的见证。

多么宝贵的遗产。

多么美好的提醒：你能做的最伟大的事情就是

与你的创造者亲密同行。

主啊，与我同行； 与我同行

主啊，与我同行；与我同行

噢，当我在这乏味的旅途中

我希望耶稣与我同行

噢，主啊，请握住我的手；请握住我的手

噢，主啊，握住我的手；握住，握住我的手

当我在这乏味的旅途中

我希望耶稣握住我的手

主啊，做我的朋友，做我的朋友

主啊，做我的朋友，做我的朋友

当我在这乏味的旅途中

我希望耶稣做我的朋友

Marche quotidienne avec Dieu, ici.

Il y a un homme dans la Bible nommé Énoch. Et bien que nous ne sachions pas grand-chose de lui, une phrase rend sa vie inoubliable.

« Énoch marchait avec Dieu. »

C'est tout.

Il n'a pas bâti de royaumes. Il n'a pas écrit de livres. Il n'a pas dirigé d'armées.

Mais ce qui a marqué sa vie, c'est le fait qu'il a marché étroitement avec Dieu jour après jour, pas après pas, le cœur en phase avec la pensée de Dieu.

Et l'Écriture nous dit : « Il ne le fut pas, car Dieu le prit. » C'est comme si Dieu regardait Énoch et lui disait : « Nous avons marché ensemble si longtemps, autant que tu rentres à la maison. »

Quel témoignage.

Quel héritage.

Quel rappel que la plus grande chose que vous puissiez faire est de marcher étroitement avec votre Créateur.

Marche avec moi, Seigneur ; Marche avec moi

Marche avec moi, Seigneur ; marche avec moi

Oh, pendant que je suis dans ce voyage fastidieux

Je veux que Jésus marche avec moi

Oh, tiens ma main, Seigneur ; s'il te plaît, tiens ma main

Oh, tiens ma main, Seigneur ; tiens, tiens ma main

Pendant que je suis dans ce voyage fastidieux

Je veux que Jésus me tienne la main

Sois mon ami, Seigneur, sois mon ami

Sois mon ami, Seigneur, sois mon ami

Pendant que je suis dans ce voyage fastidieux

Je veux que Jésus soit mon ami

² Que votre maison devienne un sanctuaire avec le Seigneur Jésus-Christ (Let your home become a sanctuary with Lord Jesus Christ)

 📖 « Moi et ma maison, nous servirons l'Éternel. » – Josué 24, verset 15.

Chaque foyer raconte une histoire. Chaque maison recèle un héritage.

Mais la question est : qui est au cœur de votre foyer ?

✅ Nul besoin d'une famille parfaite pour bâtir un foyer pieux.

✅ Nul besoin d'avoir toutes les réponses, juste un cœur bien disposé.

✅ Dieu continue d'écrire de belles histoires avec les foyers qui le choisissent.

Josué a fait une déclaration audacieuse qui résonne encore aujourd'hui : « Nous servirons l'Éternel. »

Pas seulement le dimanche. Pas seulement en public. Mais dans chaque pièce. Dans chaque décision. Dans chaque instant.

Si vous aspirez à la paix dans votre foyer… si vous souhaitez que votre foyer devienne une terre sainte… ce message est pour vous.

Aujourd'hui, voici votre invitation à faire de votre foyer plus qu'un abri. Qu'il devienne un sanctuaire.

 Invitez Jésus dans vos espaces quotidiens, car quand Il est présent, tout change.

Français Avant de prier, prenons d'abord un moment pour écouter la parole de Dieu, puis nous prierons ensemble. Josué chapitre 24, versets 14 à 15 déclare : « Maintenant donc, craignez l'Éternel. Servez-le de tout votre cœur et avec fidélité. Oubliez les dieux que vos pères adoraient de l'autre côté du fleuve et en Égypte, et servez l'Éternel. Mais si vous ne trouvez pas juste de servir l'Éternel, choisissez aujourd'hui qui vous voulez servir : soit les dieux que servaient vos pères, soit les dieux des Amoréens dans le pays desquels vous habitez maintenant. Mais moi et ma maison, nous servirons l'Éternel. » Dans ce passage, Josué se tient devant le peuple avec clarté et courage et trace une ligne dans le sable. Il leur dit : « Mais moi et ma maison, nous avons déjà décidé que nous servirons l'Éternel. » Ce n'était pas une décision émotionnelle prise dans un moment de crise. C'était une déclaration audacieuse, ancrée dans l'histoire, la mémoire et une conviction personnelle. Josué avait vu la puissance de Dieu de ses propres yeux. Il avait traversé les eaux séparées de la mer Rouge. Il avait goûté à la manne, la nourriture miraculeuse quotidienne venue du ciel, dans le désert. Il s'était tenu debout avec courage alors que d'autres avaient peur d'entrer dans la terre promise.  Josué ne connaissait pas seulement Dieu. Il avait fait confiance à Dieu, obéi à Dieu et vécu avec Dieu. Et maintenant, après des années de leadership, après avoir vu des miracles se dérouler et des promesses s'accomplir, Josué le dit clairement. Dieu seul est digne de dévotion. Pas de compromis. Pas de confusion. Pas d'idoles cachées dans les coins de sa maison. Sa maison appartiendrait à Dieu. Chaque pièce, chaque décision, chaque cœur. Remarquez que Josué ne parle pas seulement pour lui-même. Il parle pour sa famille. Cela signifie que Josué voyait son rôle comme plus qu'un simple leader en public. Il était un leader spirituel à la maison. Il comprenait quelque chose de vital. Votre maison est votre premier ministère. Votre maison est une terre sacrée. C'est là que les croyances se forment, les habitudes se façonnent et les héritages commencent. Josué était déterminé à ce que sa famille ne reflète pas la culture qui l'entoure, mais reflète le caractère du Dieu qui l'a sauvé. Et le peuple, son auditoire a répondu. Dans les versets 16 à 18, ils disent avec conviction : « Loin de nous la pensée de nous détourner de l’Éternel pour servir d’autres dieux ! L’Éternel est notre Dieu, lui qui nous a fait sortir, nous et nos ancêtres, de l’esclavage en Égypte, qui a fait de puissants signes et des prodiges sous nos yeux, qui nous a protégés partout où nous sommes allés et qui a chassé tous nos ennemis. Nous aussi, nous servirons l’Éternel, car il est notre Dieu. » Quel beau moment de souvenir collectif. Le peuple n'a pas seulement réagi par émotion. Il s'est souvenu. Il a repensé à son histoire et a vu la main de Dieu écrite à travers chaque chapitre. Il s'est souvenu du Dieu qui l'a délivré de l'esclavage. Le Dieu qui l'a précédé. Le Dieu qui a tenu ses promesses. La décision personnelle de Josué a déclenché un renouveau public. Sa position audacieuse a rappelé au peuple qui est Dieu et ce qu'il a fait. Elle a ravivé sa foi en Dieu. Alors maintenant, cher lecteur, laissez cette histoire entrer dans votre vie aussi. Arrêtez-vous un instant et réfléchissez. Qu'en est-il de votre maison ? Qu'en est-il de votre cœur ? Pouvez-vous, comme Josué, dire en toute confiance : « Quant à moi et à ma maison, nous servirons le Seigneur. » Ce n'est pas une citation désinvolte sur un autocollant de voiture. C'est une déclaration qui dit : « Jésus n'est pas seulement le bienvenu dans cette maison, il en est le centre. » Pouvez-vous regarder en arrière dans votre vie et voir jusqu'où Dieu vous a amené ? Vous souvenez-vous des portes qu'il a ouvertes ? La force qu'il vous a donnée quand vous n'en aviez plus, les moments où il vous a protégé de choses que vous ne connaissiez même pas ? Pouvez-vous retracer ses empreintes à travers les saisons de perte, de joie et de transition ? Si vous le pouvez, alors peut-être qu'aujourd'hui est votre moment Joshua. Peut-être est-ce votre invitation à vous lever, non seulement pour vous-même, mais pour votre famille, et à dire : « Seigneur, je te choisis. Je ne veux pas être tiède. Je ne veux pas être à moitié. Tu as été trop bon pour moi pour que je t'offre moins que tout. Que ce jour soit un tournant, un jour de réengagement. Démolissez chaque idole qui s'est discrètement glissée dans les recoins de votre vie. Les idoles de l'activité, l'idole du confort, l'idole de plaire aux gens, l'idole de la peur. Tout ce qui a pris la place légitime de Dieu, laissez-le partir. Et laissez Jésus prendre la place qui lui revient au centre. Que votre maison soit un lieu où le Christ est honoré dans chaque conversation. Où sa parole façonne vos décisions. Où sa paix vit dans chaque pièce. Où le pardon coule librement. Où l'adoration s'élève non seulement le dimanche mais dans vos rythmes quotidiens. Imaginez vos enfants grandir dans une atmosphère imprégnée de prière et de vérité. Imaginez votre conjoint être fortifié parce qu'il voit votre dévotion silencieuse. Imaginez des invités franchir les portes de votre maison et ressentir la paix. C'est à cela que ressemble une maison familiale au service du Seigneur. Cela ne signifie pas la perfection. Cela ne signifie pas que chaque jour est facile. Cela signifie simplement que Jésus est Seigneur de votre maison, de vos repas, de vos horaires, de vos choix, de vos cœurs. Alors aujourd'hui, ne pensez pas seulement à ce que vous croyez. Pensez à ce que votre maison reflète. Y a-t-il une place pour Dieu dans les routines de votre famille ? Y a-t-il un espace réservé à la prière, à l'adoration, à l'écoute de sa voix ? Vous n'avez pas besoin de tout changer du jour au lendemain, mais commencez quelque part. Invitez-le à nouveau. Commencez par une simple prière à table. Ouvrez votre Bible ensemble. Bénissez vos enfants avant d'aller vous coucher. Faites du dimanche un jour de repos et d'adoration. Parlez de ce que Dieu fait et demandez-lui de remplir votre maison de sa présence. Parce que lorsque Jésus est invité, tout change. La paix s'installe. L'amour devient plus profond. La sagesse coule librement. Et votre foyer devient plus qu'une maison. Il devient une terre sainte. « Quant à moi et ma maison, nous servirons le Seigneur. » Que ceci soit votre déclaration. Que ceci soit votre héritage. Et que votre foyer soit une lumière dans un monde obscur, un lieu où Dieu est connu, aimé et glorifié.

Maintenant, prenons un moment pour prier ensemble.

Cher Roi Jésus, tu es le Sauveur qui règne pour toujours. Tu es bon, saint et plein de miséricorde. Et dès maintenant, je t'invite à régner sur ma maison. Tu prends la place qui te revient, Seigneur, comme roi de cette maison. Sois intronisé dans notre salon, dans nos chambres, dans notre cuisine et dans les endroits calmes où personne d'autre ne voit. Que ta présence imprègne chaque couloir et s'installe dans chaque recoin. Que ta paix plane sur nous comme une couverture, chassant la peur et le chaos avant même qu'ils ne frappent. Que ton amour parle dans nos conversations, même dans les plus difficiles. Que ta vérité soit le fondement sur lequel nous construisons, que ta vérité soit le filtre à travers lequel nous voyons et que ta vérité soit l'ancre qui nous maintient stables. Que ton nom soit prononcé ici, non seulement dans le culte, mais dans notre façon de vivre. Puissions-nous le prononcer (ton nom) avec révérence dans l'ordinaire et le sacré. Que cette maison soit un lieu où le culte ne se limite pas au dimanche matin mais à chaque instant, lorsque nous préparons les repas, lorsque nous nous reposons, lorsque nous rions, lorsque nous pleurons. Que ce soit un style de vie qui t'honore. Seigneur Jésus, je te demande de guider chaque décision qui façonne cette maison, grande ou petite. De ce que nous apportons dans cette maison, à la façon dont nous passons notre temps, à la façon dont nous nous parlons les uns aux autres. Que tout soit guidé par ton esprit. Nous, en tant que membres de la famille, pouvons remplir une maison de meubles, d'horaires et de routines. Mais à moins que tu ne sois la fondation, nous construisons en vain. Français À moins que tu ne sois l'architecte, nos murs ne tiendront pas. Alors, je remets le plan, Seigneur Jésus. Je te prie de construire cette maison avec ta sagesse et ta vérité. Tu en fais quelque chose d'éternel. Tu me donnes la sagesse dans le rôle auquel tu m'as appelé. Que ce soit en tant que parent pour nourrir les enfants dans la vérité, en tant qu'époux recherchant l'unité et la grâce, en tant que frère ou sœur luttant pour la paix ou en tant qu'enfant apprenant à honorer et à obéir avec joie. Seigneur, aide-moi à marcher dans l'amour, à parler de vie et à prendre des décisions qui protègent la paix que tu nous as donnée. Apprends-moi à être un gardien de l'atmosphère pour chasser l'amertume avant qu'elle ne prenne racine, apprends-moi à ouvrir la porte à la miséricorde lorsque l'orgueil frappe et à accueillir la joie comme un ami cher. Saint-Esprit, tu es le bienvenu ici. Demeure en ce lieu, repose-toi dans cette maison, sois l'invité invisible à chaque table, le consolateur silencieux dans chaque pièce, le conseiller dans chaque conflit. Garde-moi spirituellement alerte afin que je puisse remarquer quand la tromperie essaie d'entrer, que ce soit par ce que nous regardons, ce que nous disons ou ce que nous permettons. Aide-moi à discerner rapidement. Aide-moi à répondre avec autorité, non pas dans la peur, mais dans la puissance de ton nom. Que rien d'impur ne trouve refuge ici. Que ce soit une terre sainte. Que notre maison te glorifie, Seigneur, non pas parce qu'elle est remplie de perfection, mais parce qu'elle est remplie de grâce. Qu'elle soit un lieu de sécurité pour les fatigués, les blessés et ceux qui attendent, remplisse nos cœurs de compassion et de bonté les uns pour les autres. Apprends-nous à pardonner rapidement et librement. Et oui, Seigneur Dieu, je prie pour ta protection sur cette maison. Merci. Tu veilles sur nous comme toi seul peux nous préserver du mal, nous protéger des accidents, de la maladie, des attaques de l'ennemi. Que nous soyons endormis ou éveillés, à la maison ou en déplacement, je prie pour que tes anges campent autour de ce lieu, montant la garde dans le royaume spirituel sur chaque entrée et sortie. Ta parole dans 1 Samuel 25:6 dit : « Que la paix soit avec toi, que la paix soit avec ta maison, et que la paix soit avec tout ce qui t'appartient. » Seigneur, maintenant je réclame cette promesse. Seigneur, je déclare ta paix sur chaque cœur qui habite ici. Pas seulement le genre de paix qui paraît bien à l'extérieur, mais la paix profonde de l'âme que toi seul peux donner. Merci. Laisse-la s'enfoncer dans les murs. Laisse-la s'enrouler autour de nos paroles. Laisse-la faire taire la peur, apaiser les pensées anxieuses et apporter le calme là où il y a eu le chaos. Seigneur Jésus, je ne me soucie pas des apparences. Si ta présence n'est pas ici, ce que je veux, c'est un foyer pieux, un foyer qui t'honore, t'accueille, te célèbre, un foyer où même nos disputes se terminent avec humilité, un foyer où nos plans sont façonnés par ton esprit, un foyer où ta parole est lue, mémorisée et vécue. Et Seigneur, je prie pour chaque invité qui entre dans cette maison. Qu'ils te sentent ici. Qu'ils ressentent quelque chose de différent. Qu'ils ressentent la paix qui ne vient que de ton esprit. Qu'ils soient réconfortés, élevés et rappelés de ton amour en étant dans l'atmosphère de ta présence. Que chaque larme pleurée à l'intérieur de ces murs soit accueillie par ta main douce. Que chaque percée soit célébrée avec louange. Que chaque leçon apprise nous rapproche de toi. Seigneur Dieu, que cette maison soit remplie du fruit de ton esprit. Seigneur Jésus, cette maison t'appartient. Que ton sang couvre les montants de la porte. Que ta grâce remplisse l'air. Nous te remercions, Seigneur, d'être le berger fidèle, le bon roi et le père aimant. Nous te rendons toute la gloire, toute la louange, tout l'honneur. Cette maison est à toi, aujourd'hui, demain et pour toujours. Au nom saint et puissant de Jésus, je prie. Amen.

Avec tout le respect que je te dois, cher lecteur, si cette prière a touché ton cœur, dis « amen » en signe de foi. Je prie pour que toutes les bénédictions de cette prière soient maintenant sur toi au nom du Seigneur Jésus-Christ.

Et si vous avez besoin d'une prière particulière, n'hésitez pas à nous en faire part dans les commentaires. Nous serions honorés de prier pour toi.

Que la grâce et la paix de notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ soient toujours avec toi.

让你的家成为主耶稣基督的圣所 Let your home become a sanctuary with Lord Jesus Christ

📖 “至于我和我家，我们必定侍奉耶和华。”——约书亚记 24 章 15 节。

“Zhìyú wǒ hé wǒjiā, wǒmen bìdìng shìfèng yēhéhuá.”——Yuē shū yà jì 24 zhāng 15 jié.

每个家庭都在讲述一个故事。每个家庭都承载着一份传承。

但问题是：谁是你家的中心？

Měi gè jiātíng dōu zài jiǎngshù yīgè gùshì. Měi gè jiātíng dōu chéngzàizhe yī fèn chuánchéng.

Dàn wèntí shì: Shéi shì nǐ jiā de zhōngxīn?

✅ 你不需要一个完美的家庭来建立一个敬虔的家。Nǐ bù xūyào yīgè wánměi de jiātíng lái jiànlì yīgè jìngqián de jiā.

✅ 你不需要知道所有的答案——只要有一颗乐意的心。 Nǐ bù xūyào zhīdào suǒyǒu de dá'àn——zhǐyào yǒuyī kē lèyì de xīn.

✅ 上帝仍在与选择祂的家庭一起书写美丽的故事。Shàngdì réng zài yǔ xuǎnzé tā de jiātíng yīqǐ shūxiě měilì de gùshì.

约书亚的宣告至今仍在回响：“我们必定侍奉耶和华。” Yuē shū yà de xuāngào zhìjīn réng zài huíxiǎng:“Wǒmen bìdìng shìfèng yēhéhuá.”

不仅仅是在星期天。不仅仅是在公共场合。而是在每个房间里。每一个决定。每一个平凡的时刻。Bùjǐn jǐn shì zài xīngqítiān. Bùjǐn jǐn shì zài gōnggòng chǎnghé. Ér shì zài měi gè fángjiān lǐ. Měi yīgè juédìng. Měi yīgè píngfán de shíkè.

如果你渴望看到家中的平安……如果你想让你的家庭重新成为圣地……这条信息就是为你而设的。Rúguǒ nǐ kěwàng kàn dào jiāzhōng de píng'ān……rúguǒ nǐ xiǎng ràng nǐ de jiātíng chóngxīn chéngwéi shèngdì……zhè tiáo xìnxī jiùshì wèi nǐ ér shè de.

今天，这是你的邀请，让你的家不再只是一个避难所。让它成为一个圣所。

 邀请耶稣进入你的日常生活——因为当他出现时，一切都会改变。

Jīntiān, zhè shì nǐ de yāoqǐng, ràng nǐ de jiā bù zài zhǐshì yīgè bìnàn suǒ. Ràng tā chéngwéi yīgè shèng suǒ.

Yāoqǐng yēsū jìnrù nǐ de rìcháng shēnghuó——yīnwèi dāng tā chūxiàn shí, yīqiè dūhuì gǎibiàn.

 祷告之前，让我们先听听神的话语，然后一起祷告。约书亚记24章14-15节说：“现在你们要敬畏耶和华，诚心诚意地事奉他。你们要除掉你们祖先在大河那边和埃及所敬拜的神，去事奉耶和华。若你们以事奉耶和华为不好，就可以今日选择所要事奉的：是你们祖先所事奉的神呢？是你们现在所住这地的亚摩利人的神呢？至于我和我家，我们必定事奉耶和华。”在这段经文中，约书亚清晰而勇敢地站在人民面前，划出了一条线。他告诉他们：“至于我和我家，我们已经定意要事奉耶和华。”这并不是一个在危机时刻情绪化做出的决定。 这是一个大胆的宣言，根植于历史、记忆和个人信念。约书亚亲眼目睹了上帝的力量。他曾走过分开的红海。他在旷野尝过吗哪——来自天上的每日神奇食物。当其他人害怕进入应许之地时，他勇敢地挺身而出。约书亚不只是了解上帝。他信靠上帝，顺服上帝，与上帝同住。如今，经过多年的领导，在目睹奇迹的发生和承诺的实现之后，约书亚明确表示。唯有上帝值得奉献。没有妥协。没有困惑。家里的角落里没有隐藏的偶像。他的家属于上帝。每个房间，每个决定，每一颗心。请注意，约书亚不只是为自己说话。他还代表他的家人说话。这意味着约书亚认为他的角色不仅仅是一个公共领袖。他是家庭的精神领袖。他明白一些重要的事情。你的家是你的第一个事工。你的家是神圣的土地。它是信仰形成、习惯养成和遗产开始的地方。约书亚决心让他的家人不反映他们周围的文化，而是反映拯救他们的上帝的品格。他的听众回应了人民。 在第16至18节中，他们坚定地说：“我们断不敢离弃耶和华去侍奉别神。耶和华是我们的神，他曾将我们和我们祖先从埃及地为奴之家领出来，在我们眼前行了神迹奇事，在我们往那里去的时候，他都保护我们，又赶出我们一切仇敌。我们必定侍奉耶和华，因为他是我们的神。”这是多么美好的集体回忆时刻啊。人们不只是在情感上做出反应。他们铭记在心。他们回顾他们的故事，看到上帝之手写在每一章中。他们记起了将他们从奴役中解救出来的上帝。走在他们前面的上帝。信守诺言的上帝。约书亚的个人决定引发了公众的反思。他大胆的立场提醒人们上帝是谁以及他所做的一切。这重新点燃了他们对上帝的信仰。所以现在，亲爱的读者，让这个故事也进入你的生活吧。暂停片刻，反思一下。你的家呢？你的心呢？你能像约书亚一样，满怀信心地说：“至于我和我家，我们必定侍奉耶和华。”这不是一句随意的汽车保险杠贴纸上的名言。这是一个宣言：“耶稣不仅受到这所房子的欢迎，他是这所房子的中心。”你能回顾你的生活，看看上帝带你走了多远吗？你还记得他打开的门吗？ 在你力竭之时，他给予你力量；在你不知不觉中，他保护你免受伤害。你能在失落、喜悦和转变的岁月中，追寻到他的足迹吗？如果可以，那么也许今天就是你的约书亚时刻。 也许这是在邀请你站起来，不仅是为了你自己，也是为了你的家人，说：“主啊，我选择你。我不想不冷不热。我不想半心半意。你对我太好了，我不能给你任何低于一切的东西。让今天成为一个转折点，一个重新承诺的日子。拆毁每一个悄悄潜入你生活角落的偶像。忙碌的偶像，舒适的偶像，取悦他人的偶像，恐惧的偶像。任何取代上帝应有位置的，都放手。让耶稣占据他应有的中心位置。让你的家成为一个在每一次谈话中都尊崇基督的地方。让他的话语塑造你的决定。让他的平安住在每个房间里。宽恕自由流淌的地方。敬拜不仅在星期天，也在你的日常生活中升起。想象一下你的孩子在充满祈祷和真理的氛围中长大。想象一下你的配偶因为看到 你默默的奉献。想象一下客人走进你家门，感受到平静。这就是家庭侍奉主时的样子。这并不意味着完美。这并不意味着每一天都很轻松。这只意味着耶稣是你家的主，你的饮食，你的日程安排，你的选择，你的内心。所以今天，不要只想着你的信仰。想想你的家反映了什么。你家的日常生活中为上帝留出了空间吗？有没有留出时间用于祈祷、敬拜和聆听他的声音？你不必一夜之间改变一切，但可以从某个地方开始。再次邀请他进来。从餐桌上的简单祈祷开始。一起打开圣经。睡觉前祝福你的孩子。把星期天作为休息和敬拜的日子。谈论上帝在做什么，并祈求他用他的同在充满你的家。因为当耶稣被邀请时，一切都会改变。和平安顿下来。爱变得更深。智慧自由流淌。 你的家不再只是一栋房子，而是一片圣地。“至于我和我家，我们必定侍奉耶和华。”让这成为你的宣言。让这成为你的传承。愿你的家成为黑暗世界中的一盏明灯，成为认识、爱戴和荣耀上帝的地方。

现在，让我们一起祷告。

亲爱的君王耶稣，你是永远统治的救主。你仁慈、圣洁，满有怜悯。现在，我邀请你来治理我的家。主啊，你应有的地位，成为这个家的君王。愿你在我们的客厅、卧室、厨房，以及无人看见的静谧之处登基为王。愿你的同在充满每条走廊，安顿在每个角落。愿你的平安如遮蔽物笼罩我们，在恐惧和混乱临到之前就将其驱散。让你的爱在我们的谈话中说话，即使在艰难的谈话中。让你的真理成为我们建造的地基，你的真理成为我们看穿的过滤器，你的真理成为让我们坚定的锚。让你的名字在这里被提及，不仅在崇拜中，也在我们的生活方式中。愿我们在平凡和神圣中带着敬畏说出它（你的名字）。让这个家成为一个崇拜的地方，不仅限于星期天早上，而且在每时每刻，当我们做饭时，当我们休息时，当我们笑时，当我们哭泣时。让它成为一种尊敬你的生活方式。主耶稣，我请求你指导塑造这个家的每一个决定，无论大小。从我们带进这个家的东西，到我们如何度过我们的时间，到我们彼此交谈的方式。让这一切都由你的精神引导。作为家庭成员，我们可以用家具、日程表和日常事务来填满房子。但除非你是地基，否则我们的建造都是徒劳的。 除非您是建筑师，否则我们的墙不会屹立。所以，主耶稣，我交出蓝图。我祈祷您用您的智慧和真理建造这座房子。您使它成为永恒的东西。您赐予我智慧，让我能够胜任您召唤我扮演的任何角色。无论是作为父母用真理养育孩子，作为配偶寻求团结和恩典，作为兄弟姐妹努力争取和平，还是作为孩子学习尊重和服从并欢欢喜喜。主啊，帮助我走在爱中，说出生命的话，并做出保护您赐予我们的和平的决定。教我成为氛围的守护者，在苦毒生根之前将其驱除，教我在骄傲来敲门时打开怜悯的大门，像亲密的朋友一样迎接喜乐。圣灵，欢迎您来到这里。 居住在此，安息于此，做每张餐桌上看不见的客人，做每个房间里沉默的安慰者，做每次冲突中的顾问，让我保持精神上的警惕，以便我可以注意到欺骗何时试图进入，无论是通过我们所看到的，我们所说的，还是我们允许的。帮助我迅速辨别。帮助我用权威回应，不是出于恐惧，而是以你名下的力量回应。让不洁净之物都不能在这里安家。让这里成为圣地。主啊，让我们的家荣耀你，不是因为它充满了完美，而是因为它充满了恩典。让它成为疲惫、受伤和等待的人的安全之地，让我们的心充满同情和彼此的仁慈。教导我们迅速而自由地原谅。是的，主神，我祈求你保护这个家。谢谢你。你看顾着我们，因为只有你才能让我们免受伤害，保护我们免受事故、疾病和敌人的攻击。无论我们是睡着还是醒着，在家还是在外，我祈祷你的天使会在灵界中安营扎寨，守护着这里的每一个出入口。你在撒母耳记上 25:6 中的话说道：“愿你平安，愿你的家平安，愿你所有的都平安。”主啊，现在我宣告那应许。 主啊，我宣告你的平安覆盖住在这里的每一颗心。这平安不只是外表看起来美好的平安，更是唯有你才能赐予的深层灵魂的平安。谢谢你。让平安渗入四壁，包裹我们的言语，平息恐惧，抚慰焦虑，使混乱归于平静。主耶稣，我不在乎外表。如果你不在这里，我想要的是一个敬虔的家，一个尊敬你、欢迎你、庆祝你的家，一个即使我们的争论也能谦卑结束的家，一个我们的计划由你的精神塑造的家，一个你的话语被阅读、记住和活出的家。主啊，我为每一位进入这所房子的客人祈祷。让他们在这里感受到你。让他们感受到一些不同的东西。让他们感受到只有从你的精神中才能得到的平安。让他们得到安慰、鼓舞，并在你存在的氛围中想起你的爱。愿在这堵墙内流下的每一滴眼泪都能得到你温柔的手的回应。 愿每一次突破都配得上赞美。愿每一次学习都让我们更亲近您。主啊，愿这所家充满您圣灵的果实。主耶稣，这房子属于您。愿您的宝血覆盖门框。愿您的恩典充满空气。主啊，我们感谢祢，祢是信实的牧人、良善的君王、慈爱的天父。我们将一切荣耀、颂赞、尊荣都归于祢。这殿是祢的，今天、明天、直到永远。奉耶稣圣洁大能的名祷告，阿们。

尊敬的读者，如果这段祷告触动了你的心，请说“阿们”，以表信心。我祈求，奉主耶稣基督的名，这段祷告里的所有祝福都临到你。

如果您需要特别的祷告，请在评论区告诉我们。我们很荣幸能为您祷告。

愿主耶稣基督的恩典与平安常与你们同在。

Let our home become a sanctuary with Lord Jesus Christ

 📖 “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24, verse 15

 Every home tells a story. Every house holds a legacy.

But the question is: Who is at the center of your home?

✅ You don’t need a perfect family to build a godly home

✅ You don’t need to have all the answers—just a willing heart

✅ God is still writing beautiful stories with households that choose Him.

Joshua made a bold declaration that still echoes today: “We will serve the Lord.”

Not just on Sundays. Not just in public. But in every room. Every decision. Every ordinary moment.

If you’re longing to see peace in your home… if you want to reclaim your household as holy ground… this message is for you.

Today, this is your invitation to make your home more than a shelter. Let it become a sanctuary.

Invite Jesus into your everyday spaces—because when He’s present, everything changes.

让你的家成为主耶稣基督的圣所

Ràng nǐ de jiā chéngwéi zhǔ yēsū jīdū de shèng suǒ

📖 “至于我和我家，我们必定侍奉耶和华。”——约书亚记 24 章 15 节。

“Zhìyú wǒ hé wǒjiā, wǒmen bìdìng shìfèng yēhéhuá.”——Yuē shū yà jì 24 zhāng 15 jié.

每个家庭都在讲述一个故事。每个家庭都承载着一份传承。

但问题是：谁是你家的中心？

Měi gè jiātíng dōu zài jiǎngshù yīgè gùshì. Měi gè jiātíng dōu chéngzàizhe yī fèn chuánchéng.

Dàn wèntí shì: Shéi shì nǐ jiā de zhōngxīn?

✅ 你不需要一个完美的家庭来建立一个敬虔的家。Nǐ bù xūyào yīgè wánměi de jiātíng lái jiànlì yīgè jìngqián de jiā.

✅ 你不需要知道所有的答案——只要有一颗乐意的心。 Nǐ bù xūyào zhīdào suǒyǒu de dá'àn——zhǐyào yǒuyī kē lèyì de xīn.

✅ 上帝仍在与选择祂的家庭一起书写美丽的故事。Shàngdì réng zài yǔ xuǎnzé tā de jiātíng yīqǐ shūxiě měilì de gùshì.

约书亚的宣告至今仍在回响：“我们必定侍奉耶和华。” Yuē shū yà de xuāngào zhìjīn réng zài huíxiǎng:“Wǒmen bìdìng shìfèng yēhéhuá.”

不仅仅是在星期天。不仅仅是在公共场合。而是在每个房间里。每一个决定。每一个平凡的时刻。Bùjǐn jǐn shì zài xīngqítiān. Bùjǐn jǐn shì zài gōnggòng chǎnghé. Ér shì zài měi gè fángjiān lǐ. Měi yīgè juédìng. Měi yīgè píngfán de shíkè.

如果你渴望看到家中的平安……如果你想让你的家庭重新成为圣地……这条信息就是为你而设的。Rúguǒ nǐ kěwàng kàn dào jiāzhōng de píng'ān……rúguǒ nǐ xiǎng ràng nǐ de jiātíng chóngxīn chéngwéi shèngdì……zhè tiáo xìnxī jiùshì wèi nǐ ér shè de.

今天，这是你的邀请，让你的家不再只是一个避难所。让它成为一个圣所。

 邀请耶稣进入你的日常生活——因为当他出现时，一切都会改变。

Jīntiān, zhè shì nǐ de yāoqǐng, ràng nǐ de jiā bù zài zhǐshì yīgè bìnàn suǒ. Ràng tā chéngwéi yīgè shèng suǒ.

Yāoqǐng yēsū jìnrù nǐ de rìcháng shēnghuó——yīnwèi dāng tā chūxiàn shí, yīqiè dūhuì gǎibiàn.

(点击此处继续祷告. Diǎnjī cǐ chù jìxù dǎogào. ）

(French / Français) Que votre maison devienne un sanctuaire avec le Seigneur Jésus-Christ

📖 « Moi et ma maison, nous servirons l'Éternel. » – Josué 24, verset 15.

Chaque foyer raconte une histoire. Chaque maison recèle un héritage.

Mais la question est : qui est au cœur de votre foyer ?

✅ Nul besoin d'une famille parfaite pour bâtir un foyer pieux.

✅ Nul besoin d'avoir toutes les réponses, juste un cœur bien disposé.

✅ Dieu continue d'écrire de belles histoires avec les foyers qui le choisissent.

Josué a fait une déclaration audacieuse qui résonne encore aujourd'hui : « Nous servirons l'Éternel. »

Pas seulement le dimanche. Pas seulement en public. Mais dans chaque pièce. Dans chaque décision. Dans chaque instant.

Si vous aspirez à la paix dans votre foyer… si vous souhaitez que votre foyer devienne une terre sainte… ce message est pour vous.

Aujourd'hui, voici votre invitation à faire de votre foyer plus qu'un abri. Qu'il devienne un sanctuaire.

 Invitez Jésus dans vos espaces quotidiens, car quand Il est présent, tout change. (Cliquez ici pour continuer la prière)

Before we pray, let us first take a moment to listen to God's word and then we'll pray together. Joshua chapter 24, verses 14 to 15 declares, "Now therefore, fear the Lord. Serve him wholeheartedly and truthfully. Get rid of the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the river, and in Egypt and serve the Lord. But if it doesn't seem right to you to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Whether the gods your ancestors served or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  In this passage, Joshua stands before the people with clarity and courage and draws a line in the sand. He tells them, "But as for me and my house, we have already decided we will serve the Lord."  This was not an emotional decision made in a moment of crisis. It was a bold  declaration rooted in history, memory, and personal  conviction. Joshua had seen God's power firsthand. He had walked through the parted waters of the Red Sea. He had tasted manna, the daily miracle food from heaven, in the wilderness. He had stood with courage when others were afraid to enter the promised land. Joshua did not just know about God. He had trusted God, obeyed God, and lived  with God. And now, after years of leading, after watching miracles unfold and promises fulfilled, Joshua makes it clear. God alone is worthy of devotion. No compromise. No  confusion. No hidden idols in the corners of his home. His house would belong to God. Every room, every decision, every heart. Notice that Joshua does not just speak for  himself. He speaks for his household. That means Joshua saw his role as more than just a leader in public. He was a spiritual leader at home. He understood something vital. Your house is your first ministry. Your home is sacred ground. It is where beliefs are formed, habits are shaped, and legacies begin. Joshua was determined that his household would not reflect the culture around them, but reflect the character of the God, who rescued them. And the people, his audience responded. In verses 16 to 18, they said in conviction, "Far be it from us that we should turn away from the Lord to serve other gods. The Lord is our God the one who brought us and our ancestors out of slavery in Egypt, who did mighty signs and wonders before our eyes. He protected us wherever we went. And he drove out all our enemies. We too will serve the Lord, for he is our God." What a beautiful moment of collective remembrance. The people did not just make an emotional response. They remembered. They looked back on their story and saw God's hand written across every  chapter. They remembered the God who delivered them from slavery. The God who went before them. The God who kept his promises. Joshua's personal decision sparked a public  renewal. His bold stand reminded the people of who God is and what he's done. It reignited their faith in God. So now, dear reader, let this story reach into your life, too. Pause for a moment and reflect. What about your house? What about your heart? Can you, be like Joshua, say with full confidence, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." That is not a casual car bumper sticker quote. It is a declaration that says, "Jesus is not just welcome in this house, he is the center of it." Can you look back at your life and see how far God has brought you? Can you remember the doors he opened? The strength he gave when you had none left, the times he protected you from things you did not even know about? Can you trace his fingerprints through seasons of loss and joy and transition? If you can, then maybe today is your Joshua moment. Maybe this is your invitation to stand up, not just for yourself, but for your family, and say, "Lord, I choose you. I do not want to be lukewarm. I do not want to be half in. You have been too good to me for me to offer you anything less than everything. Let today be a turning point, a day of recommmitment. Tear down every idol that has quietly crept into the corners of your life. The idols of busyiness, the idol of comfort, the idol of people pleasing, the idol of fear. Whatever has taken God's rightful place, let it go. And let Jesus take his rightful place at the center. Let your home be a place where Christ is honored in every conversation. Where his word shapes your decisions. Where his peace lives in every room. Where forgiveness flows freely. Where worship rises not just on Sundays but in your everyday rhythms. Imagine your children growing up in an atmosphere soaked in prayer and truth. Imagine your spouse being strengthened because they see your quiet devotion. Imagine guests walking through your house doors and sensing  peacefulness. That is what it looks like when a family house serves the Lord. It does not mean perfection. It does not mean every day is easy. It simply means that Jesus is Lord over your home, your meals, your schedules, your choices, your hearts. So today, do not just think about what you believe. Think about what your home reflect. Is there room for God in your family's routines? Is there space carved out for prayer, for worship, for listening to his voice? You do not have to change everything overnight, but start somewhere. Invite him in again. Begin with a simple prayer at the dinner table. Open your Bible together. Bless your children before going to bed. Make Sunday a day of rest and worship. Talk about what God is doing and ask him to fill your home with his presence. Because when Jesus is invited, everything changes. Peace settles in. Love becomes  deeper. Wisdom flows freely. And your home becomes more than a house. It becomes holy ground. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Let this be your declaration. Let this be your legacy. And may your home be a light in a dark world, a place where God is known, loved, and glorified.

 Now, let us take a moment to pray   together.

 Dear King Jesus, you are the Saviour who reigns forever. You are kind, holy and full of mercy. And right now, I invite you to rule over my home. You take your rightful place, Lord, as the king of this household. You be enthroned in our living room, in our bedrooms, in our kitchen, and in the still places where no one else sees. Let your presence saturate every hallway and settle into every corner. May your peace hover over us like a covering, driving out fear and chaos before it even knocks. Let your love speak in our conversations, even in the hard ones. Let your truth be the ground we build on, your truth be the filter we see through, and your truth be the anchor that holds us steady. Let your name be spoken here, not only in worship, but in the way we live. May we speak it ( your name) with reverence in the ordinary and the sacred. Let this home be a place where worship is not limited to Sunday mornings but in every moment, when we cook meals, when we rest, when we laugh, when we cry. Let it be a lifestyle of honoring you. Lord Jesus, I ask you to guide every decision that shapes this home, big or small.  From what we bring into this house, to how we spend our time, to the way we speak to one another. Let it all be led by your spirit. We, as family members, can fill a house with furniture, schedules, and routines. But unless you are the foundation, we build in vain. Unless you are the architect, our walls will not stand. So, I surrender the blueprint, Lord Jesus. I pray you build this house with your wisdom and truth. You make it something eternal. You give me wisdom in whatever role you have called me to. Whether as a parent to nurture children in truth, as a spouse  seeking unity and grace, as a sibling striving for peace or as a child learning to honor and obey with gladness. Lord, help me to walk in love, to speak life and to make decisions that protect the peace you have given us. Teach me to be a keeper of the atmosphere to chase away bitterness before it takes root, teach me to open the door to mercy when pride knocks and to welcome joy like a dear friend. Holy Spirit, you are welcome here. Dwell in this place rest in this house be the unseen guest at every table the silent comforter in every room the counselor in every  conflict keep me spiritually alert that I may notice when deceitful tries to enter whether it is through what we watch, what we speak, or what we  allow. Help me discern quickly. Help me respond with  authority, not in fear but respond in the power of your name. Let no unclean thing find a home here. Let this be holy ground. Let our home glorify you, Lord, not because it is filled with perfection but because it is filled with grace. Let it be a place of safety for the weary, the wounded, and the waiting fill our hearts with compassion and kindness for each other. Teach us to forgive quickly and freely. And yes, LORD God, I pray for your protection over this  household. Thank you. You watch over us as only you can keep us from harm, protect us from accidents, from sickness, from attacks of the enemy. Whether we are asleep or awake,  home or away, I pray that your angels would encamp around this place standing guard in the spirit realm over every entrance and exit. Your word in 1st Samuel 25:6 says, "Peace be to you, peace be to your house and peace to all that you have." Lord, now I claim that promise. Lord, I declare your peace over every heart that dwells here. Not just the kind of peace that looks good on the outside but the deep soul peace that only you can give. Thank you. Let it sink into the walls. Let it wrap itself around our words. Let it silence fear, soothe anxious thoughts, and bring calm where there's been chaos.  Lord Jesus, I do not care about appearances. If your presence is not here what I want is a godly home a home that honors you, welcomes you, celebrates you, one home where even our arguments end with humility, one home where our plans are shaped by your spirit one where your word is read, remembered  and lived. And Lord, I pray for every guest who enters this house. Let them feel you here. Let them sense something different. Let them feel the peace that comes only from your  spirit. Let them be comforted, uplifted, and reminded of your love by being in the atmosphere of your presence. May every tear cried inside these walls be met with your gentle hand. May every breakthrough be celebrated with praise. May every lesson learned bring us closer to you. Lord God, let this home be filled with the fruit of your spirit. Lord Jesus, this house belongs to you. Let your blood cover the doorposts. Let your grace fill the air. We thank you, Lord, for being the faithful Shepherd, the good King and the loving Father. We give you all the glory, all the praise, all the honor. This house is yours, today, tomorrow and  forever. In the holy and powerful name of Jesus I pray. Amen.  

With due respect, reader, if this prayer has touched your heart please say "amen", as a sign of faith. I pray that every blessing in this prayer is now upon you in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.

 And when you need a special prayer, feel free to let us know in the comments. We would be honored to pray for you.

Now, let the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

Lady Godiva Naked Truth Peeping Tom

Lady Godiva: The Naked Truth

A detail (inset) of this 1586 painting may show Leofric checking his wife’s progress. Later viewers may have taken him for Peeping Tom.

Staggering beneath the yoke of oppressive taxes, the medieval residents of Coventry, England, pleaded in vain for relief. Ironically, deliverance would come from the wife of the very lord who scorned their pleas. Lady Godiva repeatedly urged her husband, Leofric, to lessen the people's tax burden, and time and again he refused. Yet she persisted, and one day in exasperation he told her he would lower taxes when she rode a horse, naked, through the streets of the town at midday. When she took him at his word and set out on her famous ride, the highborn Lady Godiva became an instant heroine to the common people of Coventry.

A fascinating piece of history. But as it happens, most medieval scholars agree the ride never took place. Professor of English and American literature and language Daniel Donoghue examines the origins and cultural significance of the myth in Lady Godiva: A Literary History of the Legend (Blackwell), and offers insights into how that myth has evolved over the centuries. "The story," he notes, "was based on the life of Godifu, a real woman who lived in Coventry in the latter part of the eleventh century and was married to one of the most powerful men in England."

Contemporary historians did not consider Godifu particularly noteworthy; what little was written about her at the time mentioned her merely as the wife of a famous man. But Donoghue points out that "two centuries after her death, chroniclers in the Benedictine abbey of St. Albans inserted a fully developed narrative into their Latin histories" and the legend of Lady Godiva was born. "Nobody knows quite why the legend was invented and attached to her name," he says, "but it does seem to function as a kind of myth of origin for the town of Coventry. At the end, Count Leofric seals the agreement about taxes with his own seal." 

One of the myth's most interesting subplots involves the role of "Peeping Tom," who doesn't even appear in the story until the seventeenth century. According to legend, the people of Coventry, as a gesture of respect and appreciation for Lady Godiva's actions on their behalf, stayed indoors behind shuttered windows to preserve her modesty as she passed. Everyone, that is, except Tom, whose lustful curiosity compelled him to gaze at her and who was then, according to various versions of the legend, struck either blind or dead in punishment.

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"Over time, Tom would become the scapegoat and bear the symbolic guilt for people's desire to look at this naked woman," says Donoghue. Tom would also become a compelling figure for artists and authors. In A Tour Thro' the Whole Island of Great Britain (1724-27), Daniel Defoe visited Coventry and spoke of "the poor fellow that peep'd out of the window to see her...looking out of a Garret in the High Street of the City." Tennyson's "Godiva" was a poem that, more than any other literary or historical work of its time, created a standard—and highly romanticized—version of the legend for the Victorian era. In the poem, Tom was blinded: "...but his eyes, before they had their will,/Were shrivell'd into darkness in his head,/And dropt before him. So the Powers, who wait/On noble deeds, cancell'd a sense misused;/And she, that knew not, pass'd...."

Given the sexual tension that the appearance of Tom creates between the observer and the observed, the prurient and the chaste, the punished and the rewarded, Donoghue writes, "Their pairing anticipates Sigmund Freud's clinical definitions of scopophilia and exhibitionism in terms of one another so well that he almost seems to have Peeping Tom in mind for the former and Lady Godiva for the latter. Only in recent years has Peeping Tom become extricated from the Godiva legend to the extent that it is possible to mention one without calling to mind the other."

The Godiva myth is filled with contradictions. The lady is obedient to her husband, yet boldly challenges his position on taxes. She rides naked through the streets of the city, yet remains chaste. She is a member of the ruling class who nonetheless sympathizes with the plight of ordinary people. Like other myths, this one offers ways to resolve—symbolically, at least—such conflicting social and sexual dynamics. Myths have also traditionally done what Donoghue describes as the "cultural work" of passing down history, tradition, and shared values. Now movies and television have essentially taken over that role from written and spoken tales. "One reason I decided to write this book was that the legend is dying out," says Donoghue. "Our children know about Godiva Chocolates, and they may have a visual image of a naked woman on a horse, but really know nothing about the story."

Today few houses in England have shutters. In France however they remain a distinguishing feature of French architecture, forming an integral part of their charm.

Shutters at Maison du Petite Bourgade.

WHY FRENCH HOUSES HAVE SHUTTERS

As attractive as shutters are, they have little to do with adornment but more with practicality. Restricting the amount of light and heat, shutters help to keep rooms cool and prevent furniture from fading. On hot summer nights shutters allow the inward opening windows to remain fastened back, permitting in the breeze but keeping houses secure and minimizing insect intrusion.

When the heat begins to soar, keeping the shutters closed can make a huge temperature difference. Although closing the shutters during the day darkens the room, I’m constantly amazed that when it’s sizzling hot outside if the shutters of our village house Maison des Cerises are kept fastened inside it remains cool. Similarly, on bitter winters days when the Mistral is venting its wrath, closing the shutters helps keep the icy chill out; surprisingly it can get very cold in Provence.

I’ve been warned that some French insurance companies require you to close your shutters if you’re going to be out for longer than two hours. Failure to do so can invalidate your insurance; I’ll have to check our policy!

THE DESIGN OF THE SHUTTERS OF PROVENCE

There are a myriad of shutter styles. Some shutters are louvered and some, like ours downstairs, are hinged so that only the lower half opens. 

Provence Shutters in Lourmarin

Similar to many shutters on village houses and farm properties, the shutters on our shutters house Maison des Cerises are quite plain.

A view of Lourmarin through the shutters

Shutters on listed building can prove to be problematic for property owners. Les Bâtiments de France, an association which protects historic buildings, has the authority to dictate both their style and colour.

It can be a requirement to obtain the permission of the local maire to change your shutters especially if your property is located in a designated plus beaux village de France. 

Shutters on Maire in Roussillon

Although Lourmarin boasts this sought-after designation, there doesn’t seem to be too many restrictions and a wide array of shutter colours and styles can be found.

Shutters of Provence found in Lourmarin

Some shutters such as these have been adorning windows for centuries.

Historic shutters in Lourmarin

Some have only been there a few years, but an abundance of shutters can be found in our enchanting little village.

Modern shutters in Lourmarin

Next time I’ll tell you a little about the sunflowers.

How many pilots are needed to fly a Boeing 777 ?

 Minimum 2 pilots.

Maximum 4 pilots. 

A minimum of 2 pilots are required to fly the 777. However, on longer flights, 3 and sometimes 4 pilots are on board to enable each other to have a decent rest and sleep. This ensures that they can perform at their best during landing.

QUESTION : Why do the French have shutters?

It depends on where you live in France but most everyone has exterior shutters for VERY valid reasons. Most homes in France are older and there were practical reasons for shutters, such as privacy and ventilation. The sun can be quite intense in parts of France and it helps to keep homes cool. In a time before screens it kept out birds and other animals yet allowed for ventilation. If you look at the shutters too, they’re actually functional unlike the faux ones you see on newer homes in places like the US. Here’s a view of a home in Provence.

Shutters along the streets of Uzès setting for the novel, “The Sunflower Field”.

All throughout this enchanting country shutters are found framing the windows of both historic and recently constructed buildings– particularly in Provence.

And from mid June in the South, the fields are painted yellow, resplendent with golden carpets of smiling sunflowers. Somehow it wouldn’t be Provence without its dazzling, dancing tournesols and the shutters which adorn almost every window. I think these shutters and sunflowers are both so defining of France.

I thought it might be interesting to explore the origins of the shutters: Where exactly did they come from?

Shutters are great to close up a home when it’s closed for the season or not in use. They can lock from the inside and prevents thieves from breaking in. This is particularly important on the street level and often these shutters are made of steel for extra security. They’re also useful for when storms pass through, preventing damage to the windows. At night you can close them to provide greater darkness as you sleep. But things are a little different on the West Coast in Brittany.

THE HISTORY OF SHUTTERS

The first shutters are believed to have been designed by the ancient Greeks. Made of marble, they had fixed louvres and just as today were used to control ventilation and light.

These shutters provide little in the way of ventilation and there’s a reason for that! Storms blow in from the Atlantic Ocean with some intensity and the shutters are primarily to protect against those strong storms. And also in winter to provide an extra layer of insulation, back in the days before homes being better insulated. Glass is also thicker now and multi-pane, so shutters are now vestiges of their past use. And so it goes throughout much of France.

Gradually over the years the concept was developed. Wood replaced the marble and the louvres became movable, allowing the amount of light and air to be controlled.

Shutters of Provence Arles

Interior shutters were pierced with holes and then covered with translucent oiled parchment allowing light in while also preventing some of the draughts. In the 13th century after glass had been invented, windows became larger and building techniques grew more sophisticated. Interior shutters were designed, which slide into wooden apertures inside, beside the windows.

By 1750 the first exterior shutters, contravents or persiennes, appeared. Normally painted white, they led to the decline of the balcony as it was too difficult to open shutters from a balcony.

It’s believed that shutters were first used in France by King Louis XIV at his magnificent home, the Palace of Versailles. Supposedly he introduced louvered shutters into his garden walls so only he could open them, allowing him to watch unseen the beautiful ladies from court bathe in the gardens’ numerous ponds.

Similarly in England, the story goes that when Lady Godiva road through the streets of Coventry naked, Tom watched her unseen through his louvered shutters. Hence the term ‘Peeping Tom’! (Full story, click here)

Today few houses in England have shutters. In France however they remain a distinguishing feature of French architecture, forming an integral part of their charm.

Helsinki — Toronto Flight ✈️ 

This particular flight has 400 passengers, but only 200 sets of dinner meals were loaded onboard. A mistake. And the cabin crew was in a very difficult position. 

Read on. 

However, a clever flight attendant had an idea! About 30 minutes into the flight, she nervously announced:

"Ladies and gentlemen, I don't know how it happened, but we have 400 passengers on board and only 200 dinners! Anyone who is kind enough to give up food for someone else will have free and unlimited alcohol during the entire flight!"

Her next announcement was made 6 hours later: "Ladies and gentlemen, if anyone wants to change their mind, we still have 200 lunches!"

Moral of the story: drinkers have very big and kind hearts!

Fun YouTube watch here 

Do You Know? 

Emirates’ “Trial Flight” for Children with Autism Now Available in Budapest

One year after its successful launch, Emirates has expanded its “trial flight” program for children with autism to 17 cities, including Budapest. This initiative offers children with autism and their families the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the air travel process in a stress-free environment.

The program allows participants to experience airport check-in, baggage drop-off, security screening, and the busy environment of the departure hall. This helps them prepare for situations that may arise during real travel. Emirates collaborates internationally with airports, authorities, and autism centers to implement the program, which is currently available by invitation, primarily through accredited institutions.

In addition to Budapest, the program is also available in cities such as Barcelona, Brisbane, Dubai, London, and Paris. Emirates has also become the world’s first airline to receive official autism certification, with over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff trained to support passengers with autism. During Autism Awareness Month, Emirates’ inflight entertainment system, ICE, also offers neurodiversity-related content.

It’s worth noting that Budapest Airport joined the globally recognized Sunflower program in 2024 to make travel more comfortable and stress-free for people with hidden disabilities, and has also created a dedicated waiting area for passengers sensitive to external stimuli.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program 

This information introduces the Sunflower Lanyard Program, an initiative designed to discreetly signal that a person has a hidden disability and may require additional time, assistance, or understanding in public spaces. It explains how the sunflower lanyard serves as a discreet, voluntary signal that the wearer may have a non-visible disability and could benefit from additional patience, support, or understanding in public spaces, workplaces, and during travel. The article highlights the program's widespread adoption across sectors such as transportation, retail, healthcare, and education, and emphasizes its role in fostering inclusivity and reducing the stigma often faced by those whose disabilities are not immediately apparent. It also details practical aspects, such as how to obtain a lanyard, the absence of strict eligibility requirements, and the importance of businesses and organizations recognizing the symbol to ensure meaningful support for wearers. This information is particularly useful for people with hidden disabilities, seniors, caregivers, and service providers seeking to create more accessible and understanding environments - Disabled World (DW). 

USA FIGHT pedophile

If you know someone is a pedophile, do you seriously let them be alone with your child?! This is a thought that came to my mind when I heard that Elon Musk accused Donald Trump of being in the Epstein files.

I am sure that the red hats will have the same thought and use it to proclaim Trump’s innocence and proof that Elon Musk is lying. It does neither.

But either way not a good look for Elon Musk.

If Elon Musk:-

1. He is telling the truth. Which means he bankrolled and endorsed a pedofile for President. Then left his own child alone with said pedophile.

2. He is lying. Which just further ruins his credibility, reputation, and businesses.

I just hope Elon Musk is smart enough to have proof of the Epstein files, because his credibility is shot universally. And it will remain nothing further than an accusation which others have laid before and it did not stop Trump from becoming President.

I hope the Epstein files get released. Most of all I wish the victims of these heinous crimes and their families see justice be served.

Places That Currently Recognize the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard

Not only are the sunflower lanyards available at many airports across the UK, but they have also been introduced in LNER trains, and several supermarkets, including M&S, Sainsbury's, and Tesco.

Airports

The official advice from airports is that the sunflower lanyard does not give you access to security or immigration fast track. Airports advise that when entering the security area, you will be pointed to the shortest available lane based on live operations, and where possible, you might be shown to the front of the queue.

In 2016, Gatwick launched the first-of-its-kind lanyard for passengers with hidden disabilities who may require additional support when traveling through the airport. By wearing the lanyard at Gatwick, or other major UK airports, you could receive additional support from staff, including

Receiving clear instructions

Ability to remain with family members at all times

Staff assisting with reading departure boards or signs

Getting more time to prepare at check-in and security

Receive additional time to prepare for security checks and boarding

Explaining in detail what to expect when traveling through the airport

A more comprehensive briefing on what to expect as you travel through the airport

Railways

The lanyard scheme is gradually being adopted by railways. It is now being used by LNER, which operates the London North Eastern routes, and c2c, which serves 26 stations in East London and South Essex.

Supermarkets

The sunflower lanyard program is being trialed by two major U.K. supermarkets. Sainsbury's runs an extended trial at 40 branches following a successful test at its Barnstaple store. Tesco is running a trial in 15 of its Hertfordshire stores.

Tourist Attractions

In August 2019, Eureka!, a children's museum in Yorkshire, joined the sunflower lanyard scheme. If you're planning a visit to Eureka!, they have lots of information on accessible visits on their website.

The Royal International Air Tattoo, which stages air shows in Gloucestershire for aircraft enthusiasts, is another attraction currently trialing the sunflower lanyard scheme.

How and Where to Obtain a Sunflower Lanyard (UK)

Airports: If you are flying from a major U.K. airport, you can ask for a lanyard from an airport assistance desk or order it in advance from participating airports by contacting the airport before you travel.

Railways: For LNER, ask at any rail station or by contacting customer services. For c2c, ask at train station booking offices or by contacting customers services.

Supermarkets: If you shop in any of the Sainsbury's or Tesco stores running the trial, you can request the lanyard at the customer service desk - or the checkout counters at smaller shops. Visitor attractions: Ask at the checkout tills or information center.

What Countries Use Sunflower Lanyard Awareness

Several other countries are beginning to participate or are petitioning the powers that be to adopt the Sunflower Lanyard for invisible disabilities Program. To date, these countries include:

Australia: Several major airports in Australia recognize and support the lanyard scheme.

New Zealand: Georgia Hood has launched a petition addressed to the New Zealand Airports Association to introduce the sunflower lanyard, for people with hidden disabilities, at all NZ airports.

Netherlands: Schiphol airport Amsterdam recognizes the sunflower lanyard program; however, it is known as the "Green Assistance Keycord."

United Kingdom (UK): The birthplace of the sunflower lanyard for hidden disabilities awareness scheme.

Ireland: Cork Airport is the first airport in the Republic of Ireland to roll out the sunflower lanyard initiative supporting passengers with hidden disabilities.

United States:

> Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, United States, now participates in the disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program.

> John F. Kennedy International Airport: The operator of Terminal 4 at JFK IAT has partnered with the U.K.-based Sunflower Lanyard Scheme to offer customers traveling through the terminal a discreet way to alert employees that they may require additional assistance, support, or time.

> Miami International Airport: MIA has joined the currently ten other U.S. and 34 worldwide airports that provide sunflower lanyards free of charge to travelers with hidden disabilities. The lanyards indicate to airport employees that those passengers may need extra time during the travel process. MIA employees have received customer service training about the lanyards and best practices for serving travelers with hidden disabilities.

> Mineta San Jose California International Airport. With the help of the California State Council on Developmental disabilities, Mineta San Jose Airport has now made the hidden disabilities lanyard program available.

> Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: MSP has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organization to bring its Sunflower Lanyard program to MSP; further information can be found at mspairport.com/airport/accessibility/hidden-disabilities-sunflower-program

> Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: SEA appears to be the first in the U.S. to offer such a solution: a green lanyard printed with yellow sunflowers that symbolizes a "hidden disability" such as dementia, hearing loss, post-traumatic stress disorder or autism.

Philadelphia airport now participates in the sunflower lanyard scheme.

The U.S. city of Mesa, Arizona, is the first U.S. city to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower complimentary lanyards and bracelets. In addition to the Mesa Visitors Center, guests can pick up their complimentary Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards and bracelets at these participating Mesa locations:

> COPA Health

> Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

> Arizona Museum of Natural History

> DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa

> Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix-Mesa

> Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West

> Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix-Mesa/Chandler

Have you seen the Sunflower Lanyard program in use somewhere we haven't mentioned? If so, please contact us so we can add the venue to this page for the benefit of others.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Note: The Sunflower Lanyard Program stands out as a simple yet powerful tool for bridging the gap between visible and invisible needs in society. By encouraging recognition and understanding of non-visible disabilities, the initiative not only improves daily experiences for many but also challenges assumptions about what disability looks like. Its growing international presence signals a positive shift toward more compassionate, inclusive communities where everyone's needs are acknowledged and respected. The significance of the Sunflower Lanyard Program lies not only in its simplicity but in its potential to shift public attitudes toward hidden disabilities. As awareness spreads, so too does the opportunity to foster more considerate environments where people are recognized for their needs without having to constantly explain themselves. Its quiet visibility is its strength - an understated solution for a frequently overlooked challenge. Not all disabilities are visible, and a subtle signal such as the sunflower lanyard can make a big difference in providing confidence and reassurance to the wearers. Over 500,000 lanyards have been issued in the U.K. As interest grows, so does the number of organizations, groups, and venues involved. Not all people with hidden disabilities require assistance. However, we believe that the sunflower lanyard program is an optional opportunity to provide people with a 'discreet sign' which demonstrates to staff, and others, that they may need additional support or assistance - Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Ian C. Langtree is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.

• National Assistive Technology Awareness Day: Purpose, Impact, and Significance: National Assistive Technology Awareness Day highlights the vital role of AT in supporting independence and inclusion for people with disabilities and seniors.

• How to Respectfully Interact with People with Cerebral Palsy: A firsthand account on respectful interaction with people with cerebral palsy, challenging stereotypes and offering practical advice for inclusive communication.

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. 

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved  from www.disabledworld.com/disability/awareness/sunflower-lanyard.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/sunflower-lanyard.php">Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program</a>: Information regarding the invisible disability sunflower lanyard program where a lanyard is worn around the neck to let others know you have hidden disabilities.