“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you to be with me
that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going.”
John 14:1-4 NIV
TEMPORARY HOME
Just after Easter, as I was driving from my Uncle and Aunt’s house to Hamilton, the thought crossed my mind that I was going to pass by four different homes I’d lived in. Since I don’t get around that area very often, I took pictures of each house. Some looking, Oh so different! than when growing up.
As I continued to drive, I began counting just how many places I’ve called home. There were:
- 10 growing up with my parents
- 3 different college dorms
- 9 places as an adult that included:
4 houses, 2 townhouses, 1 trailer, and 2 cottages.
If you’re counting, that’s 22 “homes” in total!

Thinking about my moving mayhem brought Carrie Underwood’s song, Temporary Home to mind. As teens, this song had become very close to my daughter and her friend Haillie’s heart. Haillie and her mom, my friend Lori had come to live with us when we were both going through separation. To say it was a tough time would be an understatement. When the radio announced Carrie was coming to Toronto, I immediately booked tickets for us all. As Carrie sang our life-song, we were all streaming tears.
I think this week’s verses are especially impactful to me because of all the temporary homes I’ve had. Add to that, recently having Todd’s Nanny Lois pass away and move into her forever home; the value of this Scripture has only deepened. With Nanny’s passing still fresh in our hearts, knowing this earth isn’t the end… that there’s more.. that Jesus loves us so much He’s gone to build a forever home for us all, brings so much comfort!
Jesus disciples were about as smart as us and they struggled to grasp what He was telling them. In the next verse, they ask, “how can we know the way?” to which Jesus makes everything clear when He explains, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Because of Christ, this earth can be just “windows and rooms”1 we’re passing through.
I hope you let Jesus’ words sink in. Don’t LET your hearts be troubled, no matter what’s going on in your world. You can sing along with Carrie because.. this is just your temporary home!
Prayer
Father…Your promises are so good they’re often hard for my brain to imagine. Understanding what you went through, to provide the way Jesus, is completely overwhelming. To know you’re preparing a place for me, so comforting! I thank You that I can know with certainty there is a better place, and I get to go there! One day, my temporary home of earth will be replaced by my forever home, heaven! Cya soon Jesus!
[tweetthis]This is just a stop on the way to where I’m going @carrieunderwood #TemporaryHome #soulh2o[/tweetthis]
Carrie,
If you ever end up reading this post, I hope you know how much your music has ministered to us. Praying God blesses you with on overwhelming sense of His love and goodness.
Music Video for Temporary Home. I dare you to watch it and not cry girls 🙂
1Lyrics to the song: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/carrieunderwood/temporaryhome.html
Carrie’s Website: https://www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com/
If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.
#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
- John 14:1-4
- John 14:5-6
- John 14:27-29
- Isaiah 32:18
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

Sherry, what a beautiful post. It’s far too easy to get caught up in the struggles and trials in this place, our temporary home. The thing that I have never caught before that you share was “Don’t LET your heart be troubled. . . .” I had never considered that one, powerful word before. We do have control in how our heart’s respond to the things that happen in this temporary home. I can turn inward or outward and end up discouraged. Or, I can turn upward and trust God to help me through the trial.
LOVED this.
Jeanne,
Those little verbs get us every time… and I’m not joking. God has so often spoken to me through the little words of the Bible. Thanks for sharing your encouraging comments and I pray that you and God together rise above every trial you face.
Much love,
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
Great reminders and encouragement here! Thanks for sharing!
Great to have you visit again Nicole 🙂
~Sherry
xoxo
Thanks for this reminder. It is so easy to forget this truth. Yet when I do remember it, it sure helps put everything in my life into perspective.
Theresa,
You’re right, this truth brings so much perspective. Praying you have a blessed week!
~Sherry
xoxo
I have had many temporary homes too and love this song! I am just waiting (not so patiently sometimes) for heaven
Sarah,
I so get the patient/not patient thing 🙂 Heaven will be SO amazing! Praying God blesses you with an incredible sense of His presence.
~Sherry
xoxo
Love. Love. Love. As an Army family I can so relate! This song has been a battle cry for me, as well! Blessings, friend! XO
I bet you can relate Liz!
Praying God blesses you and your kidlings with a sense of real home no matter where you are.
~Sherry
xoxo
I don’t know this song, so I’ll have to go listen and read the lyrics. You’ve lived in many homes. I haven’t moved around quite as much, but I do recall every home I’ve lived in and the way they have affected me. So thankful we have a permanent home that we’ll all inhabit forever one day!
Lisa,
You’re gonna love this song! We’re gonna love that permanent home even more 🙂 Have a blessed day!
~Sherry
xoxo
That song started playing in my mind as soon as I read the title of your post! 🙂 Oh how it warms my heart to think of the Lord himself readying my heavenly home for me. I bet He’s the best decorator ever. 🙂 Lovely post, my friend. Hope you’re doing well. xoxo
Brenda,
So great to hear from you! I love your thought about how great of a decorator He’ll be. Just think, He gave Chip & Joanna their giftings for home decorating 🙂 Love ya girl!
~Sherry
xoxo
This is SO good, Sherry. I needed these words this morning! I’ve been feeling restless on quite a few levels lately, but your words are a reminder that we’ll never feel entirely satisfied here! Yes and amen! Let’s keep our eyes fixed on the throne!
Stacey,
So glad to hear this. I write to hear this type of response 🙂 Asking God to bless your week!
~Sherry
xoxo
Good one Sherry..
Thanks for the Reminder..
You’re welcome!
Thanks Stacey!