Home Again

Posted on July 16, 2026 by dinahoverlien

We were only gone for three days last week,
but when we pulled into our driveway,
PB and I both let go with a happy sigh.
Home.

When we walked into our house, we said,
“Ah, it’s good to be back.”

Home again, home again,
Jiggety-jig.

As a child, I loved the stories and poems from the red Childcraft books that were published in the 1950s. I grew up with those books and can still quote all five stanzas of the poem “Antonio.” Many lines from those literary treasures became part of our family’s sayings.

“Gone is gone.”

“An icery creamery conio.”

And this one:

I remember hearing my mom say,
“Home again, home again, jiggety-jig” after a long trip.
Then I started saying it when PB and I had little ones in the back seat.
I said it last week when we pulled into our garage.

That feeling of being home—
it’s only a glimpse,
just a tiny taste,
of what it will be like to arrive in heaven, our true home.

For this world is not our home;
we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.
Hebrews 13:14, TLB

Home again, home again,
Jiggety-jig.

Make Yourself At Home

Posted on October 26, 2023 by dinahoverlien

PB and I have gone into homes where no one offered to take our coats (so we tossed them in a corner), we weren’t welcomed to come in and sit down (so we stood around awkwardly), and nothing was offered to eat or drink (although cookies sat on a plate all evening). Sometimes people just don’t know how to be hospitable.

We’ve also been places where we were greeted politely (although it seemed a bit formal), we were escorted to an immaculate parlor (where we sat awkwardly), and gourmet food was served (with all the properly placed silverware and goblets). Sometimes people only know how to entertain.

For over three decades, PB ended worship services with a paraphrase of Ephesians 3:17-19. It starts like this: “We pray that Christ will be more and more at home in our hearts, living within us as we trust in Him…”

Is Christ “at home” in my heart?

Do I address Him formally? (Dear Gawwwwd.) Is there awkwardness between us because there are things too touchy to talk about? (I’d rather not discuss that please.) Am I following the rules of etiquette and decorum? (And making sure everybody else is, too.)

Am I trying to entertain God?

Or am I waiting at the door, anxious to invite Him in with warmth and joy? (Lord! I’m so glad You’re here!) Do I offer Him myself, foibles and faults included? (I’m not much, but I’m all Yours.) Does He feel comfortable enough to put His feet up on my coffee table? (Make Yourself at home here.)

Is my heart hospitable?

I can invite Jesus to stop by, perhaps on special occasions. I can clean up the place, get dressed up, and put out the best china. But He’s not impressed by my outward show of righteousness.

Or I can sign over the deed to the place and give Him ownership. I can let Him clean out the closets, clothe me in His righteousness, and fellowship at the table daily.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock.
If you hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Revelation 3:20

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I’d bring Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I’d do my part.
Yet what can I give Him? Give Him my heart.
~ Christina Rossetti

Home for the Holidays #15

Posted on December 31, 2014 by dinahoverlien

Closing out 2014 with a picture of the throw-up bucket is just wrong.

There were so many good things about this year.

PB and I sat with our coffee cups by the fire this morning, remembering together.

Good times, hard times, accomplishments, struggles.

I’m so happy to be doing life with this man.

We’ll give each other a smooch at midnight, pray in the new year, and wake up to 2015.

“May the new year be blessed with good tidings
Till the next time I see you again.
And we’ll all join hands, and remember this moment,
And we’ll love and we’ll laugh, in the times that we have
till the season comes ’round again.”

~Till The Season Comes ‘Round Again ~ Vince Gill