Surrender is our entry into the ways of the Lord that are not ours by default.  Surrender is our entry into the thoughts of God that we need in order to understand His ways. Surrender is our victory that ends any conflict between us and God.  This is a quote from Darryl Rodman from his book Heart Treasure.

This word surrender is not something I  hear people discussing much lately.  Obedience, following the Holy Spirit and maybe the occasional word about submission is discussed, but not surrender.    Before we can obey, before we can begin to follow or even submit there needs to  be surrender.  In national battles we always want “our” side to win.  It is a natural desire–that the “they” are bad, and “we” are good.  It is different in the spiritual world.  God’s ways are always superior to our ways.  His thoughts are above our thoughts, but until we let go of our ways and receive His ways there is conflict.

Surrender: cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority.   This past week my friend passed and is now rejoicing with the Lord!  This is a great thing.  However, his passing triggered some “grief” moments for me.  Partly because I know what his loss will mean to his family and all the re-adjustments that will come to this wife, sister, daughter, husband and grandchildren.  It triggered memories of Darryl’s passing as well.  My friend was able to talk and share with his family almost to the end.  I heard their stories and while I rejoiced with them, my heart was sad for me and our family.  My thoughts went to “it’s not fair, Lord”.  I did not get those final words, for when Darryl suffered his stroke two and half years before he lost his speech.  He lost much of his communication in other ways as well.  I knew that there is/was nothing God to do to “remake my story”.  It is what it was.   As I shared with Him my feelings over the next day or two–I struggled.  But then I surrendered.  I gave it back to Him and began to thank Him for what we did have rather than what I did not have.

It was amazing.  I actually experienced what this quote is saying. As I surrendered (yielded my way to His ways) He began to speak to me.  He showed me the gift he gave me ten days before Darryl’s stroke.  It was what ended up being our last “date day”.  During that day I asked him, “what would I ever do without you?”  During that conversation, he shared with me things that he would have shared during his final days.  I don’t know why I asked that question, but I do know the Comforter came again and reminded me that even though it wasn’t what I wanted it was what I needed.  But, it wasn’t until I “surrendered” to the Lord did I hear His perspective.  Up to that point I was stuck in my own head.  I am so thankful for His voice and perspective.  Are you struggling with something that doesn’t make sense?  Are experiencing conflict with the Lord about His direction in your life–I would encourage you to quickly surrender.  Remember you are surrendering to the God who loves you, cares for you and those you care for.  This God is the God who gave His life for you and has a plan for your life that is good and filled with much hope.  

God is not our enemy.  His ways may not be our ways, but they are always higher than our ways.  Better than our ways.  He is trustworthy and able to help us navigate through the darkest of times, but only when we give Him the wheel.  Surrender restores peace.  When we surrender we open ourselves up to His plans, His supply and His guidance.  This is a good thing!

Jesus prayed, “yet not my will, but your will be done”.  This was the ultimate surrender prayer–if he could pray that prayer facing what he had to face, we can follow his example and pray the same prayer.  Satan wants to make us think God is our enemy, but of course that is only to set us up for deception.  Do no fall for this lie.  God is good and surrendering to His will is also good.

This is a special day in the United States.  It is a day set apart for Thanksgiving.    Our personal thanksgiving celebrations have changed over the years.  Our first Thanksgiving we shared with my mother.  She was so happy to have us join her–getting to know  her new son in law.  My mom was a “southern” cook, who like me at my age, did not cook as much as when she had a family.  So the food was a bit less than stellar.  I know Darryl ate the meal with a grateful heart, but it definitely was not what he was used to!  The cornbread dressing had so much sage it was actually green!  I was expecting our first child and was grateful to have a bit of “normal” thanksgiving food.  Darryl missed his family traditions.  As pioneering pastors, we were grateful that someone else purchased the food!  It was a ” good different” for me, because I had a new husband to share it with.

As the years progressed our family changed.  We added our children.  Sometimes we were with our extended family, sometimes we extended invitations to our church family.  But changes took place.  We began to add our children’s spouses which meant we shared them with their in-laws at times.  Then grandchildren were added.  Our table extended.  It was good.  They brought different traditions from their home into our family and it was different, but still good.

I am thankful our family is growing to 10 grandchildren!  I am grateful to the parents of our current nine that they are willing to travel, cook, host and facilitate this year’s celebration.  I am grateful and thankful that they love each other, in spite of their quirks and are willing to  spend time together.  Only a mom knows how it feels to have all their chicks together at one time!We will be at my son’s home.  I am grateful they are doing the organizing and the planning–and most of the work.  It is my prayer that memories will be made that will last a life time.  It is my prayer that our family tribe will grow stronger and stronger to help weather unforeseen storms.  I am so thankful for each of my family members and what they contribute  to our family.

But then our table shrunk.  Our fearless head went home to be with Jesus.  It was a very different Thanksgiving that first year.  We still had much to be thankful for–including my new daughter-in-law’s family (mom, dad, aunt and three siblings) who joined us that first year.  We needed to extend our family table to help us accept the one missing.  It helped us accept our new “different”.  I was/am so grateful for the Bunica family.  I pray His grace and mercy to those of you whose table has shrunk.  Be grateful for the memories and hold tight to those who remain.

Father, I ask you blessing on those of us who are celebrating Thanksgiving today.  I ask that you help us learn to cultivate both gratitude (outward appreciation for the actions of others) and a thankful heart (inward awareness of God’s love, care and the blessings of life).  Teach us to grow in our ability to appreciate You, others and our blessings every day, not just on holidays!   In  Jesus Name, Amen

What is your first response when given an opportunity to do for someone “above and beyond” your natural inclinations?  If you are asked, especially when you are tired, it may be not I don’t think so.  I can’t.  You will have to find someone else (etc).

My oldest grand girl–who is 13 really loves the Lunar Chronicles,  by Marissa Meyer.  She is also the leader of a book club for her friends.  Imagine the excitement she felt when they found out that there was going to be a book launch held in Bellingham, WA (about an hour from my home).  Initially one of her friends mom was going to drive them both and they would stay at my home–but as the time progressed that fell through.

Our family’s love for Abby caused my daughter Elizabeth to take a five hour round trip drive with her four kids to pick up my daughter Rosanna, and her daughter’s Abby and Harmony.  My love for them said yes, Rosanna you can drive Abby to the book launch and I will drive you back home the following day.  Love caused me to exert myself–to go above and beyond my natural inclinations and help make it happen.  I believe Abby’s love tank was filled this week in an unique way.

Jesus left His home to go above and beyond for us.  Of course, we aren’t competing with Him, but as we follow His leading we may find ourselves saying yes, not out of fear, but out of faith.  It wasn’t just about “doing something” for her-but doing it in faith that God was working in her heart and soul in some new measure.  This memory will be part of her for a long time.  Does she understand the “above and beyond” cost we spent to make this work.  Probably not–because she is 13, but I believe her soul received a gift it needed.

Last Sunday our nursery lesson was based on the story of the Good Samaritan. A stranger who went above and beyond to help a stranger.  He spent his time, his money and energy to help a wounded man.  I am challenged to reach out to those around me –to ask the Lord to open my eyes to His opportunities,  I admit it was easier to go above and beyond because she is my granddaughter and I love her! This love above and beyond took about 333 round trip miles–but trusting the outcome will be even more so.

What are your “self induce limit” of love expressions or actions?  Think about it, ask Him to make some adjustments to your boundaries if you need to!

 

I have to do a part two of Facing Life’s Challenges (Part 1 posted October 25) because I have experienced a few more of those unexpected challenges this past week.  These challenges have to do with “stuff” that’s going on underneath my home.

In Washington state most homes are built with a crawl space, due to the dampness of the region, it is just wiser to build this way.  A crawl space is like a mini basement–but it is what it sounds like–you have to crawl around to check things out.  Not something that is done often.  A few years ago a raccoon got inside my crawl space and wrecked havoc on the insulation.  I have had our pest company tell me I needed to have it cleaned out with fresh vapor barrier and insulation to fix the damage, but I kind of put it in the “optional” category.  The bid they gave me seemed very high and un-affordable.  But my children, worried about my health, encouraged me to move ahead.  So I scheduled a company to come Monday and give me an estimate.  However, this past weekend we discovered a water leak into the crawl space from a pipe behind the washing machine and the guest bathroom.  (Not good to hear rushing water when nothing is turned on!)

My son tried his hardest to fix it.  Another friend came and tried to fix it as well, but did help turn my water off at the street.  And then Monday, I found a plumbing company who came.  He found three leaks, cut two holes in my house, but fixed the leaks.  The crawl space expert came and gave me “the facts”.  Yes my insulation and vapor barrier are messed up and need to be replaced, but also two of my heating ducts are rusted through and I had water damage to the wood supports which need to be replaced.  The plumber told me that I have too much pressure coming into my home, so my 50 year old pipes are going to continue to fail unless I get something called a pressure reducing valve installed!  Yep some challenges.  These are not warm and happy “facts”…but they are real!

This past week, through our Life Group study by Lysa Terkeurst, Uninvited;  we were encouraged to pick a Bible verse to really get into our mind and hearts.  We were to review it several times a day and even record the difference it made as we meditated on God’s Word.  The verse God put on my heart was Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  I will be found by you, says the Lord.   As I put into practice the assignment, I found myself walking in peace and grace.  I was able to share some Biblical insights with both the servicemen which left them encouraged.  I had asked my daughter in law to come and hang out with me, and another friend stopped by during some of the work.  These were God’s help to distract me and keep me from going to all the “what if’s” and “Oh no’s”.  Dear friends, God is working in and through these challenges as He is yours.

The KJV version uses the word “prosper” instead of his plans just being good.  My home needs to be fixed.  I am trusting His plan to get each of these things finished.  My faith is released as I thankfully remember how He helped me with a bathroom ‘fix”, roofing issues finished and new flooring for my bedroom.  These challenges are going to bring more opportunities to share with others, stretch my faith and I am choosing to walk in His peace.

Verse 11 are where we usually stop–but as I chose to read through the rest of the passage the blessing of “In those days when you pray, I will listen” comforted my heart.  The “if you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  I will be found by you” is an amazing promise.  We can either allow adversities and challenges to cause us to run away from the Lord numbing ourselves from our reality, or we can dig deep and find Him and His Life-giving Presence!  My story continues, and so does yours–in this glorious journey called Life!

Who is this who condemns? No one! Christ Jesus who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God an dis also interceding for us.  Romans 8:34  Isn’t this an amazing scripture?  What a wonderful reminder that we aren’t on our own in the midst of our mess.

He was praying for me this week when I frustratingly discovered  Saturday morning it was time for “needle maintenance required” with my Keurig coffee maker.  What, I have to deal with this machine without coffee! (Please don’t judge me for my love of coffee.  Jesus and I spend time together with my coffee.  It’s our routine.  It’s one of my favorite things I look forward to–that first cup every morning!}  So I tell myself, I’m ok.  I can do this.  I’ve done it before.  I look up a YouTube video just to refresh my memory.  OK, you can do this.  I follow the steps.  But the parts don’t go back together again.  I look up other videos to see if anywhere they tell you how to put it back together.  Can’t find anyone.  I take a deep breath, Jesus help me!  I can do this.  But, it still isn’t working.

I take a break.  Call my fix it up sister–maybe she can help me.  But there’s no answer so I skip leaving a message and hang up.  I take another deep breath.  Try again (we are three hours plus into this thing by now!  I take another break.  Oh the phone rings (its now 2:00 p.m., its my fix it up sister–needing some help with HER project!  Yes, why don’t you bring it over now.  We work on her project, she tackles my Keurig  and by @ 4:30 I finally get my cup of coffee. ah…so sweet.

How did I feel when she said “you were trying to put the one part in backwards!  I felt foolish and stupid.  But my sister’s unconditional love and care didn’t condemn me, we just laughed together.  I helped her.  She helped me. God’s grace at work for me through my sister. She thought she was the one interrupting MY day, but it was God’s way of meeting both our needs.  He was helping her as well.

Have you ever responded to the Holy Spirit’s small promptings to tend to something that wasn’t even on your radar?  He’s reminded me about bill’s that are due I had forgotten.  Or phone calls I need to make not only for myself but for others.  Because I heeded that prompting, made a phone call–it saved me a $6,000 bill! Thank you Father!

How amazing and wonderful to know that not only is He interceding for the church at whole, but for me and my little world as well.  I am so thankful and grateful that when I recognize His help in the smaller issues of life, it helps carry me through the larger ones.  It also helps me intercede for others more consistently–my faith is released on their behalf because I know His Presence is there for me and will be there for them.  Oh, let’s truly remember what a Great awesome God we can know and love.  How much He loves you and me.

How prepared are we for life’s challenges?  How do we help prepare others?  I woke up with a burden to encourage each of us to make sure our foundations are built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ and His Word.  Rain falls on the just and unjust the scripture says. Life’s storms can be overwhelming and challenging.  How do we prepare?

1. Take and assessment of where you are.  What areas do you feel solid in your faith?  What areas do you find yourself struggling?  Concentrate on building up these weak areas with the Promises in His word.  This summer I had to face the fact some areas of my roof and siding were rotten.  I was afraid it was going to cost a lot emotionally, financially and physically.  As I gained the courage to ask people who really knew how to assess the problem–it was much easier than my imagination led me to believe.  The fear of the task was much bigger than just getting it done!  Ask the Lord to show you your weak areas–He will do so in love, grace and also bring the solution!
2.  Make a commitment to not only read the word, but to apply it.  Information does not transform us, application begins the transforming work.  I find that I may need to slow down my reading and allow the Holy Spirit to really talk to me about what I am reading to make it clear.
3. Get connected to a community of believers.  Not just attend a church, but choose to get involved–not just doing tasks together, but developing friendships.  Ask God to open your eyes to those who need your friendship and reach out to them.  I love my Life Group–they are amazing ladies who care for each other.
4. Seek out those who have gone through trials gracefully.  Ask for their wisdom.  Let them be honest!  Be willing to share your stories as well.  When my husband passed I read the stories of others who walked my same path.  The hope I began to glean from their struggles and victories were like life-lines to me.
5. Come along side those who are in the midst of challenges maybe you have not faced.  Support them the best you can.  Ask them how can you help.  Be available.  It will help prepare you for your storms as well.
6. Seek wisdom: Plan on getting married?  Prepare by reading books, talking with others who have a good marriage.  Becoming a parent?  Join a MOPS group, read blogs and books from trusted wise parents who have run the race ahead of you.  Financial issues?  Seek help.  Can’t seem to get along with others?  Get some counseling or tools to learn how to communicate.  We all have emotions, we all need to learn how to handle them so they don’t handle us!  Get prepared!
7. Help prepare others.  One day at a Mother/Daughter Tea with my own mom, I realized that her job was to prepare me to live without her.  I began my own child-rearing season with understanding I needed to prepare my children for life and its challenges.  I’m not sure if I got it all right–but at least I tried.  I continue to do the same through loving, caring and teaching my grandchildren.
8. Matthew 7:24-27  Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on the house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  

Challenges come in many forms.  We can join with the Boy Scouts and their model: BE PREPARED

Persevere–to persist in a state of enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counter-influences, opposition or discouragement.  I don’t really like this word. I don’t like the fact I have counter-influences, opposition and at times, if I am honest some discouragement to overcome in my life as a believer.  But there it is—if I am going to achieve God’s purpose and plan in my life I have to persevere through each of those things.  I have to accept I have an enemy that does not want me to succeed. I have to accept that due to sin in the world, life will not be easy and I have to understand that my soul is subject at times to discouragement.  These are the facts.

In I Timothy 6:11 Paul tells Timothy, But you Timothy are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness  Fight the good fight for the true faith.  Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.  I believe this is a word today for many of us.  That we put our energies toward pursuing righteousness and the godly life God has set for us.  To resist the words of the devil when he would taunt you with “it doesn’t take all that” or “it won’t make a difference, so why bother?”  Dear brothers and sisters, your life is making a difference.  Your stand before Him and those who are witnessing your life is important.

I have been reading through the book of Jeremiah lately.  What an example of perseverance.  He stayed true to God’s call and the Word of God faithfully no matter what he had to endure.  It is at times, for me a hard story to read.  He is so faithful, and the outward reward seems to little and so late….but he did it anyway.  I think he knew His God and made a commitment to stand no matter what.  We, as believers, need to stay true to those commitments we make in the glorious sunshine, so when the darkness comes we will continue on His chosen path.

Pursue is a word that, to me, must include momentum.  If we are actively in motion we will overcome those counter-influences, oppositions and even the discouragements.  It is not a waste of time to seek Him and His ways.  It is not a waste of time to trust in His promises and callings.  It is not a waste of your life to let Him spend you as He chooses.  Remember, our life becomes His and it is up to Him to make it count.  2 Corinthians 12:15, And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.”  Take courage and encouragement from those who are walking after Him and His ways.  Do not let those who have fallen behind discourage you–but be encouraged by the great cloud of witnesses that have gone on before.  It is worth it my friends, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

 

This week I had the opportunity to go to my grandson’s Junior Varsity football game.  It actually was a mixture of the freshman team and the JV’rs.  So I knew I wasn’t going to watch a professional game!  In years past he has played on basketball and baseball teams, but this is his first year of playing football.  It was a good game for them in that they won!

American football has eleven players at a time on the field, but it also has at least that many on the bench–and at least at this level may only play a few minutes of the game, if at all. (The National Football league are allowed 53 players on the team, but again only 11 play at a time).   As I watched my grandson and the rest of the team standing in the rain, waiting for their turn to play.  I honestly thought, “why”?  Why do these young men spend hours practicing in all kinds of weather to stand on the side lines waiting to hear the coach say “Phillips’ you’re in”.  Then I watched at least three times the game get halted for injuries.  Only one serious enough to leave the field early with his parents (looked like a knee injury). They knowingly play, (with their parents signing wavers I am sure) with the possibility of injury.  There was no complaining of the wet, cold or having to stand the whole time. (There were actual benches, available, but only the injured used them!  The “bench” moved up and down the sidelines following their teammates on the field. They were encouraged to stay engaged to learn from watching, to celebrate good plays and be encouraging during struggling times.  Isn’t that what we as the body of Christ are called to do?

Every believer is enrolled on God’s team from day one.  We learn to listen to our Coach, follow His instructions and learn His Rule book.  We will have our side-line time–it is necessary.  We must learn our plays (God’s Word) and as we learn to execute with faith, His plays (obedience, surrender and trust) we will become a greater asset to His team.  Aaron is called a wide receiver.  He is supposed to block his opponent and be open to catch the ball.  However, he hasn’t quite got the hang of it yet.  He told me his coach was giving him tips on how to be a better blocker during the game.  We are called to improve and we can by watching God’s other players and learning from them.

God has called each of us to play a part in His kingdom–what an amazing opportunity.  We are His bench–waiting till He calls us into actively participate in our assignment. Read through the Paul’s letters in the New Testament and he is always encouraging the “bench”.  To the Thessalonians he writes “we always thank God for all of you and pray for you, constantly.  As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 1:2-3  That is the whole team he is talking too…and unless we see ourselves as part of the whole team, we won’t fulfill our total assignment.  Those young men celebrated the good plays of others, they consoled the injured, they paid attention even when they weren’t playing–they stayed engaged.  We stay engaged first of all by just showing up!  We stay engaged as we pray for our pastor and leadership team before and during the service.  We stay engaged as we greet and encourage those we see on Sunday morning.  We stay engaged as we thank the nursery workers, the children’s ministry team or the worship team members.  We stay engaged when we begin to understand the bigger picture.  My grandson is an integral part of the team.  I am proud of him.  It is my desire to stay engaged for the Kingdom no matter what my assignment may be for the day, how about you?

 

Any of you enjoy what I call Microsoft pictures of the day?  Somehow, when I turn on my computer some stunning pictures of God’s creation show up.  Sometimes I try to figure out where that particular picture was taken.  Sometimes I actually guess right!  I don’t know who at the company gets to pick those pictures but they can be inspiring  if I take the time to look at them, rather than click, click on to my own agenda, I can see God’s handiwork displayed right on the screen.  For those of you who use Apple products or other systems let me explain.   When I turn on my computer instead of plain boring main screens, I receive each day a beautiful scenic picture.  They come from any part of the world and if you click on the picture you can learn about the location.    At times, I just click, click my way past them eager to get on to my own agenda,but lately I’ve slowed down the process and have really begun to enjoy this free gift of looking at God’s creation.  I choose to take time to savor them.

The psalmist who wrote Psalm 121 tells us: I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from? My help come from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth, indeed, he who watches over Israel will never slumber or sleep.  This is a deliberate action.  I will with intention, lift up my eyes to those things above me.  I will look unto the Lord–not just any Lord, but the Creator of all the Universe!  These daily pictures give me an opportunity, free of charge to see some of God’s handiwork outside my own geographical area!  But only if I actually take the time to really see them.  In order for me to really see or comprehend their beauty, I must with intention, choose to see the picture that is right before me.  When I take the time (like hunting for the old “where’s Waldo” picture”), I can find hidden gems that inspire me.

Some of the most amazing of God’s creations are the people around us.  If I am going to get the most out of my relationships with these God creatures–I must look at them with intention…not with a critical spirit.  Not with even a desire to “change” them.  But to just enjoy God’s handiwork–with no expectations.  That is not easy, but when I do, I find some hidden gifts, waiting to be opened.  I want to challenge you–when was the last time you really looked at your children?  Your spouse?  Your co-worker? Are they tired, weary, stressed?  Can you see joy and grace in their lives?   Do you just see their problems or short comings that may influence your world?  Or do you take the time to see the entire package of God’s handiwork…maybe as a work in progress?  Jesus knew every disciple he called was flawed.  He knew they were going to not measure up–but that is not why he picked them.  HE picked them for what they were going to do, for what they were going to add to the others.  When we begin to look for strengths, we find them.  We we focus on weaknesses, that’s what we find as well.  It is not being blind to the weakness, but they do not become our focus.  God helps us in our weaknesses, and if we pray and encourage, He will help those around us as well.  This takes faith.

I am writing this today to encourage you to look up–past the hills, past your geographical  limitations and see your God–working in the large and small parts of your life.  Take time to enjoy His amazing creation, but look for His Hand in the blessings of your life as well as the struggles.  He is there–waiting to be the Help you need, He is there urging you to stand fast or grow more in His ways, He is there waiting to meet your need.  The most beautiful part of God’s creation is people.  He is there waiting to help open your eyes to what He sees in your most difficult relationship.  If He opens your eyes to them, then He will show you what to do with that relationship.  Release your faith, dear friend.  This is what He cares about the most, if we can see Him in geography, we will be able to see His handiwork in our brothers and sisters.  Father, open our eyes to really SEE you in the world around us today.

 

 

 

This week I was privileged, blessed and enjoyed hosting our friend, David Freeman.  He travels at times for his job and is able to work remotely at other times which gives him the freedom to visit friends and family.  I’ve known his parents before he was born, so it definitely is a long term friendship.  I got to practice hospitality.

Hospitality is encouraged throughout the Word of God.  Now days, to many people it is often seen as a burden, or something that is only for the few with “the gift”.  I Peter 4:8-9 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins,  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.   I think Peter is spurring every believer to become comfortable with hospitality–the opening up of ones home and heart to love, care for and uplift others,

It begins in our hearts.  We may open a bedroom or table, but without having an open heart to the people we invite in, it is all in vain.  My parents modeled hospitality for us.  For my mom, it was usually a more planned in advance event.  The house would be cleaned (even those spots the visitors would not see!), clothes picked out, menu planned in preparation for the gathering.  I think she really enjoyed caring for people in this way.  My father would meet people at church, invite them home to a pot of pinto beans and fry up a chicken-a much more casual and informal setting.  He genuinely loved people and freely opened his home.  So when I married a minister, I was well prepared to keep an “open” home.  But for others who did not have this Texas hospitality modeled,  it can be daunting and something to avoid.  But, my friends, you are missing out on many opportunities to grow in love, grace and fellowship.

Where faith comes into hospitality is when you begin thinking about the “cost”.  There is a cost–time, energy and money are all a consideration–but most of the time we don’t consider the fruit that can/will come from opening up your home and spending time and fellowship with others.  As we open our hearts with prayer–asking the Father to bless the gathering (it doesn’t have to be a “spiritual” event), God’s presence and favor will show up.  People want to feel seen, wanted and heard.  Letting your open home be such a setting pleases the Lord.  Hospitality, if done right, does encourage us to get our eyes off ourselves and onto friends, family or even strangers.

Last week at the Life Group I lead ,we had several new people.  It sort of felt awkward to some of the “regulars” in a mildly uncomfortable way.  As I opened in prayer the Holy Spirit led me to ask the Lord to help us see each new sister as a gift as yet to be opened.  I could feel everyone begin to relax and by the end of the evening we were laughing and enjoying each other.   My daughter and son in law have an open home as well.  They are not “fancy” people–and with four children their home is not always spotless–but the warmth and welcome you feel as they serve you a cup of tea is heartfelt and many lives have been changed because of their open heart/open home.  Tears of sorrow and tears of joy have both been shed in their home as they seek to simply love others in their home.

I encourage you to ask the Lord to help you have an open heart to have an open home.  Romans 12:13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need practice hospitality.   Hospitality can take practice. Start with a celebration (birthday, anniversary or other monumental events–large or small!)  So many questions pop up in your head–should I serve food, what kind of food?  Are they allergic, are they picky eaters–etc–ask! Do a potluck.  Or go very simple–just beverages and popcorn! Worried about conversations? Play games!  Invite them for a specific time period–set a starting and ending time if you are concerned about going past your bedtime.   If you are invited–go, enjoy and be a good guest! Let’s practice this Biblical mandate! We can do it!