Hospitality

The last two bible study sessions on Tuesday mornings have been about hospitality by two different ladies.  Each one offered a different perspective regarding hospitality.  It started to make me think about how have I been hospitable or how hospitality has been shown to me. I'm not talking about simply little gatherings and things, which are great but moments when the showing and sharing of kindness has touched your heart and has blessed you with lasting effects of Christ.

Hebrews 13:2

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 

Leviticus 19:34

You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

 

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Matthew 25:34-46 

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? ...

There was one of those moments in my life about four years ago.  My children and I had been living in a small town in Texas.  I was a single mother at the time.  I had been working for two churches, which had its blessings too.  I had been struggling with the norm of being on my own, taking care of my kids.  I wasn't quite where I should have been with God at the time but looking back now He was there with me and I was right where I needed to be because had my family in his hands after all.

I had let a new person into my life.  At first he said all the right things I wanted to hear and felt that I needed.  He later hurt my family in a big way which led us closer to God than ever before.  He had molested my oldest daughter.  I found myself on my knees consumed with so many deep emotions crying out to God.  I would soon realized that God placed the right people in my life after all that came to light with my daughter.  It was amazing at the relationships that were brought into our lives, the help and support that surrounded us.

People, friends, strangers starting coming along side of us, offering what they could to help us through this crisis of our life.  The kids were looked after, appropriate distractions here and there, words of comfort, meals were brought, we were taken out to dinner. 

I remember my son asked me "Mom why are all these people bringing us food?"  I used that moment to explain to him how God cares for us and uses people to help others.  I told him that when bad things happen people come to gather along side of the ones hurting to help, support and comfort.  I told him how thankful I was and how much we had been blessed by their kindness.  I told him that one day we will be able to return that kindness to others.

If it hadn't been for the Lord placing all the right people in our lives at the time, I'm not sure how we would have made it through all that we did.  Shortly after on the road to healing and recovery I was craving the Lord.  I started to seek the Lord more and more on a daily bases.  My children and I before we moved from that town we committed our lives to Christ and were all baptist.

Just recently I feel that the kids and were able to "give back kindness" to others.  A very sweet family close to our hearts is moving away.  The other day my kids and I went over to see how we could be of some help.  Karlee and Sara helped watch the kids, and kept them busy and out of the way.  Kyle helped load the moving truck with boxes.  I helped where I could, doing odd things like, folding laundry, preparing snack, cleaning out desk drawers, cleaned the inside and outside of the fridge.  We spent 3 or 4 hours over there and then we took her kids back to our house to hangout and play while they continued packing, loading and cleaning.

At one point their youngest son wanted Kyle to go to the park with them.  He went to ask me if Kyle could.  I told him that it was up to him (thinking that I really wanted him to stay and help) and to ask him.  So he did and he came back and said that Kyle was going to stay and help load.  My face was smiling with happiness and my heart fluttered with happiness.  I was so proud that Kyle made the decision to stay and help.

Hospitality is so simple to do and give to others.  The rewards are grand and the blessings are numerous. 

Lord show me how I can be kind and show hospitality to others......

Struggles, trials, and Nehemiah

During this past fall session of Ladies Bible study.  We did a Kay Arthur study called Overcoming Fear and Discouragement.  It went over Ezra, Nehemiah and Ester. (Yes I meant to write then a while back but you could say I've struggled with discouragement off and on)

I had really enjoyed the study.  It really helped me change my perspective on what was going on in my life at the time.  I now can see the fruit from it.  Two main things stick out from it all: 
1. Keep building your wall and 2. Do not give up.

If you have never done a Kay Arthur study, you should.  Her studies at least for me offer a challenge.  She gets into details, details that you don't understand at the time why she is focusing on it until later when things come together and clear.

Here are some key points that I picked out on each chapter:


Ezra:  obedience, trust and hope
Obey and Trust God=Hope
When God leads, follow Him.  When God stirs your heart, stop, sit still and listen then obey.

Do God's will

Nehemiah:  prayer, trust and do not give up
Courage depends on the depth of our prayer.  To have courage you must believe God.  Trust Him.


Seek the Lord, He is there
God broken, He will take and carry you and your burden

Know God's word.  God is sovereign

Ignore the enemy, let God, keep looking, knowing is the truth, the battle is His not ours.

Truth (the word) protects and disarms the enemy

Esther:  A woman of courage "heart"
obedience and trust


Turn it all over to the Lord
Have faith, trust and obey


To have confidence, joy and hope....in the Lord
God has all the details planned out, He is in control


God's hand was in Esther's life, it shows and is expressed.

Anytime a trial comes up or its the same on going one.....I remember this study and I keep telling myself to keep building that wall and DO NOT GIVE UP!

V.B.S., summer, kids, marriage, step-son & more!

This year for V.B.S. I helped out by being the craft coordinator.  I enjoyed it more than I thought.  It was so much fun.  Karlee & Kyle helped along with 3 or 4 other Jr. high kids.  Since it ended last Friday I've been a little lost, that is how much I enjoyed going to the church every evening to make crafts with the kids and help be a light in their lives.

This year during this time was totally different than last year when I helped.  I was a leader of an assigned group.  My body had been there physically but my heart and mind were not in it.  I was in a middle of a storm and only focused on how I was feeling and how to make it through to the next day and moment.

This year as I said was totally different and for that I'm so thankful and very happy.  That storm has past and things have greatly improved since last year at V.B.S.  I think its so.....cool (can't really  find the best word) that I can see how God has worked in my life.  Thank you Lord.

I'm looking forward to next year and I know that no matter what could be going on around me at the time God will be right there with me.

Summer:
well its getting to that point already that at times the kids are saying they are bored and want to know if we can do things.....if they can be entertained.  We are getting through it and looking forward to July 20th. That is when we head to El Paso to visit my family.  I look forward to it as much as the kids do.

I've had no problems filling my time up with things to do....clean up after the kids more than when they were in school....no but seriously I've been going on hikes.  I have really enjoyed discovering the trials that are close by.  I love living here in Flagstaff, its insane at all that is around to do and see.

I've also been exercising more and my body appreciates it.

Marriage: that is a work in progress.  I'm so happy to say that we have come along way since last summer and I'm still walking forward with God beside me as each obstacle is being overcome and worked through with his guidance, power, and love.

Step-son: There also have been improvements but there are some concerns which also leads us to rely more and more on God.

I went back to last summers posts on my blog and Wow!  God really has been working in my life and family :)  I have found when I get bogged down I tend to forget things and by going back and reading where I was at how far I've come has been a blessing. 

A Moment to Myself

  The other night I found myself frustrated and emotional hurt with my husband.  I don't even think he knows what he did or didn't do, which is frustrating in itself.  Woman were certainly  designed differently than men, and it show often in the little moments of life.  As a woman I look into a conversation too much or look at the actions that were there or were not.  

But the other night I didn't know what to say or do to express to my husband the message I was trying to get across to him.  So I went down stairs to sit on the couch for a few moments.  I wasn't sure what was really on my mind or how I really felt I just knew I didn't like what I was feeling and I wanted him to change and all to be better.  We all know that is not how things work.  I sat there and began talking to God.  Soon the words came across my mind "he isn't capable right now".  I took a minute to let those words sink in to process.  I soon felt a little tension lifted and hope restored.

I know I have recently written about how there have been many blessings and improvements going on in my family, and there are and it is at a much happier point than a year ago.  Things wouldn't be a normal relationship if everything was perfect, so there is a few little areas that I find myself wanting changes (and quickly).  But when I thought of the words "he isn't capable right now" I knew that God is telling me to easy up on my expectations and to be patient and wait and know that He is working and there will be changes when my husband will be capable and it will be long lasting because it will be with God's help, not my demanding pushy, selfish neediness.

I took a deep breath and felt better but I wasn't quite ready to go back upstairs yet.  I turned on my computer and began to mindlessly browse online, email, face book, etc.  Then I came across a post from an inspirational quote site that got my attention.  I'll share it with you below.  I found this to be just what I needed.  I went quietly upstairs to snuggle with my husband and finished a movie before calling it a night.  Thank you Lord, you are amazing.

When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst.
Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return. If He works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense. He takes no pleasure in making life hard, in throwing roadblocks in the way.
Lamentations 3:31 (MSG)

A Healing Relationship

I'm sure over the last year you have picked up on a relationship that was damaged.  A relationship that has shown a break in a link that started then cut in two very early on in the stages of getting to know each other and learning how to live under the same roof together, learning how two families can become one.

My daughter Karlee and my step-son Dillon has had a difficult time mending their relationship as step-siblings.  But once again thanks to the almighty and loving God, all things are possible.  There have been so many signs of healing.  There has been some laughter and smiles brought back between these two.   It is no where near being a 100% yet but just finally having some peace is worth so much right now.

A few weeks ago they each had an opportunity in front of me and a counselor to speak to each other about a situation that has caused the damage.  It was wonderful!  True hard feelings came out and deep sorrow for actions were revealed with a sign of remorse and a glimpse of forgiveness around the corner appeared. 

Lord thank you so much for working in between these two.  I'm full of hope.  I do not worry as much (hey I'm only human) I continue to turn my family over to you.  Thank you for taking my family in your strong, capable power all loving hands.

Improvements, Progression, and Thankfulness

Over these last few months there has been so many things going on in my blended family.  Its all the Lords doing.  Its amazing how things have gradually changed around here.  By no means are things perfect or without a few obstacles or bumps to work thru but there has been some peace, and joy that has replaced the tension in this family.

This may sound silly but for me its a sign of peace and joy and hope.  I have been able to pick up my scrapbook that I wanted to make with pictures of my blended family over these almost three years of being together.  In the past I couldn't do it.  It brought sadness, confusion and doubt because I wasn't sure my family and I would make it.  There were times I wasn't sure I wanted it too.

But now I'm filled with peace, hope and trust in the Lord knowing we will be alright.  I can look at the pictures of happy moments and place them on a special page and look back with a smile on my face and in my heart.

The Lord IS working in my family and hearts are being changed slowly with my Lord and Savior's power and love.  Each day brings new steps forward even when a few steps are taken back.

Thank you so much Lord.  Thank you.

Leaving behind

Yesterday was my oldest daughter, Karlee's 8th grade promotion.  Today was her last day as an 8th grader.  Next year she will be a freshman in high school.  High School!  She came home so happy and excited and shouted out when she came in the house "I'm going to be in high school!" She also was followed by the two girls you see in the picture above.  They have been inseparable lately.  The last two afternoons in my house has been filled with three laughing, loud, silly happy girls.

I can't believe it has come to this point in her journey in life or mine for that matter (which makes me feel really old and I feel like I can finally understand where my parents were at during their time with me)

I look at the picture above of Karlee and two of her friends and it makes me think of how she is leaving a part her story behind and beginning a new chapter in her young life.  She is leaving behind the middle school drama battle field for starters. Leaving behind the elementary phase of being small and dependent on me.

She is leaving behind my "little girl" and moving forward as a young lady, a young woman.  Its crazy to think about it.  Lately I've been thinking back to when I was her age and the friendships I struggled to hang on to and the craziness of discovering who I was and wanted to become.

I know that as she continues to grow and change and journey through this life the one thing that will always bring me hope, comfort, and joy is knowing that her hand will always be held by her heavenly father no matter what part of her journey she is leaving behind or starting.

Lord thank you so much for blessing me with this young woman she brings joy to my life.  Thank you for not letting me guide, teach and love her all by myself, thank you for being there will us.  I pray that you continue to use me in her life and all my children's life in a way that will bring you honor and glory.