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Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Saturday 2 October 2010

Spiritual Sundays


Hello Friends~ I have been MIA lately because of a very trying time I have been going through.
I will be honest; I have not felt very much like blogging lately. I have had to force myself to do it; especially since I host a Tea party meme every week. I also host a weekly Bible study in my home and I have had to force myself to do so because there are those dear friends who depend on it. I also participate in Pink Saturdays because Hubby thinks it is good for me to do something fun.

I cannot share what has been going on, only that it involves family. And as you all know, family can plunge you into despair quicker than anything else.

In telling you all this, I would kindly ask that you would pray for me and my family. The Lord knows the situation and what our needs are.

Now, I would like to share this devotional which has helped me to put things into perspective the last week or so.
PURSUING HOSPITALITY

In the New Testament, hospitality is a hallmark of Christian living. It is listed as a characteristic of church leaders {1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8} and is commanded for every follower of Jesus as an expression of love {Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9}. But its meaning goes deeper than being a gracious host or opening our homes to guests.

The Greek word translated "hospitality" means "love of strangers."

When Paul speaks of being "given to hospitality" {Romans 12:13}, he is calling us to pursue relationships with people who are in need. It is not an easy task.

Writer Henri Nouwen likens it to reaching out to those we meet on our way through life - people who may be estranged from their culture, country, friends, family, or even from God. Nouwen writes: "Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of a free space where a stranger can can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place."

Whether we inhabit a home, a college dorm, a prison cell, or a military barracks, we can welcome others as a way of showing our love for them and for Christ. Hospitality is making room for people in need. - David McCasland


HOSPITALITY CAN FILL THE EMPTINESS OF A LONELY HEART

Please take some time to visit Charlotte and Ginger, our lovely hostesses of Spiritual Sundays.
http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/ They have a whole list of inspirational participants who each offer a song or story to lift your spirit. Have a blessed weekend in Him!

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi