A Young Woman's Hospitality

"Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

And the servant ran to meet her, and said, 'Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.'

And she said, 'Drink, my lord': and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

And when she had done giving him drink, she said, 'I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.'

And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold; and said, 'Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?'

And she said unto him, 'I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.' She said moreover unto him, 'We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.'

And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD."



I love this story. Not just because Rebekah's kindness ensures her a rich husband, either. ;)
Rebekah was an unmarried women with no house of her own~ however, she offered what she had to a stranger who was needy.


>She served him
>She served his camels
> She offered him shelter
> She poured out kindness and courtesy


But did these reflections point to Rebekah? Who were they to glorify?
ALL the glory was God's. Remember what Eliezar prayed for:

"O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:
And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master."

God answered the servant's prayer, miraculously, generously, and beyond what Eliezar had hoped for. Rebekah's willingness was used by the Lord in a way that she never could have expected!

May the hospitality we offer be a gift from God to those we minister to! No service is too small~ all Rebekah offered to do was give water to a thirsty man.

Grandma's House

If you were to ask us kids where our favorite home-away-from-home is, we probably wouldn't have to even think about the answer.

Our grandma & grandpa's house!

We usually call it Grandma's House. I'm not sure why it's her house, not Grandpa's. But we've called it Grandma's House since I was a toddler.


It is a beautiful white house with navy blue shutters, surrounded by tall trees, and with a large green lawn in front & back, where the boys love to play football. There are always daffodils & tulips in the spring, roses in the summer, a beautiful magnolia tree, & crab-apple trees for the finches.


We have a big family. A really BIG family. And this family loves to have get-togethers. Can you guess where these parties take place?


Yep. Grandma's House.


There's always a big delicious meal, bunches of hugs & kisses at the door, & something sweet to go along with a football game or opening birthday presents (usually both).


But most importantly, Jesus is the center of this home. His love & generosity is exemplified everywhere, and TRUE HOSPITALITY is an almost instinctive gift as soon as you walk in the door.


Stop by sometime.


You're always welcome, and there's plenty of room-- both in this house, and in these hearts.

~Gracy

Go Under the Mercy

Fall is beginning to chill the air, and bring a cheery red to leaves & berries.


Winds that nip at your face & hands have started to softly blow.


People are wearing their scarves & coats, football sweatshirts, & hats.

I have started drinking larger amounts of tea, and our hot-beverage drawer is losing stock at a busy pace.






Fall. Don't you love it?






Well, I'm extremely excited-- Katie and I are going to a retreat tomorrow! :) Eric & Leslie Ludy, two of our favorite authors, offer a "Set Apart Girl Weekend", where we get to fellowship with other like-minded girls, spend time in the Word of God, hear great teaching, be encouraged, & encourage one another! I've been looking forward to this time so much, & am very thankful that Leslie Ludy & her family are willing to open their home to young women they haven't even met before! What a great example of godly hospitality & servanthood.
We'll be flying out tomorrow, so please pray that we would have a safe flight, & be a blessing in Colorado!

The Ludy's hospitality reminds me of another Christian couple I read about this spring. Both of their stories have inspired me to have a Christ-centered marriage that will not weaken, but grow stronger & sweeter with time. They have also encouraged me to live a life wholly dedicated to the Lord, no matter the consequences.

This other couple is Sheldon & Jean Vanauken. Sheldon Vanauken wrote A Severe Mercy, a biography & story of their lives together. It is one of the best books I have ever read! I would encourage you to read it!

Here is an excerpt that I was thinking about today. Sheldon & Jean are attending Oxford university together. They are brand-new Christians & close friends with CS Lewis. Their home, known as "The Studio", was a center of Christian hospitality. Here is Sheldon's account of it:

"Because the Studio was central and, incidentally, on the way from North Oxford to St. Ebbe's, and because, perhaps, of its extraordinary atmosphere, compounded of the gas-lit cobbled lane outside and the warm upper room, with its skylight black with rain and its cheerful fire (except when the wind was wrong, of course), it became the centre of a lively life in Christ for a great many people.

"We soon accepted that if we hoped to get any work done we must do it in the Bodleian Library; and even then we often came home to find that friends had arrived and were already deep into some absorbing discussion.

"The diary indicates that in one week, taken at random, twenty-four people came, six of them twice, so there were thirty times that the brass knocker sounded and one of us leaped down the narrow stairway. For nearly two years, except when we went up to London to see plays or went visiting or travelling, there was hardly a day or night that people did not come, both Christians and non-Christians (those who said they weren't); and there were literally hundreds of absorbing conversations... all our friends and acquaintances, Christian or otherwise, came by, sometimes bringing others-- sometimes only for a few minutes, sometimes for hours.

"There were conversations upon almost every imaginable subject, yet sooner or later, it seemed, that talk would drift round to ultimate things and Christianity. Never was there such talk as there was at St. Udio's, as we sometimes called it, talk gay and serious by turns, or both at once. No one who was a part of that scene has ever quite forgotten it.

"And as a background, accepted, hardly noticed, yet a part of the texture of the hours, there were the bells of Oxford, ringing across the night. Hardly less part of it was the rain on the skylight. And, as in Julian's poem, the goodbyes: going down the narrow staircase and out into Pusey Lane to speed the departing friend with 'Goodbye, goodnight. Go under the Mercy.' The phrase comes from Charles Williams, and we all used it-- indeed, still use it, some of us, after the years.

"There would be a halo round the gas lamp in the lane, and the slight English rain like a mist, and the cobblestones of the lane would be glistening. 'Goodnight. Go under the Mercy.' And the friend would say perhaps: 'Sleep under the Protection. Goodnight.' And then the sound of heels marching away into the Oxford night and perhaps bells marking the midnight."

An opportunity to serve & to share, to encourage & admonish, to evangelize & teach by example-- hospitality is one of the ways God lets us reach into another person's life, and pour ourselves out in servanthood in order to bless them.

Go under the Mercy!

--Gracy

Puddles of Heaven

Good morning!

Our family has been enjoying a busy month as my sister goes back to college, my brothers start homeschool, I start working, & my parents rush us around everywhere!


Home: there is something comforting even in the word! It embodies peace, joy, happiness, comfort, & support. Throughout my childhood, I have always thought that, no matter where I go, or what I do, I would always have my home to come back to.

The funny thing is that I was never really referencing to my actual house-- although I love our huge brick 1930s home with the even larger backyard, complete with horse tire swings & lots of pets-- it was my family, and the environment they bring with them, that I was comforted by.



People wonder where this "big happy family" feeling comes from. I used to wonder, too. What bonds us together so tightly, & in such a way that wherever we go, we would always have "home" if we were together?

When I was younger, I read a book that opened my eyes to what "home" is. "Millie Keith", a fictional character in Martha Finley's excellent 'A Life of Faith' series, grows up to be a missionary, & is planning on traveling to Columbia with her husband. While at the family's home, before they leave, Millie & her husband have this conversation with a group of friends:

"If His (God's) will were done, would earth be like Heaven?" Charles asked.

"I believe little bits of it already are," Frank said. "Wealthy Stanhope's (Millie's aunt) house has been a sanctuary for me these last few years," he said. "It is as if Heaven has leaked, and a puddle of it exists in her home. God has wiped the tears from my eyes there, though he has used Wealthy Stanhope's handkerchiefs to do it. Keith Hill seems to be like that as well-- a city of refuge in a broken world."



A "puddle of heaven"-- that is what a godly Christian home should be! We are to be "a city of refuge in a broken world", a place where comfort & rest for the soul, as well as for the body, can be found. When we pray that "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven", we can include our homes in this prayer-- that others will be served, encouraged & built up in Christ through our hospitality.

Another story, this one a real-life example from history, illustrates this concept as well.

William Wilberforce, one of my heros, walked out hospitality his entire life. Despite a schedule that astounded other members of parliament & his fellow activists, he lived in a constant combination of peace (from the Lord) & chaos (the Wilberforce home, full of activists, politicians, children, servants, & pets, was an amazing myriad of frenzy & joy) that delighted & amused his guests.

Wilberforce, full of energy, happiness, wisdom, & ADD, loved entertaining & pouring out his home & heart to others. Eric Metaxas, a Wilberforce biographer, records that "People from every station in life, friends and strangers both, could stop for a visit, and did. Pollock (another biographer) tells us that "Kensington Gore became a sort of clearinghouse for British philanthropy and moral reformation, with Wilberforce ready to encourage or advise, or to rebuke..." People would just gather, looking for something from the great man: his blessing on a venture or his signature or his willingness to lend his name to a committee."

Here was a puddle of heaven, albeit a rather chaotic one, that was constantly pouring out blessings on others. But was it the house? No-- it was William Wilberforce, & his family, that created this puddle wherever they went.

I would encourage you to ask the Lord to make your home a "puddle of heaven", & for it to reflect His image more each day. Believe me-- not only will your guests feel refreshed-- your family will, as well. Your children will grow up with the reassurance that, no matter what happens, they can turn to this puddle
for comfort & refreshment whenever they may need it.

May you have a blessed week, filled with the peace & love of our precious Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!

-Gracy

Entertaining Strangers

In America, we have such a hard time setting aside time to serve our friends, but how often do we go even a step farther, and reach out to those we don’t even know?

In Morocco, hospitality is not something that is penned into the day-timer, or something to be planned. Moroccans revolve their day around hospitality, and the whole family takes part. If you were to ask a Moroccan about their hospitality, they wouldn’t know what you were talking about; to them, it is a way of life.

Countless times after a day of trekking up through the mountains with my girlfriends, we would arrive in a small village, longing for some cool drink or something to eat- anything to refresh us for the journey back. At the beginning of my trip I was always so worried: would there be a village shop or restaurant where we could refill our water bottles and buy food? How about a bathroom? I found that these needs were met every time, and not once on these excursions did we satisfy our hunger and thirst with our own money.

As we would walk into a mountain village, children would be looking down on us from upstairs windows, and then we would hear running and yelling something to the effect of an English, “Mommy, mommy, there are foreigners here! There are foreigners here!” Then said mothers would come to their door way and come out, kissing us on the cheeks, greeting us, “Salaam Wa Alaykum… Labes?” We would be ushered into a small, cavelike house, dark and solely cement, up stairs we could hardly see and past a cold kitchen. Then a door would open, our dirty sandals stripped off our feet, and we would be entreated to sit in a welcoming, sun-lit room, couches spanning the walls, colorful and bright carpets on the floors, and a small, short tea table greeting us as it sat in the middle of the room. At one word from the mother, the young girls would go into the kitchen to prepare our tea and food, and the little children would sit wide-eyed, taking in all they could of the strange people in their house. Another of the little girls would walk around the room, washing and drying our hands for us.

As the tea would steep, we would talk in broken Arabic, French, and simple hand gestures. When words could not be found, we resorted to smiles. The food would come, and the guests would be served first, sweet mint tea and usually some kind of bread or cookie. More talking, more tea, and more smiles… After many hours, relatives would stop in with their greetings and then more talking and yet more smiles. After spending a whole day conversing and sharing, we would find out that the next door neighbors had prepared a evening meal for us, and so we would say our thanks and goodbyes to our new friends and move on to the next house, where we would sit and talk for another three hours, eating a traditional Moroccan meal. After long goodbyes, the father or older son would travel part of the way back to our village to state his protection over his family’s guests, and to ensure our safety.

This was a common happening in Morocco… strangers and foreigners welcomed into the home, as if we had been expected for days. A family’s income for the next two days spent on our entertainment and provision. The strangest thing of all… it gave them no greater joy then to take care of us, even though they may never see us again. How often here in America, after a friend has “overstayed their welcome” do we shut the door with sighs of relief, dreaded the sink of dishes to wash, or mourning over the fact that the house we cleaned is now littered with doll dresses or Legos!?!? Would we ever even consider investing in the lives of people completely different from us, whom we would possibly never come into contact with again?

Oftentimes, Moroccans would ask us to stay the night with them. We were now their family, and they took joy in looking after our safety and welfare. They wanted to know about our families, our work, and our religious beliefs, whether they agreed or not. How often in America do we shun and fear talking to those who disagree with us about the God we know, love and serve? They were willing enough to teach, yet humble enough to listen. And the poorest of homes became rich over a teapot of sweet conversation and blessed refreshment.

Learn from the Moroccans… hospitality is no small thing- it can change lives. It changed mine.

-Katie

Southern Hospitality

We periodically receive a newsletter from the Mount family who lives in Georgia, and who provides hospitality for the missionaries who are coming and going with Operation Mobilization. This dear family is truly gifted in the ministry of hospitality. Please visit their blog, Mount Heaven, and please keep them in your prayers as they serve the Lord and encourage others in their service on the mission field.






Jeni included a couple of recipes with their last newsletter that I want to share with you...

Southern Sweet Tea *****************************************

*In a medium saucepan, boil 10-12 cups of water

*Drop in 10-12 teabags and let steep for 5 minutes

*Remove teabags and stir in 2 cups of sugar until dissolved...(Marty Hynson says you must add at least 2 cups of sugar! When I tried it with only 1 cup, I was told it wasn't "sweet tea" at all!)

*Pour hot tea into a large pitcher full of ice and add water until full

*Drink outside on the porch with a dear one and watch the lightning bugs...if you have them where you live!

******************************************

Sally's Sunburst Lemon Bars

1. Beat the following ingredients only until flaky crumbs form:
2 Cups flour
3/4 Cup powdered sugar
1 - 1/2 Cups butter (3 cubes)

2. Press the crumb mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan and place in 350 degree oven for 20 - 30 minutes.


3. Mix the following ingredients and pour over the warm crust when it comes out of the oven:
4 eggs
1/4 Cup flour
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1/4 Cup lemon juice

4. Place the pan back in the overn for 25 -30 minutes and cook until light brown.

5. Mix the following ingredients and drizzle over the warm lemon bars when they come out ot the oven:
1 Cup powdered sugar
About 4 Tablespoons lemon juice

6. Serve these chilled, on a hot, sunny afternoon, to your cheery friends!

Grandpa-Dad and Grandma-Mom

Our Grandpa and Great Grandpa (affectionately known as Grandpa-Dad) is 96, and as hospitable as ever, even though he has congestive heart failure, is on oxygen 24/7, and recently had a fall that left him battered and bruised. The more company he has, the brighter the twinkle in his eyes and the bigger his smile. His love for friends and family bubbles over continuously…an evidence of the Holy Spirit Who fills his heart and soul, and Who blesses the heart of every visitor, stranger and familiar, alike. In fact, he characterizes the New Testament definition of hospitality, “loving strangers”, beautifully.

Grandpa-Dad and Grandma-Mom have always been best known for their LOVE, and their gracious, open hearts and open home. They regularly invited other families to their home for dinner after church and often hosted visiting missionaries and pastors. They kept the guest room ready! Since Grandma-Mom went to be with the Lord, Grandpa-Dad has carried on faithfully, and has continued to welcome “folks” into his life at every turn. He shared Saturday that the nurses at the hospital he visits for blood transfusions have said they look forward to his “words of wisdom” every week. He quotes poetry and Bible verses from memory, and loves to share stories about family history and the “olden days”. What a treasure he is to us all. It is evident that his Treasure is in heaven, and this Treasure he gives away generously through his gift of hospitality.

This is a legacy of hospitality we thank God for…

Homelessly Hospitable

A certain scribe came and said to Jesus, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go."
And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." Then He said to another, "Follow Me."

This account, recorded in both Matthew 8 and Luke 9, tells me that Jesus had no earthly home where He could invite His followers to come and learn of Him and be refreshed. And yet He is the Hospitable One, our pattern for all of life. He invites us: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

I get so caught up in the externals of life. So distracted. The house, the table, the menu, the candles, the coffee, and it goes on...

The Lord Jesus shows me that hospitality is a lifestyle, not an event. It is a matter of the heart, and can be offered anywhere at anytime, because refreshing the heart of another is not necessarily confined to a particular place or time. I can share the love of Christ and allow His Spirit to meet someone's particular need through me however, whenever, wherever God provides the opportunity...hospitality is about Jesus.



Dear Lord and Father of Mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways!
Reclothe us in our rightful mind;
In purer lives Thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise.

In simple trust like theirs who heard,
Beside the Syrian sea,
the gracious calling of the Lord,
Let us, like them, without a word,
Rise up and follow Thee.

Drop Thy still dews of quietness
Till all our strivings cease.
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess,
The beauty of Thy peace.
-John Greenleaf Whittier