No Grumbling
June 24
Continue our New Testament walk, we are in 1 Peter today and I find myself laughing out loud over 1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality without grumbling.
We have between 26-30 coming in to celebrate our daughter's 30th birthday starting today. The weather forecast is for temperatures around 95 degrees! Our water system is a well for a family of six. Weekends like this are only possible with lake baths and porta potties or the boys using the woods! :)
Last week my husband's administrative assistant told me he had shared that all our children were coming in. She quietly said, "Be sure to take a family picture." "OK," I replied. Then she continued, "The last time our family was together my daughter asked me to get a family picture and I didn't. I wish I had that picture." Her teen aged son died tragically. June 21st would have been my brother's 66th birthday. He drown on July 5th, 23 years ago. The most recent picture I have of him, sits in my dressing room. We need to cherish each day and live expectantly as if Christ were coming back for us any second.
Peter knew whom he believed, for he had seen Jesus walk on water. Believing meant trusting in His words which spoke of an earthly return. It is with this kind of faith that Peter writes the following advice to us in chapters 4 and 5:
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Heavenly Father, planner of a perfect place, we humbly bow before You with all our inadequacies. Please forgive us for the times we have disappointed you and those we love. Change our hearts by removing any hardness and move us to a submissiveness which is governed by the Spirit who can show us how to love others deeply. May we open not only our hearts to others, but also our homes (whether they be a tent or a castle) by extending the welcome of hospitality (and maybe a glass of tea or lemonade on a day like today)! In Jesus' name these things are possible, Amen
Any neighbors reading this...the girls staying here would love to come to your house and experience the hospitality of a shower. They'd look a lot cuter for the family pictures Friday and Saturday night!
Continue our New Testament walk, we are in 1 Peter today and I find myself laughing out loud over 1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality without grumbling.
We have between 26-30 coming in to celebrate our daughter's 30th birthday starting today. The weather forecast is for temperatures around 95 degrees! Our water system is a well for a family of six. Weekends like this are only possible with lake baths and porta potties or the boys using the woods! :)
Last week my husband's administrative assistant told me he had shared that all our children were coming in. She quietly said, "Be sure to take a family picture." "OK," I replied. Then she continued, "The last time our family was together my daughter asked me to get a family picture and I didn't. I wish I had that picture." Her teen aged son died tragically. June 21st would have been my brother's 66th birthday. He drown on July 5th, 23 years ago. The most recent picture I have of him, sits in my dressing room. We need to cherish each day and live expectantly as if Christ were coming back for us any second.
Peter knew whom he believed, for he had seen Jesus walk on water. Believing meant trusting in His words which spoke of an earthly return. It is with this kind of faith that Peter writes the following advice to us in chapters 4 and 5:
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Heavenly Father, planner of a perfect place, we humbly bow before You with all our inadequacies. Please forgive us for the times we have disappointed you and those we love. Change our hearts by removing any hardness and move us to a submissiveness which is governed by the Spirit who can show us how to love others deeply. May we open not only our hearts to others, but also our homes (whether they be a tent or a castle) by extending the welcome of hospitality (and maybe a glass of tea or lemonade on a day like today)! In Jesus' name these things are possible, Amen
Any neighbors reading this...the girls staying here would love to come to your house and experience the hospitality of a shower. They'd look a lot cuter for the family pictures Friday and Saturday night!
