Monday, March 24, 2008

I Blinked......again.

What an incredible weekend we had! Friday afternoon our Sunday school class headed to the Charlotte Rescue Mission where we cooked and served the men there a yummy meal. It was so powerful for me! I had no clue that this place was a rehab center, I thought it was a homeless shelter, and then I thought for some reason that all of the men there would be Christians......wrong. Although ALL of the men were so so so appreciative of us coming and serving them, there was one gentlemen who I never want to forget. His name is Frank. Frank, me, Kris and my good friend Anne, we all sat at his table together where we talked about lot's of stuff. But then we were able to present the gospel message to Him on good Friday! He was very receptive, but had a lot of cloudiness in his mind and lot's of questions. Will you pray for Frank? He needs the Lord. It was an amazing time!!

Kris's mom had the girl's so we went off after that for a little "date" to the mall. It was a nice time, despite my feelings of YUCK as I tried on everything.....hence, my diet starts back TODAY. Then, on Sunday God showed up BIG TIME at Hickory Grove. Our preacher, he was just on fire, and our Sunday school teacher he was on fire too.....everything was just so awesome! God is just moving and working in that church like I have never seen. It's really amazing!!!

This is a really crazy week for me, but I found it so awesome that yesterday God allowed me to put His words into action in my life. He is showing me so much each day through this bible study I've been able to lead at our church. I'm so sad that there are only two more weeks left of this study. I've really come to look foreword to preparing for the lesson each week and getting to know these awesome ladies.

But yesterday, as we had just finished talking about Hospitality at bible study, I was truly able to mentally put some of the things we talked about into practice very quickly. My mom called while we were at church and I got back in touch with her about 12:30 and she said she wasn't feeling well and we decided that Easter dinner should be at our house......I quickly looked around my house and went, "Oh My Word....." it truly looked like the Easter bunny tornado had flown through! But then I remembered something I shared with the ladies on Wed night and I thought I would share it with you this morning.

Hospitality:
The following differentiation between "hospitality" and "entertaining" was made by Karen Mains in {Open Heart, Open Home} (Elgin, IL: Cook, 1976):
Entertaining says, "I want to impress you with my home, my clever decorating, my cooking." Hospitality, seeking to minister, says, "This home is a gift from my Master. I use it as He desires." Hospitality aims to serve. Entertaining puts things before people. "As soon as I get the house finished, the living room decorated, my house- cleaning done - then I will start inviting people. Hospitality puts people first. "No furniture - we'll eat on the floor!" "The decorating may never get done - you come anyway."

"The house is a mess - but you are friends - come home with us."

Entertaining subtly declares, "This home is mine, an expression of my personality. Look, please, and admire." Hospitality whispers, "What is mine is yours."


So although my house did not look as thoroughly clean as I would have liked it and all the laundry was not done and put away, we had a great time anyways, and I kept remembering this little example that I shared. Yes, I would love to have a bigger, nicer more room to share house, but this is what I have right now. This is where God has me.......I'd better appreciate it each day!

Well, I'd better get going. The girl's are home today, Taylor is not feeling well, I believe it might be strep and I've got lot's to do to prepare for Bible study and another flip flop presentation at church on Thursday night for a group called New Beginnings. I'm excited but I'd better get their little kits ready or it won't be so fun!! =)

12 comments:

Kim said...

Sam said that there were two cases of strep in their room on Thursday and I know of one case of the flu - I woke up with pink eye this morning so I am off to minute clinic myself - I cannot wait until this afternoon for an appointment with our family doctor - my eyes are stuck together - Have a blessed day - I love what you shared today. Tell Taylor that we are praying for her.

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

Oh you poor thing!! I hate that your not feeling well either. Poor Taylor, she's been asleep all morning. Thanks for praying for her, we're lifting you all up too!!

Sharon Brumfield said...

I liked the info on hospitality.
We have a big home right now and it it not fancy but comfortable and I enjoy having people here.
We had the group over that is doing revival--I enjoyed preparing for them.When I have people over I want to be able to sit and enjoy time with them. I want them to be comfortable and feel well taken care of--loved.
I think everyone felt at home and relaxed. To me that is hospitality.
Glad you are enjoying your study- it will be cool to see where God leads next.

Mulchy Mama said...

I LOVE this post!! I am definitely one of those people that doesn't want to invite people over unless my house is clean, and since John has been in grad school it ALWAYS looks like a tornado has hit it!! But this post puts things in a whole different perspective. Thanks for sharing...it's what I needed to hear!
Amy

Jenny said...

Great post! It's hard to open our homes when they look less than perfect, but most people don't care.

Sorry your little one is not feeling well. Thankfully we are all well!
Jen

Faith said...

Hey girl! Emma's Easter bag was a dollar spot special at Target...can't beat that!
This was an awesome post. Thank you for pointing out the difference between the two. I am guilty of wanting to have everything fixed and in order, when really I should be focusing on serving others and putting them first.
Thanks for this girl!

Faith said...

Oh, and I hope that Taylor is feeling better! Poor thing!

Amy L Brooke said...

I just subscribed to you! I think it will be fun to hear more about your life and your girls! I enjoy reading and this will remind me to come by.

Have a great day!

Amy

tammi said...

I think hospitality is one of the most underrated gifts. Ever since stumbling upon the Reluctant Entertainer's blog, I've really tried to change my view of it.

Glad you had a great Easter weekend! I can't believe your Bible study is almost over either! It's a 7-week study, right? Seems like just last week you were all excited about it starting!

Speaking Thru Me Ministries said...

Oh Nicki - that is awesome post - makes such sense!

So what are you going to be teaching next at the Grove?


Love, Leigh

concerned parent said...

I have thought about this post over the last night and it makes so much sense as to why I feel my home is not a place to invite people. I do look at it as entertaining and not hospitality I really needed to hear this to find some freedom in my life to enjoy people in my home.

Karen Hossink said...

The differences you explained between entertaining and hospitality are super. Thanks for sharing them!
I also like this saying a friend shared with me years ago, "If you're coming to see me, stop by anytime. If you're coming to see my house, please call ahead!"