“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers…”

Hebrews 13:1,2 (NRSA)

I am not sure how many people remember the Welcome Wagon. A version of it is depicted in the movie Where the Heart Is. In the movie, Sister Husband travels around to greet new community members and provides them with token gifts. Years ago, I experienced the welcome wagon first hand when my husband and I moved into a new home.

For those of you too young to remember or have never heard of this, here is your brief history lesson:

The Welcome Wagon was founded in the 1920s in Tennessee. A “hostess” would visit new homeowners bearing coupons and advertisements from local businesses. This gave new neighbors a chance to learn what was available in the community. Sadly, in 1998, the company discontinued the use of hostesses when research showed the majority of homeowners would not be home when the hostesses visited. Boy, is that a sign of the times!? Today, the company still exists through online services and work with small businesses. 

As I said, I was the recipient of a welcome wagon package – no hostess visit though. I bet I wasn’t home (It was the mid ‘90s). When I received the information, we were the first people moving into a new subdivision. Over time, the neighborhood grew and we were joined by other families of all ages and sizes. As a young, energetic, sociable wife and mom, I decided to bake something to take to each new neighbor. I would also provide our name and phone number as well as the name and phone number of the closest pizza place. The routine went something like this: notice a new family moving in, prepare my goodies (usually pie or cookies), and go meet the new neighbors. I was determined to know the people my children would be interacting with and share some hospitality.

As my children were growing older, our close knit cul de sac families changed. Changes came through divorce, relocating for work, moving to down size, etc. With the passing of time, the homemade goodies were replaced by store bought pies or fruit baskets and then they ceased all together.

Then, someone moved in behind us – my back fence bordered their yard. I did not go to met them. I used the excuse that I never know if they are home or not, or if it is a good time, or if they will care for what I bring.

Sound familiar? Never enough time. Someone else will do it. Everyone is just too busy.

In Isaiah we are reminded not to neglect hospitality – the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. We are called to show hospitality.

Today, think of someone you can extend a little hospitality to – maybe a new neighbor, a co-worker, or someone you just haven’t gotten to know very well. Chances are your actions will lift you as much as the other person. 

Don’t wait. Don’t leave it for someone else to do. The scripture says we should continue the love. 

If not you, then who? Don’t miss a blessing.

“Observe my sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord. If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit!  

Leviticus 26:2-4 (NIV)

My husband and I were preparing to take an epic road trip (2+ weeks) up the east coast and across to Niagara Falls before heading south back home. Knowing the time frame and the distance, I felt we needed to be prepared for all types of weather – hot/cold/rain/sun (but no snow – it’s August!) I became insistent that we invest in good rain jackets – especially for the Niagara Falls portion of the trip. 

When we shopped for jackets, I learned quickly that there are varying degrees of protection from the elements – who knew? I stood in the store perplexed. Which is better, rain resistant or rain repellent? To make the final decision, I did what I always do. I based my choice on the color of the jacket (because pretty matters, right?). The sky blue one was cute and functional. Certainly, this must be the one with the best protection too. Rain repellent.

As it turns out we had the opportunity to use our new rain gear a few times on the trip. We never let the weather impede our plans or derail our fun. The first time, we put on our jackets and went out walking in Bar Harbor in the morning drizzle. I was happy and dry, ever so proud of my stylish jacket. 

Then it rained harder and harder. 

Ultimately, I began to feel the water seeping in through the seams. Rain repellent was not what I imagined. However, I didn’t let that dampen my spirits. I still wasn’t as wet as I could’ve been! The same proved true on a rainy day in Vermont and at the foot of Niagara Falls. We were so thankful we planned for the rain.

Fast forward to the return home. There was 90+ degree weather and not a drop of rain for 3 weeks. With no rain in sight, I paused and considered this: Why are we so welcoming of the sunshine and so fretful of the rainfall? We spend so much effort, go to such extremes, to not get wet, hoping our plans aren’t ruined by the rain when that rain is truly a gift. 

In Leviticus, we are told the rain comes as a reward for our obedience. Yet, we often repel or resist it. Much like the dry ground after all that 90-degree weather and no rain – the earth refused to soak it in until completely and repeatedly saturated. 

Like me at Niagara Falls – I purchased everything I could to stay dry (the water shoes, quick dry pants, rain repellent jacket with a hood). It wasn’t until we were on the boat under the spray from the falls, enveloped by the mist, feeling the pelting water that I decided to just soak it in. Soak in the awesome experience. The majesty, beauty, and power of that wonder. I did truly soak it in. I even insisted my husband take a picture with my hood off, hair drenched!

In our lives there will be rain – literally and figuratively. The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:45, “… He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” So, when that happens, when you are pelted with negative experiences, hard decisions, and difficult tasks, remember to soak it in.

Soak in the moments. Feel the awesome power of God. Remember the reward. 

“…man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”                                                                                              Deuteronomy 8:3 (NIV)

Did you know that in 2011 the USDA replaced the well known Food Pyramid with a new nutritional graphic called My Plate? For 19 years we all relied on the pyramid to guide us to healthy eating. 

Now I would never be able to label each level of the Food Pyramid. I only remember that the things I most liked to eat were a very small part of it. My major food groups of choice are bread, ice cream, and potatoes.

I have always been aware of the benefits of the base of the pyramid … the really good stuff. Yet, somehow over the years I have chosen not to dwell on that. I gravitate to my old favorites.

Reading today’s scripture, I realized my spiritual diet has been a lot like my nutritional one … very heavy in just a few areas with barely a taste of anything else. In my Bible study, I have specific parts I am drawn to over all the others – Galatians, Ephesians, Proverbs – the bread. I consider these the bread, ice cream, and potatoes of my spiritual diet.

By concentrating and relying on these old standbys, I am missing so much more of the good stuff that God has in store for me. He laid it all out in 66 books of the Bible – His Food Pyramid for Christians. Or using today’s term – My Plate. My Plate should be evenly balanced with all of the good stuff offered to me.

Are you like me? Are there sections of the Bible that you drift away from like brussel sprouts? 

Today I challenge you to sample something different. Sink your teeth into a new part of the Bible. 

Try it – you might like it!

As a side note: I discovered brussel sprouts aren’t so bad either. You just have to cook them the right way.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”                                                                                                                                                    Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

I was sitting right next to my husband in the car staring out the window. I felt so disconnected and distant. My mind was a million miles away. For the last few days it was like we were speaking different languages. We just weren’t on the same page in thoughts or actions at all. This left me feeling alone – the inches that separated us were more like miles. 

Similarly, I have been in a crowded room and felt as if I was (or wanted to be) stranded on an island. People around me were speaking but no one was really saying anything. People would ask me a question or try to make conversation and I only responded with empty answers. Because of a recent experience where I felt disappointed or defeated by others, I wouldn’t allow myself to get emotionally drawn in and I wouldn’t allow others to get too close. 

Sometimes the distance between us and others cannot be measured in inches, feet, or miles. The distance we feel is a gap in communication – an invisible, immeasurable canyon keeping us from connecting with those around us. 

In my life, those lonely, isolated emotions are usually self-induced. Left unattended, these feelings can cause a permanent separation or chasm between us and those we love. Depression can grow in the space void of positive relationships and cause one to slip farther and farther away. No matter the cause or length of the separation, it is always work to close the gap, to get back to normal, and to rebuild those bridges. 

Have you ever experienced feelings of being alone in a crowded room, like a distant observer, cut off from caring? The key is to never lose hope – to know we are never truly alone. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.  God can close those emotional gaps for us. He will minimize the distance and bring us back home. 

Even when you are the one pushing people away or hiding behind a mask to disguise your pain, God does not leave your side. You can run away, deny, and refuse His love but it is always there. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. 

The next time you feel abandoned, left out, or distant, reach out to God. He understands and He cares. He will walk with you through the shadows and back into the light of life. Through His unfailing love you can reconnect with others and fill the gap.

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created them, male and female.”                                                                                                           Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

These days most people have a profile picture of some sort whether it is associated with your email address, Facebook, or some form of social media. I say ‘most people’ because I don’t have one. I opened a Facebook account once but never added a picture or even used it. I  haven’t even uploaded a picture for my email. 

When I considered adding a picture of myself I could never commit to one picture … to a picture I thought represented me. Maybe it is because when I look at photos of myself I am too self-conscious about them – I prefer to picture myself as younger and even prettier than that! Just kidding. It goes much deeper.

Scrolling through numerous profile pictures of family, friends, colleagues, and strangers I can best describe them as some humorous, some serious, and some strangely disturbing. I have often wondered … what were they thinking??? I am shocked to see how some people choose to represent themselves. Seriously, there are some ridiculous pictures out there and I have come to believe either people are really self-confident or really naïve.

 I mean, it is called a profile picture for a reason. It is an image chosen specifically to represent you. It is your image to the world – after all, it is on the world wide web. Don’t people realize that the profile picture is the first and sometimes the only impression people get of them? 

This is why I don’t have a profile picture … What if I chose the wrong image? 

I have learned something – I may not have a Facebook account with a picture or a personal image on my email, but in reality I do have a profile picture. The profile I project each day. The image I am showing the world. 

What kind of image am I projecting when I am in the workplace, at home, at the grocery store, or in the car? When people get a glimpse of me, what do they see?

Genesis 1:27 reminds me I am created in the image of God, but is that the image people see when they see me? 

I hope that people see at least a little piece of God through me. That is part of my daily prayer that I might be a reflection of God and that people who I come into contact with will see Him in me. However, I know I’m not consistent. I mess up. During those times, I should shake my head and say, “What was I thinking? … How can I represent God that way?”

One of the great things about a social media profile picture is that you can change it. 

We all mature and gain knowledge day to day and year to year. I doubt the profile picture you chose as a sixteen year old would be the same at the age of 30. 

Today, what’s your profile picture? Serious, humorous, strangely disturbing? But seriously, is it the image of God? Are you sending the right message? Are you making the right first impression?

People see us on the street, in the office, at the store, and in the car. It is our responsibility as Christians to make sure we are reflecting the face of God. That we are living the life we are called to live. 

As you are checking out the profile pictures of others, make sure you keep an eye on your own to be sure it is current and the one you want it to be.

Is it time to update your profile picture? It is never too late to change it.

“I, the Lord, do not change…”                                                                        Malachi 3:6

Swiftly walking with my mind drifting around from one thing to another, I looked up and locked eyes with a kind-looking stranger. I hoped my half smile and generic “Hi, how are you?” would be the only exchange so I could hurry to my destination. As soon as I glanced again, the lady began to share a big smile and an excited, “Hi, I know you. You may not remember me…” 

Scrolling through the rolodex in my brain nothing was clicking… no recognition. She continued, “I would have recognized you anywhere! You haven’t changed a bit! We went to high school together…” Wow – over 25 years ago and this person said she would have known me no matter what. She is good. Much better than me. I stopped and we chatted a little. Catching up on familiar friends and places from the past. Then, we parted ways.

Exchanges like this happen every day to a lot of different people. Nothing unusual. Nothing except I couldn’t quit thinking about the “you haven’t changed a bit” comment. The more it weighed on my mind the more I thought nothing could be farther from the truth. At least that is what I hope. 

I hope I have improved with age. Changed for the better. 

(That 80s hair really was a mistake in many ways… and those leg warmers, yikes!)

But more than the vain, superficial ways in which I hope I have improved, I know my heart has changed.

When you think of your life and the changes you have experienced, have all of those changes been good or positive? Probably not. 

As I reflect on my life and the changes I have experienced, it is more like a roller coaster than a steady incline. I have certainly experienced personal highs and lows. There have been many bright spots (probably more than I deserve) and dark moments as well. 

There are some points in my life of which I am not too proud – down right ashamed. But as I have learned those hard life lessons, I think I have figured it out – finally. 

I know I have changed for the better. 

I have learned the secret of contentment, happiness, and fulfillment. The secret to these things is the one thing that hasn’t changed over the years – and it really isn’t a secret: the Lord. He is the one constant. The catalyst for all that is good in my life.

The Lord does not change. No matter how many changes we go through in our life – fads, fashions, relationships, jobs – He is always the same. What a comfort to know!

I know the person I recently reunited with meant well in saying “you haven’t changed a bit” but I didn’t consider it much of a compliment. Through my life I’ve changed hair color. Gained weight – lost weight – gained it again. But more importantly, my selfish heart was replaced with a heart for helping others; and the biggest change of all are my priorities which I think are finally in order. 

The positive changes of a lifetime have all been through the One who never changes.

So, to my old acquaintance, I would say look again… I have changed in so many ways, my friend. 

I am in a great place personally and spiritually. 

We all change over the years. Whether on the outside or on the inside or both. 

With the Lord by our side we can make sure that those changes are for the better.

“But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid, Stand firm, and see the deliverance the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again.’”                                                                             Exodus 14:13 (NRSV)

I had a meeting scheduled with a person I knew would be very difficult. You know – one of those people who begins every encounter offensively, loud and angry. 

I just knew the meeting would go in a bad direction very quickly. I had put off the meeting as long as I could. The time had come to face it and deal with the issue at hand. So prior to the meeting I prayed about the encounter. To my shock and amazement, the meeting went much better than I imagined. Although still angry and upset, the person was not as bad as I feared. I did not give in on my position and God helped me through it. 

I don’t like unpleasant things or confrontation. I must admit, I have walked in a different direction to avoid someone or something I anticipated would be difficult, only to find or be faced with the same situation just around the corner. 

I have learned that when I avoid issues, people, or situations don’t just disappear. Imagine that. The harsh reality is that in life there are and will always be many unpleasant things to deal with and we have to do just that – deal with it!

The great part is we don’t have to deal with it alone. God is on our side.

I tend to view difficulties in life as battles. Battles to be fought; however, I don’t necessarily have to be the one engaged in battle. As long as I stand firm in what I believe, the Lord will take care of the combat Himself.

Over and over again, I “see the deliverance the Lord accomplishes” in my life. The effects of the difficulties I deal with are so much smaller when I allow God to fight for me. Even though I still face those hard times, seemingly impossible situations, and difficult people, I am at peace with it. It is a peace I can’t explain and know can only be given by God. 

God doesn’t just sit back and watch us embroiled in conflicts on our own. He wants to fight for us – to protect and keep us. But we have to let Him.

Much like Moses and the Israelites, we need to listen to God, follow His instructions, and let Him fight. The adversaries of today we don’t have to take on later when we stand our ground and let the Lord do the rest. When we do this, the thing we dreaded the most becomes a victory we boast about down the road. 

Today, it is time for you to quit!

Quit running away. Quit avoiding certain situations. 

Stand your ground on a foundation of Faith – and let God fight for you. He is always in your corner.

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.”    Exodus 14:14

“The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night.” 

Exodus 13:21 (NRSV)

True confession: I have become addicted to those home improvement and home design shows. It drives my husband crazy because I can always find one of those shows to watch 24/7, and as a result, his “Honey Do” list continues to grow.

One thing I have picked up in viewing a design series is the importance of lighting. Just the right light will warm up a space instantly. It can add that finishing touch.

Not so long ago, we added a lamp to our dining room. Wow, what a difference. It made the room so inviting. We catch ourselves walking by that room and commenting about what a great addition that light is to that space … what a huge difference it makes.

Now, that lamp is one of the few we leave on throughout the night. Can you guess why? It certainly isn’t because we are using the light while we sleep. We leave on a couple of lights in various places in the house for the warm, safe glow they provide. Should someone get up in the night, there is a light on to help illuminate the way. These lamps are our grown up night lights. The darkness can be scary no matter how old you are and without a light in the dark you compromise your safety increasing the likelihood of bumping into things, stumbling, or falling.

In the same manner, God is there for us – 24/7, guiding us by day and by night. Just as God provided guidance and direction for those in the wilderness, he desires to provide that same clear direction for us in our day to day lives. He is always there for us – to light our way and keep us from stumbling – to make us safe.

But, do we remember to leave the light on?

Just like those design shows that provide tips on enhancing a room with light, the Bible reminds us God is the Light of the world. He is the one who enhances our lives. 

Sometimes after we add God to our lives, we neglect to include Him all day, every day.

Sometimes, when the darkness comes, we forget to leave the light on. We allow ourselves to move through life bumping, stumbling, and falling when the answer is so simple. Keep the one true Light on in your life – all the time. 

“Jesus said, ‘I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’”     John 8:12

What a great reminder to Leave the Light On!

“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.”                                                                                                                                               Hebrews 10:24 (NRSV)

There was an occasion where I had to meet with an attorney for business reasons. The attorney was representing someone else. Throughout our conversation, the attorney was condescending, offensive, and persistently pushy. He managed to push all of my buttons. He knew just where to press to push me close to the edge – close to my breaking point. He provoked me to anger. Consequently, I left the meeting feeling broken, mad, and disappointed in myself. 

Of course, later I realized that was the intent. In trying to get what he wanted for his client, the lawyer was willing and knowledgeable enough to know all the right buttons to push in an effort to find the right combination to set me off. 

Now, the scenario with the lawyer is a rare occurrence – thank goodness. But, in other everyday situations I find myself provoked in much the same way, and I am sure that there are times I am the one doing the provoking as well – especially at home.

With those I am closest to I know exactly which buttons to push to get different responses. At times, I continue to push as I would the button on an elevator that fails to stay lit. Pressing and pressing. Most of the time it isn’t intentional. I don’t realize what I am doing until it is too late. The end result is an argument or hard feelings. 

When I consider provoking others and what that means, the first thought is negative: fights, arguments, taunting. The dreaded pushing of buttons. It wasn’t until I encountered this scripture that I understood to provoke someone could be a good thing. 

According to Hebrews 10:24, we should consciously make an effort to incite and provoke others to love and act in favor with one another. 

We always mention random acts of kindness. Maybe those shouldn’t be so random. We need to look for ways to push buttons that cause others to respond lovingly. Pay it forward. 

With this new knowledge, I pray that I will be more conscientious of how I draw reactions from others. I want to provoke goodness from those around me. I also pray others will push my buttons. The buttons that will make me a better person, one who responds with love and grace. 

Pushing buttons has definitely taken on a whole new meaning for me. 

“For we walk by faith and not by sight.”                                        2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB)

I can’t remember which Indiana Jones movie it is but in one of his many conundrums we see the main character teetering on the edge of a cliff trying to figure out how to get safely to the other side. He only has seconds to make a decision and looking down Indiana cannot see the bottom of this ravine. By happenstance, he kicks a rock which falls into the abyss with no sound of it ever hitting the bottom.

What will our hero do? How will Indiana Jones get out of this situation? 

At the moment when you believe he is doomed, against the better judgment of many cautious viewers, he takes just one step from the ledge. To our disbelief – and relief – Indiana has done it again. He tosses dirt in the distance to reveal what was hidden, a safe passage out of this deadly situation. There is an invisible bridge to the other side of that seemingly bottomless pit.

Wow! What a leap of faith! He couldn’t see the bridge, but he knew it was there. It had to be there. There had to be a way to get to the other side.

Believe it or not – We can learn some valuable lessons from the character, Indiana Jones. We learn about passion, determination, and faith. 

The character has passion that fuels each of his adventures. He too was on a holy journey, just like us. He was driven by curiosity and the search for answers. Where is your passion? What fuels you on your daily journey?

He also shows great determination. He never gives up, no matter how rocky the road may be – remember that huge boulder that almost ran over him? Are you determined enough to press on toward the greater goal even in the face of your greatest fear? He was – snakes, it had to be snakes!

And of course, we see this character demonstrate the meaning of faith. Remember the invisible bridge? Do you have that kind of faith? Enough faith to take that first step toward your goal – even when you don’t see the support that is surely there for you?

The scripture tells us – we walk by faith. That means we have to walk, move, set out knowing that God is there to support us. God is our invisible bridge. He is there bridging the gap for us, making a way for us out of our chaos, supporting us each step of the way even when there seems to be no clear answer or path.

So today, I encourage you along your journey. Make it a faith walk. 

If you are not sure which way to go, if there seems to be no way out, go confidently in faith through prayer. Take that first step and feel the firm foundation under your feet. Feel the support of our God each and every step of the way. 

Remember: Just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean it isn’t there. 

God is your invisible bridge. Let Him bridge your gaps and support you in your next leap of faith.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”   2 Corinthians 4:18