IF:GATHERING

The IF:Gathering is a week away and I am excited about opening up my home to view the event with some amazing women.  Scott and the kids are heading out so we will have the place to ourselves to relax, laugh, eat and of course, wrestle with the question, "If God is real, then what?"  What is He calling us to do in our homes, neighborhoods, and in this world?  If you don't have a place to go, you are welcome here.  If you feel inspired, register online at www.ifgathering.com and invite your favorite girls over to your house for some fun.  I know it's going to feel a little 'messy' at times, but that's ok.  Hopefully it will also feel safe and honest.  The important thing is being together.  If you have any questions, let me know. 

Back To School

I saw a funny 'first day of school' picture on Pinterest... kids standing tall, dressed nicely, smiling, backpacks on, lunch boxes in hand, hair brushed and there is mom.....jumping for joy behind the neat bunch!!  I can relate to that mom, whoever she is?!  As much as I love my kids and enjoyed a fun-filled summer, this day brings a bit of excitement for me too!!  All 4 of my precious ones are in school... all day.  It's been many years since I have had the house to myself during the school year.

Caleb is ready for First Grade

5th Grade, 9th Grade,7th Grade....here they come!

So, with a little time on my hands I feel inspired to write again!!  And what has inspired me today is the same thing that inspired me the last time I posted which was April 18th!!  I wrote about an organization in Ridgewood called Family Promise, a temporary homeless shelter for families.  Well, this weekend Scott and I are going to help a church in Ramsey that will be hosting families from Family Promise.  In preparation to do so, I read from a FP handbook which included some rules, regulations and tips.  On the last page I read an article called, "Client's Attitude vs. Volunteer's Expectation of Gratitude."  It was so helpful and profound.  The main point is that gratitude emanates from a sense of humility and humility takes trust.  So often, people who find themselves in a tough spot deal with some shame and may have a hard time building trust because they are around so many different volunteers.  As a result, when giving help to someone in need he/she may come across as ungrateful or unfriendly.  The article encourages the volunteer to be sensitive and not expect a lot in return, but to focus on the positives.  When we focus on the positives we help preserve some one's dignity which then allows the person to feel better about him/herself which increases the level of trust which then permits him/her to express their gratitude.  Wow!  That's a chain of events!!  And I am enlightened!!

Little did I know that practicing hospitality in a positive way could actually empower someone who might be struggling.  When we practice hospitality, on the homeless or on our own families, let's remember that we're dealing with people who need our love and acceptance as much as they need our good food :)

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to open your heart and your home.

 

Hike or Bike for Homeless Families

This Sunday (4/21) we are going to participate in the Family Promise Hike or Bike for Homelessness.  Family Promise is the only shelter around that takes in children.  Families in the program have dinner and sleep in local churches and synagogues.  These Host Congregations offer hospitality to these families in crisis.  Volunteers prepare hot meals, eat with the families, play games with the kids and spend time with them.   If you are looking for ways to practice hospitality check out www.bergenfamilypromise.org.  Also, if you are interested in the Hike or Bike, it's not too late to participate!  Information is on their website.  We have formed a team called the "Super Walkers."  You are invited to join us (wear a cape!) or consider making a donation online.

Practice Hospitality with a purpose this weekend... 

help those who need it most.

Happy 2013

Happy New Year.  

It's still January so I can still say that, right?!  During a season of new resolutions and of new beginnings, I hope you will make practicing hospitality a priority during 2013.  Below is the reason why...

On Sunday, Rob (pastor of The Plant church) had us look at the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.*  That's not quite the hospitality I'm talking about, but wouldn't that be amazing?!  I want to share what stood out for me in this story.  Jesus and His disciples had been busy healing the sick, casting out demons and spreading the Good News.  They had been surrounded by the crowds for quite some time.  Jesus was suggesting some good ol' RR and the 12 disciples were ready.  They had been so busy, "they did not even have time to eat."  On their way to a "solitary place" the people recognized them and ran after them (picture crazy fans of a popular boy band).  Jesus "had compassion" on all those people so He stopped and addressed them.  The 12 wanted Him to send them away to the nearby villages to get something to eat... Jesus wanted His closest friends to feed them.  What?!  I usually carry around some 'clif kid' bars in my purse, but certainly not enough to feed 5,000!!  I think the disciples were just as confused.  How could their 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish feed so many?  Here's the cool part... When the 12 handed Jesus the food they found amongst themselves, Jesus looked up to Heaven and gave thanks.  When we think of hospitality, we think of inviting someone in, but in this story I see that hospitality is inviting God in!  As Jesus aknowledged His Father in Heaven, God performed a miracle... He multiplied the loaves and fish!  When we invite God in, when we aknowledge His presence, we avail ourselves to His power.  Now, that's cool!!  We may be tired, busy, sick, worried, but if we could just look up and give thanks, in the midst of our "stuff" we will experience a miracle.  That miracle may be internal peace that passes understanding or it may be physical healing... God knows what we need.  God knew the crowds needed to be fed, but He also knew that the 12 needed to be cared for.  After everyone ate and was satisfied, the disciples picked up "12 basketfuls of broken bread and fish."  Coincidence? 12 disciples who were hungry, 12 extra basketfuls?  God knows what He's doing.

So, as we practice hospitality this year, let's not forget to invite God in.  As you sit before a meal, pause and give thanks to the Giver... He has so much to give!!

*Mark 6:30-44 Story of Jesus feeding the 5,000

Mighty Christmas

Is anyone else wanting a Mighty Christmas this year?

 

The tragedy in Newtown, CT has stunned the world during what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.  It's been over a week since we learned of this horrific event and maybe you're still not feeling very merry.  Or, there could be other circumstances that are taking the merry out of Christmas. 

The other day, my dear friend Aura gave me a book called 25 Days, 26 Ways To Make This Your Best Christmas Ever, by Ace Collins. It's a "day-by-day literary Advent calendar." I read Day 3, 'Making Christmas Mighty', to Scott and the kids.  I thought the message was just what we needed during this time of dealing with sadness and stress.  There are other articles and blogs that I've read that have brought me comfort, but I found the most comfort in God's Word.  The greatest reminder was that Jesus is the Light of the world and He has overcome the darkness. 

As we get ready to celebrate His birth, it is clear to me that we still need a Savior.  Evil is real, but Jesus has overcome the one whose plan is to "steal, kill and destroy."  The Good News is that our sufferings are temporary for those who recognize the life and mission of Jesus Christ are promised an eternity of no more suffering.  We do have hope and must not be afraid or lose heart.  I purpose to focus on what is good and true and not fear that God has left us.  He will never leave us or forsake us...even in our greatest trials, He is there if we look for Him. 

My prayer for the families of the victims in Newtown, and for those I know who are dealing with their own 'stuff' is that they will have a Mighty Christmas... that we all will keep our focus and find our strength in the One who has overcome the world. 

If you are already holding onto your faith and are trusting God to comfort you and give you wisdom and are on your way to a merry Christmas, I encourage you to share you're strength and peace with others.  Practicing hospitality is a great way to show love and share the Good News.

Have yourself a Mighty Christmas.  

Fall Bucket List

Here we are at Abma's Farm for a Family Fun Day to benefit Touch the World, Uganda.  It was a beautiful day.  I am happy to check-off  'hayride' and 'pumkin picking' from our Fall Bucket List.  Lists are a helpful way to remind you to do something, but some things in life can't just be checked off for good.  For example, hospitality.  Sure, you may have it in the back of your mind to invite a family over for dinner or to make a meal for a new neighbor, but once you've checked that off your list, be ready to add a new family's name.  That's how it is with hospitality.  And don't think you can't do it because you totally can!  Really, we must!  Keep making lists, I know I will, but once you've crossed off or checked off 'hospitality' be ready to write it again and again and again... 

 

Remember, Practice Hospitality.

Hospitality challenge

Scott and I agreed to host an all church celebration in our backyard.  When we learned over 100 people (including kids) had RSVP'd 'yes' we decided to embrace our hospitality challenge.  Honestly, we were nervous for a few minutes, but had no time to worry... we had a yard to work on!  We had fun weeding, planting and mulching.  Even our neighbor's kids helped out.   


Peyton gives a hand to Caleb and Lauen

Karalyn plants some flowers

Caleb waters the flowers

The day before the party I received my Real Simple magazine in the mail (July 2012).  The cover boasted, "The Best of Summer" and included a feature on 'Laid-Back Entertaining' called "Keep Calm and Party On".  The article is about how to throw a summer party that is good, fast and cheap. Apparently these are the 3 qualities that make up the world of event planning, but according to a big event producer (named Jeremy) you can only promise clients 2 of these and not
all 3. 

Well, maybe a backyard church BBQ doesn't fall under the 'big event' category, but we certainly pulled off all 3 for a big crowd!  (And so did the Real Simple staff.)  The saying is true, many hands do make light work.  When hosting a casual party, it's okay to ask guests to bring something.  In fact, I have found that people love to share a favorite salad, dessert or some family famous dip.  You provide the setting and then go from there to enlist others help.  For our event, our church friends brought the side dishes.  Oh, and their own lawn chairs!  The church provided hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and paper products.  Drinks were water bottles, soda cans and juice boxes packed in big containers filled with ice.  We didn't have to deal with cups.  From the article I used the idea of having a fan available in case it was too hot and I had bug spray, sun screen and band aides on the table, just in case.  I put out table games and of course there were yard games!  Music was playing, but not blasting.  The bathroom was stocked with toilet paper and paper towels for drying hands.  I made a few checks to wipe down the sink etc..  Garbage cans were labeled and emptied periodically.  We had some canopy's up to provide shade and protection in case of rain.  The rain did come, just as we started eating, but it didn't spoil our fun.  It was nice seeing people huddled together.  Being prepared paid off.

Omar and Jeremy... our grill masters!

lots of kids, big and small!!

 Inside the magazine there was a picture of a crowded beach party and underneath was the caption, "One cannot have too large a party."  My thought is... if you are going to go to the effort to get ready for friends, might as well make it a crowd.  Scott and I were honored to have our yard full of church family and friends.  Thanks to everyone who made the event possible, especially Omar who did all the shopping and organizing.  It was good, fast and inexpensive and most of all FUN.

So, are you up for a hospitality challenge?  How about hosting a block party or just a neighborhood bash?  Real Simple would say, don't forget the pinata, I would say, don't forget to ask for help ;-)  You'll be glad you did and ready to host another party... I know I am.