Sunday, August 14, 2016

You Are Welcome Here

"No Groove Since the Move" should be the title of my blog.

I just haven't had the energy or want-to 
to redo, paint, decorate or tablescape or vignette anything.

Nope.  Just haven't had it.
Just getting by with the basics. 

When we knew that we were getting the house, 
I was filled with so much gratitude that I 
could only cry and praise the Lord. 

I told Him that I wanted Him to use it 
however he chose, to help others.
I prayed that all who entered would feel loved and welcomed.

I finally added a welcome mat yesterday.



Nothing fancy. 
Fancy would not be me!
Just an invite to say, 
"You are welcome here."

The Pastor's sermon this morning was simple too.
Not a fancy-foo, but just practical and real, 
the stuff we should be doing every day anyway. 

How To Be a Loving Church

The thing that drew me to this church was the way they loved
and the way they welcomed.

I think the point I heard the loudest this morning was 
"Get past the handshake."

We have no idea what other people are going through. 

 To "get past the handshake,"
we must do more than ask, 
"How are you doing?"
  
We must listen to what they don't say.

We must look into their eyes and see with our hearts.

We must listen when the answer is not packaged
and tied up in a little red bow and tagged with, "I'm fine."

"It's been a hard week."
"I'm in a hard place."
"It's not going well."

Getting pass the handshake may mean missing Sunday School
(Yes, with a recommendation from our pastor!)
or being late for Sunday lunch.


Get past it!

We have no idea what others are going through.
We have no idea what's behind the handshake.

Get past it!



We now have
a wreath on the door, a welcome mat, flowers blooming, 
and you are welcome here.





13 comments:

  1. What a great post and a wonderful message for all of us! I appreciate your being just plain real, Bonnie. By the way, it's a beautiful wreath and door mat...looks pretty welcoming to me!

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  2. Let me tell you, I know for certain if I were to just show up, you would welcome me with open arms (and vice versea)...can you imagine if that were to happen? Our David's wouldn't know what hit them, LOLOLOLOLOL.

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  3. And... You are welcome here. We have lots of friends and family going through various things. Great advice to get past the handshake. Have a blessed week ahead dear friend. Hugs

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  4. Beautiful. It's time to not be superficial any longer. Thanks for the reminder.

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  5. You are such a sweet lady. I'm so thankful that y'all have a nice new home in such a loving place. You deserve it.
    Luv ~:)

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  6. A very sweet post and yes, it's important to listen to the small voice of God when we meet and greet folks. Meeting each of our new neighbors, they have been so pleasant and welcoming and each of them is carrying a burden, also but you would never know.

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  7. Your entry looks very welcoming. Thanks for a great message today!

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  8. I know I would feel very welcome if I could come visit you.....how I would love that to happen!
    I'm thrilled that you found a church that welcomes. Good message, thanks for posting!

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  9. I know I would feel very welcome if I could come visit you.....how I would love that to happen!
    I'm thrilled that you found a church that welcomes. Good message, thanks for posting!

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  10. Thanks for the challenge to us all to slow down, get past the handshake and listen!

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  11. Beautiful. Hoping you get your mojo back soon!!! XOXO

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  12. What a thoughtful and beautiful post, Bonnie.

    love, ~Sheri

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