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.