My Journey

When my kids were growing up, we always had an open door policy. They knew it was okay to bring their friends home with them to just "hang out." More than once they would come into the kitchen as I was fixing our evening meal and ask if their friend could stay for dinner (of course they always did this as their friend was standing right there). I would add some veggies to the pot or stretch the stew we were having and there would usually be enough.

I came across an interesting definition of hospitality as "lover of strangers." This reminded me of 1 Kings 17, verses 8 and 9 that says, "Then the Lord said to Elijah, 'Go and live in the city of Zarephath.'" 

Now, in Bible times, it was common practice to have strangers stay the night because there just wasn't a Holiday Inn around the corner, but what makes this story interesting is that there was a famine in the land at that time. As Elijah approached the house of a poor widow, she and her son were preparing their last meal before succumbing to starvation.

It took a real step of faith to give that last little bit to Elijah first, but that's what the Lord had instructed her to do: she reached out in obedience and God supplied.

Is there something God is asking you to do and it looks scary and impossible? Step out in faith and you will see that God will fill your cup to overflowing and that nothing is impossible for Him!

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As we celebrate this Valentine month filled with loving sentiments and sweets, remember that you are loved by the God Who is the true "lover of strangers."

~ Brenda Gay

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My mother always taught me to write thank-you notes. It seemed as if I hardly finished opening the gift and she was there pushing a pen and thank-you cards in my hand.

Well, today we're going to take a look at creating a place to write those thank-you notes or any other correspondence you might have. If you have a den or office area in your home, then you have room for a desk or writing surface; if you don't have a room for that purpose, then you can create a writing nook almost anywhere.

First, look at your closets. Maybe you have one that's just holding stuff you don't use or need. I have a friend who set up her desk and computer in the double closet of her guest room. When she wasn't using it, she could just close the door and poof - the computer and clutter was gone.

A lower counter in the corner of your kitchen would make an ideal spot, too. If you don't even have room for that, I've seen little wall-mounted units that have a fold-out writing surface-just pull up a chair and you're in business.

So wherever you write, the most important thing is that you write--on paper or e-mail! The Apostle Paul knew the joy of thankfulness. He often opened his letters with grateful words. In Romans 1:8 he wrote, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."

After many years as a Christian, I thought of Mrs. Cosby, the Pioneer Girl leader in my home church who led me to the Lord when I was eight years old. I sat down and wrote her a thank-you note and told her how much I appreciated her sacrifice of time and energy and what a difference it made in my life.

Is there someone special in your life that you need to say a special thank-you to? Sit down and write that person and let them know how much you appreciate them. You will receive as much joy from writing it as they will receiving it!

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My thoughts are with you this Thanksgiving season. Jot me a note or leave a comment below so we can keep in touch!

~ Brenda Gay

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Now, I'm sure you've heard the phrase, user friendly. Well, today I am going to give you a few tips on how to make your home more fellowship friendly!

By this, I mean looking for ways to be prepared for unexpected guests. It doesn't have to be a big group, just having tea on the front porch can be fellowship.

I have a small round table on my front porch with two chairs for a quiet lunch or afternoon tea with a friend. You can have folding tables ready if you have more people over, and with a tablecloth and centerpiece on them, they can look as festive as the regular furniture.

The main thing to remember is to create an atmosphere where your friends can be comfortable and can fellowship together. This fellowship is an important part of our Christian lives. In 1 John 1:7, it tells us:

But if we are living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from every sin.

Our fellowship with other believers should go beyond just seeing them at church. We should get involved in each other's lives so we can pray for each other and build each other up in this common faith we have in Christ.

Start a small group Bible study in your home, or have some friends over, just to fellowship. Every few months I have a group of friends over for lunch at my house. We share our struggles and prayer concerns with each other and take time at the end to pray for each other. They have asked me for a schedule of my speaking engagements, so they can pray for me as I travel.

What a joy it is to know I have faithful friends praying for me each day! If you step out and take the initiative today, you will find abundant joy as you fellowship and share with other believers.

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What types of things do you do to keep your home fellowship friendly? Share you tips and ideas with us by clicking on the Comments link below. We'd love to hear all about it!

~ Brenda Gay

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Over the years, I have helped with the design and oversaw the building of many new homes. It was my job to make sure the construction was done according to the blueprint. It was a long, and sometimes exhausting task, but in the end the reward was a beautiful home that looked just like the plan.

My husband, Doug, and I took our little granddaughter, Tia, out for walk one evening. As we looked up into the darkening sky, we saw twinkling little stars by the millions and a huge white moon, hanging suspended above us. It took my breath away to gaze at the awesome splendor of God's creation.

Now, I know there is a lot of debate among the intellectuals about what they call "creationism," but the evidence is still there. To believe that an all-powerful God created this universe using intelligent design is a lot more feasible than the idea that it "just happened."

It's like getting all the materials together to build a house and tossing them up in the air and when they come down they land in just the right way to create a home according to the blueprint. How ridiculous!

In Genesis 1:1 we read, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Just look up and see the awesome glory of God's creation and remember the God of the universe loves you and created you for a purpose!

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What in God's beautiful world takes your breath away?  Click on "Leave a Comment" and let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

~ Brenda Gay

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When someone walks up to our home they get a first impression and the fragrances coming from the garden can be just as alluring as the way our home looks. One article I read said that putting sweet smelling plants on the walkway to your front door is a great way to say welcome. From the sweet aroma of honeysuckle to the vanilla fragrance of purple petunias there are dozens of different flowers to choose from.

If you work inside all day, then enjoy your deck or patio in the evening by having some floral scents in your garden. The fragrances from the blossoms are the best in the early evening. Flowers release their perfumes into the air at sunset and after a shower they can be especially fragrant. I was taking a walk in South Carolina and I looked around when the fragrance of a sweet smelling Jasmine plant came my way. The dainty yellow blossoms were dancing in the breeze and I said, "Thank You, Lord" right out loud. I guess that is what is meant by the saying, "Slow down and smell the roses."

Yes, It's much more pleasant to walk on the path with the fragrance of flowers but I have taken some walks where I scurry past stinky trashcans or smelly industrial sites. In Psalm 25:10(TLB) we see, "And when we obey Him every path He guides us on is fragrant with His loving-kindness and truth."

If we walk in obedience God will guide us along the fragrant path but sometimes we want to do our own thing and we end up in the dark stinky alleys of sin and disobedience. Oh, it doesn't look so bad at the beginning but sooner or later we will wish we had never taken that road.

If you are at a crossroads today being tempted to go down that road that you know you shouldn't make a choice for obedience. Let God lead you along that path that is fragrant with His love and joy!

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