A Moody Morning and How to be a Guest

 Overnight storms and the tap-tap-tap of early morning rain made for a dark and sleepy start to my day.

The house was so quiet, and the kids were sleeping in, so I remained in bed... dozing off...listening to the silence...

But just like those old Folgers commercials from the 90's (remember those?) I could smell that Micah had started the coffee, so I shuffled downstairs.

There are really only two reasonable things to do on rainy, moody mornings... read or bake. 

I decided I'd do both.

After placing two loaf pans of homemade banana bread into my oven to bake, I settled into my little claimed spot on the couch to make progress in my book.

There is a topic I have wondered about for years, so I am currently reading about it and learning so much!

The question that has nagged me is this:

Why do we only ever hear about hospitality (that we should be hospitable and how to be), but we never hear anything about the other side of the coin, which is... how to be a guest?

Being in Christian/ Church culture all my life, I can tell you we are in no short supply of Bible study authors and preachers telling us that any Christian worth their salt will know how to extend hospitality. And if you don't know how, there is a plethora of books, websites, even ladies in church offering classes... so what's your excuse?

But when I would ask the question, "Where are the books about how to be a guest?" I would be met with laughter or blank stares. 

One day my curiosity got the best of me, so I typed, books on how to be a guest, in my Amazon search bar.

One looked like it may be what I was searching for, so I ordered it and am almost through reading it.

It's titled, The Art of the Visit, Being the Perfect Host, Becoming the Perfect Guest, by Kathy Bertone.

It is unclear if she is a Christian, and the book is not from a biblical perspective, but it is excellent nonetheless! 

It is full of common visiting mistakes that can easily be corrected and altogether avoided with a little preparation, good sense, and being considerate of others.

Before I began reading it, I jotted down a few of my own thoughts on how to be a guest, just to see if I would read anything similar from her. Prior to being educated on the subject, I only came up with four points. Here is How to be a Guest, by yours truly...

1. Sit where your host puts you. (Your child says he'd be more comfortable eating that bowl of chili on the couch? Your host provided a kids' table with plastic covering for a reason!)

2. Be discreet and gracious about food. (Relationships with people are more important than food.)

3. Be in tune with your host's subtle hints. (He's checking his watch? She has started doing the dishes? It's time to leave.)

4. Don't bring others along. (Does any more really need to be said about this? Yet it happens.) 

Of course there are the unspoken rules so obvious it's not worth writing down (like: Be on time, Don't criticize decor, etc...) but still - pitiful little collection of common sense rules, don't you think? I had a lot to learn!

This book is showing me there is so much more to being a great guest! Here are a few of her suggestions that stood out to me...

How to be a Guest, by author Kathy Bertone, and summarized by me:

~ Make your needs known in advance.

According to Kathy, it is your responsibility to let your host know prior to the event if you will need a highchair for the baby, or if someone has a severe food allergy, for example. She writes that this will actually be a relief for your host, and could spare you an awkward (or even dangerous!) experience.

~ Have an idea of what the weather will be.

Your host doesn't want to scramble to come up with supplies you lack.

~ Don't bring other friends.

It is considered poor manners to have people join you that your host does not know.

~ Practice good conversation.

Be agreeable. Avoid off-color jokes. Err on the side of caution in conversation.

~ Put your phone away.

Your priority during a visit is enjoying your friends and family who are present.

~ Exercise moderation when eating.

Visiting someone is not the time to overstuff and indulge yourself at your host's expense.

~ Always clean up your child's messes.

Or better yet, she offers the brilliant suggestion of asking your host upon arrival if there are any house rules, like rooms that are off limits, for example. (I can't believe I never thought of that one!) 

Aren't these good?! This really just scratches the surface of all the wonderful advice in this book. I cannot do it justice here, so you should order yourself a copy! 

I'll admit it is difficult to memorize and adhere to every etiquette rule, but if we strive to keep our host's comfort in mind, we can be well on our way to becoming a perfect guest.

💝

"A great visit is like a two-way street with both guest and host giving and receiving." - Kathy Bertone

My moody morning is over... the sun is out. The kids are up. Time to get back to work...

~ Courtney 

Happy Easter

 An Easter morning from years gone by...

These are my grandparents with my dad, aunt and uncle as children.

I especially like my aunt and grandmother's white Easter bonnets.

Although I'm sure we won't look as snazzy as this, I have my family's clothes hung and ready for tomorrow, as well as the tables set for Easter lunch.

I still have to set out the silverware. 

That requires me to dig out my heavy, wooden box of silver from the very bottom of my china hutch, which I've been putting off all day.

Instead of names on the place cards, I decided to write a Bible verse on each one that we will read together as a family before the prayer.

I carefully selected the verses and placed them in order around the table.

In keeping with the theme of the centerpiece, as each person takes their turn to read, it will tell the story of Jesus' birth, sacrifice, and resurrection. 

The kids' table is in the kitchen...

It's all about spring bunnies!

These plates, as well as the ones on the main table, are from Hobby Lobby. They're so pretty but paper thin. I hope that won't be a problem for my guests!

It certainly will make my life easier during clean-up!

I am fortunate that everyone is bringing a dish to pass tomorrow, so all I'll have to do is put the ham in before I leave for church.

I also bought a bakery cake and will make a large salad.

I hope you all have a beautiful Easter with family and friends.

🌸

~ Courtney 

Opening My Home

 We have found ourselves in a season of ministry at the moment.

I understand that for the homemaker, every ordinary day in her home is a ministry. But we have the unique privilege of hosting out of state missionaries for the time being.

I want our family to be able to say, as Job did, "My door was always open to the traveler." (Job 31:32)

It has been nothing but sheer delight.

What a fun honor it's been to provide a safe haven for these two ladies in my home.

My job is to make sure they are comfortable, loved, and well-fed. They work hard each day preparing and teaching lessons, and ministering at church in other various ways, that when they come home I want them to feel they can relax, rest, and just be.

I prepared Elsa's room for them to share while they're here...

(Elsa didn't mind giving up her room. She has been sleeping in bed with me, and it's going just fine. She is a very still and quiet sleeper. I don't even know she's next to me most of the time.)

😊

It can be overwhelming in the days leading up to guests' arrival. But I did my best to prioritize and not worry about the rest. For example, the priority for me was making sure they had extremely clean bedding.

I spent two days washing literally everything, right down the the pillows themselves and the mattress covers.

I washed the sheets and blankets in yummy smelling detergent, with a few drops of bleach, so everything would seem very fresh to them.

I also had fun assembling welcome baskets to greet them on their first night with us.

I filled the baskets with cozy, useful items like soft slippers, body lotion, chocolate, a journal, etc...

I've learned that traveling missionaries are great at settling right in and making themselves at home. They are used to a "life on the road." The adjustment is on the host's part. 

I had a little anxiety at the very beginning - just fear of the unknown. But we have now settled nicely into a routine, which has helped me relax very much.

The key is to pay close attention to their likes and needs within the first 24 hours (like how much they eat, what time they wake up, and their bathroom routines for example) so that the host can alter her family and her routine to cater to them.

They have been so sweet and appreciative of everything I've done for them, that it's been a blessing to serve them in these ways.

Booker T. Washington inspired me in his autobiography when he wrote, "In my contact with people I find that, as a rule, it is only the little, narrow people who live for themselves, who never read good books, who do not travel, who never open up their souls in a way to permit them to come into contact with other souls- the great outside world. I have found that the happiest people are those who do the most for others; the most miserable are those who do the least."

For me, if I open my home to you I have opened myself to you, because my home is an extension of my heart. I would be happy to do anything for these girls while they're here with me, and I've made sure to tell them that several times. 

My goal is to serve them and provide for their needs, but I also have another goal in mind, and that is to be a good example to them. They are young adults just starting out in a world that bombards them with messages like, chase your dreams, pursue higher education, and nothing is more important than a career.

Without ever actually saying a word to them about any of these things, I just simply wish to show them, through my actions and my homelife, a good example of a mother who is content and of a homeschool family who is doing well.

Who knows how far that could go? 

"Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home...." (Titus 2:4-5)

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Keep me in your prayers, as I continue in my effort to provide for my guests as lavishly and joyfully as possible. And as I always say on my blog, to cast a positive light onto homemaking.

💐

~ Courtney 

A Home With Heart

 There are responsibilities that come with owning an old farmstead.

Some are obvious, such as;

Respect the land, 

Honor the home's history, 

(and keep all that old woodwork dusted! 😉)

 But others pop up in a more subtle way...

Like when we receive phone calls from past owners, asking if they can stop by to see the place.

Homes with history need hospitable owners who understand their home still lives in the hearts of many people.

We knew we had found a very special home when such a request was asked of us only a year after moving here.

The descendants of the man who built our house came to visit, along with their descendants, (totaling 50 people in all!) and it was a very meaningful experience. 

Meaningful for them, as they got a chance to visit the old family homestead, and reminisce over past times.

And meaningful for us, as we learned the history of our home and absorbed all the stories and memories they could share.

That was over ten years ago, and we told them they were welcome back anytime they wanted.

Well, today we were visited again by the grandson of the man who built our home, along with his daughter. He grew up here, and I could tell it meant a lot to him to be back. 

He was bubbling over when we greeted them at the door. One of the first things he said was, "It is surreal to be here! I am so happy to see it's in good hands and being so well cared for."

It is always a joy to visit with this family. They are such neat people.

The daughter, who lives in California now, was very considerate. She offered to wear a mask and always asked my permission before snapping a photo.

Of course I told her, "No masks! Snap away! I'm thrilled you're here, please be comfortable."

I love hearing their memories of my home.

She told me she remembered the bedrooms upstairs, the large clock in the hall, and her grandmother's massive gardens. Whenever she was looking for her grandmother, she knew she could always find her on one of the porches.

She seemed pleased to see the porches were still here.

I put a pot of coffee on and made a few snacks...

and we walked around and visited.

They showed us where the old back staircase once was that led to grandpa's study...

They explained the original layout of the kitchen...

We heard stories of how they played basketball in the attic and roller skated in the basement...

I enjoyed hearing about his mother, who he described as a meticulous housekeeper. Animals were never allowed indoors and muddy boots were always taken off at the door...

The pocket doors in the dining room were always kept closed and only opened at Christmas, or when company was over....

They didn't have heat upstairs when he was growing up. There was one vent in the middle of the main floor where they all would huddle around to keep warm....

They were kind to share with us some information and photos of the original farmstead, which Micah and I found fascinating. We value any history we can find of our home, and keep it all in a special folder.

I like to try to imagine what life was like here one hundred years ago. It's interesting to look deeply at this woman's photograph and know she stood where I stand, worked where I work, and raised her kids on these floors and on this land.

How would she feel if she knew her descendants still held this home in their hearts and even come back to visit?

💗

Our visitors today wanted to see the trees their grandfather planted; a row of pines along the north side of the house.

We were sad to have to tell them a tornado took them out.

But we showed them the children's play cabin Micah built with the lumber from those trees.

They seemed delighted to know their grandfather's legacy lives on in that cabin.

As they were leaving I made sure to ask, "Did you see everything you wanted to see?" (We don't keep any place off limits for them when they visit, and they're all over the place when they visit; the attic, the basement, the barn, the trails...) Then I turned to my children and said, "Just think, in thirty, forty, maybe even fifty years, you'll come back here with your children and ask to see the trees your father planted."

(These pines were no taller than my hand when Micah planted them after the tornado.)

I hope in fifty years, when my children and grandchildren come back to the old family homestead for a visit, the owners then will welcome them and want to hear their stories.

It is not a fancy house, or a trendy house. 

It isn't eye-catching or up to date.

But it is warm and it is loved.

It's a special house.

It is a home with heart.

🏡

~ Courtney 

Another Ladies Brunch

 I hosted another Homeschool Mom's brunch today.

I try to host one every six months or so for the ladies in my church.

Many mothers don't want to leave their homes and children, so I feel very honored that they come! 

I actually have an excellent turn out every time.

Today I had a total of seven moms around my table...

It's always a time of encouragement and sweet fellowship.

I love these ladies very much.

I want them to feel like it's sort of a retreat when they come to my house. So, I set a nice table and try to make a pleasant ambience where meaningful, uplifting conversation can take place.

It's good to remember that home is capable of being a place to conduct ministry.

If you have nothing else to offer, in terms of talent or skill, but you have a home, you can use it for God's glory.

With that in mind I decided to create an "Award Ceremony" to highlight the achievements we've had this homeschool year.

About a week ago I let the ladies know to come to the brunch prepared to share a big win from this school year, something they feel they've accomplished.

Then, Roman helped me make professional looking certificates that I could present to each of them.

I really liked how they turned out!

In the working world there are raises, awards, bonuses, and pats on the back for a job well done.

Homeschool mothers forfeit all this when we come home, and know that now we are working for God and not man.

So, just for fun, I wanted to acknowledge their achievements in the home, and remind them that they are doing Kingdom-building work.

They were all good sports to play along with my idea, and we applauded each other and had fun with it!

The awards read like this:

"Certificate of Homeschool Excellence

In recognition for your outstanding talent and profound work."

The verse I included at the bottom is Psalm 138:8...

"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me;

Your love, O Lord, endures forever-

Do not abandon the works of your hands."

My personal homeschool journey is a work the Lord began and is doing through me. I hope the ladies today found it encouraging for their homeschool journeys, as well.

With each place setting I included a flower seed packet and a poem.

I found this poem in one of my antique books and thought it was very thought-provoking.

It's titled, "The Bravest Battle" by Joaquin Miller

"The bravest battle that was ever fought

Shall I tell you where and when?

On the maps of the world you will find it not,

'Twas fought by the mothers of men.

Nay, not with cannon or battle-shot,

With a sword or noble pen;

Nay, not with eloquent words or thought

From mouths of wonderful men.

But deep in a walled-up woman's heart-

Of a woman that would not yield,

But bravely, silently bore her part-

Lo, there is that battle-field!"

Our morning together went by so fast!

It seemed as though as soon as they came, it was time to say good-bye.

I hand washed all the dishes and tucked everything away back inside my china hutch.

(You can see my tulip inspector, keeping me company as I pack away my silver.)

As I cleaned up I prayed that the ladies left my house feeling encouraged and spoiled.

I can't wait to do another one. 

These brunches bless me, as well.

💐

~ Courtney ~

Winter Tables

Our Christmas was lovely. I hope yours was, too.

Micah and I host for my side of the family every Christmas Eve.

We enjoy it very much.

It felt easy this year.

I kept thinking I was forgetting something. But then it occurred to me...

I've "put on" Christmas Eve for my family every year for a decade.

I've got a system.

I know what works.

I suppose that's why the Bible says to, "Practice hospitality."

Practice gives you experience... experience gives you confidence!

(A quick picture was snapped of me as I was bustling around my kitchen.)

It is such a delight to set a pretty table that I want to make it more a part of my daily life this winter.

Sort of like a New Year's resolution.

Since becoming a wife and mother, I've discovered that winter can be a time for peace and rest, and a time for home.

(A page from the first grade Abeka science reader.)

So, why not settle into a nice long winter by setting tables that encourage a feeling of rest?

Stay and linger a while... I made dessert and tea... 

(A winter table from tonight's dinner.)

It sure helps that we've received our long-awaited snow!

Winter is drab and dull without snow.

And as you know, we like to search our bookshelves for some poem or story that relates to what we're experiencing.

This one will do... isn't it cute?

Sometimes I am asked about my tables.

I'm not sure what the mystery is, but I will touch on a few points about it in case someone reading may benefit...

I've purchased very little of my tableware. A lot of it has been handed down to me from relatives. But even if that were not the case, this is very attainable... I see beautiful china sets all the time at thrift stores for very little money.

Chargers and glassware can be purchased at the Dollar Tree.

Cloth napkins and place mats can be found at places like Hobby Lobby and HomeGoods.

It's fun to get creative at times... flat bed sheets make good table cloths for larger tables. Blanket scarves make good table cloths for smaller tables. And regular scarves make great table runners.

Even if you're limited in your tableware inventory but still want a rich, impressive look, the best thing you can do is a fresh flower arrangement as a centerpiece. They can be as little as five dollars for a small bouquet in grocery stores.

I like to think in terms of what's real when I set a table.

Real flowers, candles and glass will always be superior to plastic or battery operated options.

It's so easily achieved that I figure, why not?

It's inevitable, I always get the question, "Well, what about kids?" 

Even when my kids were babies and toddlers, I did it this way.

I always believed they could rise to my standard.

But for a larger event, it's nice to set a kid's table.

It's fun for the kids and it gives the adults room to visit.

(A Christmas Eve kid's table place setting.)

Yes, I think that setting more beautiful tables this winter will make a nice New Year's resolution for me.

Remember that a New Year's resolution doesn't always have to mean some huge upheaval in your life.

It can be something you're already doing, but you just want to strengthen the habit. You want to take it from good to excellent.

And speaking of New Year's resolutions, (I actually prefer to call them "winter goals") I'd like to work on developing deeper connections with the homeschool moms in my church. We always have such a nice time when we get together, and we get along so well, that I wish to prioritize those friendships this winter.

One of my ways of doing that includes setting a lovely table.

So, I will have plenty of table setting opportunities, I hope!

But more will have to be written about that at another time...

I hope you are pondering all your lovely winter goals.

I am looking forward to January, and a fresh, new year!

💐

~ Courtney ~

Ladies Brunch

 I was so blessed this weekend with a lovely gathering in my home.

This past winter I hosted a brunch for the homeschool moms in our church, and it was such a hit that I promised the ladies I'd do it again.

It is so fun for me to set my table, plan a menu, and excitedly await for my friends to arrive.

This time we were bubbling over and extra talkative because months of quarantine had made us miss each other!

I never plan a strict agenda or speech. No one likes to be lectured at, anyway.

Instead, I wish to have a relaxed dialogue where everyone is encouraged and comfortable to share.

We are a close group and get along very well, so there's never any awkward moments.

We talk, laugh, ask each other questions, and pray together.

(The cinnamon rolls hadn't made it out of the oven yet when I snapped this picture.)

It's a special thing to be a part of a church family. But it is all too tempting to succumb to the feeling that you don't fit in.

I've watched this happen many times through the years.

Someone will come to church thinking they'll find a mentor, a program, a class, or a kindred spirit to meet their needs.

Once they realize this doesn't exist, they assume they're in the wrong church and leave.

They didn't find that church was of any use to them, but they somehow failed to consider that maybe they could be of some use to the church!

Don't leave.

Maybe you can be the example and friend you were searching for.

For example, several years ago a woman left our church because she couldn't find the support she needed for her particular life circumstance.

But it makes me wonder... Could she have created the support she claimed our church lacked?

Could she have searched out others in her situation and started a Bible study out of her home?

When I began to feel isolated in my homeschool journey, and wished I had a support network, I sat down with our church directory and sought out all the homeschool families.

I made a list.

I purchased invitations.

I set a date.

I opened my home.

And the response was magnificent!

The seats around my table were full.

And when my friends left, my heart was full.

I no longer felt isolated.

It was so encouraging that we all felt it was necessary to keep our little gatherings going.

So it was such a delight to meet again this weekend.

As always, when I wish to be a blessing to others, they all bless me, instead.

"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." - Proverbs 11:25

I am already looking forward to the next one.

xo,

~ Courtney ~

Do Something Different ~ A Ladies Brunch

I mentioned in a previous post that I had planned a few "bright spots" in our schedule to help get us happily through the winter.

 Then my children and I fell ill so it all had to wait.

Well, I am thankful I was able to complete one of my ideas this weekend.

I hosted a brunch for the homeschool moms in our church.

Winter in the North can drag on and on for months after Christmas, and can have a really negative effect on a lot of people.

Most people will tell you that the way to combat this is by scheduling a trip to some warm, tropical place.

That certainly does the trick, and we've been lucky a few times to be able to do that ourselves. But that's not always realistic, and not everyone can travel.

If this is you, and you're struggling getting through the dreary, cold winter, you could try doing something different.

Some ideas I've had for this winter are... 

~ Try a new restaurant

~ Take a day trip to a fun place like a museum or discovery center

~ Read bright, beautiful books

~ Visit a relative

~ Reach out to minister to someone and get to know them better

~ Host an event at home

I decided to invite the homeschool moms at church to a morning of meaningful conversation and encouragement.

I prayed before the event that it would be a blessing for all who would attend, but in the end they all blessed me!

(Isn't that always how it works. *wink)

It was a wonderful time, and we are all talking about doing it again!

The homeschool lifestyle can be very isolating, and even though we know there are other moms out there doing what we're doing, it can still feel like we're on an island.

My vision was to create an opportunity where we could see each other face to face, and realize we are in this together. We share the same burdens and experiences. Let's support one another! 

Prior to the event I sent out a group text of a few discussion questions to get everyone thinking and excited to come.

I wanted to discuss things like...

~ How is God providing for your homeschool journey?

~ How has He blessed it?

~What's your daily schedule like?

~ What are you reading right now?

~ Do you have a prayer request or a question for the group?

~ Is there a Bible verse that has encouraged you?

I really wanted to take full advantage of our time together and make it uplifting and meaningful for all.

Once drinks were poured, plates were filled, and we were seated around the table, I said, "Well, ladies, I have no agenda and there's no guest speaker... WE are the agenda and WE are the guest speaker. This morning can go however we want it to go!"

What followed were a couple of hours of talking about what matters to us.

I've yet to meet a homeschool mom who isn't passionate about homeschooling.

Our heart strings are attached to every little thing we do in our home for our children. And we love talking about it!

Everyone who came was engaged, contributed to the conversation, and had valuable things to share.

Some even brought notebooks and pencils to take notes!

We encouraged each other with Bible verses, shared ideas, talked curriculum, asked questions, laughed and prayed.

My hope was that each lady would leave my home feeling encouraged and with some fresh inspiration. But I don't think anyone was more encouraged and inspired than me!

These ladies were very sharp and had excellent ideas!

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17

It was definitely a time of iron sharpening for me.

As we talked, I recognized how different homeschooling is lived out in each of our homes.

Some ladies have designated school rooms, others do school at the kitchen table.

Some have rigid schedules, others are more flexible.

Some are veterans who've been doing this for years, others are just getting started.

Some are very busy and on the go, others live a more quiet life.

That's the beauty of it! There is no right way. We can design our life at home with our children however we want!

As one of the mothers at the brunch reminded us, "Never stop incorporating what you love into your homeschooling, so that you don't lose your joy for it."

So... if winter is getting you down, do something different. For me is was a special treat to host a ladies brunch. What creative thing will you come up with? You are welcome to share in the comments.

Thanks for reading,

xo,

~ Courtney ~

(Because I tend to get negative feedback whenever I post about homeschooling, please note the true purpose for this post... I like to use my blog to record the things that I do at home. Sort of like a scrapbook or a journal for my own personal use. And if anyone stops by my blog, maybe it can also be an encouragement to them.)

A Home for Traveling Strangers

I've been experiencing some sadness...

A couple of sweet girls that have been staying with us, moved on to their next adventure.

And now the house feels quiet, empty, and sad...

The morning they left was dreary and rainy, which matched our emotions about them leaving perfectly.

These girls were an absolute delight, and I have missed them greatly since they left.

I cried as I watched them pull out of our driveway for the last time...

I knew that these two young girls who I had opened my heart and my home to, were two young girls I would probably never see again.

But so it goes for the life of a missionary.

Always traveling to a new town... Ministering to a new church... Adjusting to a new host family...

"I realize that you are used to coming and going... But I am not used to it. My heart hurts. I will miss you!" I said to them as they stood by my door with suitcases in hand.

The night before we had stayed up laughing with them, praying over them, and talking about how we just couldn't believe that their two weeks with us was already over.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I knew that our church had scheduled a revival summit, and I had put it into my calendar so that our family could attend, but I didn't know the role I was to play while the revival team was here.

Our associate pastor called me one afternoon and asked if I would be willing to house a couple of the team's members. 

He said he was having a hard time finding enough families to host, and would I consider providing meals and beds for two of the girls on the team.

I instantly thought of Isaiah 58:7 which says, "Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the wanderer with shelter..." and I knew I had to say yes. 

I got to work right away on preparing the house for their arrival.

We technically have a guest bedroom, but it only has one bed and I didn't know how these girls would feel about sharing it.

So I decided to let them have Nola and Elsa's bedroom, because that way they would each have their own bed.

This is what their room looked like once it was made perfect for them...

I had so much fun getting this room ready!

I scrubbed and cleaned and washed up all the bedding...

I bought fresh flowers...

And put together a little toiletry tray and vanity for them to use...

Nola made this precious welcome sign...

And I stocked the room with snacks, chocolate, and water bottles...

Once they arrived and settled in, they made themselves right at home, which absolutely delighted me!

I said to Micah, "What if in ten years Nola comes to us and says, 'Mom and Dad, I have joined a revival team. I will travel the country and stay in stranger's homes.' I would be a nervous wreck! I want to approach this company with the mindset that we are taking in

somebody's daughters! I want them to feel at home here."

Micah agreed, and we did everything we could to bless them and take care of them.

Although in the end, I realized that they were the ones who blessed us!

They were always cheerful, and appreciative of everything we did for them. It was a treat for me, as a mother, to watch my kids open up to them and play with them as the days progressed. And I was so grateful to them for showing my kids what godly young adults look like.

"They were not your typical nineteen and twenty year-olds," I said to my dad after their two weeks with us was complete. "I was so impressed with how mature and joy-filled they were... Always looking for ways to bless us!" I said. "And to think, they are from the 'entitlement' generation!"

But my dad replied, "They are Christians. Christians are peculiar. They've always been. They never fit into the mold of the culture."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After they left I went into their room to begin the process of getting our 'normal' back, and I found this...

One of the girls left us this precious thank-you note.

It read...

Downs Family,

Thank you so very much for taking in a couple extra kids. I'm so grateful to have had the privilege to be a part of your sweet family and humble, lovely home. I felt truly welcomed since the first night. Thank you so much for sharing your space and treating us so kindly. I hope to have a home as cozy and warm as yours one day.

God bless you all!

Until next time, 

Emma

Oh, how that did my heart such good!

My only wish through the years has been to make a wonderful, restful home for my family and for visitors. I've never cared about trying to impress or make my house into a trendy show place. I've just wanted it to feel like home. 

God used her words to minister encouragement to me that I am on the right track.

Home is a powerful feeling.

It can restore and comfort you.

And what a treat it was for me to be able to share my home with others.

"Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13

(Side note- In case you're wondering... Our family room renovation is still not complete! I felt self-conscious of that at first but in the end I learned a lesson. I learned that I don't need to wait to have the perfect house before offering hospitality. I made sure the girls' needs were met and I did the best that I could with all the other rooms. They made me feel like that was more than enough!)

I will miss their smiles and laughter, their presence around our dinner table, and the meaningful conversations we had, but I am thankful for the experience.

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10 

(I have decided not to include photos of our guests to be respectful of their privacy.)

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog today friends!

I'll be back soon...

xo,

~ Courtney ~