#seeking by: Deborah Ard
Last week Julie shared her experience of misplacing her grandmother’s ring and how she searched for it in various places. After reading about her experience I have noticed how often I am searching for something and I imagine you are often searching for something too. Sometimes we are searching for our car keys, our favorite piece of clothing, important documents, etc. All of these are items that we once had but have misplaced. However, sometimes we are searching or seeking something we desire such as job direction, relationship guidance, parenting advice, answers, etc. In fact what do we do when we need information instantly? We search Google or we ask Siri. No matter our walk in life and no matter what season of life we are in, we often find ourselves seeking or searching. The definition of seek is to attempt to find (something), attempt or desire to obtain or achieve (something), ask for (something) from someone.

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#2018wordoftheyear  by: Deborah Ard
And here it is…the end of 2017. It is so hard to believe it is here. As 2017 draws to an end and look toward 2018 I have reflected, prayed about, and settled on my word for 2018: HOSPITALITY. Hospitality is defined as friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers. The Bible instructs in Romans 12:9-13 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. “
There is an entire industry devoted to hospitality. Colleges offer hospitality degrees. My favorite vacation spot, Disney World, has perfected the business of hospitality. So how do I individually obey this command to practice hospitality?
When I first think of hospitality I think of inviting others into my home. Therefore in 2018 I will make it a goal to open our home up to others to share a meal, play family games, or to roast marshmallows around our fire pit.
My second goal will be to show hospitality in my actions toward others each day. Hospitality calls us to love everyone, including strangers. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” What a phenomenal passage of scripture! When we show genuine hospitality to a stranger we may be helping an angel! Hospitality is the Velcro that joins us together. Hospitality comes from deep within your soul. It is a symptom of the joy that is in your heart. When you hold the door open for someone, help an elderly person with their groceries, offer to babysit for free, buy the person’s food behind you in the drive-through lane, or any act of kindness, the reaction is almost always the same. The person that you have helped will usually say, “thank you,” and they will feel good deep inside their soul because of your kindness. Doing good for others many times makes them want to do good for someone else too. It feels good to serve others. Serving others makes them want to be around you more and it makes them better people too.
My last goal will be to model and instill the virtue of hospitality in my children. Here is a list I found that I will use to guide my children in hospitality in our home.
Always offer to take coats and belongings.
Always offer guest a drink or snack.
Always let guest go first.
Always direct guest to the seating or play area.
Always let guest choose the activities.
Always be attentive to guest needs.
Always share, share, and share more.
Always clear table for guest after a meal.
Always assist guest with gathering their belongings.
Always thank the guest for coming and ask them to come again.
Always walk guest to the door when leaving.
Showing hospitality doesn’t have to be anything grand or elaborate. It can be as simple as smiling at people you pass in a hall or speaking to people you meet along your way.
A pineapple has been deemed a symbol of hospitality. In early America the Native Americans would place a pineapple outside their hut if they were receiving visitors. Even today, in many hotels and inns, a pineapple is carved on a sign outside establishments. A carved pineapple or a facsimile of one can be found carved in head-boards, on bed posters, or armoires. In dining rooms, pineapples can be found on the backs of chairs, on wallpaper, cupboard doors, and woven dining linen. Casts in the shape of pineapples are used as hot plates or on the end of silverware, all to impress upon guests that they are welcome.
My word for 2018, HOSPITALITY, will inspire me to be a pineapple…May I stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet on the inside!
And what about you? What will be your word for 2018? What will inspire you to set goals to aspire to for the year? What will be your mantra for the year? Take some time today to pray about, ponder and discern your direction for 2018. I would love to hear from you about your word for 2018! deborahpard@gmail.com

Here are some scriptures on HOSPITALITY:
Luke 19:1-10 Hebrews13:1-8, 15-16 Genesis 18:1-15 Isaiah 25:1-9
John 13:1-17 Acts 2:42-47 Mark 14:22-25 1 Peter 4:1-11
Romans 12:9-18 John 6:1-21 Luke 14:15-24 Mark 10:13-16

#Prayer #Intentional by: Julie Wicker
Father,
Thank you for another year of blessings. As we close out 2017 and enter into 2018 open our heart and minds for what you have in store for each of us. Lay on our hearts a word or mantra that reminds us to act with intention and not repetition. Interrupt our plans with divine appointments. Prompt us to show hospitality to others & extend the love of Christ Jesus.
In the name of Jesus
Amen

Upcoming Events!! 

We would love to invite all of you to experience the upcoming Women’s Retreat at Herbert Memorial UMC. A time for Refreshment and Renewal, Water for the Soul.

Save the date, Friday January 19th & Saturday January 20th. Registration Form Below:

2018 Refresh & Renew Registration Form