"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)

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In our 50 years of marriage, we have moved 19 times. We know what it is like to be the new kid on the block. Because of these experiences, long ago we decided we would take the first step to meet our neighbors. We've ad many joyful conversations leading to new friendships.

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God wants us to love one another, but how can we do that if we don't make the effort to meet people who are right around us? Do we have to push ourselves? Do we have to do extra work to invite a family to dinner? Yes! But it is worth it.

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God has given us a large house near a major hospital and we have found great joy in opening our home to people from out of town who come for medical tests and procedures.

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I once found myself grumbling about feeling like a housekeeper after one family was about to arrive. How quickly God changed my attitude by impressing on me, I gave you this house, I can take it away and give it to someone who will use it. Wow! That changed my negativity quickly. What a blessing to have a way to help strangers and make new friends.

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PRAYER: Father, thank you for providing the gift of home and food that we can use to share with others. Thank you for opening our eyes to see that friendship is needed by others, for opening our hearts to minister to others, and for filling us with joy. I pray that we will continue to use the resources you have provided our family to show your love to others. May these friends that cross our path in life be blessed. Through Christ we pray, amen.