We went to a new church today. One we've seen a hundred times and heard about and noticed on bumper stickers. We had just never been.
The worship and Word were awesome. It was right on point with what God has been speaking to us lately. It was so refreshing for my hubby to have a Sunday off and be able to all go to church together. After the service we met the Pastor and – get this – he lives on our street! Not just in the same area of town or a nearby neighborhood – the very same street, y'all!
It was like meeting someone who asks where you're from and you say, "Originally? Louisiana. South Louisiana, actually." And they say their family is from South Louisiana, too, near Baton Rouge. So you elaborate a little further, "Mine is in East Baton Rouge Parish... You probably haven't heard of it. A little town called Pride." Then their eyes light up with a familiarity that only someone from that area would know and they say, "Mine is in Zachary!!" For those of you who aren't from there and don't know how crazy that is, the road my family lives on joins our town to theirs less than 10 miles away!
So that's how we met our neighbors who happened to be the Pastors of the small church we happened to go to today. The Pastor said, "Hey, is y'all's the house with the tree swing out front?" Thankful that he recognized our quaint gesture to welcome others in, we said, "Yeah!" He said, "Every time we walk by there my little girl asks me if we can stop and swing." And, y'all! At that, we melted! See, it's our desire, through that little swing, to hear children's laughter and see friends playing. We love to peek out and see sisters pushing each other or twisting it around and around only to walk away dizzy, giggling. "Oh, please, let her!" I said. "That's why it's there out front and not tucked away in the back yard... So everyone who wants to can enjoy it!"
Somehow, that'll preach!
But in case you can't hear your own little mini-sermon in there somewhere, allow me to share one of my own...
The love of God is free! It's available to all who are willing to receive it! He makes it easy to get to. He puts it right out front. It doesn't require a ticket or a pass or a card. Not a key or a lock or a gate. It just requires you. You, surrendering to the freedom that He wants so desperately to give you.
He's a good, good Father.
It's who He is!
And you are loved by Him.
It's who you are!
Have you heard this song? http://youtu.be/djrY_eFDOwE
Blessings this week, friends!
Liz
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