I CAN.......

I can't walk fast.           I can't run.         I can't get the ladder out and clean the gutters.

I can't use the post hole digger.         I can't lift over 3 lbs without triggering my movements.

I can't reach both hands up at the same height.   I can't raise my right leg.    I can't stop moving.

I can't walk far.         I can't stand long.           I can't have a day with no pain.      I can't sleep well.

I can't work in my yard like I use to.    I can't drive far.

                                                                                   I can't get the groceries.         I can't sing.


BUT....................................................
                                                                               
                                          I CAN................................................


I can sit.
                I can pick up my grand daughter.
                                                                                 I can laugh.
                                                                                                 
 I can hold a child on my lap.

I can sing with my grand daughter.  She doesn't mind if I can't reach the high notes anymore.

I can hug my kids.
                                  I can talk. 

                                I can tell my family and friends that I love them.


I can kiss my husband.      I can hold hands.      I can walk.       I can stand.


I can see.
                 I can touch.
                                       I can write.
                                                            I can speak.
                                                                                  I can cry.
                                                                                                    I can forgive.
                                                                                                                             I can love.
                         I CAN......


I can trust in the God who loves me.

I can believe the Word of God when it says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

I can know that the God of the Bible is the same God that's in my heart.

I can surrender to the God who died for me.

I can accept this path because He holds me.


I can.
                       I will. 
                                              I am.



Can you?

Hospitality

Kids always have the most interesting and unusual questions to ask when they are either at the dinner table or in the car. 

Our youngest son, Todd, asked one day while we were driving home from a week end away....."What is hospitality?" 

My husband, Robert, and I looked at one another.  We wondered where did that come from?  What made Todd think about "hospitality"?    "DAD" knew he could handle this one.  (Because it wasn't about..... sex.) 

Robert answered, "Todd.... It's when you're hungry and someone gives you food.  It's when you're cold and someone gives you clothes."

Todd, feeling like he totally understood his father's definition, replied, ...

"So.....

...hospitality is when you're itchy and someone gives you Monkey Butt powder?" 

We cracked up. LOL

Not too sure about Todd's view on hospitality.  But Jesus did speak about it.  He encouraged us to be hospitable.  To be a servant.  To help the widows and orphans.  To love others.

Romans 12:13 "...distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

"Christian hospitality differs from social entertaining.  Entertaining focuses on the host:  The home must be spotless; the food must be well prepared and abundant; the host must appear relaxed and good natured.  Hospitality, by contrast, focuses on the guest, their needs...whether for a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or acceptance...are the first importance.  Hospitality can happen in a messy home, it can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup.  It can even happen while the host and the guest are doing chores together.  Don't be afraid to offer hospitality just because you are too tired, too busy, or not wealthy enough to entertain."*

Some of the best memories I've had with friends are when we ate whatever I found left over in the refrigerator.  Go ahead.  Start opening your heart. Your home.  Your refrigerator. Your wallet.

Maybe....

...Just maybe....

...someone may be itchy....do what Todd would.

Give them... Monkey Butt powder. :)

* Life Application Bible footnote