It is just beginning. We are 1 month from move in and I am a paradox of thoughts and emotions. I am excited mostly, at the prospects of living among a community of believers who can be as iron sharpening iron. We will share each other's burdens, rejoice together and enjoy the fullness of life together.
On the other hand, I am nervous and even a bit fearful. There are the those stares I et from people who think we're crazy for selling our home and buying a house with another couple- a couple we've only known for a year. I am nervous that our friends will be worn by living with three young boys- goodness knows they wear me out plenty of days. I am nervous that our home will become a place of tension and pent-up anxiety as opposed to the welcome relief that we all intend it to be. Mostly these fear occur in my weaker moments, and overall I am confident that we are in the midst of God's plan- not only for us but for others.
Imagine, just imagine the good that could be done for the needy of this world were others to pool their resources in an effort to increase a stranger as opposed to one's self. What if we used a raise or a bonus to buy a car for someone who needs it instead of buying a cruise or choosing the delux, ultra, extra package on everything we buy? What if? That's what we're going to find out. What if we gave up two of our five bedrooms to others who needed affordable housing? What if we housed people who couldn't pay us at all? What if?
The fears and doubts creep in again with regard to our boys- What if these others are a danger to them in some way?
But the reassurance is powerful. What if living in a home where outsiders are welcomed and loved shows our boys the love of Christ in a way that nothing else could? What if they grow up with a passion to serve human-kind in even more incredible ways? What if they learn all about other cultures and types of people at a young age, counteracting the biases and stereotypes that we inherit from media and family? What if...?
Lord, give me wisdom and patience. Help me to keep the eternal picture in mind and to cultivate the soil in our children's hearts so that healthy seeds of love and compassion will grow while unhealthy thorns find no home. Remind me daily that I am not in ultimate control. Our boys are Yours first, and I praise you for every day you give me with each one of them. Help us to show them You first above all else. Amen.
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"Praying, working, and eating together resolves more issues than many words." Elmdorf Christian Community
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May you stay rooted by the stream of water that gives you life and causes you to produce fruit in its season. And may you walk boldly towards what needs preserving in this world - bringing great value to it - knowing that it is God who declares that you can do it. And may you live the radical life of a revolutionary - prompting the world to ask of you, "What are we gonna do with you?"
Amen. (Prayer/Benediction from Church of the Open Door Sermon entitled "Salt that is Worth Something")
Christianity entered history as a new social order, or rather a new social dimension. From the very beginning Christianity was not primarily a "doctrine," but exactly a "community." There was not only a "Message" to be proclaimed and delivered, and "Good News" to be declared. There was precisely a New Community, distinct and peculiar, in the process of growth recruited. Indeed, "fellowship" was the basic category of Christian existence.
Georges Florovsky
"Praying, working, and eating together resolves more issues than many words." Elmdorf Christian Community
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Us in a nutshell...
We are two families endeavoring to live out God's plan for simple community among believers. We are learning; we are not experts at this! We share one home, and we open up 2 of our 5 bedrooms to international students and other friends and family who need temporary housing. We eat many meals together weekly. We pray together, laugh together, discuss spiritual issues together, and learn from each other.
One family consists of a couple with 3 young boys, and the other family consists of a married couple (and a dog and cat). The two husbands of the house are full time seminary students, one wife works full time and the other stays at home with her 3 children and works from home part-time.
This endeavor came about both as a practical response to our financial needs as families, and as the result of a desire to live out our Christian lives in a way that critically questions the individualism that is common in society.
This blog is an honest look at thoughts and reactions to this journey. It is not always meant to be a shining example of what is right. It is merely two families sharing our adventure with anyone who wants to watch it unfold.
One family consists of a couple with 3 young boys, and the other family consists of a married couple (and a dog and cat). The two husbands of the house are full time seminary students, one wife works full time and the other stays at home with her 3 children and works from home part-time.
This endeavor came about both as a practical response to our financial needs as families, and as the result of a desire to live out our Christian lives in a way that critically questions the individualism that is common in society.
This blog is an honest look at thoughts and reactions to this journey. It is not always meant to be a shining example of what is right. It is merely two families sharing our adventure with anyone who wants to watch it unfold.
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