The past few months have seemed to be a struggle for me spiritually. Many things have troubled me. I have let things get me down, and have become very overwhelmed with my spiritual walk with the Lord. But the Lord is ever merciful and knows just when to send comfort and strength.
Since we have lived here we have been looking for a larger house to move into. The house we live in now is a small 3 bedroom 1 bathroom house. Our landlady lives right above us, and with our large family and sometimes loud and rowdy children, I often fear that we are disturbing her. Having company over, and feeling like I can show true hospitality has really been a trial for me. I love to have the brethren in my home from time to time, but with our living situation, I have found this hard to do. We have tried to rent several different houses in the area, only to be told they decided to rent the house to someone else. I have prayed about this a lot, and I feel like the Lord has shown me that I a am very blessed to have a home to call my own, and no matter what the size I should still show hospitality to my brethren. So last weekend I invited over a couple families after church for dinner, and it really was great to have the brethren in my home once again. We were able to visit with one another on good things. It really was a great joy to me. I know that our house situation is only temporary, and this is just a learning time for me. I have no doubt that the Lord will bless us with a house large enough for our family, but it all has to be in his time and not mine.
Another thing that has been troublesome to me is....why did we move here? We have always loved this area. Sean and I both just really enjoy living in the Portland area. I really felt most of the reasons we enjoyed living here were carnal reasons. For example: better pay, nicer scenery, close to the coast etc. etc. I really feared that possibly we moved back here just because it is a place we enjoy living, and not because it was the place the Lord wanted us to be. I have questioned many times, what I our roll in this small assembly? Well after this weekend I believe the Lord confirmed that this is the place we are supposed to be. Sunday after church Isaiah gave his hand to Sean to be baptized. It truly was a wonderful day! With the Lord showing me moment by moment that he does have a plan for us in this place, and at the ordinance supper Sean received a prophesy that confirmed it all. I feel so blessed to be able to live in a place we love. And to have that place also be the place the Lord wants us is such a great joy.
I know that with each day I will face new circumstances, and new trials. But I truly believe God has great things in store for us here in this place. I am looking forward to seeing His will unfold, for us and all the brethren in this part, as we each grow as individuals and as an assembly. The Lord knows just when to give comfort and strength....I truly have been lifted up!
About Me
- Marisela
- I am a mom of six wonderful children, 5 girls and one boy. I have been married to the same great man now for 19 year and will be celebrating 20 years in June! How time flies when your having fun :)
Me
My Beautiful Children
8 comments:
Your post touched my heart so much! I truly do know what you are going through...and have been there myself. Questioning our lots in life seems to be a favorite pastime the adversary lures us in to... Be patient, your life will change so many times as it continues on. What you spoke of in your blog is the key...realizing that we ARE so blessed even if we live in a hovel. We have been called out of the world of darkness and have access to the Great God in Heaven. He hears our every whisper and knows where he is leading us even if we don't see. He knows our children and formed them in our wombs and brought them forth with great power. He's given us husbands who love Him and who love us...what a treasure in this world...and where could we have ever found such blessings and peace and safety for ourselves? Be full of joy as you raise your little ones! Put on bowels of mercy, kindness and humbleness of mind toward them...serve them and your husband and they will rejoice with you and be so happy themselves to have such a Momma. Yes, there will be dark days...days when you get on your knees and only God will be able to fix the heartaches...but He will. I see He has for me...and I am no one special. Hang in there Marisela, wait for the "early and latter rain" and you will see the fruit of what you are sowing each day. My love and prayers...
It seems that with Travis and I we have more oppurtunities to show hospitality when we live in small apartments. Shortly after we were married a dear Bishop came over for dinner. He said that hospitality is offering what you have and don't apologize for what you don't have. To this day my greatest example of hospitality was from a sister that had not been taught to cook or clean. She didn't have a car to get around in so on the day that she had invited us to dinner I asked her if she needed to go anywhere. She said no and worked all day on cleaning the house. When we got there her house was much cleaner. It looked like other people's dirty but there was a big improvement. Her hamburger helper was a little undercooked and the rest came out of cans. However with small children underfoot she worked all day for her house to be presentable for us. It showed just how much she wanted us there. She has, I'm sure learned many things about cleaning and cooking since then but it has stuck in mind as a wonderful example of hospitality.
We are very thankful for your hospitality to us, your house didn't seem small at all to us.
I have been so thankful that you and Sean are here. I have felt like it was so good for our relationship and of course for our church. Today, Isaiah is riding with you to a funeral after he felt to give his hand to Bro. Sean for baptism, so many good things. I have enjoyed your hospitality, even though I understand your struggle. You are a good example to me Sis. Marisela....(((HUGS)))
I've felt the same things about living here. There's no doubt in my mind that we're supposed to live here, but I've often wondered what exactly our purpose is here.
I have also noticed that you and Sean seemed kind of down, but I didn't know how to help you out. I'm glad that you feel better. We'll just have to keep working together to be an encouragement to one another.
I am so excited for the things the Lord does for us. I was so glad to spend time together. Can't wait to get to know each other better.
I can see God working out a lot of ways for a lot of people to assemble in that area again, and I think that is awesome. I could see Ryan and I a part of that assembly someday, way down the road probably. But we don't always know why, we just have to trust God altogether. I hope your assembly keeps on growing, what a blessing ;)
I always love your hospitality! Amazing how the Lord works in our lives, we need to trust Him in what He wants our lives to be.
As I read this it brought tears to my eyes. I knew Sean had baptized Isaiah, and was very excited for your little assembly, but lately I have felt so displaced like I don't belong, I know to a certain extent it is Satan but I was so happy to see you guys feel at home and you've found your place. I know it's a wonderful feeling, and when we finally are shown what god wants for us I am looking forward to feeling the same.
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