When we moved from Colorado to Nebraska 12 years ago, we were so excited to get a really large house for a really good price. It’s not a new house – as a matter of fact, it’s over 100 years old. But there’s plenty of room for our boys to run around, invite all their friends to run around, fill up with company, and do all that we love to do with others in our home.
It’s also really hard to heat, has crazy plumbing issues, and gets cob-webby very easily. We won’t focus on those disadvantages. No house is perfect. But God gave us this home, and we love it (while wearing many layers during the winter months).
One of the biggest blessings of owning our big home is the fact that we’ve been able to house extras from time to time. It’s been so neat to watch God put people in our lives who need a place to stay. We have an extra bedroom that is perfect for company – but even better for people who need to stay for an extended time.
That bedroom is tucked away in the “back” of our home, so our extended guests can have a little bit of their own space. People have stayed in that room for anywhere from six weeks to seven months at a time. We figure – if they are brave enough to move in with our (loud, crazy, busy) family – they are more than welcome to stay as long as they need.
From college students, to a widow in transition, to a friend in crisis, to guys needing a place to stay before they get married – it’s been so great to see who God moves in. We’ve lived here 12 years, and God has moved 8 people into that room for one reason or another. These guys and gals have blessed us so much!
The young man we have living with us now has become like a beloved son to us. He gets married in December (yay!) so moves out the end of this month (sniff). For some reason, he and his bride have decided to get a place of their own after their wedding (ha!). He is a fabulous role model for our sons. We are so blessed.
God is so good to fill our lives with people to love and serve. In His constantly perfect way, He makes our service to others an even bigger blessing to us. I love how He works.
Sandra @ Sandra's Ark says
You have been a great blessing and friend to others and they have been a blessing to you.
Isn’t God good to us.
I am thankful for good friends and encouragers.
http://www.sandrasark.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/who-needs-encouragement-today-dose-of.html
ms.p says
Last Thursday I took my daughter to get lost with dannah gresh and the copperlily. What a wonderful time. I thought it for my duaghter God had different plans for me. It was blessing for me and my daughter
Lana says
I am thankful for clear direction in a matter that my husband had been wrestling with. We are now at peace. Isn’t God good?
Karen says
What a beautiful testimony! While we don’t have an extra room for long term stays, we did enjoy a visit from 4 young adults a few weeks ago. All the children piled on the floor in their sleeping bags so our guests could have their beds. They thought the campout was fun! I was especially blessed to watch our friends play and interact with our youngest children. These godly young adults were a real blessing to have in our home – even if all squeezed in!
Samantha says
Although we did just purchase a much bigger home than what we were used to with our small apartment, and my amazing best friend is staying in our spare room for as long as she needs, im very grateful for something that most would be upset about.
My husband works Sunday night through Friday night out of town, so he is only home for the weekend, with a rare trip home during the week if we can swing it. A change of plans happened this week when he pulled all of the muscles on the right side of his back hanging drywall at the house this weekend. We haven’t had a day off together, let alone 4 in a row, in at least a year. Even though he was couch ridden and we couldn’t go outside very much, the children and I enjoyed every extra second we got to spend with him. It was so nice to have him home, and the pain was managed without him being tired and loopy (our doctor is amazing). I’m grateful for that time. We may be short on the next paycheck, but we can always find ways to make our means strech, we won’t ever get that time back.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
I’m so thankful for how God is using our family to minister to the youth in our community. I pray that our lights would so shine that He would be glorified!