The "F" Words

Food, fun fellowship. Some of my best memories are wrapped around those three words. This week brought us several examples of such.

First, my Beloved Husband’s brother and his wife are staying with us for a few days. This is the full brother found after 37 years of separation, and we’ve been so grateful to God for their place in our lives. The family was reunited in 1987, and it’s been a blessed 23 years.

As we went over our plans, we realized our evenings had all been taken with activities put on the calendar before we knew when they would be here.

They arrived Wednesday, when we were previously scheduled to provide treats for our AWANA children. So they came into a house filled with aroma of baking cupcakes, then carried off to watch the children participate in Easter egg hunts and play time.

Thursday nights are our regular 42 nights. These began with a couple from our church providing a home cooked meal for a widower and a gentle man (space intended) whose wife is in a nursing home. They would eat and play the domino game 42. It has flexed and grown into three tables of four players of senior adults from our church. Our guests fit right in.

Friday night is a Family Game Night, which we set up for every six to eight weeks as family members are available – this one happen to fall with they were here. Our three children, one grandchild, guests and spouses will gather for potluck dinner and game tables.

Saturday night the Rochester Family will present a concert at our church, followed by a BBQ sandwich dinner and Beloved Husband will be taking a sheet cake for dessert.

Sunday is the annual celebration of that which we celebrate each and every first day of the week – the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our guests will join in that celebration (and another opportunity to hear the Rochesters sing) then we’re off to First Daughter’s house for Easter dinner, another bring-a-dish.

So, why is all this activity listed in my Bible reading blog? Because of the “F” words -- food, fun, fellowship, friends and family – that flow through our Christian life.

It has been thus since examples were given.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42 KJV)

In the midst of storms, Paul gave an example of how to handle them in our lives today.

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. (Acts 27:35-36 KJV)

Each and every one of the listed activities included prayer. We pray not only that the food prepared would serve as nourishment to our bodies, but also for answered prayers, prayers for specific requests and thanks giving for God’s mercy and grace in our lives, in Jesus name.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20 KJV)

May God offer you the same opportunities to enjoy His world with His people.