Another Beautiful Trip . . . A Perhaps a Few Words of Encouragement

So, we have had quite the adventure since I last updated my blog . . . we went to the Highlands of Scotland.  Can you even believe it?  Tanner and I, along with our friend Shelley, decided to take a wee hop over the sea and visit another friend from Bible College who was back home in Scotland for Christmas Break.  He is from Aberdeen . . . so we spent an entire day flying from Belfast to Glasgow, taking a train from Glasgow to Dundee, riding a bus from Dundee to Aberdeen and then finally riding in our buddy’s car back to his house from the Aberdeen Train Station.  Pretty crazy day of travelling, but we were warmly welcomed with open arms when we arrived at Andy’s house.  His mother had cooked an amazing dinner meal and we sat around the table and enjoyed the tasty food as well as wonderful conversation.  It was a blessing to be in a home . . . and to sit on a couch by a cozy fireplace. 

On our second day in Scotland we journeyed up into the mountains as Tanner and Andy were determined to find some slopes for snowboarding.  For many Europeans, Scotland isn’t usually seen as the top destination for those desiring to ski and snowboard.  However, Scotland received a massive snowfall a few days before our arrival, making the slopes the best they have been in 30 years!  So, what were a few twenty-somethings looking for a Scottish adventure to do?  That’s right . . . head up the mountain.  

 

 

 So, we drove about two hours north, spent the night at a lovely hostel, and woke up early the next morning to make the most of our day on the mountain.  We skied at a place called Glenshee and it was a blast!  And, believe it or not . . . yours truly even put a pair of skis on and rocked out the bunny slopes!  Shelley and I came quite close to canning the whole skiing idea . . . hot chocolate in the café sounded quite nice to me.  However, Tanner and Andy were great encouragers and thus we found ourselves on the slopes.  I truly had so much fun and am thankful I had the opportunity to make such a unique memory with Tanner and our friends from Bible College. 

            At one point, while I was skiing down the mountain, I took a moment to stop and just take in the scenery around me.  Snow covered mountains are breathtakingly beautiful!  I really enjoy snow . . . it makes the cold worth it!  Recently, I have been enamoured with God’s unbelievable creativity.  Snow . . . what a neat invention!  And while I know certain snowfalls can cause danger and inconveniences, the white-capped Scottish Highlands invited me into a wonderful moment of worship as I recognized God’s splendour and magnificence expressed through creation.  I really can’t wait to see heaven . . . I wonder what true colours will look like realizing that the colours we now see are but a shadow of reality! 

 

 

We returned home from Scotland a little less than a week ago.  We were truly blessed by Andy’s family as they allowed us to stay in their house, use their warm showers, and even eat their food.  One thing I have learned in a very tangible way while living in a foreign country is the beauty of the ministry of hospitality.  Kerry Hasenbalg, the wife of our Executive Director at Show Hope, first introduced me to this idea.  She sent me some serving platters and hostess sets for one of my bridal showers prior to my wedding.  The note attached to the gift simply stated, “Emily, may you and Tanner always enjoy the ministry of hospitality.”  That idea stuck with me, and as Tanner and I have been living abroad, hospitably has been lavished upon us and has taken very visible forms.  Perhaps hospitality is a lost art and much-needed ministry in our American culture.  We are quite individually minded, and while this isn’t always a bad thing, perhaps we tend to focus on our own need while we let the needs of those around us go unseen.  There is such beauty in an open house.  And while the kitchen, shower and bed are nice it is perhaps the open hearts that are the most encouraging.  Last week, Tanner and I were welcomed into a home just as family would be at Christmas time.  I felt entirely favoured as I laid my head to sleep, realizing I was in the middle of Scotland, having just enjoyed a culinary masterpiece of a home cooked meal and was inspired by fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ.  And might I add, the Scottish accent is wonderfully endearing!  The ministry of hospitality . . . Tanner and I certainly endeavour to create a warm and inviting home.  It is our prayer that we never become so caught up in our little sphere that we forget the souls perhaps living next door that simply need to be invited in for a cup of hot tea and a good chat.

 

And so, while we returned from Scotland grateful and with full hearts, we have also been devastated by the news of Haiti’s earthquake.  Twelve years ago I visited Haiti on a mission trip.  My Mom and I travelled together and we were both completely shocked by the immense suffering we witnessed.  It was on this trip that God completely broke me and burdened me for the plight of orphans.  I was eleven at the time of the trip and I was befriending many children my age who had no Mother or Father to tuck them in at night, to protect them and provide for their every need.  As an eleven year old, I could not imagine having to find my own food, protect myself from criminals and perhaps even raise younger siblings.  And now the country is more desperate than it has ever been.  The news coverage is heartbreaking . . . Come Lord Jesus, Come!  I am praying for peace, I am praying for miraculous rescues and healing to take place.  I am praying for wisdom for the many humanitarian workers on the ground attempting to coordinate relief efforts.  I am praying for those who still have loved ones unaccounted for.  I am praying for the many Haitian orphans and for those taking care of them.  The need is so great and I feel quite useless.  Yet, I will never underestimate the power of prayer, the power of communicating and pleading with the One who is able to do infinitely more! 

            Friends . . . there will be a day when this world will fade away.  May we be men and women who choose to spend our time knowing God and investing in the lives of others.  When Maria passed away, the pastor from the church I attended while in college encouraged me with these words, “In light of tragedy, only two things really matter: heaven is real and relationships are the only things that matter this side of eternity.”  It is my prayer that we will become so enamoured and inspired by the hope of heaven that we can’t help but be men and women who recklessly love others . . . pointing them to the source of such love.

 

Comments

[Tanya Robinson]

Emily,

As always, your words reveal wisdom beyond your years. Many of us older folks have much to learn from your depth of faith! God bless you and your sweet Tanner today!

Blessings!
Tanya

[Vanessa Schaecher (from Nebraska)]

Emily,

Your heart shines through in your words. Your faith is refreshing. You are a wonderful writer. Thank you for sharing your fun trip with us and for inspiring me to dig deeper.

Blessings to you & Tanner

Vanessa:)

[Paige Betterton]

Thank you! I love the "recklessly love others" statement. I find myself sometimes doing lots of things recklessly and love typically isn't one of them! I will certainly do that today!

Paige

[Arnie Adkison]

Emily, glad to know you guys are enjoying this season in your life! Keep up the updates.

Arnie

[Lori]

Emily,
Beautiful words of encouragement. With respect to hospitality, it was a mark of the early Christian church that set believers apart. With respect to Haiti, we are praying too and rejoicing at the beauties that are emerging from the piles of ashes...while weeping with those who weep and are hurting. May God continue to bless you and Tanner as you seek His face. Heaven and relationships...that's it...may we all remind each other often of that all important truth to believers whose purpose is to glorify the Creator!
In HIM,
Lori

[Kristin]

Emily,
Your blog and words always make me long for heaven but also long for an earthly trip to Scotland and Ireland!

[best cures for snoring]

Hi, seems you are the master this field. I am a new learner and hoping to learn more from you.

[Melissa]

Simply amazing. The Lord has used you again today to encourage my heart. Thank you for allowing HIM to use you in this way.

[Tricia]

What an inspiring post! Hospitality is a gift on many levels. As you said, it is often missing in our culture. I love having people in my home, but I need to do it more often. We need to live on purpose and invest in those around us! Love ya, Emily!

[claudine t in md]

So wonderful to see your genuinely smiling faces and to hear of your beautiful adventures...and God's provision. Yes, hospitality is a gift...and deep, deep ministry from the heart of God. Think of Jesus with His friends sharing, eating. Think of His comments when someone invited Him in...fed Him...washed His feet...anointed Him with costly perfumes. Hospitality is indeed a lost art in America.

My parents are German/Dutch immigrants. My best childhood memories are of warm, almost smothering family embraces; tears of joy; warm wonderful food; and vibrant talk...all around the table.

Hospitality in America is seen in the same light as motherhood...as anything domestic -- dull -- and only for the "less thans" who couldn't possibly have succeeded in a worthwhile career. To that I say, "humbug!" Being a wife and mother is THE most difficult profession of all. It requires the greatest skill, ability, patience, and prayer.

Enjoy...ENJOY...and learn well friend. I believe God has you where you are for "exceedingly abundantly MORE than you could have asked for or even imagined." Embrace this time with ALL that is in you -- you are coming forth as gold refined, precious one.

Clinging to His hem,

Claudine T in MD

[Cherish]

Emily, you write so beautifully and I am always inspired by your words. I, too, have had a very heavy heart and feelings of uselessness about Haiti, so your encouragement is well-timed and much appreciated. May God continue to wow you with his wonders and lead, teach, protect, and love on you and Tanner.

God bless.

[miriam]

hey there! i always love reading your blog....good encouragement and inspiration tucked into every thought. love you guys and miss you!

Miriam mims.

[Lorna]

That's so neat that you guys were in Glenshee. I live in Greenock, about 25 miles from Glasgow :-)

We were so blessed with so much snow over Christmas, it made Scotland look so pretty (I think it's pretty all the time but then, I'm bias!)

God Bless,
Lorna

[Rosemary]

Emily:
You have such a true gift as a writer... I think you should look into writing a book, like your mom! I admire your love for God's
work here on earth... you are preparing yourself because I believe you will acomplish many great things for God's Glory!! You are a true blessing :)
I pray many blessing to you
in return,
Rosemary

[Teresa]

Our pastor said something this weekend that is sticking with me this week. He said, "For Christians, this is the only hell we will ever know." Good news for us and we need to let others know heaven is real!

God bless you and Tanner!

[Lori Oakley]

Thanks for the update and once again, you amaze me with your words. You are wise beyond your years and we older folks can learn much from you!!

Blessings to you and Tanner!

Lori (NC)

[chapman channel]

I loved reading your words. You make your mom smile. I love you and Tanner tons. Stay warm.... We miss you so much.

[Melody M]

Your blog and your words are also making me long for Heaven as well. Your blogs are always so refreshing. Your love for God really shines through you and your writing.

[Christine Gordon and Family]

you blow me away with the way you share your heart.......which SHINES with the love and wisdom of Christ.

I pray that my children will be rich in all that eternally matters.

You bring so much joy to your parents.....means so much that you give us a glimpse into all God is doing through you.

PLEASE PRAY FOR US; we have orphans from Haiti coming to MA. We have a small house with a lot of LOVE. We are hoping to take in one of these children....we are on the list and waiting to hear. These are older kids and our hearts long to take them in.

[Alvina]

Inspirational post and good reminder about building a home that's welcoming to others, and to use it as a tool to love others. :)

[June Vendetti]

Hi Emily,
It sounds as if you & Tanner are enjoying yourselves. Yes, God always gives us something to marvel about, and to give us "a cause for rejoicing," as St. Paul says. I always thank God for those moments where He shows me His infinite beauty in Nature. There's nothing like taking a walk in the snow!

As for the earthquake in Haiti, our Morning Prayer Group has been lifting up the Haitian people in prayer, as we have a rather large Haitian community here in Bridgeport. Our Associate Pastor is from Haiti, and was there when the earthquake occurred! For three days, we didn't know whether he was alive or not. Thank God, he came back to us alive!

[Shannon]

This post was such a blessing to me. I quoted your final words on facebook today...it was so true! Thanks for sharing, Emily.

[Christine]

I am amazed at your sharp insight to life and the wisdom you put into words. Your relationship with Jesus shines through. Thanks for taking the time to blog. Remembering to pray for you and Tanner.

[Kelly H-Y]

Beautiful post! Loved your words about hospitality ... our church has been talking about this subject a lot these days!

[Joyce]

I just wanted to let you know, that though the seeds were planted in my heart long ago to adopt a child or two later in life (I'm only 21), it was ShowHope and your ministry that really compelled me to turn a maybe into a definite. I know I have so much to offer, and I'll be listening to God's call.

Also, I studied abroad at the University of St. Andrews (15 minutes from dundee), and visited aberdeen. I'm glad you loved Scotland. The friendliness is first rate. I wonder if you tried some haggis :P