Welcome Home!!

Seperately, the words "welcome" and "home" are full of meaning and evoke all sorts of emotions and memories. But put those two words together and they really pack a lot of punch! All of a sudden, it is very personal.

When Big D and I come home from missions trips, one of our favorite moments is when we land on American soil and hear the customs officer say "welcome home". We love going on these trips and investing our small part in The Great Commission. But we know where God has us full time and we frankly enjoy the good old U.S.A. with its drinkable water and a Dr. Pepper in most vending machines.

Each time we make our way back to Oklahoma for a visit to the family, we may not hear the actual words of "welcome home", but it is always communicated in any number of ways. Whether its the bear hugs as we enter the house or the smell of a favorite dinner being cooked, we are being welcomed home. Honestly, by the end of our visit, we are usually ready to go back to our own home and our normal lives. But for that brief span of time, we revel in being with those who love us so deeply.

After all, "Home is where the heart is".

It is where we fit because God has put us there. It is where we are loved. We know we belong.

We got in late this last Tuesday night from a long month of travel, ministry and personal vacation all combined. We were exhausted!!

As we entered our house we were confronted with an amazing surprise. Our table was beautifully set with flowers in a vase. On the counter was an assortment of breads and cake. The refrigerator I had left empty was stocked with two days worth of incredible home cooked food.

Welcome Home!!