Fellowship along the Way

"For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while." Romans 15:24

It really is amazing to me how the Word truly does contain all things for life and godliness.  Right there in Romans 15:24, I found the exact words to describe how Scott and I felt about our last three days with friends.  God brought us together with some dear brothers and sisters in Christ for fun and real fellowship.  Emily and Tanner Richards came to stay with us for a few days on their way to a Show Hope speaking engagement and then after dropping them at the airport our family went on to New Jersey to spend a couple of days with our dear friends the Cuozzos who are missionaries currently on a short furlough in the States.  We had a chance to meet heir precious newly adopted daughter, Lydia Hope.   

With both the Richards and the Cuozzos, we had incredibly edifying and fun fellowship.  While standing poolside, 8 year old, Caleb Cuozzo so fittingly said, "This is one of the best day of my whole life."  And you know what Caleb, I really do agree.  But for me it wasn't so much the chocolate strawberries, the wild animals, the bike rides or the pool that made it so great; but rather, it was the honest fellowship, sincere hospitality, and genuine desire to love one another in spirit and in truth that made it so special for me.  We were not "hidden" from one another....we were not afraid to be real, vulnerable or honest, nor to seek the Lord together in order to grow and mature...In all these interactions there was a sense of "please tell me, I want to know... what do you see in me that I might ask the Lord to change so that I can be more loving towards my fellow man."....And this is extremely rare along the way of this journey called life. What is better than truth and love in the inward parts...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks and reveals what is in the man!   

Dear Richards and Cuozzos, The Hasenbalgs are so glad that God saw fit to allow us to see you on our journey and to be helped on our way there by you and to enjoy your company for a while.  

Our few days in pictures:  

As we drove away Cole told us that to him these few days felt like Paradise. And when he said that I realized that I agreed in my heart but again not necessarily for the same reasons.  In my thirty seven years of life, I have stayed in other amazing homes and had the opportunity to see such incredible creatures roaming free on the African Savannah, but what I have had far too little opportunity to experience is the kind of openness of heart and soul among God's people.  Christians are usually so afraid to be known by one another.  We are such a suspicious fearful lot. And I think one of the common denominators for these open, honest, and loving kind of fellowship was humbled hearts prepared through brokenness...weak individuals who have become quite grateful for help and company along the way of this difficult and common journey called life.  I think we feel so alone even when we are together because even when gathered we are usually so separate in heart out of fear of being discovered for the needy and flawed humans that we are.  In those rare occasions when we can put aside jealousies, competitions, opinions, and suspicions, we together are finally free! 

Thank you Lord for all that you have revealed to us about yourself in your creation of nature and of men.  We give you praise for all that you have given to us - particularly what you have given to us in one another!  

Comments

[Cindy S.]

Dear Kerry,
This morning I was reading your latest posting to my husband as he was washing the breakfast dishes. And he stated after I read your post, "she's the real deal!" "She nailed it right on the head!" This is a big problem in our churches. We are all afraid to be real and transparent with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for your honest & open postings on your blog. They are very encouraging.

[cindi m.]

Dear Kerry,
What a beautiful post. Why can't Godly friendships all be like this?

Case in point: My husband & I have been attending a church for about 5 years. Sweet, sweet people there but still alot of "flesh." We feel that the Lord is nudging us elsewhere but everyone is discouraging that; isn't the point of real friendships to help one another grow as you fellowship? How do you handle the mindset of "You belong here; you can't leave us; God put you here(presumably forever) for a reason?"

Anyway, your post really spoke to my heart this morning. And the pictures are delightful!

[Christine]

Hi Kerry,
I have been following Naoimi's post after you mentioned it some time ago. It was fun to follow their adoption and nice to see you two families enjoying the kind of fellowship you speak of. It is a real heart treat when you can just be honest and know it will be given in return, building each other up. My husband and I have had some times of that but it definately could happen more.

[Debbie from Ohio]

Awww, looks like you all had an enjoyable visit and great fellowship together. Love the pictures!

[Sweet Joni]

^~^ HAPPY 9th ANNIVERSARY SCOTT & KERRY ^~^
May the Good Lord Our Savior bring many more years full of Faith, Hope & Love to you! :)

Wow! It's been a time since I've stopped by on your blog & sure have missed it but am so grateful to be able to come back - read all I've missed, see all the wonderful photos & receive such encouragement by your Words of Wisdom...open & honest!!! [And Cole's too!] :D It's quite interesting the comprehension of God's Word he is Living! Your parenting & Christ like teachings with him are AWESOME! And lil Maya certainly has grown just in the last month :) Her smiles are getting much bigger! So kewl! :D I'm also Thankful that Scott is feeling lots better too! :)

My computer had an over-haul so I'm learning lots of new things w/a different browser & the RSS feeds aren't on Home Page yet + I've spent lots of time at our church. LOVED photographing during our Week of VBS! Such adorable children! :D
So much good news [You can read up on my blog @ http://www.sweet-joni.blogspot.com]
Even the "bumps in the road" are much lighter w/Jesus leading me! :)
Last wk was the last surgery (prayerfully) on my Journey thru Cancer that began 01.28 PTL!!!

Thank You for all you share while Walking God's path...
Many Blessings & May you continue to find God's Peace from Within,
~Joni