Saturday, September 22, 2012

A Sheltering Home

My home is in heaven.  I'm just passing through this world. 
                                                                             ~Billy Graham




Melodie,

The poet, Edgar A Guest said, "It takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it a home." I love how you have made (wherever we lived) a beautiful place to call home, and a place where we can be happy to come home to--a refuge in a crazy world.  I know this is one of your favorite books and you will use it often.  But remember, however much "stuff" we have and no matter how beautifully and tastefully it is arranged, it is always you that I really come home to. Thank you for making our home home.
 Love,
Ray


Antique organ case Ray refinished for Melodie


























Those who have been sheltered in my sister's home know what a gift Melodie has for making her home a haven. It's a place where many evangelists, parishioners and friends have found rest for their heart.


Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home
For there the heart can rest.
~Henry Van Dyke~


Three years ago, at the age of 55, Melodie's childhood sweetheart, Ray, went to enjoy the hospitality of heaven. Life changed for Melodie--but instead of putting away her cloth napkins, china and candles, she continues to open her home to her friends.  Whether it's a tea party for a dozen, a weekend get-away for a friend, or Sunday dinner for our parents, her home still shelters.

And I'm sure Ray is enjoying living in a mansion prepared by Son of God. A home where the gates are made of pearl, where the lighting comes not from the glow of candles, but from God Himself. A home where a banquet is waiting and the flowers Ray loved are growing profusely.  

Just as carefully as Melodie arranges each table vignette, sofa pillow and welcome touch, Jesus is preparing His home, waiting for His guests and looking forward to our coming.  I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there you may be also (John 14:2-3).  That's hospitality!  

Just inside the gate, a place reserved for me.
Book of life--my name is there by Calvary.
Welcome like no other, teardrops wiped away,
And on that day, I get to step inside the gate. 
                                      ~Janene Dubbeld



The Mark Dubbeld Family

  * * * * *
Inviting Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin muffins, baking on a crisp, fall morning is so inviting. Mix up a batch, invite a friend over for tea.  Not only will she be sheltered, you will find your own heart filled with joy.


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25 comments:

Denise said...

Such a sweet post, bless you.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

You must be so proud of Melodie.

fondly,
Glenda

Esther Joy said...

A sweet tribute to your sister and her late husband.

joy said...

Very sweet relationship between you two. Yes, i am looking forward to our future home. Bless you sis Pamela:)

Genskie said...

A very beautiful and heart warming letter...
I can feel the love of Ray for Melodie..
Thank you for sharing Pamela.. and thank you so much for visiting my blog. God bless you and God bless your heart :)

_genskie_

Nikki (Sarah) said...

this is beautiful. I love it when people come over to our place and feel right at home. I always want them to feel that. Hope your Sunday shines.

Anonymous said...

Very precious post, Pamela. God bless you and your sister.

The Dickinsons said...

What a very SWEET post! I really enjoyed reading it. I'm so glad that your sweet sister is still blessing lives with her gifts.

(((HUGS))),
~Heather~

Barbara said...

A lovely post about Melodie and her gift for love.
And a sweet recipe; fun to see it photographed in script!

Just Be Real said...

Wonderful and beautiful tribute Pam. Blessings to you.

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

What a lovely post! Thanks for sharing.

Christina said...

I love thinking of the home He is preparing for us! Beautiful post! www.toshowthemjesus.com

Karen Lange said...

Lovely post! Thank you for the recipe; it looks wonderful. Thanks also for stopping by my blog today. It's great to see you! :)

Mary Reed said...

What a beautiful tribute to your sister. This makes me want to knock on her door (I'm sure I'd be invited in) and spend the afternoon eating pumpkin muffins and getting to know her. Hospitality ~ what a wonderful gift to have in common with our sweet Jesus! So glad you dropped by my site today!

Connie said...

What joy your sister brings to so many. May The LORD bless her. Thank you for inspiring us.

Denise said...

What a lovely tribute to your sister; love the pictures! I can just imagine how special it is to be invited into her warm and loving home to fellowship and give thanks. Leaving here today with heart warming thoughts of my future home in heaven!

Blessings and joy,
Denise

BelovedBomber said...

My dad went home to the Lord a little early too (early in my plan, not His) The words that He wrote to my mom are such a precious treasure. The words written in that note are so beautiful! What an amazing memory to have! Trusting that God will continue to use your sister and meet her every need. Pray that she will sense the presence of God when she lies down to sleep. Many blessings!

A Proverbs 31 Wife said...

What a sweet post, and pumpkin muffins are the best!

Anonymous said...

What a sweet tribute to your sister...to make our homes a place that everyone feels at home...a gift indeed..may we all be more like your sister:)

Lisa Lewis Koster said...

What a precious note Melodie received from her husband. I'm sure she treasures it. Always a joy to visit you!

Laurie Collett said...

What a lovely tribute to Melodie & Ray! And what a wonderful testimony of God's love reflected in hospitality!
Blessings to you,
Laurie

Jacqui said...

Pamela, thanks for sharing this! Hospitality is such a beautiful gift from the Lord, and entering your place here on the web, I felt that love, acceptance, and comfort. And I love this exhortation...even feel like God's telling me to be hospitable right now! Maybe make those pumpkin muffins and enjoy some tea with a friend. Blessings!

Esther Asbury said...

I love this line from Ray's letter: " But remember, however much "stuff" we have and no matter how beautifully and tastefully it is arranged, it is always you that I really come home to."
Reminds me that warmth of spirit and hospitality win the day over perfect decor!

Charlotte said...

What a beautiful hospitable post. Thank you so much for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Naomi said...

Pamela...what a precious story you've shared and how hospitality is from the heart, not in the things. Thank you for sharing at WJIM this week. Blessings.