5 Ways To Help Welcome Church Visitors

Walking into new places is not easy for many. But when you walk into an unfriendly place of worship, where people should be friendly, it causes people to want to turn around and leave. Don't be the reason for a visitor to never return to your church; make them feel welcomed.

My family has visited many churches over the years. Each time was uncomfortable for me being an introvert. Normally, my husband or son holds the door for me to enter first, but entering a new place my husband goes in first. He does this out of respect for my quirkiness, and I love that about him. Doing so allows him to get the first view of the inside so then he can guide our family to where we need to go. It also allows those inside to see him first and when he is invited to preach, I want him to introduce himself and our family, not me.

Ways To Help Welcome Church Visitors

We’ve all heard the statements, “that is the most friendly church” or “that is the most UNfriendly church”. Both are true because I’ve been in them. While the friendly churches outweigh the Unfriendly, unfriendliness can really do a number on a visitor. I’ll never forget one church in particular, I couldn’t wait to leave and never look back. But then, there are churches I would love the chance to visit again.

5 Ways to Help Welcome Church Visitors

1. Put yourself in their shoes.

Anticipation builds when parking and walking into a new church; especially when you don't know anyone there. If the church is large, finding the auditorium and classrooms can be overwhelming. If your church doesn’t have a welcome team, be one yourself. A smiling face can be a huge blessing!

2. Make pleasant conversation.

Don’t be nosy, but ask questions to get to know the visitor and their family. Introduce yourself and ask their name. Are they local, where they work, the ages of their children, if they have a church home elsewhere are all good questions to ask. Be pleasant and listen to them.

3. Sit near the visitor.

You don’t have to sit with the visitor, but sitting nearby after you’ve talked with them opens the door to help them when questions arise. Depending on the size of your church and where the visitors are sitting, you don’t want them to feel as if they are on a deserted island all alone.

4. Don’t be offended when your seat is taken.

This is a HUGE problem in churches. People get accustom to sitting on one pew and it becomes their second home. GET OVER IT! Sitting in a different location will NOT kill you. Whatever you do, DO NOT tell the person sitting there, they are in your seat and to move. I was mortified one Sunday morning at our church when I saw this happen with a visitor. They were so embarrassed, they quietly sat in the far corner of the auditorium alone. I can’t help wondering if Satan used this older lady to cause someone to not be closer to the front to hear the Gospel without any distraction.

5. Make visitors feel welcomed.

As an individual, there isn’t much you can’t do to welcome people. Look for and pray for something you can do to welcome visitors. At one church, I was given a bookmark from an elderly lady. When the evening service was over, the pastor’s wife told me this precious lady had a ministry of giving bookmarks to  visitors. Each week, she prayed the Lord would send a visitor for her to give a bookmark. In her prayers, she prayed for our safety, our provisions, and for the Lord to use us as He saw fit. That little bookmark means more to me than anything that was done for our family over the years.

It is important to welcome visitors into our churches. There are many who are hurting and looking for what Jesus offers. We don’t want our unfriendly actions to keep them from hearing the Gospel. Nor do we want to be a stumbling block for those who are trying to get back on the right path.

Kindness is always fashionable and always welcomed. - Amelia Barr

Revealing Secrets {Thankful Thursdays}

The new school year brought excitement and hope for me because I was returning to the level I loved teaching; first grade. Things went well for the first week of school, but after that, the flood gates seemed to open with one student. I knew about him well before he walked through the door, in fact, everybody knew of this little one and the horror stories that followed behind him. But yet, no one really seemed to grasp the real reason behind those stories. Dysfunction is the only word anyone wanted to use. After meeting with the parents, it was more than just dysfunction. It was neglect, selfishness, and just being too busy for this little active mind that needed the extra support. When I left the meeting that afternoon, I hung my head in defeat. All I could do was pray for the revealing of secrets.

The list I had for disciplinary actions would not work. The last one on the list, the one I dreaded the most was used only one time. I shed a few tears because I knew there had to be a better way. Little arms wrapped around me when he saw my tears and with a soft, trembling voice he said, “Mrs Tullis, I am sorry to make you cry and for being bad.” He was not bad; he was a normal, active boy who begged for attention and love.

Revealing Secrets

When our enemy pours out the impossibilities what are we to do? We are to go to God in prayer and open our Bible and read it. Read the promises found there and the comforting words of Daniel, There is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets. (Daniel 2:28) We are to meditate on the reassuring words of God, before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear (Isaiah 65:24) and whatever you ask me in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14). We need faith in the Lord when we go to Him in prayer. (Hebrews 11:6)

During those moments when there seems to be no answer, what are we to do? Are we supposed to act as people without faith, a light, and discernment? NO, because we have a LIGHT who we are to put our faith in and use the discernment in which He gives. We cannot act as those caught in a whirlpool of doubt. We have a God who will reveal secrets; all we need to do is go to Him.

Hand over your impossibilities so God can make them possibilities.

TWEET IT!!

With a little time, the secrets I needed were revealed for this precious little boy. Lend a listening ear. Draw him in closer even during the good times. Be an encourager. Just show him love. Our days were not always happy and harmonious. We went to the Lord together, so he could hear me talk to God about him. I wanted him to know I cared.

I gave God what seemed impossible and He returned a possible.

You can visit the linkup HERE.

The True Light {Thankful Thursdays}

All to be seen is total darkness. Every once in a while, a blinking red light is seen in the distance; a light of warning. This time of year the last moments of sunset is seen as late as 11 o’clock. Tonight is no different. For several hours I see faint lights coming into view, but they bring no hope for a moment of rest. At the top of the hill, I notice a light up ahead. It isn’t a faint shining light, but a light of brightness letting me know there is a town on the horizon. A light drawing me in from a long journey in the night; a true light of replenishment and comfort.

The True Light

The True Light, a contrast with false lights; there are many today. Satan is sending his army of false teachers out into the world to do their damage. They dazzle the eyes of those looking for an easier way and never reveal the truth – there is no other way. The easy to accept teachings look good and sound even better; they bring moments of peace and hope. But in reality, the gloom of sin and uncertainty confronts the ones who are drawn in. The damage cannot be undone except by the only True Light.

While on the Mount of Olives, Jesus tells the disciples what is to come.(Matthew 24) Jesus talks about false Christs and false teachers. They will dazzle anyone with their “miracles” and teachings. Many are swept up in the false beliefs, Christians included because they are not on guard with what the Bible says. This deception will be strong, but the power of God and His word is stronger. Be alert!

When Jesus returns, everyone will know it. He is not coming for the people of one locale. His return will not be private; it will be suddenly as a bolt of lightning. (Matthew 24:27) Everyone - Christians and those who refuse the Truth will know when it happens. While no one but God knows when this time will be, it is coming. (Matthew 24:36) The saved can confidently expect Jesus and we should be ready at all times.

It’s not too late to share the True Light with others.

It is up to you and me to continue sharing the Gospel with others.

Sometimes, just being an example is not enough.

A deep love for the soul of those around us needs to bring an actual conversation about the Love of Jesus and what He can do for them. Don’t wait, tomorrow may be too late.

We've driven many miles across this country late into the night. Seeing the light of a town and knowing there will be rest and nourishment was a blessing.

Jesus, is our True Light. We are His light in this world for others. Let your light shine and may we help those blinded by the world to see Jesus as their True Light.

View this week's linkup here.

7 Psalms for the Homeschool Mom {Free Printable}

Being a mom is hard. The job of a homeschool mom is on a level all its own and just as hard. Caring for a family and home with the added pressure of children’s education is something that can be overwhelming. I’ve been on this journey for twelve years and I have had my fair share of days when I wanted to pull my hair out and scream. There are times I lost it and I had to ask for forgiveness. But then there are the moments I waited and trusted on the Lord. Moments I leaned on 7 Psalms.

7 Psalms for the Homeschool Mom

One good thing about this journey is I’m not the only one on it. I’m not swimming around in the middle of shark infested waters alone. There are others who are experiencing the same thing or have already completed this journey and are now enjoying their green valley. Many of these moms will stick together to be an encouragement to each other. But most importantly, I have the One who called me to this journey, guiding me in every decision I make.

No matter what my day looks like, I can find encouragement and reassurance of what I am called to do in the Bible. There are tons of verses that encourage, but today I’m sharing just seven.

7 Psalms

There will be days when you use an elevated voice to get your point across. Your actions may say one thing when your heart says another.  Just remember:


Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

With laundry scattered and a house that looks as if it has been ransacked; push the clothes in the laundry room and close the door because it’s not going anywhere. Tidy up the house as best as you can. Just remember:

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

When the storms begin to roll (and they will) just remember, you have a refuge you can run to and a shield you can hide behind. We don’t have to fear what is going on around us. Just remember:


Psalm 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.


Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.


Psalm 56:3 What time I am afraid; I will trust in thee.Each morning when you awake, there's a new day waiting for you. 

Those early morning moments are the perfect time to ask the Lord to rebuild your spirit and to help you keep your wits about you. Just remember:

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

We have the only ONE who can help us with the daily bumps in the road. He is our strength, our shield, we can trust Him to not leave us. Just remember:

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Whether our home is picture perfect and our children are eager beavers, we can’t do it on our own. As a mom of a teen boy, my eager beaver years lasted only a couple in the beginning. That's been hard. But, I have trusted in the Lord to give me the strength to carry on.   He is the only ONE who can help us along this road.

I'm including a free verse card printable so you can print your own copy of these verses.

Get your Free 7 Psalms for the Homeschool Mom

My Salvation, My Strength, and My Song

Driving over 1,700 miles is not the most enjoyable thing to do; especially when you’re moving. It’s not so rough when you have time to stop and sight see. But when your truck and a moving truck are full of household and personal items sightseeing is out of the question. That means stopping and stretching legs comes when a truck needs to be filled up and windows washed. The nice thing about having a teen driver is they experience the “thrill” of driving across country on roads and highways that are not jammed packed with cars.

Then, there’s the hubs who refuses to stop in the last 950 mile leg of the trip to sleep. The last stretch includes I-70 through Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri. A road jam-packed with cars at all hours of the day. That means the teen is enjoying his trip with eyelids closed and no stress of cars whizzing around us. It’s amazing what 4 years in a town of fewer than 150 people will do to your driving confidence.

My Salvation, My Strength and My Song

Magnificent victory is found in the name My  Strength and My Song. With Jesus, He is our strength when we need it. He is our song when we sing praises to Him. Do we appreciate what Jesus does for us? Do our actions show this appreciation to others?

We are travelers on life’s journey, and our experiences vary each day. The Lord knows this and He has prepared wells of salvation in just the right locations. At the foot of Troublesome Hill, we find a well. A well with preparation to help us up the hill so we will see life in the sweet, green valley waiting for us on the other side. In the middle of Desperation Desert, there’s a well full of refreshing water for our parched lips and throats. Here we can take our fill and continue on until we are in shady green pastures.

He is my Salvation

Don’t assume your well is far away. Don’t go on a wandering trip in search for it because it is near. In fact, it is probably right at your feet – look around where you are standing. Have the faith to reach out and take the refreshing cup and be blessed.

Once we are off that hill or out of the desert we need to remember to praise the name of Jesus because without Him we would never have made it.

He is my Strength

It didn’t take me long to acclimate to the thousands of vehicles whizzing around us during our trip. My nerves were in a jumble and there were times I had to dip from a well. They were right there when I was in need and I didn’t have to go looking for them. One of those was at 2 AM when my son drove the last 100 miles which included the 75-285-85 interchanges in Atlanta. If you know anything about those interchanges, then you know there is a reason to be awake and alert while on them. I was surprised when I opened my eyes to find we were only 20 miles from my parents' and I slept right those interchanges. I missed the whole stomach in my throat experience.

He is my Song

The Lord takes care of every situation and we can thank Him for that. I’m also thankful for young driver’s confidence.

Visit this week's linkup here.

Words that Never End

Twelve books were required for outside reading in my 11th grade English class. One book flung me into the life of a girl who found herself in the middle of the self-imposed craziness across the pages; I learned quickly to love reading. Anytime I could pick up the book to read, I did. I even remember a few nights of quietly turning out the light when I heard my parents’ alarm clock going off. I was hooked.

It is hard to remember books I read while growing up because I was a reluctant reader. Two books stand out in my mind. Cherry Ames Senior Nurse, it was my first oral book report. The Mayor of Casterbridge, I skimmed the pages before class just so I could make a passing grade on the daily quiz.

If you are a parent of a reluctant reader, don’t force them to read. Encourage them and provide quality books so when the urge or necessity to read happens, you are not scratching your head trying to decide which book is best. Just. Be. Patient.

Words That Never End

Unlike some of our favorite characters at the end of a book, we never get to the end of the words of the Lord. His words have no ending. (Matthew 24:35)

The Bible has been described as “the Book that contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.” (Priscilla Howe) The teachings found in the Bible are holy, the promises are kept, and the history of the people and places is true. How can we not want to read God’s Word?

We have a light for our path.(Psalm 119:105) Our soul is fed when hungry.(Matthew 5:6) We are comforted when we need it most. (Matthew 11:28) Every time we read the Bible, we are given exactly what we need. The Bible is a directional guidance. It is a staff or rod for support and traction. It is also the sword for when we go to battle. Why would we not want to read God’s Word?

While reading the Bible is on a different level of anything else; it takes a purposeful reading like the Anne of Green Gables book to fall in love with reading it.

Will you join me in falling in love with reading the words that never end, fall in love with reading the Bible?

Read the Bible slowly. Read the Bible often.
Read the Bible prayerfully.

His Name Alone Is Excellent {Thankful Thursdays}

Not knowing what to expect when I took my seat at the Atlanta Symphony Hall, I was anxious. I loved hearing any classical music come over the radio for the few seconds as one of my parents turned the knob on the radio while driving. No matter how hard I wished for the knob to stop turning, it never did.

The only real experience I had with classical music was during the Music class at school and the one teacher who played records in her room during quiet times. But this day was something special. My sister and I were asked to join a small group of teens to attend a concert of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. The cousin of an attendee would play in the orchestra that year and I was thrilled to be attending.

We got our seats early so we could be sure we were in a good location to see. The instrumentalists warming up with different sounds and scales all playing at the same time was like listening to the sounds of nature. Everyone had their own different sound. Everyone was playing something different. While I was amazed at what I heard, it wasn’t until the conductor raised his baton and the first sounds of a well-practiced group took my breath away. Every section came together to make the most beautiful sound floating throughout the hall; a sound of excellence.

His Name Alone Is Excellent

The last five chapters of Psalms are considered the Hallelujah Psalms. Each one begins and ends with same four words, Praise ye the Lord. In chapter 148, we see how nature is being called out to praise the Lord. Can you imagine if all of nature, everything praised the Lord at one time? I’m sure if we could hear all the sounds of nature singing its praise to the Lord it would be a sound we would never forget. I have a feeling it would bring both awe and fear. Fear of just how great our Lord is.

Praise the Lord from the heavens.

Praise him, sun and moon: praise him, all stars of light.

Fire, and hail; snow, and clouds

Mountains, and hills; fruit trees, and cedars; animals; creeping and flying

Kings, and people; young and old

Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. Psalm 148:13

One day soon when all of nature sings their praises to the Lord, it will be a sound of a symphony; a sound of excellence. A sound we will want to hear.

Praise ye the Lord! His name alone is excellent.

View this week's linkup HERE.

5 Fall Decorating Ideas I Loved So Much I Pinned

Fall is my favorite time of year to decorate. I start pulling out my scarecrows and pumpkins at the first of September and enjoy them until Thanksgiving Day. Since we have not made it into a house of our own yet since our move, that means all of my fall pretties are in storage. But that’s okay because I’m sharing with you 5 Fall Decorating Ideas I Loved So Much I Pinned on Pinterest.

5 Fall Decorating Ideas
I Loved So Much I Pinned on Pinterest

Indian Corn and Pumpkins are a sure sign fall is here. Storing them in a basket is perfect for any decor.

5 Minute Fall Decor DIY is full of pinecones, pumpkins, corn, and squash.

Wooden Bowl Fall Decor – My friend Karen and I share a love for Primitive/Colonial decor. I always feel under decorated when I read about her seasonal decorations.

Yarn Pumpkin Garland – for my prim friends, can you imagine these in wool?

DIY Outdoor Real Looking Pumpkins – while this project is going to take longer than a couple of hours. You probably have just about every needed item to make them on hand. I love how these pumpkins turned out!

You can see the rest of my fall decorating board on Pinterest. I even have a Christmas board. Are you a Primitive/Colonial decor lover like me, then check out my prim board.

Do you have a Pinterest account? If so, what are your favorite things you pin? Leave a link to your Pinterest account in the comments, I'd love to see what you are pinning.