Mighty Christmas

Is anyone else wanting a Mighty Christmas this year?

 

The tragedy in Newtown, CT has stunned the world during what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.  It's been over a week since we learned of this horrific event and maybe you're still not feeling very merry.  Or, there could be other circumstances that are taking the merry out of Christmas. 

The other day, my dear friend Aura gave me a book called 25 Days, 26 Ways To Make This Your Best Christmas Ever, by Ace Collins. It's a "day-by-day literary Advent calendar." I read Day 3, 'Making Christmas Mighty', to Scott and the kids.  I thought the message was just what we needed during this time of dealing with sadness and stress.  There are other articles and blogs that I've read that have brought me comfort, but I found the most comfort in God's Word.  The greatest reminder was that Jesus is the Light of the world and He has overcome the darkness. 

As we get ready to celebrate His birth, it is clear to me that we still need a Savior.  Evil is real, but Jesus has overcome the one whose plan is to "steal, kill and destroy."  The Good News is that our sufferings are temporary for those who recognize the life and mission of Jesus Christ are promised an eternity of no more suffering.  We do have hope and must not be afraid or lose heart.  I purpose to focus on what is good and true and not fear that God has left us.  He will never leave us or forsake us...even in our greatest trials, He is there if we look for Him. 

My prayer for the families of the victims in Newtown, and for those I know who are dealing with their own 'stuff' is that they will have a Mighty Christmas... that we all will keep our focus and find our strength in the One who has overcome the world. 

If you are already holding onto your faith and are trusting God to comfort you and give you wisdom and are on your way to a merry Christmas, I encourage you to share you're strength and peace with others.  Practicing hospitality is a great way to show love and share the Good News.

Have yourself a Mighty Christmas.  

Fall Bucket List

Here we are at Abma's Farm for a Family Fun Day to benefit Touch the World, Uganda.  It was a beautiful day.  I am happy to check-off  'hayride' and 'pumkin picking' from our Fall Bucket List.  Lists are a helpful way to remind you to do something, but some things in life can't just be checked off for good.  For example, hospitality.  Sure, you may have it in the back of your mind to invite a family over for dinner or to make a meal for a new neighbor, but once you've checked that off your list, be ready to add a new family's name.  That's how it is with hospitality.  And don't think you can't do it because you totally can!  Really, we must!  Keep making lists, I know I will, but once you've crossed off or checked off 'hospitality' be ready to write it again and again and again... 

 

Remember, Practice Hospitality.

Hospitality challenge

Scott and I agreed to host an all church celebration in our backyard.  When we learned over 100 people (including kids) had RSVP'd 'yes' we decided to embrace our hospitality challenge.  Honestly, we were nervous for a few minutes, but had no time to worry... we had a yard to work on!  We had fun weeding, planting and mulching.  Even our neighbor's kids helped out.   


Peyton gives a hand to Caleb and Lauen

Karalyn plants some flowers

Caleb waters the flowers

The day before the party I received my Real Simple magazine in the mail (July 2012).  The cover boasted, "The Best of Summer" and included a feature on 'Laid-Back Entertaining' called "Keep Calm and Party On".  The article is about how to throw a summer party that is good, fast and cheap. Apparently these are the 3 qualities that make up the world of event planning, but according to a big event producer (named Jeremy) you can only promise clients 2 of these and not
all 3. 

Well, maybe a backyard church BBQ doesn't fall under the 'big event' category, but we certainly pulled off all 3 for a big crowd!  (And so did the Real Simple staff.)  The saying is true, many hands do make light work.  When hosting a casual party, it's okay to ask guests to bring something.  In fact, I have found that people love to share a favorite salad, dessert or some family famous dip.  You provide the setting and then go from there to enlist others help.  For our event, our church friends brought the side dishes.  Oh, and their own lawn chairs!  The church provided hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and paper products.  Drinks were water bottles, soda cans and juice boxes packed in big containers filled with ice.  We didn't have to deal with cups.  From the article I used the idea of having a fan available in case it was too hot and I had bug spray, sun screen and band aides on the table, just in case.  I put out table games and of course there were yard games!  Music was playing, but not blasting.  The bathroom was stocked with toilet paper and paper towels for drying hands.  I made a few checks to wipe down the sink etc..  Garbage cans were labeled and emptied periodically.  We had some canopy's up to provide shade and protection in case of rain.  The rain did come, just as we started eating, but it didn't spoil our fun.  It was nice seeing people huddled together.  Being prepared paid off.

Omar and Jeremy... our grill masters!

lots of kids, big and small!!

 Inside the magazine there was a picture of a crowded beach party and underneath was the caption, "One cannot have too large a party."  My thought is... if you are going to go to the effort to get ready for friends, might as well make it a crowd.  Scott and I were honored to have our yard full of church family and friends.  Thanks to everyone who made the event possible, especially Omar who did all the shopping and organizing.  It was good, fast and inexpensive and most of all FUN.

So, are you up for a hospitality challenge?  How about hosting a block party or just a neighborhood bash?  Real Simple would say, don't forget the pinata, I would say, don't forget to ask for help ;-)  You'll be glad you did and ready to host another party... I know I am.

Mother's Day

I've sat down at my computer several times since Mother's Day, but not long enough to finish this post.  I think that's because my idea for it wasn't finished until today.  Funny how a thought can take a while to develop when other times it's completed right away.  I blame the delayed thought process on parenthood... there are just so many interruptions :-)  Anyway, Mother's Day seems like a long time ago, but here's what I've been thinking about since then...

I love being a mom, but Mother's Day hasn't always been my favorite day.  This is probably because I expect everything and everyone, including myself, to be perfect on this one day.  That's not realistic, or fair because most of my days as a mom involve someone crying, someone getting in trouble, kids fighting, whining, complaining and other messy things.  Well, kids will be kids, no matter what day it is.  The thing is, when you have young children they are not always going to notice and appreciate all the things you do for them, let alone thank you for your sacrifice and service.  Mother's Day might be an opportunity for them to practice some hospitality on mom, but when they are little it's usually Dad doing all the work.  Scott does a great job involving the kids and my Mother's Days are getting better every year.  This is probably due to the fact that my kids are maturing and so am I!  I've learned to express my wishes for the day and I'm learning to not expect perfection, but to appreciate progress.

This Mother's Day was great.  After church we met my Mom and Dad outside the Chelsea Market in NYC.  The pictures are of a beautiful day in and around Highline Park.  After their stay in NYC, my parents spent 4 days at our house.  It was with great joy that I practiced hospitality on them.  I love hosting them and we had a wonderful time together.  I am blessed to have a mother who loves and gives so much of herself to me and my family and who has dedicated her life to being my mom.  When I spoke with my mom this morning she thanked me for a lovely visit.  She said how proud she was of me as a mom and daughter.  She confirmed what I have been processing since Mother's Day...  (I'm slow, I know)  It is a privilege to be a mother, but sometimes it's a thankless job.  I am trying to raise thankful children who consider serving others to be an honor and a blessing.  I hope they know that being their mom, although not always easy, is my greatest blessing.  I catch glimpses of them maturing, but may not see the fruit of my labor until they are grown and raising a family of their own.  Until then, I will continue to do what I do best, be their mom.

"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it."

(Proverbs 22:6)

Whimsical holiness and hospitality

For 2 years our Pastor, Rob Parker, has been hosting 'God In The Bar' at The Mahwah Bar and Grill.  I went for the first time this past Sunday night.  The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for people to engage in a dialogue about things of faith in a non-threatening setting.  The restaurant provides a private room off the dining room, sets the tables with wings, nachos and sliders and guests are given 2 drink tickets.  The night is free!  Costs are covered by donations given to The Plant church.  MB&G's has kindly partnered with Rob and given him this opportunity.  It's really an amazing thing... talking about truths from the Bible, in a bar, in Bergen County, NJ. 

I think Hugh Halter, author of Sacrilege and The Tangible Kingdom, would refer to this as "whimsical holiness".  "That is, holiness that can enjoy a good party, concert, or Sunday sporting event while maintaining lines of clear conscience and non-compromise." (TK Primer)  I like the concept because I think it's what Jesus would do.  He befriended prostitutes, tax collectors and outcasts.  He didn't surrounded Himself with people who talked and acted just like He did.  In fact, He was often annoyed with the religious leaders of His time because they were all about The Law and He was about love and mercy.  He spent time immersed in His culture getting to know the needs of others and healing them not hurting them.

So, make plans to Practice Hospitality in a whimsical way.  (Keep entertaining light and playful.)  Here are a few suggestions...  go on a picnic or have a picnic in your family room.  Have breakfast for dinner or better yet, dessert for dinner!  Invite guests over and make dinner together.  Organize a progressive dinner in your neighborhood.  Most importantly, have fun and be creative.  Think outside the box.  Also, get to know the needs of those around you by getting involved in your community where there are sure to be lots of opportunities to practice whimsical holiness and hospitality.
.
Also, if you want more information about 'God In The Bar' check out The Plant's website, www.theplantchurch.org.  If you are interested in attending, let me know.  And if you have some great, whimsical hospitality ideas, let me know that too :-)

15 years

Scott and I celebrate our 15 year wedding anniversary tomorrow.  Over the weekend we had fun trying to remember all the ways we've celebrated... What restaurant did we go to?; Which baby was I pregnant with?; Which newborn came with us?; Where were we living?; What gifts did we give each other?... Wow!  15 years is a long time and we enjoyed all the memories.

I love being married to Scott.  Because I love him I enjoy making him happy (meaning: I enjoy being hospitable towards him).  For example, I am very intentional about the way I welcome Scott home from work.  I've learned to greet him with a smile, hug and/or a kiss before I start in about the stresses of my day with the kids etc.  Tonight I was outside when he pulled in the driveway and I did a goofy jog to his car and stuck my smiling face through his opened window.  He shook his head and said, "I never know what to expect."  Women have that power over men.  We sure can keep it interesting...  On one particularly bad day I left a note on the door warning him of my mood.  He appreciated the heads-up.  If I'm in another room I do my best to get up and greet him.  I try not to be on the phone or distracted when he walks in.  I really am excited to see him and I do my best to let him know this.  Plus, I know he likes the attention so I'm gonna keep doing it ;-)

Also, I try to have the house picked up a bit (meaning: shoes out of the way so he doesn't trip when he walks through the door), music playing (meaning: some Nora Jones Radio to calm me), sometimes a candle burning (meaning: get rid of that broccoli smell) and dinner almost ready (meaning: we'll eat something, soon...).   Really, I think it's important to have a meal ready so that we can sit down together as a family and talk about our days.   Some dinners are better than others (ask my kids), but it's not just about the food, but about bringing the family together.  I try to serve Scott and make him feel honored.  He totally helps too!   It makes me feel good when I am hospitable towards him.  I want Scott to feel honored, important and welcome in his home, just like I would a guest. 

I do these things because I love Scott and because I can see how being hospitable towards him helps our marriage.  If you think hospitality isn't your thing, try practicing it on the ones you love, starting with your spouse.  Be intentional with your greeting and make sure your husband feels welcome in his own home!  Make having dinner together a priority, even if it's only a few times a week.  Imagine that your husband is a very important guest.  Practice hospitality on your hubby.

Pippi Party success

Hip HiPippi Hooray, Karalyn's 9th Birthday party was a success.  We had 18 girls running in and out of the house.  The girls made cookies on the kitchen floor, played 'don't touch the floor' in the family room, ate snacks in the dining room and ran all around the yard.  I've vacuumed, mopped, picked up and wiped up signs of a good time. 

Practicing hospitality doesn't always have to been neat and tidy.  In fact, it was quite fun spreading flour on the floor and watching the girls jump on furniture.   Pippi would have been proud of this 42 year old!  If only I had put my feet on my pillow and my head under the covers when I finally went to bed!

So, have fun practicing hospitality this weekend, even if it's out of your comfort zone.  (I hope it is.)You know you'll make someone happy ;-)

3rd graders rule!

 

making Swedish Pepparkakors

 

strongest girl, lifting "Old Man" 

Karalyn leading the girls in "Pippi Says"

Pippi Longstocking

My Karalyn turns 9 on Wednesday!!  We invited all the girls from the 3rd Grade (19) and 2 neighborhood friends to help her celebrate after school on Thursday.  We are going to practice hospitality Pippi Longstocking style.  I am really excited about this birthday party.  It's a little out of my comfort zone because Pippi is more of a free spirit than I am.  In other words, she's messy.  That's probably why Karalyn and I enjoyed reading her book so much.  If you haven't introduced your kids to this series by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, do so, today!!  There are movies too ;-)  You'll laugh and shake your grown-up head at all the crazy things she does.  Practicing hospitality sometimes stretches us, or even gets us to act like kids again.

So, Karalyn and I have lots of fun planned for Thursday based on the adventures of Pippi Longstocking. I hope to follow up with some photos...

Confession

I have a confession.  I am not very sweet towards my kids when they wake up in the morning.  I have this expectation that they should sleep until a certain time and when they don't, I am not very nice... which is practically every morning!  Isn't that crazy!!  Seriously?!  I don't even know where it came from or when it started!?!  I only know that it's been ruining our mornings. 

Expectations can be dangerous.  In my case, they are a set-up for disappointment.  I don't want to make my kids feel like I am disappointed in them every morning just because they woke up!  Good grief!!  I'm finally letting this one go!  I want and need to enjoy the start of each new day and my kids need to know how happy I am to see them, no matter what time it is.  I still can have rules, like no TV before such and such a time or I won't start to help with breakfast until 7 AM, but enough with all the tiptoeing around and all the "shushing." 

There, I feel better now that I got that out.  I want to practice hospitality in the morning, meaning I want to greet my kids with a smile and show them love.  More and more I am realizing how precious each new day is and just how much I have to be thankful for.  How selfish of me to be grumpy because some one woke up when I thought he or she should still be sleeping.  Being gracious isn't the result of an accepted invitation, but it's what prompted the invitation in the first place.  Hospitality comes from a heart of love.  I love my children, therefore, I must show them, even if it's only 6:15 in the morning :-)

Do what it says...

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says." (James 1: 22) 

This is the verse that keeps running through my head.  Even though  I was a total 'Martha' this Easter, busy doing many things, I learned that good does come from actually doing things.  For example, when the kids and I made unleavened bread I noticed the smell that filled the kitchen.  It was a sweet aroma.  As we broke the bread and drank the juice we remembered Jesus' words and they become more meaningful.  And when I washed the kids feet after reading from John 13, I saw how they reacted and we were able to picture the scene from the Bible better.  When you 'do' something your senses and emotions get involved.  It's a richer experience than just reading something or being told about something.  Experience is valuable.  When you actually 'do' something, you remember it better because it leaves an impression on you.  Another example of this is hammering nails into a wooden cross at our Good Friday service at The Plant.  My girls said they almost cried when they did this.  It was meaningful and memorable. 

our first foot washing

So, Easter ended well with practicing hospitality.  We had a nice meal with family and Judd (our neighbor friend who was without his lovely wife and kids).  I was able to sit and enjoy the company of great people and we laughed a little bit at my 'busyness.'

The Hosiers and Judd :-)

Happy Easter

"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it -- he will be blessed in what he does." (Js 1:25)

Practice Hospitality.... and be blessed :-)

Easter is coming

In just a few days we will be celebrating Easter.  This is my favorite holiday.  For me it is more manageable to tame than Christmas.  Consumerism hasn't taken its grip and I can fight the Easter Bunny better than St. Nicholas. 

Last year I used a devotional from Ann VosKamp called Trail To The Tree.  It's a free download.  (www.aholyexperience.com )  We also had our first family Passover Seder days before Easter Sunday.  Both of these experiences brought focus and vision.  This year I'm tweaking an idea from the blog Babe of my Heart to enrich our season of remembrance, repentance and rejoicing.  This idea is kid-friendly and uses plastic eggs to tell some significant events of Holy Week.  (Not the same as Resurrection Eggs which  are a great tool too.)

Easter story eggs

Each night I plan to gather my kids together to discuss 1 egg, read scripture and hopefully talk and then pray.  Monday night they all talked while I was talking and the gathering time ended quickly with everyone being sent to their rooms!  Last night we made unleavened bread and talked about the Last Supper.  It was a little crazy to do at 7:30 PM, but by 8:05 we were breaking bread and passing a glass of Fruitables.  On the lighter side, Jacob's sisters wanted a sip before he did because his germs are worse than theirs?!  Meanwhile, Caleb was up in the night for 2 hours with a headache, fever and even threw up!  And he drank first!!  Ugg.  All I could think about was the Hosier family sick for Easter... Please God, no!! 

making our unleavened bread

finished product. smelled sweet and tasted so good!

So, I hope you are taking this Holy Holiday into your own hands and are doing all you can to make it about Jesus.  I hope you have wonderful plans to practice hospitality this week.  I hope you are up to fight the Easter Bunny because you can win.  My way of fighting is by doing the things I'm writing about.  I do it all just as much for me as I do for my kids.  I want/need to keep my focus!

If you need more strength, check out Easter post by Jen Hatmaker at www.jenhatmaker.com.  She has an excerpt from "7" that will mess with your Easter outfits, plans and thoughts about the day!  And if you've never made Easter about Jesus I hope you will find some time to visit the events of Holy Week recorded in the Gospels.  Read about Jesus riding on the donkey into Jerusalem; about Mary pouring perfume on His feet; about Passover and how His body represents the bread and His blood the wine; about His agony in the garden of Gethsemane; about His cruel death on the cross; and about the empty tomb!  He lives and He loves us all so much.  Please don't let any past experiences get in the way of your future.  Jesus would do for 1 what He did for all! 

Finally, please don't think that in order to practice hospitality this Easter you need to have an elaborate menu.  Magazines and traditions are helpful, but also can cause us to give-up before we've even started.  If your heart is telling you to make a meal for someone, do it.  If your heart is telling you to grill hot dogs for homeless people (Jen Hatmaker's blogpost), do it.  If you know a widow or someone who is alone and want to invite them in, do it.  Whatever you do, may LOVE lead you...  because hospitality comes from the heart 1st and then the kitchen! 

the calendar

April?!  Already?!  If you consider Birthdays and Holidays as opportunities to practice hospitality you may find that the months fly by.  For us, March came in like a lion with Caleb's birthday (he turned a roaring 5) and went out like a lamb with Scott's birthday (Baa, Ha he's 41).  Add St. Patty's Day in the middle and Sunday night Community Group gatherings and mix it all together for a busy, fun-filled month!  No wonder April has snuck up me! :-) 

Mario Kart for the Birthday Boy

Caleb lights up in front of friends and family!

Happy Birthday Scott

chocolate fondue with our community group

If one used the calendar to dictate when to practice hospitality, one could practice every month!  Try it!!  Let Birthdays and Holidays motivate you to welcome people in...

hospitality moves outdoors

I love Spring.  It is so amazing to witness things come to life... bare trees now have buds and blossoms, dirt flower beds now host flowers; some are surprises some are old faithfuls, but all are beautiful.  Singing birds and quacking ducks have replaced my alarm clock's buzzing the past few mornings.  Actually, the birds start singing about an hour before my alarm is set to go off!  But, it really is a wonderful time of year. 

In the warmer weather hospitality moves outdoors.  Take time to make people feel welcome by planting flowers by your front door and/or hang a pretty wreath.  Enlist the kids help and have them pick up sticks or any trash in your yard.  Sweep the front steps or porch and get rid of winter stuff that may have collected there...boots, shovels, etc..  My neighbor has a refrigerator in her garage and she stocks it with juice pouches and ice pops for her kids, my kids!! and others to enjoy.  Pull out the jump ropes, balls, bubbles and chalk and put them in a place that's easy for the kids to get to. 

This Spring, use your creativity to make the outside of your house look as if it's saying, "You are welcome here." 

Happy Spring

HAPPY SPRING.  May hospitality bloom and grow in your hearts and homes during this pretty season.  May the warmer weather and vision of daffodils, forsythia, and buds on trees inspire you, motivate you, and force you to open your windows and doors and let people in!

St. Patrick's Day

Weekends are a great time to practice hospitality.  I hope you have plans to do so.  If you don't have plans to welcome someone into your home, consider welcoming someone into your heart.  Can you think of someone who needs prayer, a phone call or some face-to-face contact?!  Let love flow out of your heart this weekend and let go of stress, fear and worry.  Someone knew what He was saying when He said, "It is better to give than receive."  When we give, we take our eyes off ourselves and put them on someone else, and we are blessed! 

I found this 4 leaf clover about 16 years ago!

Saturday is St. Patty's Day.  Even if you are not Irish, (I'm not) use this day to have some fun.  Bake some Irish Soda Bread to share, pick up some green bagels and add green food coloring to your cream cheese, hide some chocolate gold coins for your kids to find and eat Lucky Charms for breakfast.  If you are Irish, cheers to you.  Share your 'luck' with someone...

Nightstand stack

A few posts ago I mentioned a little hospitality book called The Paraclete Book of Hospitality.  Well, I got my hands on it!  I ordered it from the Paraclete Press website.  While there, I noticed another book called Radical Hospitality.  Isn't that an intriguing title?!  I thought so, so I ordered that one too!  They both arrived the other day.  Now, I'm in a dilemma.  A week ago I was craving a new book and now I have 3!  That's a good problem to have ;-)

Anyway, here are a few thoughts to ponder, coming from my nightstand stack...

"Hospitality is the way we learn to really love; it is the way out of our brooding fears and broken hearts." (pg. 68 Radical Hospitality)
(Wow!  Who knew practicing hospitality was the solution to our fears and other struggles?!)

"Opening our hearts to others requires honesty - with others, and with ourselves." (pg. 49 Paraclete Book of Hospitality) 
(People want to know how much you care, before they care how much you know idea..)

"In truth, when done correctly, sacrilege will allow you to relax spiritually, exhale, and begin to come alive, becoming more real in your faith and in your way of being with others." (pg. 32 Sacrilege)
(sounds like hospitality to me)

"Radical hospitality means accepting the person with no thought of personal benefit." (pg. x of intro. Radical Hospitality)
(this means accepting ALL people!)

I have many more pages to read, but am feeling encouraged already.  Hospitality takes courage, as you may have noticed, based on the quotes above.  Hope you are encouraged too!

Quick weekend review

It was a busy weekend and I've got lots of things to share with you, I almost don't know where to begin...  A highlight was attending a leadership training day with the leadership team from The Plant and the team from a church plant coming out of Long Hill Chapel.  Our coach and teacher was Hugh Halter, pastor, evangelist, and author of The Tangible Kingdom and Sacrilege.  He was impressive, but not because he has written some solid books, pastors a cool church, lives on mission, AND is BFF's with Jen Hatmaker!  But, because he cares about people and his love for them is mature and not self-serving.  He is a 'giver' and not a 'taker,' a 'listener' and not just a 'talker.' Plus, what I appreciated is that he is a real advocate for practicing hospitality.  I told him how his book (The TK) inspired me to start this blog.  (Then he graciously wrote down my blog name in his planner.)  He mentioned how he's going to have a friend video tape him getting ready for a party.  Some of us could use some help with 'party planning.'  I just might have to steal his idea and make my own video ;-)  I'm sure you'd love to watch  me vacuum, light candles, set the table... but first I have to design my own aprons because I do want to bring the apron back in vogue!  (Kidding, but serious.) 

Speaking of aprons, please enjoy the picture of Rich.  We made our Community Group Soup last night and he was willing to provide some comic relief.  We made Italian Wedding Soup and had a great time hanging out in the kitchen, working together...

what can I say? Nice legs?!?

So, there are real benefits to practicing hospitality.  For example, you really get to know people, you get to let go of your stuff and get to experience an other's joys and heartaches, you laugh and of course, you eat!  Now, doesn't that sound wonderful?  "Practicing hospitality is a crucial part of building authentic community." (TK Primer)  Thanks again to Hugh for this encouragement and for his example and thanks to our community group for a yummy, fun night :-)

super cooks!

guy in the apron giving advice to Captain America? Yikes!

community group soup for the kids too!

Hospitality book

If you've found your way to my blog via The Plant Church's website you may have already found Thomas Turner's blog Everyday Liturgy (www.everydayliturgy.com) .  If you are a friend of mine and haven't visited The Plant's website and its blogs, check them out.  Why?  Because Thomas' most recent post is a review for a mini book about... guess what???  HOSPITALITY!!  And I didn't write it!  Apparently the editors at Paraclete Press beat me to it.  They have compiled some personal accounts of practicing hospitality and are calling the book The Paraclete Book of Hospitality.  I haven't read it, but you can bet I will!  I am happy to know there are more hospitality minded people out there who feel it's worth getting the message in print about the importance of practicing Biblical hospitality.  So, keep your eyes out for this book and for more posts from yours truly ;-) 

Communion

Scott and I are hosting our second 'Tangible Kingdom' Community Group.  We meet on Sunday nights and work through the TK Primer together.  If you are not familiar with the book by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay, I highly recommend it.  (You may recognize their names from an old post,  "Community Group Soup".)  Anyway, we shared Communion together last night and for this hospitality gal I love the idea of communion.  I love how Jesus uses food and drink, something that we need everyday, to represent Himself.  The simple act of eating and drinking is intended to make us pause and think about Jesus and thank Him for His forgiveness and love.  Practicing hospitality sets the stage for remembrance and thanksgiving.  (Now, I don't always pray with my guests or pause in the middle of a party to thank God.  Offering hospitality is an expression of my gratitude for what God has done for me.) 

We take Communion every Sunday at The Plant.   Two weeks ago, we were reminded of how the Lord's Table is for everyone.  Thomas (cool guy facilitating Communion) had us think back to the cafeteria scene in Middle School or High School.  For some, the cafeteria was an intimidating place.  He talked about how there were designated tables; 1 for the cool-kids, another for the not-so-cool kids ... you get the idea.  He wrapped it up by saying that God's Table is for everyone!  God practices hospitality on everyone!  Not just the cool, athletic, successful, artsy, but also the poor, the brokenhearted, the addicted... everyone!  Now that's hospitality!! 

When you invite people in and gather around the table I encourage you to pause... remember the Lord and thank Him for all your blessings.  As you sit with your family for dinner (and I hope you do :-) ) take a minute to think about Jesus and thank Him.  Jesus used something as regular as eating a meal to teach us about what is truly important...

Southern Hospitality

 

even the alligators are friendly!

According to Wikpedia "Southern Hospitality is a phrase used in American English to describe the stereotype of residents of the Southern United States as particularly warm and welcoming to visitors to their homes, or to the South in general."

When we visit my parents in Florida (or even my brother and his family in Virginia for that matter) I am always impressed by how friendly everyone is!  Workers in the grocery stores smile and are helpful, gas attendants are nice, retail workers are happy to see you, and strangers look you in the eyes and say "Hello" as they pass you on the street.  I know there are exceptions, but for the most part it feels like one big happy family.

"Some characteristics of Southern hospitality were described as early as 1835, when Jacob Abbott attributed the poor quality of taverns in the South to the lack of need for them, given the willingness of Southerners to provide for strangers.  Abbott writes, 'The hospitality of Southerners is so profuse, that taverns are but poorly supported.  A traveler, with the garb and the manners of a gentleman, finds a welcome at every door... The gentleman of the house sees his approach and is ready upon the steps.'" (Wikpedia)

We can attribute their graciousness to many things... sunny weather, the Bible Belt, upbringing... but, the reality is people are a lot friendlier to strangers in the South.  Stereotypically, Northerners are not warm and welcoming, let alone friendly and helpful.  (Ouch, I'm a Jersey girl!)  Well, no matter where you are from or what your upbringing has been, I encourage you to practice hospitality today because kindness is contagious!  Greet workers with a smile and a kind word; be aware of the person who is serving you or waiting on you and treat him or her with respect; and finally, be ready upon your steps for someone to approach your house (your life!).  Welcome people in.  May God bless you as you do ;-)

be nice, or else!

Home

Home sweet home.  NJ (in February) is no FL, but it is home and there really is no place like home:-) 

Well, we were indulged with love from my parents and spoiled completely.  God blessed us with beautiful weather and my parents blessed us with warm hospitality!  We had a wonderful week.  Taking vacations are good for so many reasons.  As much as we may love 'home' leaving it and all the stuff attached to it behind is good for the mind and heart.  It's good to see new things, be around different people and just change the rhythm of your day. 

making cookies with Grandma... YUM!

pizzas to put on the grill

New thoughts and ideas come to me when I am away from home.  I was inspired by something I saw at the local grocery store and have wheels turning in my head...  Publix has a service/program called "Apron's, Bring your family back to the table." (Love the name! and concept!!)  The store provides a meal suggestion, includes a recipe and then has all the ingredients together in a special area.  They are making it very easy for families to share a meal together.  In a way, they are making it easy for people to practice hospitality :-)  I grew up eating dinner with my parents and brother, in the dining room by candle light, no less.  Now, my family tries to eat together every night (in the kitchen, sometimes with candles).  I do realize however that some families have a hard time making this happen.  The people at Publix realize this too and are trying to do something about it.  Isn't that great?! 

The wheels are turning...

Mom's hospitality

We're headed for some good 'ol hospitality at my Mom and Dad's house.  My mom is the one who passed on my love for welcoming people in and for serving others.  She is gracious, generous and a wonderful cook!  She has a servant's heart and loves me and my family so much.  I am thankful to have her as my mother and hospitality mentor. 

I hope to pass on this gift to my children as well.  I realize however, that true hospitality comes from the heart and my kids will have to be inspired by God, just as I have been.  My mom not only introduced me to hospitality, but most importantly to Jesus.  I have fond childhood memories of going to Bible studies with her, her hosting a VBS in our backyard for the neighbors, Christian music playing in the house, and of course, going to church.  She gave me the greatest gift and now it is with great pleasure that I practice hospitality out of love for God and for His word.  Walking in her footsteps and His!

If you don't hear from me this week, it's because I'm soaking up some hospitality and hopefully some sun!  God bless.

Happy Valentine's Day

You are loved with an everlasting love.  Let God draw you to Himself with unfailing kindness.

(from Jeremiah 31:3)

Happy Valentine's Day.  Not only do I get to share love today, but I have the privilege of celebrating my son Jacob's 13th birthday!  Yes, I am the mother of a teenager now!  It's also my good friend Amy's birthday.  Her text to me this morning was, "Happy BIRTHING day."  My response was, "I hope having a teenager isn't as painful..."  She answered, "It does last longer."  Ouch!  We'll see...  I do know that I will continue to love my son and do my best to raise him to be a man after God's own heart.  My gift to Jacob was a study Bible for teens.  My prayer for my young man is that he will make an effort to get to know God more by reading His Word.

Anyway, Valentine's Day is a sweet day for practicing hospitality.  I've been encouraged to read/hear stories about families baking cookies for neighbors for the purpose of sharing love.  'Hearts' made from the heart are the best!  Whatever your thoughts may be about this day, it will be a wonderful day if you love on someone else.  Have fun :-)

The heart

Thanks to my friend Aura, I finally got my hands on the book 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess.  So far so good.  Even though I'm no Jen Hatmaker, I'm Mary Hosier, I appreciate her words and am gearing up for another challenge... I know God is doing a work in my heart and mind and it's time for my 'flesh' (the me, me, me part of me!) to get with the program.  I'm asking myself some tough questions like; Do I really need this _________? Is this what Jesus would say or do?  What am I teaching my children about God by the way I live?  How can I help those around me?

The title for my blog comes from Romans 12:13.  Paul writes, "Share with God's people who are in need.  Practice Hospitality."  In the book of Acts we learn about the early church.  I think the following verses add more meat to Paul's command in Romans.  "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.  They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." 

Wow!  Now that's practicing hospitality!!  I like how is says, "they ate together with glad and sincere hearts."  Sincere means genuine.  Being without hypocrisy or pretense.  True.  Maybe their hearts were true and without hypocrisy because they sold all their stuff and were free?!  Can you imagine selling all your things?  More importantly, let's not miss the word 'hearts."  It's a heart issue friends.  Remember, practicing hospitality comes from the heart first, then the kitchen.  God cares about our hearts more than He cares about what's for dinner.  What motivates us?  How do we treat others?  Do we love some and judge others? ... More tough questions?

With Valentine's Day approaching... let's ask God to search our hearts.  I know I would like to eat with my family (and others) with a glad and sincere heart.