Happy 2013

Happy New Year.  

It's still January so I can still say that, right?!  During a season of new resolutions and of new beginnings, I hope you will make practicing hospitality a priority during 2013.  Below is the reason why...

On Sunday, Rob (pastor of The Plant church) had us look at the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.*  That's not quite the hospitality I'm talking about, but wouldn't that be amazing?!  I want to share what stood out for me in this story.  Jesus and His disciples had been busy healing the sick, casting out demons and spreading the Good News.  They had been surrounded by the crowds for quite some time.  Jesus was suggesting some good ol' RR and the 12 disciples were ready.  They had been so busy, "they did not even have time to eat."  On their way to a "solitary place" the people recognized them and ran after them (picture crazy fans of a popular boy band).  Jesus "had compassion" on all those people so He stopped and addressed them.  The 12 wanted Him to send them away to the nearby villages to get something to eat... Jesus wanted His closest friends to feed them.  What?!  I usually carry around some 'clif kid' bars in my purse, but certainly not enough to feed 5,000!!  I think the disciples were just as confused.  How could their 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish feed so many?  Here's the cool part... When the 12 handed Jesus the food they found amongst themselves, Jesus looked up to Heaven and gave thanks.  When we think of hospitality, we think of inviting someone in, but in this story I see that hospitality is inviting God in!  As Jesus aknowledged His Father in Heaven, God performed a miracle... He multiplied the loaves and fish!  When we invite God in, when we aknowledge His presence, we avail ourselves to His power.  Now, that's cool!!  We may be tired, busy, sick, worried, but if we could just look up and give thanks, in the midst of our "stuff" we will experience a miracle.  That miracle may be internal peace that passes understanding or it may be physical healing... God knows what we need.  God knew the crowds needed to be fed, but He also knew that the 12 needed to be cared for.  After everyone ate and was satisfied, the disciples picked up "12 basketfuls of broken bread and fish."  Coincidence? 12 disciples who were hungry, 12 extra basketfuls?  God knows what He's doing.

So, as we practice hospitality this year, let's not forget to invite God in.  As you sit before a meal, pause and give thanks to the Giver... He has so much to give!!

*Mark 6:30-44 Story of Jesus feeding the 5,000

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.
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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.