As we get ready to head into the official “holiday season” with Thanksgiving less than a week away, let’s get our hearts, minds and gracious spirits ready to enjoy being hosed in someone else’s home.
I’ve shared this list in the past, but I wanted to give you some simple ideas of what you could do to show your appreciation for the one that has opened their home to you. Whether it’s for the whole, big, complex Thanksgiving meal, or you’re invited over for a simple gathering, remember that the effort to open their doors to you in just that – an effort. They’ve sacrificed something to invite you. Your host is opening their heart to you in doing so! A gracious way to say thank you, is to respond in kind. How so? Here you go…
Holiday paper napkins, mini hand cream and holiday scented hand sanitizer put into a pretty package is a small way to say thank you!
There are lots of definitions and ideas about hospitality, but the biblical view isn’t what you see on Instagram. We see it clearly in Jesus’ response to everyone He met. He showed it with one word – “Come!” This podcast shares the heart of Christ in regards to being hospitable and the practical ways we can demonstrate this godly character trait.
What will it look like? Here’s a clip to pique your interest…
Our houses get “decked out” at this time of year, don’t they? Â What better time than the holidays to invite folks over? Â If you need a couple reasons why it’s a great time to show hospitality, read on.
1. When you’ve gone to so much trouble to get everything sparkling and gleaming with decorations, you’ve already taken care of getting the house ready for guests!
2. Â There are usually enough snacks and treats in our kitchens to fill the neighborhood – so go ahead – fill up the neighborhood! Â Invite your neighbors over for a cup of coffee and treat! Invite them over for cheese and crackers and fresh fruit. Look what you have in abundance and share it! If you need a delicious and easy sweet popcorn, this Almond Toffee Popcorn is a favorite of mine.
I’m so thankful it’s officially springtime! I’m devoting today’s post to all things spring – from tablescapes to cleaning lists, I’ve got some ideas to help you enjoy this season to the fullest!
Easter is right around the corner, so look below for some ideas for your table and your menu! But as you consider inviting guests over, read this post to be reminded of the best way to open your home in order to sweetly share the Gospel.
If you want to set a spring-y table, here are five different centerpieces you could easily create.
Wintertime makes your outdoor areas a mess and less than inviting! You’ll find ideas to refresh your porches for spring here.
Lighter meals and fresh ingredients are perfect for spring suppers. This Salmon Salad is amazing and perfect for springtime!
If you need some Spring cleaning lists to get you motivated on cleaning winter out of your house, check out this post that is full of great plans!
The result will be something delicious and beautiful, and you won’t be exhausted!
Finally, my all-time favorite Spring/Easter Cake is this Coconut Cake with Lemon filling. It’s a family tradition that we all anticipate!
Have you ever gotten past a “big” holiday only to realize that you missed it? Oh, you celebrated with the food, the decorations and the flare, but you got so caught up in all the trappings that you didn’t really celebrate the true holiday. I think we’ve all been there a time or two (or twenty)!
In order to help us not regret “missing Thanksgiving,” I think it’s important to do some thinking and planning NOW to ensure that the holiday will be celebrated in a way that is a blessing to all who gather because we focused on what was really, truly important. That would not mean the lumpy gravy, the squashed rolls or the dry turkey, but on giving thanks. It’s just so easy to sit down to a bountiful table, everyone starving and ready to dive in, have the blessing for the meal, finish with dessert and football and totally overlook stopping for worship and givng of thanks to our great God for ALL His blessings.
Let me make a couple suggestions to help you plan for this time – no matter the size of the group that gathers.
If you’re married, talk to your husband about how you could incorporate a time of giving thanks into your day. Ask for his input and depend on him to help implement this (if possible).
Consider the food. If the meal is hot and on the table, the time of the blessing might not be the best time to also go around and have everyone share the things for which they’re thankful. That’s spoken from the hostess side who wants the food to be hot! Perhaps during the meal or afterwards would be better.
Let everyone that’s coming know that they need to be thinking about the blessings they could share. Being prepared is helpful for everyone.
Reading a portion of Scripture after dinner would be a great tradition. Psalm 34, 44:4-8, 92, 95, 100, 111, or 138 would all be good choices.
Sing a hymn together. If your family isn’t musical, use Alexa to play it and join in singing!
Spend time praying for one another.
My family has had what we call “Puff Moments” for many years on Thanksgiving Day. We gather in the living room after supper and share our blessings from the past year. There are inevitably many tears shed as we rehearse the ways God has answered prayer or helped in trials. The Puffs get passed around the room! What a sweet time it always is.
Plan ahead and prepare your own heart and that of your guests so you won’t miss out on giving thanks this Thanksgiving.
Share one blessing from this past year. I have my Puff ready!
RefreshHer 