Autumn is finally upon us and I’m thinking that it would be nice to have a list of get together ideas akin to the one I made for summer. If you’ll be spending time with friends this fall, then you may be able to make use of some of these ideas. Fall get together ideas Go on a hayride. Gather your friends, pile some hay in a … [Read more...] about 7 Fall Get Together Ideas
hospitality
10 Summer Get Together Ideas
Given that we often pack our summers with vacations, yard projects, and camping trips, it can be difficult to find time to get together and hang out with friends. It’s so important that we fellowship with our friends, though, so we shouldn’t put socializing on hold until the busy summer months have passed. Fortunately, there are a … [Read more...] about 10 Summer Get Together Ideas
Food Safety at Barbecues and Picnics
‘Tis the season for picnics and barbecues. I’m eager to eat a juicy burger, flavorful baked beans, and refreshing watermelon. What I’m not eager for is foodborne illness, a surprisingly common consequence of improper food handling at these gatherings. Fortunately, several commonsense measures can keep us safe as we enjoy our favorite foods … [Read more...] about Food Safety at Barbecues and Picnics
Keeping It Real While Practicing Hospitality
When I have guests over, I typically try to make things nice. I do my best to get the house in tip-top shape, I cook my best meals, I use formal serving dishes, and I smile and act cheerfully (even if I’m having a rough day). I’m beginning to realize that this nice façade may not be beneficial when practicing hospitality. Instead, my … [Read more...] about Keeping It Real While Practicing Hospitality
Affordable, Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Large Groups
We have several family members coming to spend the week of Thanksgiving with us. As much as I love cooking, I’d rather spend time visiting with my loved ones than in the kitchen preparing meals. We’re also on a tight budget, so I don’t want to break the bank when purchasing foods for us to eat. I’ve been brainstorming and have come up … [Read more...] about Affordable, Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Large Groups
Welcoming New Neighbors
A “For Rent” sign recently went up in the window of a nearby house. This means we’ll likely have new neighbors moving in soon. I’ve noted previously that Americans have experienced a decline in their sense of connectedness with their neighbors. If we are to carry out the Biblical command to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40), then we … [Read more...] about Welcoming New Neighbors
The Sights in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
We’ve already discussed how the sounds and scents in a home contribute to its aura—the overall quality or feeling it emits. Today let’s consider how the sights in a home, especially the way in which it is decorated, can positively influence its aura. Though I don’t believe there is one “right” way to decorate a home, I’ve always felt … [Read more...] about The Sights in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
Supporting Our Husbands as They Practice Hospitality
Though I tend to think of hospitality as “women’s work,” I realized a few weeks ago that in my household it is actually my husband who tends to realize when it’s been a while since we’ve had guests over. I’ve also noticed that in the Bible, men played prominent roles in hospitality (e.g., Genesis 18:1-7, Ruth 2:14, Romans 16:23). After … [Read more...] about Supporting Our Husbands as They Practice Hospitality
