Who says that hospitality can only take place in the home? As we've already discussed, hospitality is a state of the heart. Therefore, we should take it with us wherever our travels take us. photo source Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could make people feel welcome just by our presence? Can we, for a moment, reflect on how we might have felt had we had the chance to meet Christ face-to-face when He walked the earth? The children who were viewed as nuisances by His disciples - He told them to come to Him. The woman under assault for her sinful life - He told her she was whole and to "Go and sin no more." Zaccheus, the corrupt Publican-leader who stole from "the least of these" - He told him to come down from the branches and dine with Him. We could go on and on. And here is an important thing to remember - Christ did not have a permanent dwelling place in which He laid His head each night. He went where He was needed - a holy vagabond, but one with a divine purpose. He did not lack direction or purpose - He went to show His love for His people. And He did it without a big, gorgeous house or an elaborate menu or pockets full of money. His purpose was not to impress others but to impress upon them His love for them. And now He commands us to love one another. To live beyond our white-picket fences for His purposes. To take what we learn at the altar out the back door of the church and into the world. We're to know Him and make Him known. And we best make Him known through how we represent His kingdom as we interact with His creation. God has given us a wonderful opportunity to represent His kingdom through our acts of hospitable love and kindness to others. So, how can we make hospitality portable? What is the state of our hearts as we go about our daily routine? When we are out doing our grocery shopping or daily errands, are we kind to those around us? Do we treat others like the God-created beings that they are, or are we out to accomplish our own agenda only? Are we impatient in the check-out line? Do we complain and grumble if our lunch order is not perfect? Do we hold those around us up to unreasonably high expectations in order that we might be served? If hospitality is a state of the heart, we need to start with a heart check. Wouldn't it be exciting if we could all head out of our homes with the purpose of putting a smile on someone's face, someone we don't even necessarily know? Could we turn our primary tasks of grocery shopping, hair cuts, dental and doctor appointments into secondary tasks of making someone else smile? Wouldn't our errands suddenly become more exciting if we viewed them as divinely ordained opportunities to reach out for Him? I love that thought! What about that mom with the screaming kids who looks like she's just about to lose it? Could we encourage her by gently letting her know that we understand and have days just like that too? Or what about striking up a conversation with the lonely elderly person in the grocery store aisle with you? Even if it puts you behind schedule by ten minutes, that ten minutes could have given that lonely God-child the strength to get through the day. Or how about simply walking around with a smile on your face? Did you ever notice how contagious a smile can be? I've personally been affected by other people's smiles. A smile seems so simple, but it can really speak to a heart. Or we can think on more concrete ways of showing hospitality outside of our homes. Making meals for a new mother, an elderly couple, a working mother, a financially-hurting family or just a random neighbor. Wouldn't you appreciate a call at 11 am informing you that your neighbor wanted to bless you with that night's meal? Bake some cookies or brownies. Package them up simple-like or you could go a little more fancy. They taste the same whether they are packaged on a disposable plate covered with cling wrap or tied up with a pretty bow in crisp cellophane. Now, if you're like me, you can add some extra-special finishing touches to make your neighbor feel extra-special, or you can just give them a simple plate of cookies with a little hand-written note. Visit a nursing home. You could take just yourself and your little ones, or you could also take along a small sugar-free treat for the residents. Our church carols at local nursing homes each Christmas and Easter, and the residents just absolutely LOVE having us and our kids around. You can just tell that it absolutely makes their day! We always take little crafts that our Wednesday night children's group makes, and this makes it even more fun for them! Call a friend who you haven't spoken to for a while and arrange for a time for you to treat her to coffee or tea at a local restaurant or coffee house. It's so hard to keep in touch with friends, and so this would be a treat for both parties! Send some hand-written hospitality! You know that I love handwritten notes! Who doesn't like to find a hand-addressed envelope waiting for them in their mailbox? Send some loving hospitality through the postal service! Take the time to write a nice letter to a friend or relative, letting them know how much they mean to you. Here's one that may stretch us... The man who sits on the corner with the sign. How about a quick trip through the drive-thru for a hot meal and a cool or hot drink (depending on the weather) to hand off to him through your car window? Maybe a note on the take-out bag letting him know that you will pray for him? Not sure if he "really needs the help"? Then go by the Holy Spirit's leading and trust His prompting. If He says "go", then throw reason out the car window and go. Father ~ Show us all how we can take hospitality on the road. Help us, help me, to reach beyond our own little worlds and see the bigger picture. Help us to be willing to sacrifice our time and our comfort zones in order to better serve you through reaching out to those who need Your love. Father, I admit that I need Your divine assistance in this. I often become way too comfortable and complacent and often find my roots digging just a tad too deep. Father, awaken my soul to see fresh ways to encourage others, love others, and witness to others through my life and my actions. Show me who you want me to reach out to right now; prompt me through Your Holy Spirit and then give me the courage and discernment to do it. In Your Son's life-giving name, Amen.
Welcome to the charming Screened Inn on beautiful Tybee Island just off the coast of Savannah Georgia. I had the privilege of attending a little blogger retreat last week, organized and hosted by Rhoda of Southern Hospitality, Diane of Mermaid Cottages, and Kathy aka the author Mary Kay Andrews. There were about 20 of us ... Read More about Screened Inn Cottage Tour
Carrillon Beach cottages
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How to be a good neighbor: 9 old fashioned tips for getting to know the folks next door.
Tour a cottage style home built in 1972 in Acworth, GA, featuring a large farmhouse kitchen and quaint details along with a beautiful backyard.
Tour a cottage style home built in 1972 in Acworth, GA, featuring a large farmhouse kitchen and quaint details along with a beautiful backyard.
FRESNO, Calif., April 27, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Since first opening its doors in 2015, Event Factory Rentals in Fresno has quickly become a go-to company for those in need of restroom accommodations and temp fencing for outdoor events. Local homeowners and businesses alike have come to depend on them because they offer the best products and service at the best prices around. - News from Event Factory Rentals, issued by Send2Press Newswire
From small social gatherings to large celebratory events and weddings, Rachel’s Lakeside offers versatility no other venue in the area can offer.
Spending two days at P. Allen Smith's Moss Mountain farm was truly a dreamy place to visit and another highlight of my blogging journey. Looking back, I can't believe some of the things I get to do and the places I get to visit! So grateful for these opportunities to meet new people and see new things. We were all invited there as part of the Garden to Grow 2017 event (this is a sponsored post, in that most of our travel expenses were paid ) and most of the bloggers there were mainly garden bloggers. I fit in there because I truly love the outdoors and growing flowers and am happy to include gardening inspiration on my blog, even if I'm not always digging in the dirt. I truly love flowers and blooms and the serenity that comes from nature and being outdoors. There is just nothing like it and visiting Moss Mountain farm reminded me of the beauty of the country life and how peaceful and tranquil it is away from the big city. I could use more of that tranquility many days! I've shared several posts already from Moss Mountain, the vegetable garden tour, and Part 1 and Part 2 of the house tour inside. Today, I'm sharing my last post from the farm, the gardens outside the house and the surrounding area. Truly spectacular!
We Southerners love a good brunch. I suspect you Northerners do too, as well as all ya'll in the Midwest. I have no idea. I just know that down South, we love us a good
Stop by for a charming and quaint Cape Cod cottage in CT. Beautiful shingled home with blue door and a white picket fence.
Don't fence me in - unless it looks like this! You may be bound by neighborhood covenants and restrictions in regards to fencing. BUT If you have some creative freedom - you might consider some unconventional materials to give your yard or just a small area some additional character. The traditional elements for fencing would include: Wood - easy to work with, strong, beautiful but requires more maintenance than other typical materials Vinyl - variety of colors and styles, no maintenance, installation can be tricky and cost more upfront Aluminum - suited for upscale homes. Light weight, less costly than wrought iron and will not rust Composites - newer option, has the benefits of wood without the maintenance but double the cost If you have the ability to be creative, you might consider some of these ideas...... Weaving colored plastic slats in a chain link fence Planting an evergreen vine that covers the fencing within about a year Old surf boards or skis Old doors Glass block Woven vines Or create a vignette Create a statement with your fencing!!!!
Stop by for a charming and quaint Cape Cod cottage in CT. Beautiful shingled home with blue door and a white picket fence.
Tour a cottage style home built in 1972 in Acworth, GA, featuring a large farmhouse kitchen and quaint details along with a beautiful backyard.
Tour a cottage style home built in 1972 in Acworth, GA, featuring a large farmhouse kitchen and quaint details along with a beautiful backyard.
With the pastoral beauty of a white picket fence the Hillsdale Furniture Augusta Daybed is as inviting as it is convenient. Subtle slopes and traditional ball finials and feet enhance its genteel air; the white wood finish recalls a breezy summer day. It's Southern hospitality meets country charm in one compact package. Perfect for small spaces and extra seating or overnight guests. Includes suspension deck. Accommodates one twin mattress. Mattress not included. Assembly required.
Stop by for a charming and quaint Cape Cod cottage in CT. Beautiful shingled home with blue door and a white picket fence.
