Jotham's Journey, Prudence and the Millers, 1 Peter, The King's Daughter
Our Curriculum:
Horizons Math Grade 4 and K,The Reading Lesson, Sequential Spelling, Lifepac Language Arts 4, Apologia Astronomy, Veritas Press New Testament/Greeks/Romans
Prima Latina, Contenders for the Faith and various Winters Promise books, Live Mocha Spanish, Plants Grown Up
The way we love our families and friends is through the definition of "gracious: a generosity of spirit, characterized by kindness and warm courtesy" to those we live with and visit with.
~Alda Ellis
Every house where love abides and friendship is a guest is surely HOME and home sweet home for there the heart can rest
~Henry Van Dyke
The Bible calls us to practice hospitality on numerous occasions:
Romans 12:10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Hebrews 13 Let brotherly love continue. 2Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
1 Peter 4:9Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
I have been studying hospitality lately. I've been praying to create an environment for my family as well as guests that is calm, loving and welcoming. I've loved having an open home and entertaining often, but the Lord has shown me my heart has not always been right. I'm the picture of Martha . I'm always so busy making sure the food is out and warm, I admit I'm not providing an atmosphere of calm and caring when I am scurrying around taking care of these things. I have realized I need to be more simple in my meals when entertaining and spend more time ministering to my guest's hearts than stomachs! I was reminded that more important than those last minute cleaning touch ups is taking moments to pray for the guests and for myself!
“Believers can uniquely display God’s love as they extend hospitality…Food and other elements are merely tools used to express our love for people. Our motivation for being hospitable women is a response to God’s work in our lives. Hospitality is one way we can tangibly demonstrate our love for God.”
~Pat Ennis
I enjoyed this post! Hospitality is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I'm reading "Open Heart, Open Home" by Karen Mains (Jess recommended it last year on her "Making Home" blog) and it really is giving me a lot of food for thought.
Hope you are well! Kelly/Flyingmom at http://www.threelittlejewells.com
