Congratulations to Cindy Bultema who is the winner of the free ticket to The M.O.M. Conference with The MOM Initiative in Jacksonville, FL 2014. (Chosen by Random.org) It seems like a long way off now … but who wouldn’t like to know you have a weekend in Florida on the calendar?!?!?
So on this Feed Me Friday, I have to admit that my kitchen has been busy this week, but there was little time to snap a photo. It wasn’t the most important thing at the time. In fact, with a week to go before Jeff and I leave on an international trip to speak at a Conference, we had a lot left to do in preparation. But God had different plans. Better plans. He sent a guest to help prepare our hearts. And when God sends us a guest, He doesn’t want excuses.
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)
On our way to serve cross-cultural workers and their national partners, God sent a dear Asian friend to stay with us for 4 days. What better way to 
prepare our hearts? In addition to hosting meals and having snacks, etc, available, we had the chance to host a small coffee for our guest. I can’t share pictures today, but I can share some of the tips that helped me through this week. How do you joyfully extend hospitality joyfully when you’re busy?
“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9)
Hospitality Tips for Busy Women
- Keep it simple.
- Before they arrive, buy fresh fruit. (You will feel more prepared for breakfast & quick snacks. Plus, it makes your kitchen pretty.)
- Cook things you know. (I made 3 hour chicken. It was ready when we got home and made the house smell good!)
- Use your slow cooker/crock pot. (I made a traditional pot roast with my favorite meat seasoning. I need to share that with you! It cooked all day long!)
- Buy ready made items and serve them beautifully. (I bought Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cheesecake. I sprinkled a little cinnamon on top and served it on a red glass plate. (It was so good that our international guest had it for breakfast the next day!)
- Let a friend help you. (For our evening coffee, a friend brought beautiful cookies and mixed fruit.)
- Go out. Our friend enjoyed the “cultural treat” of Famous Dave’s BBQ with Jeff. Let your guests enjoy what is unique to your area.
- When in doubt, tight on time, or low on cash … make popcorn. It brings people together!
- Provide 3 options for breakfast that you can just “put out” with an invitation to make yourself at home. I chose: cereal, English muffins, toast. And he picked cheesecake 🙂 I put out fresh fruit, along with butter, PB, Nutella, jam. Of course, coffee or hot tea is a necessity!
- Sit down and “be” with your guest. Most of all, hospitality is the extension of our hearts. The food is just another means of delivery. Most of all, you guest will be blessed by YOU.
I’m so glad “busy” didn’t rob us of the joy of having our friend and partner stay in our home and sit at our table. As often happens when we do what the Lord asks, WE WERE BLESSED. Now to order pizza and get ready for our travels!
These are great tips, Julie! Very practical and easy to do:)
That’s what really helps me when I’m busy … practical and easy! 🙂
Excellent tips, Julie! And one more tip: Your preparations need not be elaborate. Even the most basic, common meals and activities would certainly be greatly appreciated by someone from another culture because of your presence. Remember, your guest probably came because of your friendship and not because of the food.
That is great advice, Kuya Our guest room is always open. We even have a dog to keep you company and are able to catch snakes for intesting pictures 🙂 We hope that will encourage our guests to come often!