Hospitality and entertaining are not the same thing. "We invite people into our home to create moments that matter, not moments that impress." This is one of my mantras. I keep saying it because I believe that it's true. And it's what I practice. On Easter Sunday we invited our community to join us for … Continue reading CLEANING REALLY IS OPTIONAL
Chicken Curry is one of my favorite restaurant meals. I've made several versions of this rich, savory dish at home, and this is the easiest Chicken Curry recipe that I have prepared, and so it's pretty great that it is also the most flavorful. The key to recreating the authentic flavor of this restaurant dish … Continue reading CHICKEN CURRY
Sarah Harmeyer - the woman who's story of loving people around her backyard table for twenty inspired mine - has launched a website for her "Love Mission". And it. is. amazing. Neighborstable.com offers motivation, stories, and an online store. You can even order a custom table for your backyard! If you have a … Continue reading NEIGHBOR’S TABLE – MY NEW FAVORITE WEBSITE
One of the biggest challenges to hosting a community meal isn't necessarily asking for help, but knowing how to best organize the group of people who are willing. So often doing things ourselves actually is easier than pausing every time someone comes through our front door to think through who is already doing which tasks, … Continue reading A CREATIVE WAY TO ORGANIZE HELP
When this link for "Quick Budget Friendly Recipes" showed up on my Facebook feed, I knew it was one worth saving. On Monday the girls and I made Martha's Black Beans and Sausage Skillet Dish, and it delivered as promised. Great flavors, with relative ease and low expense to prepare. I did make a few adjustments … Continue reading BLACK BEANS & SAUSAGE
"I can't believe that you let me sign your table the first time I came to your house for dinner. I'm surprised that you don't want to be sure that I'm going to come back." "Of course!" I replied, "Everyone who shares a meal with us at our table is invited to sign it regardless … Continue reading BECAUSE COMMUNITY ISN’T A SYSTEM OF EVEN EXCHANGES
I had planned on using solitary time at home to catch up on my to-do list. But I ended up laying on my bed, staring at the ceiling instead. Telling God my list of grievances, and finding comfort under the blanket of self-pity. I am over forty years old, but sometimes I still pray like … Continue reading HOW TO THROW A GROWN-UP PITY PARTY
