"I think you lied a little bit in your last post - the one on "8 Essential Steps to Creating a Sense of Belonging at Your Table". Kara looked up at me from her seated position in the bleachers and smiled as I was getting myself settled in the space next to her, "Your house … Continue reading I THINK YOU LIED A LITTLE BIT
Tag: Sharing Meals
Soufra is an Arabic word that means "a long table filled with many good things to eat". "Soufra" is also an inspiring documentary about a community of women living in a refugee camp in Lebanon who connect with each other through food, and create hope by overcoming multiple obstacles to develop a catering and food … Continue reading SOUFRA
When I looked at my cell phone the display announced a message from Heather. Heather and I have been church family for two decades. She brings meals to my home in trying seasons, speaks wisdom into my life in the church parking lot, and faithfully holds me up in moments when the prayers of the … Continue reading TEA & TA-TA’S
STEP 1: INVITE! Step 1 is not cleaning your house, redecorating your dining room, or taking a cooking class. It is simply inviting one, two, or ten people to your home whom you’d like to know better. Preparing a place for loved ones at your table begins with being willing to let people see you, … Continue reading 8 ESSENTIAL STEPS TO CREATING A PLACE OF BELONGING AT YOUR TABLE
Today I hosted a bridal shower for one of my Monday Night Girls. She is also a young woman who I absolutely adore. Colorful flowers in mason jars decorated my patio, beautiful china was set on the table, and champagne flutes were filled with fresh fruit and sparkling Prosecco. It was a delightful afternoon of … Continue reading ENTERTAINING AND HOSPITALITY ARE NOT SYNONYMOUS
"Can I ask you all of my ignorant questions?" This question has opened up some of my favorite conversations with co-workers at Sonata Hospice in San Diego where I work as a Bereavement Coordinator. I have lived in the same house for 17 years. I have attended the same church that is ten minutes from … Continue reading CREATING SAFE SPACE TO ASK IGNORANT QUESTIONS
"I’ve done the research & my findings are extremely consistent: if you want to make people happy immediately upon entering your (home), put together an egregiously large cheese board. There are no rules, of course, but I usually start with three cheeses, one soft. Three pickle-y/olive-y things, three kinds of cured meats, two or three … Continue reading PLATTERS & BOARDS
