to be a blessing to anyone who crosses my path who is in a time of need.
The purpose of this book is to try to inspire every reader to entertain others, no matter
how opulent or humble your circumstances. Hopefully, it will offer you a few ideas that
you can use for entertaining. No matter who we are or what kind of space we live in, we
can all share what we have with others because HOSPITALITY is a heart thing.
It’s Not About the Pie
reflects the concept that things do not have to be perfect to welcome
someone into your home. Because it is not about having a fancy home or perfect meal,
but about making someone feel loved, cared for, and like they can drop in anytime.
People who know me now may say, “Well, it’s easy for you to have people into your
home. You have a nice house.” I assure you that has not always been the case. I did
not grow up in a home where I could have friends over, so I did not learn much
about entertaining in that era of my life. After we married, my husband and I started
to practice hospitality. I started with the people in my own home. It’s a lot easier
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to entertain when your spouse knows you care about him most of all, and it’s a lot
easier to get his help, too!
Our newlywed first home was 350 square feet, and we loved to invite people over. Over
the years, I have hosted many less than perfect events and have blessed people in good
times and in tough times. Everyone likes feeling like they matter, like someone cares
about them. One key to my success in entertaining? I learned to adapt using limited
resources and to use my space for whatever might be needed. How, you might ask? It’s
so easy, you won’t believe it. Heart costs nothing. Always let everything you do be done
with love, and I promise that people will notice and will want to return.
All that love in your heart is going to want some recipes. I have included some of my
favorite recipes that I like to use whenever I entertain; most of them have been working
for me for decades, so please use, modify, and enjoy them! I’ve also included some quick-
fix ideas for decorating and some tips on how to successfully start opening your home
to others. My favorite parts of this book are the places where I will share stories of how
others have inspired me in my growth as a Christian woman trying to minister hope and
hospitality. They are who I learned from. I’ve included them so you can also learn from
their examples. Ways I have learned to share what I have, even if things aren’t optimal. It
concerns me when people say they are not “gifted” in hospitality, because I used to feel
that way. Here I am now, inadequate me, passing on what I have learned to you. In Titus
2:3–5, the Apostle Paul talked about the importance of older women mentoring younger
women and having happy homes. It is my encouragement to use your home to reach
out to those around you, one step at a time. It doesn’t have to be a holiday party; maybe
invite someone over for coffee or tea for starters, and then take it from there.
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Each of us has our own journey that grows and shapes us, teaching us how we can
best share kindness with others. We should make it a habit to be generous and
gracious to others, and to let them know that no matter how late or inconvenient
the hour, they can show up at your door and crash for the night, or maybe you can
provide a listening ear. Perhaps a neighbor needs the leaves raked or a meal during
a time of crisis. There are countless ways to help others. This book will barely scratch
the surface, but I hope to inspire you to take a fresh look at hospitality and the many
ways you can be welcoming to others.
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PART 1
The Big Idea
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
—Romans 12:13 (NIV)
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CHAPTER 1
Hospitality is Giving
of Ourselves
“Hospitality isn’t about inviting people into our perfect homes,
it’s about inviting them into our imperfect hearts.”
—Edie Wadsworth
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When I was growing up, we did not have people come to our home. It was an older
home, and our mom did not feel it was ready for guests. As a child, I wanted to
be able to have people over. Maybe that is why hospitality has become such an
important part of my life today.
When my husband Craig and I first got married, I could not wait to set up our
nest. Craig was attending college and working as a manager at Taco Bell to
support us. We lived in such a tiny place that there was not much to set up.
We had a little garden spot behind our duplex where I attempted a garden, but
the ants that infested our backyard devoured it. Next, to make our duplex look
homey and cheery, I set flower pots in the front yard; the snails living in the
ground cover ivy plantings feasted on them, and my beautiful flowers became
barren flower pots filled with dirt and snail slime tracks. Never mind that
decorating on the inside was a further exercise in futility, as whenever we got a
good rain, runoff water took the shortcut through our bedroom on its way to the
sea, soaking everything in its path and even ruining my art supplies, which had
been stored in our dresser.
We were deeply in love, and it’s a good thing, as reality in that duplex was nothing