You don't have to leave home to have an adventure. Just invite your neighbor to dinner.
My philosophy on hosting.
Moment of honesty, I’m not a fan of Halloween. I just try not to be a jerk about it. Carving pumpkins is a big, slimy hassle. I don’t like it when my kids are loaded up on sugar; they’re not sane. I don’t like gross stuff. I resent people who jump out and scare me. And I don’t want to […]
Read more
To pass on the philosophy of hosting, we want our kids to experience the gift of hosting. An exchange program can provide that special experience of feeling the work of preparation followed quickly by the reward of fun times with new friends. This week, we are hosting some members of the BOHAM children’s choir from Uganda. If you have kids […]
Read more
My friend decided to do some very brave hosting last week. She set up a backyard Bible camp and entertained 20 children (only 2 of which were her own) for 5 days. Wow! How did this happen? Well… It all started during a conversation with the family ministry director at Cedars church, where our hero and her family go each […]
Read more
You have the right to host people in any space you occupy. You may not have the right to set them up for a night’s stay or a gourmet meal, but you can welcome people into your space. If I occupy a seat on an airplane, I can offer my welcome and influence to anyone on that row or near […]
Read more
Whether you love it or hate it, another family holiday is coming. Many of my friends discuss long and awkward dinners with family members they hardly know. They dread holidays and the obligation to connect with these disconnected relatives. They feel miserable and a bit empty when it ends. In any situation you can’t just get out of, seek to […]
Read more“Guests are like fish; after three days they begin to smell.” Great Grandma That poor woman missed out! Guests come for lots of different reasons but today, I’m focusing on people who just need someplace safe to be. Do you plan to host someone for three weeks or more? Here’s how to set yourself up for success. Have a […]
Read more
It sometimes seems odd that the master suite of many homes is about the size of a studio apartment, yet only one or two people stay in it while the guests are given a tiny room or a collection of several couches and cushions. This can seem like the most convenient arrangement for a hardworking host, but then the host […]
Read more
This is how you can stretch yourself into trying new things. I recommend committing to new experiences before you think them through all the way. Then, when panic is just about to hit, make planning lists and get down to some logistics work. This technique allowed my husband and I to host a seminar on forgiveness right in our home! […]
Read more
When I first moved to California, I wanted to make friends with some of the mommies at my school. I was trying to think of a way to spend time with them regularly. So, I decided to host a workout time. Twice a week, ladies would come and work out on my patio. My house was way too small to […]
Read more
When I host someone, or a group of someones, it is not my highest goal for them to have a lovely time. My guests don’t even have to become, or remain my friends. I do care about that, but what I want most is the opportunity to influence their life. Usually that influence comes in a package of lots of […]
Read more