God Loves To Be With You

The month of February, and especially Valentine’s Day, is the perfect time to share with our kids what the Bible says about love. The ultimate expression of God’s love came in the form of His Son Jesus who, through His death and resurrection, redeemed us.

When we truly understand the depths of God’s love for us its easier to love others.

Join me over at Faith Gateway as a share a story about loving on my oldest girl when she was just a baby and what I learned about God, a mighty warrior who is with me. The one who watches over me, who saves me, also takes delight in me and sings over me.

Plus I am sharing some great kids books that talk about the many different ways to express and receive love.

Three Simple Steps to Defuse and Resolve Sibling Conflict

It is not always easy to be kind, especially when kindness is not shown to us.

My kids have different personalities and various ways they deal with conflict. One child shoves when they don’t get their way. The other raises his voice and waves a finger to emphasize his point while another plays the victim and insists the whole world is against them.

Romans 12:10 reminds us this is not the way we should handle trouble with others. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

This doesn’t come easy. So how do we do encourage our kids to do what’s right when everything within us wants to let our emotions dictate their behavior?

I am over at Faith Gateway talking about simple steps that have helped our family resolve conflict in a healthy way. Join me there...

My One Word in the New Year 2017

2016 was a good year for me. I am slow in saying that because so much of what has happened in the world at large has been gut wrenching. I admit I don’t watch the news a lot for that very reason. My heart breaks over so many things that divide us. I may not be on the front lines of change but I’ve committed to love the people in my every day and teach my kids what it means to let go of pride and cultivate compassion for the sake of unity.

This past year has included huge personal growth for me. Through intention, I established a habit of Sabbath keeping, finished personal projects, and set boundaries on my time. I also have cultivated relationships I longed to have, completed a home renovation, and embraced the description of work at home mom.

Circles of Faith, the ministry I co-founded with Elise Daly Parker, hosted it’s first all day retreat and transformed from a community blog to a podcast. It was very exciting but there was a lot of letting go and pushing forward that took place.

These successes sound great but I wrestled with doubts and insecurities along the way. I fought for every inch of ground I took.

As I approach 2017, I am ready to be refreshed. As I prayed about the things I would like to be different this year the word RENEW came to me. I immediately thought of the scripture in Romans 12:2.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

My One Word for the New Year is a verb, RENEW.

·      RENEW my faith. I will get back to basics and put God’s Word in my heart through scripture meditation and memorization.

·      RENEW my marriage. I will shed those comfortable habits that prevent intimacy.

·      RENEW my purpose. Whether I write a blog post, tuck my kids into bed at night, drive carpool, host our small group, or produce a podcast, I will do it well and stay focused on my why.

·      RENEW my Sabbath practice. I will prepare for those days and fiercely guard the sacredness of them.

There are a few important projects I am working on this year. However, I want to see renewal in the areas mentioned above more than I want to achieve any one specific goal. I truly believe that if I let my One Word guide me it will help me achieve my goals. The One Word itself does not hold power but the small consistent practices I have associated with it do. 

I am excited for what the New Year holds.  

I am curious to know, do you have a One Word for the New Year or do make resolutions or set goals? I’d love to hear what about your hopes for 2017.

This Month: Learning What the Bible Says About Your Future

This month I am focusing on the topic of FUTURE with my children.

2017 is here and many of us are making resolutions, creating SMART goals, or choosing One Word for the New Year. There is no better time to let go of the past and look towards the future then now.

Fresh starts aren’t just for us but for our kids too.

God is doing a new thing and we can be on the lookout for it. (Isaiah 43:18-19) If we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The old has passed away; the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17) That means we don’t have to be stuck in our old way of doing things.

It’s not just in the New Year that we can live expectantly, but every day, because the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies are new every morning. God is faithful. (Lamentations 3:22-23) We have a part to play in receiving what God has for us. We are told to put off your old self and to be made new in the attitude of our minds. (Ephesians 4:22-24) We can do that by learning God’s Word and putting it into our hearts so we begin to think and act like Him.

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The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE. 

Gold Medal Perseverance

Have you ever felt like you wanted to give up? Quit the job that makes you unhappy or end that relationship that’s just too hard? I know I have. What about your teens? Do the pressures they experience at school and in sports overwhelm them?

In Hebrews 13:21 it says God will “equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.”

How encouraging!

We will all encounter obstacles. We can choose to either let them define us or trust God and overcome them. I am over at Faith Gateway talking about the book Courage to Soar by Simone Biles.   

In it, she shares about the obstacles she had to overcome and her rocky road to Rio. Join me there to hear more about her story and this inspiring book. 

{This post contains links and references to products and services that may have affiliates, sponsorships, or other business relationships. Living in the Sweet Spot may receive compensation from referrals or sales actions. Thank you for your support! }

How Everyday Non-Negotiables Can Change Your Outlook on Life

There was a time when my schedule was a mess. I had too much on my plate and spent every day trying to "get it all done." I had a family to take care of, a ministry to run, and big ideas with no hope of seeing them come to life.

I hired a life coach to guide me on what I should do with my online self. But I got so much more than that. One of the first things she asked me was, "What are your daily non-negotiables?" In other words, "What are the five things that must happen to feel good about your day?

Non-negotiables are decisions made in advance based on your values, beliefs, and convictions that you will not change. They are the things you will or will not do in areas of your life such as family, relationships, or business. 

I understood what a non-negotiable was; however, I'd never considered them in my daily life. At that time, everything I did was negotiable. Most days, I'd go with the flow or address only the most pressing issues, and no day ever looked the same.

With a bit of thought, I came up with my non-negotiables. The list consisted of what mattered to me. More than anything else, these things bummed me out when I didn't get to them each day.

My list included:

• Spend time with God

• Invest time in my kids – talking, reading, homework, or bedtime routines.

• Tidy (not perfect) house - everything in its place.

• Create something - write, design, or organize

• Connect with my husband

Once I assembled this list, I could use it as the framework for my day. I intentionally made time in my schedule for each of them. It took a bit of practice, but eventually, I started to see results over time. I began to see that it was possible to do what I said was important to me. 

HERE ARE 3 STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO CREATE NON-NEGOTIABLES AND GET ON TRACK:

1. Brainstorm ideas. Set aside time to think about what matters to you. What would it look like if you could design a good day, considering your responsibilities? Write down everything that comes to mind.

2. Choose five (or less) of them. That is all you need. It's better to do a few things consistently instead of taking on too many and becoming discouraged.

3. Put them in your calendar. Make an appointment with yourself and your non-negotiables. The key to leaving behind good intentions and accomplishing what matters to you is to designate a time each day to do them, even if it is not the same time every day.

Your life is a product of your routine and daily rituals. 

It takes practice to make your non-negotiables a part of your every day, but it is worth the effort, especially when they are rooted in your values. Eventually, they will become habits, and you'll begin to feel like you have control over your time and, ultimately, your life.

Once the things that mattered to me the most became a consistent part of my day, I no longer felt hopeless or like a victim of my busy schedule. I was able to have realistic expectations of what was possible to do with the rest of my time.

This Month: Learning What the Bible Says About Identity

This month I am focusing on the topic of IDENTITY with my children.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, it’s the perfect time to remind our little ones just how much God loves them. He loved them enough to send His only Son, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, into this world to ultimately pay the price for their sins. An understanding of that love speaks to their identity - who they believe they are.

The greatest foundation we can can give our kids is a true understanding of the worth and value they have in the eyes of their Creator. They are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared, not as an afterthought, but beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). He has plans to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give them a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). As the children of the king they are chosen, a royal priest, and a holy nation, and a special treasure. (1 Peter 2:9)  All they have to do is look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet their heavenly Father feeds them. Are our children not of more value than them? (Matthew 6:26)

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The digital download of these cards are available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.

What is Intentional Living and is it Really Possible?

There were many mornings when I woke up feeling absolutely overwhelmed, exhausted, and hopeless.

I had a good life in so many ways however, I felt like I had no control over it. I did my best to keep my house clean, carpool to school and sports, volunteer, and meal plan. On rare occasions I would write. I somehow got it all done (with the occasional mishaps) but I really didn’t do anything well.  

The values, beliefs, and expectations I had for my family got lost in the shuffle of our modern-day suburban life. I found myself in a rut of just surviving, getting through the week.

Plus, I had a long list of creative ideas that I never pursued. I felt spread too thin and was disconnected with real community. I desperately wanted to do something well.

• Where do I want my family to be 5 years from now?
• What do I want us be known for?
• And how are we going to get there?

I wanted to do more than survive. I wanted to live a life that was intentional, one that had purpose beyond conquering my to do list.

Can you relate?

For me intentional living is deciding what you want your life to look like, what do you want to be known for, and intentionally pursuing it.

So what is Intentional Living?

According to Wikipedia…

“Intentional living is any lifestyle based on an individual or group's conscious attempts to live according to their values and beliefs. These can include lifestyles based on religious or ethical values, as well as coaching, personal transformation, and leadership training.”

Intentional living will NOT help you:

• Live the perfect life.
• Have it all together.
• Be in the spotlight.
• Know all the answers

Living on purpose, having control of my time, and pursuing the dreams I had seemed impossible…but it wasn’t!

Here are some of the steps I took to pursue a life on intention:

Decide to change. You don’t have to let the way you have done things in the past dictate the way you do life in the future. Everyday is a new opportunity to make a change. It takes courage to choose to do life differently because you will need to break some old habits.

You will not change what you are willing to tolerate. << CLICK TO TWEET

Identify exactly what you want to change. What are you unhappy with and hope to change? My journey started with a list of things I desperately wanted to be different. For example, I wanted to stop being a “Jack of all trades” and invest in ONE thing consistently enough to do it well.

Define your non-negotiables. The question was asked of me, “What are the 5 things that must happen everyday for you to feel good?” Naming these was hard at first, but I did it. Over time they have changed.

Define your values. What is important to you and your family? Values are the things that you believe are essential to the way you live and work. There are many values that are worth espousing, however your values are the ones that are most important to you.

Examine how you spend your time. Do you have time to do, what you have to do, in any given day or week? Look at your schedule in blocks of time, designate for specific tasks for each of those blocks. You may find you have an unrealistic expectation for what you can do. You might also discover blocks of wasted time. Getting this step established takes time and refinement.

Connect with others doing the same. The best thing you can do is a find friend or an online community of people who have taken control of their lives too. Or you can enlist the help of a life coach that will walk you through the steps. Someone to encourage you and exchange ideas with is invaluable.

My life is far from perfect but I can honestly say that I make more thoughtful decisions for my family and me. I no longer feel like I don’t have control over my life. I am intentional about how I use my time and I see the fruits of it. The atmosphere of our home has changed and I have achieved goals I didn’t think were possible.

Over the next two months I will share more specifics about the steps mentioned above. And provide you with resources to help you take those steps too. 

Recognizing and Embracing My Influence in the Everyday

I felt called at a young age to work with teens, although I have never actually done it. On and off throughout the years, I tried to get involved in various youth ministries, however, it never worked out. I couldn’t understand why; I thought for sure this was where I was meant to serve.

Then the busyness of life made it easy to let go of what I thought I was called to do. Plus, I thought that investing in the next generation meant I needed to be in ministry or have an official title. 

A great talk from Anne F. Downs and friends like Elisa Pulliam have shown me I can sow into the lives of teens in the everyday mundane, outside of a structured program. God showed me that I was already doing when my heart longed to do. Join me over at More to Be where I share my story....

Simples Steps of Prayer for Kids Based on the Lord's Prayer

When I began teaching my kids about prayer I explained that Jesus modeled prayer for us. He prayed when he was baptized, in the wilderness, on a mountainside through the night, when he was alone, in the garden of Gethsemane, and when He was transfigured.

Not only that, He demonstrated the simple steps of prayer, through The Lord’s Prayer, as part of the Sermon on the Mount. I am over at Faith Gateway sharing a simple acronym I gave my kids to show them just how easy those steps are.

I am also talking aboutIn addition to that, I shared with my kids the book The Lord’s Prayer by Rick Warren which captures the essence of Jesus’ words  with vibrant illustrations of Richard Jesse Watson.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE>>>

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How to Start a Cooking Club plus Connecting with Your Child and Mentoring Others

One of the best ways I have found to connect with my kids is to embrace the things they love and participate with them in it.

I got lucky with my oldest daughter, she loves to cook. She binge watches the Food Network, goes to culinary camp, and likes to experiment with food. We cook at home together, but at times it’s sporadic because of our busy school and sports schedule. I realized that If I truly wanted to connect with my daughter and cultivate the talents she had, I needed to set aside a consistent time for her to explore her passion. So, when she was 10 years old, I started a cooking club for her and a few girls in our neighborhood.

I knew it would be a fun way to enjoy time with my daughter but I didn’t realize it would also be a great way to connect with her friends. I have known many of these girls since kindergarten, however, the cooking club has provided a unique opportunity to mentor them as well. I discovered...

You don’t need to be in ministry or have an official title to invest in the next generation. << Click to Tweet

For me, mentoring looks like teaching a group of teens how to crack an egg, sift flour, and emulsify ingredients. Each time I interact with these girls I have the opportunity to encourage them and influence them in a positive way. 

If you think starting a cooking club sounds like a great idea, check out these tips that will help get you started:

Invite kids to participate. The number of girls will depend on what you are making and how hands-on you want to be as a host. We started out with a total of 6 girls. With two girls to a “team”, we made three items: specialty drink, appetizer, entrée, side dish, or dessert. As the girls became more independent, we added an additional food item and two more to the group. 

Choose a regularly scheduled time. Keep it simple and pick the same day and time each month. At first, we tried to accommodate everybody’s schedule month by month. Eventually, it became confusing and sometimes we had to skip a month because we had trouble resolving schedule conflicts. 

Decide on a budget. It’s important to know how much you are willing to spend each month. My daughter would choose seafood and filet mignon every month if I allowed her, but when you’re cooking for a large group it can get expensive fast. You can choose whether to pay for the groceries yourself, charge monthly dues, have members bring ingredients, or take donations.

Choose meals that fit the children's age and ability. Start off with simple recipes in the beginning. Many of the girls in our group never cooked before joining our club. In the beginning, we chose recipes that required only basic culinary skills. My daughter and I taught them how to chop, dice, and properly measure ingredients. Now that the group has been together for three years, we moved on to more complex recipes that require reducing liquids and blanching vegetables. Ask about allergies before choosing the meals.

Read through recipes and create a timeline. Once you have chosen the meals make sure you have time to make everything. Don't pick recipes that need to be marinated or chilled overnight. Also, not every recipe takes the same amount of time to cook so plan accordingly. 

Set up individual stations ahead of time. Stations should include a copy of the recipe with pots, pans, utensils, and ingredients that are needed.

Confiscate phones. It’s important to be fully present essential when working with flames, hot surfaces, and knives. Our girls place their phone in a bucket as soon as they arrive. I was hesitant ask this at first, but the no one seemed to mind, now it’s routine. The only time they're allowed to use their phone is to set a timer and take pictures.

Have fun! I often find myself just running around behind the girls cleaning up. Other times I walk them through recipes teaching them tips and tricks.  

Eat together. The best part of the evening is sitting down with these young people and as they enjoy the results of their hard work. I have been tempted to hang back in the kitchen to clean up or sit somewhere else to eat. However, I realized eating together was the perfect opportunity to talk with these girls about school, favorite subjects, and sports. As our relationship has deepened we've begun to talk about the pressures they deal with at school and their relationships.

Whether you are looking for something fun to do with your child or desire a way to invest into the next generation, a cooking club is a great place to start. If cooking is not your thing, that’s ok. There are many other ways to connect with your child. Take time to discover your child’s passions and let them lead the way. 

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For more on mentoring, check out:

• Episode 018 of the Slices of Life podcast Elisa Pulliam and Biblical Mentoring
• Impact Together: Biblical Mentoring Simplified by Elisa Pulliam
• 100 Questions for Mentors
• Mentoring 101 by John C. Maxwell

This Month: Learning What the Bible Says About Strength

This month I am focusing on the topic of STRENGTH with my children.

Kids needs strength to stand up to peer pressure, stick with their studies, and make good choices in the classroom and on the playground. They can rest knowing that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29). They can also be content, despite their circumstances because Christ gives them the strength to do it. (Philippians 4:13)

These scriptures also remind them that be they can be strong and courageous, not because of any innate abilities they may possess, but because God is their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) That knowledge brings with it joy and praise for the One who is their strength and shield. (Psalm 28:7-8) 

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The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.

On Running With a Partner

My husband and I like to run before the demands of our day of day begin. That means dragging ourselves out of bed early, often when we’d much rather sleep. As the days get shorter and colder it is even harder. I wake up, get dressed, and honor the commitment we made, but only because I know I am not alone.

The Bible says that Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24).

Like a great running partner, Jesus is with me, I am not alone.

Jesus has been present since the very beginning of time. Many may think He made His first appearance in the New Testament, however, mentions, whispers, and echoes of Him can be found throughout the Old Testament. In fact, there are hundreds of clues and promises about Jesus throughout the early scriptures that are fulfilled by Him in the New Testament.

Join me over at Faith Gateway to hear about a devotional for your children that uncovers Jesus not just in the New Testament but throughout the whole Bible. 

Rhythms of Rest Book Review

In 2013 Shelly Miller started the Sabbath Society, “a group of hundreds declaring “I’m all in” when it comes to making rest realistic in our busy world.” The book Rhythms of Rest was birthed from that community.

I discovered them back in March, right around the time I decided to observe Sabbath regularly. I got off to a rocky start, but through trial and error I figured out what it looks like for me to rest, recharge, and draw closer to God in stillness. The #SabbathSociety emails and online community greatly encouraged me in my journey.

Having experienced the benefits of taking a regular Sabbath, I was thrilled to be a part of the Rhythms of Rest launch team! As a member of the team, I read the book before it was released, participated in chapter discussions, and connected with others who are excited about Sabbath and its benefits.

In our culture, many of us are stressed out and over scheduled. We often tell ourselves, “I don’t have time to rest.” We wear busy as a badge of honor and neglect what our soul and body need most in hopes of pleasing others or achieving more.

In Rhythms of Rest, Shelly Miller talks about the life-giving essence of Sabbath without being legalistic. Not only does she tell us what the Bible says about it but shares real life experiences of the #SabbathSociety community along with practical suggestions for removing the obstacles that prevent us from keeping this day set apart.

The undercurrent of the book is Shelly’s personal story of how Sabbath helped her and her family weather a season of uncertainty. You won’t feel judged when reading this book, but rather progressively awaken to the importance of consistent and intentional rest. It is a breath of fresh air amid a culture that often focuses on how to do more and be more.

Whether observing Sabbath is a new adventure or an established ritual for you, this book will encourage you set aside self-sufficiency and lean into a God who has given us the gift of rest.

I encourage you to get yourself a copy of this book, then head over to Instagram to check out the #SabbathSociety or #RhythmsofRest.

How the Bible is Fundamental to Kids’ Spiritual Formation

I introduced my kids to the stories and characters of the Bible when they were really young. At the time it was important for me to find a story Bible that was appropriate for their age. Now that my little ones aren’t so little, they are ready for their first “real” Bible. 

When kids are young, it is the perfect time to begin the practice of reading the Bible because it is fundamental to their spiritual formation. It will help them establish a personal relationship with God, equip them to make good choices., fill their minds with good, and create a foundation of faith.

I am over at Faith Gateway talking about How the Bible is Fundamental Kids’ Spiritual Formation plus I am highlighting the KJV The Beginner's Bible Holy Bible and NIrV The Beginner's Bible Holy Bible, a great resource for your big kids. 

How Retelling Bible Stories Lay a Foundation of Faith

As a young child, I can remember hearing the stories of my favorite Bible heroes over and over again. Whether at Sunday School or at home, I marveled at the adventures experienced by Moses, Nehemiah, Esther, and John the Baptist.

Now as an adult, I read these same stories to my children.

I’ve lost track of the number of times I have heard these stories. I am often tempted to think I couldn’t possibly learn something new. Then I remember how endless the wisdom and insight of God is. So I humble myself and lean in. With that frame of mind, I almost always get a new revelation of His Word.

I am over at Faith Gateway sharing a lesson I learned from David and Goliath. I did not learn this lesson the first, second, or even twentieth time I heard this triumphant tale. Each time I heard this story as a child it laid a foundation of faith in my life, setting the stage for future lessons. 

Join me there to read more... 

This Month: Learning what the Bible Says About Success

This month I am focusing on the topic of Success with my children. 

As my kids are getting older so they are doing more things on their own. That means I am no longer there to hold their hand or ensure that things go well for them. My hope is that they will put their faith in a very present God, pay attention to His commands, and follows them. Then, He will make them the head and not the tail, above and never beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).  
 
My children can rest in knowing that God’s divine power has given them everything we need for a godly life that glorifies Him (2 Peter 1:2-3). Success will look different for each of them. Whether it’s academics, sports, or relationships, as they keep the words of God’s covenant, He will cause them to prosper (Deuteronomy 29:9). I continue to pray they would have discernment so they will not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But rather that they would delight in the law of the Lord so their life will be marked by stability, refreshment, and fruitfulness. (Psalm 1:1-3). 

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The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.

Transitioning from Summer to School Year Bedtimes

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over.

The long days of summer bring endless activities that satisfy my children’s thirst for fun. There is always something to do or somewhere to go. But the later evenings (and more hours of sunlight)  make our bedtimes unpredictable and blurred, often pushed back in the chase of a summer high.

But soon it is time to go back to our old way of doing things, to embrace predictable evenings and stricter bedtimes. Getting ready for the new school year requires us to retrain both our bodies and minds. Instead of running ourselves empty, we are learning all over again how to settle down with a good book and ease into a good night’s sleep.

Head over to Faith Gateway to hear about a unique children's book that encourages children to use visualization techniques during the storytelling that stretch and engage their imaginations to help them drift off into a peaceful sleep.

How to Leave a Review for a Podcast in iTunes

One of the best ways you can support Slices of Life Podcast (in addition to subscribing and sharing with friends) is to write a review on iTunes.

Your review helps people, not familiar with our show or Circles of Faith, to decide if they want to listen to the Slices of Life podcast. It also tells iTunes how to rank our podcast, higher rankings means higher visibility to those looking for new content.

Below are simple steps that walk you through leaving a review.

Go to our Podcast channel Slices of Life Podcast - Circles of Faith

Click the blue “View in iTunes” button in the left sidebar to open iTunes on your computer. (Note: If you are on a PC and you haven’t installed iTunes, you’ll be prompted to install it. It’s quick and easy. Next, create an AppleID to get started.)

Then click on the Slices of Life podcast within iTunes.

While you are there forget to subscribe to the podcast so it automatically shows up in you Podcast App. This was you’ll never miss and episode.

Next, click on Ratings and Reviews. This takes you to the current ratings and reviews that our listeners have left. Click on the Write A Review button. 

It will bring up a pop-up window in where you can type a title and text of your review. Also, you can rate the show from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the best. Don’t forget to click on Submit.

Apple will review you comment and will typically publish it within 24 hours.

If you don’t see your review immediately, that’s okay. Sometimes it can take up to a few days to show up. 

Plus, you can also let us know what you think of the show by giving us a shout out on social media. You’ll find the show on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Hospitality and My Sexy Bean Dip

On the podcast this week we are talking about Hospitality. We discuss what the Bible says about it and how important it is to build community and make others feel valued. We are also share about how we feel about opening up our home, what prevents us from being more welcoming, and how to overcome it.

Our mission as a family includes having a home in which others feel welcome. We enjoy having people over to break bread and share stories. We host small groups for our church, backyard movie nights, and even enjoy last minute guests.

One of the best ways to head off anxiety about hospitality is to have simple, go to recipes, on hand. I have a few, but my favorite is Sexy Bean Dip. As I mentioned in the podcast, my BFF makes this with fresh ingredients.( Her's is way sexier than mine.) I make mine that way when I can, but often I opt for canned and frozen ingredients because I can keep them stocked (except for the avocado) and ready to go when needed.   

Sexy Bean Dip

• 1 can (15oz.) black beans
• 1 can (15oz.) corn
• 1/2 medium onion
• 1 can (15oz.) petite diced tomatoes
• 1/8 cup cilantro
• Squeeze 1/2 of a lime
• salt and pepper to taste
• diced ripe avocado 
• 1/4 tsp. diced jalapeños

Mix together and bowl. Store in the refrigerator. The longer the flavors marinate together the better it tastes. Serve with tortilla chips. 

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Episode 010 Extending Hospitality

Little things mean a lot when it comes to hospitality. Your home doesn't have to be perfect, just prepared to make people feel welcome. 

Join Elise Daly Parker, Noelle Rhodes, and me for this week's podcast.