Crystal Stine
About the Author

Crystal is passionate about cultivating a community where faith, fitness, and friendship come together. Author of “Creative Basics: 30 Days to Awesome Social Media Art,” Crystal is a writer, speaker, host of the Write 31 Days challenge, and coach who shares encouragement at her blog, crystalstine.me. Connect with her on...

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things we love
& you will too!
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  1. Crystal,
    I give you credit for choosing not to be shy…you are such a champion of community. Just another example of how God can stretch us in order to further His Kingdom. I love the line in the scripture you quoted, “Love makes up for practically anything.” It makes me think that if we have a lavish home and manicured lawn and mouth-watering appetizers, but have not love, we are like a clanging gong. I believe that hospitality is, at it’s core, showing and demonstrating love. We get lost along the way thinking that the atmosphere outweighs the heart. You have a real heart for hospitality and it comes through.

    I’m a big advocate of keeping it small and simple…otherwise I get overwhelmed. Living in the south not far from the beach and the mountains, I often offer friends going through stressful times in their lives a respite of coming to visit and experience some southern hospitality. Nothing like the ocean to calm the hustle bustle of the world. I also find I do better if I invite people to come over more spontaneously. If I have a future date circled on the calendar, I find that it causes me more stress.
    Thanks for an encouraging post!
    Blessings,
    Bev

  2. Crystal,
    I give you credit for choosing not to be shy…you are such a champion of community. Just another example of how God can stretch us in order to further His Kingdom. I love the line in the scripture you quoted, “Love makes up for practically anything.” It makes me think that if we have a lavish home and manicured lawn and mouth-watering appetizers, but have not love, we are like a clanging gong. I believe that hospitality is, at it’s core, showing and demonstrating love. We get lost along the way thinking that the atmosphere outweighs the heart. You have a real heart for hospitality and it comes through.

    I’m a big advocate of keeping it small and simple…otherwise I get overwhelmed. Living in the south not far from the beach and the mountains, I often offer friends going through stressful times in their lives a respite of coming to visit and experience some southern hospitality. Nothing like the ocean to calm the hustle bustle of the world. I also find I do better if I invite people to come over more spontaneously. If I have a future date circled on the calendar, I find that it causes me more stress.
    Thanks for an encouraging post!
    Blessings,
    Bev

  3. Crystal, thanks for this post. I too have told myself not to be shy. I’ve pushed myself hard to make friends each time we move. I’ve tried hosting craft parties and ended up exhausted. But, the truth God has been teaching me in this…is that He loves me just as I am. He made me and He loves me. He longs for me to be me, not anyone else. There is peace in being still and knowing His love. Thanks for sharing your list and perspective of hospitality. Blessings.

    • It’s all about finding what works for you – and trusting that God made us each to serve in our own set of strengths 🙂 You’ll never find me on a stage singing karaoke, but that doesn’t mean I can’t practice hospitality behind a registration table or taking photos 😉

    • It’s all about finding what works for you – and trusting that God made us each to serve in our own set of strengths 🙂 You’ll never find me on a stage singing karaoke, but that doesn’t mean I can’t practice hospitality behind a registration table or taking photos 😉

  4. Thank you for this! I love the part where you are counting down until they leave…sometimes I find myself praying they will cancel the day of!! God has been really stretching me in this area for the past few months. I’m trying to be more open to hearing Him and stepping out in obedience, but hospitality does not come easy for me. Thanks for the encouragement and the simple and practical ideas!

    • So grateful for sisters who “get” this struggle with me! But more than that, inspired by your bravery to keep obeying God’s call – that is beautiful and I know God will be glorified through every effort 🙂

    • So grateful for sisters who “get” this struggle with me! But more than that, inspired by your bravery to keep obeying God’s call – that is beautiful and I know God will be glorified through every effort 🙂

  5. Thank you! As I read, my heart cried “This, this! This!!” I am so blessed by your words. How grateful I am to God who brings us together to show He will always be here for each of us. I even have company coming today, and as I rushed around trying to make everything ‘perfect’ ( and overwhelming myself with stress) I sat down a minute to read and am reminded that it is a welcoming home and heart God expects, not a perfect one. God bless you for the hospitality you have shown me today through your post.

    • Oh I know that “please let it be cancelled” prayer all too well! Praying today is full of peace & fun for you – and I promise that imperfect is more interesting & welcoming, anyway 😉

    • Oh I know that “please let it be cancelled” prayer all too well! Praying today is full of peace & fun for you – and I promise that imperfect is more interesting & welcoming, anyway 😉

  6. I could relate to so much of what you said here. Hosting has never been easy for me; usually I duck into the pantry for a couple of deep breaths before heading out into the throes again. However, now that my children are getting older and friends (and their parents) are graduating out of our lives, I am trying to spend time at gatherings with these folks before their life paths take them further away from us. If I look at a dinner as one of the last opportunities to spend close time with a group of admired friends, then I cherish it more and really try to focus on enjoying the time with them and not stressing out. Also, as an introvert, a different kind of hospitality is easier for me – opening my home to an individual who is needing a place to stay while doing a summer internship, or keeping someone’s pet while they go on vacation, or even hosting a volunteer meeting where we are focusing on a goal rather than just making small talk. Hosting does get easier with practice, and identifying and using strategies to make it easier for me has made it much less of a torture for me.

    • A change in perspective can really help, can’t it? I really like that idea – to think more about cherishing the time together than focusing on all the things that will happen 🙂

    • A change in perspective can really help, can’t it? I really like that idea – to think more about cherishing the time together than focusing on all the things that will happen 🙂

  7. One of the more memorable times I recall many years later was an invitation from a couple at church for a “Dine N Dash”. You come, eat together and leave. Ha Ha Ha I recall thinking “I can do that”.

  8. Thank you for sharing. I too am an introvert. I too get drained after socializing with people I don’t know, or know well. My self talk is that no one is interested in getting to know me. I’m not charismatic. Recently, the Holy Spirit has revealed that it’s not about me. God is wanting me to allow Him to be seen through me. He wants to speak life into others thru me. (My heart is palpitating even typing it.)
    I’m saying “Yes Lord” every day and asking for His direction and strength. Help me to see others the way You see them Lord. Hurting, discouraged, crying for someone to show them love.

  9. Thank you for sharing. I too am an introvert. I too get drained after socializing with people I don’t know, or know well. My self talk is that no one is interested in getting to know me. I’m not charismatic. Recently, the Holy Spirit has revealed that it’s not about me. God is wanting me to allow Him to be seen through me. He wants to speak life into others thru me. (My heart is palpitating even typing it.)
    I’m saying “Yes Lord” every day and asking for His direction and strength. Help me to see others the way You see them Lord. Hurting, discouraged, crying for someone to show them love.

  10. I am printing this post and trying it myself because I’m in the same spot and I need to move forward in faith. Thanks for your inspiration!

  11. I have friends who are so creative and have amazing gifts of decorating and presentation but I do not. I used to feel like I was lacking, but I have learned to embrace who I am and not wish I was them although I have hung around them enough to pick up some hints which I can incorporate little by little if it seems right for me. I am comfortable with the fact that I don’t do “fancy.” Also, when people come to our door, I try to meet them with a warm smile, hug, and welcome. But I have come to realize that people truly love just good home cooking and a warm atmosphere conducive to good conversation. I feel strongly now that it is okay for me to be plain and simple and I am confident in what I have to offer. Each time people are in our home they tell me they are so comfortable with the warm and cozy atmosphere and want my recipes for the tasty food. It just feels good to make peace with myself! 🙂

  12. A couple of things I do to get people talking is before they come over I create a multiple choice quiz based on the nearest holiday.The Internet has a lot of things like that. Or it can be about something like the history of ice cream. The people have a choice of doing it alone or dointg it with someone -which encourages conversation. At the end I go over the answers and that usually brings up conversation. I also have a ‘prize” from the dollar store. Then later on in the day we do a craft. Usually something we can use towards the next holiday. The first year I did it was on Thanksgiving and my friends were saying they were going to choose next year and for years we took turns supplying the craft. That also gets people talking. That’s on the practical side. As far as being an introvert, no one really notices, we are more aware than anyone and we are so focused on it we think everyone else is too. But God has put those people in your life for a reason (even if it is only to be friends). I don’t know if you would be willing, but one thing I do is invite people who are from all parts of my life and you would be surprised at how they mix. I also invite more people than I think will come so that if I only invite three and none of them come, I am not depressed about it. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for people to bring dishes to go with your hot dogs, or buy things. You don’t have to have everything homemade. Salads are easily purchased like cole slaw, potato etc. It is not a sin to buy something instead of homemade. I prefer to do things at my house because I don’t feel pressure from a restaurant to have to leave. Also, I never have the TV on when I have company. Like I said these are practical ideas and they have worked for me because I can be very sociable but after people leave I will find myself second guessing what I said and did, but people keep coming back so I am slowly getting away from that. Above all, as always pray for God’s strength to uphold you.

    • I love that reminder, that we are often so much more aware of our insecurities than anyone else ever is! It sounds like you are a wonderful host with all of those great ideas 🙂

    • I love that reminder, that we are often so much more aware of our insecurities than anyone else ever is! It sounds like you are a wonderful host with all of those great ideas 🙂

  13. Thank you for your words of encouragement to us wanabe self-changers and hostesses. I have a long way to go but remembering your guidelines for entertaining will make things less stressful but more meaningful. Blessings.

  14. Wow! I needed to hear this. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in struggling with this topic! I LOVE people, but fully relate to you when you said this: “But I’m exhausted, not energized, by being around a lot of people, I’m easily overcome by sensory overload in new places” I tend to feel more comfortable in smaller groups myself. I love your list of ideas for reducing the anxiety associated w/ hosting. One thing my mother in law has taught me with hosting (because she leads by a wonderful example) is not to feel the need to MAKE everything! BUY side dishes, don’t fret & fuss about making each dish “perfect” focus on the main course or 1 dish then buy or ask others to bring it! 🙂 Anyway, thanks for sharing, loved this practical, life-applicable post1 🙂 ♥

    • Thanks Satin! And I do love a “semi-homemade” gathering…the kind where you’re perfectly content knowing the bakery down the road makes better cupcakes and you can just put them on a cute plate & call it a day 😉

    • Thanks Satin! And I do love a “semi-homemade” gathering…the kind where you’re perfectly content knowing the bakery down the road makes better cupcakes and you can just put them on a cute plate & call it a day 😉

  15. One of my neighbors started a neighborhood lunch bunch where we trade off going to each other’s homes once a month for lunch. It has given me the opportunity to get to know my neighbors who are not believers and I only have to have it at my house once a year. The rest of the time I get to go and enjoy the hospitality of others.

  16. Wow, Crystal, this is such a timely post. A friend just gave me a book on introverts. She said she thought of her husband and I as she read it. I do so long to have people over and share life with them. I am renting a small home with a covered carport and a large concrete patio that would be just perfect for it. Part of the problem for me besides being an introvert is dealing with the bad memories of hosting people from my childhood. Your words and examples our encouraging to me. I will seek The Lord about how he would have me join into the joy of hospitality and community.
    Blessings,
    Linda

    • Praying He would put a few names on your hearts to start with and just the right opportunity to build that little patio community 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how it goes!

  17. Wow, Crystal, this is such a timely post. A friend just gave me a book on introverts. She said she thought of her husband and I as she read it. I do so long to have people over and share life with them. I am renting a small home with a covered carport and a large concrete patio that would be just perfect for it. Part of the problem for me besides being an introvert is dealing with the bad memories of hosting people from my childhood. Your words and examples our encouraging to me. I will seek The Lord about how he would have me join into the joy of hospitality and community.
    Blessings,
    Linda

    • Praying He would put a few names on your hearts to start with and just the right opportunity to build that little patio community 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how it goes!

  18. I am so blessed by this. I am so introverted and it has become SO HARD for me to make friends and spend time in large groups. My in laws are all extroverts and constantly spend time together and they think I’m mean and odd because I am energized by my alone time. They constantly gossip about me and it’s so hurtful. But at the same time I WANT to be able to socialize without it completely paralyzing me. I get excited when plans are cancelled and when I have to go to my husband’s family events I clam up and am miserable the entire time. I feel so paralyzed, so alone and isolated. I just feel like I’m broken and something’s wrong with me.

    • Oh sweet Sharon – my heart hurts for you. I’m so sorry – it can be so hard to find where you fit in with extended family anyway, but even more when your personality types or love languages are so opposite. God created each of us in unique, amazing ways – and you are no exception 🙂 Praying for you today!

      • Thank you Crystal. And thank you for speaking life to all of us today! I love incourage for giving me something to look forward to every single day. It’s amazing.

    • Oh sweet Sharon – my heart hurts for you. I’m so sorry – it can be so hard to find where you fit in with extended family anyway, but even more when your personality types or love languages are so opposite. God created each of us in unique, amazing ways – and you are no exception 🙂 Praying for you today!

  19. Thank you for sharing this. I would like to start hosting some gatherings again in my near future.

  20. I believe that He calls us ALL to “practice hospitality” – but it’s just that… PRACTICING!! 😉

    I love a definition that I’d read years ago, as a young mom… “To entertain is to say, “come in to my home and see all my things, be entertained by my menu, my home, my decorating skills. But to practice hospitality is to invite you into my home, kick off your shoes and put your feet on the couch and nap, come into my kitchen and make a mess with me, make my home yours.” (or something like that). The latter is what I’m better at. It’s not about “stuff” or doing, just being in each other’s presence.

    My favorite times, to be quiet with each other. I love to have friends over that we can sit over tea and read our books in silence; that #spiritualwhitespace where we can hear each other breathe in the same room, and rest… and that’s ok. It doesn’t take effort. That’s the best.

    • I love those “refrigerator friends” – the ones who know to help themselves, who know where your cups are and don’t mind making themselves at home!

  21. I believe that He calls us ALL to “practice hospitality” – but it’s just that… PRACTICING!! 😉

    I love a definition that I’d read years ago, as a young mom… “To entertain is to say, “come in to my home and see all my things, be entertained by my menu, my home, my decorating skills. But to practice hospitality is to invite you into my home, kick off your shoes and put your feet on the couch and nap, come into my kitchen and make a mess with me, make my home yours.” (or something like that). The latter is what I’m better at. It’s not about “stuff” or doing, just being in each other’s presence.

    My favorite times, to be quiet with each other. I love to have friends over that we can sit over tea and read our books in silence; that #spiritualwhitespace where we can hear each other breathe in the same room, and rest… and that’s ok. It doesn’t take effort. That’s the best.

    • I love those “refrigerator friends” – the ones who know to help themselves, who know where your cups are and don’t mind making themselves at home!

  22. I’ve had guests over for several gatherings that are fun. I have purchased ice cream cake and served coffee and punch, and asked each guest to bring a topping they thought would go well with the cake.

    Had spaghetti on the grill. I provide crumbled italian sausage, and grilled chicken, cooked spaghetti, and guests bring go-withs, such as veggies, sauces, fresh herbs. They make their own to order.

    Pizza on the grill, provide the partially grilled crusts, and crumbled sausage and guests provide grated cheese, toppings, guests made their pizza to their liking.

    Had homemade soup, booyah, it’s belgian farmers fare, and makes a huge quantity, and is better made ahead of time and reheated, freezes beautifully, bought day old bread and made homemade croutons in the oven. Guests brought salads, dessert, and fruit. Guests helped themselves.

    Made homemade mac n cheese in 9 x 13 pans, and guests brought side salads.

    Had guests over for s’mores and root beer.

    Had guests over for simple homemade hot chocolate and cookies.

    Had ladies over for tea and made tea breads or learned how to make irish scones with jam and whipped cream.

    Had various sandwich meats, cheeses, fillings, breads, and guests made their own sandwiches. Guests brought salads, or cooked vegetables for inside of the sandwiches.

    I have provided homemade tomato soup, and we had sandwiches and salads to accompany the soup.

    I’ve found if I have something that is larger, I ask a few guests who I know like to serve to help guests who need help and who have small children. Some guests often like to help to keep busy, and still will visit on a small scale when they feel like visiting. Not all of the servers are introverted, some are extroverted and start up conversations. I have found guests like to know they are welcome in my home be it a large or a small gathering.

    I find out ahead of time if someone has a food sensitivity. We know the feeling of not having anything my husband can eat, or make sure we had to eat beforehand because we know he can’t eat it. I also would tell the guests what the theme would be ahead of time if they had to do cooking ahead of time, they then could choose if this would work for them. Most of the time it was fun for them even if it was a stretch, because everyone was being stretched.

    I also pray ahead of time that my guests feel at home, and feel Christ dwelling in our party. I also let my guests know how much it means to me that they came to spend time in our home. I try to invite someone who I don’t know very well, or who are new, and mix up who comes to our home. Our home is small, one level, and no one if we are indoors seemed to mind it being crowded. I like to have things gatherings outside if I can, and ask certain guests to bring extra outdoor chairs. I still even though I am more of an extrovert, would kind of dread having people over even though I wanted to have them over.

    I have not invited someone over for quite a while because life got complicated and stayed complicated. I think it’s time again to invite people over on a small scale.

    Sorry this got so long, it was so much fun for me remembering the things we have done with our guests.

  23. I’ve had guests over for several gatherings that are fun. I have purchased ice cream cake and served coffee and punch, and asked each guest to bring a topping they thought would go well with the cake.

    Had spaghetti on the grill. I provide crumbled italian sausage, and grilled chicken, cooked spaghetti, and guests bring go-withs, such as veggies, sauces, fresh herbs. They make their own to order.

    Pizza on the grill, provide the partially grilled crusts, and crumbled sausage and guests provide grated cheese, toppings, guests made their pizza to their liking.

    Had homemade soup, booyah, it’s belgian farmers fare, and makes a huge quantity, and is better made ahead of time and reheated, freezes beautifully, bought day old bread and made homemade croutons in the oven. Guests brought salads, dessert, and fruit. Guests helped themselves.

    Made homemade mac n cheese in 9 x 13 pans, and guests brought side salads.

    Had guests over for s’mores and root beer.

    Had guests over for simple homemade hot chocolate and cookies.

    Had ladies over for tea and made tea breads or learned how to make irish scones with jam and whipped cream.

    Had various sandwich meats, cheeses, fillings, breads, and guests made their own sandwiches. Guests brought salads, or cooked vegetables for inside of the sandwiches.

    I have provided homemade tomato soup, and we had sandwiches and salads to accompany the soup.

    I’ve found if I have something that is larger, I ask a few guests who I know like to serve to help guests who need help and who have small children. Some guests often like to help to keep busy, and still will visit on a small scale when they feel like visiting. Not all of the servers are introverted, some are extroverted and start up conversations. I have found guests like to know they are welcome in my home be it a large or a small gathering.

    I find out ahead of time if someone has a food sensitivity. We know the feeling of not having anything my husband can eat, or make sure we had to eat beforehand because we know he can’t eat it. I also would tell the guests what the theme would be ahead of time if they had to do cooking ahead of time, they then could choose if this would work for them. Most of the time it was fun for them even if it was a stretch, because everyone was being stretched.

    I also pray ahead of time that my guests feel at home, and feel Christ dwelling in our party. I also let my guests know how much it means to me that they came to spend time in our home. I try to invite someone who I don’t know very well, or who are new, and mix up who comes to our home. Our home is small, one level, and no one if we are indoors seemed to mind it being crowded. I like to have things gatherings outside if I can, and ask certain guests to bring extra outdoor chairs. I still even though I am more of an extrovert, would kind of dread having people over even though I wanted to have them over.

    I have not invited someone over for quite a while because life got complicated and stayed complicated. I think it’s time again to invite people over on a small scale.

    Sorry this got so long, it was so much fun for me remembering the things we have done with our guests.

  24. It sounds like a great way to start and I love the ideas. From one introvert to another, I totally get you with this one.

  25. I just love this post! I’m pretty much an introvert, but I also need the company of others. Just this week my kids planned a birthday party for me, in our home! I was so stressed out about getting my house to be “perfect” that I lost sight about the whole purpose of the party… To celebrate me! I find when I just relax and stop worrying about the outcome, and live in the moment I have a much better time!

  26. From one shy girl to another (okay, I’m not really a girl anymore at 49 😉 )…beautiful post!

    I am right there with you that hospitality is the hardest thing for me. And it’s not just from shyness, but sometimes more from my perfectionism which can keep me from ever doing anything whether writing a blog post or entertaining.

  27. From one shy girl to another (okay, I’m not really a girl anymore at 49 😉 )…beautiful post!

    I am right there with you that hospitality is the hardest thing for me. And it’s not just from shyness, but sometimes more from my perfectionism which can keep me from ever doing anything whether writing a blog post or entertaining.

  28. Crystal, this is great! I have so many of the same feelings that you mentioned above. I’ve never been overly shy or anti-social, but I am definitely a person who thrives on lots of alone time and inviting people into my space (while I make myself do it) makes me a nervous wreck. And sometimes I put so much effort into the hosting of the event that I have nothing left to offer as a conversationalist. I loved your entire list above, but especially this…

    “I have friends who are extroverts and love starting conversations with people, so I’ll make sure I have at least one person who can get the chatter going while I finish up the food. Sometimes hospitality is achieved simply by inviting your guests to serve in their strengths!”

    While I don’t mind staying busy and pulling it altogether I definitely need those extroverts to keep the conversation humming and putting that anxious part of me at ease. 😉

  29. Crystal, this is great! I have so many of the same feelings that you mentioned above. I’ve never been overly shy or anti-social, but I am definitely a person who thrives on lots of alone time and inviting people into my space (while I make myself do it) makes me a nervous wreck. And sometimes I put so much effort into the hosting of the event that I have nothing left to offer as a conversationalist. I loved your entire list above, but especially this…

    “I have friends who are extroverts and love starting conversations with people, so I’ll make sure I have at least one person who can get the chatter going while I finish up the food. Sometimes hospitality is achieved simply by inviting your guests to serve in their strengths!”

    While I don’t mind staying busy and pulling it altogether I definitely need those extroverts to keep the conversation humming and putting that anxious part of me at ease. 😉

  30. Thank you for your honesty Crystal…So refreshing for all of us!! Hospitality can be so creative…I need to start making it more artsy and fun…thanks for the ideas!

  31. Crystal,

    I was and am still a little shy. I didn’t speak to hardly anyone in school. Don’t ask me to get in front of a crowd or go to major parties. Just wasn’t me. Fast forward many years and I have overcome shyness some. I get in front of my small church and do sign language to music.

    My hubby and I are mostly introverts. We are the Choleric/Phlegmatic type of people who prefer small groups of people. Hospitality for me is perhaps taking food to someone or just going to a person’s house to sit and chat a bit.

  32. Crystal,

    I was and am still a little shy. I didn’t speak to hardly anyone in school. Don’t ask me to get in front of a crowd or go to major parties. Just wasn’t me. Fast forward many years and I have overcome shyness some. I get in front of my small church and do sign language to music.

    My hubby and I are mostly introverts. We are the Choleric/Phlegmatic type of people who prefer small groups of people. Hospitality for me is perhaps taking food to someone or just going to a person’s house to sit and chat a bit.

  33. Thank you for this. I am a missionary and an extreme introvert. Just making conversation in English is a struggle, but doing it in another language increases the difficulty and stress. It is still a struggle for me to relate to people and get to them even after ten years of being a missionary. It’s encouraging to read that I’m not the oly one who struggles with this.
    Thanks,
    Angela

  34. Thank you for this. I am a missionary and an extreme introvert. Just making conversation in English is a struggle, but doing it in another language increases the difficulty and stress. It is still a struggle for me to relate to people and get to them even after ten years of being a missionary. It’s encouraging to read that I’m not the oly one who struggles with this.
    Thanks,
    Angela

  35. I love, love, love this!! I can sooo relate! I actually just started a blog last month called “Life outside the shell” and I’ve been writing about my journey outside of my “shy” shell. 🙂

  36. Beautiful post, Crystal!
    Intentionally approaching any gathering with the truth that THIS is communion. The partaking of Christ’s body and the drinking in of His sacrifice; transforms the moment. We are His body and as we embrace the Christ within one another we are remembering and honoring the One who gave us life.

  37. Beautiful post, Crystal!
    Intentionally approaching any gathering with the truth that THIS is communion. The partaking of Christ’s body and the drinking in of His sacrifice; transforms the moment. We are His body and as we embrace the Christ within one another we are remembering and honoring the One who gave us life.

  38. Thank you so much for posting this! I’ve just realized after many years of trying to be something or someone I’m not, that I’m indeed an introvert. I feel revitalized now by knowing this. Thank you for posting your thoughts and ideas of being one. It makes me happy to know that this is how God made me and to not be upset by it. He has his reasons for making me like this.

  39. This is so encouraging! I’m so glad I’m not the only introvert who struggles with hospitality! I used to have a roommate who was great at throwing parties and decorating and having things perfect. Now that I’m married with five kids under the age of seven I’m lucky if the toilet is flushed and the kids aren’t sticky. I finally realized that I don’t care how fancy someone else’s house is, I just enjoy their company, so why am I worried about my house? Thanks!!

  40. Thank you for your post on hospitality. I have a ladies day out every two months at my house but I don’t do all the cooking. I have a pitch in and ask each lady to please bring one dish. I always have a theme and try to find a Bible verse to go with my theme as close as I can. I speak about something one time and then I ask on of the ladies to speak the next time on something that have to do with th theme I pick. Also one lady each month tells us about her self so we can get to know her.