Oh friends, my head is about to explode!

For two reasons, really. One, because there are so many goodies here for you today including two free e-books and a chance at a free night’s stay at a fantastic Georgia Bed & Breakfast! and our last swap and share day giving some hospitality on the road ideas and……

Because I am sick.

The sore throat, pounding sinus-headache, coughin’, creepin’ crud SICK!

But when I think of what day it is and what Jesus did for me by suffering on the cross? Well, a little creepin’ crud ain’t NOTHIN’!

Today’s guest is giving us ways to lay down a little of our lives in order to make our husband’s return home each day relaxing.

My new fabulously talented friend Darlene Schacht is here!

Darlene is an ordinary mom, living an extraordinary life, because of who she is through Jesus Christ.

As help-meet to her husband Michael, she guides and nurtures their four children, leading them toward a deeper walk of faith.

She is a New York Times best-selling author through the book she co-authored with actress Candace Cameron Bure titled, Reshaping it All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness.

You can find her blogging at Time-Warp Wife where she empowers wives to joyfully serve and on twitter.

My Desire for Curb Appeal

Dictionary.com defines hospitality this way: The friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.

It’s a wonderful thing to treat our guests with a friendly reception. I like it and I’m sure that you appreciate the extra effort too. It’s unfortunate however that many families don’t take the time to treat each other with the same level of respect.
When my husband walks through the door after a hard day at work, I like to offer him what I refer to as “curb appeal.” Curb appeal offers him a feeling of peace, respect and acceptance from the moment he steps into our home.

~ Take a look in the mirror an hour before your husband comes home to ensure that you are presentable. An hour allows ample time to hop into the shower if need be.

~ Go light on the perfume, but use great smelling soaps, shampoo, and antiperspirant so he’ll want to snuggle up for the evening.

~ If you wear makeup, put a little on before he walks in. Your goal is to look happy and radiant–not done up.

~ Dress in feminine clothing. Men are attracted to women, not fashion, so do your best to wear styles, fabrics and colors that remind him you’re a woman and not another one of the guys. Dress as well for him as you would for new friends.

~ Have all chores done before he walks in the door, and try to have things like the dishwasher and vacuum turned off.

~ Put aside your problems and be cheerful when he walks in the door.

~ Make your bed every morning so he has a comfortable place to rest at night or upon returning from work.

~ Ensure that the television and stereos are turned off so that the house is peaceful.

~ If the kids are excited about something, encourage them to wait about 15 minutes before they share their news.

~ Prepare dinner before he arrives. There’s nothing quite like the smell of home cooking when you walk in the door—especially when you’re cooking the food he likes.

~ Have the pots and pans washed ahead of time so that the kitchen is every bit as presentable as the meal.

~ If you have problems to deal with, wait until after dinner to spring it on him. Husbands are happier when their tummies are full.

~ Greet him at the door with open arms, a kiss, and a warm embrace.

~ Make an effort to look at him when he is speaking so that he has your full attention.

~ Close the computer if you’re on it, and if you’re chatting on the phone try to end the conversation and call her back later.

~ Have the children tidy up the front entrance when they arrive from school. Backpacks, jackets and gym bags make for an untidy greeting.

~ Do your best to have the house clean and organized at all times. He is working hard outside the home and needs home to be his haven of rest.

~ Don’t be angry if he’s working late, instead show appreciation for long hours put in.

~ Have the kids wash their faces, and change their clothing if they are soiled from play before Daddy comes home.

~ Don’t nag him or try to reshape his bad habits. Work on your own and practice acceptance at all times.

~ It is imperative that you defend your husband to your children and that they respect him at all times. Never allow them to grumble or complain about him whether he’s present or not.

~ Don’t compare him to other women’s husbands or to your father when it comes to your definition of a man. Love and respect go a lot farther than criticism ever will.

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. ~ Proverbs 31:10″

You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene

Ok gals—for the giveaways!

First, for a copy of Darlene’s free e-books; One on Esther, the beauty of courageous submission and one on Ruth, a woman of virtue, click here.

Then, one of you who leaves a hospitality on the road idea, either as a comment or as a link to your blog post on the topic, will win one free night’s stay at the Madison Oaks Inn & Gardens!!!

This stay, subject to room availability, is for the Hannah room, their nicest room and a $280 value! Thank you to Cheryl–the proprietor of the inn who read my book and contacted me with this generous offer!

This will be a great get-away for you and your hubby or a friend. (Sorry, no children under 13 and of course, this doesn’t include travel. You’ll need to get yourself to the inn which is about an hour from Atlanta.)

OK–please leave us a hospitality on the road idea: a clever way to reach out and love on someone that doesn’t involve your home but involves you going to them!

Is there a theme basket you could take a sports-lover, a bbq fanatic or ballerina?

Any way to bless a stranger? A faraway friend or relative by using the US mail?

What could you do for a new family in your church or neighborhood?

A coach, teacher or bus driver?

I can’t wait to see your ideas!

PLEASE NOTE: Make sure you end your comment or post by putting in quotes “B & B” So I know if you’d like to win the Bed & Breakfast giveaway. If you are chosen at random as the winner and can’t get away to the inn, I’ll give you a different prize and pick another winner for the Inn.

 

Imagine you get a call from old friends. They are on a trip and will be driving past your town in 2 hours. “Can we swing by?” they want to know.

Come on….be honest…what is more likely to be your response? “Yeah!” or “YIKES!!!”

Fear not! Today’s guest, my new cyber friend Crystal Paine, to the rescue!

Crystal Paine is a wife, homeschool mom to three, self-proclaimed minimalist, lover of dark chocolate and good coffee, and a wannabe runner.

For practical help and inspiration to get your life and finances in order, check out her blog, MoneySavingMom.com, or purchase a copy of her book, The Money Saving Mom®‘s Budget 

Get Your Home Ready for Guests in Two Hours or Less

Does the thought opening your home to guest scare you because your home is messy?

Never fear! I have a simple, step-by-step plan to help you whip your house into shape — in two hours or less.

Now, mind you, this two-hour plan won’t have you dusting baseboards or scrubbing behind your toilets with a toothbrush, but it will get your home presentable enough to make it a welcoming haven for your guests.

Ready to get started? Here’s your plan of action:

Two-Hour House-Cleaning Plan

1. Start a load of laundry (3 minutes).

2. Set the timer for 15 minutes and take a laundry basket and a trash bag and go through each room in your home. Quickly straighten, pick up, and put away everything that’s out of place. Put all trash in the trash bag and put everything that doesn’t go in that room in the laundry basket (15 minutes).

3. Put away all contents in the laundry basket and throw out the trash (5 minutes).

4. Head to the kitchen and load the dishwasher or hand wash the dishes (15 minutes).

5. Switch the laundry from the washer to the dryer and start another load in the washer (2 minutes).

6. Sweep or vacuum your kitchen floor and wipe down your countertops (10 minutes).

7. Take some toilet cleaner and go squirt it in all your toilets (2 minutes).

8. Take some window cleaner and spot clean the main glass windows/doors/mirrors (3 minutes).

9. Take a dust rag and quickly dust in the main rooms of your home (10 minutes).

10. Vacuum all the major traffic areas in your home (20 minutes).

11. Head back to the bathrooms wipe down the toilet, sinks, floor, and bathtub/shower. Change the towels (20 minutes).

12. Switch the laundry from the washer to the dryer and fold the clean laundry (15 minutes).

13. Light a candle or simmer some potpourri on the stove and enjoy your freshly-cleaned home!

Free Downloadable Checklist

Like to cross off lists? Download the free 2-Hour House-Cleaning Checklist to keep you on track and remind you of what you’re supposed to be doing next. Now you have no excuse for getting distracted.

Gift Basket Giveaway

To help inspire you to whip your home into shape, I’ve put together a fun gift basket that I’m giving away today.

This gift basket includes: 4 Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products and a Mrs. Meyer’s candle plus a $25 Starbucks gift card and some chocolate, to reward yourself for a job well done!

Ok–to be entered to win Crystal’s giveaway, let’s create a scenario. Imagine if right now you got a call from old friends saying they would be over in two hours. What is the first thing you would do to your house considering its present condition?

Hide the dirty laundry? Dust? Take out the over-flowing trash? Clean off the front porch? Vacuum?

What would you do first?

GET READY: Our last idea swap & share tomorrow will be on the concept I mention in the book called “hospitality on the road”. Be thinking of a clever way to reach out and love on someone that doesn’t involve your home but involves you going to them!

Is there a theme basket you could take a sports-lover, a bbq fanatic or ballerina?

Any way to bless a stranger?

What could you do for a new family in your church or neighborhood?

A coach, teacher or bus driver?

I can’t wait to see your ideas! See you then.

REMEMBER: We are also interacting over at Karen Ehman’s Book Studies on Facebook. Click here to “like” the page & join us.

I have vivid and precious memories of times my husband and I were loved on in secret: groceries left anonymously on our side porch, an envelope of cash in our car after church or a department store gift card mailed to us with no return address.

Today’s guest has a wealth of ideas for making those in your life, especially in your church family, feel special—sometimes in sneaky ways

Meet my dear friend and the executive director of Proverbs 31, LeAnn Rice!

LeAnn Rice is the author of the popular food blog, www.SheCooks.org. She is a single mom to her picky-eating teenage boy, Nick, so she’s always looking for hungry mouths willing to be used as recipe-testing guinea pigs. LeAnn also contributes to www.AWidowsMight.org, www.RooMag.com and Choose Now Ministries.

From LeAnn’s heart:

Within a week or two of walking into my church for the first time my pastor convinced me to volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School so I could get plugged in. Because one of my jobs was to greet the kids as they arrived in the morning, I was given a key to the church. That was 11 years ago and I still haven’t returned the key!

This little key has given me amazing opportunities to sneak into the church late and night and secretly leave little gifts of appreciation for members of our staff, the choir and volunteers. I love the power. I love the sneakiness. I love the anonymity.

Just like most church staff and volunteers, ours work many more hours than they are paid for. They make huge sacrifices of their time and their resources and neither ask for nor expect anything in return. That makes leaving little gifts of appreciation so much fun!

When I leave a little something, I include a note of appreciation and sign the card from Jesus or “from someone who notices.”

Here are just a few ideas for loving on your church family (or anyone) in secret:

~ Make or purchase a box and fill with personalized verses. You can find the template here: http://www.shecooks.org/resources/ (scroll down to: God’s Promises for You)

~ Purchase a candle and votive, place on a 12” square of sheer organza or tulle, gather fabric up around candle and tie with a pretty ribbon. Attach a card that says something like, “Your light shines so brightly for Him.”

~ Make homemade treats and leave with a note for your pastor, choir, etc.

~ Write a sweet card and tuck it into a book on someone’s desk so they stumble across it exactly when God meant for them to see it.

~ Leave fresh flowers on the church secretary or office manager’s desk.

~ Leave a little Starbucks gift card for Sunday School or nursery volunteers.

~ Make a card that says they will be prayed for by name every day for a specified period of time.

~ Write a special note inside the cover of a book that has spoken to your heart and then wrap with a pretty ribbon and leave on a desk or in their church mailbox.

~ If a bulletin board is very messy and you know that no one has time to organize it, do it for them! Embellish the board with something pretty so it looks special.

Have fun with this and use the gift(s) God has given you to bless those around you.

Sneakiness is optional

LeAnn’s giveaway today is three $10 Starbucks gift cards for one commenter to give away in a fun (or even sneaky!) way! They get the cards, you keep the joy!

To be entered to win, leave a comment with an idea for loving on someone at your church. Or tell us about a time when someone did something in secret for you or someone you know.

ALSO:  This Friday’s idea swap & share will be on the concept I mention in the book called “hospitality on the road”. Be thinking of a clever way to reach out and love on someone that doesn’t involve your home but involves you going to them!

REMEMBER: We are also interacting over at Karen Ehman’s Book Studies on Facebook. Click here to “like” the page & join us.

We just returned last night from a whirlwind surprise trip to Charlotte, NC to see our two oldest kids. It was fabulous but it is good to be home!

I tried to keep up with reading all of your comments from over the weekend on my phone. So many of you loved how yesterday’s guest, Renee Swope, hosted our family in a very simple way–take out pizza, store-bought cookies & watermelon!

Now, our guest today gives you some ways to love on others in your life who drop in. And, a few ideas for loving on family members or even taking your love on the road!

Meet the clever Gina Smith!

Gina Smith has served alongside her husband at a small Christian college right outside of Washington DC for almost 20 years, where she serves as the Dean of Women.

She  previously dedicated her days to serving her family, but now that her children are both college students she fully enjoys her calling to mentor to women and young women in person and on-line with her blog Keepin’ It Real!

Gina has been a mom for 21 years and she and Brian have been married for 23 years. Gina also writes for RooMag.com, MomLife Today, and Internet Cafe Devotions.

Now, here ‘s Gina!

Over the years, I have taken advantage of the weeks before and after Valentine’s day, and I have collected things that I can use when I serve those who sit at my table.  I love heart shaped things!

I have purchased heart shaped cake pans, a heart shaped pancake griddle pan, a bundt cake pan that has hearts on the top of it, heart shaped cookie cutters, and ice cube trays that make heart shaped ice! I stock up on gift bags with hearts on them, heart shaped sprinkles, and anything else unique that I can find with a heart on it!   I love all of it!

Here are some ways that I am able to serve those who are in my home, and show them I love them:

~ On a cold day we serve hot chocolate with whipped cream and heart shaped sprinkles.

~ I’ll choose to cook  lasagna in a heart shaped pan or I’ll bake a cake in the heart bundt pan.

~ On a Saturday morning I make heart shaped pancakes.

~ If my daughter is having a rough week, I fill a gift bag decorated with hearts  with her favorite Bath and Body Works body spray and lotion.

~ When my son has been working a lot, and I haven’t seen him much, I put a bag of chocolate kisses on his pillow.

~ When my husband comes in from working out, I fill a glass with heart shaped ice cubes and fill it with water for him.

~ If I know someone needs encouragement, sometimes I will put a small candle, a tea bag and some chocolate kisses in a clear gift bag, tie a ribbon around it, attach a heart shaped card to the ribbon and give it to them when I see them next.

~ I love to look for any excuse to use my heart shaped purchases!

The heart shape symbolizes love.  I want love to be my theme.  Love for others. Love for my family.  I want them to know they are loved and cherished.

When people come into my home, I want them to leave feeling like they were loved. Life outside these four walls can be really hard.  There is pressure and stress, and people walk through my front door who are tired and weary.

I want my home to be a haven.  I want to celebrate and love on people, especially the precious people that have been loaned to me for a few years–My husband and children.

Having these things on hand makes it easy for me to pull them out and make an unexpected guest feel like we have been waiting for them!

Thanks, Gina!

Today’s giveaway is a $15 Target gift card and a signed copy of my book, The Complete Guide to Getting & Staying Organized. So, you can feel more on top of your game and be able to buy a few items to help you love on others too!

Since we are nearing the end of our study, {sniff, sniff} to be entered to win, leave us a comment with one change you want to make in your life as a result of this study.

ALSO:  This Friday’s idea swap & share will be on the concept I mention in the book called “hospitality on the road”. Be thinking of a clever way to reach out and love on someone that doesn’t involve your home but involves you going to them!

REMEMBER: We are also interacting over at Karen Ehman’s Book Studies on Facebook. Click here to “like” the page & join us.

photo credit

We kick off our last week of our online study of A Life That Says Welcome with my good friend and ministry partner Renee Swope.

My family was able to hang out with the Swopes just yesterday during our surprise visit to Charlotte, NC for spring break. In today’s post, you’ll see Renee share a bit about our time together and give us some encouragement for offering impromtptu hospitalty with a confident heart.

***

Renee Swope loves being home more than anywhere else! You can find her there almost every day working in her pajamas, answering emails, writing radio shows and more. Renee claims to be hospitality-challenged but, despite her shortcomings, she and and her family love opening their home for a church Bible Study group they lead together each week.

Renee also serves as Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Executive Director and Senior Editor of Devotions and Radio.  You may recognize her voice as the co-host of the P31 radio show or her face as a featured writer for Encouragement for Today devotions. She wears a lot of hats, but Renee’s favorite roles are wife to J.J and mom to Joshua (17),  Andrew (14) and her Ethiopian princess, Aster (3).

Renee is also the author of A Confident Heart. Today she shares a short video message about how to get past insecurities that make us hesitant to practice hospitality — and she’s giving away 3 copies of her book and a Target gift card! Watch this short message to find out more!

Today’s Giveaways:

A Confident Heart Ebook for Kindle is FREE — TODAY ONLY!!  We’d love for you to download a copy and then also share the news with your friends via Twitter, Facebook and Email! This incredible deal ends at midnight.

Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download a FREE Kindle App on your computer, cell phone and other electronic devices here!

Renee’s giving away 3 copies of A Confident Heart (paperback copies) and one $15 TARGET gift card so you can buy some cute paper plates and napkins – because nothing says confidence like cuter paper products! {And you can use the left over gift card $ on a heart-shaped candle to remind you it’s your heart that matters most – not the size of your house or impressive meals you serve.)

Enter to Win:
When was the last time you spontaneously opened your home to friends? Who could you invite over this week for something easy like frozen pizza or a cup of coffee? Is there anything Renee shared that helped ease your hesitancies about inviting friends over? Answer any of these questions and you’ll be entered to win today’s giveaway!

Just click “comments ” below this post and share your thoughts.

Toward the beginning of our book of study A Life That Says Welcome, (on page 35 to be exact) I talk about many biblical examples of hospitality. Today’s guest leads us through unpacking one of the great examples from the pages of scripture, Abraham.

Meet my awesome friend and clever mom, Ruth Schwenk!

Like you, Ruth wears many hats!  She is the wife of a pastor, who is her best friend and the love of her life.

She is a blessed homeschooling mother to her four beautiful children, and she eagerly waits meeting her five others in heaven. Ruth is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL.  She has a passion for following God, leading worship, rescuing orphans, and inspiring others to create a God-honoring family.

On August 1st, 2011, Ruth launched The Better Mom .  It is a site dedicated to moms who want to be better moms by sharing life and learning together, to the glory of God.

 
Most days, the thought of opening our house to people takes a back seat to the task of keeping our house in one piece. Hospitality? Like most moms, the thought is almost humorous!

I have always been a “people person”. Then I had 4 children and I had a house full of people all the time! I was constantly entertaining. My zeal for hospitality was lost to survival.

Whether you are a mom or not, we all have so much stuff that is filling our lives that finding room for hospitality is nearly impossible.

One of the first acts of hospitality in the Bible is described in the Old Testament book of Genesis. We often think of Abraham as the father of faith, but he should also be highly regarded as the father of hospitality. Both he and his wife Sarah demonstrate for us a great picture of the hospitable family. Genesis 18:1-5 says,

“The LORD appeared to Abraham near the
great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent
in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing
nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to
meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, “If I have found favor
in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.
Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and
rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be
refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your
servant.”

Hospitality is not only important for me personally, but it is also important for our family. As a mom, I want my children to understand the need to sacrificially give our lives to encourage and inspire others. Like anything, this must be intentionally taught and demonstrated to have lasting impact.

Following are three things we learn from the story of Abraham’s example of hospitality. They are also great reminders of how to teach hospitality to our children.

1. Abraham WELCOMED his guests – He had eyes for those who were in need. Abraham did not wait for a need to be known. He initiated an invitation. Helping our children learn hospitality means helping them see the needs of others.

2. Abraham SERVED his guests – True hospitality always has our guests on display, not our home. We are not the center, but our guests are. Helping our children learn hospitality means teaching them that our guests are the center of our attention when we invite them in.

3. Abraham REFRESHED his guests – He was focused on refreshing, not impressing. Helping our children learn hospitality means teaching them to see that we desire to see people leave more encouraged, strengthened, and refreshed then when they came.

I encourage you today, no matter how busy you are, to sit down with your family and take a look at your calendar. Make a list of friends and families that you are going to invite in to your home, and put it on the schedule! And don’t forget…get your children involved in helping plan, prepare, and welcoming your guests in.

***************************

I have a FANTASTIC giveaway to add a little warmth to your entertaining!! This adorable Ladybug Teapot, and 2 Ladybug Mugs from Pumpkin Seed Press!

Pumpkin Seed Press publishes and carries fantastic mentoring and character training materials and products!

To enter the giveaway leave a comment below and tell me one thing you do to make your guests feel especially welcome.

 

Thank you so much for letting me share in this hospitality series with you all!

I would love for you to join me over at The Better Mom, where thousands of mom gather to learn and grow every day!

Hi gang! Don’t forget to post on yesterday’s piece if you have a decoration idea to share. So many fabulous ones have already come in!

Today, we have a wonderful guest showing us some ways to keep it simple. Welcome my new friend Mandy Ballard:

Mandy is a follower of Jesus, the wife of one very wonderful man, and
the homeschooling mama of four little ones eight years old and under.

In her “spare” time she loves to shop at thrift stores, teach
kickboxing and weight lifting classes, bake sweets, have friends over
for dinner, and work on all sorts of DIY projects around her 116-year-
old home.

You can find Mandy writing each week about faith, family,
fitness, food, fashion, and more at her blog, Biblical Homemaking.

It is Friday swap and share for our online study of A Life That Says Welcome. Before we share our decorating ideas and links, let’s hear from today’s guest, the lovely Joy Forney.

Here she is!

Hi! I’m Joy from Grace Full Mama and I’m so glad to be here today! I am the wife of a missionary pilot and mama to 5 and we live in Indonesia.

I love hospitality….in my head.

Early in the week, I am feeling full of energy and ready to invite people over for fellowship on the weekends.

And then…. the weekend comes and I wonder, What was I thinking?

The house is a mess, I am tired, and all I feel like doing is getting in my jammies with a good book.  It’s in those moments of exhaustion that I need a pick me up both physically and mentally so that I can truly enjoy the company that I have invited!

Here are my quick tips to prepare for company, especially when you are feeling a bit run-down:

1. Prepare the day before. Is there anything I can do ahead of time to make it easier? Can I make cookies ahead or prep any ingredients?

2. Plan a simple yet fun dinner.  One of my favorite go-to meals is BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Coleslaw, and Baked Beans.  Just throw 4-5 chicken breasts in the crockpot with a bottle of BBQ sauce on low for about 5 hours {it will make your house smell great!}, shred the chicken, and serve on rolls. Simple and tasty!

3. Take a nap. Schedule a little down time before your company comes to rest a little so you have full energy to welcome other into your home.

4.  Light some scented candles, turn on some soothing music, put some flowers in a vase, and turn down the lights! Ambience will help you as well as your guests relax and enjoy the evening!

5. Relax and have fun! Now your guests are here and you are ready to embrace them with love and welcome!

Great ideas. Thanks Joy!

Now, Joy has a giveaway for one of you; a $25 Target gift card to buy candles, music or a decorative item.

The winner will be chosen at random from one of you who shares a decorating tip today. Do you have a simple idea? A homemade craft? A link to a clever centerpiece or do-it-yourself project? A way to use old items for a new purpose?

Leave your idea in the comment section. Or leave a link with a clever idea you have stumbled upon on the web. (don’t leave more than one link per comment or my site will reject it)

Or, if you have a blog, use the link up below to showcase your blog post here with your decorating piece. I can’t wait to see your ideas!

Don’t forget to come back over the weekend for more encouragement.

Oh, you are in for a treat! My friend and co-author of my first two books, Trish Smith is here today. She is a crafting whiz and Jesus-lovin’ gal; glue gun in one hand; Bible in the other! That’s my bio on her. Got many of her homemade wares in my home. And some from the online decor business she has too. (You are gonna love it!)

Now, for her professional bio: (gotta keep it classy!)

Trish Smith is a wife and Army mom, co-author of the books, Homespun Gifts from the Heart and Homespun Memories for the Heart.  She is an independent consultant for Blessings Unlimited and is an active crafter and knitter.  She loves to weave Scripture into her crafting and gift giving to share the story of what God has done in her life.  Check out her website at http://www.myblessingsunlimited.net/trishsmith

 MAKING SCRIPTURE THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

The home I lived in as a child is much different from the one I live in now.  It was full of fear and chaos, confusion and pain.

As a child I longed for a quiet, peaceful home like the one my friend lived in – a clean, serene place where friends were invited, family was embraced, and supper was eaten together around the table.

Because of these beginnings, as an adult with a home of my own, I have made it a priority to create a haven for myself and my family.  I wanted to create an environment of rest and nourishment away from the bustle and chaos of the world outside my home.

I felt that I, as well as my family, needed to be able to come home to a haven of rest and relaxation so that we could head back out into the sometimes harsh world of school, work, and just plain life, refreshed and ready to meet the challenges.

Over the years, the conviction has grown in me that, as a Christian, I just can’t keep this to myself – I need to remember to invite others into my haven as well and share that refreshment!  This just wasn’t something that I learned to do as a child – it wasn’t even allowed.  Maybe some of you are in the same boat – you might not have seen how to do this growing up.  But it is something we can learn to do.  Just pick up the phone, make yourself do it if you have to.  Guests probably won’t care if your house is as clean and neat as a magazine cover, they just want to know they are welcomed and loved!

As I have worked at creating and sustaining this environment of peace in my own home, I have become convinced that a crucial part of that is surrounding and immersing myself with Scripture, even in my decorating.

As I look at and absorb the truth around me, it focuses my mind on what God has done for me.  When we sprinkle verses around our homes, those who enter will see our testimonies, planting a seed inside their hearts that, when watered, will produce a harvest.  So, here are some ideas to get you started…

~ Write the verse “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105) on the bottom edge of a lampshade.  Simply write out the verse in pencil in your best handwriting first, and then take a fine-tipped permanent marker to go over the pencil lines.  This would be great on the lamp where you normally sit to have your quiet time with the Lord – a reminder to focus your mind on what He has to teach and where He is directing.

~ On neutral-colored burlap or linen pillows (handmade or store bought), again, write out a verse in pencil.  Then, use a simple backstitch to go over the handwriting with your favorite colors.  How about “Love is patient” with an outline of a heart below?  I can’t tell you how often these pillows reminded me to be patient with my family while I had them displayed for Valentine’s Day!  Or, get a package of 2 standard pillowcases in the color of your choice and stitch the words “I am my beloved’s” on one, and, on the other, stitch “my beloved is mine” from Song of Solomon 6:3.  I just gave a set of these pillowcases as a bridal shower gift – they were a hit!  But, if you make some for yourself, what a great way to focus your thoughts and emotions on the blessing lying right beside you – just as your head hits the pillow!

~Do you have a favorite hymn that helps focus your thoughts and desires back on the One who made you?  Try taking a photocopy of the hymn, enlarged to fit in a frame whatever size you desire.  Then, dip a paper towel in some tea and gently dab the tea on the paper, taking care not to get the paper too wet.  Just a little will do the trick – you just want to antique the paper a bit.  Then, simply place the picture in the frame and hang in a place of prominence in your home.

~For a small chalkboard, I simply took an old silver platter from a garage sale (the more patina, the better!) and painted the inner tray with chalkboard paint.  I used a plate hanger to hang this on a wall in my kitchen to help me with memorizing Scripture.  I can always wipe off the verse I’ve just learned and move on to the next.  If you have the room, try painting an entire wall with chalkboard paint.  Then, keep track of schedules, chores, menus, and add a memory verse for the whole family to learn.  You can even make your own chalk paint in whatever color you want by adding 2 Tablespoons of unsanded tile grout to each cup of flat wall paint.  You’ll want to put on 2-3 coats.  Wait until dry and rub the whole area with chalk to condition the paint.  Wipe off and you’re ready to fill the space!

~For many years, I have been making Scripture signs to sell, for friends and family, and for my own walls.  Just print off a banner on the computer and cut out the letters with a small utility knife.  Place the stencil over a base-coated board whatever size you choose (I like to use crackle paint for my base coat).  Then, use a stencil brush with a small amount of paint on the brush to gently tap or pounce the paint into the cut-out letters.  The trick is not to have too much paint on the brush at any one time.  You can always go back over something, but it is much harder to take paint away if it bleeds underneath your stencil.  Choose your verse based on where the sign is going in your home.  I have “Create in me a clean heart, O God” above my laundry area.  What a great reminder to me to come to Him in confession and repentance.  He gives restoration!

~Here’s a great idea for blessing those who enter your home.  Again, first with a pencil, write out these verses from Numbers 6:24-26 above and around your door frame.  “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”  Then, simply use a paint pen to go over the words with paint.  As your guests leave, say a short prayer over them that includes this verse. What a way to help your guests feel loved!

~Finally, there are many companies that offer lots of home décor and gift items that emphasize Scripture.  Blessings Unlimited is one that I am involved in.  I just love all the products – reminding me of my faith, the truth of Scripture, meaningful beauty.  Everything they offer is encouraging and uplifting, both to me around my house and, hopefully, to all those who enter.  Check out the catalog at www.myblessingsunlimited.net/trishsmith for our full line of products.

These are just a few ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.  Think about where the Word of God would fit into your home décor and would minister to your family and guests.  Have fun with it…it just makes the verses that much more memorable.

For the GIVEAWAY today, I am going to send one of you a mug from Blessings Unlimited.  You can have a choice of one of the four Reminders of His Love mugs: Beauty, Blessings, Gratitude, or Wonder. Click here to take a peek at them.

There’s a verse inside the bottom of each mug – so cute!!  Choose the “Gratitude” mug if you need a Thank You gift.  Or, choose the “Blessings” mug if you simply need a reminder after your last sip of coffee that “Each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me.” (Psalm 42:8)

Reply to the post below to enter the giveaway and make sure you mention which of the Reminders of his Love mugs you would like to receive!  Blessings to you today!

REMEMBER:  For tomorrow’s idea swap and share, be thinking of your best decorating idea, tip, object, theme, centerpiece or DIY project. Bloggers, get a post ready. Others, you can leave yours in the comment section with a description or a link to what it is you like so we all can see. 

Finally, we are also interacting over at Karen Ehman’s Book Studies on Facebook. Click here to “like” the page & join us.

NOTE: I know many of you are still waiting on back-ordered books. So sorry. Keep joining us and you can catch up on the reading as you able. I’m trying not to make assumptions when posting that you’ve read the week’s material. And I know many who have the book still haven’t had time! We’re busy. Let’s just keep learning from our awesome guests. We’ll get the reading buttoned up & the study complete when we can, ok?

This week in our study of A Life That Says Welcome, we are covering the chapters that have to do with preparation: cooking, cleaning, decorating, utilizing our space well.

Our preparations, however, need to be done with our particular guests in mind. Is there a gluten intolerance? Might not be best to make homemade bread. A baby who will need a place to nap during your visit but you don’t have a crib? Maybe you’ll need to borrow a portable one from a friend.

Our guest today knows about those with special needs; ones even more pressing that a food allergy. Her name is Rachel Wojnarowski.

Rachel is a new cyber friend of mine and, I have to say, the most clever “tweeter” ever! Her tweets always make my heart smile.

She is originally a small town country girl who converted to a suburban mother of seven by way of life happening.    She and her husband, Matt, enjoy caring for their busy family, whose ages span 11 months to 21 years and includes a special needs daughter.

Rachel leads community ladies’ Bible studies in central Ohio and serves as an event planner and speaker for special needs parenting groups.

She is a member of the Ohio Writers’ Guild and the National MPS Society; and loves to inspire others through her blog by sharing faith, family, and fun.   Wife, mom, reader, writer, speaker and dreamer, you can find Rachel on Twitter and Facebook.

Now, from Rachel:

10 Ways to Love on Families with Special Needs Children

Sometimes showing the love of Jesus to people who are different than we are takes creative forethought.  Families who have special needs children often find themselves on the outskirt of community and this can be discouraging for them.

Being accepted and included even though you are different is a vital principle of thriving communities.   Here are 10 easy ideas to assist you in showing hospitality to families who have special needs children.

1. Simply ask to spend time with their family.   With the invitation, extend understanding that you would like to meet them in whatever location works best for their needs.  This could be a park, restaurant, or maybe the mall.

2. Allow for extra time to accomplish logistics.   For example, moving a wheelchair from one place to another requires a few more minutes than without.

3.  Offer to bring the meal to their home and eat together there.  Perhaps they would love the company, but find it difficult to manage the entire burden of hosting.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what works well.  Is it easier to take a wheelchair through a different entry other than the front door?  Maybe just having another adult to lift the child from the vehicle to inside the home would be so very helpful.

5.  A “Thinking of you” card is always simple and appropriate!

6. Introductions can be tough over an entire meal.  Shoot for having a dessert night together after each family has accomplished dinner on their own for the first time spent in one another’s company.

7. If hosting the family in your home, prepare in advance to understand the specific needs of the family and their child.

8. Think about ways to communicate and include the special needs child in your entertainment.

9. Display an interest in getting to know the family with special needs children the same as you would those without.  Use social media, call, email, or whatever method you typically would choose to show concern for someone you love.

10. Pray with them. I know, I know. That’s a given, right? No, I don’t mean tell them you will pray for them and then forget. I don’t mean tell them you will pray for them and then go home, write it in your journal and follow through. Though that would be awesome! I mean, pray with them, right there on the spot. Ask them if you can pray with them and do it through the prompting and power of the Holy Spirit.

Families with special needs children come in all shapes and sizes.    It might be a surprise to you how much you will be blessed by the Lord for showing care in this manner; He delights in those who care for the weak!

“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ ” Matthew 25:40

And now for the fun giveaway!

My awesome friends at The Olive Tee have fab tees that express this post in six words:

 What a great reminder of the lessons learned through doing this study!

Now, two winners will receive a soft tee that looks like this:

And my readers have been given 20% off any order at Olive Tee by using the coupon code: weartheword20  

Head over and check out their great stuff and save!

But before you do, leave a comment to be entered in today’s giveaway. Tell us, have you ever reached out to someone with special needs? If not, have you wanted to but been afraid or unsure?

Or tell us a simple idea to reach someone who is different, lonely or often left out.

REMEMBER:  For this coming Friday’s idea swap and share, be thinking of your best decorating idea, tip, object, theme, centerpiece or DIY project. Bloggers, get a post ready. Others, you can leave yours in the comment section with a description or a link to what it is you like so we all can see. 

Finally, we are also interacting over at Karen Ehman’s Book Studies on Facebook. Click here to “like” the page & join us.