I was introduced to Sue Donaldson author of Come To My Table just a few months ago. Our introduction was timely because hospitality was something I was struggling with. Still kind of am. This and this are just two examples of my less than stellar hospitality moves and there's more where that came from but we'll just leave it at that. Yep. What Sue helped me see through her ... Read More »
31 Days of Outreach
31 Days: Day 13 – I got a “C” on my outreach opportunity today at Sam’s Club.
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 Three things come to mind when I see this verse: Be alert to your responses. In line at Sam's when the lady in front of you takes 25 minutes to check out her three ... Read More »
31 Days: Day 12 – Love your neighbor (without being weird)
Today I'm so excited to share with you (and give away a copy) a book that I have loved reading over the past few weeks. How to Love your Neighbor without being weird by Amy Lively has been so much fun to read. It has made me laugh out loud and has opened my eyes to incredible things as well. Amy paints herself in the beginning as an unlikely candidate to be spreading Jesus ... Read More »
31 Days: Day 11 – Reaching out in church
Outreach doesn't have to take place outside the walls of our church or church family although that's where we normally tend to place outreach. We have plenty of opportunities within our own church walls to get outside of ourselves and focus on loving those around us. One of the first things I think about is new people visiting church. For those of us who have been churchin' it ... Read More »
31 Days: Day 10 – Human Trafficking Outreach
My eyes were first opened to the reality of human trafficking (sex slavery, modern slavery) when I attended a conference in Atlanta. A copy of "The White Umbrella" was given to everyone in attendance. For the next several weeks I read a chapter every day in carpool line and it broke my heart. It scared me and it made me overwhelmingly aware of the reality of human trafficking ... Read More »
31 Days: Day 8 – Mentoring Students
Mentoring students at a school is an incredible way to reach out in our communities. And it's really quite easy to do. Mentoring is simply coming alongside someone for the purpose of encouraging and teaching. It doesn't mean you have to be an expert or trained teacher to mentor someone. Just a willing heart to spend consistent time with someone and to love them. Many schools ... Read More »
31 Days: Day 6 – Visiting the Elderly
We underestimate the power of a simple visit and a handmade card for a shut-in. Whether at a nursing home or someone's house a face to face visit with your children can make all the difference to a lonely soul. There's something special about a young crayon-sketched heart and a cross with the words "God loves you and so do I". If we start our kids out young learning to love ... Read More »
31 Days: Day 5 – 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Church Outreach
Church outreach is so important because people need to know about our Jesus and how he can change lives. If all we do is stay huddled in our awesome Bible teaching churches and keep to our cozy small groups then we'll have a hard time accomplishing the great commission. We must get out into our communities and reach people where they are. This means we set aside some things ... Read More »