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Hospitality

Have you ever thought about what it means to be a good steward in your home?  I've been giving that a lot of thought lately, and to me, it means caring for my home the best I can, making it a comfortable refuge for my family, and being willing to make it a place where guests will feel welcomed.  
Being Hospitable

That hasn't always been easy for me... I was way to self centered to be hospitable (perhaps a little prideful) I mean, it was all about "what will they think of me" or "what will they think of my home"  I finally came to this conclusion...it's not about me...it's about them, so ... 
"Just get over yourself Geneva"  
I've tried to quit worrying about every little dust bunny, or having everything in it's place.  Instead of trying to dazzle with my decorating skills, I try to focus on how to make guests feel honored, welcomed and blessed when they're in my home.  
Believe me, it's much more fun this way.

My teacher was this scripture.

1Peter 4:8-10
8And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

If you were here I'd serve you up a good cup of coffee and we'd have a good laugh about how much better my house looks in the evening. 
All the dust just seems to glow in candlelight.

Comments

  1. Geneva, what a most meaningful post for me today. I am about to have a hoighty toighty tomorrow and a bridal shower next weekend...I am sure I have been a bear to my hubby...thinking what will they think about me...you have brought me back around to the true meaning...I am a servant to those I am doing this for...and it is NOT about me! Thanks for a great reminder just in time for me!

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  2. Just lovely. I've resorted to having my kids help me with the dust bunnies. Here kids, everyone grab a wetwipe and run it down a baseboard and we'll be done in 5 minutes instead of 40. Mom can't do it all alone anymore.:)

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  3. Oh I loved your last comment about how much better everything looks in the glow of a candlelight (ha ha even ourselves). Thanks for sharing your struggles and I am so glad you have realized that guests come to see you, not your dust bunnies. I'll be over for that cup of coffee!!

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  4. Oh, I used to worry about the same things when I had company, Geneva. Now I have learned if I just do my best to make people feel comfortable and at home, I have done my job! Then I relax and enjoy my friends. Life is too short to worry about what people think of us. Very sweet post!

    XO,
    Jane

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  5. It really isn't about our home (though I do love yours), but it's about making people feel comfortable and welcome in our homes. I have a saying above my front door, "Enter as strangers - leave as friends." We've had many people here over the years. I've commented jokingly, "I must have entertained angels unawares." We bless others - we get blessed.
    I love your blog.
    Maria

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  6. Wow what a great post! We need to stop and see what is important like good fellowship with friends and family. By the way your decorating skills are awesome.

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  7. This is a great reminder, Geneva. Making friends and family feel comfortable in our home is more important than what they think of our dust bunnies.
    I would love to stop by for a cup of coffee.

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  8. Wonderful post! My baba lived in a very simple house with no frills. BUT she always made guests feel welcome. She would create a meal from whatever she had in her fridge and make you feel at welcome. That's why she loved company and everybody loved to visit her!

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  9. I think your post is very relevant to a lot of us!!! I have a question. All of a sudden I can't get the sound of your lovely birds in the backgrund although I can see the birds. Is anyone else having that problem or is it my computer? I get sound with other things on the computer.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by Lynn. Re the birds...it wasn't your computer. I had removed the MixPod from my blog, but just added it back after reading your post. I'm always changing things on my blog...and appreciate your input.
      Blessings!
      Geneva

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  10. Oh I am so glad the music and the birds are back!!! Do you know sometimes I revisit posts of yours that I have read just so I can hear the background music and the birds!
    It is especially nice to do on a grey rainy day.

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  11. Thank you for your post today. The first part of your post was about me. I have always felt the way my home, my children and even the stupid car!! I so appreciate this scripture. I have copied your post and am taking it with me to my Bible study tonight to share.
    Thanks again!
    Annie

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  12. Lovely post. It would be lovely to join you for that coffee. Love cloudy days and candle light:) My grand daughter told me this week "Grammie you're way too attached to your things." Stab my heart..

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  13. I recognize what you mean and it reflect to my doings too.

    Wow... you open my eyes, girl and I will see to it, everytime I have the urge to do what I used to, I will think of you.

    TY for knocking my head, Lady.

    Happy TS and enjoy your w/end with your lovelies.
    /CC

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  14. Hi Geneva!

    Your home is so beautiful! You have such a talent when it comes to decorating and putting together eye candy..I so relate to this post. When I have company I always think about "what do think of my home?" when I should be thinking "I hope they are comfortable here." Thanks so much for sharing your insight and wisdom!

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  15. Thank you for a wonderful post! It reminded me to focus on my guests and not be so concerned about whether the house is spotless. Before I have people over I rush around cleaning and am actually worn out by the time the guests arrive. I'm almost too tired to enjoy their company. I need to make sure they are comfortable and quit worrying about the dust bunnies!!

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  16. Such an lovely post today, as always! Very inspiring...seems I came across those verses not too long ago in bible reading. Maybe the Lord is trying to tell me something. Thank you so much for post this....It is something to really think about.

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  17. My sound is always off so I didn't even know you had bird song on the blog! lol! Lovely, thought-provoking post.

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  18. I try to tell myself that people are here to see me, but I get overwhelmed at the thought of company lately! xo

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Blessings!