THE ART OF HOSPITALITY

I love to cook!  I read cook books like most people read novels.  My home is filled with cookbooks from churches, Junior Leagues, Farmers and Ranchers wives, and places that I have visited.  Some of my favorites are those that I received over 35 years ago when Charlie and I got married. We both grew up in church in a small town called Pawhuska, Oklahoma.  Our hometown is now a destination for many cooks as they come to Pawhuska with hopes of meeting Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman!  Ree’s recipes are a standard in my home.  I come from a region where women love to cook.  Some of my favorite memories of food presentations growing up was Wednesday night fellowship dinner.  It was a huge potluck every Wednesday before church activities.  I remember the smells and taste of all of the food that was places on long tables.  It seemed like the food went on forever!  Our Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church was always filled with  laughter and love.  Our wedding showers included recipes from some of our favorite people.  Those recipes are still being made in my kitchen today. 

My favorite thing to do is to have people gathered around my table for a meal!  I love the ease of conversation that the table provides with a meal, dessert or just a cup of coffee!  The things that have been talked about around my table are life giving.  There has been laughter, tears and serious conversations.  There have been announcements of engagements, falling in love, break ups, and the Lord selecting someone to become a mom!  My love for cooking and having people in my home comes natural to me.  I watched my mom open our home for dinners, showers, game nights and was always willing to cook for our friends.

However, as I have invested in my relationship with Jesus, I have learned that He has called us to this action…the act of hospitality!  Hospitality, according to the dictionary is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors and strangers.  A home filled with warmth, kindness and the love of God is something that fills the guests soul and tummies!  Here are some Bible verses that teach us about opening your home:

“Let brotherly love continue.  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angles unaware."  Hebrews 13:1

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”  1 Peter 4:8-9

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.  I was thirsty and you gave me something drink.  I was a stranger and you invited me in…”  Matthew 35:25

Send the invitation!  Open your door!  Cook the meal!  Have the conversation!  Love others!

Party Don’t Stop, Chrissie

*Photography by Brooke Lark