Attentive to Your Guests

A Graceful Holiday - Blog Series V

BEING ATTENTIVE TO YOUR GUESTS

Prayer:

As we enter into the holiday season, keep our minds centered and focused on you Heavenly Father.  As each guest enter into our home, let us be mindful and attentive to their needs.  In Jesus Name we pray. Amen

Scripture:

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 38-41

The story of Mary and Martha really put things into perspective for me.  I often think of my sister Corlessia and how when she would come to visit at my mom’s and if there were other guests she would sit down and enjoy the guests, while me, my mom and sister Angela would be busy preparing for the guests.  I could definitely see the roles of Mary and Martha playing out in our household.  Jesus coming to visit us and Corlessia sitting at his feet batting her long lashes listening to Jesus.  We often joke about it, but she is doing what Jesus wants us to do when he visits.  Or as any guest would want from us is to be able to share, listen and pay special attention to what they are doing by not fussing around them but by taking the time to listen and be in the moment to sit and be attentive.

During the holidays, you may get visitors that come without an invitation.  They are not coming to throw you off, they are coming to surprise you with some holiday cheer.  My mom and I often surprise visit my Aunt Mutt, who is 93 years old.  Let me mention a 93 year old that is very active.  Each time we come her home is neat, she offers us a cool drink and a special treat to go along with it.  Last year, we went to visit her during Christmas and the next thing I know she had pulled together a nice meal that we were not expecting.  Now, Aunt Mutt is old school and this comes very naturally for her, she is definitely my inspiration.  I often think how I can be like my Aunt Mutt and how she shows such grace on each visit.  I believe it’s all in the preparation, keeping things simple and being a gracious host that is connected and engaged with your guests.  

Activity Inspiration – Be Attentive - The Right Preparation

In getting ready for guests, especially the unexpected ones here are some tips so you can be prepared without a lot of fuss:

1. Stock up your pantry and refrigerator on items that can quickly be pulled out in a pinch (i.e. crackers, cheese, olives, sweet pickles, etc.)  Without a lot of fuss.
2. During the holidays, a nice pound cake (home or store bought) is always a nice treat for guests that drop in.
3. For overnight guests, find out their favorite foods and if they have any allergies so you can better prepare for them.
4. Get a lot of good movies, popcorn and other treats so you can have pillow and blanket times.
5. Create an environment that gives them a sense of refuge to rest during this busy season.
6. Most important, sit and relax yourself so that you can be attentive and of good cheer.

Journal:

1. Shopping list for items that can be pulled out quickly in preparation of my guests.
2. Activities for guests?
3. What is the best place in your home to entertain guests, that gives a vibe of peace and comfort?  Do you have pillows, blankets in that area readily available for guests?

      Peace and blessings!

Civility Day at George Mason University

Civility Day at George Mason University Fall 2013 - Tour 110 (5P1) Class

Acknowledging Others - $1.98 Feeds A Person for Thanksgiving

I have the honor of teaching the Civility Class at George Mason University.  This class has been a blessing to me to be able to teach students on principals that are for the good of mankind.  We focus on principals such as being kind, acknowledging others, respecting one another, taking care of the environment, etc.  For their mid-term project each student must pick one of the Forni Rules from the book Choosing Civility and create an event for Civility Day based on the rules.  Following the presentations from each student, the class votes on the project that they want to do and then organize everything for Civility Day.  This year my students in one of my classes chose to collect money for Central Union Mission in Washington, DC ($1.98 Feeds a Person for Thanksgiving Program).  They created a Civility Day at the Prince William Campus and raised $260.00 to give back to the organization.  That donation will feed 131 people for Thanksgiving.  The enthusiasm of these young adults to serve and acknowledge others is amazing.  I am so proud of them and hope that they continue the spirit of giving and acknowledging others. 

A Graceful Holiday - Series IV

Fellowship Begins at Home

This is your day that the lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

Prayer for today:

I pray that God’s light will fill your home with abundant peace, prosperity, gladness and most of all love.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen

Reflection Corner:

We live in a world where there is homework, sports, class activities, etc. and the time spent with family is often overlooked because we are on the fast train that we can’t seem to jump off.  I know sometimes quiet time and refuge from this fast pace to fellowship with our family is the most rewarding activity that we can give to them.  My son, Govan is in college and my daughter, Lauren is in high school.  Time goes by fast, and before you know it they are leaving the nest.  I want my children to remember our times together, whether it was our pizza nights and slumber parties together in the basement, or times we spent at the breakfast table on weekends, these are memories that I will cherish forever and I know in my heart they will too. 

During my first book tour for Celebrations for the Soul, I did presentations on hospitality for your family.  I encouraged the participants to think out of the box when it came to creating a hospitable home environment for their family.  Many people came to me after the session, to say that they were blessed by the message.  One mother said that her family lives in such a fast pace with activities that they never get time to spend with their families after school because they all get in so late.  We brainstormed for a few moments and came up with the idea to have dessert time with her family, since they couldn’t seem to make the dinner time at the table together.  This was a lightbulb  moment for her and she walked away with hope.

Our families appreciate time spent together in fellowship, it is something they will carry on to their families.  God has gifted us with families, let’s embrace it and be the beacon of light to show them unconditional love and hospitality.

Take time during this season to spend one-on-one with your family as you create traditions and embrace the beauty of this time.  

Activity Inspiration

Sweets & Treats (Fellowship Time)

Can you imagine, it’s 8pm and everyone is home, homework is done, bath time is behind you and everyone has their pajama’s on.  You call your family downstairs and they see a special table for them made by you filled with their special treats.  They all gather around with great excitement and as parents you share what this season means to you and how much you love your children.  You take the time to light candles that are on the table to let your children know that it signifies the light of Christ.  You then proceed to pray together and share and fellowship with the family that God has bestowed upon you over special treats. (i.e. a hot chocolate bar with special treats would be fun).   I don’t know about you, but this gets me a lot of brownie points with my family and at the end of the day, we are all blessed by it.  Whether you have children, or you may be single with roommates, this can be a special time sharing and fellowship with the ones that you love.  Remember hospitality begins at home.

Journal:

1.    What can you reveal from your heart during this special time together?

2.    What scripture, poem or message can you recite to engage conversation on the blessings of family, the season, God’s love, etc.?

3.    What special treats will you bring out (Please note you do not have to be Betty Crocker, the real meaning is the gathering together of your family)?

4.    How can you incorporate this time throughout the upcoming year?

Peace and blessings!

A Graceful Holiday Blog Series III

A Friend Retreat 

My refuge when I am weary is often spent with my girlfriends, we pray together, laugh, pray again and get through tough times together.  Have you ever shared a special time with your dear friends who are kindred spirits, where the busy world that encompasses your daily life -- stops for a moment? A time and space that is harmonious in nature and the energy source that flows is of God’s grace. A time where the comfort of your surroundings with cherished friends gives you the opportunity to rest your spirit and seek comfort in each other and a higher power in order to restore your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Over the years I have been fortunate to share special times with my dearest of friends, where we have gathered together with the expectation to relax and enjoy one another’s company and the outcomes are always gratifying and uplifting to say the least. In those spaces and places where we stepped into serenity, a place where many words are not spoken, but a lot is said through our fervent prayers. I believe these special times spent with friends are confirmations of God’s intention to provide angels on earth to help nurture our spirits as we walk in the bond of sisterhood. These special moments help us to rejuvenate ourselves so we can be at our best as we walk in our journey to fulfill all of the roles that we have been called to be as women.  Quite often during the holiday season, these roles are heightened.  Can I get an amen?  As we begin the holiday season, starting thinking about creating a Friendship Retreat to give a special treat to your friends so they can recharge themselves in the middle of the busy  season.

Activity Inspiration

How fun would it be in the middle of the holiday season, to be invited to a Friendship Retreat? During a friendship retreat, it is important to touch all of the five senses of hear, touch, smell, vision and taste.

First, you should send an invitation to your friends. In the invitation you want to outline not only the basic details of date, time and place but you want to tell the story of what the retreat will entail. 

The invitation needs to be visual in a sense that it shows calmness through colors, wording, etc. For this occasion, you can get an invitation that shows peace – a water stream, a sunset, or relaxing colors like olive or light blue. In addition, come up with a creative caption such as – “Joy, Peace, Love – The Real Holiday Spirit” or “Leave the Cares of the World Behind” to help engage your guests so that the excitement of having the opportunity to relax and spend time with friends starts as soon as they receive the invitation. With my friends we have so many obligations, so it takes a special invitation to get them moving so that everything can be in place so they literally can leave the cares of the world behind them.

Second, focus on creating the right ambiance in your home. You want to welcome your guests by creating a spa like atmosphere as soon as they arrive. Dim your lights and display on a table beautiful candles that will illuminate their pathway into your home. Adding a water fountain in that area will add another sensory effect. Also, display a unique container filled with comfortable slippers so your guests can put on as they start their journey to relaxation. In addition, appeal to their sense of hearing by softly playing a cd where you can hear old Christmas tunes by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole in the background, with the gentle sounds of nature such as a waterfall.

Third, center the retreat in an area of your home that is most comfortable for lounging. Typically that would be your great room. In that room, display low arrangements (so you can have full eye contact with everyone in the room). Some suggestions are bamboo plants, orchids, rocks, etc. Of course, candles, candles, candles should be the main light source of your room. This will create a nice glow throughout the space. In addition, have a wicker basket full of plush blankets that your guests can cuddle up to. Other than that, keep it very simple because you do not want to over stimulate your guest with too much activity in décor, you want to keep it calm and simple.

Fourth, plan a simple menu that is refreshing and light that can be prepared ahead of time with little work the day of your retreat. During the holidays we are often bombarded with calorie heavy foods; make this day light with special treats. Remember, this retreat is for your well-being so consider hiring a caterer and a server to help on that day. This will ensure that your guests will have time to enjoy your company and you will have time to enjoy and relax.  

Fifth, bring in a masseuse, and manicurist and a facial person…this will leave your guests filling alive, pretty and leaping back into the holiday season with gratitude and joy!

Journal - A Graceful Holiday - Series III:

1.    Who will you invite to your retreat?

2.    Out of your circle of friends, what would they want as special treats (i.e. masseuse, guest speaker, etc.)?

3.    What is your idea of an ultimate friends retreat?

4.     What will it take to bring this retreat to life?