I’ve never personally met my blogging friend, Edie, but I’m pretty sure I could show up uninvited at her house anytime (with all of the kids), and she’d let me stay and fix us dinner. She has hospitality down pat. In fact, she’s just finished an e-book on it:
You might think it’s just a book about stocking a perfect guestroom or setting a beautiful table (and she does include all of that), but what I loved most about her thoughts on hospitality is that it’s less about what you “do” or “have” to get ready for guests and more about the attitude of your heart.
Another thought in the book that I love is that hospitality doesn’t just apply to friends or company, but it should really start with my own family, and making our home a happy place for them by giving them myself. It’s the whole Mary/Martha quandary that I struggle with. I long to be a Mary who craved a relationship with Jesus (and would’ve probably spent more time just playing with her kids). But instead, I can’t seem to sit my Martha self down most of the time because there’s always “stuff” that needs to get done. I’m working on that. . .
She also shares practical (and fun) stuff like her favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, a long list of meal ideas for company, how to set up a baking station and her favorite wardrobe staples.
(all photos were taken from Edie’s blog, Life in Grace)
And, what makes Edie’s heart for hospitality even more amazing is her story. You can read all about it here.
Go here to purchase a download of the e-book for $5 . It’s worth every penny.
I found her blog, I can’t remember where, but spent an evening reading her posts. Wow. And after all of that, I am in love with her kitchen and baking center and porch and just everything about her home and style. I even stole a paint color from her for my bedroom.
Thanks for introducing me to her blog. It sounds like a great read. I, too, struggle with the Mary/Martha fighting duo. I want to nurture my kids, but every time I sit down, I can’t help but look around and see the “Martha projects” everywhere around me. I think I need to walk around with a sleep mask on!
Emily….I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with her at Angela’s mountain house last summer while visiting the Cashiers Show House. She is lovely both inside and out. I felt such a warm genuine spirit about her….she just had a glow:)
I hired a cleaner and now I let things go and try to be in the present… Like Mary.
Years ago I figured out that you can have it all BUT you can’t do it all well. Something always gets less attention. It’s so difficult to do a constant balancing act and especially so with having children. There are priorities in life and my family always came first I’m happy to say. If the house wasn’t Martha perfect then so be it. I remember as a newlywed (many, many years ago) a co-worker told me a story of how she could either stay home and clean out the cabinets or go for a nice ride with her husband to the beach. The cabinets would be there when she got home, the ride to the beach won out. Spending time with loved ones matter the most.
I agree with every word you said, Emily. After following her blog for years, I had the pleasure of meeting Edie last March at The Pearl Event, and despite her full schedule for that engagement, she was serving everyone homemade chocolate chip cookies and finding us seats near her.
I bought the eBook as a way to share with my daughter the true meaning of hospitality. We discovered a 2″ chevron striped binder at Target and are filling it with notes and recipes and photographs and silly notes to each other – but the best part is reading God’s truth and being present in the moment together. Part devotional, part inspirational, all love!
xoxomichele
I definitely need to read this and check out her blog. We talk about this often at church and I never thought of it as a stumbling block until then. I felt so convicted that I so rarely invite people into my home because this or that isn’t finished or isn’t perfect. If I remove my ridiculous self-criticism from the situation I would see that my home is 99% darling and 1% dirty floors….and who’s looking at my floors? I need more fellowship and less regret in my life.
I love her blog! What a gorgeous house. Yes, my mind goes there first. I just can’t help it! Her e-book look great, too :) I like the Mary/Martha analogy. I struggle with that, too, but I’m doing better since I’ve actually “scheduled” in playing with my youngest. That sounds horrible but writing it down make me feel like it’s a priority just like cleaning up or doing laundry (or Pinterest.)
I love the way you described the Mary/Martha challenge – I suffer from the same issue. I haven’t downloaded the book – planning to this weekend! I’ve definitely been working on making my home more hospitable for my own family – thankfully we have a basement where I can turn a blind eye if need be. ;) And – what about the game last night? GAH! Can we maybe get some free throw practice in?!
Mary or Martha. I know all too well the dilemma. I personally strive to be a good balance of both! ;) Edie’s blog is pretty great! I remember that she was featured in Jan Better homes and Gardens and went to pick one up the other day and they already had the Feb issue out! BOO!
Beautiful pictures. I’d never thought about struggles in those terms before (mary/martha). I do think, mostly, we’re all just trying to do the best we can. Present company included! Thanks for sharing.
The Martha in me thanks you. :) And seriously, Love Edie and her blog—and how I can learn a few things about hospitality. Ministry starts in the home….with my family….and no doubt this e-book will help me to make my home more homey.Thanks for sharing!
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Sweetie Emily!
I’m so thankful that we found each other in blog world. And it’s on my list to meet you (and all those kiddos) in real life. You are a beautiful example of a talented momma using her gifts to serve her family and the world. You so inspire me! Thank you for this—I can’t tell you how much it means to me.
Much love to you,
:)))
edie
It always helps me to remember that what Martha did wrong was not that she was doing the work that needed to be done. What was wrong was her attitude: she was “anxious and troubled” and mad because Mary wasn’t helping her. With a good attitude, I can have a hospitable heart even while I am doing the work.