Monday

"Serendipity" It's more than a word...

Have you ever met someone who always, always sharpens and encourages you with each encounter? Think about what a difficult thing that is-to be both edified and convicted-without feeling beaten down or over-inflated. It can't be easy, and yet, my friend Sharon Sloan is a master at this delicate, beautiful balancing act. I wish each of you could know her, spend time with her, be hosted by her. I promise it would refresh your soul. Watch this brief video introduction:



Serendipity intro from Whitney Capps on Vimeo.




I cannot tell you how excited I am for Sharon. She lives the message of this book, and not just in the planned, hosted, open-your-home kind of way. She lives a life of welcome and hospitality. I could type and type all the things I love about her, but why don't I just let you hear from this dear woman:





"Seek to show hospitality." ~ Romans 12:13

Thank you to my truly sweet and thoughtful friend, Whitney, for inviting me over to her place in Bloggityville today! I am truly honored to guest post here! Thank you, Whitney!!! And to all of you visiting today, please be sure to enter to win a free SerenDIPity book at the close of this post!

{HOSPITALITY.} Does the thought of opening your home excite you or paralyze you?

We are all in varying situations and seasons of our lives, so being hospitable and opening our homes to others may look different for each of us at any given time. Whether it is a simple act of offering someone a cup of cold water or entertaining a large group of people, being hospitable reflects a part of the heart of God.

Hospitality can seem so complicated, so overwhelming, so stressful and even so unnecessary in our lives today. The heart of entertaining seems to be waning in this world of social media, where, if we are not disciplined and resolved, most of our social interaction can be in front of a computer or smart phone screen instead of face-to-face.

Throughout scripture, God demonstrates the importance of hospitality. He wants us to be hospitable towards. Even just taking a quick look at Romans 12:13 in the Parallel Bible, we see the earnestness of His heart.

NKJV – “…given to hospitality”
NIV – “Practice hospitality.”
NLT – “Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
ESV – “…seek to show hospitality”
HCS – “pursue hospitality”
AMP – “pursue the practice of hospitality”

Our busy and technology-driven lives contribute to our lack of personal fellowship one with another. Opening our homes and inviting others in for coffee, snacks, a meal or a party can easily slip off our heart’s and calendar’s radar screens. But I believe we are called and commanded to be hospitable in whatever form the Lord chooses. “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another..” ~ Hebrews 10:25

“Hospitality seeks to minister. It says, ‘This home is not mine. It is truly a gift from my Master. I am His servant and I use it as He desires.’ Hospitality does not try to impress, but to serve.” - Karen Burton Mains

In my book, SerenDIPity ~ Celebrating Dips, Faith & Friendship, I share the simple why-to and how-to of hospitality. Specifically, I invite you to host your very own SerenDIPity – a unique and fun dip party that gathers family and friends together for fellowship, food and laughter!
This fun and practical why to and how to book will help you:
1.    Open up your home and heart through hospitality.
2.    Creatively prepare and execute your own SerenDIPity party.
3.    Set the stage for fun, friends, and fellowship.
4.    Learn the ins and outs of hosting fun contests and giveaways.
5.    Prepare savory and sweet dips.
6.    Know what to do after the party and how to reach out with SerenDIPity.
7.    Know what the Bible says about hospitality and fellowship.


While you are at it, grab a spoon and dip into some free resources!!!












Leave a comment below telling us your greatest joy or your greatest fear of opening your home in hospitality!! We will pick a winner in a few days who will receive a SerenDIPity book!

Have a DIPlightful day!!!

“When you have eaten and are satisfied, 
praise the Lord your God…” 

Deuteronomy 8:10


See! I told you. Don't you just L.O.V.E. her?!  My fall and holiday season is going to be so much for fun and meaningful. I'm going to be using my dollops of Scripture over and over again when I'm stressing about all the hostessing that will be happening. I want my heart AND home to say welcome. Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in our giveaway!

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3 comments:

Cyndee said...

I love hosting family get togethers, but mostly they are just thrown together. I am so looking forward to using the thoughtful, useful information and tips that Sharon has lovingly shared in her book. God has blessed Sharon with not only with the gift of Hospitality, but an insightful inspiring way of sharing this gift to glorify Him.

Anonymous said...

I am excited about opening my home to friends and family. I have an easier time having my parents over more than anyone else, but I know I need to step out of my comfort zone more often. I am single and live in a small studio apartment. Currently, I am in the midst of purging and reducing my clutter. I would love to win this book so I could have some easy, no stress way to invite friends over to fellowship in the Lord, and in some cases- have them be drawn to and closer to the LORD. LORD bless, Dawn (Menomonee Falls, WI.)

Unknown said...

I love to open my home and serve people and share the love of Jesus! It is a little unnerving wondering if you have the right mix of food and if I can be a good hostess to numerous guests without anyone feeling ignored or slighted. I like to be able to chat with everyone. =) I like to venture out to try new things sometimes because you need something fresh and new sometimes but it is difficult to come up with. Would LOVE to win this book and begin trying new things! Thanks for the chance! Love your blog post too!