A Heart of Hospitality {And A Giveaway!}

Happy Friday!! I’m having a really hard time putting my thoughts into words. I just finished reading my sweet friend Edie’s e-book 31 Days To A Heart Of Hospitality. Y’all. It was the easiest-to-read, most heart and life changing book/e-book that I’ve read in a long time.

Edie has inspired me for years as I’ve read her blog. She loves beautiful things, has incredible style, loves literature, home schools her girls and she makes me feel like I’m just sitting in her living room chatting as I read. Her open, honest and spiritual lifestyle pulls me in.

So, ahem. Hospitality. Does that word make you cringe? Do you immediately think of all the things that you need to do to feel comfortable welcoming someone into your house? Seriously. Just the thought makes me want to break out in hives. But. That is changing.

I grew up in a home bursting with hospitality. Rarely a month went by that my family didn’t host family, friends or a visiting minister. My mom was an incredible hostess and she instilled a willing, hospitable spirit in my siblings and me. Something happened to my heart after I had Ridley. I suddenly didn’t feel on top of my housework and I was terrified that if someone stopped by they would see my mess. At the same time, I felt guilty for not being hospitable. What a crazy cycle!

31 Days To A Heart of Hospitality met me right where I was in that crazy cycle and spoke truth to me in ways that will take me a while to process.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the e-book:

We may look finished and even polished on the outside but we’re all a mess. If you look close at the bricks and at our marred hearts, there are burn marks that time won’t wash away.But the scars remind us to pray. They remind us that we are vulnerable and needy and poor and that we must hold tight to the one who burns us with His love but doesn’t consume us.

Hospitality, at its core, is you, pouring out your life for others.

Hospitality is not about inviting people into our perfect homes, but inviting them into our imperfect hearts.

Yes. Yes. Yes. and… Yes.

Besides speaking to the heart issues, Edie also put together the most wonderful tips including stocking a pantry, making a guest bedroom special, setting a beautiful table and feeding people well. She also included several delicious recipes.

I adore her baking center!

You can purchase a copy of 31 Days To A Heart of Hospitality here for just $5.00. You totally won’t regret it!

I am honored to have four copies of Edie’s 31 Days To A Heart Of Hospitality to give away to you!

To Enter:

  • Leave a comment on this post telling me you would like to win. {easy peasy!}

Have a marvelous weekend, dear friends!
xoxo

Myra

219 Comments

  1. The 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality book sounds wonderful! I would like to win because I’ve struggled with some of those same things. We used to entertain frequently, but the lay-out of this house makes it more difficult, and my children are involved in a variety of things at school and church and I’ve let those “excuses” get in the way. From your quotes, it sounds like this book will both challenge and encourage me to look beyond those things and get back to not only entertaining, but the heart of hospitality!

  2. This book sounds like a wonderful resource. I would be honored and thrilled to win a copy. Thank you for sharing!

  3. I can identify with you Myra…I was always hesitant. Now I am not so worried about what people think.:) My sister in law is a great hostess and her house is not perfect but everyone feels at home there. We can always use tips on how to make our guests feel more at home!!

  4. I would LOVE to win this book!! When I took my spiritual gifts test, the lowest score was on hospitality. I looked at the gifts test not only as a resource to show me where God has gifted me, but also a resource to help me see where I needed to grow. And hospitality is definately one of those areas. I need help!! Thanks for the giveaway.

  5. My husband and I have been trying to be more hospitable as we continue to try and become more aquainted with people in our church. Some new ideas would be so helpful. Thanks for sharing.

  6. I would love to win this book – I am a nervous hostess and need to develop hospitality traits.

  7. Myra, I love your heart! You put to words all of my struggles with obeying the Lord and serving others! Thank you for bringing me back to the art of hospitality and reminding me that it’s nothing about what you have or don’t have, it’s all about your heart. I really look forward to reading 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality and the change it will make in me.

  8. Myra, thanks for sharing this book with us. I would like to win this book to share it with my domestic skills class. Hospitality is the core of what I teach in class and the book looks like a great resource. Although, reading through the other comments it looks like I’ll definitely buy this book if I don’t win. Thanks for adding some fun to my Friday with a giveaway! 🙂

  9. I would love to be entered in the contest! I always try to remember to focus my eyes on the guests and not on how I or my home is looking. That helps me enjoy the guests and not fret.

  10. When it comes to hospitality I try to be a Mary and not a Martha. I want to invest in people and not worry about the state of my house. I would love to read this book!

  11. Would love to win this book. I am a nervous wreck from the time I find out we are having guests until the time they leave . In all honesty it totally ruins the joy I could and should feel as I visit with guests that I long to see.

  12. “Hospitality is not about inviting people into our perfect homes, but inviting them into our imperfect hearts.” – Oh my goodness! This quote is exactly why I need to read this book! I so very much need to realize that it’s really okay in invite people into imperfection – housewise and otherwise!

  13. Hey Myra…
    I always look forward to reading your blog and today of all the days, I needed this. Today is my 40th Birthday…and being a perfectionist is my greatest strength and weakness…the insert from Edie’s book hit me big time this morning. Wanna know why? I decided to rearrange our home because my AWESOME husband has invited folks over to celebrate my 40 years of life.
    I love Edie’s blog as well and would love to win and read her thoughts on Hospitality.
    Have Yourself A Beautiful Day!

  14. oh, what a wonderful help for those of us who need some extra encouragement to participate in this Biblical command!

  15. I love Edie! I struggle with the same thing. I love to entertain but only if I feel I have prepared for days! I could use some positive reminders in this area!

  16. Myra,
    I would love to win! & Thank you so much for sharing this! I often struggle with entertaining people since I always feel I have to have everything perfect. My husband keeps telling me that if they care we have some clutter or the counter tops aren’t pristine people will not care if they care about us….but it’s a difficult thing to do. I’d love to hear her suggestions and I think it would help me to learn to have a heart truly focused on hospitality rather than on pressuring myself to have a perfect home 🙂 Thanks!

  17. Lately I’ve been feeling blah…….I am trying to find some passion in my life. I’ve become bored and stagnant. I’ve looked into purchasing this book but would LOVE to win a copy!

  18. My husband and I used to host a weekly bible study in our home – we did it for almost 20 years, at each church God lead us to. Now we are in a church where I feel “out-classed” and “out-housed”. I need a boost to be able to move in the direction that God has lead me in the past! Thank you so much for the encouragement in this blog!

  19. I would love to have a copy of this book! This is an area I’ve been needing to work on for awhile–and I don’t even have kids yet!

  20. Dear Myra…yes, oh yes, I would like to win a copy of Edie’s book…I want to show forth the gift of hospitality in my life…I recently was very hurt by a close friend and have found myself being very guarded against bringing women back into my home as I have loved doing in the last 5 years and now am still reeling from the brokenness of this relationship…being loving and hospitable isn’t optional and I need a jump start..thanks for the encouragement! Blessings!

  21. This book is a gift we women all need. We just moved to a larger city after living in a wonderful small town for 30 years. Making friends isn’t easy and takes time. Inviting people (that you don’t know well) into our home is intimidating. I’m sure this book would give me an extra “push” to not over think entertaining.

  22. A great topic where anyone could use encouragement! We need to share our homes with others and especially create a place of hospitality for our family. Thanks!

  23. This book sounds great. I love hosting people and I feel God has given me a gift for hospitality and would love to read more. This past 7 months I have been living in Bulgaria and hosting here is different but a challenge. As I go home to the UK I want to keep up my gift of hospitality.

  24. years ago i read a book titled open heart, open home that changed my life. it too was on hospitality. over the years i have lost what i learned. at a time with the kids almost gone i would like to get back the open home(heart is always open). this book sounds like it could help me get back to open home.

  25. Hi Myra,
    Thanks for offering this book! It is kind of ironic that I have been searching for a book to help me overcome my fear of inviting other people into my home. Like other people have said, my house is NOT perfect, not even close. It is not designer worthy. I can’t even cook well. My favorite bible verse is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and I believe it wholeheartedly, but somehow I just haven’t been able to overcome this obstacle. I would love to have this book so even if I don’t win one in the giveaway I am definitely going to purchase it.
    Thanks again, Rhonda

  26. God is speaking so loudly about the subject of hospitality. The 31 day encouragement is such a great idea. I opened up my home once a month last year. At first I was in a flitter to be sure everything was perfect. And it was a major effort. After the series of teachings ended, I began hosting Monday Prayer. Often my breakfast snack consists of Honey Buns from a Walmart box. Everyone knows where the cups and spoons are and we just help ourselves to coffee. We are family! Would love to win the book, if I don’t, it is an easy click to get it.

  27. This ebook looks wonderful. One of our family goals this year is to show hospitality more and this book looks like it would definitely help us 🙂

  28. Oh my the book sounds wonderful and ful of encouragement which many of us need when it comes to exposing our homes and ability to host. I would love the chance to win her book, read it and pass it on to my daughter. thanks for the opportunity~

  29. Hi Myra! When my husband and I bought our home our desire was for it to bless others. We’ve been given that opportunity by hosting at a minimum of two groups in our home every week: A life group through our church and a bible study for (hungry!) college students. We have two girls about your boys’ ages (3 and 7 months), and I find myself at times stressed and tired of the constant hosting and trying to keep on top of the cleaning. I’m grateful for the ultimate example of hospitality through Jesus who came to serve not to be served. I am continually in need of a heart makeover and will read this book regardless. Thanks for the post and the giveaway!

  30. Thank you for sharing both the ebook & your personal story. As always I Found much comfort in your words. I am certainly excited about reading the book & would love the chance to win it.

    Sweet Blessings,

    Brenda

  31. I’ve been trying really hard to find a book to get me into reading, and from reading your post today, this would be PERFECT! Being a full-time working mom, I’m constantly struggling with how to make my home feel warm to others. I would SOOO love to win this!

  32. I would love to win! Having a giving heart and being a blessing to others each day is exactly what I am working on in my own life right now. What a great book to motivate and teach us all how to do just that!

  33. Would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to win!!! 🙂
    Thank you so much for offering this to me! <3 I love you Myra! xoxo

  34. I struggle with this also. I always stress over cooking for other people….that’s one reason I started a food blog….to journal my progress and give me confidence in my cooking.

  35. I would love to win a copy of this book! I have always struggled in this area and that is the reason we don’t always have company over, but I would love to change that.

  36. I just need this book. Perhaps that might bring me back on the right track. I always think, people just want to come into a perfect home, cleaned until it gleams – and I am just never happy with what I see. Perhaps I just see it wrong? At the moment I still doubt it can be changed by reading a book – but who knows?
    With warmest wishes for a lovely weekend,
    Nessie
    Nessie´s last blog post ..Lust auf Fruehling

  37. I would love to win a copy of this e-book, since I am speaking on this topic in a few months at a ladies meeting for our church!

  38. I need to challenge myself in this area. My kids delight in having guests into our home…and our hearts.

  39. I would love to be more hospitable. I grew up in a family that rarely had people over and I always wanted to be more hospitable but don’t really know how. I have been struggling to overcome my upbringing for years.

  40. I grew up in a family that didnt really learn much about entertaining or hospitality because my family was very strict and backwards being from Kentucky in the old days and such. I would love to learn more about hospitality and entertaining. So yes I would absolutely LOVE to win this book.

    Thank you and God Bless

  41. My mom has always been welcoming to others, but always stresses out about people possibly seeing a messy house. I would love to grow out of that mindset myself, and share some tips with her, too! I would be so excited to win a copy of this book!

  42. Awesome post, Myra! I think our hearts echo with yours–hospitality refresher needed! I’d love a copy of the book! 🙂

  43. I would love to win it! I am always looking for more ways to better myself :] and I’m almost done with the book I’m reading right now…Eat Chocolate Naked.

  44. That does look like a wonderful book! We just had people over last night, but I had my familiar “they’re going to be here in 10 minutes and my kid just pulled all the stuff out of the bathroom cabinet and the floor’s not swept and there’s dried banana under that chair and hubby’s pants have a hole and he has to take a shower and there’s no way I can sew the pants, scrape up the banana, sweep the floor, pick up the bathroom and keep the little guy out of trouble.” All of that wouldn’t be so bad except it terrifies me to think of people arriving in the middle of that mess! What I mean is, I would love to win this book 🙂 (And, btw, I did get the crucial things done before they came 🙂 )
    Diana´s last blog post ..2013 Short List of Garden Plants

  45. I identify with much of what you have shared, and I love this quote you shared from the book. “Hospitality is not about inviting people into our perfect homes, but inviting them into our imperfect hearts.” That is so true. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

  46. I also was brought up in a homethat shared hospitality – my father was a pastor and my mom was always feeding and taking care of others. I have struggled with not having that same heart due to time constraints and/or distractions. I would love to win a copy of the book! Thanks for the opportunity and God bless!

  47. Wow. Her Comment about letting people into our hearts really strucka chord with me. I would love a copy of her ebook to contie her wisdom.

  48. I truly believe that Jesus shows us that He was often entertained in homes…and we are to invite others to our home…possibly entertaining angels unaware! Though I’m now disabled, I still love to have others come over. This 31 Days may be just the book to give my brain injured brain, new paths to follow to again do what I truly miss in my life. Having people over. Yes, please enter me in this contest!

  49. Hello,
    I would love to win a copy! I enjoyed the parts of the book you shared in your blog, especially the part about us all being a mess even though we may seem to have it together. That’s comforting to know! Blessings to you!!

  50. This year God is taking me through a season of developing deeper & more meaningful relationships. Allowing people to really know me….risking that they might not. From your brief review, I can’t help but think Edie’s book might help me along on that journey!

  51. I would love to win this e-book. I have always struggled with having everything perfect before I could have people over..and that misses the whole point! Thanks for the giveaway!

  52. I stopped doing hospitality when I developed Crohn’s. My thoughts was it’s hard enough dealing with family and one bathroom let alone company…Should have just put it in GOD’s hands I would be able to use the bathroom in time with guest here…

  53. This would be a wonderful resource. I would love to pass it on to my new DIL who loves to learn too.

  54. So glad to see this post and giveaway! I am a young pastor’s wife (with a terrible perfection problem!) and I really struggle with showing hospitality unless all my ducks are in a perfect little row. I have tried in the past to overcome this and have had some success, but it is a regular struggle for me, as much as I hate to admit it. I would LOVE to win a copy of this book! For the love of all the people in my life that I need to serve, please pick me! 😉

  55. I would LOVE to win this book because I find it very difficult and stressful to have people over. I feel like my house and cooking need to be perfect, and I would love to stop feeling like that!

  56. I would love to win a copy of this book! I too struggle with having a hospitable heart. I certainly worry more about the crumbs on the floor than I should! Thank you for sharing this.

  57. I love any kind of a book that encourages me to Love on others the Way Papa God intended!! Love your favorite passages from her book!

  58. This looks like a must-read!! I absolutely love to open up our home, but expecting our third child now makes it hard (because I want everything in its place!). I need to learn how to bless and not worry to impress.

  59. I can always use encouragement so I would love a copy. As one the “older” women of the church trying to set a good example, I’m sure there new things to learn.

  60. This is just what I need! I’ve never been comfortable being the hostess because of my fear of my house not being perfect. I love to cook and serve people. Just not in my home! I’m in charge of hospitality at church and serve many! It is my passion, yet I’m so uncomfortable doing it at home. It really saddens me. This would be a blessing!

  61. I looove the quote, “Hospitality is not about inviting people into our perfect homes, but inviting them into our imperfect hearts.” I’m always afraid my home isn’t perfect but feel so blessed after friends come visit. It’s all about the friends a d time shared, not how perfect (or imperfect) my house is. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂

  62. I need to win!! I seem to go into panic mode when someone one stops by and to have someone over oh goodness you would not believe what I go through, really would love to win!

  63. Thank you for sharing this. I host a church small group every week in our home, and I sometimes get nervous and stressed trying to get the house ready. I find that I put so much pressure and expectation on myself to have the house look as if everything is in order all the time, that the thought of having the group over every week becomes draining and not enjoyable. To win a copy of your friend Edie’s book, that speaks about the heart behind hospitality, would truly be a blessing. Thanks for this chance!

  64. I would love a copy. I felt like I was looking in a mirror from one of the quotes you shared. My door was always open before I lost my son, then life changed… I do miss that part of myself and hopeful to one day feel comfortable enough to unlock the door and allow the fresh air of sharing my home again to blow through.

  65. I really would like this book as so many couples in our church open their home repeatedly and make it look effortless. But, I just can’t feel comfortable doing so. Hoping Edie can help me get past my anxiety of hospitality and entertaining.

  66. I would love to win this. Hospitality is such a gifting and I’ve never seen such a connection like this > imperfect heart < amazing!

  67. As a person who ministers to kids and families as a profession and all my lifelong friends and family are out of state, I am always looking for better ways to be a hostess without stressing. I’d love to learn how to open my home with a more gracious heart. Thanks for the opportunity to win this great resource!

  68. With little ones I was always worry that the house is not clean enough before company arrives. Sounds like this book would be a breath of fresh air. Thanks for the chance to win one.

  69. Would love to win a copy. After struggling with a surgery and the infections that have followed, I have become discourgaed about a lot of things. I could use some encouragement. Thanks for the offer.
    Cindy

  70. Our lack of hospitality skills is a running joke among the members of our Small Group at church. Whenever the subject of meeting place comes around each week, the whole table erupts with, “Anywhere but the Clark’s house”. We have 4 young boys, and the thought of doing a mad Lego pick-up, laundry hiding scramble makes me grumpy. I ususally justifying my attitude by telling myself I appreciate Mary’s heart in a Martha world, but the truth is I selfishly don’t want to make the effort. I could use some help.

  71. I would LOVE to win this. Hospitality does NOT come easily for me, and I so wish that it did. This sounds like a wonderful book.

  72. I really, really need this! I too cringe at the thought of someone seeing my house less than its best! Since its best doesn’t happen often, we do not have guests very often. This needs to change!!

  73. After caring so many months for my mother who needed me as her health failed, I, too, feel my house has gotten out of control and do not want others to enter my home. Would love to be one of the winners of this book to see what help it offers as I have always loved to entertain.

  74. I’d like to win! Enjoy your weekend. Very cold here in Chicago!
    It’s only 14…heat wave! It was 3 this morning!

  75. I have struggled with hospitality and I would like to conquer it before it affects my 3 year old daughter.

  76. What an amazing encouraging book this must be ! I would love to devour the pages and be reminded to boldly step out to give and serve others.

  77. I need to read this book!! I would love to win it, but I think I will get it eventually if I don’t. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

  78. I would LOVE to win this. I am an Australian mother and Grandma to two little ones. I love to be able you use the gift of hospitality that God has given me but it seems all that much harder since my husband passed away and I am on my own.
    I think this might be a great little encourager for me. 🙂

  79. I am too worried about everything having to be perfect before I ever let anyone in. Would love to win one!

  80. This book is just what I need . . . it’s very stressful for me to welcome people over to our home. I love spending time with friends but just worry about doing it at my home . . . I always feel it won’t measure up. Thank you for the give away!

  81. I would appreciate such a gift. I love having folks over, but I am an overplanner…a simple get together morphs into a huge event and then I’m overwhelmed and it never happens.

  82. Love the topic of hospitality! It’s at the heart of Christianity! Just starting reading your blog. Getting inspired!

  83. I would LOVE to win this book. I am always finding excuses not to have people over, but I would love to have a heart for hospitality.

  84. I go back and forth between trying too hard and giving up because I feel too overwhelmed. This book sounds wonderful to me!

  85. I would love to win this book. I am always talking about being more hospitable, but rarely do it. This book might be just the ticket!

  86. Honestly all the comments sound wonderful!! Of course I too would love a copy of Heart of Hospitality. My husbands a youth pastor at our church and we love helping people feel blessed when they come over but do need some creative ideas and encouragement to continue to open hearts and home. Thank you!

  87. In full time ministry with a heart to be hospitable with 2 little ones under 3 that are part of the reason I rarely feel ready to be hospitable. 🙂 Add to that a tight budget and a closet fan of Edie’s and it would be such a true gift to win this book.

    Thank you!

  88. Sounds like a great book to read to help you get over your little quirks about entertaining. I always get nervous when I have to cook for people. Thanks for the chance to win it.

  89. I totally need this. I am a SAH homeschooling pastors wife. I hate the 10 rush and panic attack that happens right before someone calls to say they are coming over. I need this..,

  90. Would LOVE to win this! I too am struggling with the imperfection of my home and inviting people in. I really have a beautiful home (except my kitchen!) and it’s a gift from God. I should use it for his glory!

  91. I didn’t grow up in a home with hospitality. My parents weren’t social butterflies, but instead homebodies. We didn’t have people over, didn’t have parties, didn’t do “get togethers” except for holidays and even then it was only with immediate family. As an adult, I crave these things. I love having people around me, friends over to hang, hosting parties, etc. I would love to win a copy of this book to continue to grow within that role of hostess and friend.

  92. Oh what a fun and helpful book. I would love to recieve a copy of this book because I am always looking for new ways to bless guests when they visit our home. Thanks for the chance – Colleen G.

  93. I would love to read this! I grew up in a home with great hospitality. I used to be better at having people in our home, but now I get so nervous it drives me crazy.

  94. I struggle with this so bad! My grandmother always had been people over, as did my Mom, so I constantly ask myself if that gene skipped me! Not because I don’t want to, I love the idea, I just get so tired just thinking about all the things I have to do before having anyone over, I rarely do. 🙁

  95. Our house was exactly the same growing up. We were taught that guests get the best from cute little stacks of towels on their beds to giving up our own bed. I am so thankful for that teaching by my mom – no matter where we were in life, she always put the best foot forward much to our grumbling about running the vacuum before company came over. Now I am exactly the same and so appreciate it. Would love to have a copy of this book as we are preparing to move into our own place in the next few months and style our guest room.

  96. My friend and I have done a couple of Bible Studies on Hospitality. I believe that it’s the heart of the home. I’d really love to read this as well!

  97. I would love to be entered. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway 🙂

    Renee
    fattybumpkins at yahoo dot com

  98. Thank you for sharing this with us. I love making everyone feel welcome and loved when they are at our home. I would love to read this book. I’m sure it would give me some new ideas when I host my friends and family. I always enjoy reading you blog. 🙂

  99. Hello, I would love to win this book on Hospitality. I love having the girls from our Church youth group in our home. Any ways to reach out and learn how to share hospitality. Thank you.

  100. I would love to win! I have such a busy life teaching 110 elementary students each day, helping to run two farms (in my spare time), and hosting weddings and parties at our barn. I could really use this book.

  101. My birth sister is flying over to see me and I am so nervous I won’t measure up to the hospitality I felt when I had stayed with her…if I could win this ebook: how timely would that be!
    God bless you.

  102. I would love to entertain my friends but I don’t because but I suck at it. so I would love to win a copy of 31 Days To a Heart of Hospitality by Edie

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