I Peter 4:8-10

Most importantly, love each other deeply, because love will cause many sins to be forgiven. Open your homes to each other, without complaining. Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace.

Gracious Hospitality Class Fall 2007

It is always a blessing to work along side women who love the Lord. Their willing hearts make it a pleasure just to get to know them. With all their hard work and willingness to learn we have grown in God's word and created memories that will last a lifetime. I believe their homes will be a rich environment for the spreading of the gospel, meeting the needs of "strangers", and ministering to missionaries and teachers of the Word. Their homes will also be filled with God's blessing of good food, great times, sincere relationships and lots of joy and laughter as they practice their gifts of "Gracious Hospitality".

Seated: Kristina, Anita, Myra, Judit, Chrissy,
Standing: Jennifer, Pamela, Jessica, Raelynn, Brandon'a, Marsha, Delphinium, Christi, Terra and Dawna (Unable to be with us on photo day: Kay)

Making Pastries

Specially baked pies and cakes are always a welcome gift. Welcoming others into our home for coffee and pie creates an opportunity for lifelong friendships to grow.

Bed and Breakfast

What an honor and a blessing to be able to take care of traveling missionaries and teachers of the gospel. In 3rd John, Gaius is commended for the care he gives those who travel for the sake of Christ. He is also is instructed to send them on their way in a manner that is worthy of Jesus Christ. It is our desire that our own homes become a restful and nourishing place that will be a blessing to those who are actively spreading of the gospel throughout our world.

Napkin Folding for Beautiful Tables

Folding napkins can be an inexpensive way to make your dining experience elegant. This added touch tells your guest they are special. There are so many different patterns available to embellish your table. Here are a few in the photos below. Also check out these websites for more ideas:
www.napkinfoldingguide.com/
and for video instructions visit,
www.wholesale-table-linens.com/napkin-folding.html

Baking Bread

There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread coming from the kitchen. It seem to beckon to all who are passing by, drawing them in, making home feel warm and cozy, and naturally growing into robust stories and laughter. It is so simple, so beautiful, so inviting. Welcome someone in with a loaf of fresh bread and begin making many special memories.

Quick Mix

Ingredients:

9 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
4 tablespoons sugar
1 cup nonfat dry milk
2 cups shortening


Directions:
Sift together twice, the flour, baking powder, salt, cream of tartar, sugar and dry milk. Cut in shortening with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture is crumbly. Store in covered container at room temperature. Use wherever biscuit mix or Bisquick(TM) is called for.

Several of you have requested this recipe knowing the Lord may send you to places in this world where a baking mix is not readily available.

I Peter 4: 8-10

Most importantly, love each other deeply, because love will cause many sins to be forgiven. Open your homes to each other, without complaining. Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace.

JELLY AND JAM

It is so delightful to have beautifully preserved jars of fruit and veggies with their colorful contents lined up and stacked on your kitchen counter. With it comes a great sense of accomplishment and pride. For those of you who want to continue this homecanning tradition here are a few noteworthy websites to visit.

http://www.freshpreserving.com/

http://www.kraftfoods.com/surejell/sj_index.html

http://www.mrswages.com/

Seeking to restore the role of the household that we see in the ministry of Jesus and the growth of the early church.

The household in the New Testament was the center of spiritual activity. Reading of the New Testament reveals that the home was a haven for prayer, healing, and Biblical teaching, breaking of bread, hospitality, ministry to the sick and happy, genuine relationships. It was a place to expose others to the truth, justice, mercy and goodness of God.

Proverbs 11:26a

A kind woman gets respect.
A gracious woman attains honor.

COOK A LITTLE, FEED A LOT

Black Bean Wraps

These delicious sandwiches are perfect for a light lunch. Black beans are mashed with salsa to form a spread for flour tortillas, then rolled with lots of veggies and avocado sauce.
Ingredients:
. 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed
. 1/3 cup chunky salsa
. 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
. 1 tomato, thinly sliced
. 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
. 1/2 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
. 1 avocado
. 1/3 cup sour cream
. 1 teaspoon lemon juice
. 4 (8 inch) flour tortillas
PREPARATION:
In medium bowl, place black beans and mash with a fork. Leave some beans whole for a chunky texture. Add salsa and mix well. Prepare bell pepper, tomato, and cheeses. In small bowl, mash avocado with sour cream and lemon juice. Spread bean mixture over tortillas and top with vegetables and cheeses. Place some avocado mixture over cheeses. Roll up sandwiches and serve.

TABLESCAPES

CAMPFIRE BEANS

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 envlope onion soup
2 (1 lb. 4 oz.) cans beans (kidney, great northern, or a combination)
1/4 c. chili sauce
1 1/2 c. water

In a large skillet brown the meat well, stirring frequently. Remove excess grease. Stir in soup mix, beans, chili sauce and water. Simmer covered 20 minutes. Serves 6-8.

Colossians 2:7

Keep your roots deep in Him and have your lives built on Him. Be strong in faith, just as you were taught and always be thankful.

God's Graciousness toward us

allows us to reflect His gracious hospitality.

LEGUMES AND GRAINS