You may recognize Edie from her blog or from her recent feature in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. But what you might not know is that Edie's heart is just as beautiful as her home! 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality is an easy-to-read, heartfelt look at the true meaning of hospitality and "what it really means to be open and giving to others."
First of all, I love the logistics of this book.
No driving across town with the kids whining in the back of the minivan, and then waiting in line at the bookstore while the lady in front of you tries to use an expired coupon from 1993 on a romance novel. Nope. You can click over to Life in Grace, order your own digital copy for just $5 (not much more than a tall Starbucks mocha, and I would know!), and easily download it onto your Kindle, ipad, or iphone. If you don't have an ereader or a smart phone, the you can also easily read the book on your computer or laptop!
What did this book show me about Hospitality?
I use the word "show" rather than "tell" because Edie does such a fantastic job of teaching the reader instead of just telling us line by line, list by list, what we should be doing. She gives us practical ways to apply the ideas she shares.
I highlighted so many sections of the ebook that my Kindle screen might as well have been gray instead of "paperwhite." That's always a sign of a good read--lots of highlighting marks!
Edie defines what hospitality is and what it is not. It is not having a spacious home with lots of room for overflowing guests. It is not a table set with expensive china or a meal made with the fanciest ingredients. "True hospitality is born in the heart." It's a way of living and "opening our hearts to receive others."
I could go on for pages about how much this ebook touched my heart, y'all. I struggle a lot with our family's place in this wretched economy and not having the type of home or means to entertain that I "need." 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality really challenged me to look deeper at my motivations, the way I spend my time, and the way I view others.
And, just so you know, Edie goes above and beyond by not only providing us spiritual inspiration, but also plenty of fun and inspiring ideas we can incorporate into our own homes to make them more welcoming.
Thank you, Edie for sharing so openly with your readers. Your words touched my heart, and I know they'll be a blessing to many others!
I'm giving away 5 copies of the ebook this week!
If you'd like to win a copy of 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality, please use the rafflecopter widget below to enter!
**UPDATE: Giveaway now closed. Winners have been notified!**
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Giveaway open until 12 am on February 11, 2013.
If you are not a winner, I highly recommend purchasing this. It would make a great summer Bible study or Book Club study if you have a good group of women to meet with!
Blessings to you today!
This book is so something that I probably need to read. I feel like I need help learning to be comfortable in my own home so that I will be able to allow others to be comfortable and welcome and truly enjoy themselves. If I don't win, I'm sure that I will go ahead and skip out on the Starbucks to purchase the book :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to reading this book! The fact that she says that Hospitality is a heart issue, not a home issue (at least in my words) just shows that it's not another how-to book. It's really challenging the readers to change a part of their life. To become more Christ-like. Which is super encouraging!
ReplyDeleteI am interested in learning if I am offering the necessary hospitality that I should be or just maybe have the concept all wrong, eventhough intentions are good. Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI want to know how to make everyone comfortable without over doing it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway Amanda! Honestly I think time is the biggest issue I have with hospitality...just making the time to even have the opportunity to have people over! Life with young kids is busy even if no one is coming to visit:)
ReplyDeleteI would really love to read this book, I sometimes feel like I fall short when it comes to relating to others openly.
ReplyDeleteAudrey
I love having people over but dread the organization behind it. I would love some tips on how to be hostess "ready". I'd also love to get more tips on making everyone feel comfortable and "at home". I think that principle can apply in our everyday relationship!
ReplyDeleteSuSu
Looks like exactly what I need right now! :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great read. I love the idea of entertaining but need to get past the "everything must be perfect" so that I'll do it more often.
ReplyDeleteI want everything to be perfect ~ the house to be spotless and the food to all be homemade and wonderful ~ I stress myself out too much and then there is always the time factor. I have to many excuses and I just need to stop that!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the idea behind this book and plan on buying it if I don't win!
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting this wonderful giveaway Amanda. I've been very interested in reading this book. Sometimes I get worried that I strive too much to make everything perfect instead of being relaxed and inviting. Perfection can never happen, so I have to learn to just give that up!
ReplyDeleteSounds great! Haven't been by in way too long. The blog is looking great Amanda! :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book and work on learning to enjoy my guests while I am running around trying to get everything done.
ReplyDeleteI would like to learn how to be more relaxed when entertaining
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the giveaway Amanda, if I don't win I still plan on getting this wonderful ebook. It would make an excellent book to study in a group too!
ReplyDeletexo, Tanya
twelveOeight
This book is coming at the right time...I have a whole year of milestone birthdays, and I go crazy trying to be the perfect hostess...can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI could use help in the hospitality department for sure!
ReplyDeletei would like to feel comfortable each time a guest arrives even if my home is not as clean as i would like it. i truly need help with being hospitable.
ReplyDeleteI need to learn how to keep the house and kids guest ready for my hubby who loves entertaining!
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