hospitality – Signora Sheila

Come in, We’ve been Waiting for You!

Warm coffee is poured into a white cup beside rustic bread and a sandwich on plates, creating a cozy, inviting breakfast scene.

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home because food brings people together like nothing else can! Some people have a real talent for making their kitchen especially welcoming. They make it a special place for reliving fond memories and creating new ones with good friends, both old and new! Three people standContinueContinue reading “Come in, We’ve been Waiting for You!”

I Do Not Like That Proverbs Woman

Colorful assortment of yarn skeins in pink, blue, purple, beige, and multicolored textures, creating a cozy, cheerful craft-shop display.

I have a problem with her (I must confess). The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. She did everything right and never did anything wrong. She probably thought it was a disgrace to get out of bed later than sunrise. Never a hair out of place. Always kind and never a wrong word. And I’m sureContinueContinue reading “I Do Not Like That Proverbs Woman”

Bible Occupations: Service-Related

Historical reenactment shows robed scribes writing with quills on parchment at a wooden table, with ink pots and tools, conveying focused biblical legal records.

Most service-related occupations were carried out in the marketplace. An important place in the life of Oriental communities for conducting business, and more. As we have learned in the other posts of this series, the marketplace also served as a meeting place, a kind of employment office, and even as a preliminary court. In thisContinueContinue reading “Bible Occupations: Service-Related”

How to Help Immigrants and Refugees

Two men in red polo shirts read an open book at a table, while one guides the other's finger across the page in a supportive lesson.

As an immigrant myself this issue is close to my heart. I cannot fully identify with refugees or economic immigrants. I did not move out of personal need, but for ministry. I also have dual citizenship. But I understand moving to an foreign country. And we have also worked with refugees here. Even unofficially “adopting”ContinueContinue reading “How to Help Immigrants and Refugees”

A Royal Welcome for House Guests

Overhead view of hands lettering “Welcome” on a brown paper card at a creative desk, surrounded by stationery, greenery, glasses, and ink.

We’ve had fun and adventure, traveled the world, learned new skills and experienced other cultures! And we did all on a shoestring budget, right from our home! “How is this possible?” you ask. Through our guests who shared the love they have for their homeland, or their passion for things like painting, making balsamic vinegar,ContinueContinue reading “A Royal Welcome for House Guests”

Like a Queen: Treating Enemies Like Royalty

Large earthenware storage jars stand against a weathered stone wall, filled with grain and glowing in warm, rustic sunlight.

No taller than a 10-year-old, with a sly and suspicious gleam in her eye, she played the role of the proverbial evil landlady with me, but was as sweet as honey to my Hubby. The other residents, also hostile, seemed amiable by comparison. And the dark, damp apartment revealed a miserly streak as well. It rainedContinueContinue reading “Like a Queen: Treating Enemies Like Royalty”