Entertaining and Evangelism – 30 Days to the Holidays

Michelle SpadaforaBy Michelle Spadafora7 Minutes

There’s something about opening your home to others that allows for deeper, more meaningful, thoughtful conversation. Especially if you as the host help facilitate that conversation. I’m all for having fun and laughs but we can’t really get to know each other and support each other unless we go beyond the surface-level stuff.

That’s why I love to have people to my house for dinner or happy hour. There’s nothing that makes me happier than being surrounded by people I either already know and love or people I just can’t wait to get to know better. And with yummy, healthy food – even better!  And it shows them they matter to me, and I care about them. In Jesus’ days it was a huge deal to invite someone into your home. The meal doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s more important that you can be relaxed and ready to lean into conversations.

Here are 5 ways you can use your table to share the Good News:

  1. Before your guests arrive: pray that God will prepare their heart so they can hear the Good News. Ask God to help your ears to tune into the Holy Spirit so you can be guided through all the conversation. Ask God to help you only speak His truth and to be vulnerable enough to say you don’t know something if you don’t know it.
  2. Before the meal – pray. Ask your guests if they have anything they would like you to pray about for them. People want to know you care about them before they will truly hear what you have to say. Maybe have a friend ready to ask for a prayer request to “break the ice” for others.
  3. Prepare a few questions to ask the group. My husband Jeff and I love to do what we call “Cabernet and Conversation”.   We think of 2-3 questions that require a bit of thought and allow people to share below the surface.   This can work for just a few people or a big group.  A simple example:  “What has brought you joy this week/month/year?”
  4. Offer advice – with permission. If someone mentions something that they are struggling with you could ask, “Would you be interested in hearing what’s helped me with ____?” It’s important and respectful not to offer unsolicited or unwelcomed advice so be sure they want to hear your ideas.
  5. Share a story from your life. Our stories are often the best way to share the love and truth of Jesus. No one can argue with your story. Jesus used stories all the time (parables). We often remember someone’s story but can struggle to remember scripture

In our episode Entertaining Made Easy you will learn how to prepare a wonderful, healthy meal that will allow you to cook most of it in advance so you can sit with your guests.

Watch The Fresh Table: Entertaining Made Easy episode on Inspiration TV On Demand

Watch for a month of encouragement, great ideas, and recipes for the holidays. Click here to join our 30 Days to the Holidays challenge.

Join The Fresh Table and Shaped by Faith for daily fitness routines and healthy recipes your whole family will love. Our inspired hosts will guide you spiritually, physically, and mentally through the weeks leading up to the holiday season so you can be your healthiest and happiest self!

Here are some good examples of recipes to try.  Cook these in advance, let them cool completely, put them in a freezer safe container, cover tightly and freeze for a later date.

Healthy Dip

 

Ingredients:

1 cup plain, organic, Greek yogurt

1 tsp. dry mustard powder

1 tbsp. dried dill

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Put all ingredients into a bowl and stir well. Serve with fresh, raw vegetables.

Serves: 6

 

Salad with Blueberries & Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

4 – 6 cups mixed greens or lettuce of your choice

1/4 cup green onion

6 oz fresh blueberries (strawberries work well too)

1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese

Dressing

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup orange juice

1.5 tsp dried dill

salt and pepper to taste

Directions.

Put the lettuce into a large salad bowl. Top with green onions and blueberries. For dressing put all ingredients in small bowl and mix well. When ready to serve pour dressing over lettuce and top with crumbled goat cheese.  Serves: 6-8

 

Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients:

2 lbs. fresh asparagus

juice from 1/2 – 1 lemon

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425°. Cut off the bottom 1/4 of the asparagus and discard. Pour lemon juice and olive oil over top of asparagus and shake pan to distribute lemon and oil over the asparagus. Lay asparagus in single layer on cooking pan. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over asparagus. Cook for about 10 min. (don’t overcook).  Serves: 8

 

Rice with parsley

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked brown or white rice (cook according to rice package)

1/2 cup fresh parsley (packed)

2 tbsp. olive oil

salt to taste

Directions:

Cook rice according to package. Once it’s cooked add fresh parsley, olive oil and salt. Stir and serve.

Serves: 8

 

Mustard-Coated Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients:

1 lb pork tenderloin

1-2  tbsp. sweet, hot or dijon mustard

salt & fresh ground black pepper (generous amount)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°. Coat pork with mustard and then sprinkle pepper over pork. Cook for approximately 25 min. Best to take it out just a bit before it’s done and then let it rest for about 5 min. before slicing.  Serves: 3