Reach Out Gather In by Karen Ehman

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 Reach Out, Gather in: 40 Days to Opening Your Heart and Home

40 days to opening your heart and home

We all know we should reach out more, right? Some of us do really well and some of us need the proverbial kick in the pants. Karen offers that kick in this 8 week, 5 days a week devotional book that inspires and challenges us to reach out and gather in the friend, the stranger, the down-and-outer into your life where you can try to make a difference. 

It's hospitality without complaining. It's practical complete with recipes that provide  you with a starting point for hosting.

Some practical ways to be ready for company.

Do it now. Don't wait.

Take inventory (of how you use the hours in your day)

Hold your too-full plate up to God (and see what should go)

Delete (resign from the tasks that God is not asking you to pursue)

Delegate

Know when - and when not- to multitask. (Be prepared to give your guest your full attention even when you would rather be doing something else)

Shush the screens

Look for hidden opportunities right there in plain view.

Make it a matter of prayer. 

I just really liked the emphasis she put on hospitality, not entertaining. It's not about the neat house and the gourmet meal. It's about opening your heart and home and really welcoming your guests, making them feel and home and making them feel wanted no matter how inconvenient it might be for you.

I received this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

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