In her book, ‘That Sounds Fun, Annie F. Downs honestly shared her hopes, hurts and ultimately a trust in God to a world desperate for Biblical truth. Eden, was a perfect place that became choked by the weeds of sin. But God, in his great love and mercy set a plan in place to redeem us through his son Jesus Christ. Through his death and resurrection we are assured of our salvation when we put our trust in him, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).  The title is unique in that we assume it means the book will be all about riding roller coasters, eating cotton candy and easy living. Oh, there is a wonderful chapter experiencing a theme park to the fullest that lures you into the pure joy of fun, something we are quick to forget.  She reminded us of the joy in the God-given moments we are to be grateful for on a daily basis and that fun is not unworthy of our attention.

I prayed for many years for our family to have fun and laughter ooze into the crevices of our home. As a mom with five kids, sometimes I was too tired to look for fun and focused only on the hard parts of parenting. I lost the fun some days. It was through others it would come back whether through an invitation to a park day, lunch or much-needed field trip somewhere special.

Through a valley in Annie’s life,  she expressed so beautifully the gift of friendship and community. On this particular occasion, she was enveloped with letters from a friend meant for her to open one day at a time. When a crisis hits, where do you go? Who do you lean on? This book was an ever-present reminder to have that community when the lights seem dim.

In one of her chapters, Annie opened up about her experience with book clubs. I loved how she shared there was much more going on than just a club. It was an opportunity for friendship and mentoring. Her initial experience with a book club became a stepping stone toward hospitality, something God calls believers to regularly engage others, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:8-9). What I love was the woman she learned from did not set out with a list about what to teach, she was simply a gracious host using her God-given gifts to bless others. Annie watched attentively and took note and allowed it to become a gift she shares now with others. 

Annie encouraged readers to engage in fun as a way to connect with others and enjoy the good gifts God has given us on this side of eternity in creative ways. I finished this book over a weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the ease of her writing style.  I think you will too. To get to know Annie more, take a listen to her wildly popular podcast-That Sounds Fun.

Quiet is a place we all need in our lives. It arrives for each one of us in unexpected ways. Jamie Grace, from an early age, craved a quiet place in a noisy world. Growing up in a Christian family taught her early how central faith is to every day life, especially during the noisy. This has been carried with her through her singleness, early moments as an artist and on stage. It is refreshing when celebrated artists are willing to share their story. Jamie invites us into the darkest parts and the radiance of God’s love through it all. Her talent is incredible, her songs beautiful and love for Christ stunning and contagious. Lyrics are what stay with the listener long after a song is complete. I can still here words from a few years ago in my head – Hold Me featuring TobyMac (official Music Video)  A wonderful reminder that God holds us! Jamie battles Tourette Syndrome, despite this significant challenge, it does not inhibit a desire to use her God-given musical talent to glorify God.  Now married with a little baby girl, Jamie continues to find ways to seek God in the quiet moments and allow God to be her ultimate rest, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3).

Jamie provides many practical ways to draw closer to God, battle anxiety and manage relationship issues. She shares personal examples that demonstrate the need to depend on God, not ourselves. Surrounding herself with close family and life-giving friends, Jamie Grace has made a way and found necessary quiet. A wonderful read.

 

‘Hospitality is the ground zero of the Christian faith” 

– Rosaria Butterfield

This statement is what flows through the entire book. Her life dramatically changed as a result of  a couple that invited her to dine and be heard. Met with grace, love and open arms she was ushered into the presence of God at the dining room table. Wow, the simplicity of this is profound. Practicing hospitality, explained so well by Rosaria, is not always easy. It was meant to be a giving of ourselves for others. Through her book she provides personal examples of the beauty in consistent, gospel-centered hospitality that led her to friendships that never would have seen the light of day if she had not chosen to lay down her needs first.  I have gathered some of my favourite quotes from this short interview  she gave that gives insight into how hospitality comes with a house key, 

“Home is a vital place to have your neighbours in to have some heart-felt conversations”

“Hospitality, Biblically speaking, takes strangers and makes them neighbours and takes neighbours and makes them family of God”

“If there are neighbours that you don’t know yet, there is a blessings waiting for you.” 

I highly recommend reading this book, and keep a journal and pen at your side. Her perspective provides a much needed conviction. It can be easy to neglect opening our homes. By writing it down and underlining key points, your memory will be more likely to recall the wisdom she shares. With the pandemic upon us, our homes are somewhat closed. The challenge is to creatively pursue ways to love our neighbours. Once you have finished reading, the call to open your home is up to you! Ask God to guide your steps one invite at a time. Taken right from the cover of her book, “Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World” is a our invitation to to bless and be blessed!

Check out this podcast from Crossway about embracing the call of hospitality even during a pandemic with Rosaria.

 

 

One response to “FUN, HOSPITALITY AND QUIET”

1. Beautiful incentives from books and people of God on the Biblical directive of hospitality, of which you lead the way. Thank you. ?❣️

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