I have loved reading all of your comments this week as you’ve been serving friends, family, church members, and neighbors this week. Thank you all for joining with me in this Funky Fresh Service Challenge. I know that many have been blessed this week because of you. God is glorified! If you haven’t yet had the chance to serve someone, join this challenge anytime!
Our family had several friends over on Sunday for a meal and to play games. We served Barbecue Brisket, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans, Cream Cheese Corn, Tossed Salad, and Death by Chocolate.
It was a blessing to have so many friends here, especially during our busy season. Taking time to relax, play games, and visit was just what we needed.
Later in the week, our boys made cupcakes to hand out to our York College Ladies Soccer Team. They recorded another episode of Cake Boys during the process.
Serving others is always a blessing to our family, and I’m so thankful that our boys are learning to experience this joy as well.
I’d love to hear more about how you were able to serve someone this week! Leave a comment here to share. All comments will be entered in our giveway for two $25 and one $50 gift certificates to the Heavenly Homemakers Shop.
I think it is great that you do so much entertaining at your home…it is definitley a way to serve and share God’s love with others…you are truly inspiring. The food looks wonderful too!
My 3 and 5 year old took slices of banana bread to their teachers and assistant teachers this week. It was fun to drop off something unexpected for them!
Hi Laura! I love this challenge. My fave. This week my husband asked a friend to come home for lunch with him to move a sofa up some steps..we of course fed the fella (young, single guy) & of course (: made butterscotch bars to send back to work! And handed a couple b’bars out the door to our contractor working on our new porch. So, the same young, single fella was convinced to come back after work to move the sofa…again. So, of course we fed him dinner. Our 4 kids love this guy as much as we do, and they asked when he was coming back…he said, “It’s like I’m part of the family.” Isn’t that what it’s all about? Loving people…I mean the food is great, but to *serve* and *love* our families & friends, who feel like family…THIS, I think, is The Real Deal! Thanks for the reminder Laura. Reminds me of this little sign I saw: “A Great Cook Knows What is in The Chairs is More Important than What is on The Table.”
A little spin on your request…we’ve been the RECIPIENTS of such service. We moved 900 miles (from St. Louis to Houston) in April. Since then, my 2 year old jumped off the stairs and broke his leg, I had an emergency C-Section (after planning a homebirth), and my husband started a new job. Our church family has POURED out Jesus’ love for us in the way of meals, taking my 3 oldest boys while my husband worked so I could rest and spend time with the baby, and have given to us generously in terms of finances to help bridge the gap between jobs. I have been utterly humbled by their acts of service and love and am EAGER to do the same for others and to provide learning opportunities for my kids as we do.
Thank you for reminding me that serving people does not have to be extravagant. As a young stay at home mom I am sometimes overwhelmed at the idea of having people over or taking people dinner. I always think we need to have a fancy meal or worry that my house is not clean enough! Whats important is the thought, and having people over for simple homemade soup and bread is just as wonderful of a gift as a homemade roast. =)
just had a young lady over for dinner and some time hanging out. WE often open our home for this type of thing. I think love from the kitchen is one of my favorite things to share. =0)
Just had a bunch of teens over last night for their bi-weekly Devo. Fed them nachos and chocolate chip cookie bars and ice cream. Fun times and I love the leftovers. :)
Although we love serving meals in our home, I unintentionally discovered a way to bless others with food in the homes of South Korea. My son teaches English and writes childrens’ books for South Korean elementary students. His favorite long distance gift from me is a batch of my homemade chocolate peanut butter fudge. Fudge is not common in South Korea so Brian loves bragging about how good it is and sharing it with his friends. Brian has sent many thank you notes and a list of several families that tasted fudge for the first time through my overseas gifts to Brian. They really love the fudge and are quite appreciative.
I had a Bible study with my neighbor this week. She told me that she has been reading the Bible lately & so I told her that I would be more than happy to read it with her. We set up a day & time to read/study the Bible together. She seems very thankful and says that she is learning alot.
On Wednesday I found out that my neighbor was sick. She is a busy mom of 4 kiddos and her hubby was out of town for work. I took her family dinner that afternoon. She was so appreciative and thankful. She said that she had been at an of town Dr Appt and had not figured out what to do for dinner that day. Her family is of a different faith and I pray that she will feel Christ’s love in a powerful way.
The meals looks very good. I made meals for ladies in our church that just a babies. I made your beefy cheese and rice for a family that is gluten free and I made meatballs for the other
I used this as a special chance to serve my kids in special way. Because I’m on a diet I haven’t made cookies in a while and the kids have been asking for them. So I made a batch of almond flour chocolate chip cookies (gluten free and AMAZING -so they all said) and left them each some on their homeschool desk with a special card I wrote for each of them telling them how much I love them. They were so excited you’d have thought it was Christmas morning. :) thanks for the challenge
I am going to try to make homemade doughnuts for my fellow nursing students on Monday morning to take to class with me, I think that will put a smile on their faces and mine.
I took a portion of our own dinner to a dear friend whose son is in the hospital for asthma. She was in the hospital last week with another son. I know this hospital gives food to the patients, but parents are left out and the only thing available in the building is McD’s. The main cafeteria is in another building a block and a half away. So I took her some of our salad and spaghetti in disposable containers so she didn’t have to find me later to return items. Unfortunately he is still hospitalized, so my son (who was in a similar situation three years ago) and I are taking a favorite movie up to him this evening.
I found some great sales on pantry items at our local HyVee this week. I stocked up on canned tomatoes and cheap chicken (I know, I know! Yuck! But God knows our circumstances and cheap chicken is okay during a season of life), among other items. Anyway, now I’m ready to do make-one, freeze-one, and can whip up some favorite pot-luck meals too, thanks to my re-stocked pantry!
I sent two dozen cinnamon rolls out to one of my daughters for men that are erecting a metal building. I also took a half dozen to a grandson in another town and a half dozen to some young men that live next door to me and work on a ranch. They were all very appreciative. It does one’s heart good to share, especially with men that eat out most of the time and appreciate the home baked products. God blesses me all the time and I like to share His blessings.
I love this challenge! Thank you :o). We have a family zoo pass which gives us 50% off at other zoos. We have an extended family member in need of some love- so we packed a special picnic lunch with extra special snacks drove to her house and went to a nearby zoo. We all had an incredible day. We did not let her do anything more taxing that day then walking ;o) We fixed her breakfast, ate lunch and snacks with her and we left our homemade goodies (jam, granola bars fresh fruits)when we returned home. I just got a note from her yestereday saying how great the jam was on french toast. My kids and I got a great reminder that it is more blessed to give than to receive. What great memories we have. Thank you Laura
I put several meal in the freezer that I will be able to deliver to new moms in our church. I love the idea of taking them a meal for later; one they can pull out on a rough day.
I babysat our 3 1/2 week old grandson (SUCH a hardship!) while his Mommy, our oldest daughter took a big, fat nap! Then I gave her a package of spaghetti sauce from my freezer to take home for their supper. I also offered encouragement that it will all get easier over the next several weeks.
We are still planning on taking a meal and some dessert to a little old lady down the street. She lost her husband several months ago and doesn’t get out much. Im sure she doesn’t cook much for just her. None of her family lives here either. Im sure she would enjoy some company as well.
My son had his first flag football game last night and we made chocolatey treats in the shape of footballs with white icing piped on top to make it look like the laces. We also made enough to sure with all the hungry little ones who always show up (little brother, little sister, nephews, etc.) and sometimes feel left out. We try to have enough to bless everyone with :D
I love seeing the Cake Boys episodes! Justus is becoming quite the baker and show producer! As for serving others from my kitchen, that hasn’t happened yet. I’m still trying to figure things out.
I am getting ready to take brownies to the teachers at ds school!
Will cook treats and deliver them to two widows next week!
Happy Friday. Blessed to have a less funky kitchen and a refreshed spirit. Now if I could only keep it that way- lol
My neighbor across the street is pregnant with her 12th (yes that is correct). I just found out that her water started leaking yesterday at 32 weeks. Going to head over there and see what I can do to help with the other 11.
Well our family has been on the receiving end of being served by our church and other families lately because we just moved to a new place and we’re in between/looking for new jobs. We’ve had a little time to settle in and now I want to serve them in return. I agree that it is very comforting to have all the seats in your kitchen full-filling up their tummies is only part of the fun. The fellowship we’ve had with our church family has helped us immensely because we’ve had a tough couple of months.
We are planning on having a family over for dinner that has blessed us in the past-it’s the least we could do for them now :)
Love the Cake Boys. Bet the soccer girls were so blessed! :-)
Took a brand new mom a meal….I always try to use disposable type pans for such meals so there is no clean-up or returns needed. With 2 little ones, she does not need any extra jobs!!!
Also had some friends in last night. Such a blessing to have the time and space to enjoy friends.
Our church is having our Homecoming Jubilee this week. All the ladies of the church get in on the serving by fixing (and cleaning up)supper one night for members and visitors. It’s a fun way to be a blessing to the people we usually see only at church! My night was Thursday!
Just finishing up peanut butter cookies (your recipe!) and blondies to put in our MOMS club bake sale tomorrow. :D Waiting on those blondies to cool enough to bag and then we’ll go drop off everything.
My two oldest are making cake. We’ll need extra to share!!!
I actually have been away from my home and have been serving in my sister’s home this week taking care of my mom–helping with her baths and meals. Next week I’ll be taking her to several doctors’ appts before bringing her back to my home.
My kids got sick so I wasn’t able to visit with my grandparents and bring them goodies but I plan to next week!
Thank you for your reminder to serve.
I am making soup and muffins to give away. My brother n his wife just had a baby and they are on the GAPS diet, so I’m going to make your delicous coconut flour muffins.
I made a huge batch of whole wheat pumpkin muffins and sent them to work with my husband and I also took some to work for me to share. I also milled some fresh wheat flour and shared it with a young lady who is starting to experiment with from scratch cooking. Thanks for the inspiration :)
Thanks for publicly promoting serving….there are so many needs to be met right within our own communities.
I took the challenge and I have modified my menu to serve others once each week if possible. We are helping a local family with a feature film. We have 6 crew members living with us for 2 months. All I have to provide is a bed and a bathroom. I wash their sheets and towels each week. I am not required to feed them. Sunday is always a day off and they can go to the production office to get their meals, but I would like to help them feel somewhat at home if I can. We had an impromptu home church fellowship on Sunday and invited the ones living with us, plus a family of 7. We just ordered pizza, but I whipped up some PB cookies as well as a dip for chips. This Sunday I’m making enchiladas, next Sunday is Calico Beans and the following Sunday is mini meat loaves! I’m hoping I can get to the production site this weekend and make Apple Crisp using zucchini for the minimum 80 cast and crew. THANKS FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT!
great ideas,,,, gives me inspiation
I’ve been reading your posts via email Laura and been meaning to chime in because I’m enjoying these little challenges! Last week I was able to make all our dinners for this week. In an hour and half I had 7 dinners ready to go! This week it was very niceats relax at dinner hour! As far as the challenge for serving this week I was able to host three simple lunches with friends. Since I had planned ahead of time for dinners it allowed me to have more time to spend with friends during the day. It was such a sweet week! One of my favorite thing to have readily available to make for friends or family is homemade bread. Artisan Bread 5 minutes a Day helps me have bread dough in the fridge ready to make a loaf. I like wrapping it in kitchen towel. I stock up on pretty tea towels I find at a great price. It makes giving a loaf of bread a little more special. Thanks for doing this series Laura its enjoyable!
We are taking a family to a local foods festival. Yum!
I’m having a garage sale this weekend. The kids are having a coffee/lemonade stand. They are going to donate their profits to a little girl at their school (she is in kindergarten) with a brain tumor. They have been raising money at school for her. I’ll be donating too!! Thanks for the encouragement!
Our widower neighbor enjoys receiving homemade meals. We occassionally take a portion of our meal and share with him. I often think what will I feel like when I’m older and just would like to taste something different for my meals. He doesn’t do baking for himself. When I see the frozen meals delivered to his door, I’m thankful I can prepare my own meals.
You have definitly inspired me this week.I made copies of the Pumkin Muffin recipe cards and can’t wait to bake and share! Again thank you for all that you do!!!!
So far I’ve failed! We are going to take a new mother of twins with a toddler at home a meal soon. Right now trying to sell a house with a very, very challenging buyer has made life hard, but it is going to happen.
This week our adult son came in for a doctor’s appointment and luckily I had enough food for dinner as he is a big eater!
My daughters and I cooked up several dinners to take to a friend from church who is recovering from pneumonia. A lesson in serving others as well as cooking. We even put several servings away in the freezer.
We made cookies for our friends .
mmmmmmm…death by chocolate.
Made salsa and plan to share with our small group from church.
Your boys are so cute! I love their little cake movies :)
I’m going to be bringing a meal to a friend next week b/c she just had boy #4 :)
My husband and I are going to cheer on some of our youth tonight as they play football!
I love your Death By Chocolate!
We were just served by our wonderful neighbor…tamales!
My little girl is going to be some happy another cake boys episode! Haha!
Made lunch for a friend who recently had a baby.
I took your hamburger saurkraut dip to Bible study Wednesday night. It’s a favorite.
I brought some homemade veggie soup and tomato soup to a family whose father is in ICU. Please pray for them!!
I made some muffins with the last of the mangoes from our tree and shared them at church on Wed. Also served lunch twice today to two friends who are flying out of town today and tonight.
BTW, I’m enjoying this series, Laura!
I made two batches of homemade cinnamon rolls: some went to my husband’s work for his employees and the rest my almost 5 year old & I distributed them to various neighbors. We also made two rustic apple pies and took one to a neighbor and her family.
I made two batches of homemade cinnamon rolls: some went to my husband’s work for his employees and the rest my almost 5 year old & I distributed them to various neighbors. We also made two rustic apple pies and took one to a neighbor and her family.
Took care of a friend who had no one else to help after sedation for a root canal and extraction.
My husband and several other neighbors have been alternating weekends for yard work for a neighbor with a broken leg.
Well…our service hasn’t been accomplished yet. :P We have been having car troubles and I haven’t been able to get away from the house, but my son and I made cookies to take to a friend early next week, (Cookies for Cory) and we will be making a card to send to a family we don’t see very often (C is for Card to show we Care!)
Invited a new friend and her hubby for dinner at our place.
You are so motivating!!! Thanks! I made 5 pans of food for our National Guard picnic because they didn’t have enough food and I’m making Caramel Apple Salad now for two friends.
I recently bought a dress that was NOTmy style… Couldn’t figure out why. Then it dawned on me that it would be perfect for a very good friend of mine! So, I’m going to send it to her!
We had a friend over for dinner last week.
We are excited to bless a family from our church
Thanks
Yes. Hooray for simplicity. Would love to own a copy. Thanks!
Mmmmm….all that food looks so GOOD. And that chocolate…. ;)
i so need to try that death by chocolate recipe.