Seeing the Potential in Your Heart & Home with Guest Jessica Zigenis

Hello new friends! I’m Jessica, and you can usually find me over at Monster Cakes where I blog about life with my handsome husband and our giant puppy.

When I first got married at the ripe age of twenty, I constantly compared myself to my amazing mother and other seasoned hostesses, ultimately letting anxiety take over and closing my door to any and all hosting possibilities.

Slowly but surely, God worked on my heart, humbling me and reminding me that opening up my home is about having a heart to serve, to love, and to fellowship with others.

When I stopped focusing on our second-hand furniture, my inexperience in the kitchen, the giant hole in the couch courtesy of our unruly pups, my lack of funds for decorations and food, and our tiny living room with carpet stains throughout, I saw the potential in my heart and home.

I let go of my insecurities and let God take over, ultimately finding my bravery and opening my door.

I threw parties for friends.

I started hosting a book club.

I cooked for friends and family.

Once I became willing, God took my chaotic, little home and blessed me through hostessing beyond what I expected or deserved.

What I’ve learned along the way?

Some simple truths that may help you to open your heart and home to others too:

Like….

~ At the end of the night, the fellowship and conversation is what truly matters, not the difficulty level of the meal or the messy guest room.

~ Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can always focus on making one thing really special and memorable: a photo booth wall, fresh flowers, a unique or homemade dessert, etc.

~ Most people are craftier than they know and have the ability to make affordable, easy decorations if they can muster up some confidence and creativity.

~ Once you stop comparing yourself and your home to others, you will find that contentment often leads to a deeper desire to play hostess.

Let God use you. You bring a willing heart, and He’ll do the rest.

Jessica

Great advice!

Now, for today’s giveaway and recipe swap & share!

The giveaway includes:

~ A collapsible colander–great for rinsing pasta or draining berries for muffins.

~ A reusable drink cup in a fun paisley pattern. You can sip while you cook. :-)

~ Two boxes of instant iced coffee. One hazelnut. One French Vanilla.

~ A handwritten recipe of our family’s favorite company dishes— stuffed crust pizza!

Okay–to be entered in the giveaway, either link up below to a post on your blog with a recipe to share or leave one in the comments section.

Can’t wait to try some new ones out!

And don’t forget, we’ll have guests both days over the weekend so be sure to stop by!

Okay–let’s see those company-pleasing recipe favorites!

{Bloggers, will you kindly grab the code for my hospitality button and place it in your sidebar so other can find us?}

{Non-bloggers, simply leave us your recipe as a comment!}