31 days of Meals 4 Sharing:: {day 24} Redletterwords GIVEAWAY

55 Comments

1. I feel very fortunate to not have been on the receiving end very often (does that make sense? I just mean that we have fortunately not had a lot of sickness, etc….yet.) The last time I got a meal from someone was when my youngest was born…he’s 16. And I am OK with that. My time will come. I do try to provide a meal when I see a need, although I can’t say I am completely comfortable which is why I am loving your 31-day series!
   I looove Red Letter art and have been drooling over so many of the canvases. I took a class at church one year about identifying talents and gifts and my first one was hospitality. Count me in!

2. I liked you on Facebook!

3. I’ve been on both sides of meal sharing and been blessed every time! The last time I received a meal, it was a “just because” … my stepmom watches my girls each month when I go to my quilt guild meetings and last month she told me to bring my big soup pot because she was going to have the girls help her make dinner for us that night. Chicken and white bean chili, with cheesy bread on the side. So fun! And the last time I made a meal for someone else, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing. We’d gone to an alpaca farm with my mother-in-law, sis-in-law and niece and when we got back to our house, I decided to invite them to stay and share dinner with us since it was about that time … I’m not usually good with last-minute stuff like that, and the whole time I’m thinking to myself “is there enough? what if they don’t like it?” But I just went into the kitchen and whipped up some chicken and bumplings (my own name for this not-quite dumplings dish) and it was a big hit! Makes me want to do the spur-of-the-moment stuff more often.

4. Liked you on FB!

5. Shared on FB!

6. I’ve been on the giving and receiving side of meal sharing. I struggle with what to take to someone else, but when meals have been brought to me, I realize that they don’t have to be elaborate and time consuming meals. The thoughtfulness means so much and it’s one of my goals to “give” more. Thanks for the encouragement!

7. What a great story, and I love Dee’s art! I have been on the receiving end a ton this year and some from you! Thank you! It has been a rough year at the Smiths and I thank God everyday for my wonderful family and friends that have provided us with warm meals throughout the year after all my surgeries. I do the same when needed. I agree it doesn’t need to be much, but it sure does mean a lot. Luv ya!

   As you know I already like you on FB and Dee as well and follow her blog.

8. I have been on both ends of meal sharing. I’m in the stage of life right now where it seems everyone has been having babies. I have both brought meals to new moms from our church, and I also received a few meals after both of my kiddos were born. However, my favorite meal that I received was when I was pregnant for my first and on bedrest. It was such a surprise that someone would think about our family during that time, and it was greatly appreciated because I was a hungry mama! 🙂

9. I also posted on FB!

10. This post made me tear up! I enjoyed hearing the story about your great-grandfather – so encouraging for us today! I love the Hebrews 13:2 verse and I want to place it in my dining area.

11. I would have to say that I havent been on the receiving end of a meal but have given a few meals for funerals, births, adoptions and I will say that it’s such a nice feeling….Love Redletter Words and thank you for hosting such a great giveaway!!

12. I like eat2gather on Facebook!!

13. I have been on both ends and loved both times. When we got a meal, there was nothig sweeter then not having to worry about what was for dinner when our world was CRAZY!

14. I have been on both ends, and our church stocks freezer meals in the church kitchen for emergencies – we received a meal when we first moved up here from there, and regularly help restock it.

    ANd I anticipate being on the receiving end again in December after hand surgery.

    But, we received meals after our daughters were born, after our youngest one was put in a pavlik harness for hip dysplasia, and then when had a cyst removed from her mouth. We also received meals after that when our oldest at 4 and a half had open heart surgery. The meals were a tremendous blessing and I don’t know we would have coped nearly so well without them.

    This spring we received a couple meals when we moved locally and it was such a blessing to focus on unpacking knowing that food was taken care of!

    But what I learned was to say YES when people offer to help, even if it means swallowing pride, maybe especially then. People want to help, and when I am saying no I am depriving them of that gift of giving that I love so much. Sometimes saying no is just a bit on the selfish side. So when my hand surgery was scheduled and the deacons told me meals would be arranged, I just smiled and said thank you….and I really mean it.

15. Five years ago my son, who was 12 at the time, had surgery to repair a torn ACL in his knee. It was such a devistating injury for a boy so young. I had an extremely hard time dealing with it. When we returned home from the hospital with him, two friends came over with a complete meal for our family – hot and ready to eat. I felt so blessed. About two weeks ago I was able to bless a very dear family the same way by bringing them a meal the day their 17 year old son had the same ACL surgery. I knew how they felt and what they had just been through. Thank you for the inspiration. I am loving your series.

16. I liked eat2gather on Facebook!!

17. My best friend recently had her first baby and a couple of weeks before she went into labor I found some freezer meal recipes and went over her house and made them with her, packaged them up for her, and she has been able to have 3 or 4 meals after the baby. She said it has been a blessing. And it was such a good time and fun thing to do together as well

18. I’ve been on the receiving end several times when I had new babies…it was wonderful. We try to have people over often…probably 3-4 times a month. I enjoy having a houseful of people!

19. I have been on both the giving end and the receiving end of sharing meals. I tend to focus my efforts with giving desserts. I LOVE desserts; I crave them. I also know myself well enough to know that if I have something yummy around the house I will eat it (ALL!). I like to either save sweet treasures for when we’re having company or if I just can’t wait any longer, I like to share (that way I can gift and not have to rely on my non-existent self-control). Win-win.

    I’ve also taken a friend out to lunch on occasion when they are going through tough times in their lives. I’m definitely a better listener than I am a cook, so sometimes that time-spent together can be food sharing, and friendship bonding all wrapped up into a lunch-date.

    I’ve also been on the receiving end too. One time when my husband was in a car accident his co-workers came to visit and brought a delicious meal. There have also been random times where a generous neighbor has thanked us for doing something with items: baked goods, extra pulled pork, etc. It’s so wonderful eating these delicious morsels warm out of the oven with no effort at all. The surprise warms us from the inside-out too…

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful words and ideas with us all Sheila. You have such a generous soul!
    Thank you!!!
    Erika

20. I have received meals every time I’ve brought home a new baby (5 times!). Between friends and sisters and mothers and grandmothers, we’ve never gone hungry when a new little person came to roost in our house. It has made me all the more tender towards other women in that vulnerable post-partum stage. Who doesn’t need a little help getting food on the table when they are exhausted and starving?!

21. I just had Gallbladder surgery and my church insisted on bringing me meals even though i tried to refuse. I said. No! My husband is home! We dont really need it! But they didnt listen and it was SO nice to have them each night. It made my life easier and it was such a big blessing. I already like you on FB!!

22. I have been on the giving end. I cannot remember being on the receiving end myself, but I have watched as my daughters have received meals after the birth of their babies. I cannot emphasize enough how needed and appreciated these were!

23. I like Eat2gather on Facebook!

24. Love the story, and I aim to live like that. I have been on both ends for meal sharing. I try to bless often though, for any reason. I love through food I make for people.

25. Sheila,

    I just posted the giveaway on my facebook! I’ve already “liked” your site! Just saw a friend from high school (who lives in TN now – likes your site). Very cool!

26. I received an unexpected meal once when I was suffering from a horrible cold and bogged down with all of life’s responsibilities. I ran into a loving older woman from my church. I was just miserable but could not go home to bed because of so much that needed to get done. She let me cry a bit on her shoulder and she sympathized with me as she surely had been through similar situations as her years were quite senior to mine. When I came home from my many errands I found a pot of chicken soup and bread enough for my whole family on my porch. All still piping hot. It was the warmest act of kindest I think I’ve ever experienced.

27. We have been blessed to receive meals from church families after the births of each of our children. I think my favorite “meal” to receive, though, was from my sister after the birth of our first child. Besides delicious beef stew and biscuits, she brought over several containers of pre-cut fruit and veggies. I never would have thought of including that in a meal delivery for another family! However, as a busy post-partum mom trying to figure out everything for the first time, I certainly wasn’t taking the time to eat the way I should have been; I think I was living on adreneline! Fresh watermelon, pineapple, and grapes, a veggie tray–so wonderful that I remember it seven years later and try to do the same now when I make a meal for other new moms!

28. I have been on both ends and I think that is the wonderful part of sharing meals – the circle effect. There are times in our lives when we need to be on the receiving end and other times when we are able to be on the giving end.

29. I have been on both the receiving and giving sides. When my sister passed away my good friend and small group provided the meal after the service and my friend stayed until every last spoon was cleaned and put away.
    I much prefer the giving and have provided meals for those who are sick, having surgery or new moms. The last Saturday of the month I get together with a group of ladies and we cook a meal prior to service.
    Blessings to all.

30. Half of our home has been hit with a cough/cold/fever triple play and you know how life doesn’t slow down when mom is sick? One of those weeks. Our neighbor dropped by and delivered a crock-pot of chili with side dishes. Like an angel.

    I had taken a few trays over to their house a week ago – just because I had made a pot of sauce and wanted to share some lasagna and chicken parm. For me, there is stress involved in the preparation – my worries about whether it’s good enough – but once it is delivered I’m thrilled to share.

    Your story moved me. I love that verse and am always reminded of when we moved from Idaho to North Carolina a few years ago. The day or two before I traveled cross country with the kids (my husband had gone ahead of us and was in NC already) I had a small yard sale. As I was getting ready to close up, a lady stopped and asked if she could buy what was left. As she was paying, she asked if she could pray for us. There we stood in our garage, holding hands in a circle – me, her and my three small children. I believe she was an angel – sent to pray over our journey.

    Thank you for this amazing series.

    xoxo michele

31. I’ve been on both the giving and receiving end many many times. It’s such a blessing either way. I helped organize meals for my BFF for years as she struggled with cancer. Let me assure people that it’s not the complexity of the meal that makes a difference. It’s truly the fact that you were thinking of someone else.

    In fact, I’ve got a meal from my freezer thawing on the counter and a can of green beans sitting next to it to take to a family on our way to the library later. The mom’s back is out and when I called to see if I could drop something by, the dad sighed with relief. He doesn’t care that I didn’t have time to go to the store. He’s just thankful that dinner is coming and he doesn’t have to worry about it.

    I have LOVED this series. Thanks for sharing all your wisdom and experience.

32. Oops I put my original comment on your FB page.

    I have been on both ends throughout my life. When I have had all 3 of my children I have had meals brought to me. That was sooooo nice and helpful. I have also made meals for those who either had a baby or have had an illness or other life events that make it hard to cook or even think about it.

    I love all your blogs and love all the ideas!!

    Blessing to you,

    Connie Willman

33. A friend introduced me to your website and I just love the recipes you post! The dishes are always yummy and I have enjoyed sharing them with others. I have been on both the giving and receiving side for meals sharing. Many thanks to you for your great ideas and recipes:)

34. I have been on both. But let me focus on the receiving end for a moment. This past April I gave birth to our first son. It was hard and went nothing like we planned. I’m a real do it yourself kind of girl and I was forced to let go. Why is letting go so hard? Anyway, it was a scary time for us, but God is faithful and I am blessed to be here today. In that time so many family and friends brought us meals. I had been on the giving end before but never understood just how much a simple meal could mean. I would love to place this picture in our home as a sweet reminder of the truth. Thank you for the opportunity to enter! 🙂

35. Sharing meals is one of my favorite ministries. It just is! So, I’m totally excited about finding your site…thanks to Red Letter Words!
    We used to be at a church that kept a freezer stocked with meals so that when a call came with a need they could have a load of meals delivered quickly. It was always something I enjoyed when I got to help fill it with meals I had made and when our babies were born we were on the receiving end of meals that had been made by others for the church freezer. Even though we were part of a very small church the “casserole ministry” spread far and wide throughout our community.
    Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Love the Red Letter Words prints

36. I’ve been on both ends but most recently on the receiving end. My mother-in-law died in the hospital on Father’s Day of this year. Just hours after we got home from the hospital the doorbell rang at my in-laws’ house and one of their neighbors was standing there with a hot pan of homemade lasagna and a plate of brownies. They must not have hesitated AT ALL after they heard the news. It was a very heartwarming moment. And the best lasagna and brownies I’ve ever tasted!

37. Already like you on FB.

38. I’m here from Dee’s. We live in the South where taking a meal to someone is a regular occurrence. In fact, I’m scheduled to take a meal to the youth pastor’s family tomorrow night (chicken spaghetti) while they enjoy time with a new baby. I had meals brought to me after all my babies were born and after surgery last December. In fact, a sweet friend scheduled the meals so I had four a week for a whole month. What a blessing!

39. Many years ago, members of our small congregation heard that my husband, daughter and myself were sick with the flu. It was rare for my husband to miss preaching so they knew we were very ill. That afternoon the doorbell rang and there stood the Jaster’s with a big pot of homemade egg drop soup. That made such an impression on me. The love that they showed to us has stayed with me all these years.

40. I love to give meals! My favorite meal to give is chicken tortilla soup with bread on the side.

    Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

41. I truly enjoy giving meals. I have done it for new parents and friends who have had surgery. Recently we lost our home to a fire and several friends took us out to eat since we were staying in a hotel and didn’t have a place to warm up food and it was really appreciated. I love Redletterwords and would love to win one. Thank you for hosting this giveaway.

42. I follow you on Twitter.

43. I tweeted about the giveaway. My Twitter name is WhatEyesCDaily.

44. We love to be on the giving end. We LoveBomb “The act of preparing, serving and sharing a meal with another.” http://lovefeasttable.com/blog/unexpected-lovebomb/
    And we love Dee as well!!
    ~kristin

45. I’ve been on both ends, receiving and providing, however, i love the latter. When I hear of a family thats going thru a hardship, I don’t hesitate to jump on the ‘serving-wagon’ and share a meal. It’s a great way to show you care. I’m also the coordinator for our school’s staff luncheons and as you said Sheila, it a great way to give back to the teachers/staff. They enjoy it so much. Those times when my family is blessed with a meal, i try to always return the dish/container filled with something sweet (cookies/candy), just to return a little bit of the love.

46. I like many others have been on both the giving and receiving end of meals. The one that I remember most is when my fifth child was born by emergency c-section, sent to a different hospital and spent 8 days in the NICU. The meals that friends and family brought to my family was wonderful. Food was brought to our kids and inlaws so that my husband and I couild stay at the hospital with our son. What was even cooler was that people would bring food to pack for my kids school lunches! That meant SO much to me that that is when I started bringing meals to others.

47. I like eat2gather on facebook!! I love the recipes (and so does my husband) 🙂

48. I have been a giver and a receiver of food love. Food as a gift or an event is my life! It brings people together and there is nothing I love more than fellowship.

    I am addicted to Blog reading & wanted to find one from my hometown. I stumbled upon yours & love it. Thanks!

49. My husband and I are in a couple’s bible study, we are all newlyweds (3 years married and less) Recently we have welcomed 2 (3’s on the way) new babies to our group. It has been everyone’s first. The rest of us girls who have not been blessed with children yet got together and planned out days that we would bring meals to the new parents of each baby. It has been a lot of fun dropping off homemade or even restaurant meals to the weary parents and letting them have some time alone to eat dinner while we watch the kids or just to drop the food off to.

    It’s such a blessing to be able to bless other people. I love this site and I love that you partnered with RedLetterWords, awesome!

50. I’ve been on both sides several times! Both are wonderful 🙂
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

51. i like eat2gather on fb
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

52. I follow you on Twitter 🙂
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

53. I’ve taken meals for new babies and for funerals and when friends have had surgery or been ill, though never with confidence that I know what to take. When Mother broker her hip, a friend brought a meal, and when my husband had knee surgery. One of my goals for this year is to cultivate the skill of sharing gifts of food.

54. I have been on both the giving and the receiving side of meal sharing 🙂

55. I liked your fb page!

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