I usually don’t like to spend the night at other people’s homes (“Yes, I know it would save on the cost of your event if I could sleep on one of your church member’s couches, but call me crazy, I have a hard time sleeping with people I don’t know…”) but this week is an exception.

Tomorrow, I will be at the home of one of my old San Jose friends, Arlean, whose husband happens to be to MIC (man in charge) of sales to the ABA market (that is places like Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc.) for my publisher, Harvest House. Arlean is like Martha Steward without the bitter – we are going to have a good time.

But tonight I am at Judy’s house . Ah… Judy and her husband David bought a big beautiful home in Grants Pass OR so that people in ministry could have a place to come and crash and recoup. I love Judy’s home, but I love Judy even more .

Judy knew that I was going to arrive while she and David were at bible study, so looked what I walked in on:

I mean – come on!

Warm soup (so yummy), oyster crackers, and a welcome note. I felt so loved.

When I grow up, I want to be like Judy – making people feel welcome in my home.

So here is my questions for you:

1. How have other people made you feel welcome in their home.

2. What do you do to make other people feel welcome when they are over at your house? This could be members of your family, or people who are visiting.

I would love some ideas – and y’all are just so creative – share your wisdom!

We were having her, and best selling author (and basically the woman who founded Christian women speakers,) Florence Littauer, over for dinner.

While the conversation was sparkling, the chicken to die for, and the bread pudding out of this world., this bouquet just tickled me. Look at it closely. Those little cards there? Those are Starbucks Cards.

Those Starbucks cards are taped to Starbucks straws and all arranged in a Starbucks tumblers.

It’s a Starbuckspalooza.

And why, oh, why, has FTD not picked up on this? This right here? This would be their best seller.

(Oh, the chicken in the picture? That’s Doodle. He has a bigger brother named Cock A, and a little brother named Doo.)

Speaking of Chicken – here is the recipe for Grilled Rosemary Lemon Chicken that we served:

Grilled Rosemary Chicken
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup fresh rosemary
3 cloves garlic
1 lemon, zested
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
6 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a food processor, thoroughly blend together the butter, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pour 1/3 of blended mixture into a small bowl for marinade. Cover remaining mixture, and set aside.

Lightly season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Rub chicken breasts with the marinade mixture. Place chicken breasts on a platter, cover, and refrigerate 3 hours.

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate. Pour half of the reserved rosemary and lemon mixture into a bowl for basting. Cover remaining mixture, and set aside for topping cooked chicken.

Grill chicken breasts 4 minutes on each side, basting with rosemary and lemon basting mixture. Remove chicken breasts from grill, and top with small scoops of the remaining topping mixture.