My husband came home from work and said, “Honey, I asked the 700 Club producers over for dinner Tuesday night!”

My mind immediately went to my blog as I asked myself “How do you entertain strangers?” And I told myself, “Well, girl, it’s time to practice what you preach!”

Not only did the 700 Club producers come into our home for dinner, they were also here in our town for 3 days doing a back-story on Paul and his new book, No More Jellyfish, Chickens, or Wimps. The back-story included footage of Paul coaching soccer at the high school, and in his office (our 3rd car garage), and at the DOVE radio station as he was interviewed on his local talk show. It was all preparation for when Paul is back in Virginia Beach LIVE this Thursday, Aug. 30th, on the 700 Club. He’ll be promoting his new Protector’s curriculum, and a special story that came forth after his writing No More Jellyfish …

The events were all exciting and fun, but I had to plan this Tuesday night dinner, and quick!

Instead of stressing over entertaining people that we’d never met before, I focused on 3 things: what to serve, what other guests to invite, and how to make the evening relaxing.

Then my plans fell into place. Delegate parts of the meal, invite friends who know how to have lively conversation, pull out my stand-by ironed-up white linen (thanks to my 10-year-old daughter, Abby, who irons for me), look at what flowers are blooming in the backyard and coordinate napkins that match, and pull out the stack of glass dishes that I use for large groups (a well-used garage sale find).

That evening, our local friends brought food, we created the atmosphere by playing upbeat music and setting a beautiful table, and at dusk we sat down and enjoyed a great evening.

We purposely invited couples who knew how to connect with people, who could make spirited conversation with a stranger. I also couldn’t help but think what impact we would make on our 700 Club guests and on Paul’s career as an author.

These strangers turned out to be friends! After spending a few days with them, by the time dinner rolled around they seemed like long-time friends. Not only did they take an interest in our lives and our children’s, but they had a deep concern for our missing dog, Haggis, who ran away from home the day before!

One producer wrote me and said, Thank you so much for your hospitality. It was such a wonderful treat to have dinner with you guys and experience your “home entertaining.” I can learn so much from you!

Now we look forward to watching the LIVE 700 Club show on Thursday, when Paul will be back in Virginia Beach. The “back-story,” filmed here in southern Oregon, will be aired along with it, and our new producer friend, Stacey, who interviewed Paul in our back patio and in his office, will be a part of that story (top photo).

An all-too-important message will also be shared with the world, a message of hope for kids who suffer daily at the hand of bullies, and insights regarding what we, as bystanders, can do about it!

Check your local listing for the 700 Club and tune in this Thursday, August 30th! Also, if you’re interested, visit http://www.theprotectors.org/

(PS: Our boy Haggis was returned to us the next day!)

NOW TO WIN!
Comment back on this post and let me know if you are comfortable entertaining people you do not know?

You’ll be eligible to win a copy of No more Jellyfish …

The winner will be posted on Friday, 8/31.