Taking Red Solo Cup Back
Admit it, you know the Toby Keith song. So does your toddler.
Red Solo cup, I fill you up,
Let’s have a party, Let's have a party.
I know the underlying message behind the song and I say
It’s high time we Christians take all the red Solo cups back!
Lord, make us grand party throwers. May our homes be open to everyone. As we befriend our neighbors and the other people in our communities, let them see the joy of the Lord is our strength. Let us break out the crockpots, charcoal grills, hot dog sticks and punch bowls for your glory. For goodness sake, help us to stop partying alone in our own little circles. Maybe, just maybe, if we’d include all our neighbors, they would start to know we are different by our love? Amen.
The parties I’m referring to are the real deal. Tables full of good food. Lots of laughter. Kids running around outside until they’re so dirty, they need hosed off to even get in the car.
Lord, teach us to party like Jesus.
At weddings, saving the best wine for last. (John 2:10)
When a large crowd shows up, never sending them home on an empty stomach. (Luke 9:12-13)
Dining with church leaders, government officials and the riff raff of society. (Luke 5:30, 7:36)
Halloween’s coming. We Christians are all over the map on this holiday. Those who ignore all the misgivings and celebrate just like the secular world. Others who take to within their church walls, or parking lots, to celebrate. A few families might bring their kids for the candy. But are they coming back to taste and see that the Lord is good? Finally, there are those who have opted to forego the holiday all together. Considering all that God has been teaching me lately, I can’t join that camp anymore.
Believers, Halloween is another opportunity to forge relationship! What would Jesus do? Make it a party! A God-glorifying one certainly. But make your home party central. Grab a value pack of Red Solo cups and break out the punch! Need a recipe? I have a dear friend who’s queen of throwing a party. I mean, it’s her gift. Here's her Iced Mocha punch recipe. You're welcome.
If you’d like to read more about throwing a party in the name of Jesus, here are some books available on the subject:
From Tablet to Table: Where Community Is Found And Identity Is Formed (by Leonard Sweet)
A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, Mission Around The Table (by Tim Chester)
Cold Tangerines: Celebrating The Extraordinary Nature Of Everyday Life (by Shauna Niequist)
If you need more recipe ideas, check out the cookbook selection at Family Christian. I typed in “cookbook” in their search engine and it came back with 75 items. Here are a few that whet my appetite:
The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook (by Georgia Varozza)
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I'm pleased to be partnering with Family Christian on this post.