Ep 117 A Legacy of a Welcome Mat Life with Laura Crosby

Meet Laura whose heart is as big as her welcome—we are kindreds that way, and I'm delighted to introduce her to you!

Laura Crosby lives her welcoming legacy each day as she prays, "Lord, may there be Your welcome mat out in front of my life today so that I can love and welcome others to You." She's been mentored well and now mentors countless of men and women on knowing God and representing His welcome heart well. She loves hospitality like I do and you'll love her stories of what she's learned and what she prays for her children on a daily basis.

Laura Crosby is working on her first book which addresses the much needed topic of “choosing welcome”.

Whether introvert or extrovert, single or married, if there’s one thing Covid taught us, it is that we crave connection beyond pixels on a Zoom, or text messages. 

This is a book of stories about connection to God and others that happens when we choose welcome. 

It encourages the reader to put out a metaphorical welcome mat at the door of her life. 

It explores the ordinary, the unexpected, and the profound ways we are welcomed to connect with God and extend welcome to others for encouragement, comfort, insight, and a sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves.

In her own words:

"My passion is connection which is most often through different types of welcome, but another way I love is through notes."

 

“If you see something, say something.” There are signs like that all over airports - be on the alert for something “off” or dangerous.

 

But I love applying this positively to note writing. In fact I feel so strongly about the power of encouragement through hand-written notes that I created a free resource with monthly prompts and brief spiritual reflections. You can snag your “Year of Grace Notes” by clicking on the link https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5e23063ed9dee30026924946

 

Thanks so much, Laura. Note-writing is a lost art and I love it that you include it as part of your "welcome!"

Laura and her husband John served in ministry at a large church in Minneapolis for 30 years.They have traveled the world as pastors and John as a board member of World Vision. Over the past two years they have taken on roles as interim pastors first at an international church in Lucerne, Switzerland and currently in Menlo Park, CA. Additionally, Laura and John mentor cohorts of young leaders in ministry. Laura writes, preaches and speaks to women’s groups around the country. She loves creating all kinds of things, including a welcoming place in her home where there is good food and lively conversation. Starbucks mochas, Lou Malnati’s pizza, puppies and any outdoor activity, especially tennis and hiking are passions!

 

 

Connect with Laura:

lauracrosby.me

Inspiring joyful, creative connection to Jesus and others.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracrosby/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauracrosby.me

 

Here's the recipe Laura talks about on our conversation today:

 

My Go-to Fancy Fast Chicken Recipe

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

6 slices deli swiss cheese

1/4 lb. sliced mushrooms (optional)

2 cans (10 3/4oz) cream of chicken soup (can use one if you want it less soupy)

1/2 cup dry white wine (you can omit if you want)

2 cups herb stuffing mix (the BLUE Pepperidge farm bag - it's shredded, not cubes)

1 stick margarine melted.

 

Preheat oven to 350. Place chicken in a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish

Top each piece of chicken with a slice of swiss cheese.

Arrange sliced mushrooms on top.

Mix soup and wine and spread over chicken.

Sprinkle with stuffing and drizzle melted butter on top. 

Bake about 45-50 minutes, uncovering for the last 15 minutes.

 

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or  "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again. 

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.