This month’s Fun Mail comes from a tender place in my heart.
Four weeks ago, on July 25th our family said our earthly goodbyes to my father, Vern Moline at age 96—a faithful, loving man whose quiet strength shaped so much of who I am today. He was a devoted husband, so in love with my mother, a Korean War veteran, a dad of five, and a grandfather and great-grandfather full of gentle faith.
Someone told me recently, “It doesn’t matter if someone has lived a long, long life. He was still your father, and why would you feel any less sorrow? You just got to love him longer.” That made perfect sense to me. While my heart misses him deeply, I find comfort knowing he is free from the burden of carrying that oxygen tank, breathing heavenly air in the presence of Jesus. And I hold fast to the promise of Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever.”
It was a blessing he saw the book, Simple Hospitality, come to life—dedicated to both him and my mom. That dream held meaning I can’t fully express. Here is a picture of the Dedication page from my Simple Hospitality book:
Since his passing these last few weeks, I’ve been sustained by unexpected kindness. A thoughtful Delta stewardess shared a handwritten note and extra snacks on my flight home. Sweet friends sent flowers, a neighbor dropped off a garden grown pineapple, and cards arrived from people I hadn’t heard from in years. These small gestures reminded me of hospitality’s quiet power—just what my book is all about.
“The world doesn’t need more perfection — it needs more welcome.”
Sometimes a lit candle, a comfortable chair, or soft music can be the most profound form of hospitality—helping your guests (and you) feel truly seen and at ease.
This chapter excerpt from Simple Hospitality is a gentle reminder that a kind word, a smile, or even remembering someone’s favorite drink can build meaningful connections.
✏️ Back-to-School & Moving Into Rest
As schedules shift this season, we don’t need to abandon hospitality—we simply adapt to it. Carpool snack? A handwritten note in a lunchbox. A quiet morning? Make room for calm: a favorite chair, a cool glass of water, a moment that says “you matter.”
I shared in Simple Hospitality (“Creative Kindness” page 42):
“In my carpooling days, I loved surprising my friend Shugie or her husband JB, with a cup of morning coffee. They would return the coffee mug at the end of the school day. It was a regular drive-thru coffee shop at our house.”
A Gentle August Invitation
Kindness doesn’t need to be grand. It could be:
Letting someone know they’re seen
Sending a simple note to someone who might be missing you
Making a quick phone call or sending a simple text when someone comes to your mind. Not ignoring that inner prompt.
Final Thoughts 💭
Would you reply and tell me about a small gesture that brought light to your day?
Your stories always inspire me.
With gratitude for your presence,
P.S. Did you know? All proceeds from my book, Simple Hospitality, go directly to support the new Orlando Health Children’s Pavilion—a place of hope, healing, and care for families in our community. Thank you for helping make a difference with every book you gift and share.
Did you enjoy this newsletter?
Forward it to a friend—it would mean so much to me! 💌
If someone forwarded it to you—welcome! I'm so glad you're here. My name is Jennifer Boyd, and I recently published Simple Hospitality: An Invitation to Add Kindness to Your Everyday Life, a dream 25 years in the making. In both my book and newsletter, I share the heart behind hospitality—simple ways to bring kindness and connection into everyday life.
I’d love for you to join my email community! Sign up here.
