There are many women in my church family that i feel i do not get enough time with. Sunday a.m. small talk doesn't satisfy my need for fellowship with them. I experience and see them love, serve, and come along side in many ways. I am blessed by their lives.
Today i had a brunch in my home to celebrate some of these ladies (Mama Holly helped).
In a beautiful setting of delicate tea sets, flowers, and floral table cloths we enjoyed a couple of mixers (games), ate yummy food (quiches, scones, tea sandwiches, green salad, strawberry cheesecake) and a variety of teas. We shared conversations, and sweet community.
I gave the ladies a blessing expressing to them who they have been to our community.
"In thinking of you words that come to mind are; gracious, servant, gentle, happy- spirit, spunk, faithful, encourager, affirmer, passionate, giver, hospitality, can-doer, believer, beautiful, the fragrance of Christ...
Ephesians 5:1-2 says, Be imitators of God, therefore, live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Thank you for the ways you give your lives, you are a fragrant offering.
The words of the song Add to the Beauty by Sara Groves describe you perfectly.
We come with beautiful secrets
We come with purposes written on our hearts
Written on our souls
We come to every new morning
With possibilities only we can hold
Redemption comes in strange places, small spaces
Calling out the best of who we are
And I want to add to the beauty
To tell a better story
I want to shine with the light
That's burning up inside
It comes in small inspirations
It brings redemption to life and work
To our lives and our work
It comes in loving community
It comes in helping a soul find it's worth
Redemption comes in strange places, small spaces
Calling out the best of who we are
And I want to add to the beauty
To tell a better story
I want to shine with the light
That's burning up inside
This is grace, an invitation to be beautiful
This is grace, an invitation
Thank you for adding to the beauty, for helping this soul find it's worth, for all the ways you give me grace, and invite me to be beautiful. Each of you makes me want to add to the beauty, to be the fragrance of Christ."
After the blessing each lady was given an embroidered flower pin (made by my g-ma), to serve as a reminder of the blessing they are.
It was a lovely day, and long over due.
Nothing makes my heart gladder than celebrating, and sweet community.
What a wonderful time I had at the lovely Brunch. Have you ever thought of taking pictures of your clever decorating ideas in your home...the suitcases and so many others....I think they call it a virtual tour of your home...
ReplyDeleteOh Denise, how lovely. I really enjoy tea---perhaps I should host one for the ladies at my church. We have no fellowship nor sense of community among us.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a virtual tour of your home----I was desperately taking sneak peeks in that video of yours that you did for the 100th post! :)
Your tea has really inspired me. Hmm....
The ladies are blessed to have you among them. I hope the Lord will bloom those seeds you planted through your party!
How fun!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a blessing for all!
Hey, is that YOUR backyard?????????
Looks so wonderful! Next time, can I come?! I love these encouraging & refreshing times...What a thoughtful person you are!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, thoughtful thing to do Denise. I love that idea - what an inspiration. It looks like a very fun and relaxing time of fellowship.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful! You are so unique, girlfriend. Truly a gem and it seems like anyone who knows you is so much better for it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to honor the women in your life. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful and thoughtful!!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, my first thought was "I wish I could be there!!"
You are such a blessing, Denise. I know you have come through so much, and your love for Jesus just shines through you.