Gathering in April

This month's gathering in which I join Cheryl at Thinking About Home for her monthly link up is slightly different than previous months.  Although this doesn't strictly follow the "rules" that she outlined, I think I know Cheryl well enough to know that she won't mind... just this once.

April has been a month of moments holding great joy for me.  I don't use the word joy lightly since it is not only a word that Scripture attaches holy meaning to, but it was also my mother's name.  So I say JOY with its fullest span of meaning.


So many moments that string together to make a season...

** that moment when I took off a pair of jeans, knowing I'd never wear them again because they are way too big.

**that moment when I whispered "Help me" to a friend and she immediately covered me with prayer and spoke live-giving words.

**that moment when that same friend called and said "We are moving.  In three days," and my ability to rejoice for their opportunity overshadowed the sorrow I felt at our separation.

**that moment when I stood atop a massive pile of composted horse manure and laughed out loud at this unexpected development in my life.

**that moment when my 2-year-old twin grandsons locked their arms around my neck, not wanting me to leave, and saying "Mommaw" over and over.

**that moment when I was about to take a deep drink from that pit called Anxiety and a notecard arrived in the mail with knowing, meaningful words of encouragement written inside.

**that moment when my husband gave me a look that means the same thing it has always meant but seeing nearly 26 years of depth supporting it.

**that moment when a friend and I shared an afternoon of laughter over a couple cups of tea out on her patio in the spring sunshine.

**that moment when a bad situation took a turn for the worse and a sense of peace flooded into my mind as a balm for the stinging.

**that moment when  a root of bitterness released its grip on my heart and I felt the full impact of love flow into that space.

**that moment when an old fear turned into a new confidence.

**that moment when I leaned into the discomfort of true vulnerability that forged a stronger bond with both old and new friends.

**that moment when I realized that I am developing a trust response toward God in stressful seasons.

**that moment when the scent of lilacs reminded me to appreciate the simple things.

All I can say now is... May has some big shoes to fill. 

A Season of Celebration

Since we are approaching (quickly!) a season of celebration, I'd like to introduce you to a friend who loves to celebrate.  So much so that she dedicated all of October to introducing us, the readers of her blog, to her understanding of what makes all celebration worthwhile and beautiful.

I don't want to say too much about her series because I really, REALLY want you to read it for yourself, but the words "Thus far the Lord has helped us" is a recurring theme throughout.  Seriously, her thoughts may completely change your perspective, renew your passion, or ease your burden.  Perhaps all of the above!

Cheryl (friend, neighbor, fellow Mama Coffee enthusiast, oh-so-lovely sister in Christ) You knocked it out of the park with this one! 

Thinking About Home presents...

(Click the link, folks!  You won't be disappointed!)

Indoor Picnic

It has been quite a long time since we've had guests over for dinner other than family.  Life happened.  Busyness happened.  Laziness happened.  And we got out of the habit. 

When I was growing up we had company over all the time.  Especially after church services.  My parents' house was always open to guests whether for a meal and conversation or extended visits. Mom and Dad both seemed to enjoy it, although the bulk of the work fell to Mom.

When my children were younger we had guests fairly often but as I mentioned above, things changed.  But now, with the full agreement and cooperation of my husband (of course!) we've decided that it is high time that our home is once again to be used to extend hospitality and fellowship.

My friend, Cheryl, and I, along with our daughters, met for coffee one morning for the express purpose of planning an evening for our families to get together.  Cheryl is a hostess extraordinaire but my husband had already decided that he wanted to gather in our home, so the "where" was set.  We chatted for, oh, 3 hours or so before we even got out our calendars!

I don't normally do themed "dinner parties" but since this is a jumpstart for me, I decided to do something a bit out-of-the-norm.  Amelia was here to help carry out my plans, so why not use her talents?  I didn't have to think long before the idea of an Indoor Picnic sprang to mind. 

Cheryl and I have had several conversations about our mutual dislike of outdoor summer activities so what could be more perfect than to bring the best parts of a picnic inside?


I only took a couple pictures of the serving table.  BAD BLOGGER!  I was just so excited that I completely forgot!  The serving table was covered with a red and white gingham tablecloth, layed out for people to serve themselves buffet style.  First in line for the food were these little ants that I found at a local educational supply store.  The drink station was also self-serve, complete with beehive shaped beverage urn, foam cooler, yellow straws, and lemon wedges and simple syrup for the tea.  I wouldn't typically use paper plates for dinner but I had found red paper plate holders that complemented the décor and theme so well that I couldn't resist.  But no pictures.  Ugh!

I set the dining table with red and white gingham placemats.  I made these from a tablecloth that was too small for the dining table but too large for the kitchen table.  Actually, I had 2 identical tablecloths that I made into 2 smaller tablecloths, 1 table runner, and 8 placemats... with a little left over for a craft project that I want to do for next 4th of July.

Each place setting had a place card.  I bought small metal frames and had my daughter spray paint them white.  After they were completely dry I added a "silk" flower to each.  The flowers were applied with hot glue, so they were easily pulled off for me to use the frames as place cards for another occasion.  I had an ancient pack of gingham letter stickers to begin each person's name.  I would like to have been able to do the whole name in gingham, but such is life!

The centerpieces were dwarf sunflowers.  I left them in their original containers, wrapped them with burlap, and tied a strip of yellow gingham fabric (frayed edges!) around with a loose knot.

After we ate dinner and had some great conversation, it was time for dessert.  S'mores Cupcake in a Jar.  I assembled these scrumptious beauties the day before (blog post coming soon!).  Cheryl's daughter, Kati, is the baker in their family so I asked her to pipe the top layer of marshmallow fluff on each of the cupcakes and she was more than happy to oblige.  Then the one and only party game began!  Everyone had the opportunity to torch their own.  Some opted out, some were excited to try a new thing, but we were all glad that there was hand protection from the flame!  Whew! 

It was delicious, if I do say so myself! You can find the recipe for S'mores Cupcakes in a Jar HERE. 

After a quick clean-up of the food, we retired to the living room (comfy seats).  More conversation.  More fellowship. More laughter. 

I had such a good time.  Everyone else seemed to enjoy the evening as well.  You can read a little more about the evening HERE on Cheryl's blog.  While you are there, check out some of her posts concerning hospitality.  You won't be disappointed!

Meet 3 Truly Remarkable Women

Today I had the distinct honor of having lunch with 3 ladies whom I consider to be among the finest women on earth.  Tena, Miss Margaret, and Miss Gloria.  All 3 are God-fearing, Christ-following, Church-loving, People-serving, Life-speaking ladies.  And to tell you the truth, I'm not entirely sure why they include me in their circle but I know that I am the better for it. 

Tena and I have lunch together about once a month and consider it mutual therapy, having way more fun with the foibles of life than we ought to.  Not only do we laugh with each other but we are very comfortable laughing AT each other as well.  Sometimes we take our husbands with us out to dinner.  Fortunately they get along very well and can converse easily while Tena and I chatter on about one thing or another.  We can all talk amicably about politics, religion, child-rearing, AND finances. That is a true accomplishment! 

I am blessed beyond measure that God saw fit to cross my path with Tena's.  Our friendship started about 7 years ago when my daughter was dating a young man who is like a son to Tena.  We met and hit it off instantly, or as instantly as I am capable of.  People often frighten me but Tena is so large-hearted and kind that I couldn't help but feel her trustworthiness.  She is quick-witted, wise, and caring, an outrageously devoted mom, and gifted to be generous with all that she has and is.  Tena is also a nurse.  She cares for the elderly and infirm.  One act of love that she gave will cement me to her for all my life.  When my Mom was in her final days of this life, when we were emotionally and physically exhausted, Tena came to my Mom's home and bathed her.  The compassion and dignity with which she treated Mom still causes me to weep.  It was the most beautiful and humble act that I have ever witnessed.  She is truly a remarkable woman.

Miss Margaret is a real lady.  Not the kind that sips tea in a pretty dress, but the kind who raised 3 rough and tumble boys who know to treat their Mama with respect.  I met Miss Margaret about 20 years ago when we lived next door to one of those sons.  I didn't know her very well then, but any woman who could raise a gravel-voiced tough guy with a soft heart had my instant respect.  We attended church together for a few years where I came to know her better.  She is apt to speak her mind (and almost never offended by others who are apt to speak theirs), eager to laugh, and always willing to give.  Legally blind, she is also a painter.  I'm not sure of her actual age but her leather-like skin, work-worn hands, and wise counsel would put her well into her 80s and beyond.  It is the pleasantest of tasks to give her my arm and have a few minutes of close conversation while we walk to wherever she is walking.  I especially appreciate when she talks about her now-deceased husband, Bill.  I bet 'ol Bill didn't have a clue what he was getting when he married Miss Margaret.  What a firecracker!  She is truly a remarkable woman.

Miss Gloria.  I don't know her nearly as well as I'd like but I can tell you this about her... her first love is Jesus Christ.  Always will be.  And she isn't shy about it.  She is also Miss Margaret's baby sister.  They did not grow up together, though, so their close relationship did not begin until much later. To look at her soft face and compassionate eyes, you would never guess her troubled past.  To get a tiny glimpse into her life is to get perspective.  Real perspective.  This lady is the embodiment of what happens when a person allows God to turn the worst of trials into the best of triumphs.  I briefly met Miss Gloria about 10 years ago when our 4H club did a community service project at an area food pantry.  Miss Gloria was in charge of the kitchen where she served tables full of homeless men, weary women, and neglected children.  She has taken into her home, given a bed to, and ministered to people who most of us would be wary to even speak to on the street in broad daylight.  She knows what it is to be damaged and is on a mission to help others find the Only One who can heal.  Miss Gloria worked a 44 hour week last week at Sam's Club.  Did I mention that she is 79 years old?  She is truly a remarkable woman. 

On my way to lunch my biggest concern was whether or not I was going to stick to my low-carb eating plan.  On my way home from lunch I was thinking about the kind of woman I hope to become if I am allowed the time to become her.  Time.  It always starts... now.   

  

31 Days of October: Day 10... I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

Today has been a long day.  Not a bad day, just a long day.  I've been away from home for most of it, running errands, doing some research, visiting an orchard that I remember from when I was a little girl, going out to dinner with friends.  I just haven't had time to write.  This 31 day challenge is challenging!!!

Since I don't have anything of my own to share today, I'm going to introduce you to someone very dear to me.  My Aunt Betty.  Aunt Betty is not my biological aunt, but a very dear friend to my mother.  After my mother passed, Aunt Betty and I reconnected through facebook and have been in touch ever since.  I even visited her earlier this year after having not seen her since I was a teenager!  She was a gracious host, and I enjoyed my visit even though I was sick for most of it.

Aunt Betty's blog, My Crazy Quilt Life, has been such a pleasure for me to read, especially since my visit to her home.  She has a wonderful eye for decorating... I'd call it Classy Eclectic... and a very pretty garden.  Her most recent post shows her dining room decorated for fall.  Take a look around at her other posts while you're there.   Have a cup of tea with her, relax on her new sofa, browse through her many collections and discover her garden guests. You'll have a lovely time!