4:22 p.m. Today's project was to assist two very dear hostesses--my daughter Heidi and friend and fellow Piecemaker Vicky Dunn--in blessing special sisters in our fellowship. I was truly honored to participate in celebrations at two ends of life: Shea Sheppard's bridal shower, and a Christmas dinner for our church's widows.
Shea has overcome serious struggles including lack of a home, job, and at one point, transportation. Steve, Heidi and I welcomed her into our home earlier this year, and we have benefitted from her sweet and humble attitude, hopefulness and trust in the Lord despite grievous trials. Oddly, we have had a very serious year of material lack ourselves, making us an illogical choice for a boarder who couldn't contribute financially! But man's wisdom cannot account for the work God intended to do in our circumstances. Eccelsiastes 11:5-6 says," you do not know the works of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper..." Honestly, we did not know what to expect--but God did. He counted us faithful, and rewarded us accordingly, meeting our needs and more.
Today finds Shea one month away from her January 9th wedding to a wonderful young man, Mike. She has a new full time job, transportation, and is ready to begin a home of her own! God is so good! Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
My daughter, Shea's maid of honor, organized an elaborate bridal shower, with loads of luncheon dishes, very clever games, and a loving welcome for everyone. Shea's future sister-in-law Melodie opened her lovely home, and Bea, Mike's mom, made a delicious punch and kept a good eye on baby Eva. I was able to help out as needed, which is fun for me anytime!
Thoughtful, funny, and outrageous gifts piled up, the bride is off to a good start, and we rejoice with her!
On to the evening! The "kitchen help" for the Widows' Might Christmas dinner is my peer group, the Piecemakers, lovers of home arts and the backbone of women's ministry. Vicky, Jill, Debbie, Barbara, Linda H., Christine, Linda D. and Stacy were busy getting salads on the table when I arrived--mistakenly thinking that the dinner began at 7 p.m., and that my 6:15 arrival time was for prep! Oh well...I had lingered at home to get Steve situated and see Heidi in the new dress we picked out for the Young Adults' formal dinner at church, also tonight. I put my cape and purse down and helped carry plates with everyone else. The widows, who ranged from middle-aged to elderly, looked festive and table conversation was lively. Vicky wore a vintage 1920's dress and her home was decorated in warm, artistic detail, true to form!.
We probably had "too many cooks" in the kitchen, but our tasks flowed smoothly and we even had time to eat some yummy salad and entrees after our precious guests were served. I do love these sisters of mine, and the support we give one another. We were laughing so raucously that our dinner guests wondered if there was a separate party going on! "It's just the help enjoying their Christmas!" I yelled back. If I might steal the cheer from North High football, "Ain't no party like a Husky party!Woo woo woof!" I say,"Ain't no party like a Christian party!" and I mean it.
There is no joy like the joy of a people who are saved, washed in the blood of the Lamb, who know their God and proclaim it among themselves and to whoever else will listen. When Jesus is in the midst, it doesn't matter if you're washing dishes, clearing plates, taking out trash or struggling with a sluggish coffeemaker, it's all good; in fact, God Himself calls it good. In Psalm 133:1 His Word says, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity."
We sisters dwell together pretty "good," too!
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