• Feb. 12, 2008
Aaaahhhhhh....
That's not a frantic, stressed, screaming sort of "aaaahhhhh."
That's a thankful, content, joyful kind of "aaaahhhhh."
The 2-night Sweetheart Banquet for which we've been praying, planning, and pondering for months on end is behind us for another year. As we made final preparations and worked to see our plan come together last week, Psalm 115:1 resonated in my heart:
"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness."
As we planned the 2008 Sweetheart Banquet, our hearts' desire was that Jesus would be honored and glorified. We want to provide an opportunity for the adult couples of our church to bring friends and enjoy an evening where marriage is celebrated; where they can relax, laugh, be pampered, and receive encouragement for their relationships; and where they will hear that it's only because of Jesus that we can love one another. Our hope is in Him.
This event is our Jr. and Sr. High students' opportunity to serve. Not only had they been practicing their songs and comedy sketches since October, but they also gave multiple hours in setting up, serving, entertaining, taking down, and cleaning up. I can't express how good it is to see them working together and loving each other. Their love for one another is so evident. What a joy it is to love these kids...and be loved by them.
This year's black and white formal-themed banquet was simply entitled, "Unforgettable." Once guests entered the main vestibule, they were transported to a gorgeous winter wonderland. The idea was that they were walking through a city park prior to entering the "restaurant" for their romantic dinner. It was truly breathtaking. Couples made a brief visit to our "studio" where they had their picture taken. The 5X7 black and white photos were available to them at the conclusion of the evening.
Upon entering the "restaurant" (which was simply decorated with black and white table linens, white branches in tall vases, flickering candlelight, and splashes of red roses), they were able to casually enjoy a variety of hor's douvres and sparkling white grape juice. Once seated, our kids began table service. The first course consisted of a Candied Pecan Salad with Gorgonzola and Raspberry Vinaigrette. Next came White Garlic Lasagna with fresh green beans and dinner rolls with herb butter. Finally, our guests were treated to two different varieties of cheesecake: New York Style with strawberries and a chocolate heart or Turtle.
The kids sang numerous love songs including Unforgettable and The Way You Look Tonight. They also acted out numerous funny skits. The one that struck a chord with me was entitled "All the Way to Heaven." It featured an "elderly" couple who had been married for 60 years. Though old, Frank & Maggie were young at heart. They were a spritely little couple! They finished each other's sentences and even after all those years, Frank still kept Maggie laughing...all the way to heaven. They discussed the hard times they'd had and how they had stuck it out.
Though it was just a skit featuring a couple of our seniors with walkers and gray wigs, the truth of it resonated in my heart. Tears filled my eyes as I saw my husband and me in 44 years. He'll likely still be chasing me (and I'll be slowing down to let him). I'll be laughing (still) at his well-timed sense of humor. We'll know each other's thoughts before they're even spoken. We'll look back on the hard, trying times and see how God used those times to make us holy. What a joy it is to be loved by that man of mine...all the way to heaven.
My husband gave a devotional at the conclusion of the kids' performance. We've already heard from numerous couples who brought friends. They've testified that the night provided them an opportunity to share the gospel with friends who don't yet have a relationship with Jesus. We praise God for the work He did this weekend. To His name be the glory!
Pictures of people to come...
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• Aug. 23, 2007
Goodbye...Hello
The hugs and goodbyes have been exchanged...the tears have been dried (at least for the time-being)...and our kids are on their way to their respective colleges.
[Big sigh]
Man, this loving stuff hurts.
A wise friend gently reminded me this morning that these bittersweet goodbyes are one of the joys of "staying." My husband and I have served in our church for 10 years. We've watched so many of these kids grow up. We've done life with their families. As a church body, we've served and worshipped and ministered. We've celebrated milestones and prayed through heart-wrenching trials. Some of the sweetest times in my memory are when we've gathered together, praying through tears for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
So yes, a painful goodbye is representation of love given and received. And I can honestly say that despite the ache in my heart throughout these past days, I am so thankful that God has plugged us into relationships with His family.
And I can further testify that while change hurts, it often brings with it glorious and unexpected blessings.
For as we bid farewell to our dearly loved graduates, we welcome in a new class of 7th graders...namely, our firstborn.
Now how did that happen?
I clearly remember what seems like many years ago when my husband and I spoke of that far-off "someday" when one of our sons would finally be in our youth group. We laughed and brushed it off, somehow believing that day was lifetimes away.
And now it is here.
And once again, my heart smiles in giddy anticipation of all that's to come over these next 6 years of loving and teaching and discipling these amazingly enthusiastic Jr. Highers. It's clear to see...already now...that they have unique leadership skills, and I'm eager to watch them grow in their hunger for God and their desire to make Him known to a lost world.
[I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4]
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• Aug. 20, 2007
Take-Off
Finding their Wings ~ my 5/14/07 entry
This is the week. One by one, our kids are leaving.
I don't like it. It hurts.
One of our girls came over to talk on Friday afternoon. It was probably our last talk like that in quite some time, as she leaves for college later this week.
As we swung on the porch swing, I found myself overwhelmed by the bond God has given us. I thanked Him that He's placed my husband and me in a place of some small influence in the lives of our kids...that we get to echo the words of their parents in their hearts. I thanked Him for the privilege of discipling them and encouraging them and pointing them to the Truth of God's Word. And I silently thanked God for the daughters He's richly and miraculously provided for me. Oh, our God knows our hearts and our longings. He always provides us with His best.
After she left, my husband returned home. As I told him some of what my heart was feeling, I began to cry. And I told him that of the 15 years we've been in the ministry and the multiple times we've been down this road, this year is the most painful of all.
He said that's what I say every year.
And I guess I do.
To each of our graduates who are about to take off...we thank God for the privilege of loving you and being loved by you. Know that we'll be faithful to pray that you wholeheartedly follow after Christ; that He guards your hearts and minds; that He satisifies your every longing with Himself.
There are no regrets in serving Jesus, dear ones...
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• Jun. 30, 2007
The Lighter Side of New Orleans
In addition to the rich ministry and profound lessons God taught us while in New Orleans, we had a whole lotta laughs, too! We were given a brief couple hours of free time on most afternoons, and we took these opportunities to make quick visits to the French Quarter. Our destination the first visit? The famous Cafe Du Monde, home of the delicious beignets. Covered in powdered sugar, these French doughnuts are amazingly delectable! Mmmmm...
When we arrived in New Orleans on that first night, we needed to grab a quick bite to eat, so some of our group went to Popeye's and some went next door to Wendy's. Words escaped me as I looked out the window across the street and saw "Emeril's Delmonico" in big, beautiful letters! I tried to tell my friend, Carolyn, but I was so excited, all I could do was point! Both my friend and I are avid cooks and big Emeril fans...we could hardly believe one of his restaurants was across the street and we were eating fast food!
We obviously didn't have any clothes along that were suitable for his restaurant (though we did contemplate buying new outfits just for this purpose). So on Friday afternoon of last week, the adults of our team took a quick walk over to his restaurant so we could get our picture taken out front. Carolyn and I looked longingly within. This was definitely another high point for us!
I would say, though, that my favorite part of the week was simply spending uninterrupted time with our kids. Our whole church was divided among 4 teams, so I didn't get to see all of them much during work projects or Challenge Circle. But coming together again was always the best! I was particularly grateful for the meaningful moments I shared with our girls Whether it be while lounging on our bunks and sharing our hearts...laughing like crazy as we donned our "babushkas"...or simply serving together throughout the week. My heart is so full as I think about these young women who love one another and our God so deeply. Repeatedly throughout the week I thought, "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God!"
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• Jun. 29, 2007
6.21.07 - 6.22.07 ~ New Orleans
It was with great eagerness that I arrived at the Challenge Circle (think AWANA games) last Thursday evening. We'd been taught the games and trained the previous Sunday. However, when we arrived in the projects to play with the kids for the first time on Tuesday, it began raining within 10 minutes, so we had to leave. I wasn't able to attend on Wednesday night either due to being with our young friend in the ER. So when Thursday night finally arrived and we jumped out of our big grey van, I was more than a little excited to see the kids swarming us!
Our nights at the Challenge Circle included 1 hour of free play, followed by 1 hour of the organized games (which are optional). Many of the kids immediately began looking for their big "friend" from the previous night. Wow, what a joy it was to see our kids running around with these precious children on their backs! All of them...both big kids and little kids alike...had huge grins on their faces. Some of our high school students and I kicked the ball around with a few kids, but then I spotted a huddle of little girls gathering to draw with sidewalk chalk. I was immediately drawn to their little circle.
Soon a little voice rang in my ears. Yep, I heard her before I ever saw her. "Excuse me, please," she said. I looked up to see this adorable 5-year-old girl. I asked her her name. "Tessa," she replied. Together we drew on the sidewalk...you know, all those typical little girl things: rainbows, butterflies, flowers. Tessa asked me to draw a dog. Evidently she didn't know me very well! When I presented her with my work of art, she exclaimed, "That doesn't look like a dog!" She was right. Together we laughed at my elephant-looking dog.
Our lovely creations extended quite a way down the sidewalk. Pretty soon Tessa decided she wanted to color instead, so we found a coloring page from a Bible story coloring book. Tessa settled into my lap and began coloring. While she sat cradled in my lap, I sang "Jesus Loves Me" softly in her ear. It was evident she didn't know it. I scratched her back and rocked with her while telling her how much Jesus loves her.
Each night concluded with the launching of water balloons. I hoisted Tessa onto my shoulders, and we laughed and giggled as the water balloons burst all around us. Then it was time to leave and I told her I'd be back the next day.
On Friday we arrived for our final day with the kids, and I scanned the crowd for Tessa. She wasn't there. Disappointed, I found a place in the circle of sidewalk-chalkers and began visiting with them, all the while mindful that my little friend wasn't there. About half an hour before it was time to go, Tessa came running across the yard and my heart skipped a beat. She ran right up to me and threw her arms around me. Oh, what joy! Together we colored and drew, and I told her again how much Jesus loves her and wants to be her best friend.
As we prepared to go, my heart ached. I told Tessa how glad I was that I got to meet her and play with her. I told her I wouldn't be able to come back because I was going home, but I would be praying for her. Then I turned to walk back to our van...and I cried. Thankfully, this sweet little girl had rejoined her friends and was oblivious to the inner conflict going on inside of me. But as I watched her through the chain link fence she calls "home," I couldn't help but wonder about her future. What will her life be like in 10-15 years? What are her dreams and hopes? What does her future look like? Will she come to understand her need for a Savior?
Tessa is permanently etched on my heart. We serve a great and able God, and I'm praying that He captures the hearts of her and her family. I'm praying He shows them their desperate need for Jesus, and that they place their faith and trust in Him alone for salvation. I don't know whether or not you'll think about our New Orleans missions trip anymore, though I do appreciate the interest you've shown in reading my heart's ponderings over these past days. But if God should bring our trip or our team or me to remembrance, would you please pray for little Tessa and her family? Please pray for her physical, emotional, and spiritual needs; pray that the seed planted in Tessa's life will continue to be watered by all those who will be regularly interacting with and ministering to the kids in New Orleans this summer. And pray that Tessa and her family will receive Jesus as their Savior and be a light to their neighborhood.
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• Jun. 27, 2007
6.20.07 ~ New Orleans
On Wednesday morning we returned to the house we'd been working in the previous day. The difference was that when we arrived this day, most of the contents of the house had already been emptied. The work, therefore, was much less emotionally draining. It was simply (?) tearing down walls, removing ceiling, and the like. I was assigned to something a little less labor intensive...removing nails from the studs. Even so, I was sweating (I mean...glistening) like a pig within minutes of starting, though my sons tell me pigs don't sweat. Anyhow, I was so proud of our kids and the great work ethic they displayed. They were working in some pretty intense and difficult circumstances, yet they set a great example for all of us. Probably the most memorable moment during deconstruction that morning was the removal of the refrigerator. Keep in mind that this refrigerator...including its contents...had not been touched in almost 2 years. Just imagine the smell and the mysterious leakage that spilled out during removal. 'Nuff said.
During one of our breaks, I found myself wandering over to the previous day's junk pile of appliances. Within the pile was a new-ish looking plasma tv, a sewing machine, stereo system, washer/dryer, and yes, that infamous refrigerator. All these "things" formed a big mound in the street. As I stood there alone, once again trying to absorb the enormity of this disaster, God encouraged me with this passage of Scripture:
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves to not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21
What a powerful visual and timely reminder God provided for me that morning. I was reminded of how easily I make gods of the stuff of life. I often put far too much emphasis on my home or my clothes or things that will pass away. I invest in the temporal rather than the eternal. So as I had my moments of solitude with the Lord last Wednesday morning, He gently reminded me that all of life is about investing in the Kingdom...loving and serving God and loving and serving others.
As we took our lunch break that day, we got word that one of our guys on another worksite had concussion-like symptoms following the untimely meeting of his head with a falling 4X4 beam. We immediately picked him up and raced to the ER. That is a story in itself, but let me just say that God filled me with such peace as we sat at the hospital during the 6 hours that followed. I still haven't found out how she did it, but during our hospital visit, a dear friend of mine in Georgia called our cell phone and reached my husband. To this day, I don't know how she got our cell phone number...she's never called it and I've never given it to her. Anyhow, at a time when things were chaotic and somewhat frightening, God impressed on this dear prayer warrior to give us a call. When my husband arrived at the hospital and told me that Barb had called and was praying for our current needs, I was simply awed and overwhelmed how God had orchestrated the whole thing. Thank you, Barb, for being used of Him to encourage us and remind us of God's loving care!
I hope you can see from this and previous posts that God's Hand was so abundantly seen in our lives throughout our week in New Orleans. There weren't necessarily any fireworks, but we saw God faithfully at work in the day to day stuff of life. What a thrill it is to know that He calls to each of us to be involved in what He's doing. He doesn't need us, but He chooses to use us. Wow...
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• Jun. 26, 2007
6.19.07 ~ New Orleans
Embarrassed, I release a nervous little laugh as I recall standing in front of the mirror for even a moment last Tuesday morning. One of our girls even braided my hair and together we donned our bandanas. We were looking pretty cute, we thought.
Excitedly, we all loaded into our vans and headed for the lower 9th Ward. This was our first day of gutting homes, and excitement was high as we anticipated tackling the work for which we had come. There was light, cheerful banter in the vans, and we were all pretty pumped.
Two teams (including mine) were sent to gut this cute little blue house. The other team was sent inside to begin gutting, while our team was told to begin clean-up outside. I was completely unprepared.
As my new friend, Ali, and I began cleaning up trash around this house and the neighboring houses, we soon found deteriorated pages from a cherished photo album. This struck me particularly hard, as these homes now had a personal face. They weren't just abandoned, empty homes...they were homes where real people like you and me lived and did life. We came across old cupboard doors. Lots of what we found was simply trash. You can imagine all that was floating around in the flood water. We were working outside a home which had spray-painted markings on the outside indicating that a dead cat had been found inside. It smelled as though it was still there. As Ali and I worked outside the home, the stench was overwhelming even through our masks. We frequently had to walk a few steps away, gather our composure, take a deep breath, and return to our task.
Before long, our team was called in to join the team in the house. They wanted us to work in the garage which appeared to have served as an extra bedroom. This, too, surprised me. I guess I'd assumed that while we'd be gutting homes, the homeowner's contents would have been long since removed. But this was not the case. This house had not been touched in nearly 2 years. All of the homeowner's earthly possessions laid in a jumbled mess throughout the house. The garage in which we worked was covered in a thick coat of sludge. We sifted through clothes and Christmas decorations and bedding. For once, I was thankful that my contacts had clouded over...it made me oblivious to the cockroaches that were often seen scurrying across the floor. Though the work was hard...both physically and emotionally...our whole team persevered. Of course, when someone yelled, "Rat!" all the girls (including me) screamed and ran like wild women outside. But before long, we re-entered...energized and renewed for the task at hand. It was nothing of our own strength. I was regularly reminded that friends and family all across the country were praying for our humility and servant's hearts.
Once the garage was mostly done, I went to the main bedroom of the house. It had pink walls. I discovered a bulletin board in the rubble. Tacked to it was a letter with the homeowner's name and address. Once again, this project took on a more personal feel. And then I wondered...had Shirley survived the flooding? Was she still around? I was relieved to learn that she was actually the person to request our help in gutting her home. Also attached to the bulletin board was this poem. It moved me to tears.
"Have you taken it to Jesus?
Have you left your burden there?
Does He tenderly support you?
Have you rolled on Him your care?
O, the sweet unfailing refuge
Of the everlasting arms;
In their loving clasp enfolded
Nothing worries or alarms.
Have you taken it to Jesus,
Just the thing that's pressing now?
Are you trusting Him completely
With the when and where and how?
Oh, the joy of full surrender
Of our life, our plans, our all;
Proving, far above our asking
That God answers when we call.
Have you taken it to Jesus?
Tis the only place to go
If you want the burden lifted
And a solace for your woe.
Oh, the blessedness to nestle
Like a child upon His breast;
Finding ever, as He promised
Perfect comfort, peace and rest.
~ Mrs. E.L. Hennessay
Outside the house, we were instructed to make 5 piles: one for overall trash (the largest pile), one for appliances, one for flammables, one for salvagable items, and I can't remember the final pile's function. As you might figure, the smallest pile was the salvagable items. I removed a small knick-knack shelf from the wall with its untouched knick-knacks. I was also overjoyed to find a cameo. I wondered if this might be a family heirloom...something special the homeowner might find great joy in being returned to her. A framed picture of a toddler boy with a bright smile...a grandson perhaps...was also among the saved items. That was about it.
When we left that day, my heart was filled with much to ponder. God was teaching me about humility and servanthood and perseverance and compassion. But perhaps most of all, God impressed on me the life of a woman named Shirley. Though we've never met, I've found myself thinking about and praying for her...her life and her eternity. How I'm praying that God will use the devastation she's experienced to draw her into a rich, vibrant, living relationship with Him. Won't you join me?
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• Jun. 25, 2007
6.18.07 ~ New Orleans
What an eye-opening, heart-revealing week I've experienced. I find it difficult to adequately and accurately express all that I saw...smelled...heard...tasted...felt. So much of this week was new and unexpected.
I admit that I left for New Orleans with quite a bit of naivety. Considering the fact that it's been almost 2 years since Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding hit, I assumed that we would no longer see a whole lot of chaos. I assumed we'd see much of the destruction replaced with construction.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
On Monday morning, we went on a prayer walk through the lower 9th Ward...an area hardest hit by the flooding. As I somberly walked through this deserted community where neighbors once gathered and networked and shared life, I viewed the tall, overgrown grass and weeds in multiple fields. I didn't immediately realize that these empty fields were where houses once stood. I saw house upon house with the eerie spray-painted markings on the outside. These are reminders of those workers who came through searching for survivors and victims in the hurricane aftermath. Our team viewed a house that had settled on top of a car. As we were taking in this rare sight, someone driving by explained to us that the house had originally sat on the lot across the street. The images we viewed were so foreign, it often felt as if we were in a third-world country. In fact, my husband and I frequently commented that so many things reminded us of our visit to Papua New Guinea.
During our prayer walk, it began downpouring. Our team immediately sought shelter in the carport of an abandoned house. I found it ironic that the very house that 2 years ago was an unfit harbor for its occupants was now the place God provided for us to seek shelter from the rain. As our team gathered beneath the carport, we continued to pray as a group for the people of New Orleans. This was one of the highlights of our trip for me. Walking through the streets and viewing the destruction was almost a sensational experience. Cameras (including mine) were clicking repeatedly as we surveyed the damage. And yet, as the rain fell hard and heavy, it was like God was calling us to simply put our cameras away. I sensed that He was calling us to corporately pray and exalt His name. What a sweet time of communion we shared that morning.
I have many more thoughts and highlights from the week which I'll share in later posts. However, in closing I just wanted to share how God brought some of the lessons and truths we learned over the past week full circle as we attended our church service yesterday morning. We arrived home late on Saturday night, and our whole team was a bit groggy (probably an understatement) in our worship service yesterday morning. But my heart was nodding in agreement and joy as we sang the song, "Breathe." During one of our training sessions in New Orleans last weekend, the speaker reminded us that disasters such as Hurricane Katrina show us our desperate need for Jesus. Everything else in the lives of these dear people has been stripped away. Oh, that each one of us would understand that God is faithful and sufficient for our heart's every need and longing. May our hearts cry out in desperation for Jesus, the one who is able to lift our heads and make all things new.
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your holy Word spoken to me
And I...I'm desperate for You
And I...I'm lost without You
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• Jun. 24, 2007
Yes, I'm still here!
Thanks to those who have emailed me to make sure I'm okay! The truth is...I'm more than okay (just a bit tired)! My heart is bubbling over with all the lessons and truths God has taught me in recent days.
Our missions team of 22 high school students/youth staff just returned from New Orleans late last night. In addition to assisting with Katrina relief, we had a terrific time playing with and ministering to the kids in the central city. It was an eye-opening, life-changing week for all of us. I'm so thankful that my husband and I were both able to attend.
I'll be sharing my heart's thoughts about our adventure in the days to come, but for today I'll just leave you with the link to our missions trip blog. It will give you a little taste of all that we experienced...
Thanks to all those who were praying us through! We are forever grateful!
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• May. 14, 2007
My Girls
The summer before my sophomore year of high school, a new youth pastor and his bride entered my life. Their love, support, and encouragement made a huge impact upon me. I knew I could talk to them and receive godly counsel. I knew they'd point me to the Truth of God's Word. I knew they'd direct me back to my parents and their authority. It was through this dear couple that God impressed on me the desire to marry a youth pastor. I longed for Him to use me to disciple and encourage students, particularly young girls. Before long, God answered that prayer, and I did indeed marry a youth pastor...the most incredible one ever!
After 15 years in ministry, we love what we do as never before! We desire to direct the hearts of the kids to their parents and the hearts of parents to their kids (Malachi 4:6).
Those of you who read my blog probably know that I'm the blessed mom of three amazing sons. I'm so deeply grateful for the immense gifts of these young men. I wouldn't trade 'em for the world! At the same time, my heart had always desired a daughter. Throughout the early years of secondary infertility, I pleaded and argued and bargained with God. At times I was bitter over the fact that He was not giving me a daughter. But such an amazing thing happened when I finally released the grip I had on my dream and gave it fully over to Him. As I gave Him my desires, He blessed me with new desires. And at this time, the relationships I had with the girls in our youth group began to flourish. God answered my prayer in such unexpected ways. Rather than giving me a daughter, he gave me multiple daughters! These girls so often challenge and inspire me. Many of them truly hunger and thirst for righteousness. I love to see them using their gifts to bring honor and glory to God. Oh, I wish you could know them...they are amazing young women! How I praise God for the close-knit relationships He's given me in them!
I mentioned in my previous post that I grow rather nostalgic during this time of year. It's due in part to the fact that our boys are ever-growing and changing. But that's not the only reason. It's May, and graduation season is upon us. We've celebrated at "Salute to Seniors" and look ahead to "Graduate Sunday." And my heart begins to ache, for soon "our" kids will be leaving...the ones we've loved and and discipled and counseled since 7th grade...the ones with whom we've prayed and worshipped and served...the ones with whom we've laughed and cried and celebrated...the ones with whom we've lingered over a cup of coffee or an early morning breakfast...the ones we've given a swift kick in the pants (when necessary) and the ones for whom we've wholeheartedly cheered. Yes. These kids. Our kids. And every year at this time, something inside begins to hurt, 'cause soon our kids will be flying away. Despite the fact that this is a process we must go through each year, it never gets any easier.
So yes, my heart is feeling somewhat raw...tender...throughout these current days. And while I know I'm not their parent and can't begin to feel the many emotions that their own moms and dads are experiencing, there's still that all-too-familiar ache. Oh, I know our kids are ready. I know God has grand things in store. But nevertheless, I'll be smiling and cheering through tears as I watch them take off and follow God in obedience.
To each of "our" kids ~ know how much we love you!
"My Girls" at our Prom Alternative (May 2007)
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• Feb. 9, 2006
Just catching up...
Oh, it's been a fun (albeit crazy) week! Tomorrow night is the annual Sweetheart Banquet which is sponsored by our youth each February. This banquet for adult couples is always one of the highlights of the year. It serves as an outreach event, so it's always great to host so many guests!
The theme changes each year, and this year the theme is "Bella Notte"...a beautiful Italian evening! The couples will have their pictures taken against a beautiful Venetian mural that was painted by one of our senior girls. It's just so incredible! Not only that, but some of our youth staff created a gondola for the couples to sit in while getting their picture taken...complete with a gondolier!
I love cooking for this event! It's something that God has wired me to do, and it always invigorates me. The menu for the night includes Italian Spinach Dip and Pesto-Roasted Red Pepper Spread with crackers, Italian sodas, fresh spinach salad with cranberries and pecans, crusty bread with garlic butter, lasagna, Italian green beans, raspberry-chocolate cake, and coffee.
Entertainment for the night features our jr. and sr. high youth singing old songs such as "My Guy," "My Girl," and "I Got You, Babe." Dramatic pieces about marriage are woven throughout, and then at the conclusion, my husband will give a devotional/challenge regarding marriage. Our kids will conclude by singing "I Will Be Here."
Needless to say, the week has been filled with final preparations, decorating, shopping, rehearsing, and racing from one thing to the next. However, I'm so overjoyed that God has placed such peace in my heart regarding this year's banquet. In the past, I'd been so prone to work myself into a tizzy and fret about all that needed to be done. But I think perhaps I'm learning to turn my worry into prayer.
We've planned and prepared for this event for so long. But now I'm hearing God whisper to me, "Is your heart prepared, dear one?" After all these years, I think I'm finally learning what it means to exchange my inadequacies for His strength. And He is faithful to fill me with exactly what I need.
Praise God for His strength in my weakness.
