Gingerbread Tea

So many cuties came to play at The Gingerbread Tea!  And Oh the volunteers! Our crew is so widely varied in their talents, but united in their love of giving and serving.  Thank you, everyone!

Praying Mantis

No need for an angel or a star- this guy was included in the price of the tree.

Bible Study Finale Night

Last night the table was set for those sweet Bible Study girls who have journeyed through our Monday night Bible study discussions. We shared amazing food and sat together at a girly banquet like we may not ever do again this side of Glory. Yes, we savored the wisdom of The Word we have shared over the last 11 weeks, but we also got a little ridiculous.

One friend in our bunch is very sporty and understated in her dress. We love her. Early on in our video series we learned that she found the teacher's fashion choices a little outside of her own comfort zone and it had become a highlight of our nights together to see what T. would say about that session's ensemble.

The comedy of all of this was just the perfect counterweight to some of the serious themes of the lessons.  Without telling T., we all dressed up in our own Forever 21-ish outfits and sat at table settings accented with Barbie paperdoll placecards...each with T's head upon it!

The Girls, with T front and center. Note to Texas Friends: These outfits are as sparkly as we get here in NJ!! We Tried!

No Small Thing

It is no small thing that this collection of beautiful friends whose lives have graced mine (some for as long as 40 years!)
has gathered in my living room for just shy of a dozen Mondays this fall, sharing their love of good food and a Good Word. We share an uncommon bond.
Our journey this fall has been quite a ride!
Love you, Girls!

Gingerbread Tea Invitation

Philly friends?  Here is a wonderful event for Philadelphia moms and their Center City children!

Giving Thanks For All Things

My extraordinary friend Sylvia passed around a heaping helping of grace in the form of this Thanksgiving blog post, written by her friend. I am so happy to pass it on to loved ones who have faced unspeakable challenges in this past year.
Sylvia is our church librarian and just being in her company makes me want to think and read more. She not only knows virtually every volume on the shelves, but she reminds her borrowers of their overdue status with tact and kindness....ask me how I know that!
Links to the proclamations mentioned in the link:
Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1863
William Bradford’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1623

This Too Shall Pass

Once upon a time not so long ago, dramatic messes were a daily occurence for this little man. Spills, splats, piles, smears, gold fish transported to the bath tub, important papers snipped with forbidden scissors, brother's baseball in the applesauce.

Thankfully by the fifth blessing my stubborn heart had learned to train with patience, yes; but grab the camera first. 

Because I knew that this too would pass.

                                             And it did.
                     Followed by a fresh season to grow through.


Meeting with precious MOPS mamas tomorrow to remind them of
                        the extraordinary nature of their season.

Baby Visits

Baby visits are just the best!  Today we get to meet Asher and Hope for the first time!  Asher has three big brothers, Hope has three big sisters.  Everyone got just who they wanted. And far-away Samuel is the center of a circle of love in London. My stitching fingers are thankful for nice short names like Zoe. Sweet Magdalen's pretty name barely fit!

Winghaven Schoolhouse Events

View details for next week's history learning station event! Go to winghavenschoolhouse.blogspot.com

emergency preparedness

Harkening back to Hurricane Irene:

We settled in for long stormy night. The little man had gathered his most treasured belongings in case of an emergency:

His Bible

His Sunday School Attendance Certificate

Sundry Sporting Goods

A Portrait of Himself

HomeBodies Unite!

Overheard:

One elderly girlfriend to another, as they rifle through the racks at the thrift store before their lunch date:

"I do not have a complex; I simply choose not to leave the house for months at a time."

Go

"Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!"

{Dr. Seuss, Oh The Places You'll Go}

December IV

A Christmas bonus:

Snow the day after!

Born to bring Hope, we the tools used to redistribute Grace.

December III

Christmas favorites:

Loved ones gathered

to share

food

and worship.

Holding them close

and

sharing sacred moments,

freezing memories,

a waiting line to get into church.

The Light shining brightly in the city.