2014 0r 1814? My Recent Visit to The Grove

I had an opportunity to visit my favorite inn on my way to the beach recently, The Grove Bed and Breakfast in Marion, South Carolina. Dear friends, Denley and Ann Caughman, are the owners of this gorgeous, historical home.

My stay included overnight accommodations in "Miss Annie's" room, which has been redecorated from floor to ceiling in recent months.

Words can't begin to describe the attention to detail. The elegance, the love of history and southern splendor this victorian plantation home exude are a thing to behold.

After a restful night of sleep, my morning began quite early. I wanted to get a few pictures of Denley preparing breakfast. After all, one doesn't eat a meal cooked on a wood stove in the month of August, in the south, in 2014...1814 maybe, but usually not in 2014.

Pictures needed to tell my story...

Denley preparing potatoes

Denley has been cooking on a wood stove as long as I've known him, nearly thirty years. When my children were babies, and he was our pastor, we'd occasionally have breakfast with their family on Saturday morning. It was tradition for him to cook breakfast on the wood stove, in their modern kitchen, in their modern home. A treat indeed.

He has continued his cooking adventures and joined Ann who is an amazing cook.

Many utensils are original to the home

Servant's Kitchen

                                    The Grove is complete with a servant's kitchen where Denley shares his skill of cooking with others. He teaches classes on cooking gourmet dinners on his wood stove.



Did I mention Ann is a good cook? Excellent is a better word. She has the gift of hospitality and also teaches classes on etiquette to local groups. I've learned much from her through the years on elegance and style. She has a way of making friend and foe alike feel comfortable.

Stepping into the servant's kitchen was like going back in time, but the yummy tastes I experienced were timeless.

Timeless...friendships made through Christ.

I spent the night with these dear friends in their home, but also their place of business. They treated me with love and kindness.

Breakfast...as yummy as it looks

A weary traveler can find rest for the night but they can also find rest for the soul. Denley and Ann offer so much more, they offer themselves. This bed and breakfast is an extension of who they are. They are servants of the living God and when you stay with them you experience His presence in a subtle, but felt way.

When I left the next day, I left my burden behind and journeyed on my way.

I can't guarantee the same for you, as far as the shedding of burdens, but I can promise you'll have the finest food, served by the finest people I know. And the inn itself, well, you'll need to visit to understand why I love going.

Please share if you've stayed in a similar place, or maybe you've stayed at The Grove. I'd love to hear your comments.



Cindy

Two Years Later...

Sometimes God takes you around the world to teach you something about Himself...and sometimes He lets others participate.

Some of you may know of my mission work in Russia. I traveled to Ekaterinburg, Russia on two separate occasions in 2010 and 2012. Both were life changing in their own unique way. The latter has had a far reaching impact in my life that continues to this day.

In the months leading up to our departure in 2012, I'd come out of an emotional and heart wrenching year of my dad's illness and death. My children were leaving the nest permanently and my world was changing.

Fear began to send me in a downward spiral into a pit of depression and emotional upheaval. In the midst of all this turmoil, I was leaving my home and family to venture to a foreign land without any close friends, whom I'd traveled with before. Most everyone tried to talk me out of going, but I knew I was supposed to go.

On the other side of the ocean was a young woman I was destined to meet. There was a plan for us and nothing would stand in the way.

Her name is Ksyu. Her American name is Sue. Thirty years separate us in age...if that matters. I think not.

Our group was there to facilitate an English camp. Sue and I met the first night at dinner. I sat across the table from her. She seemed as lonely as I was. I asked her what she liked to do. She said she liked to draw pictures of people.

Sue's drawing of me

By the end of the evening she'd drawn my picture and even in the silence, neither of us were lonely anymore. We had to move to her room an hour or so into the process, the picnic shelter we were meeting in was closing. Several hours later she allowed me to view her work...it took my breath away.

Not only did she capture my face and features, she captured the angst of my heart.

She and I made a connection of the mind and heart that allowed me to share some of my story. In our small group the next day I shared of my broken childhood and family. It also gave me and others a door to share the good news of Jesus.

Our stories. Our lives. Shared.

Relationships born.

Soon after we returned from Russia, Sue made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

Two years later...

Sue and I still talk regularly. One of the interns who was working in Russia while we were there visited our church recently. She reported that Sue is a vital part of the Christian community and has led many to Christ.

Her smile is contagious and there is a sweetness about her that is genuine. She is a light of hope in a dark country where war and rumors of war are crouching at the door.

Yet, she continually asks how she can pray for me and my family. She asks how my children are doing and wants to know how my writing is coming along.

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, 

but also to the interests of others." 

Philippians 2:4 ESV

We hope to see each other again one day and I know we will. Our world is getting smaller and I believe somehow we will meet face to face on American soil.

Sue with her niece

See what I would have missed if I'd let my fears and worries overrule God's plan.

As my pastor preached on Sunday, how many people are we afraid of because they're different? We must take every opportunity to share our lives with the "Sue's" we meet; whether they be in Russia, our schools, churches, playgrounds, grocery stores, ball fields, or wherever you find yourself looking into the face of another.

I learned so much during the summer of 2012. It was the launching pad for my journey of truly learning to trust Him in all things. I'm so hard-headed He had to take me all the way to Russia to get my attention, through a girl named Sue...

She has no idea how much our experience together gave me strength to face the next year of my life.

Simple faith. Shared lives.

Whose life can you make a difference in today? There is a world waiting for you, one life at a time.

Cindy

Friends...Then and Now

There are several writers whose words I love to read. They write from the heart and speak directly to my soul. Sharon Randall, is one of those writers. She has a syndicated column in the Monday edition of my local newspaper each week. I read her words with my tea before I head out for the morning.

A couple of weeks ago, she wrote a story about friendship that made me think. She said this in the article, "Best friendship is like grace...a gift, free and clear. And every day is your birthday."

Nancy-Bottom Right; Me-Right Standing

I've been blessed with wonderful friends in my life from the time I was a little girl. I can remember spending the night with Nancy and giggling until our sides ached. We're still friends and she still makes me laugh. Though miles separate us, we pick up right where we left off when we get together. She is a forever friend from my childhood.

When I moved away from home, I made other lasting friendships. Early in my marriage, there was Mary Beth and Debbie. Each of them taught me valuable lessons and we remain friends. They were there for me through years of infertility. Living in my husband's hometown was difficult in the beginning and yet, they made me feel welcome. Seeing them is like seeing a long lost sister. And of course, my sister-in-law Judy, has and always will be my dearest friend.

There are certain qualities in a friend that come to mind and I thought I'd share those with you. Hopefully, you're as blessed as I have been.

1. A friend will listen first, ask questions only when you're ready to talk.

2. A friend will pray for you and send you scripture text messages.

3. A friend remembers the important days in your life.

4. A friend knows the things about you that trigger sadness...and joy.

5. A friend loves you through every season of your life. She understands your "crankiness from not enough sleep due to being up with babies" through the season of "no sleep due to worry over your children as adults."

6. A friend will tell you you're beautiful, even when you look like yesterday's leftovers.

7. A true friend won't turn their back on you when you disagree on something. They will talk it out, and if forgiveness is needed, they are eager to restore the friendship.

8. A friend knows your favorite foods and brings them when you're sick or sad or just had a very bad day.

9. A true friend cheers your successes...and is there to pick you up in your failures.

10. A friend will let you cry on her shoulder.

11. A friend will always want to do the right thing for you.

12. A forever friend is one you can pick up your conversation with like you just chatted yesterday.

I'm so thankful for my friends, both then and now. God has blessed me with lovely women whom I can trust and who love me for who I am. They encourage me and support me through word and deed. I also love how He's given women of all ages, some older, some younger, to walk this journey with me...what wisdom they've shared and the fun we've had.

Someone told me once, "if you find one good friend, you've found a treasure." I'd say I have a treasure chest of gold, if that statement is true.

The friends I now share my daily life with are the truest kind. They know how to make me laugh till my sides ache. They pray for me and my family and love me unconditionally. They know I'm addicted to chocolate and lattes. They know I love cats and hot tea and flowers. They know this has been the most difficult year of my life and the best year of my life at the same time. They cry with me and have coffee with me and go to writing conferences with me. They send me text messages at the precise time I need them most. Can you tell I have the BEST friends on the planet?

I can't possibly list their names because I would leave someone out and that would break her heart and mine. They know who they are and how much I love them.

I hope you have one friend who loves you unconditionally. My husband always told our children, "to have a friend, you must be a friend." Life would be so lonely without the companionship of female friends.

Me and Nancy-2012

Find someone who shares the same interests as you. He or she may be as lonely as you. Their family may have just moved to the area, as we did many years ago. Your best friend may be sitting in Chick Fil A while her child plays in the play area or on a park bench and all it takes is, "Hey, my name is..."

Friendship...it really is like grace...a gift. Most of us don't deserve the friends we have but we have them anyway. Treasure them and through the fires of life they will become refined. My friendships have become like pure gold to me...more precious as the years have passed.

Who came to mind as you read this post today? Give them a call and let them know you value your relationship.

To my friends then...and now...you are always in my heart!

Blessings from My Little Corner,
Cindy

An Early Christmas...The Unexpected Gift

Christmas has come early for me this year. I wasn't expecting it and that's what makes it so special.

Sometimes the best gifts come from the unexpected, the long forgotten. My gift is coming in the mail. I haven't seen it in forty-plus years.

I know there are people who scoff at Facebook, but for me, it has been a bridge to connect with family and childhood friends who live in other states. When I married, I moved away from my hometown, and eventually from our home state of West Virginia to the beautiful state of South Carolina. We've been in South Carolina nearly 29 years. But I digress...

As I was scrolling through Facebook, I came across the picture of someone who'd recently joined. I recognized her face immediately. I sent a friend request, and she responded with a lovely private message.

The next morning, I awakened to another message from her telling me she had something of mine from when we were about eleven or twelve years old. She wanted to know if I would like to have it back, that she would be happy to send it to me. She said she'd kept it all these years hoping to find me one day.

Wait till I tell you what it is...if you've been reading my blog for any length of time you know I'm a sentimental sap so it couldn't get any better than this.

Are you ready?

She has a Bible that was given to me by my parents. She said I'd loaned it to her when she went to church with me. Now for some, that may not seem like anything special, but for me, there couldn't be a better gift.

I've spent the last several months in counseling, finally learning how to grieve losing a mother to cancer at the age of fifteen. Many things happened to me that prevented the grieving process. The anniversary of her death is approaching in a few days. To receive this most precious childhood Bible during this season of my life is truly a gift from heaven.

Losing a parent at Christmas is difficult, having a Bible returned at Christmas is a gift I will cherish.

Having a friend that cared enough to keep it all these years is even more amazing. As someone recently said to me, "tears are my only response."

How can you bless someone this Christmas with the unexpected? It doesn't have to cost much, or anything at all. It can be a gift of time or talent. The best gifts come from the heart and cannot be measured in dollars and cents.

My gift is priceless, and one I'll remember for many years to come, as well as the giver.

Christmas Blessings,
Cindy

Enjoy the Fall, There's Beauty in the Waiting

Isn't this a beautiful time of year? A season of thanksgiving, change, a season of waiting. We rush past the fall holidays to get to Christmas and then complain about where time went. I love the fall and would stay in this season, but then after awhile it would become mundane and unappreciated. God knew what He was doing when He gave us brief periods to enjoy the unfolding and wonder of His creation.

You could say I'm in the "Fall" of my life ... a time of change, a time of waiting.

When you're raising your family you think they'll be little forever, the laundry will never be caught up and the sports events on your calendar will never end. They do. There was always a project to be done and field trips to drive for and spelling words to call out ... oh, the spelling words, would they ever end? They did.

Then they go to high school and the subjects get more difficult and relationships get more complicated and you think to yourself, "parenting is so hard sometimes." But, you look at the children God gave you, and you know you're blessed beyond belief.

While they were "littles" you made friends in the carpool line and class parties, never dreaming they'd be lifelong friends. Now you share with them over dinner and talk about grandchildren and weddings, jobs and relationships. But your life is still wrapped up in the ones you hold dear to your heart.

God has been good in the waiting ... in the fall of my life. As my babies have launched and are making a life away from me, there's still time left for me as the leaves change.

My neighbor and I, at my previous house, would chat as we watered our flowers. Andy and Bailey were preschoolers at the time. She was a precious woman, but she would fuss about "little old ladies" and their driving habits. She could not understand why they drove the way they did ... and did I mention she was 75 years of age at the time?!!

As I was walking recently I saw this beautiful tree. The leaves on the inside were still bright green, vibrant, while the leaves on the outside had turned red. It won't be long before they'll be on the ground or swept in a pile.  It reminded me of my neighbor. She saw herself as young on the inside ... much the way I feel. Winter had already arrived for her, but inside, she still felt young and vibrant, not ready to let go of life.

Whatever season of life you're in is a season to live fully. Embrace the gifts you've been given and share with those around you. There's beauty in the changing of the seasons.

The month of November is a perfect time to begin to practice loving with a thankful heart. Embrace your children, regardless of age, and seize the moments.

Change is coming. You can't slow it down, but you can make memories they'll take with them when they go that last a lifetime.

As for me, I'll continue writing in the waiting...

Have a blessed November,
Cindy

My Weekend of Worship at Allume 2013

Have you ever had an expectation of something and then your world was rocked when the expectation was met and replaced by the extravagant?

Ministries represented

That's what Allume was for me this past weekend.

Allume is a blogging conference, held in Greenville, South Carolina. This was the inaugural year for Greenville and I would say it was a success based on the smiles and comments of the 450 women who attended. I had the privilege of going with a dear friend and we were blown away by the experience.

My roomie and friend, Jerijo

Christian blogging has morphed into this community of writers with the purpose of intentional ministry of touching lives around the world, not only with words, but with their very lives.

Women writers in particular, have traveled with organizations such as Compassion International to third world countries where they've been compelled to begin ministries to meet needs in the most hurting parts of our world.

We were given opportunities during the conference to work on mission projects, not only with our hands, but with our hearts. More specifically, we were given tools and links to inform and educate through our blogs. We were challenged to be lights in a dark world, to use our voices for those who can't speak for themselves ... the hungry, the ones who are enslaved in human trafficking, the orphans, the widows and the homeless. The list is numerous because as time goes on, we become a people who are needier, and it would seem, more hopeless.

But, the good news is, we have a bigger God. He is not taken by surprise. He knows every need ... every child ... every person enslaved ... every hungry stomach needing to be filled, and He is calling us to make a difference.

Reuniting with sweet friend Robin

Every person reading my blog, especially if you live in the United States of America, has access to charities and ministries that can make a difference. Get involved in your community and do something. There's a hungry child waiting somewhere for you ... an abused child waiting for you to get involved ... a homeless child longing for a place to lay her head ... will you be the one to give her hope?

In the upcoming weeks and months I'll be writing about some of the ministries I learned about this past weekend. One of those ministries is The Exodus Road, founded by a young couple who moved to Calcutta, India with their two children. You can go to this website, www.theexodusroad.com for more information. On a future post, I'll put up a link of an actual rescue video. As they provide me with information, I'll pass it along to keep you informed with ways you can help them save lives. There are success stories that need to be told.

It's exciting to know God is working through ordinary men and women to accomplish His purposes around the world. It just takes a willing heart.

My little corner of the world has always been mission minded but after this weekend, it got a little bigger. I pray yours will too!

Blessings from My Little Corner,
Cindy

Time For Tea Anyone?

This summer has been a whirlwind for me. I have no idea where the days and weeks have gone but alas, my favorite time of year is approaching. I am crazy about the autumn months. Thoughts of curling up with a book and something warm to drink dance in my head. I'm all about making time for friends over tea or coffee. Unfortunately, our society isn't wired this way anymore.

One of the pleasantries of living in the old south was the practice of hospitality. Life was hard. They needed one another so relationships were of value. I love the ritual of daily tea time when there was a dedicated time of slowing, of visiting with neighbors. There were many things I abhor about the old south but they did get a few things right. While my ancestors did not originate here, I've adopted some of the practices into my home and made them my own. (I also recognize there were other practices in other parts of our great country. I just happen to live in the south.)

Recently, I was invited to the home of one of my closest friends for an afternoon Tea Tasting. We were presented with several different kinds of teas, set out in her beautiful dining room. As we drank from dainty china teacups, I imagined ladies a century ago doing the same. Though their clothing may have looked a little different and possibly their homes were a little different, their conversation probably centered around the same topics as ours–children, school, church and personal issues. I doubt that the deepest concern of the day was the weather, although it could have been if their crops weren't doing well.

Tea Tasting at Kim's (Third from left)

Women need each other...then and now. We need the community of friendship. My friend Kim, who hosted the gathering is busy planning her daughter's wedding, just sent another daughter off to the U.S. Marine Corps, and was preparing to return to her teaching job, yet found the time to plan this lovely afternoon. She not only nourished our bodies, she nourished our souls as well.




As we sat in the cool of her dining room sipping tea, sharing our lives, there was a sweetness, a blending of hearts that took place.

Time...we all have the same amount. We choose how we're going to use it.

So how will you spend your time as the Autumn months trek toward us? Will you be tailgating in a football stadium somewhere? Don't go alone...find another family to invite. Maybe you'll make a trip to the mountains wherever you live. A bonfire with smores is always a fun activity in the fall. Rake a pile of leaves for your children to jump into. Invite your neighbors over; get to know the people who live next to you. The opportunities are endless. We have so much for which to be thankful and family and friends are at the top of my list.

Slow down, smell the coffee, or the leaves, or whatever your neck of the woods is famous for. Your children are only babies once; trust me, they do remember and they will remind you regularly. Our fondest memories are of the simple things–backyard cookouts with our neighbors, climbing trees, playing in the sandbox, homemade ice cream, a community of friendship. Don't let time slip away from you.

Our afternoon of tea tasting made memories for all of us. People are worth the investment of our time whether it's the nineteenth century or the present. Hospitality never goes out of style, hoop skirts maybe, but never extending an invitation to deepen a friendship.

If you'll excuse me, I hear the tea kettle whistling.

Blessings from My Little Corner,
Cindy

Laughter In A Rainy Season

We went to Greenville for dinner last night with some dear friends. As is our custom, we were deciding on a restaurant on the drive up there, mingled in with conversation, and before you knew it we were cruising down Main Street...a very busy Main Street. Everyone decided to get out and enjoy the beautiful, balmy night with nary a drop of rain.

We finally decided on a lovely restaurant on the water, made a quick reservation while we were walking and casually strolled in to be seated. We requested outdoor seating since it was so nice outside and were taken to our table by the hostess. She placed large black menus on the white linen tablecloths, our first and second indications of things to come.

We were giddy with excitement...until we opened our menus and looked at the prices. All of a sudden, as our eyes popped open, it wasn't as fun anymore. Someone, who shall remain nameless, said, "y'all wanna leave?" Well, I hate getting up and leaving, but I sure didn't want to pay those prices either...I am rather frugal. So...we politely lay our big, black menus back down on the white linen tablecloths and walked out.



Mother's Day
This makes me laugh

Then my friend and I ran...yes, we ran out of sight. We looked like two teenagers who'd just egged a house or car on Halloween...and then we laughed and laughed. Our husbands casually strolled along because, you know, men are macho. I hope you're picturing this with me because it was hilarious. We finally found a restaurant and had money left over for coffee...the cure for whatever ails you!

The Bible says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 NASB

I was in dire need of some of that kind of medicine. My spirit has been feeling a little broken lately and laughter is just what it needed. It was the kind of real, belly laughter that I've needed. I've also met some new friends through writing that have given me encouragement lately. God always seems to meet our need right where we are, when we need it. I hope you can find someone to laugh with this weekend. People are hurting everywhere...laughter is cheap medicine but it can do a world of good.

I'll remember last night for many years to come as a night of letting go and having fun. In the midst of a dark world, God has given laughter and joy as medicine. Go spread some joy this weekend.

Blessings from My Little Corner,
Cindy



My Tribute...The Greatest Of These Is Love

There is a special woman who lives on a busy corner in West Virginia with a wonderful man by her side. Once upon a time many years ago that corner wasn't so busy and there was a beautiful woman who would push her baby in a stroller around that corner. At least that's what I've been told. You see, I was the baby in the stroller and the special woman who lives in the little house on the corner would come to know the beautiful woman pushing me.

The story never gets old to me...the first time she saw my mother pushing me in my stroller. It's a connection between the two most important women in my life and me. One gave birth to me and loved me until the age of fifteen and the other who took over from there.


They came to be best friends. Her name is Wilma. My mom's name was Juanita, but they called each other "Sally." As the story is told to me, Wilma says, "I had never laid eyes on a more beautiful woman, and because I lived on a corner, I went from window to window watching her walk around the corner." Well, what daughter doesn't want to hear how beautiful her mother is? Wilma said she had to meet this beauty and discovered she lived close by. A friendship was born. They eventually began attending the same church and grew very close.

The Bible says a lot about love and friendship. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay one's life down for one's friend." John 15:13 NIV Wilma is one of those people who doesn't like attention brought to herself...the mark of a humble servant of God. She answered the call in the deepest way a friend could possibly do, with a servant's heart.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was five years old and my brother was only a baby. As close friends often do, Wilma was there for us. She cooked. She cleaned. She ironed my dad's shirts. She did whatever needed to be done...for ten years. Most friends would have wearied and fallen by the wayside, but she didn't. She was my mom's hands and feet when she couldn't care for her family. When my mom couldn't eat because of the horrible affects of chemotherapy, Wilma figured out what she could eat and made sure it was on the stove when she returned from her treatments. In the seventies, chemo wasn't readily available where we lived so she had to travel to Morgantown, West Virginia, which was four hours away. This caused an extra hardship for my dad who was already under a tremendous amount of stress. Her help was immeasurable.

Sadly, my mom lost her battle at 38 years of age, leaving behind a grieving husband, a 15 year old daughter and an 11 year old son.

My high school graduation

Wilma quietly stepped in to do whatever she could to help me. In the beginning, it was lunch at her house. I walked from my high school, one block, to the most scrumptious lunches, prepared by loving hands...every day. The commitment this took humbles me. She would slip money into my pocket, not much, just enough to get a Coke or a pair of hose for church. The most important thing she did was listen...and talk about my mom. She told me stories of their friendship, of their "Lucy and Ethel" moments. I got to know my mom as a woman. She was well and whole, not sick, in her stories. What a gift she gave me.

Andy, Wilma and Bailey at Mom's grave
Wilma has decorated her grave for 38 years

As that first Mother's Day approached...the first one I would live through as an orphan...for that is the way I have always viewed myself, I stood in a card shop weeping. Something caught my eye and I knew what I must do. The card read, "You're Like A Mother To Me"...and so since Mother's Day of 1975 I have honored this woman with a card, for she is worthy, and I know my mother would agree.

She has honored their friendship by doing what most people would only do for a couple of years but she has blessed me for 38 years. She and her equally wonderful husband have been there for me through all the stages of my life...graduation, marriage, babies, deaths, and everything in between. We have aged together. When I go home, it is to their home I return and they greet me with open arms. She even waited up for me when I was home last summer for my class reunion. Throughout the years, they have modeled for me and my family what marriage, faithfulness, contentment and a servant's heart are all about. There are no finer people, in my opinion, on any little corner, anywhere in the world.

They have a son, daughter-in-law, two grandsons and their wives, and two great-grandchildren that they adore and yet they've found room in their hearts for my children. I can't say enough good things about the love and respect their children, grandchildren, and the community have for them for they inspire greatness.

I'm so blessed she was looking out the window that day on her little corner. I can't imagine what my life would have been like without them in it.

Happy Mother's Day Wilma! I love you!

Blessings from My Little Corner to yours,
Cindy

P.S. I have searched and searched for pictures of the "Sally's" together but I don't have any. My mom didn't like her picture made. She thought she wasn't pretty anymore because of the affects of the chemo, so there are very few pictures of her. Sad isn't it? Wilma has some of them at a younger age but because this is a surprise I couldn't get them. Maybe when I'm home again I'll borrow them and post later. Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Pictures Tell Our Story

What do we do with memories? Well, if you're like me you store them in your heart and draw upon them when a sight or smell beckons your attention...or maybe an occasion such as a wedding or funeral bring certain memories flooding back. Pictures also have a way of taking us back in time. How many people have you heard make the statement "If my house catches on fire I'm going for my pictures first?" I know I've said it. Pictures are priceless...just ask someone who couldn't get to theirs and I'm sure they'll tell you how much they're worth.

My heart is full from this past weekend as memories of little ones, now grown, are preparing to get married. I wanted to share a story from part of my life through pictures. I had the privilege of co-hosting a Bridal Luncheon at the Swan Coach House in downtown Atlanta. All we needed was a carriage and pumpkin to make the fairytale complete. It was a magical afternoon. The bride's mother and I have been friends for twenty-six years. She is like the sister I never had so her daughters are very special to me.

Very soon she will be a "Mrs"...the youngest of our four children, and so I remember...the years of watching her and her sister grow up with my children. The bonds they share, the memories... and I cry, because that's what I do when my heart is happy. I know she's found her Mr. Right who will love her as unconditionally as is humanly possible, for he has shown himself worthy...and she will do the same.

Her parents will give her away...and they will cry...and life will go on. We have them for such a short time and then it's time to let them go and then move into a new phase of life. It's God's plan for us AND for them.

But for this weekend, we gathered with all her favorite females. We ate yummy food, and took lots of pictures, for this particular group of women will never be assembled together, just like this, ever again. Her aunt, who is a missionary in Africa, was with us. In fact, her grandmother had both her daughters, and all three granddaughters for the weekend. I think she was glowing. Did I say we took lots of pictures?!!

Pictures record the moment, but more importantly, they remind us of our history, capturing moments to be held in our hearts long after the sweet tea and chicken salad is gone.                   
                                                                                             
This post is written in honor of my friendship with Lori, a friend whom I can count on through the ups and downs of life. She has been there in everything from the adoption and arrival of my daughter, to the death and burial of my dad. I can count on her godly advice and loving tears of sisterhood in any situation. She loves her girls and would lay her life down for either of them. What an example of a godly mother she has set for them as Emily begins her life as Mrs. Cody, the same example her mother set before her. I love you Emily, and pray God's blessings on your marriage!

Blessings,
Cindy

p.s. Now a little walk down memory lane if you will indulge me please...

Bride-Elect - Emily and Mother of the Bride - Lori 

 

The Package

I went to my mailbox one day this week and there was a package stuffed inside. I pried it out, excited to see who the sender might be. I immediately recognized the return name and address and tore it open.

Inside the package was a note from a dear friend and a lovely gift of tea. She simply said she'd been reading my blog, saw the tea and thought of me.

It goes much deeper than that. She is a person who has spent her life investing in people. I began to reminisce, and as I often do, took a walk down memory lane.

I'm going to use her first name, I don't think she'd mind. Kit began a Bible study for women in her home when my children were very young. Andy had just started preschool and Bailey was still at home. There were several young mothers like me but some older women came as well. What a wonderful mixture of women to come together once a week to study the scriptures. Kit opened her home showing hospitality through the serving of tea and baking of homemade breads and cakes. She poured her life into ours, loving us as Christ loves His Church. She mentored that little group of women until God called her and her husband to a larger ministry in another country.

That package triggered thoughts of my own spiritual journey and Kit's investment in my life. Just as she poured tea and the Bread of Life into me each week, it made me think, am I pouring myself into others? Am I investing myself in people instead of wasting it in things that are temporal?

We all tend to be selfish at times but real joy comes from investing in others. John 15:16-17 says: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit...fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.

I think Kit has loved well. I am one of her fruit and I know many others who would say the same. She continues to bear fruit long after she has moved away. My children come behind me and they are the fruit of her as well. Who will you invest yourself in today?


Cindy

Saturday This and That...

I'm one of those strange people that love rain so I was happy to wake up this morning to the sound of it as I let my sweet kitty in the house. My morning ritual began with puttering in the kitchen, Bible study, feeding cats and making tea.

I follow several blogs and as I was reading www.coffeeteabooksandme.blogspot.com I came across a link that I'm going to share for all the Downton Abbey fans, and I know there are several out there. My friends alone will make a mad dash to this site. I'm still new at blogging so here goes www.downtonabbeycooks.com.

I think we're all in mourning this week as we tuned in to the final episode of our favorite show. If you're like me you're thinking it's much too long till the next season.

I love tea, teacups, teapots, books...anything associated with the ritual of tea. There is something refined and eloquent in the ritual of tea. I love its simplicity. It requires one to sit and slow down for you can't be in a hurry and hold a teacup. We are in too much of a hurry in our world today. We don't know how to slow down and rest...to be still and know.

That's why I love tea...it forces me to stop, to be still for at least a little while before my day begins and be still...and maybe Someone can speak to me, if I will listen.

Have a wonderful Saturday!
Cindy