Church Ladies Strut Their Stuff!

4 church lady friends, Annette,Cis,Jan

I just returned from our latest event at church that was titled a decadent dessert evening to celebrate valentine's day; of course, prior to dessert, we enjoyed varied chilis & soups. Sarah shopped, decorated, had the place looking so "spiffy". There were 3 beautifully decorated tables laden with mouth watering desserts, the "slap your grandma" kind, those that were presented in lovely dishes that you could only stand 1 or 2 bites of or you would go into cardiac arrest or we would have to had a sleepover from everyone falling asleep from sugar overload. Everyone tonight was walking around the table gazing, oohing, aahing, carrying on over these "beauties" similar to seeing a newborn baby & thinking about that moment when they could pick up their plates & choose their selections. Absolutely Heavenly - (no pun intended)!  I know I put just a little more effort into dishes that I am going to take to church socials, then keep my eyes & ears open to see if anyone might notice my humble offering/s, because we have so many great cooks including some of the men.

Church ladies can cook! I attended a bereavement meal last week at St. Joe where 3 large tables were laden with food for this large family. The lady who chaired the event was telling me how proud she was because everyone just brought whatever they chose to, yet they had such a wonderful variety. I recalled the various times when Trinity has served these meals and I have thought to myself, this is such a wonderful meal that surely anyone in this family who doesn't go to church will join here next week!  Meats, casseroles, salads, vegetables, pies, cakes, iced tea, coffee; I tell you "Southern Living" has nothing on us! Plus, afterward, we get the pleasure of sitting around & getting to eat & visit with each other!! What fellowship & joy divine.

Dining & fellowshipping with my special friends at Trinity brings me contentment & joy. I am the type who likes to "table hop". I love to know what's going on in everyone's life, especially what brings them joy in life & in the Lord. Many have been friends for many years, some for only a short time, yet, those who gather around the table/s at Trinity are especially delightful; (there's always an exception, of course - there's going to always be someone who doesn't like you I'm sorry to say) even in the house of God. While this isn't a pleasant thing, God knows my heart as well as theirs & so the matter will be left in His tender, loving care. How could someone not be special to your life when you know they pray for you as I know my TUMC friends do?

Food is mentioned several times in the Bible, of course, & associated with joyous occasions. Church ladies, Mary &  Martha, almost had a falling out over the preparation of it until Jesus "straightened" them out. I can't help but think our Lord smiles when he sees his children gathered around tables, hears the chatter, laughter, joy & thinks to Himself, do you have any idea what is ahead for you when we all gather around the great banquet table together one day - no fear, envy, strife, sickness, death (& girls, no more cooking)! Thank you, Lord, for all these casserole queens, as my blogger teacher, Annette, call us; & thanks for any excuse (including valentine's day) to celebrate & give THANKS in the house of the One responsible for it all!