Update: This little story was originally posted on 6/21/2010...but as today was a rainy day, and I really didn't have anything "new" to say, this just spoke to me again...so I thought I'd share it with you! It's summertime, and perhaps this may give you some ideas for a fun way to spend an afternoon with some young ladies or even friends and neighbors...do something a little different and fun...and perhaps you will discover some "kindred spirits" nearby! Enjoy!!
Original Post:
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
Sometimes God provides pleasant interludes in our lives from unexpected places and people. During one of our more difficult places of ministry, there was one young lady in particular who was what would I would classify as a “Kindred Spirit”, which means that we shared similar likes and thoughts and dreams. "Kristi" and I shared an interest in the “Anne of Green Gables” series that had been shown on television at that time. My particular interest in this character was due to the fact that I had actually been named after “Anne”. My mother had read “Anne of Avonlea” when she was a young girl, and had always liked the name Anne (spelled with an “e” on the end) and the character, who happened to be a redhead. I also happened to be born a redhead, and thus my mother named me “Pamela Anne” after “Anne of Avonlea".So one summer afternoon I thought it would be a great idea to have an “Anne of Green Gables” party. I invited Kristi and a couple of her college friends (Crista and Lily) to come over to our home and watch the video and have a tea party much like the one in the story. We had a delightful afternoon, complete with “Raspberry Cordial” (not the alcoholic kind that was in the story, since I was the Pastor's wife, and these girls were all underage...that would not have been "proper"), butter cookies topped with raspberry jam, muffins, fruit, and of course, tea, which was served with the inherited Nanny Martin’s “Romance China” tea set and I used crystal goblets for the raspberry cordial.
We laughed and giggled together just like I was "one of the girls", which was especially nice for me as I don't have any daughters and had not had a real tea party since I was a little girl with my big sister way back "in the olden days". I believe the girls enjoyed it just as much as I did, at least they made me feel like they did. Although I sadly have lost contact with Kristi, (UPDATE: I have since located "Kristi"...she still lives in that same area, is happily married and the mother of two sons! No little girls for tea parties for her either!) one of the other young ladies, Crista, has remained a special friend throughout the years because of my friendship with her parents, and is one of my facebook friends yet today! (Update: Crista is also happily married, and the mother of two sons and a girl! I hope she has had some tea parties with her sweet Sarah! I'm sure she has!) That is an added blessing!
Thank you Lord, for “Kindred Spirits” sent to minister to our hearts in special ways. Most of all, I thank you for Your Holy Spirit, sent to minister to my heart in special ways every day. Amen.
I still remember that day, Pam. It was alot of fun. When I saw the title Kindred Spirit, I had to read the note. : ) Another friend of mine, whom I would consider a lifetime friend also loved that movie. We quoted whole sections of it to each other in our notes to each other (we both had fathers who worked for the government). Since we both liked so many of the same things, and had so much in common with each other (down to the fathers who had jobs that required alot of moving), we called each other bosom friends and kindred spirits. She passed away last summer from breast cancer that metastisized to her brain and then went to a part of her brain that controls breathing. I have to tell you that the other night, I watched the Anne of Green Gables sequel movie (another of our favorites) and just sobbed and sobbed as I watched it, thinking of her. I love the line in the movie that says, "Good friends are always there in spirit," and I like to imagine her enjoying heaven, but also looking down on those of us she left behind. I am definitely looking forward to one day being reunited with my kindred spirit!
ReplyDeleteDear Sweet Crista, Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts with me today...I was hoping that you would see this post. I remember reading in your facebook last year when your dear friend passed away, but I was not aware of the uniqueness of your friendship with her. I do believe that "good friends are always there in spirit", and I am sure she was right there watching that movie with you the other night, laughing along at the fun parts, and sobbing through the sad. The wonderful thing about having Christian friends is that we have all of eternity to enjoy being together...where time will never run out!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Crista...another of my "kindred spirits".
I love this story as I am particularly fond of "tea parties." One of my favorite cookbooks is "a Tea For All Seasons" by Shelley and Bruce Richardson of the Elmwood Inn. I used to visit the inn for a proper English tea. It's closed now but I still go for tea in Mount Dora whenever I can. (Not on my diet right now.) You and I shall have to visit a tea room soon.
ReplyDeleteThat would be such fun, Rhonda. I wish we could!! I miss you!
DeleteI truly feel that we are Kindred Spirits! Thank you so much for your sweet words about my post yesterday, but most of all for your precious prayers! <3
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Debbie. Yes, we are kindred spirits...in many ways. I do love owls too, you know!! And yes, we are here to pray for one another and lift each other up when one is down. So thankful for you and all our dear friends here in bloggy land!!
DeleteHi Pamela, I always think of my online friends as "Kindred Spirits" and love Anne of Green Gables (I have watched the DVDs so many times) and the series Avonlea. When my granddaughter was young (she's now the mother of 4 boys) we would watch all the time and always wished we were able to go to Prince Edward Island. Have a day of blessings my friend.
ReplyDeleteOh, Toni! I knew you were a "Kindred Spirit" too! Wouldn't it be fun to go to PEI and see Anne's house? Someday maybe we will! Thank you for being one of my "bosom friends" (as Anne and Diana would say!). blessings to you today.
DeleteI am an Anne fan too and have been to Prince Edward Island and her home,Lovers Lane, the Haunted woods, etc. and the beach several times. I would love to live there because it is so gorgeous. We drove up from NJ.. 18 hours by car but worth the trip.
ReplyDeleteI am a kindred spirit I think and of the 'tribe of Joseph" as Lucy Maud's best friend would say.
I loved this post so much.
Pam, Thank you for sharing this again. Kindred spirits are quite an amazing find. These memories you shared here are precious.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!