Good Saturday Morning Friends! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far. As I write this, it is only 6:30 a.m., so I guess it's still too soon to tell how "wonderful" the weekend will be...but I anticipate it being terrific...no matter what comes my way! So There! Take That! Praise God!
(I think I'm feeling better!! And yes, that is true...so Praise God, indeed! Prayers are being answered! Thank you for praying, and thank YOU, Jesus, for answering!!
So, moving right along...I totally missed yesterday being Friday Foto Friends...but I was busy ALL day, and it was a happy busy.
Our women's group at our church sponsored a "May Fellowship Day" for all ladies in our church and community. We invited women from other churches to join us for a morning of fellowship and good food and inspiration. The theme for the event was:
Everyone was given one of these nice bags, and it had a few little goodies inside.
One thing I thought was extremely clever was this "foldable hand fan"
It came in this tiny little package:
And when you pull it out of the pouch it opens up into this wonderful fan:
What a great idea! And then you just scrunch it back up and put it back in the pouch and you can carry it in your purse very easily so you have it ready for whenever you might need a fan in a hurry to get rid of those hot flashes!! And I LOVE the verse on it too. What a wonderful reminder wherever we go!
Our guest speaker was a pastor's wife from one of our area churches, and she shared her own personal testimony of living in fear and darkness as a child and young adult because of the abuse she had suffered as a child. It took her many years, even after becoming a Pastor's wife, to totally let go of the fear and darkness and learn to walk "in the light" of Jesus Christ...by totally giving each new day to God and allowing His Light to shine in her and starting out fresh every new day. It was a powerful testimony of God's love and grace, and we were all touched and blessed by the message.
She also shared this song with us and gave us each a copy of the lyrics
rolled up like a scroll or a diploma, as a way of reminding each of us that we don't have to live in darkness or fear. When we allow Christ's light to illuminate the darkness in our hearts we are set free from the fear and anxiety, and can walk in freedom and peace.
It's a powerful message, and so I've shared the song with you here below, along with the words so you can sing along:
Let The Light In by Joshua Micah
I've been living inside this house
The walls I built myself
With all these different thoughts running through my mind
You've been knocking at the door again
It's been a while since I've opened it
And all You really want is this heart of mine
So why am I hesitating?
What am I trying to hide?
And why do I keep on waiting
When I know what's on the other side?
It's time to let the light in, let the light in
Why don't we break the silence, break the silence
'Cause I've been one foot out, one foot in
I think it's time, I think it's time to let the light in
Open my heart to feel
The only love I know that's real
I want Your voice of truth to be the loudest sound
Thought I was safe here in the dark
But now I know I can trust Your heart
Lord, all I really want is Your presence now (ooh)
It's time to let the light in, let the light in
Why don't we break the silence, break the silence
'Cause I've been one foot out, one foot in
I think it's time, I think it's time to let the light in
Let the light in
Shine on the darkest parts
Illuminate my heart
Freedom is where You are
Let the light in
You've been knocking at the door again
It's been a while since I've opened it
And all you really want is this heart of mine (heart of mine)
It's time to let the light in, let the light in
Gotta let the light in then break the silence, break the silence
'Cause I've been one foot out, one foot in (I'll never be the same, oh yeah)
I think it's time, I think it's time to (Lord, open my heart and)
Let the light in
Shine on the darkest parts
Illuminate my heart
Freedom is where You are
Lord, open my heart and let the light in
Shine on the darkest parts
Illuminate my heart
Freedom is where You are
Lord, open my heart and let the light in
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Adam Young / Bryan Fowler / Joshua Orbea / Micah Kuiper
Let The Light In lyrics © Essential Music Publishing
After her powerful message we shared some other things, like this fun little poem that I think we can all identify with:
And then it was time to eat! And you know how ladies and their luncheons are...always too much to eat and yet so much deliciousness you can't pass up a single thing:
This was the dessert table, but I took this picture actually before all the goodies were there...by the time we sat down to eat, it was filled with even MORE good stuff!
I assure you no one went home hungry!
And everything looked so lovely...these are a few pictures taken while we were still gathering before the program started...
Ladies visiting and enjoying some sweet fellowship...
A few of my favorite people...
This is one of my dearest friends and her daughter:
And our sweet Pastor's Wife and Music/worship leader...
And our lovely organist/pianist and dear friend whom Lily calls "Auntie Opal":
And below on the right is my sweet daughter in law Rose (with her back to us). I was SO happy she was free from work and able to join me for the day. It wasn't really a "Mother-Daughter" event per se', but it's always so nice when you can have a 'daughter' be with you for such an event. That is a gift I've not been able to enjoy before, being the mother of three sons and no daughters, but Rose is like the daughter I never had, and so now God has blessed me with her and I am so thankful.
Somehow I didn't get myself in any pictures this time, which is just fine with me. But I wanted to share with you what I wore to this event:
That skirt...not the hat, although I would love to have worn a hat such as that, but I would have been the only one there with a hat, and that would be just too conspicuous for even me...just wearing this flowered flouncy skirt was daring enough...
I've had this skirt for over 2 years, and I've only worn it once to a private little tea party with a friend. I LOVE the skirt, but I tend to be a conservative traditional dresser...I find I wear too much black (slacks) with solid color tops or muted designs...I'm afraid of drawing too much attention to myself because of what I am wearing...and yet inside of me is this person who longs to wear colorful, comfortable, flowing summery dresses with wide brimmed flowered hats...to be that old fashioned and yet free spirit...
I think it comes from my many years of being a Pastor's Wife and being super self-conscious of the image I must project all the time and not allowing myself to be "me". Now there is good wisdom in being conscientious and conservative, especially if you are in a position of influence in a conservative environment where your every movement, thought, and emotion is scrupulously monitored by others, who by the way, are free to be themselves, but they just dare you or your children to act like they do or to be anything other than what they perceive your position dictates that you should be in their minds...
It's a tough position to be in, trust me. That's why so many preacher's kids go astray...the pressure is just too much.
But even like the message of the song above,
"I've been living inside this house
The walls I built myself
With all these different thoughts running through my mind
You've been knocking at the door again
It's been a while since I've opened it
And all You really want is this heart of mine
So why am I hesitating?
What am I trying to hide?
And why do I keep on waiting
When I know what's on the other side?...
It's time to let the light in, let the light in
Gotta let the light in then break the silence, break the silence
'Cause I've been one foot out, one foot in (I'll never be the same, oh yeah)
I think it's time, I think it's time to (Lord, open my heart and)
Let the light in
Shine on the darkest parts
Illuminate my heart
Freedom is where You are
Lord, open my heart and let the light in"
How did I get to that last paragraph from talking about what skirt I wore to the luncheon? Well, I don't know, but it's something that's going on inside of me. I will tell you this, I felt freer in my spirit yesterday than I had for a long time. And I felt better physically and mentally than I have for a long time as well, praise God! And, well, maybe something is being set free in me...more than just being afraid to wear my flowered flouncy skirt in public...maybe it's being set free to let my light shine...to "be the light" in the darkness...to spread the light to others...Yeah, just maybe that's it...
Okay, friends...that's all for today. I need to get dressed in something simple to go out and run some errands and enjoy this day with my hubby...and maybe spread some more light around...
Have a blessed and beautiful Mother's Day weekend...even if motherhood is not something you have particularly enjoyed or had the blessing of...share the light of Christ with others...spread some joy wherever you go...be the light in the darkness of someone else's day today. Put on your flowered skirt and/or hat and enjoy this day that God has made!!
Good post my friend! Our Sunday School lesson plan this week will be "A Choice To Rejoice" [Philippians 1:12-19] and it ties in with your thoughts and experiences on how to live! This all connects with what I was praying about this morning. Thank you for sharing 'cause I have lived through a season of darkness and pain from the abuse from my adopted Father. I tend to draw back away from other instead of getting close. And I also "worry" about my appearance, words and actions because more than anything I represent Christ. Sometimes I feel like I'm under a microscope. I never want to turn someone away from the Gospel by anything I do. I'm not complaining because I want to be on the Front Lines for the Gospel. It's just nice to know others understand these feelings too.
ReplyDeleteGod bless and have a WONDERFUL, joyfilled weekend!!
Blessings.
Sparky XX
More and more as I hear others' stories about abuse and extreme hardships early in life I understand Jesus teaching about children...so many special references to being humble like a child; or this one: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." Matthew 18:6 I don't believe God will be too tolerant of those abusers and harmful influences... the damage they do to children is so deep and intense...and yet, Christ is able to redeem us from our sorrows and darkness...those who have been hurt...and perhaps even those who did the hurting if they truly repent...I'm glad I'm not the judge. With God there is mercy for the sinner who repents...and also much compassion for those who were locked in anguish and despair because of their tormentors. I pray for "children" everywhere, that they will find peace and hope and even joy in Christ Jesus our Lord. You are a beautiful witness for God's grace and love. Never let others or the past keep you from shining for Jesus. He has redeemed you and given you a new name, that you may glorify Him with the beautiful life He has given you. I, for one, am so glad you are here.
DeleteWhat a fun post to read. Very uplifting and encouraging! I'll wear my favorite blue shirt tomorrow and enjoy my special day! Happy Mother's day!
ReplyDeleteOh, would love to see a picture of you in your "favorite blue shirt"!! I do hope you have a blessed and beautiful Mother's Day, doing exactly what you enjoy doing most.
DeleteWow! What a powerful song and an even more powerful message from YOU! I am the same way. I often hide my true self because I don't want to draw attention to myself. I do think being the wife of a pastor/chaplain has helped shaped the "who I am" in life. Seeing this --I am going to order a dress I have been eyeing online thinking--oh-maybe this is "too young" for me..or too bright. Thank you! xo Diana. Oh- and Happy Mother's Day!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Diana! Be sure to share it with us when you do!! I know, just because we are getting more "mature" in life doesn't mean we have to dress like dowdy old women. Sometimes being dowdy old women is more of a distraction than being the "too young or too bright" woman. Let your light shine, and let others see Jesus in you!!! Have a blessed and wonderful Mother's Day!
DeleteLovely post, Pam! What a wonderful theme for your ladies' event! It must have been so refreshing and encouraging. The food looked yummy too and I love the skirt you chose to wear. Our church is having a ladies' brunch the end of May and I've been asked to speak at it, so you can pray for me as I prepare, if you think of it!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I will pray for you as you prepare your message and also as you deliver it to your ladies. May the Lord speak through you as you "let your light shine" for Jesus in the darkness of this world. One thing I am learning is that even in nice cozy church fellowships there are many women who are hurting...many who have deep sorrows that they are afraid to share and try to hide. Jesus came to set us free from our sins and our sorrows. He wants us to be free to share the joy of His love and light with others. I pray God will give you exactly the message He wants to be shared. I know He will as you pray and yield to God's Holy Spirit. I will be looking forward to hearing about your event and message. I know God will be with you.
DeleteGOOD morning, Pam! From start to finish, I love the way you told this story from your heart. First, I'm so tickled you're considering letting the beauty-full little bird inside you fly free. (Despite my hats, I, too, have always been a conservative dresser; unwilling to call attention to myself.) Your Rose sounds like a gift from God, indeed. How generous of Benton, lol. Your ladies Fellowship Day looks like such fun ... wow, all that food. And goodies, too! I'm going to see if I can't find those fans online; and if you don't mind share that gardening poem on FB? THanks! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Myra. I'm so glad you enjoyed this...and yes, by all means share the poem on FB or anywhere. It didn't originate with me, and I'm sure it is something that we could all appreciate. One thing I am learning, it's not so much what we wear that expresses our inner being, but allowing ourselves to be open to being used by the Holy Spirit to reach out to others with His love and compassion and letting Christ's light shine through us even when we are wearing our drabbest outfits. It really isn't about the outer woman as much as the inner woman that makes the real difference.
DeleteIt looks like a fun event and that was some great teaching. I liked your thoughts about being yourself, being in the fishbowl of being the pastor's wife, etc. Your thoughts kind of echoed what my pastor's wife was saying this morning at our women's tea. She was speaking on hospitality to kick off our summer study on the subject and she spoke of how she struggled with being comfortable with the open door policy that rules at their house...mostly because she was worried about how the house looked, how the kids would behave, it wasn't a good hair day, she looked like a slob, etc. It took her a while to learn that hospitality didn't have a thing to do with her and everything to do with who was at her table. She also spoke about how while hospitality definitely includes our homes, it's not the only place to practice it. It should be a good series. I'll be writing about our tea tomorrow or Monday, I suppose, but no pictures. I forgot my phone!
ReplyDeleteOh, your Pastor's Wife sounds so much like I used to be! I'm so glad she is able to open up and share these thoughts with your group. It sounds like you had a wonderful time, and I can't wait to hear more about it tomorrow. Too bad about the "no pictures!" I would love to hear what the study is that you will be doing this summer. Is there a particular study guide that you will be following? It sounds interesting. I'm so glad that you have found a church where you are enjoying the fellowship and the worship, etc. That is truly a blessing!!
DeleteHappy Mother's Day! 💐
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. The luncheon and your thoughts are heart felt. Lots to think about. Your skirt is beautiful. Love the print. I hope you wear it more often.
Hello "Salty Pumpkin", and welcome to my blog! I don't believe I have met you here before, and you are truly welcome. I will be popping over to visit you at your place as well soon. Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. I do appreciate it so much. I hope you have a blessed and beautiful weekend and Mother's Day!
DeleteWhat a cute bag and I love that fan! What an awesome spread of food they had. It is so nice to get together and worship God.
ReplyDeleteOh, Pamela, I think God wants us always to be ourselves. After all, he created us to be just who I He wants us to be.I have had my times as well, where I tried to be who others thought I should be, but have come to realize I can’t please others and that it’s more important to please God. Happy Mother’s Day.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy those types of functions at church - the food, the fellowship and the friends. If there is a testimony, I'm there! I love hearing how people came to Christ.
ReplyDeleteThat bag is adorable. Someone had some good ideas.
You have a good day tomorrow. Hugs
Your posts are always uplifting, Pam!! A great message. What a great event you had at your church!! That food looks AMAZING!! It is nice that Rose could be there with you! I love your skirt and am sure you looked fabulous wearing it!! Happy Mother's Day!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great event you all had, Pamela, and I'm overjoyed that you're feeling better! Yes, God has certainly answered your prayers and ours.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord never stops growing us into the persons He has intended us to be all along; for that, I am endlessly grateful, and it sure sounds like you are too.
Happy Mother's Day!
Beautiful Pamela...and something I needed to see. Have a beautiful Mother's Day my friend.
ReplyDeletePam: Your meeting sounds wonderful. I hope to go to a pitch-in and meeting next Saturday. It's an ecumenical movement that has been struggling since COVID took over our lives. Going to get re-tested tomorrow to see if I am negative for this horrible virus, aka COVID. Peace and blessings.
ReplyDeleteWow looks like fun; I always love when we have our monthly get togethers for the ladies. I haven't found a local church, so I drive an hour and half to go it's a fun time of fellowship, laughter and food. So glad you are feeling better. I love that flowered skirt, everything I own has flowers in one way or another, flowered pants or flowered shirts and even skirts the bigger, bolder the more I love them. Happy mother's day.
ReplyDelete