Precious People

I know some very precious people.

And I get an overwhelming sense of emotion sometimes.....to the point of joyful tears...when I think of these people.  

Now, some of you know that God put it on my heart to begin a women's small group thru my church for moms of tweens and/or teens.  I could take up to 10 women including my self.  I knew I had 3 definites before Labor Day weekend.  Upon returning to work, and getting ready for the new school year, I had 10 more interested moms, so had to create a "waiting list".  If someone drops out, the first person on the list gets in.  The head of the Small Group Ministry at our church was very encouraging and said I could use any of the resources in her office, if needed.  She is a precious person to me.  So...big hugs to L.

Our group meets 2 times per month, during the Junior High Youth Group time.  Moms drop off their preteen at the Youth Center at church and head over to my house to study the Word of God, discuss the next chapter in the book we are doing, and pray.  We also socialize a bit at the very beginning.  By 8 pm we are done, and moms head back to the Youth Center to pick up their child. I am fortunate that my husband is a junior high leader so brings my youngest back and forth. And we live only about 2 miles north of the church so that is a huge plus!  He is a precious person to me.

And...the group is made up of very precious people.  On Thursday evening, we had a Christmas party.  We had decided to play "Yankee Swap" which was loads of fun and everyone brought something to share like appetizers, desserts, veggie platters, etc.  I ordered a fruit and cheese platter and made the cranberry-orange punch.  Everything was absolutely delicious.  And they totally surprised me with a birthday gift, card, and cake!! (my family is enjoying the cake since I don't eat cake...altho I did have one slice!).  The woman who organized all of these birthday surprises was my close friend, Lynn. And she ended up being ill all week and couldn't come! Yet, she made sure everything she wanted to contribute arrived....what a precious person to me.  Hugs to you, Lynn!! 

My friend Monica gave me a special Christmas gift.  She and I are prayer partners about a number of things going on in our families, with our children/husbands, etc.  She is a dear friend and a great asset to our group.  She knows I love ornaments and surprised me with a special one.....how precious she is to me! Hugs to Monica!

How precious are these women to me.  We are all friends and have plans to do another book together in late spring after we finish up the current study.  And just about everyone wants to continue during the summer months! GLORY TO GOD!!

It just reminds me that when we really hear from the Lord about something, He will use it.  We need to be obedient. I was so hesitant because of a lack of confidence in the area of hearing from God.  I had heard from the Lord about something in the summer of 2009 and yet there were some issues regarding that...I allowed my self to hold onto some hurts and it wasn't healthy for me emotionally or spiritually.  I had to learn to let them go...and in so doing, I lost a friendship and just didn't think I would ever hear from God again regarding that experience.  Or if I did, how would I know it was the Lord and not just my own self?  My self confidence was pretty low!  But...I gave that all over to the One who can bear our burdens, and in so doing, that freed up my spirit to pour out into others again and to take the steps that I knew He was calling me to.  I am so glad I listened and acted!  He is faithful.  He is merciful.  He is forgiving!  He is all-consuming...it totally overwhelms me. How precious is our Savior and Redeemer!!

My small group will never be famous or a major ministry.  And that is ok with me!!  It is moms who come together to edify, encourage, and equip each other to parent our tweens/teens.  Precious people.....

how I am blessed by this group....how awesome is God...He brought together moms who are friends, who shine the Light of Jesus into their families, the church, and the work-force/world...who aren't afraid to pray for each other, to hear each other's hurts, fears, praises, testimonies....and who love the Lord with their whole heart!  What a precious group:  hugs to Rhonda, Amy, Melissa, Janet, Jeanie, Lynn, Carla, Monica, Hope.  God bless you!

And it makes me pause to pray for those precious people who live far from me and yet we are united in Christ.....my friends from college, previous churches, past experiences, blogging buds....how precious you are....simply by making an impact on my life in one way or another!  God bless you....specifically Susanne, e-mom, Sandy, Laura, Mrs C, G/B, Ann, Karen, D/T, CB, CW ,E, CS, Diane W, L, and so many many more!! Precious people......in His Sight and in mine!

Special ornament from Monica
"GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST"

Party favors
Peppermint Stick Coffee
Peppermint Tea

Candle in glass
from Lynn

Coffee Mug
with Scripture Cards
from the group!
They know what I love!!

I was too busy playing hostess for the Christmas party part of the evening to take pictures.  But, we all had so much fun playing a Christmas Carol game, eating yummy food, chatting and getting to know each other even better......sisters in Christ, united in love and friendship...precious people.....it makes me pray for everyone in my life...and gives me pause to count my blessings this holiday season......

Who are the precious people in your life.....tell them they are! It will make their day....we need to tell each other we love each other alot more than we do........

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

Coming up soon:  ways to stay in shape during the Christmas Holidays, and a yummy shortbread cookie recipe that is super easy to make!!