Saturday Morning, February 8

It was a beautiful birthday morning.

I arrived at church a bit early to get some pictures before the ladies began arriving. This was at the entrance to the fellowship hall.

Decorations at the windows

The committee did a great job of beautifying the tables.

There were succulent gifts for each lady.

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Meanwhile – there were four generations of ladies in the kitchen preparing our food. Brenda Hershey (my sister-in-law) and her daughter Kate Weaver removing something from the oven.

Kate

Brenda’s mother, Martha Copenhaver

Brenda’s daughter Laura Fahnestock and Brenda’s granddaughter Molly. Molly is Andi Groff’s daughter. I am sorry Andi, but you somehow avoided my camera.

The ladies had access to coffee and tea while waiting for brunch.

Korina Wenger placing the fruit cups on the buffet table.

Ladies began arriving about thirty minutes before the brunch.

I enjoyed watching the interaction between the ladies as they enjoyed coffee.

I caught Brenda preparing to bring out the bacon kabobs.

Bob Sensenich and Mike and Curtis Groff were there to help where needed: bring in the song books, operate the sound system and help with setup and tear down.

Kim Groff welcomed everyone, gave instructions for the brunch and received prayer requests before opening with prayer.

Time for brunch!

There were many quiche choices.

Emily Alwine gave instructions for a short break following the meal.

Linnea Martin led the ladies in several songs.

Time for Emily to introduce our speaker.

Renita Harrison – Jesus-follower, wife, mom, volunteer at the local crisis pregnancy center, part-time reading tutor, member of Oasis Mennonite Fellowship

Prayer for Renita before she shared her thoughts and challenges on the “Proverbs 31 Woman.”

Who is the Proverbs 31 Woman?

In this chapter we learn that a virtuous woman is rare and valuable and that virtue is not based on age or occupation.

She knows who she is in Christ, is mighty and filled with strength and power

A virtuous woman knows how to focus on the enemy.

Remembers she is loved.

Knows how to take refuge under God’s wings.

She is trustworthy and delightful.

Her husband trusts her. Does your husband know that your household will be okay when he is traveling or at work?

Does he know that you will always have his back – all the days of his life. Do you make his comfort as important as your own? Do you enhance the public status of your husband?

She serves others and does not beat herself up for things that don’t get finished.

Do people meet Jesus in your home? Is it true that God is in your place? Do you know how to serve with delight and live fully in the routines of the day?

Beware of negative space in your day.

What in your life makes it so full that you don’t have time for God? What am I so full of that I don’t have time for God?

Verse 25 – How does a woman dress with strength? She knows how to go to God for strength and how to cultivate habits that build spiritual strength.

How do we dress with honor? By putting on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Make sure we are speaking life-giving words. The world needs our kind words.

Complaining does not bring a joy-filled life. The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Remember to turn your eyes to Jesus and keep your life hidden in him.

Live out of the fullness of God.

God needs to get bigger and I need to get smaller.

Celebrate God! When we celebrate God, He gets the glory and we make Him look good!

Seek God purposefully.

Erma Bruckhart gave the closing remarks and dismissed us with prayer.

That was a fabulous way to spend a Saturday morning.