a wonderful evening with amazing women

Tonight was my big Secret Sister's Dinner and it was wonderful. I am not just saying that because I was "in-charge" of all the festivities this evening. ;)

Seriously, we all had a lovely time at our dinner this evening.. good food & good fellowship with a group of ladies who I love & admire. This was our 16th dinner--we started our group 8 years ago(two dinner per year). It doesn't seem like it has been that long since we started it, but after thinking about it, we did start up when my oldest firefly was about 18 months old & he is soon to be 9 1/2 years old.

When we first started there were about 60 ladies involved, over the years participation has fluctuated a great deal.. this time around we only have about 16 ladies who drew names this evening. Our dinners are always a fun time of fellowship and it is neat to "finally"(we draw new names every 6 months) find out who has been encouraging & spoiling us. It is hard to describe the atmosphere of excitement & genuine loving friendship that is in the air whenever we get together for our special evenings. You can truly feel God's presence. :)

I am so very thankful for all of the ladies, my dear sisters in Christ, who God has placed in my life. They are all amazing & beautiful and I have learned(& am still learning) so many wonderful things about God & His grace. We don't always see eye-to-eye on everything, but we can all learn from each other--through our triumphs, disappointments, and heartaches.

I can't wait to start encouraging & spoiling my "new" Secret Sister! She was recently baptized & I am really looking forward to getting to know her better & hopefully be a positive example in her life, too. :)

It has been a long week getting ready for this evening.. but it was all worth it. Now, dreamland is beckoning. Tomorrow is another Saturday to be filled with working on the house & I have baking to do in prep for my big brother's visit this coming week. Sunday is also my parent's 40th Wedding Anniversary, too!