The Church Ladies...

Sadieville Christian Church has a wonderful tradition. Each year, the Friday prior to Mother's Day, the ladies all gather in the church basement to be served dinner that is prepared by the men of the church. It is just a great idea.

Last year and this year Detta Wilson invited me to participate. I have accepted this invitation and totally enjoyed both experiences.

Detta had a little theme of lemons. The center pieces on each table were the old hand graters that are box shaped. They had yellow flowers in them and a piece of paper with this quote attached to each grater "When life gives you lemons, let God make you lemonade". We each were given a tiny bag with lemon drops in them. 

The meal was delicious and the company at my table was delightul. I sat beside a neighbor who lives down the street from me. Her name is Faye Privett. After the meal, one of the ladies asked me if I was Faye's sister. Faye and I got a chuckle out of this. I would be happy to be Faye's physical sister but she and I both agree that we are spiritually sisters.

The entertainment last night was a man whose name I didn't write down and can't remember now. He has a beautiful voice and sings wherever he goes. He is also a preacher and works for a Christian camp in the area.

He sang to us for quite a while in the sanctuary of this lovely little church. They were all songs I didn't know. I kept thinking it reminded me of good country music. It stirred the soul and was just delightful to listen to. I suppose some of his music would be sung in a worship service or revival situation. Many of the ladies hummed or sang quietly along with him. He prefers songs that are written around stories from the Bible.

His last song of the evening was the one that touched me the most. I came home and found the words on the Internet. They were written by Rodney Griffen. I had a rather tough afternoon yesterday. I found the words to this song to be another 'tender mercy' from Heavenly Father to sustain and lift me. Here they are:

Their chains were fastened tight

Down at the jail that night

Still Paul and Silas would not be dismayed

They said, “It’s time to lift our voice, sing praises to the Lord

Let’s prove that we will trust Him come what may”

God wants to hear you sing

When the waves are crashing ’round you

When the fiery darts surround you

When despair is all you see

God wants to hear your voice

When the wisest man has spoken

And says, “Your circumstance is as hopeless as can be”

That’s when God wants to hear you sing

He loves to hear our praise on our cheerful days

When the pleasant times outweigh the bad, by far

But when suffering comes along

And we still sing Him songs

That is when we bless the Father’s heart.

Thank you Sadieville Christian Church for providing me an uplifting experience just when I needed it!  Living in the country is a very good thing.