G A T H E R I N G S | Flower Power

Can't start this blog post off without a huge shout out to this sweet friend of mine, Dianne Swanson. For those of you that don't know her, you don't know what you are missing! Dianne and I have been friends for 27 years, and I cannot imagine life without her. She is the type friend that stays late and helps clean up after the party. Gets there early and helps set up for the party. Then stays and actually teaches the class for you. Seriously.

She is one of the most gifted ladies I know. She is good at everything. From flower growing, to cooking, to painting. One of her many spiritual gifts is serving, which I tend to abuse at times. I am so thankful for her friendship and for the way she loves others, especially me. You knocked it out of the park last night, Dianne. Thank you for teaching us so much about the "rights and wrongs" of arranging our flowers.

Another shout out I need to make is to Sombra Restaurant for collecting used liquor bottles for me. During the last year, I have been enamored with the idea of collecting old bottles to see if I could figure out a way to cut them and make vases for our classes. Well, after many "a-trial-n-error", my sweet husband and I have discovered that the best bottles for cutting are the thick, heavy ones. We rented a tile saw that slings water (for those of you that know the tile saw lingo, that's the only way I know how to describe this huge piece of machinery).

Out of 75 bottles, we were able to use about 30 of them. But it was worth it. They are so very unique. And it's fun to be able to use something that would have literally been thrown in the trash. I have to believe there is a parable somewhere in this process.

Now, onto last night and all the fun we had sitting out on the deck arranging our flowers. I love to be able to walk around and snap pictures during these Gatherings. Just to listen to the ladies and all the different conversations going on at the same time. Watch their faces as they are deep in their creative modes. It's all so good!

I'm not sure when I have been surrounded by so much color. It was such a bright night. In so many ways. We started the evening off by being reminded that it was the night that Jesus would have taken the Passover meal with His disciples. As the sun set, I read one of the Psalms that would have been recited during the Second Cup of the meal, Psalm 113 (Psalm 113-118 are known as the Hallel). Then we invited the Lord into our space and immediately felt His presence. I am still amazed at what He did for us on the Cross. He is our Passover Lamb.

What a groovy group of girls ... And a gorgeous bunch of Easter floral arrangements!

Be watching for the April Newsletter coming this Sunday. Forward it to any of your girlfriends that might want to sign up for classes with you. They can subscribe to the newsletter by scrolling to bottom and clicking the link on the constant contact info part. Thanks again, Ladies!

Have a great holiday weekend!

- Good Friday -

Jill