Thursday, July 2, 2015

The Gathering | How to Make the Most of Yours

If you've followed along here for any significant amount of time you know I love that word - GATHER. 

I honestly can't explain why in entirety but it's what I like to call a "meaty" word.It's full of richness and has a lot of meaning to me. 

SIDENOTE | Maybe you noticed that in the past two weeks the blogging thing has been on a bit of a break for me as we transition into summer. All four kiddos are now at home with me every day and I struggle with the balance between finding time to plan out posts and schedule them and wanting to dedicate as much time as I can to my family and especially to our kids who I am finding with each day are slipping away from me in so many ways as they mature and get older. 

So, you may see a little less of me around here in the next month or so but know that the fall will bring lots of good and wonderful things for us all! 

So, I digress..GATHERINGS. What would life be without the coming together of those who serve so many different purposes in our lives? 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Okay, so I guess I lied. I know why I love the word. THIS is why I love gathering. Something absolutely supernatural occurs when when we come together for a purpose. To unite. To connect. To empower. To encourage. 

When women come together, there is an infinite and simultaneous need and fulfillment that are both recognized and satisfied when we, His girls, gather. 


Last week and the week before was all about that as I was blessed to celebrate 40 years of life with one of my best friends in LA and then I came home (with a 24-hour turnaround) to bless another friend with the help of styling an outdoor party. My heart was ever-so-full in awe of God and how amazingly blessed each of us are to have one another. 



Seriously guys, I couldn't ask for better friends. 

What I loved most about that night is that most of the girls represented don't necessarily do life together on a regular or daily basis. We all have our day-to-day and busy schedules and some of us, while we have mutual friendships, surprisingly met one another for the first time that night. But, there is nothing better than connecting the hearts and lives of others and seeing the delight in someone's eyes when they realize they have a lot more in common with someone than they ever expected. 


Combined with good food, laughs and stories for days we had a quintessential Hebrews 10:24 night. 
We all left with full hearts and bellies encouraged and ready to take on the next day. 



Summers are meant for the gathering of people. Don't you think? 



With that in mind, here are a few ways to make the most of yours. Whether it's styled to the 9's or not, opening up your heart to new relationships can pretty much look any way you'd like. You just never know what your invitation may mean in the life of another. 




MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR GATHERINGS

1. COME ONE, COME ALL.  Don't be afraid to invite people that you've had on your 'list' for years that you've wanted to get to know or who you feel need to connect with others. Most people are just waiting for an invitation. 




2. STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Whether the host or the guest, staying where you've always been is not fun at all. Be willing to step out of your usual comfort zone or friends zone and chat with those around you that you maybe haven't talked to in a while or have never held a conversation with. I am always so amazed at how completely normal I find most people are when I initiate conversation.



3. IF YOU CAN DO IT, ASK FOR HELP. So decorating isn't your thing. I get it. 9 times out of 10 someone in your circle has a passion for it and while at the end of the day, THE GATHERING in and of itself is the most important thing, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere is a close second, in my opinion. Find inexpensive ways to add character to table settings by searching Pinterest and blogs and if you want to go further, make it personal for your guests by adding fun favors for each one of them to take home. 


4. STRIKE UP THE BAND. Music is everything in my world. Everything. I love worship and jazz. I also get down with a bit of Christian Hip Hop from time to time as well. Nothing sets the mood like music. Download your favorite tracks or use Pandora and snag a wireless speaker for hours of tune-filled fun. 


                                                                          XO, 


5 comments:

  1. i left a comment and got an error message so not sure it went through but i was saying it looks like a gorgeous group of women and the setting is just beautiful! i wish i was there and hope one day we do get to hang!

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  2. I'm so sorry! Not sure what's happening there! Thanks so much for stopping by as always, Cassie! You're amazing! And thanks for the sweet words! I can't wait to meet you in real life and give you the biggest hug! You're the best! xo

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  3. Such a beautiful setting. Looks like lots of laughs were shared. And Happy Belated Birthday!!!

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