And the Journey Continues: Birthday Blessings

Tonight I was invited to be part of the COOLEST thing at Grace Place. Jeannie was putting together a 'birthday of blessings' for our pastor's wife, Dawn and she invited the women of the church to be part of it. She asked each of us to pray about a verse that reminded us of Dawn and to come prepared to share this verse with Dawn. She prepared lasagna and we all chipped in to bring salad fixings so we all had a meal also. It was a surprise for Dawn as she was just coming to the church for a leadership meeting this evening. She said she suspected something when she saw all the cars in the parking lot as there are usually not that many people who attend these meetings. We all stood up against the side wall and when she came in we yelled, "Surprise!" They put a tiara on her head and after the meal, she opened her presents and then we moved into the sanctuary for the 'blessing' part. Jeannie had put together some common items and had linked them to bible verses and biblical applications and blessings...which was so cool! She had enough of these so that everyone had one to read to Dawn. We also read our personal verse to her and many had personal statements to make. Then we all gathered around and prayed while Jeannie washed Dawn's feet...it was VERY powerful!

I have only known Dawn for about a year and I haven't had the opportunity to know her real well but she has been very supportive to me. I know one time when I was concerned that I had really messed up with Bryson's mom....I called and asked her opinion and she gave me very practical and helpful advice. She is a very genuine person and you can feel the holy spirit's influence when she prays during services....she is a very REAL person and that is what I love about her! This is basically what I said....the verse that reminded me of her was Proverbs 22:11 "(She) who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for (her) friend.

"Everyone had such wonderful things to say about Dawn....she is a godly woman who has been such a good friend to these ladies. She has been their angel.....sent to meet their need....during difficult times in their lives.....what a blessing to know that you have had that kind of influence on someone's life. It gave me a new perspective watching this process.....knowing that this is the kind of thing that really matters...how you affect the lives around you....not how much money you make or the positions you hold....or even the measure of success that you have in the eyes of the world.....I think that I will go into this meeting next Monday with a different attitude because of this experience.....what if the way I react is what someone remembers.....after all....look at how Jesus was treated....and he was our example. Thank you Jeannie for inviting me to this wonderful event and thank you Dawn for being such an awesome influence on all of us at Grace Place.