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Sunday, June 13, 2004

Look at the wildflowers...

Yesterday we attempted something that we didn’t quite know how it would turn out, al we knew is that for some reason the idea was laid on both of our hearts, and we were gonna run with it. So we brainstormed, created handmade invitations, and planned for our first (of hopefully many) Ladies Spa Night. Amber and I loved the whole process, we got more excited with every detail that came together, every bit that became completed. The RSVP calls were rolling in, even one from our 65 year old neighbor, Dee! Variety was the way of the evening, as not a soul knew EVERY person of the 20 ladies in our house….invites were sent to co-workers, co-ministers, friends, neighbors, etc of Amber and I. And right now we can testify that God hand-picked the group that infiltrated this house.


Now, for some of you guys who wonder what goes on at a ‘spa night’, I’ll fill you in. Nails are painted, feet are soaked and lotioned, cool-cucumber masks are put on faces, unwanted facial hair is waxed, 10-minute massages welcome aching backs, gourmet food is consumed, fellowship happens, God directs conversations, walls come down, old hurts resurface and begin to heal.

If you would have asked Amber and I what we expected before last night happened, we would have been way off. God met us here on 626 Creighton Avenue. Amber and I had previously both been dealing with how God yearns for us to see ourselves as He sees us and not as the world wants us to be. Somehow we wanted to portray that to these ladies who gathered in our living room. We also wanted to give them a night to relax (which is hard for most of them to come by) and not feel pressured to buy MaryKay or Pampered Chef ;o)

So we shared this passage (Matthew 6:25-34) from the Message translation:
"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion--do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best--dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers--most of which are never even seen--don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”


And as a tangible reminder, on the way out each woman was to take with them one of the daisies in vases all around the house, as well a little card I designed that displayed Psalm 19:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

As Amber and I cleaned up after the last one walked out the door around 11:30, we rehearsed how we thought the night went. We were blown away by how many individuals had come up to each of us and mentioned how they met someone new and had a conversation about something they both had been through and needed a friend who had ‘been there’-and they exchanged numbers and were going to be in touch; or the 2 ladies who realized they had gone to college together and had lost touch; and there are many other details that I can’t even go into here. One frequent comment to Amber and I was about all the work we put into this night, and wondering HOW we found time to do it and if it stressed us out. We both just look at each other and smile, because not once during the whole planning did we feel stressed out….excitement and anticipation reigned between us. I guess that’s the way it goes when you’re using the gifts God has blessed you with. Feeling like you’re doing what you were MADE to do. Maybe I’m learning a bit about what my calling is. Last night was definitely about more than painted fingernails.


Check out Amber's blog for a few more pics...

2 whatevers:

Anonymous said...

sounds like an incredible ministry. :) i'm glad to hear the way that God blessed your night.

have a nice day

mike

Anonymous said...

Kristi,
That whole thing looks so awesome! I wish I could be closer so I could've joined in the fun! and how awesome that you got such a great turn out! And I don't see how anyone could not enjoy it! it looks so relaxing and encouraging! You are definitely one of my main role models in life. i don't know what I would do without you! I love the way you and your friends can find ways to minister in areas that no one else thinks about! You are such a good spiritual and emotional ;) encourager to me and i appreciate that more than you'll ever know! I love ya sis,
Leah