Mother/Daughter Brunch at Eastgate Community

Two weekends ago, I had the privilege of speaking at Eastgate Community Church in Marion...for their mother/daughter brunch. I was invited to speak by my friend Christy, whose brother was my co-worker way back in 1996 when I got my very first job out of high school.

The theme for the day was simplicity - which actually made me giggle. Me? Simplicity? Surely they had the wrong girl. But I asked God to show me what He had for me...and He led me to Psalm 63. So I began to prepare and think about what to say to this group of women...mostly strangers to me.

When I arrived, they had the sanctuary repurposed as their gathering room for the day...

...with darling little centerpieces...

Lunch was so good. Wraps and fruit and some lemon dessert that I could have eaten in a 9x13 serving.

Christy and her friend Mary sang a duet before I got up to speak....

And then Christy's mom, Rhonda, got up to introduce me.

She said 18 years ago, her son called to tell her there was a new girl at work and he thought she'd like me. {How has it been 18 years??} She said she didn't think too much about it...but then two weeks later, she met me...at her son's viewing. She said many people came through line that day, but she remembered me...and not long after, we met and became friends.

She told the ladies how I used to send her flowers and cards around his birthday and the date of his death...and by that time, I was crying.

Sigh. How to begin speaking when I'm in tears?

I so appreciated what she had to say - and just HER!!

She also promised them I'd be funny, so I had to hope I really would be. Gulp!!!!

 They were such a sweet and attentive bunch. Really helped to calm my nerves!

 First time I've ever worn shoes to speak. I'm always too nervous and take them off.

 My visuals. Such a teacher wannabe.

 And my "I look like I'm singing" photo. HA! No singing.

I got through the whole thing and was thankful for a great group of women to share the day with!!!

And for the record, here's sweet Rhonda. Thankful for her!