Thursday, July 22, 2010

Favorite Things Friday

I have a magnificent story to share with you!
It involves a friend, a table and pure acts of kindness.
*
Let's talk about the friend in this story first - her name is Christy.
There are so many ways to describe this awesome friend of mine:
VIVACIOUS ~ SPARKLY ~ EXUBERANT ~ ANIMATED
These describe Christy's outward qualities - the way she
captivates you with her lively personality, charm and wit.
Beyond all of these, it is her inner beauty that is truly amazing.
Christy is one of the most loving people I have met and she is
full of compassion, goodness and above all loyalty.
Can you tell I love her? I do. I am so thankful that
she is a part of my life and a part of my family.
*
I have known Christy for 16 years and I have had the privilege
of watching her mature into a glorious woman of God.
She has meant more to me than she can ever imagine
and it seems that trying to describe her with mere words
falls short somehow. It is difficult to express the impact
someone makes in your life - the impression they leave on your
heart that never fades.

KINDNESS
Strong's #5544 chestotes
goodness in action
sweetness of disposition
gentleness with others
affability
*
Hosea 11:4
I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck
and bent down to feed them.
*
Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
*
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy
and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience.

The story begins with this exquisite table.
It belonged to Christy and she was advertising it to sell.
I fell in love with this table as soon as I laid eyes on it.
The picture only shows 8 chairs - but it actually has 10
and can comfortably sit 12 guests.
This table would go perfect for all the entertaining
we do, family gatherings, my ladies' group and my
darling Kitchenettes' Hospitality Club.
Christy was offering this table set at a phenomenal price,
but circumstances kept preventing me from being able to
purchase it. I had pretty much resigned myself of never
being the owner of this table.
*
One Saturday our church was having a yard sale
to raise money for the youth. Our pastors
(Christy's parents) donated their living room
furniture and when I discovered this treasure
was going in the sale I negotiated with the youth
pastor the night before so I could have it for my
very own! I was planning on using it in my
tea room and excited to have a part of my
beloved pastors in my home.
*
I arrived to the yard sale the next morning bright
and early - paid for my furniture and made arrangements
for my husband to retrieve it later in the day. At that point,
a woman and her husband drove up and made a beeline
for the sofa set and inquired about it. Our youth pastor
shared with her that it was already sold and she was
absolutely crestfallen. "I really need that furniture"
she said. She was utterly disappointed and went about
the yard sale to see if she could find something else.
Unfortunately, this was the only living room set for
sale. This lady came back over to the furniture again
and I asked her if she really wanted it. She exclaimed
emphatically that she was in desperate need. I explained
to her that I was actually the one who purchased
it and if she really wanted it I would
let her buy it instead.
*
You would have thought that I gave this woman a
limitless gift card to a posh furniture store. She was so
overwhelmed and so appreciative. She said to me:
"Thank you so much, you will never know how much
this means and how much we need
this - you are really going to be blessed."
*
In the next 2 days after the yard sale I received
an email from Christy sharing that her and her husband,
James, wanted to just bless me with this table!!! What???
I was totally stunned! Wow!
What an incredibly generous gift -
what an enormous act of loving kindness.
*

Keystone Marble Custom Made

The top is actually glass from the Gap store...

I am going to paint the hutch a cream color to match.
It think it will be perfect!




Every Tuesday night is cell group with all the ladies.
We always have a tea party and a feast.

The first time we ever used our new table was
on the July 4th holiday.
We have an annual family celebration at my home -
and this year I could accommodate so much better
with this fantastic table.
*
I thought this was so wonderful because
James & Christy's wedding anniversary is
the 4th of July!!!!


The story continues...
One night during our cell group one of my friends was sharing
that a family she knows is in dire need of a dining room table.
This family lost everything and literally have no table to eat on.
I was able to share my testimony about the glorious table I
would soon be receiving and that I would like to donate my
present dining table to this family.
*
God is so awesome!
He cares about every detail of our lives and He places
people together to weave together the most
intricate and wondrous tapestry!
*
On a side note...my little baby daughter, Gabriella,
who turns 2 next month was delivered by the super Christy!

***

I am linking to:
Linky Party
hosted by Cindy @ I Owe It All To Him
http://ioweitalltohim.blogspot.com/

7 comments:

  1. Your story was awesome! Not only were you blessed but you were able to be a blessing!
    Hugs, Margaret

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my gosh, Concetta,
    What an amazing story!! Your wonderful heart brought you blessings beyond measure and then you were a blessing to someone else...that is truly a beautiful miracle!
    And your table is so beautiful too....and with your amazing talent for cooking, I know that you must bring many people joy from this table and the wonderful moments gathered around it.
    And please, a special "hi" to Christy for being so awesome too!

    Hugs,
    Cindy
    xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  3. I so enjoy your story...,the table and the pics when used.....
    Like i paid you an visit!
    Have an blessed weekend.
    Bernice

    ReplyDelete
  4. It IS a beautiful table! and you put it to such good use. I love how God blesses us and we get to bless others in turn with the things He gives! He is so great. It is so wonderful the way he pours His love into the hearts of His servants!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Concetta, Your story is incredible! Out of your generosity, you received another gift of generosity and kindness! Your table is really pretty and I know you will enjoy it. Thanks for sharing your testimony, Concetta.
    Hugs and blessings, Beth

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a blessing your story is, Concetta. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Some would hear this story and say it is a small world isn't it... I say it is a big beautiful world created by a loving God who has sent angels to take care of us all.

    You are also an angel to me today with your message! Thank you for reminding me with your story and message just how wonderful the lord is!

    ~Sherry F.

    ReplyDelete

Please leave a comment on my Blog of Life ~ I love hearing from you!

CONCETTA'S RECIPES

The Kitchenettes ~ A Hospitality Club

Romans 12:13
Pursue the practice of hospitality.

The Kitchenettes is all about teaching and mentoring young girls in the art of hospitality. It is so much more than cooking or doing domestic tasks ~ hospitality is the very heart of God ~ a demonstration of pouring His love onto others. This group of young girls are learning the very nature and character of God as they serve people and sharpen their skills in homemaking.

NAME LEGACIES

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