"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
So we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us..."
Romans 12:4-6a

 

Our time together was very special. Each person truly brought all of themselves and were needed and valuable, appreciated and loved. This group complements each other and feeds off of each other *really* well. :-) We have talked about the way we are a small pattern of the Body of Christ, and never did I feel that more than this weekend. And it doesn't even matter who is or is not part of the gathering - we gelled in a wonderful way, glad for the new ones (they brought so much!), but also very much missing those who were not there. It was an amazing 2-3 days together! --Erin

Left to Right: Jessica, Esther, Joanna, Venessa, Amanda, Jana,
Erin, Kelly, Charity, Summer & Melody.

 

Amanda brought the gift of Affirmation. Any time you needed an encouraging word or a big hug just because, she was there. She had already written personal thank you notes to all of us which she handed out after the reception. To see the time she spent to touch each one of us, on a day that could have been *all* hers and none of us would have thought a thing about it, inspired all of us.

Charity brought her gift of Artistry. Everything she did, whether it was as serious as playing the piano at the ceremony or as silly as a little impromptu skit we performed in front of the camera last Saturday night, held her special touch.

Esther brought to us the gift of Faithfulness. It was amazing to watch her, over and over, choose the hardest job for herself in whatever we were doing and stick with it through the end - and then immediately look for the next task. What an inspiration! Jesus is clearly seen in her.

Jana brought to us the gift of True Friendship. She was there for Amanda in every way that needed, whether that was helping keep up on the "To Do" lists, or being totally coordinated when it came to preparing the food for the reception (she knew *everything!*), and even being the photographer for bridal portraits! She did an amazing job which made each of us wish we could be as good a friend as she is.

Jessica brought her gift of Willing Hands. The way in which she pitched in reflected her willing heart! I admire her for being the person who says, "What can I do?" and then does whatever suggested, even if that be putting filling in 30 dozen deviled eggs!! :-) She is sweetness itself, a true heart for God's best, even when the future seems unclear.

Joanna gave of herself in the form of a Cheerful Spirit. Her cheerfulness stood out in the ways she related to her friends and her sister, the flexibility displayed and how she *did* jump in to our group without holding yourself back. "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. 4:12

Kelly. There is no doubt that she brought us her gift of Vibrant Creativity. With her we ask the question, "Is there *anything* she can't do?" :-) She is not only the spark plug, she is also the Great Finisher: still having inspiration when the rest are fading fast. She is such a talented person, whether it came to the last-minute alterations on a dress, or making wonderful creations in the kitchen, or helping Amanda capture some beautiful moments on her special day.

Erin added the gifts of Calm and Humble Leadership. She took charge of the kitchen at the reception as others were busy with pictures and other post-ceremony details. She can make projects come together without getting the least bit (visibly!) flustered. Erin was always the one who had perfect faith that every detail would come together in time and that everything would work out well. And she was right. :-D

When Melody joins any group she brings her gift of Facilitation. She helped us go from where we are to where we are going. That is why she makes a wonderful midwife! :-)

Summer brought to our group her gift of Caring. She made sure none of us were left behind on the streets of Dallas, she made sure Amanda was well-prepared for her new life, and it is very clear she cares a lot about her Ben! We're looking forward to seeing her become his wife! :-)

Venessa possesses the gift of Grace & Glory. She really could be called a professional social butterfly! :-) Not only did she seek to make everything the best that it could be, but she did it with humor and grace. She helped Amanda out in incredible ways! Each of us owe her our thanks for helping make last Saturday the wonderful day that it was.

-- descriptions by Erin & Jessica