Apples of Gold

I am taking a women's mentoring class through my church for the next seven weeks. It's called Apples of Gold and we are learning the gentle art of homemaking and hospitality. Combined with a Bible Study we discuss things like kindness, hospitality, loving your husband, etc. Each week an intimate gathering of women ranging in age from 19 to 62 years old meet in a beautiful home and are treated to a wonderful meal and fellowship. We get a cooking lesson, hear from one of our group mentors and discuss applying God's Word into our daily lives as women.

I enjoy meeting with these women every week. 

I find that I have a lot more in common with them then I would have previously imagined. 

Some are dealing with issues I struggle with and others are just beginning their lives as adult women. How nice to have a place where you can be yourself and find common ground. 

You should see the gorgeous house where we meet. I'll have to take some pictures of it. A historical home, perfectly appointed, charming and old-fashioned, cozy and reminiscent of olden times. It's like a bed and breakfast just down the street. This week we dined on pork tenderloin, rice pilaf, fresh salad with a delicate homemade dressing and an apple dessert served with vanilla ice cream. 

We are fed physically, emotionally and spiritually, satisfied and encouraged in every way. 

I leave inspired and ready to serve my family. 

What a far cry that is from my angry feminist days when I felt like the most demeaning place in the world was the kitchen?! My mother would toil away and rarely get a few sparse comments afterward.

 

Now I find that my home and kitchen are places where I can be creative and welcoming, like my true femininity has a place to prosper.  

Even my boys appreciate the little extra touches. Although this week they were a little frustrated. They wanted to eat right away and I made them wait so I could fold my napkins in a fancy way and make a nice table setting. 

My mom is visiting for the weekend and I wanted her to see my mad napkin folding skills! 

Here's everybody eagerly awaiting dinnertime. Actually this is a "Mom, just take the picture!" kind of moment.