Not much is better than an evening with great friends enjoying good food and wine. I don't know about you, but it is a treat in all ways. Then, on those special occasions when you hit those deep pockets and hearts begin to open up and share joys and struggles...well, it just doesn't get much better.
How do you make that happen? Well, in truth, you can't. But, you can set the stage by opening your home and right after that, you own heart. You see, when we are open about our lives, others tend to find a safe place to share their hearts right back! It is a simple truth, people open their hearts in reflection to the depth we are willing to make ourselves vulnerable.
I don't know about you, but when someone opens their heart and shares the reality of their struggle as well as their joy, I know I have been given a precious gift, a treasure wrapped in a heart.
As Jesus walked this earth, He made Himself vulnerable in every way. He opened His heart and though He saw right through us, He looked with eyes of understanding followed by unconditional love. Who could not open up to that kind of love? As His follower, it is my prayer to be this kind of person.
So, set the atmosphere, throw out the best dishes, but more than anything...dust off your heart and let it be seen in its reality. You might just be surprised to find other hearts then, laid on the table trusting to be received, cherished and protected.
A great wine...It is summer here and hot...though a red wine sort of girl, I am enjoying the refreshing cooling wines a treat. A personal favorite is Dry Creek's Fume Blanc. Recently I've enjoyed Hogue's Reisling, just to name a couple...
Simple fare, but delicious...
Take a round of brie, top it with a generous sprinkle of brown sugar, topped with slivered almonds and a light pour of melted butter. Place on an oven proof plate/dish and heat through at around 250-275 degrees until warm and gooey in the middle. Serve it up with your favorite cracker, pita or bagel chip.
Just remember..always give your best..that's you! It is first and foremost what our Lord wants most and what your friends need and value!
Before your days were, the Lord knew you, He even approved of you! In fact, He decided before your first breath that He would delight in you! Choose Him, He's already chosen YOU!
