Christmas with The Doves

One of the joys I have of serving my church family is through my role as a Sunday School teacher.  I teach a Senior Adult Ladies class and we call ourselves The Doves Class.  These ladies all struggle with various physical illnesses and the discouragement of not being able to do all the things they were once able to do.  And except for one member, they are all widows.  Despite these challenges, they are faithful to support and love one another.  It's amazing to watch how they keep each other encouraged.  I am humbled that they let me hang out with them!

We had our Christmas Luncheon today at Olive Garden.  It was a really fun time to enjoy lunch with these ladies.  I never fail to learn something new about their lives during opportunities like the one today.  I joked with them and warned them not to be shocked if I leaned over and tried to wipe their face or something, because I don't often get the opportunity to enjoy a "kid-free" meal these days! 

For you local readers:  If you go to the Olive Garden on Pine Island Road, you must ask for Mark to take care of your visit!  He was the best and was so friendly.  He took very good care of us.  We sang a few Christmas Hymns while we were there (Yes we serenaded the whole restaurant!) and Mark even joined in and sang with us!  He had a very nice base voice.

(Mark with our class deacon, Richard)

(The Doves minus several who weren't able to make the lunch.)

"Praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD, O my soul.  I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.  Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.  When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope

is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea

and everything in them, The LORD, who remains faithful

forever.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.

The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind,

the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,

the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD watches over the alien and sustains

the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the LORD!"

Psalm 146

Making room for Him,

Jennifer