Friday FarmGirls at Heart ~ Enjoying the Fellowship of Friends (also A Month of Thanksgiving ~ Day Twenty)

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Today is the beginning of a new season in our home...it's the beginning of a weeky gathering, Lord willing, of dear friends to enjoy an evening of visiting, snacking, and playing games. Given the 2 families who we know will definitely be joining us tonight, it will likely include singing together, as well! (Remember the Men's Freedom Choir, composed of my sons, Christine's sons, and our dear, dear friend, Nan's, sons? View that post and the wonderful video HERE.) 

Ready for Game Night!

One of the things that happens here in suburbia is that we get to racing around in 10 different directions at once. Life moves at the most hectic speed out here, and most of us end up exhausted from burning the candle at both ends for so long that we finally run out of "middle."

That said, and here's where my "Month of Thanksgiving" blessing comes in...

(This post is part of a giveaway hosted by my friend Tamara at Branch of Wisdom .

Please visit her lovely blog to learn more!)

...when I think of what it would be like to live a farm life, which is where my oldest is directly headed like a guided missile, I know that these folks work themselves to exhaustion often! Days on the farm are filled with hard work, and plenty of it. What Bryan envisions in his future, though (and I pray that God will allow this vision to live), is this life of hard work done with his family by his side. The fellowship and love of husband and wife and children turns what could just be "heavy labor" into satisfying work, work whose resulting tiredness brings a feeling of peace and "job well done." The fellowship of loved ones refreshes, and strengthens us with joy in the midst of our burdens.

We are blessed BEYOND MEASURE by the friendship of our dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and by the fact that God has placed us in such close proximity to one another that we can find time to get together for fellowship. I am not a lover of suburban living...believe me! I think that it is the bonds of these blessed friendships that keep me sane out here!

Not to mention that my sons are about out of their skins with excitement that their bestest buddies are heading to our house for the evening!!! Needless to say, bryan and Nathan happily dusted and tidied up last night, while I vacuumed, and today is laundry and bathroom cleaning day! I am also blessed by the boys' willingness (cheerful) to help prepare for our guests.

The "farmhouse" is almost ready...I'd better get back to work so we offer relaxed, comfortable hospitality to our dear friends!

To all my FarmGirl @ Heart friends, have a great Friday!

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