February’s “Love one another” theme spurred many love–ly thoughts, and I’m still reading and enjoying posts from last month’s challenge! It was both fun and honor to host Inspired Deals, and just in case you’re tempted, you have until Monday night to use the code LOVE25 and save 25% on EVERYTHING at DaySpring.  And…the Love Collection Set (pictured below) is now 25% off, so combined with the discount code, you’re really getting a…wait for it–inspired deal!  🙂

In follow-up to my first ever vlog, I thought I’d share a few highlights and a little inspiration from our annual Mother-Daughter Valentine Tea Party, this year our 16th!

There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness. ~ Lady Blessington

The invitation delivered what it promised–fun WAS had by ALL! Nancy, my mother-in-law’s best friend, made our invitations special!  She and I think we could create an entire line of cards based on this single picture but we’re probably biased.

“The preparation of good food is merely another expression of art,
one of the joys of civilized living…”
~ Dione Lucas

This year’s “tea” was actually brunch, proving the only rule to a wonderful tea party tradition is flexibility!  My mother-in-law prepared a delicious breakfast spread, including fresh fruit, cranberry muffins, two casseroles…and raspberry mouse with chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert.  Mmmmm, dessert for brunch–best idea EVAH!

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. ~ Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

Though we try our darndest to discourage gift-giving, many show up with little love gifts–surcies–and each year we have hostess gifts (this year’s, the tea towel pictured above).

“…Your people shall be my people…” ~ Ruth 1:16

Over the past few years, my mother-in-law has delegated responsibilities to her four daughter-in-laws.  The past two years I’ve welcomed our guests and read An Invitation to Tea, and this year Janice (far left) shared a devotion and scripture, and Bebe (in between Janice and me) read the most darling book ever, Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons.  Usually Hazel will say a blessing but unfortunately this year she was sick and I had the honor.

I’m grateful and don’t take it for granted that my husband’s family IS my family…and I don’t just love them, I like them and delight in their company.

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” ~ C.S. Lewis

There are so many wonderful aspects to continuing this annual Valentine tradition, but my favorite is watching the cousins and their besties grow up and mature in their friendships.  Or maybe it’s three generations sitting around the table telling stories and sharing life.  Or perhaps it’s learning when to speak your mind or listen, understanding that silver and fine china are intended to be used if you have it, or celebrating family and friendship just because these are the relationships God decided for us next to the ones we chose ourselves.

Sixteen years ago I had no idea what this tradition would mean to me today.  To God be the glory.

by Robin Dance, author or PENSIEVE