Let’s continue our theme of reaching for refreshment and savoring summer days by cultivating our relationship with God and each other.
Today I’m including:
1. Lemonade stand memories,
2. Encouraging words from the apostle Paul,
3. 5 easy ways to gather friends around the table,
4. 2 more summer recipes, and drum roll please …
5. Updates on A Place at His Table, my devotional that releases this August.
Let’s start with a glass of cold lemonade. Does that sound like summer refreshment to you?
Lemonade Stand Memories
My summer memories include our childhood lemonade stands where sugary liquid pooled on the table and covered dimes and quarters with stickiness.
I remember …
–selling lemonade to the mail carrier and neighborhood kids who ran home to get their dimes,
–cooling off by drinking more cups of lemonade than we sold,
–standing in the grass with a tanned face and arms that glistened in the sunlight (Aunt Tommie said only animals sweat, and in the South, some say we glisten instead of perspire.), and
–laughing with friends around the table in our front yard.
Let’s capture some summer fun with our adult friends and brighten their and our summer days with refreshment, encouragement, and joy.
Paul’s encouraging words
I don’t think the apostle Paul drank lemonade, but he appreciated the fellowship of gathering with friends. His words teach us the importance of cultivating friendships and encouraging each other.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul began the book of Romans by explaining his role as a servant of Christ (1:1-6) and by telling the recipients of his letter how he’d prayed for them (vv. 8-9).
In verses 11-12, Paul wrote,
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Romans 1:11-12 ESV
Paul knew the value of gathering for mutual encouragement. He so desperately wanted to visit with believers in Rome, that he urged them
to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
Romans 15:30-32 ESV
The New Testament letter writer knew Christian fellowship would encourage faith and offer joy and refreshment. When we connect with God and learn more of Him, we have more to offer others, and the benefit is reciprocal when they do the same.
When we connect with God and learn more of Him, we have more to offer others. Click To Tweet
Kelly Minter, a Bible study author, speaker, and singer, also knows the value of gathering with friends. She recently wrote on her Facebook post, “When my spirits are low, it’s the joy of community, the joy that sometimes runs alongside sorrow, the joy whose source is in Christ, that lightens me.” https://www.facebook.com/KellyMinterAuthor
How can we gain and share refreshment this summer and encourage each other? Following are:
5 Easy Ways to Gather Friends Around the Table
Pray about whom to invite, include a new friend, and plan to gather around a table for a time of fun and encouragement.
1. Pull up your chairs to a coffee shop table. Order iced coffees, share a brief devotion you’ve read recently, and enjoy conversation.
2. Walk in a shady park or beside a river early Saturday morning, then enjoy a thermos of lemonade at a picnic table and pray together.
3. Plan a summer recipe swap. Serve lemonade and a salty snack mix or crackers (homemade cheese cracker recipe below).
4. Schedule a time to browse through some shops or visit a flower garden together. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a quaint café or your favorite restaurant.
5. Invite friends for a simple breakfast on the patio, deck, or porch one morning before the heat index soars. Juice, coffee, and muffins fuel conversation. Yogurt and fruit are yummy too.
Let’s avoid the autumn “I wish this summer that I had ___” lament. Plan a simple opportunity and invite friends to join you around the table for summer joy, refreshment, and encouragement.
Your Turn
Please enrich our time together by answering one or more of these questions:
Why did Paul focus on fellowship? How does gathering with friends encourage you? What’s your favorite way to gather around a table and encourage others?
-A heartfelt thank you to readers who share my posts with friends
More Refreshing Summer Recipes
Crispy Cheese Bites
A crispy, delicious treat with summer lemonade
Ingredients
1 cup butter (not whipped), softened ahead of time
2 cups sifted self-rising flour
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups rice cereal
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less)
Cream the butter and blend in the cheese. Stir pepper into the flour and add the flour to the creamed mixture. Mix well. Blend in cereal last. Coat fingertips with flour and shape the mixture into small balls. Place them on a baking sheet and press lightly with a fork to ¼ inch thickness. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until barely light brown. Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
Lemonade
Check out this site to discover lemonade pro tips and how to freeze the lemon juice-water syrup for a later time.
https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/fresh-squeezed-lemonade/
Here you’ll find summer beverage “Tips & Tricks” like “Fizzy Lemonade” and how to substitute honey for sugar.
https://recipesbycarina.com/homemade-lemonade-recipe/
This interesting site includes the history of lemonade, a pro golfer’s choice, and why the tasty beverage quenches thirst.
https://flavorman.com/5-things-about-lemonade
NOTE: Click the link for the last post with an introduction to the current theme and 2 recipes. Reach for Refreshment post
Updates on A Place at His Table
Bold Vision Books will release my book in late August this year!
Several readers have asked me about the process of writing a book, so I’ll answer your questions here. If you like reading details, here they are.
Before I update, I’ll backtrack a bit to answer your questions.
During the fall of 2018, a women’s Bible study group at our church studied Psalm 23: The Shepherd Within Me by Jennifer Rothschild. I pondered verse five for weeks.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5 ESV
In my journal, I sketched a table at the top of each page and asked God to teach me more about His table and His provision. He taught me then, and He’s still teaching me now; all I need for each day rests on the table He’s prepared for me. Maybe not all I want, but all I need. I don’t have to live with heart-grasping, joy-stealing worry, fear, or doubt—and neither do you.
The Idea
The idea for A Place at His Table: God’s Daily Gifts to Satisfy Your Heart began to percolate. I sensed God leading me to write devotions to help other women learn to trust Him for all their needs. Each devotion would start with a table story and illustrate one of God’s blessings or gifts.
The Beginning Process
From the spring of 2019 to the fall of 2021, I prayed, studied, sought training and advice at Christian writers’ conferences, consulted with friends, and wrote some devotions. I asked God to confirm my ideas or close doors.
After submitting samples and later a formal, 33-page, book proposal, I received an email in 2022 announcing Bold Vision Books planned to extend a contract for this project. The thought of it still amazes me.
The Manuscript
For the next year, I studied, prayed (lots), wrote devotions, rewrote devotions, edited devotions, and sought critiques and advice. I worked hard to ensure the stories fit the Bible passage I highlighted. When I realized I had repeated some ideas and writer friends pointed out titles that didn’t fit stories well, I created a spreadsheet to track the passages I used and the gifts of God I’d highlighted.
Writing a Table Tip to accompany each devotion was fun and included ideas from friends who were excited about the book.
Finally, this past spring, after two friends helped me proofread, I reread the entire book several times, checking different aspects. I submitted the manuscript this past spring.
Writing a book is a humbling process and a team effort. I’m grateful for the opportunities God gives me to learn more about His Word and to write to honor Him and help readers.
Next Time
I hope this summary answers your questions. After the next post, I’ll include a briefer update on the editing process and the next phase. What else would you like to know? Feel free to email me at Jeannie@JeannieWaters.com.
Thank you for sharing my joy. Please join me in prayer as I collaborate with the wonderful folks at Bold Vision Books to send A Place at His Table out into the world to honor God and share with readers what God is teaching me.
Jeannie, I love this article of being refreshed by friends and spending time with them. You have refreshed and encouraged me many times. I pray your book will refresh many souls and bring many hearts closer to Jesus.
Thank you, Adria. God refreshes us in so many ways, including His Word, His creation, and friendships. I appreciate the way you share His joy with me and countless others.
I am looking forward to reading your book! I know this has been a long process but it will bless so many people.
How kind you are to share my joy about the book, Jan. I’m honored to share what God teaches me.
Jeannie, your explanation and method for writing A Place at His Table adds to the impetus to purchase the devotions. Why did Paul focus on fellowship? We need the simple presence of others to avoid too much introspection which can lead to depression. Shared unhappiness, temporary or long-lived, lightens the burden considerably. My opinion and five dollars might still buy you a latte at Starbucks!
Peggy, thank you for sharing wise words about fellowship. It’s no surprise Paul’s words include that blessing because God knows our needs and inspired the words of Scripture. You’re right that fellowship lightens the weight of our burdens. I love lattes and consider your words even more valuable than those. ☺️
Jeannie, I enjoyed all the summer ideas—I love having folks in our home. There’s nothing better than sitting around the table, enjoying good food, and spending time chatting for hours. I’m happy & encouraged in the midst of deep, life-giving conversations.
Also, thank you for the personal account of your book-writing process. Helpful and inspiring. I can’t wait to see your new book come out! Congratulations! 🙂
Myra, chatting with friends around your table sounds delightful. I love your description of “deep, life-giving conversations.” I appreciate your enthusiasm about my book. What a blessing to share with others what God has been teaching me.
Ahhh, I’m feeling refreshed and inspired and I haven’t even had my first sip of lemonade. Thanks for the fellowship ideas. I plan to implement one soon!
Lori, I’m glad you found the post refreshing and the fellowship ideas useful. Visiting with friends and making new ones refreshes me and brightens the day. How kind God is to provide these special blessings.
What great suggestions! I’m definitely doing number 3 the next time I walk with friends. Such a simple way to add a little fellowship and fun to a routine activity. Congratulations on your book! It sounds wonderful.
Candyce, I want to plan more walks with friends too. Even on busy days, taking a few minutes to walk and fellowship brings joy and refreshes us. Thanks for letting me know you found the ideas helpful.
Have been drinking lemonade now for weeks here in Texas Ms. Jeannie, and can’t wait to get ahold of my copies of your new book. Here’s my attempt at answering your questions.
Why did Paul focus on fellowship? Because he realized how difficult the process of sanctification can be and how hard Satan will work to derail your journey in faith. Fellowship is what allows us to come together and worship God while supporting one another. It’s when we are together that we often best represent God by helping others in their walk.
How does gathering with friends encourage you? It helps me to realize I’m not alone in this journey. Whether that’s my Christian writing journey or life itself, having friends who encourage, edify, teach, correct, and yes, admonish you is important. I walk away from nearly every interaction with my friends with more energy and a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
What’s your favorite way to gather around a table and encourage others? Life groups at our church. While we do get together with our distant neighbors now and again, most of those times are work-focused (planting, harvesting, repairing, etc.) Life Groups brings the fellowship of a few (10-12) to a whole new level. In addition to the great meals we work together to provide, the fellowship that ensues gives a whole new meaning to “family of faith.” We draw closer in Life Groups and that closeness extends beyond the doors of our church. It reaches into the communities in which we live.
Another great post Ms. Jeannie. Thank you ma’am.
J. D., thank you for taking time to respond. You included these reasons Paul mentioned fellowship which make me long to visit with friends even more: “Because he realized how difficult the process of sanctification can be and how hard Satan will work to derail your journey in faith.” Some tend to isolate during life’s challenging times, but sharing the burdens with Christian friends strengthens and uplifts us. Like you, I value friends who “who encourage, edify, teach, correct, and yes, admonish” me. The Life Groups you and Diane share sound like marvelous table times of fellowship. Keep drinking that lemonade as you work.
Jeannie, I always feel refreshed after reading your blogs. Thanks for the insights into the book-making process. You have certainly put in the time and effort to accompany the inspiration. May the Lord bless your upcoming book and countless lives through it (and future books). I look forward to getting a copy!
Glenda, your comments “refresh” me. I appreciate you stopping by and offering encouragement. Thank you for praying for readers.
I love this post! It falls right in line with what I feel like God is teaching me and doing in my life this summer, too ♥️. I love the fellowship I’ve had this summer, from meeting at coffee shops to just hanging out with a young mom friend at her house. I also loved reading about your publishing process. Thanks for sharing!
Stacey, I’m thankful you’re enjoying time with friends this summer. That process is a refreshing blessing from God.
Jeannie, I love meeting with friends at coffee shops. The fellowship does refresh my soul. We do need this camaraderie because God didn’t create us to be alone. I’m looking forward to your book. I will help any way I can to spread the news.
Barbara, I love coffee shop meetings too. There’s something cozy about that setting. I agree God planned friendships because He knew we’d need love and support as well as accountability. I appreciate you sharing the joy about my book.
I loved this message. I felt myself relaxing as I read your great suggestions. I want to try a lemonade stand with my grandkids. And we are heading off to spend time with all the family. Summer fun
Yvonne, what fun a lemonade stand would be with grandchildren. That’s a great idea. I’m thankful you enjoyed the post and have summer fun planned. Blessings.
Jeannie, I loved this post, but was so encouraged to read about the book process. You have encouraged me so many times, and I am grateful. Your book sounds amazing and I look forward to reading it.
Sylvia, I’m grateful you found encouragement in the post. Growing in Christ, cultivating friendships, and publishing are step-by-step processes for sure. What a comfort to know God guides our steps.
You made my mouth water for your treats and time with friends. Congratulations on your book!
Thanks so much, Debbie. Before I received reader questions, I had not considered sharing my publishing journey. When we follow Christ, whether we publish or not, He promises to guide us. I’ve learned–and I’m still learning–about trusting Him.
You highlighted one of my favorite verses in Romans, Jeannie. I always call Romans 1:11-12 the circle of encouragement. What is a favorite way to gather in the summer? I love to have friends around my fire pit in the evening after the heat dissipates a bit. There’s something about a fire that feels so comfortable and relaxing. Thanks for all the summer tidbits!
Annie, I love your idea to gather friends around the fire pit during cool weather. I can’t wait to try this marvelous idea. I agree with your title of “the circle of encouragement” for Romans 1:11-12. God encourages us and then leads us to friends for mutual joy and encouragement.
I always love reading your posts, Jeannie, and I’m looking forward to reading your book!
June, thank you for sharing my excitement and participating in our conversations here. Your comments always bring a smile.
I so enjoyed your inspiring and uplifting message, Jeannie. I think gathering with friends and family is special because God created us to meet in fellowship. When we gather, I believe God blesses our time together in fellowship and gifts us with joy. I’m so glad you shared the process you went through in preparing for and writing your book. It’s going to be so awesome and I really looking forward to getting a copy. Sign me up for your launch team!
Katherine, I appreciate your encouraging comments. Thank you for adding this statement: “When we gather, I believe God blesses our time together in fellowship and gifts us with joy.” I agree.
The 5 get-together ideas are awesome ones Jeannie and I will definitely try that rice-crispy-take on cheese straws!
I am so excited for your book to come out next month…can’t wait to get it in the shop AND I will always remember meeting you when you were writing it! 🙂
MK, I remember meeting you that joyous day when we learned we had so much in common. Now we have a refreshing friendship. Thank you for sharing my excitement about the book and praying for me and the publisher as we see it to completion with God’s guidance. Your comments encourage me!
Jeannie, I can almost smell the fresh lemons!!! You have always been a sweet friend who refreshes my soul. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement through the years. Your talent is amazing and I know your book will be a great blessing to many.
Debra, you’ve been a sweet friend to me for a long time. I appreciate your friendship and your encouragement. I’m continually amazed at the ways God allows us to participate in His kingdom’s work which you’ve done for so many years. Thank you for praying that the words in the book God led me to write will bless many.
You always have such great ideas for gathering together or fun activities with children and grandchildren! Thanks, Jeannie, for these sweet summer ideas for building friendships. I look forward to your book! Congratulations on its coming release!
Kathy, I’d love to have a brainstorming session with you because I love the ideas you share. In our busy lives, it’s easy to forego time with friends. They’re one of God’s most precious blessings. Thank you for stopping by.