​Judi and Mollie van Wingerden were the hostesses for a lovely Spring Dove fellowship at their house. The Lord gave great weather, and Judi had the house looking so beautiful with fresh tulips and everything. She made wonderful sandwiches, as well as a number of delicious sweets, along with several types of hot tea that we were able to drink in China tea cups. She had chairs spread out all over her downstairs where people could sit comfortably and visit (or stand and visit). We talked and laughed together for quite a while. 

Sarah Arnold gave a very timely devotional about contentment. She stressed that contentment is not dependent on our circumstances. There are some contented people who are in difficult circumstances. And there are some very discontented people who live in pretty nice circumstances. She read from Romans 5:1-11 and pointed out that the basis for our contentment is our personal salvation through Christ Jesus. If we have Christ as our Savior, we should find our joy in the Lord. He will often allow trials in our lives, but these trials can help us to grow more like Christ. Sarah encouraged us to ask the Lord to help us not to complain about anything. She pointed out from the Scripture that when the children of Israel complained, it displeased the Lord (Numbers 11:1). Sarah then read the passage in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 and pointed out that Paul had a difficult life, but he focused on the blessings that he had in Christ. 

We ended our time together singing several songs from the hymnbook. It was a precious time. 

Mark your calendars for the next Dove fellowship, which will be on Saturday, June 12, with Natalee Wilson being the hostess.