The Gathering 2015 * Round Top

Finally posting about this amazing evening that was held during the recent Texas Antiques Week in Round Top, Texas.

Just look at this group of creative women…I am so grateful I was asked to be a part.

Beauty and refreshment at every corner. Lovely programs and “Jesus and coffee” pencils..perfect;

Most important, this meeting of sisters, dreamers & makers, hosted by Tara Royer Steel of Royers Pie Haven, was cloaked in prayer.

{Thank you Merritt Johnston for this beautiful prayer…what a gift}

The setting was beautiful..that girl Tara and her team have such a way creating an EFFORTLESS, casual yet so beautiful spread and atmosphere! After a crazy week I felt myself just exhale and relax the moment I arrived.  Isn’t that beauty should do to us?? Inspire, relax, comfort.

The precious Randi Hamlyn of One Fine Day shown below … did so much of the organization and work for this event..such a sweet spirit.  And that camera.. I didn’t even know such working cuteness existed…what a great idea for name tags!

To see God give birth to something in Tara’s heart for an event like this and watch her be faithful and step out in faith and DO IT, was amazing!

Here Tara is pictured above with the beautiful Paige Hull of the Vintage Round Top and Pamela Hamza of Stuck on the Word. And below with more beautiful ladies.  THOSE FLOWERS Y’ALL. AND THE CAKES…not only did we have pie but there was CAKE!

Beautiful cakes from the Bake Shoppe & Cafe in Cypress, Texas.

So what happened besides a pretty setting and pretty tables, wonderful women and food.

Well there was amazing worship by Debbie Forrest Byrd

…it was good so good…and honestly got me in a much needed place for the stress of the week. Follow Debbie’s facebook page to hear the song she wrote from the event coming soon!

And then various women spoke…specifically these women below including me which was scary (I took makeup remover pads because I just knew I would ugly cry but then I didn’t, strange)..we just spoke about our creative journey and the story God is writing in each of our lives.

{Speakers from back row: Tara Royer Steele, Paige Hull of Vintage Round Top, Andrea Morris from the Shop Gnomadic Fashion Truck, Elizabeth Tooley, Dr Karen Royer, then me and to my left is Randi Hamlyn; bottom row from left Brandi Harper from Spellbound, Pamela Hamza and Lisa Fields from Lucky Star Art Camp)

We spoke about the good and bad. And He was glorified I think.  I hope.  I know I left feeling encouraged and less alone.  Isn’t that what the church is about…community, encouraging, building up, pointing to our Creator and Savior and leaving us wanting more and to be better stewards of our time, talents and dreams.

And THEN THIS GIRL Elizabeth Tooley BROUGHT it at the end with the humor AND the word about how at the end of the day as much as we love to talk about what we do or want to do or could do…. we ARE NOT JUST WHAT WE DO…we are first called to LOVE PEOPLE.  SO GOOD.  Sometimes us creatives feel we must DO DO DO and produce and create and this reminder about LOVING PEOPLE was so spot on to round out the night. You don’t have to have a business or a “thing” it’s okay.  God calls us to different things and seasons but ALL TO LOVE.

        Thank you Tara and all of the sponsors and donors that worked hard to make this event happen…follow The Gathering Round Top on instagram and facebook for updates on future dates!

OH AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST…shout out to Dixie Ray Photography for the amazing images…you are pure sunshine and old soul wisdom and beauty Dixie!