Feasting can be defined as that which affords unusual pleasure to one's mind or senses. In the bible, this morning, I am reminded of the feast Abigail "carried" out to the dessert to David and his men as a peace offering for her foolish husband Nabal's actions against David. Abigail carried two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five bushels of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins, and two hundred cakes of pressed figs. David received her offering and left Nabal alone. Although soon after God had his way and struck Nabal dead and made Abigail the wife of David, the future King of Israel.

Also, I am reminded of Queen Esther, a humble Jewish girl, who providentially ends up in the king's court. Upon the knowledge of Israel's pending destruction from Haman,  she prepares a feast for two days inviting both the King and evil Haman into her chamber. Upon filling their bellies and practicing hospitality by serving these men, she unveils Haman's evil plan to ruin Israel. King Xerxes responds by hanging Haman and Israel is saved.

Two women doing what they do well...cooking, preparing food, serving, making things beautiful change the course of history.

This past weekend I spent 72 hours feasting in the home of my friend Sally Clarkson, pioneer in the homeschool movement as well as author, speaker, blogger, faithful wife and mom. Sally led a MomHeart Leader Intensive Training for 29 of us women from around the globe, literally. There were two moms from Australia along with two Canadian moms.You can find out more about Sally and her family's ministry at www.itakejoy.com, her blog.

Along with wonderful meals, music, candles, and the gorgeous Colorado mountains, we were poured into with inspiring messages of God's design for us as women and inspired to likewise cultivate our own feasts in our own homes. Taking the time to prepare something small like cookies and coffee or large like dinner and inviting others to feast gives value to people. It opens their hearts to listen and respond more favorably to the charge before them to go and make disciples. Thank you Sally and the MomHeart team for a beautiful weekend feast.

Try it yourself the next time you have a run in with your teen or preteen or preschooler....See what gets you closer to  their heart...you yelling and administering punishment or offering a treat and asking questions to better understand their heart. Let me know how this works out for your family. My guess based on experience is that they will soften and you will have an opportunity to shape their thinking, guiding them, and charging them to go change the world as well.