A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend. -Sirach 6:14-15
Where Two Or Three Are Gathered
Friendship is at the heart of Christianity. God has clearly revealed the dignity and beauty found within holy friendships. We see this from the beginning of the Old Testament with God’s intimate friendship with Adam and Eve, right to the end of the Gospels as Jesus speaks the powerful words, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” From David and Jonathan to Paul and Barnabas, the Word of the Lord proclaims that truly, “two are better than one.” (Ecc 4:9)
Being A Faithful Friend
We are called to love our neighbor, and yes we can do this from afar through the power of prayer (as Saints like Therese teach us!), but there is also something so beautiful about being physically present with someone. When Christ and His Kingdom are the goal, holy friendships always bear good fruit—joy, love, and peace.
Let us make it our goal to seek out friendships founded in Christ, and in turn, be a faithful friend.
Ladies’ Night
One way to cultivate friendships is spending time together for a ladies’ night. Whether you host a night in or plan a night out, taking the time to make those around you feel loved is one of the greatest gifts.
Here are some tips and ideas for a fun night!
Tips For Ladies’ Night
Invite someone new!
It’s wonderful to spend time with the friends we know, love, and are comfortable with, but if you feel a tug on your heart to invite someone new, do it! Often, and in my own experience, it always means so much to be invited to events or get-togethers!
Don’t gossip.
If someone who isn’t present is being talked about, always compliment that person and don’t speak negatively about him or her. This changes the entire mood and atmosphere of your night.
Say a prayer to the Holy Spirit before your night.
Ask Him to fill your heart with His love, for you to speak the words that you are meant to, and to bless your friendships.
Send out invites!
Though sending a quick group text is definitely more efficient, receiving an invitation, via e-mail or snail mail, can be very meaningful to the recipient.
Invitations allow us to show some of our creativity, especially if they are handmade, and spread some beauty and kindness!
If you are hosting a night in, ask each person to bring their favorite drink, dish, or dessert!
This takes some stress off of you, and allows you to focus on the other details of hosting.
Ideas For A Fun Night In
Watch a movie on a projector.
If you don’t have a projector screen, hang a sheet or play the movie on an open wall space. You could even decorate the room in an Old-Hollywood style and print out and hang pictures of classic Hollywood stars.
Make popcorn, cover the floor in throw pillows and blankets, and enjoy the show!
Do a DIY Spa Night.
Invite everyone to come over make-up free and in pajamas, ready to relax! Set up a table with all the ingredients needed to make your own face, lip scrubs, and masks.
Have little jars available so that your friends can take any extra home.
Paint With a Pro Night.
Have everyone bring a blank canvas, brushes, and paint. Set the table with snacks, drinks, and even a homemade place card to make it special.
Turn on a Bob Ross episode on YouTube and start painting!
Have a clothes exchange.
Have everyone go through their closets and bring some clothes, shoes, and accessories to exchange.
Donate all the leftover clothes the next day!
Creative Ideas For A Ladies’ Night Out
Attend a cooking class.
The first time I went to a cooking class was with my husband, Mike. We had the best time! I would love to get a group of friends together and attend one.
It’s so fun to learn new techniques and then enjoy a meal together at the end of the class!
Volunteer together.
Call a local food pantry or religious order, like the Missionaries of Charity, and ask if you could help serve dinner to the homeless and impoverished.
I’ve done this with friends before and it is the deepest joy that we have experienced together!
Have a wine, cheese, and chocolate picnic.
Research and find a beautiful local park, send your friends the location, and surprise them with a picnic.
Set up a blanket, some outdoor pillows, and place the cheese and chocolate on boards.
Have an outdoor Mass.
Ask a priest if he would be available to say an outdoor Mass for your group.
This is so beautiful, especially if you time it to happen during sunset!
What are your favorite ways to spend time with your friends? Do you prefer a night in or an evening out? Comment below with some Ladies’ Night ideas!
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