Friendship Baskets

Friendship Basket

Friendship Basket – Pineapple Guava and Vine-ripe Tomatoes. Fresh produce from Grieb Ranch.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

I (Connie) had a dear friend, who was from the “South”, come into my life who refreshed me.  Her “Southern Charm” –  making a person feel good when they are around you; serving others and doing the right thing – simply warmed my heart and others who experienced her.  Her charm continues to pour into my life with her incredible friendship and hospitality through her open heart and home.

One of the fun benefits of this friendship was the birth of the concept of the “Gift Basket.”  We decided to share a part of our world with each other through randomly filling a basket with samples of our corner of the world and passing the basket back and forth.  I would send samples of produce off the ranch that is in season:  apricots, avocados, pineapple guava, eggs and more.  She in turn would return the basket with sorghum, steak sauce, a devotional book or some fun goodie.

I have extended this idea to other friends. I fill a small basket with some ranch goodies and an encouraging note, then ask the receiver to fill the basket up and pass it on to someone else.

It only takes a spark to get a fire going and then all those around can warm up to its glowing. That is how it is with God’s love once you’ve experienced it.  – Connie Grieb Willems.