Blessed Be the Tie (and the Cake) That Binds
If Friday was the grand arrival, then Saturday was the glorious celebration. I apologize in advance — 3 days in a row — talking about family and making sure family is tied and bound together.
What impressed me most — though every part of this family reunion was a win-win — was the children who bravely performed skits, sang songs, hung out in the Noble Kids Zone and who loved every minute of the day. Why I’m impressed — those kiddos will be the ones who carry on this amazing family tradition!
We kicked off the morning with a continental breakfast — yummy banana bread, muffins, fruit and other tasty treats.
And then there was the remarkable 3-tiered, enormous chocolate-cake showstopper that we brought. Carl’s favorite cake baker amped up her baking and design skills that was a jaw dropper!
Then came the main events – the talent show – this family’s got talent. You can see some of those brave actors, singers and musicians in these photos.
Then — more photos of the corn hole competition — rawdy, competitive and braggers’ rights, plus a trophy!
The fajita lunch was off the charts — followed by our family business meeting – actually, many touching moments that paid tribute to loved ones who passed this last year and those who gave “Praise the Lord and Halleluljah” reports that they’re still here after some serious surgeries!
And, not to be outdone – Carl and I, as well as other family members, donated silent auction items that took our total to a whole new level. Over a hundred treasures were purchased and now with a haul of $1,600 raised for the next reunion that will be in California next year.
Why? Because this family invests in its own — high school and college grads, newlyweds, newborns, and even those who’ve gone before us. The funds raised care for their resting places, too. That’s legacy in motion.
Somewhere between the bids and the blessings, I found myself humming an old hymn: “Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.” Written in 1782, but oh, how it still sings the truth today.
This family is proof of those ties. They’re different as can be. Some kids are loud, others shy. Some strum guitars like angels, others sing and dance. And, the bond is undeniable. That’s family.
And in the Body of Christ, we see the same. Some raise hands in worship. Others fold them quietly. Some sing hymns, others shout praises. But if we agree on the unshakable foundation — God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit — we’re knit together by something far stronger than opinions.
Romans 12:5 reminds us, “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” And Hebrews 10:24 nudges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
That’s what I saw this weekend: a family held together by love, faith, and shared desserts, stories, auction items and love and connection. And in a world pulling apart at the seams, that is worth holding tight.
From cake to calling, the Noble Family Reunion reminded us that ties worth having are ties worth keeping. Different faces, same foundation — love, legacy, and lots of laughter.
Won’t you join me in celebrating your family, your loved ones and your ties that bind! It’s so worth the effort and the life-long memories!
