Are you ready for some fun?  Why not plan a Heavenly Luau.  Here are some ideas.  Make it your own.

Invitation : Plane tickets were too expensive

And the time was just not there

To fly us to Hawaii and see the

Beautiful paradise there.

But home will have to do this time

With decorations not as fair

Come join us for a luau

Food, Fun, and laughter we will share.

Decorations: Anything tropical or beach like. Palm trees, flowers, leis, surf boards, beach towels, sea shells, fish net, fresh fruit, fresh flowers, Hawaiian music, small umbrellas for drinks.

Refreshments: Roast a pig if you are one who goes “whole hog”. For the rest of us cold ham slices, pulled pork sandwiches, or sausage on the grill may be a good substitute. Pigs in a blanket (bite size sausage wrapped in small portions of canned biscuits) can be fun as well.

A cascade of fruit that is able to be picked up by fingers is good. The original luau did not include utensils and everything was eaten by hand, so finger tuna sandwiches, cheese kabobs and crackers or whatever makes you think of the tropical islands would be great. We served fruit juice smoothies as our beverage. These are easily made by choosing your favorite fruit juices combined with equal part of ice and blend until smooth. You can get much fancier by throwing in fresh fruit of your choice to vary the taste. Serve in fun glasses with an umbrella.

Just For Fun: have a friend who has been to Hawaii and taken hula lessons to teach the hula. It doesn’t matter if they make up their own motions, just have fun moving to the music. If you don’t have a resource

Devotion: “Aloha” If you have ever traveled to Hawaii or even studied about it you have heart this word. In days of old the Hawaiian people would greet each other forehead to forehead with the greeting “Aloha”. According to tradition they would be so close they could feel the breath of the other. This was a show of trust and affection. God desires this close relationship with us as well. He longs for us to be so close to Him that we can feel His presence. The bible says, “Draw near to Him and He will draw near to us.” I pray that you will feel God’s “Aloha” to you.

Take home favor: Chocolate covered macadamia nuts with a note that says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”