Flowers from the Bluegrass Farmers Market

Flowers make simple meals seem special.

Tonight, we had soup and a salad.

Our weekend trip to St.Louis

Traveling home today.

Amazing jazz...

A night picture

Fifty and Fine..

Outside Bailey's Chocolate Bar.

Inside the chocolate bar..

it was near 100 degrees outside

St. Louis is one of my favorite destinations for a weekend visit. Our trip this weekend was especially sweet as we celebrated my sister in law’s 50th birthday.
Arriving in St. Louis late Friday evening, I see the city’s familiar and beautiful landscape. I wanted to take pictures…..hopefully, next time I can take more pictures at night. Ahh..., Dennis has his 50th birthday in November

In addition to celebrating Amanda’s birthday, I was able to explore and experience some new places in St. Louis. One of those places was the Bailey’s Chocolate Bar. Then, later Saturday evening, I was able to spend a few minutes at a way cool place…. Delmar’s Restaurant and Lounge. I felt like a grown up…listening to jazz and drinking cranberry juice … no alcohol. I thanked Tracie for joining me on the visit to Delmar’s.

After breakfast at Denny’s this morning, we traveled home. Arriving home, early this evening, we had a near perfect visit. I am thankful; I was able to extend invitation /plant a seed regarding the BSF study that will begin this fall. It will be an amazing journey for those who take time.

Gardening

Gardening this year has been a challenge. I have a tiny yard, most of the plants are in containers. Rainy weather and procrastination were my biggest issues. Once, I decided to get busy and work, everything was planted with relative ease. I purchased most of the plants from the Bluegrass Farmers Market. This summer, my plants include the following: Chadwick Cherry tomatoes, peppers, basil, lavender, squash, marigolds,and sage. My miniature yellow rose bush is a gift from my supervisor at work.

In Vigen Guroian's book the Fragrance of God he quotes, St. Ephrem when he expressed his appreciation for the gift of the senses and their redemptive role in our lives...

Let us see those things that He does for us every day!

How many tastes for the mouth! How many beauties for the eye!

How many melodies for the ear! How many scents for the nostrils!

Who is sufficient in comparison

to the goodness of these little things?
Who is able to make thousands of remunerations in a day?

...

I so enjoy gardening... the smell of dirt, the joy of harvesting the smallest herb, and the simple joy of looking at flowers.

....

Drink water. eat light in the summer

Birds

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add one single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:26-27.

Birds don’t go to the grocery store. … Well, let me rephrase that, birds don’t check out food in the checkout counter. Kroger on Richmond Road is going under extension remodeling. Inside the store, there is a Starbucks, a deli, sushi, and …of course, groceries that is what Kroger is all about…
In the midst of the remodeling, birds still live in Kroger. On occasion, you can still see birds swirl and fly around the aisles in the store.
I remembered that fact when I was deep in yesterday’s Sunday school lesson for the Lady Bugs. The Lady Bugs are three and four year old children in this specific class. One of the students remembered the birds in the grocery store.
Yesterday’s Bible truth was that children would learn about God and His love. After some twists and turns during story time, I pray seeds were planted about God’s love and provision.

Freedom

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

Some communites across our country mark this day with speeches, songs, parades, and picnics. This day can also provide an opportunity for individuals and communites reflect on the historical and personal significance of this day. An interesting note, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863, this news did not reach parts of Texas until June 19th. Thus, the name of the holiday.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Proclamation

Reflecting beyond slavery in the United States, I pause and look at the Israelites in bondage in Egypt... and the reason God said Let my people go... it is good to remember the cost, value and reason for freedom.

Familiar Routines

Since returning from vacation, I have settled into some familiar routines at home.
Cooking, cleaning, exercising, and my favorite vacuuming. Unfortunately, my meals have been pretty sad. Saturday's evening's spinach lasagna was acceptable. Sunday's "Mushroom Chicken" was barely edible. I really had some yummy meals last week. One of those meals was with Jara and Kenley at Goldberg's in Omaha. Tomorrow, back home in Indiana. Pray for me. safety and security.

Irisis

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11

Do I remember every one's name?

Here goes...

Hillary, Mandy, Marcia, Jara, Amanda, Caldwell, Paul, and Liz.

How did I do?

Thank you for sharing part of your day with us. I was encouraged by your authenticity, your joy, compassion, wisdom, and vision. Thank you... thank you..thank you..

Carve your name on hearts and not on marble.

"The only letter I need is yourselves! They can see you are a letter from Christ written by us...not one carved on stone,but in human hearts."

2 Corinthians 3:2.3 (TLB)

General Crook's home in Omaha, Nebraska

After traveling 1,900 miles by car, we are home in Lexington. Now, I am looking back at more pictures I took while I was in General Crook's home. After visiting the home, reading about General Crook and Standing Bear, I am hungry to learn more about their lives. I will see if there are any books in the libraries about their lives.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Crook

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_Bear

Visiting Historic Home in Fort Omaha

Ricotta Pancakes @ Amatto's in Omaha

An evening with Jara and her friends in Omaha

Dinner at Jara's apartment. Yummy food, good conversation, and an exciting b-ball game.

Yick

Almost, every day I exercise. Today was no exception. The hotel has a great exercise room. After over twenty minutes of working on the elliptical machine, I was sweaty and ready to cool down.
As I grabbed a towel I noticed that they were not folded very neatly.

Then I saw neatly folded towels in a rack. YUCK, I was using a dirty towel.

I ran to the elevator, clicked in the hotel room, and jumped in the shower.

My brother, my prayer

Courage, brother! do not stumble,

Though the path be dark as night:

There's a star to guide the humble,

Trust in God, and do the right.

Norman Macleod (1812-1872)