Resentment

"Resentment is unexpressed and unresolved anger grown sour.  Nothing sweet can come from it. 
In fact, it will sour your whole life.'
Maxie Dunnam

Bluegrass Farmers Market #1 in Kentucky

Today the season ended for the Bluegrass Farmer's Market.  On most Saturdays, I would shop at the market.  Each week, I was able to shop for fresh and affordable organic produce.  What was available this season? Here is a short list: apples, blueberries, raspberries, watermelons, garlic, lettuce, tomatoes, swiss chard, turnip greens, lettuce, eggplant, onions, potatoes, honey, jams, jellies, eggs, flowers, beef, and so much more.
This market was voted the #1 Farmer's Market in Kentucky. Would you like to learn more about this small and amazing market?  Visit this link: www.bluegrassfarmersmarket.org/
What else is available at the market? Sprinkled up and down the aisles at the market, you will hear, cordial conversations, recipes, and conversations about the Bible.
I hope to see my friends in April of 2011.  

Growth...

" As Christians we do not emerge full blown; we grow. And we grow by discipline."
Maxie Dunnam

Forgiving and Excusing

" To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."C.S. Lewis 

A friend loves as all times

What better place to learn life long lessons about God, love, friendship, forgiveness, and faith than in Sunday School.   Each week in our class, our little ones have the opportunity to hear Bible stories, memorize scriptures,sing songs, and to work with their friends.   How do can we foster memorization?  When the children physically move to the words... memorizing  becomes easier.  Today's scripture: A friend loves at all time Proverbs 17:17

Wednesday Evening Book Club

Our book club meeting had a twist this month... we dressed up as our favorite character in literature.

In addition to our discussion, we had fun talking about our favorite characters.  From the right,  Betty Crocker, Jeannette Walls, Laura Ingalls, Dr. Seuss's character, "Horton Hears a  Who", Barbara Kingsolver's the Poisonwood Bible, Mma. Ramotswe from the No#1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods and  our lovely Diana in the sharp black hat.. Our book this month, Lisa See's book Shanghai Girls.

Tea, reading glasses, and our book

Good night friends have a safe trip home.

International Baby Shower...

 On Wednesday afternoon, Brooke and I had a small baby shower for one of our ESL students.  Our students have  limited resources, therefore, they created a book of wishes for Marie Viole and her baby.  As volunteers, we use special occasions as  opportunities for our students to extend their vocabulary, practice conversation, and work on their writing skills. 


Students working before the baby shower



Volunteering with international students gives me with so much joy.  I receive much more than what I give to them. I offer my friendship as I volunteer and tutor. In my experience, our students extend such kindness and consideration  to each other in class. Our students are from so many places around the world.   I simply tutor English. Seeing students from around the world, it reminds me of one of the Bible's most familar passages "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.  God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was.  He came to help, to put the world right again.  Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it.  And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.  (The Message) John 3:16 - 18

How do you love your enemies?

 I need God to love my family, friends, and neighbors   God has poured his love in my heart. Do I have enemies? I don't think so.

I am in the midst of a small group study from my church, 40 Days of Community, What on earth are we here for?  A church wide spiritual growth campaign.   Each Tuesday, we host a small group in our home.

Our small group

Be Still

This afternoon, I planted pansies.   Gardening provides me the opportunity to touch, see, smell and experience a  small part of God's creation.  It is a great place to have quiet time. Reflecting on God's Word...praying...

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10



Bradley House Bed & Breakfast

Nestled in the rural part of Halifax County,Virginia is the Bradley House Bed and Breakfast. On their web site it is described as quiet and serene. Built in 1903, this two story farmhouse is away from city traffic, lights, and noise. This bed and breakfast is perfect get away for a weekend of quiet solitude. When we arrived last Sunday afternoon, we felt as though we had stepped back in time. While this was our first visit, I look forward to planning a weekend visit.

Bradley House

1130 Doctor Merrit Road

Nathalie, VA 24577

434.349.1230

http://www.bradleyhouseva.com/

Dr. Brenda

Wedding Shoes

Three inch heels poking in the ground at the outdoor wedding...

One 10.10.10 Wedding

Another road trip, we are traveling to Virginia to attend the wedding of dear friends Angie and Chuck.  Friends for over twenty years, Jerry and Chuck share a love of God, family, and football. Their friendship began as a professional relationship that now extends beyond the workplace. Now, we have the opportunity to witness their marriage ceremony.

All along the road, we see little parts of American history, Patrick Henry’s home, the Appomattox Court House, and one of the oldest churches in the area, the Catawba Baptist Church (founded in 1773).  We experience so much beauty on our way to the wedding.  It was a near perfect 10.10.10 wedding.

Home Sweet Homecoming

As an alumnus of Indiana University, I have yet to attend an IU homecoming since my graduation.   While I have not attended an IU homecoming, I have attended several of Trine University’s homecomings.  It is here where I have a developed a true sense of community on a college campus.  I recently attended Trine’s Home Sweet Homecoming.  What is the highlight of homecoming weekend? Of course, it is the tailgating and football.

What I will miss at Indiana University’s Homecoming this weekend?  Internationally renowned star and IU alumna Angela Brown will be in concert Saturday, October 16.  The concert “Opera from a Sistah’s Point of View” will be held in the Musical Art Center.

Scenes from Trine University Homecoming Weekend
Click on this picture... I actually caught the cheerleaders spinning in the air... a lucky shot

One of the oldest building on campus

Hickman Creek Kennels



Astounding! In the United States there are 77.5 million dog owners. Wow! Thirty-nine percent of US households own at least one dog.* we are a part of those numbers. As a responsible pet owner, we make sure Jackson is current on all of his shots and licenses. In addition, when we travel, Jackson needs a safe and comfortable place to stay while we travel. Jackson relaxes @ Hickman Creek Kennel while we travel.

One time I took Jackson to Brooke’s (my friend) home.  Jackson went ~ wild! ~. Jackson ripped through her house and backyard. I thought, he could stay with a her. He simply could not stay there… I loaded Jackson back in the car.  Off, to the kennel.

Here, Jackson travels to the kennel.



One journey ends... another begins

In a community of believers, we are connected by our shared faith in God. We share a journey filled with celebrations, struggles, weddings, baptisms, communion, illnesses, and death. This week, our church said good bye to a member. In the midst of the pain of losing a loved one, we are comforted by trusting God who is in the midst of every part of our lives.


Being in friendship and relationships with others, we are touched by their pain. We want to sit with them and offer words of comfort. Visiting with Sharon's  family, my words seem insignificant; I just wanted to show I care.

Next week, we will begin hosting a small group in our home. As our church has grown larger, our church leadership has started a 40 Days of Community.  As this journey begins, I don’t know what is ahead, I trust in the God who goes ahead of us.

The God of all comfort

We live in a fallen world, therefore loss and grief will sadly be a part of each of our lives. Our words and all our efforts have limitations; we ultimately most look to God. It is God who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3) We look to the God of all comfort.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and  the God of all comfort who comforts  us in all our troubles..." II Corinthians 1:3, 4

Paws for Peace

 On Sunday, October 3, Jackson, Jerry, and I participated in a Paws for Peace Walk.  It was a rainy and chilly afternoon, but we joined a small group of individuals and their pets to walk in the first Paws for Peace Walk. This event was sponsored by the Franciscan Peace Center, Inc.  The Center is a Kentucky not for profit organization promoting active nonviolent and peacemaking. Prior to the dog walk in the park, one of the Sisters prayed. Have a moment? Google and read about Saint Francis of Assisi.
Pretty faces from yesterday's walk.

Hickory the Basset Hound...cool

I remember the face, but I forgot the name.

Another beautiful face

Jackson meets a new friend

Jerry and Jackson cross the finish line

Wonderful Wedding in Nashville

John and Sharon’s wedding at the Gaylord Opryland Springhouse in Nashville was  wonderful.  The ceremony was held outside in the pavilion at the golf course. As we were waiting for the ceremony to begin, we were shivering in the cool windy afternoon.  Musicians had clothespins to hold their sheet music on the stands.   When the vows were exchanged, suddenly, the windy weather subsided.  As Dr. Jones read the vows, I cried.

Gaylord Opryland Springhouse

The Wedding Ceremony Program

Musicians

Tennessee State University ROTC

The matriarch of the Claxton Family
Mrs. Eliza Wilder

The reception

 John  &  Sharon

John's message to his bride during the ceremony was tender and loving. 

Sharon's message to her husband, a pledge of faithfulnnes and commitment.

Below: Mr. & Mrs. Mark Powers

Last night as we were driving home, I napped... thanking God to be a part of a lovely day. Arriving home at 2:30 in the morning, 7:00 a.m would arrive so so soon ... to get ready for Sunday's church service.

Foodie Road Trip #2

Today's Itinerary

Stop #1   Trader's Joe

Stop #2   IEKA  Breakfast for .99 cents

Stop #3 Jungle's Jim Lunch ~ $5.00

Leave Lexington @ 6:30 a.m.  Travel to Cincinnati

Group picture!

Breakfast @ IKEA for 99 cents

Jungle Jim's

Loading groceries in the van

Now, home to cook dinner.

Road conversations...shopping tips, recipes,wedding gifts, job search, WEG games, newspapers, music,  and of course politics.