Homesick for Tennessee

This afternoon's drive to the Windy Corner's restaurant reminded me of similar scenery in Middle Tennessee.  I miss my friends and work in Tennessee.  Windy Corner reminds me of this special place: http://www.leipersforkvillage.com/

~ Our lives a sweet fragrance to God ~

But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and  leads us along in Christ’s triumphal procession.  Now  whenever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance Is perceived differently by those who are being saved and those perishing.  To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom.  But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume.  

2 Corinthians 2 14 -16 

Do I smell good?

Love your neighbor

How can you love your neighbor when you do not know your neighbor?  Developing friendships with my neighbors is an ongoing concern for me.   Lord awaken me to the daily opportunities to be a good neighbor. 

Keeping a pot of tea hot

Book Clubs

Today's  afternoon book club

I have a life long love of reading.   Long before I could read on my own, my family instilled in me the love of reading and learning.  It continues today.

.... Monday Morning Book Club, Evening Book Club, and Saturday Sister Book Club.  This afternoon, we discussed the Red Tent.   Described as a historical novel, it weaves the biblical account of Genesis 34 into this work of fiction. As we discussed the book, we sorted out fact from fiction as we returned to the biblical account.

March's Evening Book Club

Crying out to God in suffering

 Origami flowers proceeds go to  Red Cross

According to the 19^th century poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge said, “What comes from the heart goes to the heart.” This may explain when someone begins to cry, I find myself crying.  As one tragedy unfolds to the next tragedy, my hearts turns to God who hears and answers prayers. After praying and crying, what can one person do? 

Today the news from Japan is slowly fading from the top spot on the evening national news and headlines of newspaper.  This crisis is being replaced by the newest tragedy or war.   The images from Japan continue to show incredible suffering. 

Within hours of the earthquake two weeks ago, the YMCA in Kobe began fundraising.  In addition, World Vision, The Salvation Army, Caritas Japan (Catholic Charity) began gathering funds for relief.   Bible Study Fellowship  alerted members to pray for Japan.  These efforts are just a portion of what is happening on behalf of the people of Japan.  

How can we make sense of the is happening across the world?  Where do we look for answers?  How do we make sense of pain and suffering?  I like what Phillip Yancey said about suffering,  “Any discussion of how suffering fit into God’s scheme ultimately leads back to the cross.”  Suffering, redemption, and a perfect sacrifice for sinners.   In the midst of suffering, there is yet Good News.  Jesus... The Suffering Savior and Redeemer.  

Locally,   Japanese women have been creating origami art to raise funds for the Red Cross relief efforts.  We were able to purchase pieces at this week’s Newcomer’s Fashion Show.

Resting in God

Sunday afternoon... resting outside

God's word  says, "The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.  2 Chronicles 16:9 a
(New Living Translation)

This scripture reminds me to depend on the Lord.   God will strengthen me...I want my heart to be fully committed to Him.

To Reveal God's Glory

 "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples." (1 Chronicles 16:24 NIV) " God made all things, everything continues through him and for him.  To him be the glory forever" (Romans 11:36 NCV)


"Why does the earth spin? For him
Why do you have talents and
abilities, For him...
Everything and everyone exist to
reveal his glory.
Including you."

It's Not About Me
Made to Be Amazing ~ Max Lucado


In memory of Dr. Chuck Musfeldt, one of God servants went home on March 14, 2011.  I heard him speak last year at the BSF Retreat in Louisville.  Please go the following link.
http://ministrydevelopment.wordpress.com/
See the post from March 15, 2011

Taking time to visit

Take time to visit and stay in touch with important people in our  lives.
Celebrating a friend's birthday at Sahara restaurant  in Lexington.  Mediterranean Cuisine is delicious .

Small world connected by prayer

Jodie where is Russell?

 After a brief interruption of our weekly meetings, our small group reconnected last night. We met for dinner, fellowship, and prayer. It has been weeks since we have met as a group.  As soon as we met... it was as if time melted away.  As always, our evening was filled with laughter.    

Laughter …and prayer…and prayer

Not everyone in our small was able to attend. Russell was at home ~ sick.  Rita is in Japan.  She is visiting in Japan to help with her new grandbaby.  Maurice shared that he had talked with her last evening.  She is visiting south of Tokyo.

 As our evening ended, we prayed.   We join others in  praying for the people in Japan.  I pray others will trust and have faith in the Lord God Almighty ~ The Creator of heaven and earth....pray

Tonight, I am reminded of one of my favorite scriptures from the Message translation of  Psalm 46: 1 ~ 3

1-3 God is a safe place to hide; ready to help when we need him.

   We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,

      Courageous in sea storm and earthquake

   Before the rush and roar of oceans,

      The tremors that shift mountains.

Our gracious hosts the Jacksons
the wife... my prayer partner...
Who is your prayer partner?

"You gave abundant showers, O God;

you refreshed your weary inheritance.

Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, 

O God, you provided for the poor."

Psalm 68: 9 ~ 10

Twenty eight years ago today @ 4:35

Happy Birthday
Jonathan!
"You weren't an accident. You weren't mass produced. You aren't an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman." 
 ~ Max Lucado ~

Jonathan's tiny little suit

Grocery Shopping

Kentucky Blue Orchids... not on my list

Things to do...plan weekly menu... make a  list...avoid buying things not on the the list.

Produce department @ grocery store on Richmond Road

Cuddly Cat

Roscoe is a rescue cat.  He is loved, now he is loving.  Cuddly, cute, this cat, makes me want to get a cat.