Fall Holidays and Celebrations

How do you explain the holiday Halloween to people to  new to the United States?  What vocabulary words will I use?  Last week, I created a word search using on line tool.  In addition, I used other tools to build on their existing vocabulary.  Spelling list: autumn, fall, tree, leaves, candy, corn, trick, treat, pumpkin, and so on... Here are interesting some words that appear in many languages: witch, spells, curses are some of the words.  At the end of class, we had a party. Each of the students had a treat bag... apples,  grapes, and a few sweet treats.

Love

 Fresh flowers from Kroger

"Spread love everywhere you go...

Let no one ever come to you without

leaving better or happier.

Be the living expression

of God's kindness."

Mother Teresa

Gardening in the winter?

Gardening…  Depending on the season, I will always find something beautiful in garden centers.  Over the years, my garden planning has improved.  No more wasting plants that will wither and die on the deck. 

As a result of sounder planning, I am better able to enjoy the produce of summer garden.  This past summer, I had peppers, herbs, tomatoes, and eggplant.  Now as winter approaches, I hope to enjoy pansies peaking out from the snow-covered ground.

 As the temperatures continue to slide toward freezing I will move my banana plant to garage.   Will it survive the winter?  We shall see.

I like small independent stores in contrast to the big box garden stores. The small stores offer a blend of plants, gardening supplies, seeds, and an eclectic inventory for shoppers.  Earlier this month I was able to do window-shopping at a store in Greensboro, North Carolina.  The pictures are from the store in North Carolina.  No winter garden... Lord wiling, I will plan my garden this winter. 

This portion of the garden has an interesting combination of containers, plants, and colors. 

I would love a bench in my garden.

October Thunderstorm

Listening to the weather forecast last night, I planned a early morning walk with Jackson.  I was hoping to dodge the rain.  On most weekday mornings, I exercise after six. Then, Jackson waits patiently until he hears the television go silent.  He must me thinking dog thoughts, “Now it is my turn.” As soon as I grab my jacket and keys, he is ready to go!

Jackson did get his walk in this morning. After his walk, I went to Chick Fil… the oatmeal and fruit for me… a dog treat for Jackson. He was a happy dog.

Now, Jackson is quiet… a bit nervous from the thunderstorm.

Coupons, Menus, and Grocery Shopping

I look forward to preparing some of my favorite soups this winter.  I enjoy the smell of soup simmering on the stove. I think that soups are often a simple, healthy, and low cost way to save money.    I'm working to stick to my weekly menu and using every bit of leftovers. I am fortunate to have a husband who likes to clip coupons.  Growing some of your own vegetables may also save money.

 A friend made salsa made from home grown tomatoes 

Nordstrom ~ Shopping ~ Budgets

  Looking for  value and reasonable prices for shoes and clothing?  Nordstrom may not be at the top of your list.  Quite the contrary, Nordstrom's reputation as an upscale department store would not make the list of most  bargain shoppers.  Many individuals are trying to keep  current with their financial obligations without shopping at upscale department stores.

Bargain shoppers may shop at discount and outlet stores to stretch their shopping dollars. Heading to a computer to do online research may help individuals make informed choices.

Nordstrom Rack, Rivers Edge Shopping Center, Indianapolis, IN

Last month, I was in Indiana visiting family.   On my way to visit my Aunt Lena,  I stopped by the Nordstrom Rack in Indianapolis.  Yes, there are some bargains.

Budget Week

I often sign notes with this message, "Make the most of your day."  I hope my note serves as an encouragement for my friends. Time is our most valuable resource. It is imperative that we make the most of our days. We can never recover lost time. 


One of my favorite scriptures is from Ephesians 5:15 - 16, "So be careful how you live.  Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do." 


Giving thought to how we invest our time is time well spent.  Attending a Bible study is an excellent use of time. Bible Study Fellowship classes are held across the  United States and in over 30 countries.   Time well spent...BSF

College Football

 North Carolina A & T's  Homecoming has been described as the “Greatest Homecoming on Earth”.  What makes their homecoming unique? Is their football team nationally ranked?  Or is it their marching band? I think it is  a combination of several things… distinguished alumni, an enthusiastic student body, motivated athletes, faculty, and Aggie Pride.

Walking toward the football stadium, we are soaking in this sunshiny day.  What a day!  In the distance, down the hill, we see blue vendor tents, food carts, and fans are streaming to the stadium.  Pre game activities are in full swing. We make our way to the VIP tent.  Alumni, faculty, and corporate sponsors are talking and visiting before the game.

Mr. Sturdivant, Dr. Coger, Dean of Engineering, and Alumni from 1953 and 1954

Confidence in God

A few words written on a note continue to transform my life... I don't remember the entire sentence. In part this is what I remember, 'Have confidence in God"... These words were instructive to help me focus on God not my self confidence.  God enables and equips His servants.

The words of encouragement point back to  the truth of scriptures about the God. 

One of my favorite verses... 

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

Philippians. 1:6 (NLT)

A change of place

"Travel and change of place impart a new vigor to the mind." ~ Seneca

A creek nestled between two hills

Bold

Arriving at the post office this morning, I joined a long line of customers waiting to be served.  The post office was quiet with the exception of one lady.  She was giving a message to the entire group waiting in line. 

Her voice was elevated. She was giving her thoughts concerning judgment, provision, bills, mocking God, and a host of other subjects.  She repeated several times, “ I am not ashamed of my faith.” While the scene seemed odd, I did not sense that she was having a mental breakdown.  Nor did I feel like anyone was in danger.    

It seems that the group has made a silent agreement; we will be quiet and mind our own business. Two ladies in the front of the line were talking quietly. A gentleman behind me was looking at the cards in the display case.  I stood quietly with my packages prepared for mailing.  It was an awkward moment. 

In a quiet moment, she looked at me and said, "I like your cross. “I thanked her.

As she approached the counter, the clerk looked at her with apprehension.  By then, she was quiet.  Their conversation was without incident.  Then, she left the post office.

This incident has caused me to ponder issues about sharing about is important to us.   I don’t think it is odd when people ring bells and stand by red kettles during the holidays and at Christmas.  I don’t cringe when the Girl Scout take orders for cookies.  I wonder what caused her boldness.  What is happening in her world?

She was nearly shouting…her words did not seem to be motivated by love.

Bold by the Holy Spirit… what does that look like?