Monday Musings ... fear

"Be so busy loving God, 
loving others, and 
loving your life that you have 
no time for regret, fear, or drama."
Ibloom

Sunday Scripture

"Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. The crowds went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Hosanna in the highest heaven."
Matthew 21:9 (NIV)

March Madness

Nail biting, shouting, screaming, sweating, NCAA  Division I MensTournament time can make even a calm person nervous. When the madness is over, I hope each of the  basketball players know their true value.

"What you are as a person is more important than what you are as a basketball player."

John Wooden

Pet of the week, Drew

Picture this... Drew gets his daily exercise by chasing tennis balls.
Every morning, he has an exercise routine.
As a result of a healthy diet and exercise pattern, he has a low BMI score.
I imagine this because, he lives with my Water Fitness instructor, Wendy.
Special thanks to Wendy for sharing this picture. 

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Musings ... Winsome

Winsome

An online dictionary defines winsome as sweet charming; winning; or engaging

The origin of this word is Middle English or Old English around 900.

This word is seldom used in everyday language. Yet, I love its definition. 

Those qualities are attractive in a personality. You probably know someone who fits this description. If you are like me, you will find yourself enjoying their company. When you share a cup of coffee you want to linger for more conversation.  They invite you into their life … you want to be a part of the circle of friends.

Last week, I met someone that fits the description of having a winsome personality.

I was carrying a box and bag of books into Half Price Books. He ran to open the door for me. As soon as were in the store, he was excited to engage in a deep a conversation.

In the span of five minutes, we were talking about race, privilege, ministry, and movie recommendations.  Wow!  He recommended the movie In Time. Justin Timberlake is the star in this movie. After listening to the plot of the movie, I am curious to find this movie on Netflix or On Demand. 

He is so engaging, I was interested to know about his work.  He is a part of Athletes in Action. I think he and his wife must be a perfect fit to serve on a college campus. You simply must visit their site. Athletes in Action Read about the history of the ministry.

Who do you know that has a winsome personality?

Sunday Scripture

Psalm 119:129 - 136

Your statues are wonderful;

therefore I obey them.

The unfolding of your words gives

light;

it give understanding to the 

simple.

I open my mouth and pant,

longing for your commands.

Turn to me and have mercy on 

me,

as you always do to those who 

love your name.

Direct my footsteps according to 

your words;

let no sin rule over me.

Redeem me from the oppression

of men,

that I may obey your precepts.

Make your face shine upon your

 servant

and teach me your decrees.

Streams of tears flow from my 

eyes

for your law is not obeyed. 

Bridal Brunch

Did anyone notice the  chandelier that was sparkling?   Did they pay attention to the clean bench on the porch? As they entered our home did see evidence of serious spring cleaning. For the past month, I have donated old magazines, books, and clothes.  Decluttering and cleaning has been in high gear.  All the cleaning was in preparation for today's bridal brunch.

 I thank God for my friend, Gail who took time to help me clean.  The  chandelier  is shining  brightly due to her efforts.  Then, I had talented friends who prepared an amazing meal.

The menu:

Chilled Water

Orange Juice

Orange Mango Juice

Shrimp and Grits

Chicken and Waffles

Cheese and Crackers

Fruit

Crudités

... We had so many answering to prayers.  Glorious weather, delectable food, friendships renewed,  and a near flawless celebration.

They have been best friends since they were five years old. 

I love this picture. The mother to be and the bride to be

Wordless Wednesday

Saint Patrick's Day

"Christ beside me
Christ before me
Christ within me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me"

This quote is attributed to Saint Patrick

Monday Musings ...

Turning 60 years of age may mean slowing down for some individuals. To other individuals it may mean ending a satisfying career, planning trips, downsizing, or casting new visions.

Then, there are those men and women who are led by God to begin a transformative work for poor and disabled children who live on the margins of life in the developing world.

Dr. Scott Harrison and his wife Sally founded CURE International in 1996. They began this work after the age of sixty.  CURE International provides medical care to children suffering from orthopedic and neurological conditions.

 This is an amazing fact. Today, CURE is the largest provider of surgical care in the developing world.

Life after sixty can be inspiring to people of any age.

I am grateful that my friend introduced me to the CURE International.  

Click on this link to read more: CURE International

We took at picture at this weekend's CURE Partners Weekend. 

Sunday Scripture

"He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."

Luke 9:2

Pet of the week, Mr. Dukie

Mr. Dukie is this week's pet. He is a Cairn Terrier.... and adorable.  I think I say every pet is adorable. Well, it is true.

Special thanks to Wendy for sharing this photo. 

According to Wendy, Mr. Dukie is 11 years old and the best! Wendy is also the extra ordinary, awesome, instructor at the YMCA.  I attend a class she teaches at the Y.

Who is behind the lens?

Who is behind the lens?

This exceptional woman  … Jenn.

 “Children's kidney doctor by training, cancer patient by nature, and photographer in her third life, Jenn Jackson strives to capture our personal journeys, the struggles and triumphs alike, turning our stories into art.

She is also an avid fundraiser for First Descents, an organization that encourages young adults with cancer to reclaim their lives through adventure camp experiences."

Discover more at this site:THIRD LIFE photography

Her photos are on display this month at A Cup of Common Wealth Fine Coffee in Lexington. 
Embrace Community. Serve Others. Create Culture. View the photographs... then enjoy a delicious cup of tea or coffee. What did I enjoy? Coconut Tea. 

This evening, I joined friends from our water fitness class to the view her photographs.  Jenn is incredibly gifted.  

 Jenn is on the right in this picture. 

Special thanks to Jenn's husband for taking this picture.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tueday

Did you know that the Wall Street Journal has a weekend section titled, Eating and Drinking ?  Last weekend I discovered some yummy recipes in this section.

If you google this title:  The Leek Shall Inherit the Earth by Charlotte Druckman, you will find the recipes.   

Over the past several months, soups have become are my new specialty. J...( my husband)  has listed his favorite of my soups…  His list includes these, Chicken  Noodle Soup. Mediterranean Soup, and White Chicken Chili. 

Everyday cooking.... no gourmet cooking... just good food. 

Monday Musings

"Let your past make you better not bitter."

Anonymous 

Sitting in the church’s fellowship hall, we are quiet. His story of survival is spellbinding. We listen to his story in silence.  He is a survivor. More amazing than his long journey is that he lacks bitterness from his struggle for survival.

He is one of the “Lost Boys” This name was given to the groups of 20,000 boys of the Nuer and Dinka tribes in southern Sudan.  He speaks of overcoming tremendous obstacles. Today, he is a husband, father, and a graduate of Ohio University. He journeys back to Sudan for the health clinic, he helped establish. 

More of his journey is available on this site. Buckeye Clinic in Southern Sudan