Sunday Scripture

"Aleph
Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the LORD.
Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
As I learn you righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your decrees.
Please don't give up on me!"
Psalm 119: 1-6 (NLT)

Pets of the week, Cricket and Bella

Cricket and Bella are this week’s pets. Cricket is  wearing a cute parka with faux fur collar. Bella is sporting a pink doggie fashion collar.  Bella and Cricket were adopted from the Lexington Humane Society. Cricket was adopted over fourteen year ago. I am not sure about Bella's adoption date.

I met these two dogs while visiting at a local dog park. 
J. William Sayre founded the Lexington Humane Society in 1889. Since then, the Humane Society has been providing emergency assistance animals in crisis. In 2015, the Society provided assistance for over 1,400 animals. 

Mission Statement of Lexington Humane Society:
To advocate the compassionate treatment of animals;
education the community on responsible, lifelong, pet ownership;
and promote adoption as the best
option when searching for a new pet.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

According to the label, here are the benefits of Better Beets:
Boost stamina, increase energy and support cardiovascular health. There is also a clinical study that provides detailed information about the benefits of beets.

Also, Better Beets is tasty.

Monday Musings ... red-letters

Red is one color that forces a person to stop and take notice. Be aware. Think of the red stop sign. It means stop!  Or look at the flashing red lights at a railroad crossing.

If you receive a letter with big bold letters on the outside of the envelope, most likely you will stop, take notice, and read. Then, if the letters have special significance you will read. Here is a red-letter question I received last week.

Did that catch your attention? It did mine!

What is the source of red- letter days?  The origin of the red-letter day is believed to come from the Roman Republic 509 – 27 B.C. Red-letter days hold special significance.

Now, we can go back to the letter.  This letter is from Reince Priebus, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee. While I plan to complete the survey, and share my concerns.  I have a long list of things that are positive with the Republican Party. Here are a few:  A rich history and legacy … from Abraham Lincoln, Fredrick Douglass, Senator Edward Brooke, to Jack Kemp… then we look at current leaders, Governor John Kasich,   Senator Marco Rubio, Senator Tim Scott, South Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Alaska, Senator Joni Ernst, Iowa,  Senator Kelly Ayotle, New Hampshire, Senator Shelley Capito, West Virginia, Senator Susan Collins, Maine, Governor Nikki Haley, South Carolina, Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele,     Representative Mia Love, Utah and many state, county and local leaders. 

While my list is not exhaustive, it does reflect a diverse party. Examine  the diversity; Hispanic, African Americans, Asian, women, men, married, single, While I don’t agree with each of the individuals, they do represent a diverse America.

What do I think is wrong with the Republican Party? When one candidate who does not have a long history of commitment and service to the party explodes on the scene with such swagger and bravado that the conversation turns into a circus, I wonder, what has happened this year.  With attention given to harsh statements about Senator McCain, women reporters, refugees, immigrants, a candidates looks, intelligence, attacking family members,  demeaning supporters with a host of demeaning comments...  what is wrong? 

This is for sure… my hope will not be found in the Republicans or Democrats. No one person or political party can solve the problems our country faces. The problems will best be solved when candidates begin to focus on solutions and develop thoughtful policies to address issues.

It is interesting, as I was driving around town doing errands, I thought about the red-letters in the Bible. In 1899, the first red-letter New Testament was published.  The red-letters in the New Testament represent the words that Jesus spoke. I know that every person in office will disappoint us. They are not capable of flawless leadership. Yet, I think we can do better than Mr. Trump. In my humble opinion  I think that Mr. Trump is one thing that is wrong with the Republican Party. 

Yet, I know this... 

Trusting in the words of Jesus will never disappoint us.

Sunday Scripture

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must be all quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you just listen to God’s word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forgot what you have heard, then God will bless you for doing it. “

James 1: 9-25 (NLT)

Sister memories

“Photography is a way of feeling, touching, and loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”

Aaron Siskind

Grateful for the many photographs I have with my sister. Some of my sweetest memories were when we were able to attend church together. As we grew older our faith in God increased. We forgave, we laughed, we shared our lives. I miss her. 

Pet of the week, Bandit

This week's pet is Bandit. Bandit lives in the same household as a previous of the pet of the week, Sable.

Did you notice the sale pet clothes in the background of this picture?
Clearance 75% .What a deal! 

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

I added chicken to this recipe. Delicious! 

Monday Musings ... mercy and justice

“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

If we remain unaware and uninformed about social justice issues does this qualify as sincere ignorance? If we turn a blind eye to issues of poverty and abuse does it release us from any form of responsibility?  How can we remain idle when there are so many issues that cry out for action!

What will awaken us to issues? In the fifties, Emmett Till’s mother refused to have a closed casket for her son’s funeral.  His death revealed a brutal beating.  Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her actions along with others sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Then we look at Clyde Kennard was framed for a crime and later jailed for applying to Mississippi Southern College.  Now, more recently, we are able to read books like Bryan Stephenson’s book, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption to see the issues of unjust incarcerations. It can break our hearts then move us to action.

Today communities across the nation are reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. More than speeches and reflection, volunteers are working to answer the question:  “What are you doing for others? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Most importantly God poses this question   “ …And what does LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Sunday Scripture

“The earth is the LORD’s and

everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the

waters.

Who may ascend the hill of the

LORD?

Who may stand in his holy

place?

He who has clean hands and a

pure heart,

who does not lift up his soul to an

idol

or swear by what is false.

He will receive blessing from the

LORD

and vindication from God his

Savior.

Such is the generation of those who

seek him,

who seek your face, O God of

Jacob                           Selah

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

be lifted up you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may

come in,

Who is the King of glory?

The LORD mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O you gates;

Lift them up, ancient doors,

That the King of glory may come

in.

Who is he, this King of glory?

The LORD Almighty –

He is the King of glory.          Seals
Psalm 24: 1 - 10 (NIV)