Police dog

We saw this police dog outside the White House.
Are you able to see the sign that says, Do not pet.

"My eyes are your eyes
to watch and protect
you and yours.

My ears are your ears,
to hear and detect evil minds
in the dark.

My nose is your nose,
to scent the invader of your domain

And so you may live,
my life is also yours."
unknown

Security around the White House is intense.
There are so many layers of security that are hidden to the public.

Grateful to the men, women, and trained police dogs that work to keep the public safe.

Friendship Friday

We are not the type of friends who talk daily or even call every week. Living in different states, we visit whenever possible. On those special occasions when we see each other, we usually spend several hours together.

Our conversations will flow easily from one topic to the next. We don't limit our conversation topics. I like her take on life.

Most recently, we shared a few days together on Hilton Head. We enjoyed dinner and live music at Ruby Lee’s. Later we went shopping at the Saks Fifth Avenue and Cole Haan outlet stores.  Of course a visit to Hilton Head would not be complete without a visit to the beach.

Our friendship began as the result of our husbands. Otherwise, I don't know if our circles of would have intersected.  So grateful they did! 

Shopping with Angie is fun!
When you go shopping, take a friend who will give honest advice.
Angie offers excellent advice.
We need our sunglasses. The day we took this picture, the weather was simply gorgeous. 

Happy Thanksgiving

How often do we take for granted the blessings of everyday life? As we grow older, I think most of us are grateful when we wake up. As we listen to news or read a newspaper, we know that sickness, tragedy and death may enter our circle at anytime. So we are grateful for the gift of life.

Do you enjoy reading the  Facebook posts on Thanksgiving? I love them! I appreciation how I can develop a  deeper appreciation  for the thousands of gifts we have each day by reading posts.

I love ... the opportunity to hug my daughter, son-in-law, and husband. I treasure FaceTime when I talk to my son. Family and friends are incredible gifts.

A long list of blessings might be recorded... as your list is mentally recorded... embrace them everyday.

hope & wisdom

This week is National Bible Week. "Since 1941, this week has been a call to read the scripture for hope and wisdom."

For Christians, the Bible is often a source of comfort, guidance, instruction, and for matters of doctrine.  A friend recently expressed a truth than gave me pause to reflect on how I am serving.
She said, we serve out of a living experience with the Lord Jesus.

My desire to strive for a daily vibrant relationship with Jesus. I don't want to have a mechanical,  artificial, or fake relationship.

Maybe this week will serve as a catalyst to remember the extraordinary history we have in the Bible. Most importantly, to have a living relationship with the author, God.

God is the strength of my heart

"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth had nothing I desire but you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of your deeds.

Psalm 73 : 23-28

Stella

She is a Maltese and this week's pet. Stella is easy going, enjoys people and is extremely friendly.
🙂

Tea

"Life is like 

a cup of tea

to be filled to the

brim and enjoyed 

with friends"

Unknown

Shopping, tea, and conversation... makes for a delightful day.

Wordless Wednesday

Coconut Cake

This coconut cake is on the menu at the North Charleston Marriott . It's one of the most delicious cakes I have ever tasted. If you have a chance to visit the area, I highly recommend sharing this delicious cake.

 Planning a visit to South Carolina? I suggest you make reservations at the North Charleston Marriott. The "official" grand opening will be November 17, 2016. We will miss the grand opening... it was already fabulous when we stayed there last weekend.

Check out this site to and search for the Best Coconut Cake Recipe.
As you search this site, you are sure to find some delicious recipes.

Monday Musings ... Mississippi

After an uneasy introduction, I have a deep and abiding love for Mississippi its people, food, music, and the state’s rich and complicated history. This familial love story is the result of my husband.

The love and hospitality  I receive from Jerry’s family continues to humble me. I admire how my husband’s family has thrived in spite of difficult circumstances. His family is a wonderful example of thousands of Mississippians who live, work, and make a difference in their communities. Yet, too often, people only remember the raw and painful history of Mississippi.

Today, there is another reason to see how Mississippi has changed.

 Dr. Russell Moore is the President of the Ethics and Religious Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.  He is from Biloxi, Mississippi. Dr. Moore shares his thoughts on a national stage regarding culture, ethics, religion, politics and how faith intersects with culture. His words offer clear insight on the culture and how is differs with God’s Kingdom agenda.

“For too long, we’ve called unbelievers to “invite Jesus into your life.” Jesus doesn’t want to be in your life. Your life is a wreck. Jesus calls you into his life. And his life isn’t boring or purposeless or static. It’s wild and exhilarating and unpredictable.”

Russell Moore

I believe

"I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord:

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead, and buried;

the third day, he rose from the dead;

he ascended into heaven

and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father and Almighty;

from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body

and the life everlasting.  Amen"

The Apostles' Creed

Reciting the Affirmation of Faith in today's church service, reminded me of our weekly services in our UMC in Indiana. As a child, these words are etched in my spiritual memory. Today,  I still believe. 

Honoring Veterans

“While only one day of the year is dedicated to honoring veterans, Americans must never forget the sacrifices that many of our fellow countryman have made to defend our country and protect our freedoms.”

Randy Neughebauer

This is part of the WWII memorial.
Honoring those who served on this Veteran's Day

While we wait... pray

"To educate a man in and and not in morals is to educate a menace to society."
Theodore Roosevelt

What happened to the importance of character in the people who serve our country? Does it make a difference if elected officials don't possess significant knowledge to lead the country? Are elected officials suppose to have basic knowledge of the workings of government? Does it matter?  I guess we will have to wait and see.

While we wait, pray

... a witness to history

I am feeling sad and troubled as a result of yesterday's Presidential election. In spite of it all, I am determined to be joyful. My peace is not determined by the person who holds the office of the President. God is sovereign. God is in control and not surprised by the outcome. 

God is not a witness to history ,

cheering on His favorites, but the 

Lord of history moving forward 

His story, for His glory.

R.C. Sproul Jr.

Birthday Cake

"Cakes are special.

Every birthday

every celebration

ends with something sweet,

a cake,

and people remember. 

It's all about the memories."

Buddy Valastro

Birthday Greetings to friends who share the same birthday!  November 8. 

Alma

Kathy

Tai

a quiet place

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get come rest."

After a busy week, I long for quiet.
I savor the rest from the daily routines of life.

Mark 6:31

Pig in a red car

Three Tea Cups

"The heart of hospitality is about creating space for someone to feel seen and heard and loved. It's about declaring your table a safe zone, a place of warmth and nourishment."
Shauna Niequest

I cherish the time I was able to spend with two dear friends. This afternoon, we met over tea, sandwiches, dates, nuts, chocolate, and cookies. More than the food, I love our conversations.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Today's Cooking Light Luncheon was a wonderful way to begin the month of November. We enjoyed a fabulous lunch. Cooking Light's November issue offers some tasty recipes.

Our menu

Tricolored Beet Tart

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Pomegranate and Pine Nuts

Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Oat Topping

Grand Marnier Cranberry Saue

Ginger Honey Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Chocolate Glaze

Chilled Water

Assorted Beverages

Here is a non cooking fact.
On the right, we have a lovely Chicago Cub Fan.
To our right, we have a lovely Cleveland Indian Fan.
The World Series will go to game seven. Yay!