Pet of the week, Josie

"Despite all the bad days and mean people, I still believe in good days and kind people.
Plus there are always dogs."
Author Unknown

Friendship Friday

Over ten years ago, I became acquainted with one of my neighbors. It began with a casual conservation. I think I introduced myself as she was walking her dog. What happened next? I cannot remember.

What I know now... we are friends. We laugh, discuss politics ( not so much anymore) our latest Bible Study, decorating,  our children, grandchildren, our neighbors, dogs, cats, tea, and issues that have eternal value. Did I mention we laugh?  

After visiting with this lovely friend I always feel
refreshed and encouraged.
Thanks to Jill to sharing part of her afternoon with me. 

What are you reading ...

"What are you currently reading? What are you recommending others take time to read? What is one of your favorite books?

Reading is one of my passions. I am grateful that my parents encouraged me to read, gave me books, and took time to listen to me read.

As a young parent, I loved reading to my children. Today, my adult children will often buy me books or share  online articles they discovered. In their busy lives, I guess that reading for pleasure is not a priority.

As for me ...

Each Wednesday afternoon, I volunteer with the  Read to Succeed program.  I work with one elementary age student to  improve their reading skills.

Last week, we read this book.

... God's invisible qualities

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature  - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

Romans 1 :20 NIV

Pets of the week

Hank and Charlie Brown are the pets of the week. Hank is the Golden Doodle. Did you notice that Hank is wearing a checkered bandana?  Charlie Brown is the Golden Retriever. 


Did you know that September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month? Visit Pet Smart for tips on how to be a responsible owner.

Charlie Brown is chewing ice. He was too busy to pose for a picture. 

Friendship Friday

"Friendship is a treasured gift and every time I talk with you I feel as if I'm getting richer and richer."
Unknown

L and T are treasured friends. Grateful they scheduled a visit with us
on their way to last month's US Open. 

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

When the weather begins to turn cooler, I  will look forward to hot chocolate and hot apple cider. Last month, I discovered a small independently owned store, The Chocolate Holler This store has become my favorite go to place for ice beverages.

Over the next few months, I hope to reconnect with friends and have deep conversations over cups of some delicious beverages.

Hope to see you at the Holler. 

Monday Musings ...

... her memory will be a blessing.

What will I remember most about my friend? Her smile, her laugh,  her kind words, the love that she exhibited in deeds for her husband, daughters, son, and grandchildren.  She will be missed.

For the past decade, I was fortunate to serve with her in Altrusa. Whether we sat together at meetings, served together on special projects, or saw each other in the community, I remember her with love.

I cherish the memory of us  sitting side by side as we took drum lessons. As our drums were nestled between our knees, we laughed as we worked to repeat the skills of our teacher.  I only wish I had more memories.

Praying God will comfort her family and friends.

Yes, Janice, your memory will be a blessing.

not ashamed

Romans 1: 16-17
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed - a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

"Cupcakes are sweet and even sweeter when shared."

Marie Williams Johnstone

Monday Musings

Miracles
Are miracles a part of everyday life? Or, are miracles simply a historical fact when Jesus lived his earthly life. Do miracles have relevancy in our day to day life? Has science and medical advancements eliminated the need for miracles. Once a doctor claims that a situation is hopeless, do we resign ourselves to their pronouncement.

Have you ever witnessed a miracle? On Sunday, I saw evidence of a miracle. "G"'s situation seemed hopeless.   Earlier this year, "G" was  in ICU and given little chance of recovering and living a productive life. He was on a ventilator and not responsive. The medical team had a honest conversation with his parents.

A and R did not receive the report. They had faith in God that their son would recover. In the months since he fell ill, we ( church family) have been witnesses to his recovery.  Each Sunday, we would hear about his amazing recovery. This miracle was not instantaneous, but progressive. At each step of the journey, he amazed the medical staff.

Grateful that God is same yesterday, today, and forever.

Some miracles are physical. In other circumstances, when we are troubled, God gives us peace and comfort.

Friendship Friday

"The strong bond of friendship is not always about a balanced equation: friendship is not always about giving and taking in equal shares. Instead friendship is grounded in a feeling that you know exactly who will be there for you when you need something, no matter what or when."
Simon Sinek

Take a rest

Are you giving yourself permission to rest?  Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the constant bombardment  by the 24/7 news cycle?  What are some of your habits that foster creating a quiet space in your daily routine?

 I can easily become overloaded by absorbing so much news... Local news, state headlines, breaking  news, international alerts, neighborhood updates, and family news.  Then, you add to the regular cycle of news, we cope with the ongoing weather reports, evacuation news, meteorological color maps  and the tracking of hurricanes.

It can be a bit overwhelming.

Then, my car gives me a reminder. Yes, my car. Driving on winding roads in rural parts of the county this alert  pops up on my dashboard. Accelerating around curves, I'm speeding up and slowing down. Somehow, my car is designed to alert the driver. This is the message from my car's dashboard.

The words were a timely reminder. I need to take a rest from the24/7 news cycle. My heart and mind will not be consumed with a daily diet of disaster.  My focus will be on God, praying, seeking peace, and trusting God.

Turning off the television will help me rest from the news cycle.  Become informed, then pray.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

GOOD FOOD

is all the 

sweeter

when shared with  

GOOD FRIENDS

😀

Tuesday's Cooking Light

 Menu

Fire Roasted Tomato - Basil Soup

Tomato, Herb and Baby Lettuce Salad

Pan Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa

Skirt Steak

Creamy Lemon Orzo with Peas

Fresh Peach Cake 

This afternoon, we enjoyed a delicious menu, great conversations, thoughtful cooking tips, laughter, and cheers to a birthday girl and the new grandmother.

As our conversation flowed from one topic to another, we were pondering the possibility of another hurricane that may bring devastation to part of the Caribbean and Florida. As I look at weather reports, I feel powerless. Then,  I remember God has power to protect our loved ones. God also gives us wisdom in preparing for storms.

"Buffy" once again provides a lovely table setting.
Here, "Buffy"  is  explaining her attempts to open the
bottle on the counter. 

Monday Musings

" Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you spend whether it's at work or with family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." Earl Nightingale

Savor this incredible gift of life with your family and friends. Life is a precious gift from God. Even the hard places in our life serve a purpose in our character development.

Family Reunions are a perfect time to celebrate the gift of life. This weekend, family members from several states came together to celebrate the 62nd Carter Family Reunion. We recognized the oldest family member and the youngest.

We hugged, laughed, played games, visited  a family historical site, played cards, enjoyed deep conversations, discussed family history, and savored our time together.

Savor your life!

One of the centerpieces from the Carter Family Reunion. 

 

Friendship Friday

"Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
"Pooh!" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you."
 - AA Miline The House at Pooh Corner

 I can be sure of a few friends. When necessary, they tell me the uncomfortable truth. They don't tell me what I want to hear, but what I need to hear.  My friends provide a safe place where I share my fears, struggles, and victories. Each summer, we gather at Mo's home for songs, prayers, and study.

It is a safe place to grow closer to each other and to God.

At our next visit, I am sure we will share how God has worked in our lives.
Praying for God healing, restoration, and peace in our lives. Love my Sisters in the Lord.