Friendship Friday

"We didn't get to choose our DNA, body type, birthday, time slot in history, or many of our circumstances or challenges. But make no mistake we do get to choose what kind of women we are going to be."
Beth Moore

Do we choose our friends? Or do our friends choose us? Choose friends who bring out the best in you.

Our friends can help us in this journey of life. I appreciate friends who encourage me to be my best, share godly wisdom, and pray.

My friend, Soror Betty.
I attended church services for her pastor's anniversary .
He has been a faithful servant to this church for 21 years.
Grateful for the opportunity to worship the Lord together.

Words

On the Table

 This month, the Blue Grass Community Foundation  sponsored an event titled, On the table your voice matters.  This is how the foundation describes its effort:

 "On the Table is an opportunity to gather around a table with friends, neighbors, colleagues and maybe even a few people we are meeting for the first time to talk about issues, big and small that impact our quality of life and that of the city.

At Blue Grass Community Foundation, we believe in the power of the conversation to clarify, energize and organize people to do things for good. On the Table is an initiative design to encourage civic conversation, foster new relationships and generate fresh ideas.

Your voice matters - and when we come together as a community to learn from and with each other,
we have the power to impact both neighborhood and lives." Source: Blue Grass Community Foundation.

Earlier this month, I was a part of the conversation. For me, it is the beginning to become more engaged in the civic life of our community.

Here are some fast facts about the event:

• More the 11, 000 participants
• 1, 100 Table throughout the city
• Representatives from every residential Lexington zip code participated 

Is there a  similar organization in your community?

Monday Musings ... Music

“How do you describe music? It’s basically the sound of math … and it can make you cry.”

Ben Shive

On so many levels this statement resonates to me.

I remember the first time I heard Andrea Bocelli sing, I wanted to weep. To me, his voice was so exquisite. Today, his voice continues to thrill me. 

Looking back to my days in middle school, I remember attending a musical competition where my brother performed. In a small auditorium, I remember this afternoon with such clarity. His performance was near perfection. Each stanza offered clear and beautiful notes punctuated with perfect timing and execution.

Over the years and travel, my brother has performed in New York City, Boston, Cleveland, and was in an early MTV video. Today, he teaches music and performs in many charity events in Central Indiana.  He is also able to use his gifts in math to communicate concepts to his  music students.

He has a near perfect combination of music and math skills . While, his music did not make me cry. When he tutored me in math, I wanted to cry out of frustration.  I didn’t get it. Math was so easy for him.

What makes you cry?

Silence

Silent Sunday ...
there is something satisfying  about silence
Sunday unplugged

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

My Turkish Breakfast

What is in the small skillet? 

Let's look

two eggs, cheese,  tomatoes and spices

Who did the cooking?

My friend ... her gorgeous skin... 

Mary Kay of course! 

The product , Mary Kay TimeWise Repair

Pet of the week, Beauregard

Beauregard is such a long name for a tiny little dog/  Beau is the perfect size  to rest comfortably in a medium size purse. While he is small, he has a huge personality.

Friendship Friday

Jewel

One definition of the word jewel is precious possession.

Here is my definition, a friend named Jewell. It is a blessing to have friends who provide a safe place to be ourselves with no pretense. They tell us the truth whether we want to hear it or not. Some friends don't sugar coat anything. They  tell us what is on their mind.

That is my friend, Jewell! I  don't have to wonder what is on her mind.  She is honest.  Sometimes I may not want  to hear what she has to say. Yes, she keeps in 100.
Jewell's is a cheerful greeter at our church. She is also a gifted Bible teacher, wife, mother, grandmother,  and friend!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day

An Irish Friendship Wish 

May there always be work for your hands to do;

May your purse always hold a coin or two;

May the sun always shine on your window pane;

May a rainbow be certain to follow each each;

May the hand of a friend always be near you;

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. 

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

"Laughter is brightest where

food is best"

Irish Proverb

Cooking Light Menu

Chilled Water

Ice Tea

Coffee

Salad

Green Beans with Almonds
Roasted Carrots

Irish Beef and Mushroom Pie

Cheesecake
Irish Coffee

Guess the calorie count for this delicious cheesecake?
Answer: 1,000.

Monday Musings ... Mirrors

"Mirror Mirror on the wall

Who is the fairest of the all."

This quote is from the Disney Movie, "Snow White".   The movie was based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale published in 1812. The movie was a favorite of my childhood.  I love how the evil queen was outwitted.

I don't use  mirrors as a comparison to other people. Most recently, mirrors  serve as an aid to measure my progress in physical therapy.  I examine how I walk, hold my body, and make corrections as necessary.  Mirrors are not flattering. Mirrors simply reflect what is in front of them.  I have a love hate relationships with them. Yet, I need mirrors to show what I need to do differently. Mirror are helping me make progress.

Have you ever thought about the Bible as a mirror? In the New Testament book of James, we see how the mirror illustrates an important truth.

These are the words in James: 1:22 - 15.  "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what is says it like someone who look at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continue in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do."

This is one of the mirrors at physical therapy.

"Peace be within you."

Psalm 122: 1 -9

I rejoiced when those who said to me.
"Let us go to the house of the Lord."
Our feet our standing
in your gates, Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
That is where the tribes go up -
the tribes of the LORD -
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statue given to Israel.
There stand the thrones for judgment,
the thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
 and security within your citadels."
For the sake of the my family and friends,
I will say, " Peace be within you."
For the sake of the house  of the Lord our God,
I will seek your prosperity.

lead me to the rock

"Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.

I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Increase the days of the king's life,
his years for many generations.
May he be enthroned in God's presence forever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

Then I will ever sing in  praise of your name
and fulfill my vows day after day. "

Psalm 61: 1 - 8

Pet of the week, Sunny

Sunny ... you are so adorable.

Friendship Friday

Last August, Kate Murphy, New York Times reporter wrote an insightful column, titled, Do Your friends really like you? 

I love this part of the piece, “According to medical experts, playing it safe by engaging in shallow, unfulfilling or nonreciprocal relationships has physical repercussions.”

These “friendships” may result in feelings of loneliness or isolation.

So in contrast, healthy friendships are essential. Wired to Connect: The Surprising Link Between Science and Strong, Healthy Relationships written by Amy Bank, psychiatrist, offers scientific links to support what many of us intuitively know… authentic friendships are essential to our lives.

Next, time I meet with some friends, I may pose that question. Do you really like me? After reading the article it prompted me to take some action to reconnect with friends.  I suggest you take a moment and Google the article. It is worthwhile reading.

Are you making time for friends? Do you need to send a text, send a message, or pick up the phone?  I know, I do.  Don’t wait… reconnect.

Angela is one of my favorite friends.
We have one problem... We need to connect more frequently. 

Wordless Wednesday