Tasty Tuesday

According to The Taste of Home, here are the top ten food trends for the past decade.

1.  Instant Pot Cooking ( Yay!) 

2.  Plant Based Meals

3.  Zoodles and other Veggie Noodles

4. Gluten-Free Diets

5.  Hard Seltzers

6.  Eating for Instagram (really?)

7. Avocado Everything - Yay! 

8.  Non-Dairy Milk  -   Yay for Almond Milk

9.  Pumpkin Spice Everything ( Starbuck introduced its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2003) It remains popular today.

10.  Air-Fried Food 

Would you add any item?  

Monday Musings ... heroes

"People need heroes because heroes save or improve life and because heroes are inspiring ... Heroes elevate us emotionally; they heal our psychological ills; they build connections between people; they encourage us to transform ourselves for the better, and they call us to become heroes and help others." April 2014
Scott T. Allison, Ph. D Psychology Today 

As 2019 draws to an end, I'm convinced, our country indeed need heroes. In every home and every community, we need every day people who will put the interests of others above themselves. On a larger scale,  we need real politicians who will put the interest of their communities above the concerns of their political parties. 

It is my prayer that in 2020, we will indeed see women and men who will be  determined and full of courage to be heroes.  We desperately need them to be brave. Indeed, every day, we have the opportunity to do what is right.

Earlier this month, we celebrated the birthday of Jesus. I thought it was worthwhile to list share highlights  of Jana Gordon's article from Belief Net

 Jana Gordon gave us 20 reasons why Jesus in the true Superhero
1. No Mistakes
2. Fearlessness
3. Even-Tempered
4. No Kryptonite
5. Powerful Words
6. Scared Demons
7. No Pride Issues
8. Couldn't Be Outsmarted
9. Didn't Wear A Mask
10.Was Never in Danger
11. Connected with People
12. Both God and Man ( 100% God and 100% Man) 
13. Died to Save His Enemies
14. Never Sinned
15. Controlled the Elements
16. Universal Authority
17. No Technology
18. Walked on Water
19. Weapons Not Necessary
20. Defeated Death

Jesus can inspire us to be salt and light and make a difference in our communities. 

Monday Musings ... the best Christmas gifts

According to some of the most recent data regarding holiday sales, the figures reflect that Americans are enjoying great deals this season. Whether folks are shopping online or in brick and mortar stores, individuals don't have to pay full price for any item.

Check this out:
"More US consumers participated in holiday shopping over the five days between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday this year.  NRF reports that 189.9 million American shopped during this time. 14% more than 2018 (165.million) On average, shoppers spent $361.90 on gifts and other holiday items (up 16% from last year) Source: Marking Charts Holiday 2019 Date Hub Thanksgiving Weekend Recap

If you really want to save money, take advice from Oren Arnold . He gave these timeless gift suggestions:

"To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To every child, a good example.
To all, charity.
To yourself, respect.
Oren Arnold
1900 - 1980

Wonderful Words

"Grace is when God give us good things we don't deserve. 

Mercy is when He spares us from bad things we deserve.

Blessings are when He is generous with both.

Truly, we can never run out of reasons to thank Him.

God is good all the time."

Author unknown

Advent

"Advent is the first season of the Christian year. Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming." It's a time of preparation for the celebration of Christ birth and incarnation but also the anticipation of Christ's Second Coming. Advent is a traditional season of fasting but also of hope and expectation. 

The three purple candles represent the liturgical color that represents prayer, penance, and sacrifice. Today the first purple candle will be lit. This candle represents hope.  

In the midst of this busy season, Advent is often a way to slow down and prepare to welcome Jesus. 

Pet of the week, Magic

I met Magic earlier this month in South Carolina. Magic and his owner were attending the French Bulldog Show.  They traveled from Phoenix, Arizona to be a part of this show. 

 French Bulldogs have a very fascinating history. Why are their ears so cute? Well, when the standards were being established for this breed, the ears might have looked different if the Americans had not voiced their opinions. 

What make this breed so adorable? Do you think their wrinkly faces and bat like ears add to their cuteness? Whatever it is... I just want to squeeze them. 

Frugal Friday .. Black Friday

What is the history of  Black Friday?  The earliest evidence is that the term Black Friday originated in Philadelphia and was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian traffic the day after Thanksgiving.*

Today, many Americans find great joy in shopping this day after Thanksgiving. I was on the many customers in my community that braved the shopping frenzy.

 This morning, I went to Half-Price Books, I was hoping I would receive a free shopping bag. The bags were given to the first 100 shoppers. Inside one of the bags, one lucky shopper would receive a $100 gift certificate.  I arrived too late. 😐

Today, every customer at Half- Price Books  received  20% discount on their purchases. 😂
As my shopping continued, I went to Lowes and purchased poinsettias for fifty cents!
Later, I ventured to the mall and discovered more bargains.


Did you shop today? Or, will you wait for Cyber Monday to take advantage of online deals? Some sales will continue tomorrow.
My tip, make a list. 

*according to one online source

Thankful Thanksgiving

This wall at a local  exercise  facility reminds patrons of the many blessings in our  community.
I think it also serves as a way to encourage us to count our many blessings. 
  

Wordless Wednesday

Cathedral  St. John the Baptist
Savanah, Georgia

Pet of the week, Jeffery

Jeffery is a Brittany Spaniel. This breed has been described as friendly, energetic, intelligent, agile, attentive, adaptable, and happy. This dog may be a perfect pet for the person who will give this breed the daily exercise that they require.

 I met Jeffery earlier this month, when we visited Georgia.

In speaking of pets, John Grogan, said this:
"It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them."

Do you agree? I do.
How often do you begin a conversation with complete strangers regarding pets? You may be walking in the neighborhood, at a dog park or at a pet store and a conversation begins spontaneously. Dogs are natural conversation starters. Why? People usually don't walk cats or birds.

Friendship Friday

Do you have friends who inspire you? Do these friends have a regular exercise routine?  Is exercise a part of your life?

For years, I was an avid walker. Walking was my favorite exercise.  Then, I developed some challenges and was unable to walk long distances. I was forced to look for other options.Today, group classes are an important part of my weekly routine.

In addition to discovering new strengths in my life, I grateful for my exercise buddies. There is so much research that supports the fact of how relationships can strengthen the motivation to exercise.

According to Dian Griesel, Ph.D., co-author of TurboCharged, "Working out with a crowd carries a plethora of intertwined benefits that included consistency, duration, motivation, conversation, and inspiration.  She also states that "Workout with others improve consistency because they involvement a commitment.

Each month, one of my exercise classes gather to celebrate birthdays. This week, we celebrated November birthdays. The social connection makes a difference in our class.

"Most often, it is not the workout that get us out of bed in the morning.
It is the friendships and unspoken bonds of those counting on us to show up."
Fellow Flowers

Time

"You've got

nothing more

valuable than time.

Time is the final currency.

Not money, not power.

David Crosby, 78

blessed

"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

But even if you should suffer for what is right, 

you are blessed."

1 Peter 3: 13 - 14

Friendship Friday

"I'm thankful that Jesus set a new standard 

for relationships when 

he showed himself to be a servant 

and a friend."

Patsy Clarimont

Thrift

"We are not to judge thrift solely by the test of saving or spending. It one spends what he should prudently save, that certainly is to be deplored. But if one saves what he should prudently spend, that is not necessarily to be commended. A wise balance between the two is the desired end."
Owen Young

Last Saturday, I attended a Fall Festival. I was tempted to buy this chair.  My only hesitation was how I would get it home. This chair was only twenty -five dollars.

This server was a bargain to one of the shoppers.
She was excited to share how she will use it in her home.
It was thirty-five dollars. What do you think?
Can you image how you might use this in your kitchen. 

Forsyth Park

On this glorious November day, I was not able to capture the
beauty of this fountain. 

Tablescape

"The essence of great entertaining: a seemingly effortless combination of authentic food and imagination presented with a personal touch  and enjoyed in good company."

Annie Falk 

Monday Musings ... Veterans Day

"We often take for granted 

 the very things 

that  most deserve our gratitude."

Cynthia Ozick 

Pet of the week, Colton

""Pets" are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to."

Alfred A. Montepert

This week's pet is a French Bulldog.  According to one online source this breed has been described as easygoing, affectionate, lively, sociable, patient, keen, alert, bright, athletic, and playful.  What a lovely description! 

Earlier this month, a local resort was hosting nearly 300 French Bulldogs! Their owners were participants in a dog show. Colton was one of the participants. 

Colton's face is so adorable. 

Family Friday

"So much of what is

best in us is bound up

in our love of family,

that it remains the 

measure of our stability 

because it measures

our sense of loyalty.'

Haniel Long

Families are a gift! Love spending time with my cousin and aunt.

"The truth ...

"The truth is a like a lion;

You don't have to defend it.

Let is loose; 

It will defend itself."

Saint Augustine

Women's Forum

"In 1987, a small group of dedicated women planted and nurtured an idea for a University- wide women's network. Officially created in 1991, the Women's Forum was established of open discussion, creativity,  and collective problem solving. The roots of the Forum were deeply embedded in the hope that all UK employees would ... "find a fertile and equitable haven for their ideas energies and talents." Susan Stempel, a foundling Women's Forum Chair.

This year's forum was held on October 16. This year's conference theme was : UK Conference 2019 elevate, empower, encourage, engage. I  was humbled to be a part of a panel at this year's UK's Women's Forum.

We were a part of a panel that addressed Connections to the Interational Community 

Sessions were offered in the morning and afternoon. Our keynote speaker was Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie.

Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie is the University of Kentucky assistant coach of track and field.
She participated in five Olympics. She hold gold, silver and bronze medals.
Please take a moment a Google her. She is amazing and inspiring. 

Tasty Tuesday ... a table

"We don't come to the table to fight or defend. We don't come to prove or to conquer, to draw lines in the sand or to stir up trouble. We come to the table because our hunger bring us there. We come with a need, with fragility, with an admission of our humanity. The table is the great equalizer, level playing field many of us have been looking everywhere for. The table is the place where the doing stops, the trying stops, the masks are removed, and we allow ourselves to be nourished , like children. We allow someone else to meet our need. In a world that prides people on not having needs, on going longer and faster, on going without, on powering through, the table is a place of safety and rest and humanity, we are allowed to be as feel as fragile as we feel."
Shauna Niequist Bread and Wine: A love letter to life around the table with recipes

Monday Musings ... retirement

As baby boomers fully embrace retirement, we can see how different individuals chart this season of their lives.
In our experience, we have see friends do the following:

• Travel the United States in a motor home
• Open a boutique that specializes in jewelry, clothing, and alternations
• Become  Real Estate Agents
• Go to Law School
• Mentor students in school system
• Tutor
• Learn to Square Dance
• Innovate new business model by offering a Luxury Mobile Office
• Community Volunteers
• Run for political office 
• Work for political candidates

"Living each day as if it were your last doesn't mean your last day of retirement on a remote island. It means to live fully, authentically, and spontaneously with nothing being held back."
Jack Canfield

every nation, from all tribes, and people and languages ...

"After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches, in their hands, They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
 "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!'
Revelation 7: 9 - 10

How beautifully leaves grow old.

"How beautifully leaves

grow old.

How full of light and color 

are their last days." 

John Burroughs

Thank you Becky for sharing this picture.
#fallisfinallyhere

Pet of the week, Griff

"Huskies are typically high in engery and extremely independent. Little did we know, we'd get the opposite. This is Griff. He is a two year old Wooly Coat Husky (that just means he has a longer coat than usual). He loves naps and hates being alone. His favorite thing to do is play with his mom and dad, or go to daycare and see all his friends. That said, Griff is extremely lovable and playful. He however is very sensitive and gets his feeling her easily, so we're careful with our tone and how he is disciplined. We definitely have a special snowflake ... our little cookies and cream Husky,"
Text submitted by my friend, J

Tasty Tuesday

What is your favorite Halloween Candy?  Too many choices? 

Candy Corn? 

Monday Musings ... fires

How did I miss the obvious theme in this book? “After listening to Nancy, I say, “Of course that makes perfect sense. At the morning book club  we delved even deeper into the book’s themes, I listened closely.  Book discussions are often rich because participants who have dissimilar life experiences, education, and world views. Instead of becoming irritated that others do not see things as I do, I appreciate their point of view.  I’m able respect their viewpoint without embracing it.

Last month I volunteered to lead this month’s discussion. Our October’s selection was Little Fires Everywhereby Celeste Ny. The discussion took several different turns … current college cheating scandal, planned communities, privilege, parenting, abortion, burdens, choices, and so on … 

This novel opens with the aftermath of a fire set by Izzy.  Over the next three hundred pages, we come to know two very different families.  While Izzy sets a literal fire in one home. In contrast, another character  sets fires with her tongue. Everywhere she goes, she set fires with her tongue. When she had lunch with a friend, her words started a fire. In meeting with strangers, her words sparked a blaze. In conversations with a daughter, her words ignited a fire.

We noted in our discussion, we need to pay attention to our words. Our words also have the power to create havoc. 

This remark sparked a memory. In the book of James, there are some important words regarding the tongue and fire… I think these words are worth reading:  “The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. James 3:6a 

The entire book of James in the New Testament is worth reading. 

... that leads to life.

So then, 

even to Gentiles 

God has granted repentance 

that leads to life. 

Acts 11: 18 (NIV) 

Pet of the week, Amos

  Can you guess the breed of this dog? Well,  Amos is a Grand Bleu de Gasconge ( French lineage of this breed).This breed has been described as scenthound and is a typical hunting pack hound. "Dogs of this breed should show an attitude of calm strength and nobleness." (Wikipedia) 

In the United States the name of this breed is the Bluetick Coonhound.  The breed originated in Louisana. Amos's owner shared that  he is a descendent of Smokey, Mascot of the University of Tennessee.

I love his name! Amos! The meaning of Amos: strong; carried; and brave.  What a perfect description of this dog. 

Do you know the origin of the name of Amos? Amos was an Old Testament prophet in the 8th century. If you have time, I highly recommend reading the book of Amos. Then, I would dig deeper and read some commentary regarding this book. As you dig deeper in God's Word, I assure you will not be disappointed. In the book, you will discover themes of hypocrisy, judgment, and mercy. It is so good.  

Friendship Friday

"Perhaps this place in this country 
would be a better served

with a few more unexpected friendships."

Rep. Mark Meadows speaking of his friend Rep. Elijah Cummings

Rep. Elijah Cummings
1951 - 2019

Practice being at peace ...

"Come, children of God, and listen to me.
I'll share the lesson I've learned of fearing the LORD 
Do you want to live a long, good life, 
enjoying the beauty that fills each day?
Then never speak a lie or allow a wicked words
to come from your mouth.
Keep turning your back on every sin, 
and make "peace" your life motto.
Practice being at peace with everyone. 
Psalm 34: 12 - 14 ( TPT The Passion Translation) 

Pet of the week, Winnie

Winnie is in training to be a service dog. I met her while I was visiting at a local university.

I wonder about her future. Who will she help? What obstacles will she help her  owner overcome? How will she help this individual live a richer and fuller life.

Once she is fully trained, her trainers will say good bye as they allow her to be released to fulfill her purpose.

Friendship Friday

"How many slams in an old screen door?
Depends on how loud you shut it.
How many slices of  bread in a loaf?
Depends on how thin you cut it.
How much good inside a day?
Depends how good you live 'em.
How much love inside a friend?
Depends how much you give "em."
Shel Silverstein


Elaine and I have been friends for nearly a decade. Over this decade we have shared many fellowship meals, late Monday night dinners at IHOP, conversations over scriptures, singing hymns, and so many laughs.

This summer, we both underwent hip replacement surgery. Today, we both received our flu shots.
How much love is in our friendship? There is no way to calculate how we measure the love. Our love is an overflow of our from God to one another.

Tasty Tuesday

Before the meal is served, we strive to create a comfortable setting for our guests. We use our everyday china, candles and flatware. In the background, we have music. As soon as they enter our home, I want them to know that they are loved.

Monday Musings ... Movies

"Going to movie with friends or our significant other can be a cherished time especially if you're surrounded by an excited audience.  But there's nothing like being in an empty theater, the air conditioning blasting away, while your enjoying a film free from judgment  or rude voices. "
Kwame Opam

Watching a movie in the theater is a experience that is well worth the effort.  I love  sharing the experience with my hubby and friends.

Indeed... earlier this year, I saw  the movie "The Farewell" by myself. It was a sweet alone time. I sat in the darken theater with a few other souls. What a sweet movie. One critic said this of the movie, "The lovely paradox of "The Farewell' is that everyone in it tries to hide their feeling as long as they can, yet their story goes straight to you heart."

While this movie is no longer playing in theaters, it is now available on Amazon.  You will miss the theater experience, yet you will surely love this remarkable movie.

Last night, ten individuals gathered around our dinner table laughing and discussing the movie.
The name of our group, Movie Groovy Group. 

How should we respond

(We have seen God's mercy and wisdom: how should we respond?) With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you,  my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves toward the goal of maturity.
Romans 12: 2 (Phillips)

Fashion Friday

"Fashion has two purposes: comfort and love

Beauty comes when fashion succeeds."

Coco Chanel

My friends have an impeccable sense of style. While, they have a keen sense of how to dress well, it is their inner beauty that shines.

What is your best accessory?
Your smile!
😀

half-truth

"The adage that "practice makes perfect is only 

a half-truth. A more precise and 

accurate conception is that with deliberate practice with 

informed feedback 

makes perfect.

Tim Baldwin 

We cannot walk the entire trail.
We stop at the half way point.
I rest on a bench.
Then, we return to the car.
Sometimes a half is okay.
When is a half acceptable?
What do you think?

unfailing love ...

"Then, they cried out to the LORD in their
trouble,
and he brought them out of their
distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired
haven.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his
unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Psalm 107: 28 - 31

Pet of the week

Do you have pets? If so, do you allow them on your furniture?  Are your furnitures purchases based on the needs of your household pets?  If your pet takes up too much space in a chair ... you might consider establishing some boundaries.

This pet is at home in a local fabric store. 

Friendship Friday

" I don't need a friend

who changes when I 

change and who

nods when I nod;

my shadow does that 

much better."

Plutarch 

Workout Wednesday

"All progress takes outside the comfort zone."

Michael John Babak

When do you exercise? I exercise in the morning.  It is uncomfortable to get up at 6:00 a.m, drive in rush hour traffic, look for a parking spot, and hunt for a empty locker. It is uncomfortable.

All of the minor frustrations melt away once I am in class. I have a fantastic instructor who offers great music that  inspires movement. Another bonus in this class... a supportive group of friends who encourage one another. When we missed class... we check on each other.

Now it feels uncomfortable to stay at home. Exercise has become wonderful part of my day.

Where do you need to challenge yourself to go outside your comfort zone?

A Proper Table Setting

" A proper table 

setting provides 

no place for 

a cell phone."

Frank Sonnenberg 

Source: Instagram

Friendship Friday

Looking from the outside, I see a friendship that has flourished for twenty years. I listen as they recall their first meeting during their freshman year of college. “S” recalls the angst of traveling to enroll in college.  She was experiencing real  anxiety.

As she was retelling this experience, I kept wondering… will she stay on campus? 😀Yes of course! She was reflecting on the experience.  This is the just the beginning …

Since their undergraduate days, they have both attended graduate school, share similar work history, traveled around the world, experienced the joy of mature friendships, and now share the joy of living closer to their parents. 

It is my prayer that God will bless them in the next season of their lives. I trust that they will continue to cherish the joy of friendship in new and exciting ways. 

Thrifty Thursday

"The price of indulging yourself

 in your youth in the things you 

cannot afford is poverty

and dependence in your old age."

Dorothy Dix

Moon Walk

"An early-morning walk

is a blessing

for the whole day."

Henry David Thoreau

I love early morning walks when the stars sparkle and shine. If I scoot out the door between 5:45 a.m. or 6:00 am, I'm able to enjoy a few moments of silence before neighbors begin easing their cars out of their garages. In addition, the school buses have yet to begin their routes in our neighborhood.  

Who do I encounter when I walk in the morning?  Mostly dog walkers or runners. My kind of people. 

Last Saturday morning, I enjoyed a full moon for my morning walk. 

When my schedule allows, I leave the neighborhood take a walk in the park.
 Being in nature is one way that God restores my soul. 

"A walk
in nature
walks the soul
back home."
Mary Davis

After weeks of recovery from surgery, I am enjoying the ability to walk greater distances each day. 

9/11

In speaking about 9/11

Sandy Dahl

Wife of 93 Pilot Jason Dahl 

shared this thought ...

"If we learn

nothing else

from this tragedy ,

we learn that life is

short and there 

is no time for hate.

It is good ...

It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most
High,
proclaiming your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,
to the muse if the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.
For you make me glad by your deeds,
LORD
I sing for joy at what your hands have
done.
How great are your works, LORD,
how profound your thoughts!
Senseless people do not know,
fools do not understand,
that though the wicked spring up like
grass
and all evildoers flourish,
they will be destroyed forever.
But you, LORD, are forever exalted.

For surely your enemies, LORD
surely your enemies will perish;
all evildoers will be scattered.
You have exalted my horn like that of a
wild ox;
fine oils have been poured on me.
My eyes have seen the defeat of my
adversaries;
my ears have  heard the rout of my
wicked foes.

'The righteous will flourish like a palm tree.
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the LORD
they will flourish in the courts of our
God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, "The LORD is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no
wickedness in him."
Psalm 92: 12 - 15 (NIV)

Fashion Friday

Here are two of my favorite people ... My brothers -in-law.  These hardworking men are taking a break from their work life to relax for the evening. Not everyone is able to successfully wear a zebra print. Yet, I think "M" is a sure hit in this shirt. "D" is wearing season ready seersucker. After last weekend, the seersucker will be packed away for the fall and winter.

What are you wearing this fall?

I took this picture last week.
I cherish visits with my husband's family. For years, we would enjoy an annual trip to St. Louis. Our annual trip took us to  St. Louis, then on to a  visit with friends in Kansas. As our annual road trip continued, we would visit family in Nebraska. I missed those visits. Now, we have to be intentional about planning  other visits.

Who do you need to visit? If a visit is not possible, call or text.

... the joy of family

A few days ago, our nation celebrated a national holiday, Labor Day. This holiday is often associated with the official ending of summer. For my family, each Labor Day we hold our annual Carter Family Reunion.  For sixty-four years, our family has gathered together to celebrate our family and heritage. 

Each year, folks travel to different cities for the event. In the past, our reunions have been hosted in California, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Alabama. This year, the family gathered in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Why do we travel to different cities? As summer draws to an end, it also allows us the opportunity another share a summer experience with family. We take tours, visit, shop, play games,take time to enjoy the local cuisine and worship together. 

I appreciate the intentionality of the reunions. It is a fact of life, that each year we will experience unexpected events. The reunions offer an opportunity to gather and focus on the joy of family.

This year, we missed the Carter Reunion. 

Instead, we joined with family members in Columbus, Ohio to celebrate the well lived life of our dear Jay.  While we miss her, we celebrate the fact that she lived a life of purpose and meaning.  In her short life, she made a difference to  her family and friends. She lived a life service to the Lord Jesus. 

...throw off everything that hinders

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race  marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy  set before him  he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  

In your struggle against sin, you have not  yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 

Hebrews 12: 1 – 4 (NIV)

Wonderful

"The wonderful thing

about praying is

that you leave a 

world of not being

able to do something,

and enter God's 

realm where everything

is possible."

Corrie ten Boom 

Tasty Tuesday

Our anniversary was near perfect.
We take a break from all the news of the world. Tonight is a safe space to reflect and remember all that we hold dear in life.  Our faith, our family, and our friends.

Monday Musings ... love

On August 19,  we celebrated forty-one years of marriage. One anniversary card sums it up,

"Love keeps this thing together." Over the years, we have experienced  much that life has to offer... births,   weddings, funerals, storms, health challenges, times of sorrow, periods of drought, seasons of abundance, disappointments, shouting matches, packing, moving,  times of renewal, times of service, worship, prayers, and a deep sense of trust and love.

God is our foundation. His love is what keeps this marriage together. 

Friendship Friday

"In prosperity, our friends know us. 

 In adversity, we know our friends."

G. K. Chesterton

Traveling

Once upon a time, our family lived in the same city. Over the past thirty-five years, our immediate family members have lived in four different states.  At one time, our family lived in different time zones and in different countries.

While we each live in different cities, we are grateful that we are in the same time zone and only a short  drive away.

"Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion."

Leigh Hunt

... Walk by faith

 Take a look at the shoes in this picture. Which of these shoes do you prefer?  Do you like the blue Converse tennis shoes?  Or, maybe you like the red tennis shoes. For comfort, I like  Cole Haan shoes. In this picture, I really like the pattern tennis shoes.  The pattern and red shoes shoes  just look fun! I know, I'm too old for them.  Yet, I love them!

Sometimes, we realize that we have to resist a fashion trend and keep it classic or traditional. There is also a time to try something outside of a comfort zone.While, I love the patterned shoes, I don't think I could wear them comfortably.   As I age, I am more concerned about comfort in my walk... not style

For people of faith,  we tend to  walk differently.  ...regardless of the time, trends, or fashion for people of faith, we are called to walk in faith and not in fear or anxiety.

"So we are always of good courage, we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away we make it our aim to please him.
2 Corinthians 5: (6 -9)

Tasty Tuesday

Monday Musings ... suffering

 These young women ... Their faith in Jesus inspires me. 

"There is a purpose to suffering
and if faced rightly
it can drive us like a nail
deep into the love of God
and into more stability  and spiritual power
than you can imagine."
Timothy Keller
Walking Through Pain and Suffering


In the midst of suffering, we have an opportunity  trust God and walk in faith.
Last Saturday, I have the opportunity to be with our sweet "J" In the midst of pain and suffering, I love the "J" faith in God is strong. We are trusting God for a miracle.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus spoke these words, "I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

Deep calls to deep

"Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me -
a prayer to the God of my life.

I say to God my Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?"
My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
"Where is your God?'

Why, my soul are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42: 7- 11

"Make a difference ...

Tasty Tuesday

Grilled Shrimp and Fruit Salad ...
delicious

Monday Musings ... help

A sweet two-year old was making an effort to zip up her jacket. Her tiny fingers were gliding over the smooth zipper. Her momma asked, “Do you need some help?”  

I am a silent observer in this process. I am thinking, her internal struggle is real. Learning this skill looks so frustrating. 

Later in the week,  at my physical therapy appointment, my therapist would ask me, “Can I give you an assist?”

I answered, “No, I think, I got this.”   After a few moments of struggle, I relented. I needed help.

Therapy is hard work. I was so frustrated. It was even hard to ask for help. 

Relearning skills is challenging. It is frustrating as my mind tells my body to do things I find impossible to do… My physical therapist told me, "You are doing better than the last time. You will get there…"

No matter the age… young or old… why do we sometimes hesitate to help? 

Asking for help triggered another memory  This memory was with my mother.

… In the midst of a family crisis. Mother said, “Well, we have done everything we know to do. Let’s pray.” As soon as the words came out of her mouth. We both laughed.  We realized that praying was the best first move. We learned a valuable lesson.

Today, I continue that simple spiritual practice. I begin my day with prayer. I ask the Lord for help, guidance, direction, and discernment