Tasty Tuesday ... Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was hubby;s birthday! Tonight, we were treated to a delicious birthday dinner.  Each. year, we embrace our birthdays. As we grow older, we are grateful for each day. We don't take birthdays for granted. Make the most of each day!
😀

How wonderful

"How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
For harmony is as precious as the
anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron's head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.
Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from
Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the LORD has pronounced his
blessing,
even life everlasting.
Verses 1 - 3

I was reminded of this verse,
when these men at
early morning
worship service. 

Friendship Friday

A and P have been friends for over 40 decades!
They became friends while their sons
were playing sports.
Today, their friendship remains strong.
They talk in exercise class, in the locker room,
and in the parking lot!
Laughter, prayers, and love are the glue that keeps this friendship strong. 

"Your friends 
should motivate 
and inspire you.
Your circle
should be well
rounded and 
supportive
Keep it tight.
Quality over Quantity,
Always!"
Quote from Pinterest

... afraid yet filled with joy

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord come down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. The guards were no afraid of him that they shook and become like dead men.

The angel said to the women , "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: He as risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him' Now I have told you.

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly, Jesus met them. "Greetings he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Gailiee; there they will see me. '
Matthew 28: 1 - 10 

Musings ...

When I heard the news of A's death, so many emotions  gripped me. I sat in disbelief, sorrow, shock, and incredible sadness. Today, I continue to struggle with this sense of overwhelming grief.  

In his brief life, “A” was a son, brother, cousin, partner, loving father, trusted friend, employee, HBCU alumni, member of  NSBE and so much more.  I hope that his love ones will remember his life and not just his death. 

Yet, with suicide there are so many unanswered questions. Conversations that will never be shared. Milestone occasions  he will never attend. His incredible gifts and talents are now silent. I trust that God will  comfort his family  and give them sweet memories of his life. Sadly, many memories will be colored by the many what if’s… what could I have said or done. Sadly, the pain will linger.  Those who struggle with the loss, may find help with professional counseling. This is a time to seek help.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2017, the national suicide rate rose 3.7 % the sharpest annual increase in nearly a decade. In our small city, our community is struggling with the epidemic of suicides.  Our community and schools are seeking to respond to the crisis. 

Instead of feeling hopeless, I will be intentional in reaching out and combining prayer with action. This is not the time to be uninvolved. If we know someone has experienced a devasting crisis… do not sit by idly… reach out. Be present. ask the difficult questions… seek professional help and encourage them to do the same. Be brave and have that uncomfortable conversation. 

Live a life of no regrets. Life can be messy. Show real love. Do something. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in D.C. 

Hello, April

Hello, April

Be a month of

Rebirth, Regrowth

and Renewal

unknown author