Monday Musings ... stories

Do you enjoy listening to a captivating story? Or maybe you delight in sharing a memorable story from your life. Whether we listen or tell stories, stories are a part of our human DNA. Stories are a part of our everyday life,  is simply inescapable

When a friend, family member, or a celebrity dies, we  begin to hear  and share stories about their life. We listen to others as they share the impact this person had on their life. Maybe it was an encouraging word,  a story about a warning, loss, or a victory.

"Stories are the primary tools of learning and teaching the repositories of our lore and legends. They bring order into our confusing world.  Think about how many times a day you use stories to pass along data, insights,  memories or common-sense advice."
Edward Miller, founder of Edward Elementary, illustrator and product designer

Millions of people in America and around the world are listening to many stories about the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant and his daughter.  In addition, we await to hear about the lives of the others who perished in the crash. So many stories ... so much sorrow.

Gracious

The LORD is gracious and
compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has
made.
Psalm 145: 8-9

Birdie pet of the week

Birdie and Josie are the two of the sweetest and cutest dogs in the neighborhood. They recently had the opportunity to sniff each other out. Energetic and cuddly are just  two words I use to describe them.

Since, Birdie and Josie live across the street from each other, I hope they will become furry friends.
Birdie is scheduled to attend puppy obedience school.  I trust she will learn some lessons to pass on to Josie. Birdie is a miniature poodle.

New friends... 

Friendship Friday

Our weekly visits often occur in exercise class
or at Bible Study Fellowship. 

I love celebrating birthdays. I cherish the opportunity to have deep conversations about things that matter: faith, family, and friends. 😀

Over the past decade, we have seen each other almost weekly. In this time, there are not many issues we have not discussed. "C" is often eager to offer  book and podcast recommendations.

I love our visits.

Tasty Tuesday

"Charcuterie ... is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and other meat products. But many people use the term charcuterie to refer to an assortment of meat that are paired with different accompaniments, such as toast, fruit, cheeses, and sauces."
Source: WebstaurantStoreblog
This tray was offered at an event last Wednesday. A Taste of AKA

Monday Musings ,,, books

What are you currently reading? Are you in the middle of a great read? At this month's A.M. Book Club, we took a break from our monthly selection. This month, we took time to offer recommendations.

For a brief hour, we traded suggestions and memories from some of our favorite books. Our discussion was revealing as we began to uncover some deep issues. One comment regarding a book,
"It makes me glad I was not born black and in Alabama."

Here are some of today's suggestions:
Tribe by Sebastian Junger
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption  by Bryan Stevenson
John Adams by David McCullough
Read this is you want to take great photographs
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

The most interesting suggestion: Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book. This edition was published in 1958. Wow!

Recently, a friend suggested I read the book, Dear Martin by Nic Stone.  "This book is an attempt to examine current affairs through the lens of Dr. Martin Luther Jr.'s teaching. " I am eager to read this book.

What would you recommend?

Now faith is ...

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."
Hebrews 11: 1 - 3

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

On January 15, 2020 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. worldwide paused to celebrate 112 years of service.  

Since its founding at Howard University in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha women serve their communities  in the  United States and several other countries. According to recent data, more than 300,000 women in 1,024 chapters are serving and making a difference their communities. 

"To cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of "Service to All Mankind."

Tasty Tuesday

Blanched Asparagus
Wrapped in prosciutto broiled quickly till crisp
I suggest you discover more about this amazing private chef.
Click on the link below.
Gifted Chef
She shares some amazing posts on Instagram
How do I know this chef?
We are alumni of Greenfield Central High School in Greenfield, IN

Monday Musings... selfish

"Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection - compassionate action." 
 Daniel Coleman - Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships

I will bless the LORD

“Keep me safe, O God

For I come to you for refuge.

I said to the LORD, “You are my Master!

Everything good thing I have comes from you.

The godly people in the land

are my true heroes!

I take pleasure in them!

Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.

I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood

or even speak the names of their gods.

LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.

You guard all that is mine.

The land you have given me is a pleasant land.

What a wonderful inheritance!

I will bless the LORD who guides me.

even at night my heart instructs me.

I know the LORD is always with me.

I will not be shaken, for his is right behind me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.

My body rests in safety.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead

or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.

You will show me the way of life,

granting me the joy of your presence

and the pleasures of living you forever.

Psalm 16 1: -11(New Living Translation)

Thrifty Thursday

In December,  I was introduced to shopping at ALDI.  Kudos to my daughter. 😀Who wants to pay more when they go grocery shopping?  Correct: No one! I think it is a universal goal to make our financial resources go further.

Did you know that ALDI is a discount supermarket chain that was created in 1948? Today, ALDI has more that 1,900 stores across 36 states. In our community we have two stores.

If you live on one of the 36 states that have an ALDI store. Go check them out!

One word ... perseverance

What is the one word that will inspire you for 2020? Is there one word that seems to be rolling around in your spirit? Instead of making new year's resolutions, you may have discovered that one word  helps you to give mental fuel for your aspirations.

For the past week, one word continues to be in my thoughts. The one word is: perseverance.

Merriam-Webster defines persistence  ... continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure or opposition: the action or condition or instance of persevering.


One of my scriptures that provides inspiration for me it this one found in the New Testament book of  Hebrews 12: 1

Here are the words from this verse:

"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 us. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. "