In this scary season of life, make self care a priority. A few days ago, I posed this question to my Instagram friends... Caption this...
A dear friend offered this suggestion: Take me away Calgon.
The staff at my doctor's office created this wonderful pumpkin. What do you think? I know, pretty creative!
"Halloween is an opportunity to be really creative." Judy Gold
"An honest answer is a true sign of friendship."
Proverbs 24:26
I absolutely love friends who are willing to have deep conversations. Sometimes it can be a bit jarring when friends go deep in conversations when we are a so accustomed to having frivolous interactions.
Kim posed this question to me, "What are your insecurities about leadership?" Wait Kim, I'm not prepared to talk about this over dinner! Yet, we did. I was able to talk about some uncomfortable fears. The conversation was held in a safe place with friends. Yes, even over soup and salad at Panera.
When we take risks in approaching topics that draw out our feelings, we are rewarded with a level of trust and intimacy.
Next time we meet in person, be willing for me to ask you a gentle but probing question.
In August of this year, Tom Fields-Meyer wrote an article in the Los Angeles Times titled, "Missing the comfort of "my" seat in the synagogue when the whole world is askew". His article resonated with me. He talked about Saturday Shabbat services At the timing of his article, it had been five months since their synagogue had in person services.
For me, it has been seven months, since I was in our church sanctuary. Like the author of the Op-Ed, I too miss my people. I miss sitting in my familiar church pew. I miss listening to worship music in real time. I miss the familiar routines of Sunday morning. As a Christian, I appreciate his Jewish persceptive.
I hope you will take a moment to read his Op-Ed on line. If you miss attending your religious services, I know you enjoy this article.
Until we have church services in person, I will be sitting in the comfort of my home worshiping God and missing my people.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but encouraging one another -
and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10: 24:25
Chai is this week's pet. This adorable puppy is a bundle of sweetness that is always on the move. Chai is a magnet that is drawing our neighbors together as stop and admire this little one.
It was literally impossible to take a good picture of Chai. I hope I was able to capture a second of her sweetness.
"J" and "L" are BBF's. What are BBF? Best, Best, Friends. Since they both have best friends, they had to create a new phrase to describe their friendship. What I admire most about their friendship... is their honesty.
As working professionals, they both live busy lives. I was so happy they took time to visit us this month. They are members of NSBE National Society of Black Engineers. In addition, I think they must be members of SWE.Society of Women Engineers. Yes, you are able to be gorgeous and intelligent.
You need a Best Best Friend like these two. #BBF Don't have one? Well, find someone to be your BBF!
Physical pain was the motivator for me to go to physical therapy. Avoiding reoccurring pain is my motivator to continue with therapy. Learning skills is one of my goals to maintain my strength after pt ends.
"I think food ties us to our community
and our traditions
and it's the thing that makes
us feel good and connected.
Kathy Freston
I miss sharing lunch with my Cooking Light Friends. For years, we would meet the first Tuesday of the month. Our time together was more than the menu or the food. We shared conversations about our children, marriage, sleep habits, politics, community, shopping, pets, needlepoint, and cooking tips.
Community grows when we a share a meal.
What do you think about the protests in Portland? According to the Associated Press in Portland, Oregon, "Prostesters pulled down the statues of presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday in a declaration of "rage" over the Columbus Day federal holiday."
I am saddened by the protests. While statues may be toppled or removed, we cannot blot out history. Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are still historical figures. Flawed... yes... human... yes... In their lifetimes, they did make significant contributions.
Pray for the protesters. Pray that God will give them a heart to serve instead of destroying.
"Behold, how good and
pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the
head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar
of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls of the
mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has
commanded the blessing.
life forevermore.
Psalm 133 ( English Standard Version)
When Robin was born, I wonder did her parents know she would be a gifted singer? As she grew, I wonder did she show her giftedness at an early age? In the last months of her life, she used her voice to sing praises to God.
A few weeks ago, she sang the song, "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" Even in her weaken condition, her voice was beautiful.
This morning, Robin's spirit left her earthly body. She is now free with her Lord and Savior.
Please pray for her family and friends, especially, her two sons and her daughter. Pray God will comfort them and give them His Peace.
Today is World Smile Day. This day is observed on the first Friday in October. "It is dedicated to the smiley face, which was created by Harvey Ball in 1963." Even in the midst of the current world pandemic, I trust you will find one reason to smile. 😃
While our smiles are covered by masks, I think you can see the smiles in our eyes. Earlier this week, we took time from our "regular" schedules to enjoy lunch outside at a local restaurant.
Hello, October. I guess you plan on bringing cooler temperatures, hot cider, falling leaves, pumpkins, scary moments, blankets, quilts, sweaters, football games, Fall breaks, televised political debates, early voting, mail in ballots, Zoom Worship services, Zoom classes, virtual gatherings, fall plantings, mums, pansies, pumpkin lattes, soups, breads, and
October, may I ask, do you plan on bringing tricks, unexpected events, and some treats? I guess, I will have to simply wait.
As for me, I continue to pray each and every day.
