Monday Musings ... words

"You are not only responsible for you say,

but also what you do not say." 

Martin Luther 

Do not fear ...

"Do not fear. for I have redeemed

you;

I have called you by name, you 

are mine.

When you pass through the waters, 

I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall 

not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you

shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume

you.

For I am the LORD your God,

the Holy one of Israel, your

Savior.

Isaiah  43: 1b -3a  

Pet of the week

 Highlighting a pet of the week had been  incredibly fun for me. Over the past several years, I have met so many generous pet owners who have been gracious to share pictures of their pets. I have snapped pictures of pets on hiking trails, in the neighborhood, at local parks, in homes, and while we travel to different states.  Having random conversations with pet owners is a blast. Most folks are incredibly kind. 

I think ninety-eight  percent of the pets of the weeks have been dogs.  Two percent have been cats. One  friend shared a picture of her bird. Larry (my brother) shared a picture of his turtle. Pets can make our lives so much richer.  

This week's pet is from Norway. My son took this picture while he was hiking in Norway.  I want to make sure I give him credit. 

Did you know that Siberian Husky's are incredibly intelligent, friendly, outgoing, alert and gentle. Their coats are thick and double coated. I told my son, hiking in Norway is now on my bucket list. He was kind, he said, "Mom, you could not do it."  I think I will settle to just travel to Norway. 

Friendship Friday

 

In the fall, I meet with three friends  to celebrate our birthdays. Gloria's birthday day is October 26. Jill's birthday is today. Lord willing, I will celebrate mine early next month. 

We are grateful for this incredible gift of life and birthdays. Today, we had lunch at the Glitz. We enjoyed a lovely drive on country roads, delightful conversation, laughter, and a delicious meal. A near perfect day...

Sending special greetings to my friend Lisa. Today she celebrates a milestone birthday. 🎂

"When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age." Victor Hugo 

Wednesday Walk

 

"Above all, do not lost your desire to walk: every day I walk myself into a state of well being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. "

Soren Kierkegaard

This morning, Josie and I enjoyed a walk.  Yesterday, we walked at a local park. I love the familiar and always changing views of local places to walk. As we know, staying active has many  documented health benefits. After a brisk walk, I just feel better. 

Tasty Tuesday

 At last week's Evening Edition Book Club gathering, we offered a few treats.  

Monday Musings... school

 As a little girl preparing to enter first grade, I was so eager! As the youngest of five, my anticipation was off the charts preparing to enter Eden Elementary. I was ready join my older siblings. I entered the school with smiles. 

 I left in tears. I was too young, I had to wait until the following year. What! A whole year! I don't remember much of the waiting. 

Those good old school days seem like a million years ago.  

Each week, I volunteer at two different middle schools. Volunteers must submit to screening and office check ins. I am grateful that our school system takes safety seriously.  While safety is legitimate concern, school districts across the nation are facing with very disturbing testing results. So many students lost academic ground during the Covid pandemic.

I am grateful that some teachers remain excited about teaching and continue to love making a difference in the. lives of their students. 

 Do you still love to learn?  Do you want to help students who may have lost their love for learning. Have you considered volunteering at a school?  Schools need mentors, tutors, and dedicated individuals to make a difference in the lives of our students. 

Who can bear hope ...

 "We must shine with hope, stained glass windows that shape light into icons, glow like lanterns borne before a procession. Who can bear hope back into the world but us ...

Marge Piercy 

Pink Weekend

 

Today the Women's Ministry at CBC  hosted a Pink Weekend. The day was filled with worship, prayer, information, testimonies, conversations, laughter, tears, silence, remembrance, encouragement, challenges, and fellowship. 

Today also offered an opportunity for women to support small businesses. What a joy! Participants had the opportunity to buy books, jewelry, hats, dresses, gift packages, and so much more. 

It was heart-warming to hear the testimonies of women who are breast cancer survivors. We also recognized the women who fought with courage and grace. 

It was a day to remind people to take time to do monthly breast exams. Since, breast cancers impacts both women and men, we need to encourage everyone to take breast exams seriously. 

I look forward to tomorrow's  message at church.  We will Pink in the Pews to bring awareness to  Breast Cancer Awareness.  It is a message that we will take every day. 

The Women's Ministry of Consolidated Baptist Church church did an amazing job. This event was the first event held in person. During the past two years the programs were held virtually,. What a joy to be in person! 

 

Monday Musings ... lyrics

 Living in the Nashville area for years, I developed an appreciation for country music. It is easy to love country music. I love the lyrics, melodies, and of course some of the artists.  

 

Recently, I tuned in to a local country music station and listened to the song, Hard to Love by Lee Brice. The lyrics resonated with me.  Although this song is not new, it is new to me. 

 

Hard to Love is referencing to a romantic love between a man and women. Does this truth extend beyond romantic love.  I think so.  I must admit it… some folks are simply hard to love. They are stuck in their ways, irritating, grouchy, and cantankerous. Is it normal to have people in our lives who are difficult to love? 

 

  I think, it difficult to love people or even like individuals who hold the opposing views.  

Yet, if people who follow Christ take seriously his words, love your enemies, we are called to love people who are hard to love. 

 

Who is hard to love in your life?  

"But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5: 44

 

Teddy

 Teddy is this week's pet.  If our weekly game of Mah Jongg is at Rhonda's home, Teddy is sure to be near.  We will be sorting our tiles or preparing to select or discard a tile and Teddy will come by ready to be petted. He is precious. 

"Your house will always be blessed with love, laughter, and friendship if you have a cat." Lewis Carroll 

Friendship Friday

 I love friends who make you feel better just by being with them. When you have the opportunity to visit you savor every moment.

 Sharon is a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired middle school teacher. As she often shares, I taught middle school students, "You cannot scare me.!"😃

For the past several years, I am been a student in her Bible students. What is the study this fall? In the Upper Room. Next Wednesday, this series will end. Before it ends, I am already looking forward to the next study. Time spent in studying God's Word is always a joy. 

Before I was a student in her class, I enjoyed playing Mah Jongg with her.  Sharon is a huge blessing. She was one of my helpers in helping me after one of my surgeries. Taking me to physical therapy was HUGE Blessing! 

Thrifty Thursday

 Tips for fishing for you dinner... 

#1 Tip "The number one rule of fishing is to be quiet. Don't scare the fish. " Carole Radziwill

#2 Tip. Go to your favorite fishing place... after it is stocked with fish. JBS

Enjoy October

 Today, we enjoyed a wonderful fall day. That is not everyone's reality today. I remind myself to enjoy each moment. I also am mindful that others may be in the midst of a struggle. Thank God... and pray for others. 

Enjoy each moment. 

Thrifty Thursday

 Looking for good bargains? They are everywhere! Some stores are getting rid of inventory before Christmas sales. Some of the excess inventory is as of the  result of supply chain issues from last year. 

Determine what what you need. 

Make a list, 

Do your research.

Have fun. 

Cooking Light Lunch

 Today's Menu

• Chilled Water
• Seasonal Sangria
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Mediterranean  Vegetable Soup
• Green Salad
• Risotto Salad
• Dessert
• Blackberry Cobbler and Lemon Sorbet 

It is the first Tuesday of the month.  It is time for our monthly gathering to share a meal. For several months , we have been meeting at locally owned restaurants. Today, we had a change of pace by meeting in my home. The best part of the meal... just being with friends.  Our time ended together with a yummy dessert. It was a wonderful blending of a little tart and subtle sweetness. 

Monday Musings ... Class Reunion

Cheers to high school reunions. 

Because you can't hug your friends

on Facebook.

Table setting from

Greenfield Central's

50th High School Reunion. 

... pray in love

 "We cannot pray in love

and live in hate

and still think 

we are worshiping 

God."

A.W. Tozer