God is so good ...

 "God is so good to give us new days and 

New Years since he knows we need 

so many time to start over. "

Lacy Sturm 

Friendship Friday

 "They say true friends go long periods of time without speaking and never question the friendship." Can the opposite be true? When you see friends every week, do you take the friendship for granted?  

I do not take this friendship for granted. It is a blessing to enjoy this decade long friendship. Each week, I see  Carolyn   in exercise class and in Bible Study Fellowship class.. 

Last year, Carolyn recommended that I join Bible  Recap. It is a chronological Bible App.  This program will take you on  a year-long journey of reading  through the entire Bible. 

 I think, it can be life-changing. Next Monday is January 1, 2024 what a  great way to begin the New Year to begin reading through the entire Bible. Go for it. 

Carolyn is on the left. Cynthia is on the right.

Monday Musings... Merry Christmas

 "Jesus came during the darkest hour, bringing hope and light. Even in times of apparent silence, God is not absent. God is at work. God is not done yet.

This is our hope. 

He is our Hope. 

And we cling to this Hope. 

Even as we celebrate the birth of Christ, we acknowledge the tension of an ever broken world. 

There are so many people - near and far- that are experiencing pain and suffering. Two things can be true at the same time. We are overwhelmed and we are resolute because we cling to hope. 

We are overwhelmed by the 13 million children in the US that experienced hunger this past year, by the ongoing war in Ukraine, by the terrorist attacks that killed about 1200 innocent Israeli civilians and 139 hostages that remain in captivity. We are overwhelmed by the subsequent devastation in Gaza which has taken the lives of over 20, 000 Palestinians - including more than 8,000 children created in the image of God. We are overwhelmed by the enormous suffering  around the world that don't provoke posters, chants, marches, and boycotts. We are heartbroken by the pain and suffering in Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Somalia, Myanmar, Haiti, and so many more..."

Eugene Cho

Bacon, eggs and coffee

When did hotels begin offering breakfast for their guests?  This is what I  discovered on line,

 "In the 1800s and early 1900s it was common for hotels to offer complimentary meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner."  This fact makes me want to research where were these hotels.

More recently, it was Hampton Inn chain that began to offer breakfast in the mid 1980's.  This morning, this is what the Marriott offered for breakfast. 

 

... wisdom and knowledge of God

 "Oh, the depth of the riches of the 

wisdom and knowledge of 

God! 

How unsearchable his judgments,

and his path beyond tracing 

out!

Who has known the mind of the 

Lord?

Or who has been his 

counselor?

Who has ever given to God

that God should repay him.

For from him and through him and

to him are all things.

To him be glory forever! 

Amen. 

Romans 11: 33-36

Friendship Friday ...

 " A friend is one

of the best things

 you can be 

and the

greatest thing 

you can have."

Sarah Valdez

Tasty Tuesday ... Christmas Cookies

Cookies, cakes, and Christmas Fudge 

"The smell of cookies baking is the aroma of Christmas."

Before Christmas, my mother would bake her traditional fruit cake and fudge for family and friends. Offering baked goods as Christmas gifts was a family tradition. 

 Last week, the Aqua Fitness class shared homemade cookies. 

The luncheon and cookie exchange was delightful.

We also left with all the recipes from the cookies. 

 

Monday Musings ...

 "This season of Advent is a time of hopeful expectation. The word "Advent" finds it roots in the Latin word meaning "coming' or "arrival." 

Advent

 " The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect and who look forward to something greater to come." 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

... this is a beautiful way

"Peering from some high window, 

at the gold of November sunset and feeling

that if day has become night,

this is a beautiful way."

E.E. Cummings  

... God of peace will be with you.

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests before God. And the peace of God will transcend all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure whatever is lovely whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever  you have learned or received of heard from me, or seen in me - put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

Philippians 4: 6 - 9 

Friendship Friday ...

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. " 

It was an ordinary evening when we met Joan and Tim. We were waiting for a table at the restaurant Frankie Bones. Our turn was first. Our conversation  was pleasant while we were waiting,  I thought, 'it would be nice to continue our conversation over a meal".  I went back to the waiting area and asked if they wanted to join us for dinner.  That evening was the beginning of our friendship. 

They are such a joy! No matter life's difficulties, they share a faith that God is in control.When tragedy  happens unexpectedly they return to what they know about God. God is faithful, good, and loving. In addition to their faith, they are simply a joy to be around.  I hope you have friends that will sharpen your faith, encourage you, and pray for you. Joan and Tim are special friends to us. 

Look for the unexpected blessings, joys, and opportunities.  

Tasty Tuesday

 Last week, we were traveling in South Carolina. We visited one of our favorite restaurants, The Cottage. Tea and Bakery. We are never disappointed in the service or food. The food  is consistently delicious! 

For our most recent visit, I chose the Power Salad.  This ginormous salad included lobster, salmon, shrimp, avocado, strawberries, edamame, goat cheese, on a bed of greens. This salad is perfect for sharing or taking it home.  When you share a meal there is a $4.50 charge.  Their menu has a little bit for everyone.   This dish was one of their daily specials. 

Monday Musings... Meditation

 Instead of simply reading God's word in the morning I need to slow down and meditate.  Do you find yourself hurrying after reading the Word?  I do. 

I know, I would gain deeper insight if I slow down and linger and meditate over the word. 

What does it mean to meditate on God's word? According to one online answer, this is the answer,

"Meditation means thinking about what God's word  says, perhaps writing it down, (journaling) so that you can go over it throughout the day."

For me, I will be intentional about slowing down, lingering over the word, and praying. I trust that as I mediation on God's word. I will gain deeper insight and ways to apply truth to my life. 

Friendship Friday ...

 This wise words are from  Dr. Thurmond Coleman, 

"Tell me who your best friends are and I will tell you who you are. If you're with wolves, you will learn  how to howl. But if you associate with eagles, you will learn to soar to great heights. " A mirror reflects a man face, but what he really is like, is shown by kind of friend he chooses." The simple but true fact  of life is that you become like those whom you closely associate  -  for the good and bad. 

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate in mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative  thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates with change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb, will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke you vision. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you. Consider this:

• Never receive counsel from unproductive people. 
• Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeeding themselves are first to tell you how. Not everyone has the right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. 
• Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.With some people you are going to spend any evening with others you will invest it. 
• Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life."

These words are from a column written by Dr. Coleman 

Rev.  Dr. Thurmond Coleman  1927 - 2019 

Thrifty ... money or power

"Success is not measured by money or power

but on the impact you make 

on others'  lives."

John Templeton 

Words for Wednesday

 "When words alone cannot express  all that our hearts ache to confess, bring music! Alleluia!

When speech erodes and tempers flare, when peace gives way idle dare bring music! Alleluia! 

When bread is broken, wine,  is poured, when  encounter Christ the Lord bring music! Alleluia! 

Within each season of our lives, when every passage way arrives, bring music! Alleluia! "

 Portion of Lyrics from ...When Words Alone  Cannot Express

Tuesday Tea

"You can never get 

a cup of tea large 

enough or a book 

long enough to 

suit me. "

C. S. Lewis  

 This cup of tea is HUGE

From the rising of the sun

 "From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised." 

Psalm 113: 3

Birthday reflections ...

"I love getting older. My understanding deepens. I can see what connects. I can weave stories of experiences and apply them. I can integrate the lessons. Things simply become more  and more fascinating. Beauty reveals itself in thousands of forms."

Victoria Erickson  

I see wisdom in the words of Victoria.  For me, I know that growing older is first a gift from God. Each day is a precious gift, I ask God to help me live a life each day that brings honor to His name. 

Monday Musings ... pink weekend

In October, our congregation hosted a Pink Weekend to bring awareness to Breast Cancer Awareness to benefit our community. On October 28, the Women's Ministry at church hosted a Pink Luncheon to recognize survivors and honor the memory of those who are no longer with us.  

While  Breast Cancer Awareness Month ended at the end of October,  awareness should never end regarding the important issue of early detection and monthly examinations.

Currently,  I have friends and family members who are dealing with the diagnosis of breast cancer.  Other friends, are in undergoing treatment. I pray God will use effective treatment to heal them. 

When I don't know what to say, I hope I will listen well and faithfully pray that God will heal each loved one.

November

 

" November 

Comes and 

November goes, 

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early 

and dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

and frost at the gate.

The fire burn

and the kettle sings

And the earth sinks to rest

Until next spring. "

Elizabeth Coatsworth

God's love ...

 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall be a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Romans 8: 31 - 35

around the world ... Did you know that there are over 9,000 languages around world?

There is something about the way an office space is decorated that may offer  a calm atmosphere for each patient. This afternoon, I entered an office that offered a peaceful space.  After getting lost trying to locate this office building. I needed a quiet place to calm down. 

It was time for my regular dental cleaning. "There are hundreds of languages around the world, but a smile speaks them all." Working to keep a healthy smile.

Friendship Friday

 "Dear Diamonds,

We both know who is 

really a girl's best friend.

Yours sincerely, 

Yarn"

These friends are called the Sweater Gang

They gathered recently to sweater a tree during 

National Tree Week. 

They create the designs, gather yarn, measure the tree limbs, and gather to sweater the tree. 

They are so creative! 

Monday Musings ...

 Oftentimes when the world feels chaotic, we begin to feel as if it is somehow inappropriate to have joy.  Have your joy. Joy is a form of radical self-care., Joy energizes us to take on the most difficult circumstances. When we have joy, especially in the midst of challenging times, we are saying to the world "I will define the current state of the world around me instead of it defining me." Today, regardless of what is happening, empowering yourself by embracing your joy. 

A friend posted this quote on his Instagram page. It is from a high school classmate of his. I don't have his name.  In the midst of our current world situation it seems appropriate. Do not postpone your joy. 

God is our refuge ...

"God is our refuge and strength

an ever-present help in 

trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though

the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the 

heart of the sea,

though its water roar and foam

and the mountains quake with 

their surging.    Selah

There is a river whose streams

make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most

High dwells.

God is within her, she will not

fall;

God will help her at break of 

day.

Nations  are in uproar kingdoms

fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth

melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us

The God of Jacob is our

fortress.      Selah

Psalm 46 1 - 7 

Friendship Friday ... (Saturday Edition)

What do you do when you see a friend you have not seen in years?  You simply pick up where you left off and begin a new conversation.  Our friendship began years ago, when we took a year-long study meeting weekly to discuss the scriptures in the Gospel of John. We are accustomed  to having deep conversations. So when you are able to connect for a few moments, you savor the moment. 

I was at the park. My friend and her daughter were kayaking. It was a lovely evening. 

heavens and the earth

 "Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth  by your great power outstretched arm. Nothing is to hard for you."

Jeremiah 32:17

Sing to the LORD

 Sing to the Lord a new song;

sing to the LORD all the earth.

Sing to the LORD, praise his name;

proclaim hia salvation  day after 

day 

Declare his glory among the 

nations,

his marvelous deeds among all

peoples.

For great is the LORD and most

worthy of praise

he is to be feared above all

gods

For all the gods of the nations are 

idols,

but the LORD made the heavens,

Splendor and majesty are before

him;

strength and glory are in his

sanctuary.

Psalm 96: 1-6

Fall Festival ... Sukkot

 Today marks the ending of Sukkot, Holiday of Shelters.  Until this evening, I was not familiar with the history or meaning of this holiday. Briefly, it is an agriculture festival that is  commemoration of the Israelites  leaving slavery in Egypt. While they wandered in wilderness after leaving Egypt  the entire community lived in shelters .

This year's celebration began on September 29 and ended tonight October 6.

This evening we dined  in a temporary shelter. 

What a blessing to learn more about this important holiday. 

 

Tasty Tuesday ... school lunches

Decades ago, I remember standing in a line to for my lunch. I vaguely remember the trays, tables, and the return trays. I have such fond memories of school lunches.  

Last Friday, hubby and I enjoyed lunch at this renovated school cafeteria.. As I look at the picture, I can visualize students talking and laughing over lunch. We arrived early. As we left more customers were beginning to arrive for their lunch. 

Next week, I will begin volunteering at a school, where I will be match with one student. 

...a fine October

 "In the entire circle of the year were are no days so delightful as those of a fine October, when the trees are bare to the mild heavens, and the red leaves bestrew the road, and you can feel the breath of winter, morning and evening - no days so calm, so tenderly solemn , and with such a reverent meekness in the air. " Alexander Smith 

great is your faithfulness

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 

Lamentations 3:22-23 

Friendship Friday

Evening Edition Book Club

Book Club Evening Out

Selfie in elevator 

Book Club Friendships are the best

 We could not fit eleven in the elevator

Tasty Tuesday ... celebrating 100 years!

Last week,  Lexington's Altrusa Club celebrated 100 years of service to our community. What is Altrusa? Altrusa is an international non-profit organization making our local communities better through leadership, partnership, and services.  

One of our members made this lovely cake!  Who knew that attorneys have such fabulous cake making skills! Look at the flowers! 

Monday Musings ... Tree Sweater Gang

 What is the Tree Sweater Gang? They are a group for friends  who volunteer to take time to knit and crochet pieces as pieces of art to cover trees.  They began by sketching out the tree measurements.  This group is well know for their tree bombing installations at the UK Arboretum Children's Garden. 

Here is one of their most recent installations at a local park. Isn't it lovely? 

Tea

 

"A cup of tea is like a hug in a mug."

Monday Musings... small groups ... koinonia

"Small groups are not a program of the church -it's where koinonia takes place."

"What is koinonia? 

1. the Christian fellowship or body of believers

2. intimate spiritual communion and participative sharing in a common religious commitment and spiritual community. " on-line definition

Small groups offer a sweet place where folks are able to experience authentic community. For me, small groups offer  a safe place to grow in the Lord and in relationships with other women. 

Tonight, my evening began with a lecture in a chapel. The evening ended with a small group meeting and prayer. Monday nights are a favorite day of the week. 

Monday Musings ... Mississippi

 "To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi. 

William Faulkner 

September 25, 1897 - July 6, 1962

Do you have trouble reading William Faulkner?  I suggest another author from Mississippi, Russell Moore. Here are a few of the  books written by Russell Moore:

• Losing Our Religion: Altar Call for Evangelical America
• Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph
• The Courage to Stand: Facing your fear without losing your soul
• Onward Engaging the Culture without losing the Gospel
• The Storm-Tossed Family How the Cross Reshapes the Home

To understand our current culture, the books written by Russell Moore might be added to your reading list. 

Happy Reading! 📕📖📚

What is that?

 

 Venus flytrap Fun Facts 😃

1. Native to North Carolina and South Carolina
2. Small perennial herbaceous plant
3. One of Earth's most widely recognized  carnivorous plant species. 
4. In the summer, this plant grows best on sunny windowsill.   In the fall, it needs to come inside. 
5. Special thanks to J who contributed this photo. Thanks J. 

A prayer ...

 "A Prayer for Labor Day 

Lord, on this Labor Day,

We thank you for the blessing of work. 

We ask for the strength to complete each day.

We ask for rest when we are weary. 

We ask for you guidance

for everyone seeking employment,

and we ask that

you be with those whose faces

we might never see

but who work tirelessly each day

for the good of us all.

Amen "

Online source

Tasty Tuesday

Today, nursing students were conducting  a community education event at a local Y. The question that they posed, "Of the food that is displayed, which has the highest sugar content? What do you think? Here are the items, a soft drink, ice cream, apple pie, cereal, jello, two cookies, a brownie and jello. Take a guess, which one has the most sugar? Please leave a comment., 

  The students also took blood pressure readings. What a great service to the community. They gave their permission for their pictures to be posted on social media.  I look forward to seeing how they will make a difference in the lives of the people in communities in different cities, states, and countries. 

'the perfect friendship"

 "In 'Ethics,' Aristotle discusses three types of friendship: utility, pleasure, and the "perfect friendship." Friendships of utility are based on convenience while friendships of pleasure arise from shared interests. In Aristotle's words, the perfect friendship is "made up of [those] who are good and alike in virtue; for each alike wishes well to each other." 

Source Alexa  Today's Question of the Day August 25, 2023

How would you describe the perfect friendship? 

Tasty Tuesday

 This is my best advice when you go out to eat. Ask the server this question, "What do you recommend on the menu?" Always listen and then follow the advice! Why? They know things and see things that you do see. 

Last year while visiting in D.C.we  enjoyed several delicious meals. One meal was a disaster. Why? I did not follow the server's advice. I ordered a soup. Later that evening, my stomach rebelled. My stomach said, " I cannot keep this horrible food in my body one second longer."😡

Last weekend in Atlanta, we enjoyed a meal for two. Everything was delicious. 

Monday Musings ... Stained Glass

 I could sit quietly in a church and enjoy the beauty of the stained glass windows for hours. Sitting in silence inspires  me to pray. 

One online source states that stained glass windows in Catholic Churches help bridge the gap between the earthly and divine.   When, worshipers were unable to read, they were able to see biblical stories portrayed in stained glass.  

Today when many  people are literate, the art in stained class is often a way to remind worshipers of Bible stories and truth.  I wish there had been  was a pamphlet to share the story of this window.

...with exceeding joy

 "Now unto him who that able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."

Jude 24

Friendship Friday

Our culture sometimes glorifies being busy. I am grateful for the gift of friendship that allows me to slow down and have enjoy a meal and have an unhurried conversation.  This week, I had the pleasure of meeting friends for breakfast. 

These sisters ordered the identical breakfast. Pancakes and eggs over easy. I noticed how they moved the eggs around the pancakes and sort of mixed it all together.  It was sort of like our conversation... all mixed together... talking about the pool, travel, children, grandchildren, books, piano lessons, Silent Quakers, and Evangelical Quakers, and life

Since our friendship is anchored in our faith, we  often share how the Lord Jesus is working in our lives. Friendship always offers the opportunity for us to learn, grow, and see how God is working in another's person's life.  

One phrase, I recall in our conversation was this, "The way will open." What does that mean? It is a Quaker saying meaning, " to undertake an action without any prior clarity about all the details, and with respect for the ambiguity of the process." 

For me, it make to think of walking by faith and obedience and trusting God to guide me. If I know all the steps it is not walking by faith. What do you think? 

Tasty Tuesday

 

Peaches are so delicious,

what's not to love."

Morning Musings ... Manna

 

What is Manna?   This definition is one from online,  "(in the Bible) the substance miraculously supplied as food to the Israelites in the wilderness ( Exodus 16)" 

Does the word manna have any meaning in today's culture?  Does the meaning have significance that extends beyond the Biblical narrative? Does the word manna  have meaning to you? 

Each morning, I join friends from various cities and states to listen to a morning devotion. While most of us do not have miracle food. we enjoy spiritual food. The spiritual manna , we truth that points us to scripture from the Old or New Testament. Each leader takes us  on a deeper dive  in the scripture to explain and share insight that we may not have uncovered on our own.  We benefit from their study. We are encouraged us to dig further on our own.

Each morning, our time ends with a moment of prayer. 

The morning's devotion challenged me extend love, compassion, and grace to everyone I encounter. 

Lord willing, tomorrow I will share some flowers with a friend. 

our dwelling place ...

 Lord, you have been our dwelling place 

throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born

or you brought forth the whole world, 

from everlasting to everlasting you are 

God.

Psalm 90: 1 - 2

Friendship Friday

 Each week several friends gather in homes or in restaurants to play Mah Jongg.  We chat, mix tiles, laugh, learn,  and shush one another when we talk too loud. We share tips,  offer referrals to dentists, doctors, and exercise tips.   We silently ponder which hand to play.

We savor our friendships. We also savor💖 good piece of chocolate.

Tasty Tuesday

 "It's nice to just be a kid again and hang out with your friends at lunch." 

The first Tuesday of the month is reserved for Cooking Light friends. For years, we would take turns and host friends at our home. Each friend would select a dish to prepare and share.  For years, we would use the "Cooking Light" magazine as a way to create our menu. 

Then,  we decided to do something different. 

Now, we go to local restaurant and enjoy a fuss free lunch. 

   

Friendship Friday

 "In the sweetest of friendship let there be laughter, and the sharing of pleasures.  For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning is refreshed."

Khalil Gibran 

 I am convinced that joy is an essential to a long lasting friendship. What is the glue that maintains friendships? Is it a common faith in the Lord? Is it an ability to serve each other? I think it may be a sweet mixture of our faith, compassion, and  honesty... to name oa few.

If you are fortunate to have friends like these two... you are blessed. 

God's word states this in Proverbs, "A sweet friendship refreshes the soul."  Proverbs 27:9 

... a little wiser

" I constantly see people rise in life who are not the smartest, sometimes not even the most diligent, but they are learning machines.  They go to bed every night a little wiser that they were when they got up and boy does that help, particularly, when you have a long run ahead of you. " 

Charlie Munger 

Tasty Tuesday

" Birthdays are the icing on the cake of life."

Let me tell you the icing on this cookie cake was AMAZING!

🎂

Friendship Friday

 "Do you have a strong circle of friends? this question was posed by Elizabeth Bernstein in her Wall Street column dated April 20, 2022. 

I have several take away points from this article

•  We have the capacity to maintain about 15 core relationships
• We need friends from different areas of our lives, work, neighbors, hobby friends, exercise buddies
• Friends who can support use in different stages in our lives
• Support friends who need emotional support during a difficult time. 
• Reach out to to friends who you miss. Rekindle those friendships

"Real friends are the

ones you can count on 

no matter what.

The ones who go into 

the forest to find you

and bring you home. 

And real friends never

have to tell you that 

they're your friends." 

Mindy Kaling 

Thrifty Thursday

"Cheap is not always better.When you want to get a good deal, don't settle for the cheapest thing on the shelf."

Sometimes you actually get what you paid for in products that are not well made or made with cheap materials that will not last. 

Be a savvy  consumer. 

💲💵😮 

Terrific Tuesday

 Birthday celebrations are filled with so much love and laughter. When we add family, friends, waffles with chocolate chips, hugs,  snow cones, fishing,  chicken noodle soup, cookie cake, time with parents, grandparents and friends it makes a day filled with layers of love and blessings. 

Birthday Greetings in the morning. 

Birthday gifts after camp

Fishing with dad

Do not be sad... we put the fish back in the water. 

Linus

 Linus is this week's pet.  In the midst of this summer's  heat wave make sure your pets have access to fresh water and are kept in cool quarters. 

I love the history of the cartoon character Linus. Did you know that Linus was Charlie Brown's best friend. Linus was described as the voice of reason in the comic street.