... 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