Reflections on living a life that matters

 Today, I am reflecting on this past year. Tomorrow is my birthday.  I am pondering some questions. Did I make the most of each day?  Did I fritter away time on things that have no eternal significance?  Did I live with courage, boldness, and effectiveness for the Lord?   Did I reflect on my monthly goals?  Was I occupied more with me than God?  Do family and friends know that God is most dear to me?  Did I let fear rule in my life where God should reign?  How can I live a life that  most honors God and gives Him glory.

Part of my reflections were a part of today's birthday lunch conversation.

Friendship Tea Room at the Gift Box
Look at the tea cups from the chandelier

One of my favorite scripture is found in Ephesians 5: 15 - 17, "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. "

Baby Shower

Today, I am attending the first of several baby showers.  I am so excited!  Janica and Anthony are expecting their first baby.

Gift table

How cute!

Shower Favors

A Blessing

My the Lord Bless you

and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you

and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you his favor

and give you his peace. 

Numbers 6 : 24 ~ 26

 Beth and Tim Happy 40th Anniversary!

Fall Retreat at French Lick, Indiana

Over twenty- five years ago, I attended a training that was held at the French Lick Springs Hotel. As a staff member of at a YWCA, training was an important part of our work in addressing issues related to women, children, and families.

Today, I am attending a Fall Retreat at this same hotel.  This  retreat allows women to celebrate success, sharpen business skills, and gain inspiration. All of the training... MK to working to enrich the lives of women.

After tonight's activities, I took a moment to relax and read some of the  hotel's history....

 "The hotel was built in 1845 Dr. Bowles. After a fire in 1897, it was rebuilt and enlarged. In 1901, Tom Taggart, mayor of Indianapolis brought the property. French Lick Springs Hotel gained international prominence under the ownership of Tom Taggart.  Under Taggart's leadership the hotel became the unofficial headquarters of the Democratic National Party.   It was here that Franklin Delano Roosevelt rounded up support for the party's presidential nomination. As the literature details, this hotel does have a rich and colorful history." ( Source French Lick Resort)

Today, it was about training, celebration, rewards, and fun competition.

.

Success!  ... Sharing her life story...love on women... hopefully leading them to God

Smart Design

Last week, I attended a Smart Design Workshop at E. Stephen Hein's  Florist Shop.  It was an  evening full of  great holiday decorating tips.. Members of a local social organization provided savory and sweet treats for the guests.

Mr. Hein provided a plethora of information on creating centerpieces. 

Before

After

I discovered a sweet place for children to practice flower arranging.
I think my great nieces will enjoy practicing skills at this siteFlower Shop

  

Real Friends

"Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty."

Sicilian Proverb

 I treasure the gift of real friendships. No matter the time or distance, I can send an email or make a phone call and we often start where we left off...We measure our words to communicate honestly with love.  When people do not care to tell the truth, they do not care. As I have grown older, I value the gift of authentic friendships. 

November's beauty

“Like a woman who have found her authenticity,

November’s beauty radiates from within.”

Sarah Ban Breathnach