Monday Musings ... 1492

 "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue ..."

I remember this little saying from my elementary days. It was a simple rhyme to help students remember this date. Many years later, I learned that historians believe that  Lief Ericksson actually reached North America nearly 500 years earlier. So when Columbus reached the Bahamas on October 12, 1492, he was not the first European to arrive in North America. 

"While Columbus never discovered America but his voyage was no less courageous." He did reach the coasts of Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.  Today, there is a plethora of information regarding Columbus .

The Biography Online Newsletter sums up their online article "Good or bad, Columbus created a bridge between the old and new world. "

This tiny sailing vessel has little in common with the vessel that Columbus navigated.

...do not give up.

"Let us not become weary 

in doing good,

for at the proper time

we will reap a harvest 

if we do not give up."

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

 

Pet of the week, Cookie

 Cookie lives in Indiana with my niece and her family. I appreciate that they are responsible pet owners. They are attentive, aware, and sensitive to the needs of guests. 

Not everyone is comfortable to be around dogs. As a dog owner, I understand how many friends  may not feel comfortable around dogs. When family or friends arrive, our dog is secured in another part of the house.

Special thanks to Dawn for sharing this picture of Cookie.  Earlier this week, I was able to enjoy a short visit with them while they are on Fall Break. 

Friendship Friday ... good stuff

Giving credit to Lysa TerKeurst for sharing this on her Instagram post tonight. 

"Three things to help a friend going through something tough.

Instead of "Are you okay?" text this:

1.  "You are strong and brave. And if you ever have a day you forget that, I'm here to remind you." 

Instead of, 'What can I do text this:

2.  "I have a gift bag of practical items I always seem to need - so I just hung it on your front door. You are loved and thought of today."

Instead of unsolicited advice text this: 

3. "If you ever want to feel less alone in the hard stuff. I'm here to listen, share my our current brokenness, or just cry with you."

good stuff

Monday Musings ... life

 "The precious gift of life alone

is more than enough to 

give thanks to 

God on a daily basis."

Unknown

Macy and Mary Lou

 Macy and Mary Lou are Miniature Dachshunds. They are the smaller version of the standard Dachshund. 

While they may be small, they have big  personalities. Donna (their owner) describes Macy as the perfect princess. Mary Lou is a wicked little monkey. As she has grown older, Mary Lou is more mellow and not as naughty.  Dachshunds have a soft spot in my heart.  Heidi was my first pet. She was a Standard Long Hair Dachshund. 

Linda and I became friends as we exercise daily at the Y. 

Friendship Friday

On this first day of October, I am looking forward to cooler temperatures, cups of hot cider, chili, tailgating at football games,  and talking with friends over a cozy fire pit. 

Our  friendship has grown over the years.  Where did it begin?  Bible Study Fellowship. Maureen was the Teaching Leader when I was called into leadership.  Since then, they provided home cooked meals when I was recovering from surgery, several summer Bible Studies were held in their home, and providing transportation for my physical therapy sessions. 

Today, Paul is busy professionally in the medical community. Maureen serves a volunteer with CURE. 

What is CURE?  CURE International is a Christian non-profit organization that operates  a global network of eight children's hospitals providing world class surgical care and intentional spiritual care to children living with treatable disabilities.