Thankful

Afternoon snacks before afternoon games...

Last year I joined a group of women interested in learning to play Mah Jong.   Now a year later, I am still very much a novice. Thankfully, I am a part of a wonderful group of women who are  quick to share tips, strategies, and encouragement.    Quick instructions... then we move on...

According to one web site, Mah Jong is described as, "The exciting game of Mah Jong has existed in one form or another for ages.  It is interesting, fun, and stimulates the cognitive  process of the brain.  ...Studies demonstrates that by engaging the cognitive abilities of the brain, the mind remains flexible and sharp, and Mah Jong elicits a beneficial neural response when played."

I am thankful for the wonderful friendships that God has given me.

How history shapes our lives...

Shelby Foote described the civil war as central to all our lives.  While individuals may differ on its centrality to their lives, I think in some measure, we continue to be shaped by the outcome of the war. Can we discover truths as we discuss the issues of the Civil War?   I think so.

 In September of this year, I offered a list of possible books as reading selections for book club members to consider reading for November. The evening book group selected A Separate Country by Robert Hicks.   Last night’s discussion was not disappointing.  Our group enjoyed a rich conversation regarding the Civil War, the Battle of Franklin, John Bell Hood, New Orleans, race, injustice, redemption, and the legacy of war.  As the discussion continued long into the evening, we discovered we had more questions than answers.  Now, we are pondering a road trip to Nashville and Franklin.   On the agenda… the Carter House and Carton Mansion. 

Driving home last night, I was thinking about visiting my former hometown. Then, I was thinking about spending time with dear friends… Hester Hamilton, Wanda Guy, Diane Cohn, Linda Alexander, Rita Dozier, Mrs. Cross, Bill Peach, Priscilla Bright, Doris McMillian, the Nelsons, the list goes on...

Book Club members

Blessed giving

It is a joy shopping for Christmas gifts. I enjoy selecting toys and gifts that will fit nicely into a shoe box. This year, I discovered a little car that lights up and makes sounds. In another aisle, I found little farm animals that oink and moo.  In two shoe boxes, I added toys, crayons, paper, socks, wooden cars, wrapped candy, and toothbrushes.  Each year, our pastor encourages us to participate in Operation Christmas Child.  It is a joy to join others from our church to provide gifts for this effort.  These boxes will be shipped to countries all over the world. God has given us the resources to be a part of this ministry.  We are grateful to Him. 

Our church coordinators helping organize the donated boxes.
"And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard.
You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than receive."
Acts 20:34-36 New Living Translation

 

A baby day

Two baby showers in one day...One  baby shower in the morning...the other in the afternoon...

Table decorations from this morning

"Every gift is precious, someone took the time to select a gift for the baby."  D. Long

Beautiful mom to be, mother, and mother in law.

Afternoon decorations

My Grandpa

 Do you have a favorite childhood memory? Some of my favorite memories are of summers with my grandparents.  While my parents worked, our days were with our grandparents.   My grandpa was an amazing man. He told stories... he recited poems, played checkers, ate candy bars, and went fishing on the banks of the White River.

He would often share stories of his childhood in Jeffersonville, Indiana.  We would listen to his stories of his military service. He was a Buffalo Solider.  Congress established the Negro Cavalry  in September 21, 1866 as the first peace time all-black  regiment in the U.S. Army.  Buffalo Soldiers become a nickname of the all black regiment.  Today as we are celebrating Veterans Day, I was thinking about him.

Every morning after reading the Upper Room, he would read the morning newspaper.

A day with friends ~ November 8

A full day... voting, travel, lunch and a trip to Trader Joe's

Birthday lunch...Yum!

satisfying life

...Beginning my day with the Ancient of Days... lingering over a cup of tea with my husband, receiving text and Facebook messages,  phone conversations with friends,  a birthday lunch, sharing a piece of Derby pie,   a road trip with friends, Trader Joe's, birthday cards, laundry, walking the dog, menu planning, grocery shopping, cleaning, ... ending the day with gratitude to God 


Jesus speaking in the Gospel of John 
"The thief's purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. 
John 10:10 New Living Translation.