Hospitality

What is the Welcome Table?
Maya Angelou answers the question in her book, hallelujah! the welcome table: A lifetime of memories with recipes.  This cookbook would make a lovely addition  to anyone who loves to cook.
Barbara Smith's cookbook, Food That Says Welcome has become a favorite of mine.  In both books, readers will be treated to delicious recipes to share with their families and friends. What I like about the recipes in both books?  Simple ingredients!

Yesterday, we enjoyed a wonderful brunch with friends. Our day was filled with yummy food, laughter and warm conversation.

Our hosts

"Enjoy the simple pleasures of life"

Free workshop?  Sign me up! Entertaining ~ Flower Arranging ~ Table settings ~  

www.mulberryandlime.com/

Today's To Do List..

 Each day I write a Daily To Do List.  Once an item is on the list,  I put them in order of importance.  Yesterday, I made a mental note, I want to stop and introduce myself to one of my neighbors.  Getting to know neighbors is on or my goals.   For me,  developing relationships with neighbors is intentional. The blessing, I had such a delightful conversation with Susie.  Conversation topics... family, children, work...flowers... Roses, lavender, and lamb's ears are a few of the plants in in their front lawn.

Tell the truth

 Tell the truth, what does this sound like to you?

James Dao wrote an article for the New York Times that was published on April 27, 2011.   This is the headline of the article, Atheists Seek Chaplain Role in the Military.   The article begins:  "In the military, there are more than 3,000 chaplains who minister to the spiritual and emotional needs of active duty troops, regardless of their faiths.  The vast majority are Christians, a few are Jews or Muslims, one is a Buddhist.  A Hindu, possibly a Wiccan may join their ranks soon.
But an atheist?
Strange as it sounds, groups representing atheists and secular humanists are pushing for the appointment of their own to the chaplaincy, hoping to give voice to what they say is a large  - and largely underground population of nonbelievers in the military."

In a portion of the article, James Torpy is quoted.  "Mr. Torpy is  a former Army captain who is president of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, said, humanist chaplains would do everything religious chaplains do, including counsel troops and help them follow their faiths.  But just as Protestant chaplain would not preside over a Catholic service, a humanist might not lead a religious ceremony though he might help organize it."

 This is what I am thinking, How would an atheist chaplain help a Christian follow their faith?
To me, this seems a bit twisted.

If you are interested, google James Dao to read the entire article.

Sweet Book Discussion

the sweeter the juice A Family Memoir in Black and White by Shirlee Taylor Haizlip 

At tonight's book club discussion, we all agreed, we didn't  like the book.  This fact did not prevent us from having a delightful time discussing issues presented in book.
One interesting comment, " I like what is happening here."   Books dealing with family issues often lead us in many directions.  As we share our growth in God and our understanding about giving and receiving forgiveness.

The group in May

Traveling Book Club members

Tell the truth

When you enter a  museum it is like taking a step back in time.  Yesterday, I took a group of students to a local museum.   Our group had a wonderful docent, she gave a clear and thoughtful presentation.  In each room, she shared fascinating details about the Hunt Morgan family and their contributions to Kentucky and American History.  Built in 1814, the Hunt Morgan House is just one of the historic treasures in Lexington.

Addressing uncomfortable truths...  we cannot escape historical facts... servants during this time period were not servants.... they were slaves.

As a former docent at another local museum,  I  carefully followed the script researched by the curator. In one conversation,  I simply had to say, "They were not servants during this time period.  Those individuals who cooked, tended the animals and the crops.... they were slaves."

A view of the garden

Sacred Purpose Sacred Place

Sacred Purpose Sacred Place 

Ministry  Center Dedication 

May 13 ~ 14, 2011

The Francis Asbury Society

Wilmore, Kentucky

Give praise to the LORD,

proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.

I Chronicles 16:8

http://www.francisasburysociety.com

Sharing

A mystery... a blue question mark appears on the post... I try to edit.... then my words disappear...

Something happens in the cyber space via blog land... anyway... thoughts from my lunch with Nancy...

Although we live in the same city, it has been at least three months since we visited.  Our conversation was filled with family updates, travel news, and sharing from our recent Bible Study Fellowship study in the book of Isaiah.   So many truths... Almighty God... Creator ... Suffering Servant ...Promised Messiah...Idols...Woes... Judgement... kingdoms come and go... everlasting truth... a new heaven and earth... comfort... As God leads, we have the opportunity share the good news with others.... The harvest is ready... pray for labors for the harvest.

Peony from yard May 2011

Made for God's Glory

Mother's Day Tulips

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever! Amen
Therefore, I urge you, brothers in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans 11:36  - Romans 12:1 (NIV)

National Train Day 2011 ~ May 7, 2011

Amtrak Car

Today is the 4th Annual National Train Day.  This year also marks the 40th Anniversary of Amtrak.  If you have time and  interest you might research a train trip this summer or fall.  For me, last year's train trip was a lovely way to travel across country.  

My Train from Ohio to Oregon 2010

 Signature celebrations  were held in Washington D.C. Philadelphia,  Chicago, and Los Angles.  I will read online accounts regarding the events.  Interested in more information? Visit the Amtrak site on the web, 


Our rail system is decades behind the high speed rail system available in other parts of the world. 
Even so, traveling on Amtrak can be so much fun.  

~ Hearing God's Call ~

 Earl 

Earl (The Duke) knows his name.  When you call his name he responds. I call his name, then,  he poke his little head up... However, if Earl wants to run... his desire to run outrides his desire to obey.


As individuals, we may respond to God's call ... to salvation, service, and sacrifice.

    ~  Jesus is speaking, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him us at the last day."  John 6:44

  ~  " For it is by grace  you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves; it is a gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast.  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works. which God prepared in advance for us to do  Ephesians 2: 8 - 10 ( NIV)

Earl on a lease....otherwise he would be running....

Expectations

Earl expected Jackson to run and play.... Jackson was not interested.  

"We are  responsible not to the expectations of others, but to the gifts God has given us."  

Maxie Dunnam

Duke of Earl

Duke of Earl is a chiweenie

Wow, the Duke of Earl has a very active social life.  During his recent visit, he was running circles around Jackson.  After a full day of activities, he would make himself at home...anywhere. Here he is resting.


Chiweenies are very fast dogs and can run circles around other dogs.  

Duke of Earl visits Lexington

After a delightful weekend visit, the Duke of Earl returned home yesterday.  During his short visit, we made his visit as comfortable as possible.  

I will tell

I will tell of the kindness of the
Lord,
the deeds for which he is to be 
praised,
according to all the Lord has 
done for us -
yes, the many things he has 
done
for the house of Israel,
according to his compassion and
many kindnesses. 
Isaiah 63:7