Compromise delaying the inevitable…

As a former docent at the Henry Clay Estate, volunteers completed an extensive training in order to guide visitors through Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate: Ashland.   During the training, we were given scripts regarding the details of each room. After completing the training, I was honored to be a docent and guide school age children through the estate.

Using Henry Clay as a model for compromise, we  are hearing more about this word and how it can help our country divert our current crisis.  While it may help divert the current crisis, will it serve only as a delay?   The “Great Compromise" held the Union together for a time…Our country had to face the realities of issues that divided our country. 

As we wait in anticipation regarding details about the compromise that will emerge to avert our country’s debt default, I wonder how our leaders will address  budget realities…postponing the difficult choices does not eliminate the pain…

The Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship. here  is training a generation of new leaders.  Pray for those in authority…

Office Space

Laura's artwork in Michael office

Offices should provide a safe place for employees to create, dream, inspire, and serve.   

This office space looks warm and inviting.  

 

Art by Caleb

Who loves a party?

Love Your Skin Party!

Senior Mary Kay Consultant and Co-Hostesses

Love Your Skin  MK Party
Laughing ~ Learning
Taking time for busy moms

Omaha the best...

Depending on which survey or magazine you read, Omaha, NE is one of the best places to live.   Sperling rated Omaha as one of the best places to relocate. Based on the criteria of unemployment, cost of living, crime rate, population health and cultural events, Omaha is lovely place to live.

For me, traveling to Omaha also offers one of the best road trips.  Then comes the best part of the road trip, visiting with our daughter and son in law.   Visiting with friend provides an added bonus. We become acquainted with the Alley's as a result of Jara’s employment with a mission non-profit organization.  These dear friends offer Jara an oasis of comfort and encouragement.  I am so thankful for their Godly example in this community... and to our daughter and son in law.

Laura and Michael.. thank you!

During our last visit, they treated us to lunch and a tour of Michael’s architectural firm. 

This building was a former Ford  Motor Assembly Plant...so much history

 Parking spaces for bikes... Take my word for it... lots of bikes...
Now that is one cool work place.

Christmas in July

Do you receive year end appeals asking you to contribute to their non profit organization? Some donation appeals are targeted around the holidays and Christmas.  What issues are important to you? ... What about missions, evangelism, politics, crime, faith issues, justice, poverty, childhood hunger, women's issues, prison reform, early childhood education, death penalty issues, reproductive issues, drug and alcohol issues, breast cancer, diabetes, and so goes the list...

I remember drafting year end appeal letters for Reconciliation Ministries.  Prior to working in the school system, I was the Administrator for Reconciliation Ministries that served families who have a loved one in prison. As part of my responsibilities, I worked with donors, assisted in fundraising efforts, and coordinated our year end donor appeals.   Working with families who have a loved one is prison is not a popular cause. In some ways working at Reconciliation was a bit eerie. No longer textbook case studies, I began to develop relationships with  mothers, wives, girlfriends, and friends, who had a loved one who was incarcerated.  I sat with families who traveled long distances to attend a parole hearing or spend a few precious hours during visiting hours at one of the local prisons.  My time at Reconciliation prepared me for my next position in working with "at risk" children and their families in the school system.

If you have a passion and care about issues think about a spending time and resources with your family or make a Christmas donation in July.

Prayerfully consider the following organizations:
Cure
World Vision
Word Made Flesh

Sweet faces

"A cheerful friend is like a sunny day spreading brightness all around."

John Lubcock

"Give beauty back...back to God" G.M. Hopkins

Refreshments

“Our bodies are works of divine art, in all their shapes, sizes, and various abilities and disabilities.  It is always an act of faithfulness to delight in what God delights, and I believe God delights in what God creates.  How can one accentuates the beauty of the human form is another topic altogether, full of subjective arguments.  But there is nothing wrong with minding how we look and express our attempts, albeit at times quote fallen, to layer our multifaceted ideas of beauty upon that which is already beautiful.  I am both playfully and sincerely grateful that I have the luxury to dwell on what I believe is most flattering to my human form, what dresses, occasional shade of lip gloss, or a flimsy scarf makes me feel beautiful.” Take a moment and read this entire blog by Enuma Okoro guest blogger @ Her.meneutics: Should Christians Pursue External Beauty, June 24, 2011 

Mary Kay Products

God of Mercy

Sometimes I have wonderful life experiences that awaken me (again) to the reality of God's mercy.

As I do a word study of mercy in the Bible, I'm discovering the  depth of God’s love and mercy. 

In the morning,

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,

His merciful love couldn’t have dried up.

They’re created new every morning.

How great is your faithfulness!

I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over)

He’s all I’ve got left.

Lamentations  3: 22-24 Message

Then in Psalm 147:11

The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear HIM,

In those who hope in His mercy .

God's mercy demonstrated in sending Jesus ...  Titus 3:5

“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness,

but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by

the Holy Spirit.”

What does God require?

Here is one of my favorite verses:

... O, people, the LORD has told you what is good,

 and this is what he requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 (New Living Translation)

Savoring the mercy of God.  Where would I be without the mercy of God?  

Wonderful Neighbors

Traveling requires detailed planning before your departure.   At the top of my list, make sure that Jackson, our dog is safe and happy.  Next, Jerry handles hotel reservations,  mail and the newspaper.


This year, I made arrangements for our outdoor plants to be watered.  Simple solution: Luke our next door neighbor.  Early this spring, Luke had created a flyer to advertising his services to walk dogs.  Long story short, he agreed to water my containers plants for a small fee. While we were traveling, Luke took care to water our plants.   We have wonderful neighbors.   

Luke and his dad, Bill. 

Sunrise to Sunset

Sunrise in Omaha

Sunset in Kentucky
What an amazing full moon!

"Lost yesterday somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours set with sixty diamond minutes.  No reward is offered for they are gone forever." Horace Mann

Omaha's Zoo

Desert Dome

Entering the Desert Dome you might be overwhelmed by the smell before you see the animals. 
One place to visit in Omaha the: zoo

Simmons Aviary

Blue Planet

The philosophy of the Blue Planet restaurant in Omaha

Blue Planet in Omaha

O!

 Omaha

Jackson's favorite place to swim

Traveling to  Hickman Creek Kennel is a lovely ride in the country.  Sitting in the back seat, Jackson seems to enjoy sniffing the country air. Upon arrival at the kennel, it feels like a country club for pets. What will visitors see when they arrive?... A large gated entry way, winding driveway, and then scented candles at the kennel's  office. In the office today, Midnight a ferret is currently staying at the kennel.  


Jackson will be treated well while we are away.   I know he likes to swim.   Visit their site.

Hickman Creek Kennel

Best in the Commonwealth Bluegrass Farmer's Market

Last year the Bluegrass Farmer's Market was voted the best in Kentucky.  What makes this Farmer's Market Unique?   Each weekend, you are able to purchase 100% organic, and homegrown produce.
Customer Appreciation Day will be July 16.  If you live in Lexington, visit on of the Bluegrass Farmer's Market Locations  http://www.bluegrassfarmersmarket.org/
Free tote bags

This farmer sells garlic

Flowers from Jane's booth@ the Farmer's Market

One of my favorite places in Lexington

For the past six years, Melissa has been hair stylist. She works at the Regis Salon at Fayette Mall.  If you are looking for a excellent customer service in Lexington, this salon may be your answer... ask for Melissa, Carol, or Tracy.  Clean, friendly and professional, this salon has not disappointed me.  I always leave looking better. 

  

Goal Setting

"Goal setting involves establishing specific, measurable, and time targeted objectives.  Goal setting features as a major component of personal development."


 Are you re visiting goals that you set at the beginning of the year? What are your goals for this month? What would you like to accomplish for the remainder of this year? 


Last night, I began the process of listing my goals for my MK business for this new business year.
It was a wonderful mix of fun and crunching numbers.  I am growing in the learning curve of setting goals in a business setting. 

Happy Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July 

Red, White, & Blue around Lexington

A home near downtown Lexington

Lexington's Government Center

Restaurant's July 4th Decoration

 ~ Parades, Fireworks, Cook - Outs, Patriot Concerts ~

Paul Bedard is quoted in his blog. " Washington Whispers"  a  recent study from Harvard University,

"July 4th parades energize only Republicans, turns kids into Republicans, and helps boost GOP turn outs of adults on Election Day."  Seriously?  Can you trust the data from this study? 

Happy Fourth of July!

Keeping it 100%

Keeping it real... truth relevant for daily living...Teaching Sunday School, I have discovered listening is so important.  Each Sunday morning, we arrange learning centers to allow our pre school students to explore and discover some aspect related to the day’s lesson.  Listening to snippets of conversations, I hear a common thread this morning… friends… be my friend… she is not being nice… sit my me…. Friendships and relationships are important at every age. During center time, students make choices on how to spend their time. I am listening and talking to students. 

When story time arrives, I pray they are at a point where the children may sit quietly for a few minutes.  We are in a circle… lots of talking…. I begin, in my lap; I have my Bible open to Luke 19… Zacchaeus  has no friends… no one likes him… he is a tax collector… the circle is strangely quiet… for a few minutes, God has quieted this little ones…the story today... the conversion of Zacchaeus... climbing the tree to see and to hear Jesus... 

planting seeds of God's truth in little hearts...

Everyone has a different struggle

Waiting in the doctor’s office, I sit quietly in the exam room. Then, I begin texting my sister and brother. Next, I look over my list of questions and concerns.,  Still waiting, I read an article about arthritis.  

As the door opens, my doctor apologizes for the delay.  Emergencies in the office… asthma attack…other medical emergencies…

As she begins the exam, she listens to each of my concerns.  Reassuring, comforting, and challenging, she writes a referral.  I will see another doctor. She explains what she observes in medical terms, "I don’t think this is anything to worry about but I will give you a referral."

Most reassuring about my visit, we share our common faith in Christ.

Leaving the doctor’s office, I am just one of many patients that will be seen by this medical group.  Good reports, bad reports, waiting for reports… across this city in different offices… other reports…

Over the past five months, my husband and I have been praying for  one of his co- worker as he has endured cancer treatment for melanoma.

Struggles… health… finances…employment…political unrest…mental confusion…consquences of poor choices..Whatever the struggle, God can be our help in our life and in the lives of  the people we love.