Love your enemies

I don't think I have any enemies.  If I did, how would I pray for them?
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus said, "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"

Indian Food

“Good food ends with good talk.” Geoffrey Neighor

That was our experience today at our meal with IHP  (International Host Program) students.  Jerry and I were treated to a delicious Indian meal.  After our meal, we enjoyed a lovely conversation with our hostess.  Gracious and kind, our hostess provided a tasty and authentic Indian meal.

Menu

Halwa

Pooris

Channa Masala (Chickpeas)

Pooris...so good!

Halwa (delicious)

 Our hosts: neighbors, friends, and Phd Chemistry students

Technology

Sitting at my computer, I am able to talk with my son an ocean away…Skype

Streaming news updates on Facebook allow me to read adventure from my daughter and son in law. 

Earlier in the week, I see a  picture of baby Avila born this month…beautiful!

A friend and her husband have returned from East Africa…

Technology… connects us to our family and friends

Nothing compares to God… we pray here… He answers there…

Thanksgiving Worship Services

Some experiences are difficult to describe with words, they must be felt.   How do I describe a worship service? Services are more than songs and a Bible message. Experiencing services is helpful to understand them. Before I came to faith in Christ, worship services at church made me uncomfortable. Church vocabulary, rituals, and songs were strange and unfamiliar to me.   Then, I had my Damascus Road (Acts 9) experience.

After today’s message, our church offered a Thanksgiving meal for the community.  Many of the individuals are already a part of the weekly feeding program offered at our church.  Our church offers a safe place for individuals to be a part of a family that loves them.   Individuals need not attend church to have a Thanksgiving meal. Serving those who are hurting, lonely, and homeless in our community must be experienced to  be fully understood… words are inadequate to convey what happens. 

In the past, we might have traveled in St. Louis, Dayton, or Anderson.   I miss seeing family. While today was different, we remain thankful.

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.

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