American History ~ Black History

Lexington’s newspaper the Herald Leader has done a thoughtful job in presenting information during Black History Month. As Black History Month ends today, I look back at one of the articles, Slave Sales by Tom Eblen. This article describes Lexington as one of America’s largest slave markets.  Dr. Gerald Smith is a  history professor at  University of Kentucky and was quoted as saying that Lexington was in the center of the slave sale activity because of its geography, demography, and economics.  Visiting our city you will see historical markers that describe the slave market.

Slavery is not just a part of  American history it is also a part of my family history.My great great grandmother was a slave in this state. Looking at pictures of my great- great grandmother you may be startled by the sheer beauty of this lady.  She was described as a mulatto by slave records . According to my father, she lived  a life of faith in God and freedom from bitterness.  What a testimony, in the midst of some of the most difficult times in our country’s history, she was not in bondage to hate. Her life was true testimony of how the love of God transforms an individual. Black History is part of American History. 

I highly recommend this book!

Rev. Jesse Jackson and Mr. Sturdivant at an awards event in  Detroit, Michigan

Shopping for bargains?

Bargain shopping?  Add this store to your list.

Modesty

According to Merriam -Webster online dictionary modesty is defined as follows:

1.   1: freedom from conceit or vanity

2.   2:  Propriety in dress, speech, conduct

This is just one definition of the word. How would you describe modesty in dress? Watching a portion of the Oscars last night, I was looking for examples of beauty and modesty combined. There had to be examples of modesty.  somewhere.... Sadly, I did not see any examples.

Last night, I saw examples of “weird” behavior and dress.  When an actress prepares to give an award and all of the attention is to what the person was wearing and not to what they are saying, this may be a clue your attire is more distracting that what you are saying. Then I remember... this is Hollywood. Thank God there are examples of beauty and modesty in everyday life. 

Did you watch some of the Oscars last night?
What did you think?

Pet of the week!

This week's pet of the week is Hooch.  Hooch is a Labrador Retriever who lives in Kansas. Hooch is the BEST trained dog ever! I understand why this breed continues to be the most popular breed in the U.S. Gentle, friendly, and intelligent...perfect!

Katie and Betsy pose with Hooch. This is one of the pictures
from this week's daily email ~ Hooch of the Day.
Special thanks to Hooch's owner, Lisa for sharing her pictures!

friendship teas

What a blessing to share an afternoon tea with friends... conversations about how God is working in our lives... lessons we learn in suffering... the gift of Christian friendships...encouragement...investing in the lives of others...Gloria is gracious hostess...

praying

"The Lord has promised, "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. " 

Jeremiah 31:25

During this season of Lent, pray for the persecuted church around the world. 

The Fragrance of God

Once you enter the room you notice a smell.  What is the source? No candle, no perfume, it is a skinny little plant that is producing this amazing fragrance.

My kitchen is filled with a sweet fragrance from this flower.   At first, the fragrance is so tender and faint.  Now, the fragrance fills the room. 

This flower is a beautiful reminder of the metaphors in God’s word.  

This scripture is recorded in 2 Corinthians, “Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But his fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life giving perfume.”

2 Corinthians 2:14 - 15

Lives of Christians are producing a life giving fragrance all over the world. Lives committed to sharing the truth of God’s word.

“And who is adequate for this such a task as this? You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ approval, knowing that God is watching us.

2 Corinthians 2:15-17 (New Living Translation

Praying for Christians living around the world... and those on short term mission trips.

Eyes to see...

My eye...

A childhood game takes on special significance for me this week.  The name of the game… "Do you see what I see?”  Are you familiar with the game?  Briefly, you select an item in a room and give hints to see if the person can discover the item.  It's a guessing game.   For example, I see something you don’t see and it is green.  Individuals take turns until the person discovers the item or you reveal the item.  On several levels the theme of eyes and eyesight has been a recurring theme for me this week.

First, as a woman of a certain age, I now use reading classes.   This week, I lost three inexpensive reading classes.  It can be so frustrating!   I don’t like wasting money! I knew that I would have to replace them. Then I went to Wal Mart and found eyeglasses for only $2.00 a pair!  Wow!

Finally, consider our spiritual eyes. Do you read the Bible?  Do you understand the message of God’s love and grace?  Before I was a Christian, the message of the Bible did not make sense. I could not comprehend the message of sin, redemption, grace, and salvation. This scripture perfectly demonstrates this truth, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:4

Seeing with our spiritual eyes is such a blessing.  I hope you have eyes to see ...

Pet of the week!

"Inspector Watson McTavish just turned 9 yrs. on January 11.  He is a West Highland Terrier registered with the American Kennel Club.  Because of various food allergies, he eats Science Diet Rice and Lamb dry food and only Milkbone treats. He does occasionally (most lunchtimes) beg pieces of Velvetta cheese off me. He sorely misses the large, rawhide donuts he gleefully chewed on during his first three years until we discovered that they didn’t agree with his digestive system.  My husband did extensive research looking for a breed that “had attitude” and the Westie was just that. He didn’t want a dog who just sat around, but one who would also be compatible with small children. However, he confused our first couple of grandchildren with the game he was bred to chase after and did just that when they were toddlers. After the third, he finally got immuned to their running. Westies do not shed and are truly protective watchdogs, even if their bark is much worse than their bite. "


The owner of Watson graciously wrote today's information about the pet of the week.  Thank you dear friend!

Carol is preparing to take Watson for a walk.
I was able to join them for a brief walk in the neighborhood.

Better communities...

 "We make our communities better through leadership, partnership, and service."...These are the words from the Altursa International website. Click here: Altursa This evening, I attended the monthly meeting of Altursa International of Lexington.

Members in our Lexington group  volunteer with  Reading Projects, Operation Read, Brains and Bellies,  The Dictionary Project, Mighty Moms, Hope House, and more. Tomorrow, members will meet at Booker T. Washington School to provide new dictionaries to  third grade students.

Attending monthly illustrates  how the company of others can inspires us to make a difference.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

Wordless Wednesday

Valentine's Day

How can I describe this Valentine’s Day? Words are inadequate to accurately detail all of the events of this day.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these pictures will have to do…

This morning I attended a presentation at Centenary United Methodist Church.
In this quite room, I discovered the mission work where they help young girls escape drugs and prostitution in Costa Rica.  How appropriate... the love of God providing a safe place of healing and restoration.

Today's  ESL class

Making Valentine Cards

Afternoon tea with a friend

Weight Watchers Meeting...give handmade card to leader..
Weigh in, attend meeting, celebrate success
Then.... home to dinner with husband.
Thank you God for today.

Pet of the week!

 Skip is the pet of the week.  He is an adorable little dog. Last month he had a special cake to celebrate his birthday.   Skip loves music, sitting outside, and afternoon naps. 


Midori, I have one question. Will you share the recipe? I know Jackson will want a cake for his birthday. (Thanks for sending the picture.)

In everything give thanks...

It's easy to give thanks when life is going well. How do I give thanks when things are difficult? It takes a lifetime of practice. I am grateful for some amazing role models. No matter the challenges, my parents were wonderful role models. My reaction to difficult circumstances is often automatic, I try to give thanks...
Does that sound a bit odd? Every day, I have an opportunity to practice this truth.

Last Monday night, I was sitting in a hotel parking lot, my car would not  start. Jerry was entering data on the GPS for my four hour  trip home.  Thank God the car did not sputter and stop on the interstate or at a rest stop.  Thank God, Jerry was there to help me.  The car dealership was less than a mile away from the hotel.  I could go and and on about the provision of God.


"Even in hardship and suffering, even in bitter disappointments even when wrongly treated Christians can know that God will work amidst such situations to fulfill His good purpose in His children." Jack Hayford.

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  I Thessalonians 5:18

A perfect snow

What is a perfect snow? Answer: Soft snow clinging to branches, cold temperatures, and clear and safe streets.

Choosing to be grateful

Choosing to attend a BSF Seminar is time well spent. Deciding to join other women fresh from daytime responsibilities is good.  Gathering in a cozy room at a local church, I am glad to be with these women.

After attending the seminar, a wave of sadness and grief washed over me. Unexpected feelings surfaced...I had been fine. Then a text triggered some emotions in my heart...  As I was responding to the text,  tears began dripping down my face.  Crying while driving... 

Once home, I check email.  Read an email from I ~ Bloom Inspiring Women. 

This week... focus on I Choose to Be Grateful! Another timely reminder for me to focus on choosing to be grateful.

Today's grateful list:

Cherished family time...

1. God  ~ His Provision, His Mercy, His Love, His Creation,  and His Word
2. Family ~ Church Family, BSF, Neighbors, Friends,and Small Groups
3. Home - soft bed, clean sheets, warm shower,
4. Water, McDonald's Sweet Tea and apples 
5. Comfort from God and friends

The best oatmeal in town...

Are you searching for the best oatmeal in town? Here are some options.  McDonald's now serves oatmeal as part of their breakfast menu. good...Oatmeal is also a part of the menu @ Chick Fil -A. Their oatmeal is better than McDonald's. In my opinion, Panera serves the best steel cut oatmeal in town. When I prepare Irish Oatmeal @ home it is lumpy.

Depending on the criteria for selection of oatmeal, home is cheaper. Panera has the best tasting steel cut oatmeal in town.

Good Works

This orchid plant is beautiful reminder of my sister's life,
her family, her good works and her love for God.
 This lovely plant is a gift from a friend.
I am  grateful for the gift of friendship.

"Good works are indispensable for salvation - not as its ground or means, but as its consequence and evidence." 
John Stott

Pet of the week!

My Aunt Lena 's cherished Mackenzie is the pet of the week.  

Mackenzie is a Shih Tzu
Resting  on a deep red sofa, this pet of the week reminds us to wear red today.
Click on the link below to discover more about American Heart Association's Wear Red Day.
Wear Red Day

God's comfort

In the midst of loss, I am experiencing comfort and joy. I am resting in the truth of God’s word. The comfort of family is beyond description.  One minute I will be crying, the next minute, I will be laughing. 

“Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am there you may be also. “ John 14: 1 – 4 

My nephew and his wife