Road Trip and Retreat

I am packed, prepared, and excited. Tomorrow afternoon, I will head out for my first road trip of 2013.  The hotel accommodations look lovely. I have several new outfits.  I have a new pair of pants that  fit a little snug. I lose a few pounds, then I go crazy.

More important that the accommodations or new clothes, I wait with anticipation to experience worship, holy solitude and discover new truths.

Pets of the week

Ivy

Ivy and the "Tribe" are the pets of the week. Here is a bit about the owners.  Karin and Drew grow herbs.  They also offer a line of herb seasonings. Karin also creates sensational soap. This husband and wife team are members of Bluegrass Farmers Market.  

Karin described some of the outside cats as semi feral.  Ivy is the kitty that lives inside. 

Karin was kind to share the story and the pictures. "The group picture has always been one of my favorites.  I call it "The Tribe!"  When we first moved to the farm, it seems that there was an invisible sign at the end of our drive that said "these folks provide shelter and food to all cats!"  They showed up daily.  Drew built them a huge cat condo complete with carpet, a raised bed with comforters, a heated water bowl, heat in the winter and always plenty of food.  They all got fed by "Cat Man Drew" twice a day and believe me...they knew when to show up!  I had just opened our front door to see if anyone was around for feed time and that picture is exactly what I saw.  I couldn't believe it!  The funny thing is they stayed there while I went and got the camera...didn't move until Drew came out with food!"

"The Tribe"

Resisting temptation

The definition of wandering is to walk or move in a leisurely, casual or aimless way. If you are resisting temptation wandering may not be a good idea. For me, wandering around a dessert table is dangerous. That is exactly what I did Sunday afternoon.

As a volunteer with the IHP program I attended a Valentine Event . Host volunteers and International Students were invited to enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and conversation.  It was a lovely afternoon.  

 Prior to attending the event, I had decided not to eat any dessert.   I decided to bring a tray of fruit and a fruit dip. Bringing candy would have be a HUGE mistake. Having desserts in my home is not an option for me. What ever the temptation ... give no place ... in your home... your heart...

“Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in. “

Billy Sunday

small beginnings...

The launch of the “Sewing Circle” is official.  This morning a small group of refugees participated in its initial meeting.  It is wonderful to see this group begin to take shape. 

As we continue to move forward, we will  listen to the group. Planning is not effective unless everyone gives voice to their ideas.  Members completed a short survey to contribute to the planning.

 We anticipate some ups and downs as we move forward.

“Do not despise these small beginning, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”

Zechariah 4:10

Practice sewing vocabulary 

hope anew on God

O my people, listen to my instructions.

Open your ears to what I am saying,

for I will speak to you in a parable.

I will teach you hidden lessons from our past-

stories we have heard and known,

stories our ancestors handed down to us.

We will not hide these truths to our children;

we will tell them to the next generation.

about the glorious deeds of the Lord,

about his power and his mighty wonders.

For he issued his laws to Jacob;

he gave his  instructions to Israel.

He commanded our ancestors

to teach them to their children,

So the next generation might know them –

Even the children not yet born -

and they in turn will teach their own children.

So each generation will set should its hope anew on God,

Not forgetting his glorious miracles

And obeying his commands.

Psalm 78 : 1-7 ( New Living Translation)