Love

"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home."

Mother Teresa

Monday Musings ... television

I have set a huge goal for 2014.   

I am saying  good bye to television for one year. An impossible goal?  Sometimes my television only offers background noise. On other days, I watch shows that require a bit of concentration.  When I watch Downton Abby, this show requires I pay attention. 

So, I will develop a  short list of programs I will watch on line or DVR. I will create a book- reading list, listen to more Pandora, and rediscover the beauty of silence.  I am sure my parts of my life will improve. 

Lord willing, I will have adventures.  

"Television is the first truly democratic culture - the first culture available to everybody and entirely governed by what people want. The most terrifying thing is what people do what."
Clive Barnes

God of Hope

“May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” 

Romans 15:13

This Sunday afternoon, I was resting in my cozy chair.
My new gift is on the chair... It felt very cozy on my shoulders.
Who made this lovely handmade item?
The item was made by Maru's owner.
Maru was the Pet of the Week on May 17.
Maru is an adorable pug.
Take a look back.

Pet of the week, Maggie

Maggie taking a puppy nap. 

Maggie is this week's pet. She is a Cocker Spaniel who lives outside Atlanta, Georgia.  As a sporting breed, the Cocker Spaniel needs daily exercise.  In addition, the AKC site says that "Cockers are intelligent, gentle dogs that thrive as part of a family." My friend Julie and her husband Don own Maggie. It is remarkable when I look back, we have been friends for over twenty years. Our friendship began when we were neighbors living south of Nashville.   

I remember our daily conversations, taking part in our cul de sac's car pool, and the joys of living in a new community. 
Here is an interesting fact … the developer of our community, he was the original owner of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Maggie is a fantastic  little puppy! 

After Christmas Sales

 Typically the day after Christmas is a busy time for merchants. People are busy returning items or rushing to take advantage of  sales.  I was not interested in slogging through the mall or waking up early to sort through sale items. 

My mission this morning… to go to exercise class.  Arriving at the Y at 7:45 a.m., it was very quiet.

Wonderful Christmas

No gift we have received or given can compare to the gift of life and forgiveness of sins that is available in Jesus.

Merry Christmas

Monday Musings … Gifts

Shopping for gifts may create unnecessary stress.  As we shop we might  find ourselves becoming frustrated in traffic.  Or we may encounter impatient shoppers. Whatever the reason, it is nice to take a deep breath and offer kind words to a clerk or another shopper.

 When we take the time to enjoy life and show kindness to others, we may begin to experience joy instead of stress.  This is a perfect time ..

Imagine the joy I experience when I received an unexpected gift last week.  Tucked inside the bag was a sweet handmade item.   This was such an unexpected surprise; I was smiling the rest of the day. 

Thanking my neighbor for a beautiful gift.  How can you show a bit of kindness to a neighbor?  Will you share a cup of tea? Or maybe you will take the time and enjoy an afternoon visit.

I think this is a perfect to slow down and during this Christmas season.   Begin a practice and take it into the new year. 

O Come, let us adore Him

"O Come, Let us adore Him,
O Come, Let us adore Him,
O Come, Let us adore Him.
Christ the Lord"

This Christmas Carol has been attributed to several different authors.  What ever version, I love the lyrics. This morning, I was so happy to sing this Christmas Hymn in church. In reality, I think we should sing this song all the time. 
Adoration  to the King of Kings… timeless

Special thanks to my friend Sharon, for allowing me to snap a few pictures of her Nativity  Sets.  

Pet of the Week

Yet another picture from last month's  visit to Charleston, South Carolina.  You might notice the Palmetto tree in the background. This pet of the week is the Great Dane. 

This is what how American Kennel Club describes the Great Dane, "A gentle giant," the Great Dane is nothing short of majestic. Sometimes referred to the "king of the dogs," this extremely large breed is know for being strong yet elegant, with a friendly, energetic personality." 

“Things that upset a terrier may pass virtually unnoticed by a Great Dane.”

Smiley Blaton