Monday Musings ... sharing

What does sharing look like?  At last Thursday's night study, Maureen had gathered a few items to illustrate a principal of sharing our lives.   On the tray, you see tissues, a clock, a cup of coffee, and a Bible.

When I remember visits with family or friends,  I recall the times we have shed tears, prayers, and scriptures. It is often over a cup of tea or a meal.  My tray would look like Maureen's. What about you?  How do you share your life with friends? 

"We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our lives, too."
I Thessalonians 2: 8

take refuge in the Lord

Psalm 118
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust man. 
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 

A Lesson ...

Do book clubs have personalities?   Are we drawn to certain book clubs that reflect our interests? Maybe the source is simple; we share a love of books.

This afternoon’s book discussion was special. First, we decided to look at the movie that was based on the book of Ernest Gaines, A Lesson Before Dying. Our hostess actually had to hand out tissues to book club members.

We cried and laughed. It was good.  It was real, real, good.

Next month, we will hike and lunch at a state park.  Sounds like fun. 

Pet of the week, Vivian

There is something sweet and innocent about puppies.  One of our neighbors recently added a puppy to their family. Vivian is  most adorable.  I love seeing Vivian walk with her family.   There is so much cuteness in this tiny  puppy. 

S

a little exercise community

In the short span of 16 months, I have developed new friendships with my exercise buddies. So much life has happened.  We celebrate birthdays. Friends return to class after recuperating from surgery.  A friend was diagnosed with breast cancer.  We sign get well cards.  We celebrate good news. Friends retire. We welcome new members.

We pray.

In class, we talk, laugh, exercise, and pray. Our class is a little exercise community.

Today, we celebrate, our teacher is engaged!

Wish them well

"You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well. "
Lewis B. Smedes

What does love look like?

What does love look like? It has the hands to help others.  

It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. 

It has eyes to see misery and want. 

It has ears to hear the sighs  and sorrow of men.  

That is what love looks like.

St. Augustine

Here is a visual to illustrate the quote.
Serving women from Iraqi, Nepal, Venezuela, and Mexico
Yesterday's class: Making Button Bracelets 

Monday Musings Music

Last Saturday, I heard a song from Jennifer and Jason's wedding that is still resonating in my thoughts.  The lyrics have inspired me to look at anew at my relationships. In particular; the song is renewing thoughts on how I treat my marriage. 

 I love listening to songs with a fresh mindset. With years of life experiences since this song was first released, the words of this certain song has deep significance to me.  I enjoy lyrics that spark an interest to examine my life. Anita Baker's classic song, "Giving You The Best That I Got." 

Am I giving the best I have to my marriage, my friendships, and my teaching responsibilities?

Some songs offer little more than a steady beat and some "stanky" lyrics.  

There is one portion  of the lyrics I especially like, it is from the song's chorus ...

"I made a vow ... Giving You The Best That I Got"  

Got a minute? Check out Anita Baker on Y tube. 

People everywhere

Psalm 75: 1 - 10 

We thank you, Oh God!

We give thanks because you are near.

People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.

God says, At the time I have planned,

I will bring justice against the wicked.

When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,

I am the one who keeps the foundations firm.

I warned the proud, “Stop your boasting!”

I told the wicked, “Don’t raise your fists!”

Don’t raise your fist in defiance at the heavens

or speak with such arrogance

For no one on earth – from east or west

or even the wilderness –

should raise a defiant fist.

It is God alone who judges;

he decides who will rise and who will fall.

For the Lord holds a cup in his hand

that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices

He pours out the wine in judgment ,

and all the wicked must drink it,

draining it to the dregs.

But as for me, I will always proclaim what the God has done;

I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

For God says, “ I will break the strength of the wicked,

But I will increase the power of the godly.”

Psalm 75 : 1- 10 ( NLT)

June Wedding

Our Wedding Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Please bless us on this holy day
of new beginnings.
Teach us to love purely and faithfully
with a love like Yours.
With each new dawn,
may we draw closers to each other
as we draw closer to You.
Amen

Jason and Jennifer  ... God Bless Your Marriage. 

Congratulations! 

June 21, 2014

Pet of the week, Asaph

Last Saturday, I met Holly at the Bluegrass Farmer's Market. As Holly was shopping,  she had a lovely little dog by her side. She agreed to have Asaph featured as this week's pet.  

We had an interesting conversation about pets. She even shared how Asaph attends church with her.  She even shared a cute pix of Asaph with his church tie. 

Have you heard  the Asaph before?  Asaph is the author of several of the Psalms.

Enjoy your weekend! 

Reconciliation and Forgiveness

"If there is to be reconciliation, first there must truth."
Timothy B. Tyson

In 1995, the Southern Baptist Convention offered a detailed a resolution regarding the churches role in slavery. The resolution honestly states the role  the South Baptist Convention had in supporting slavery.  The convention declares their role of defending and supporting the institution of slavery. They did not end with this statement regarding slavery. They went on to list their role in discrimination, oppression, injustice, and violence, both in the Civil War and throughout the history of our nation. 

Near the end of this proclamation, the Southern Baptist Convention  stated this,  "Be it further RESOLVED, That we ask forgiveness from our African-American brothers and sisters, acknowledging that our healing is at stake... they continue to state they commit ourselves eradicate racism in all its form from Southern Baptist life and ministry.

At the end of the resolution, they state this, 
"Be in finally RESOLVED, That we pledge our commitment to the Great Commission task making disciples of all people ( Matthew 28:19,) confessing that in the church God is calling together one people from every tribe and nation ( Revelation 5:9) and proclaiming that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is the only certain and sufficient ground upon which redeemed person will stand together in restored family union as joint- heirs with Christ ( Romans 8:17)

Now, nearly 19 years after this resolution, the SBC continues to live out/work on  that commitment. 

I think reconciliation is always a work in progress. By God's Grace, we continue to ask God to  help us live out the calling on our lives ...  Love God and Love People. 

Vacation Bible School

VBS Teachers

High Five for VBS!

Walking into the church’s sanctuary, my eyes were scanning to see a row of kindergarten students.  Near the front of the church, I see a kindergarten sign and the students.  

Give me High Five! I start the week with enthusiasm. My joy is not artificial. It is wonderful to see the sanctuary filled with people. 

When I was first approached to volunteer in VBS, I reluctantly said yes.  To be honest, I  was not feeling it.  Then, something happened, as I walked in obedience to fulfill the commitment I made, I began to experience joy.

During our prayers, we ask God that each child will know that they are loved and valuable. We pray to teach truth. We are called to love people and love God.

Now, I pray that each child who attended VBS last week will continue have a safe summer and will grow in the knowledge of Christ.

“It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What is important is that God make the seeds grow.” I Corinthians 3:7  (New Living Translation)

J

Crafts