Unexpected gifts

I love gifts. What about you?  Do you appreciate those unexpected gifts that make life a bit easier? As we grow older, we realize that gifts do not have to have material value.  Sometimes it may be the gift of extra time on your schedule. When your schedule clears you discover you are able to share special time with a loved one.

Around the Christmas holiday, consumers may be captured by the frenzy of Black Friday Sales, Cyber Sales, Green Monday Sales, Buy Black Monday Sales, and After Christmas Sales. Bargain shoppers are able to enjoy many discounts and half price sales.

Sometimes we may discover gifts we don’t want to unwrap.

One on line article describes suffering as a gift from God.

“No one likes to think of suffering as a gift of God. Often people use the circumstances around them as a way of determining whether or not God is pleased with them. Too often, people think that if things are going well then God must be pleased with them and if things are not going well then it must mean that God is trying to get their attention or punishing for something they had done.”

Unknown Author

Suffering in the midst of holidays is difficult. Suffering may take shape in many ways. It may be an unexpected death of a loved one, misunderstandings between friends, a failed pregnancy, financial difficulties, or illness.

Yet, in the midst of suffering, we may discover God’s presence afresh.  We may sense the comfort and peace of God. Friends may offer help. Neighbors may offer meals.

If we look for an example of how to handle suffering… we have a perfect model in our Savior the Lord Jesus.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

"Water is the only 
drink for a wise man."
Henry David Thoreau

glorifies the Lord

And Mary said:
My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he had been mindful
of the humble estate of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me -
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him.
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but he has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but he has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.
Luke 1:46-55 (NIV )

Pet of the week, Kitty

I forgot the name of this kitty. When we were traveling in South Carolina last month, I took this picture.Then, I quickly forgot the name of this gorgeous cat.
I think nameless pets need to be recognized.
😸

Friendship Friday

"Only those who care about you can hear you when you are quiet."

Unknown

It has been several months since this group of friends gathered at Maureen's home. Last night, we reconnected over dinner and prayer. No evening would be complete if our time together was not peppered with stories and laughter. 
Do you have a safe place to share and be real with friends? Do you need a quiet space to talk with a friend.  The holidays may be a perfect time to make plans to meet over a cup of coffee.

Our bonds of friendship are held together by the love of God.

I love that our time ends in prayer.

As we give our petitions to  Almighty God to we trust in His love and grace.

Wordless Wednesday

God extends grace ...

"I firmly believe that in every situation, no matter how difficult, God extends grace, greater than the hardship, and strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than we were before."
Andy Griffith

Tasty Tuesday

"It is more important to eat some carbohydrates at breakfast,
because the brain needs fuel right away,

"Say Good Morning to your body
eat breakfast."
Unknown
This stick figure is at a First Watch in 
Lexington.

and carbohydrates is the best source."
Andrew Weil

Light of the world...

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 8:13 (NIV)

Hello December

Advent, Christmas, Hymns,  anticipation,  blinking lights,  sparkling decorations, candles, trees, cards, greetings, open houses, gifts, mistletoe, holly, reindeer, Christmas break, stockings, crafts, cookie exchanges, bows, wrapping papers, parties, gift exchanges, Hallmark movies, schedules, weight gain, laughter, tears, joy, grudges, forgiveness, hope, celebrating the birth of the Messiah,
the Light of the world,

December, I love you.

Police dog

We saw this police dog outside the White House.
Are you able to see the sign that says, Do not pet.

"My eyes are your eyes
to watch and protect
you and yours.

My ears are your ears,
to hear and detect evil minds
in the dark.

My nose is your nose,
to scent the invader of your domain

And so you may live,
my life is also yours."
unknown

Security around the White House is intense.
There are so many layers of security that are hidden to the public.

Grateful to the men, women, and trained police dogs that work to keep the public safe.

Friendship Friday

We are not the type of friends who talk daily or even call every week. Living in different states, we visit whenever possible. On those special occasions when we see each other, we usually spend several hours together.

Our conversations will flow easily from one topic to the next. We don't limit our conversation topics. I like her take on life.

Most recently, we shared a few days together on Hilton Head. We enjoyed dinner and live music at Ruby Lee’s. Later we went shopping at the Saks Fifth Avenue and Cole Haan outlet stores.  Of course a visit to Hilton Head would not be complete without a visit to the beach.

Our friendship began as the result of our husbands. Otherwise, I don't know if our circles of would have intersected.  So grateful they did! 

Shopping with Angie is fun!
When you go shopping, take a friend who will give honest advice.
Angie offers excellent advice.
We need our sunglasses. The day we took this picture, the weather was simply gorgeous. 

Happy Thanksgiving

How often do we take for granted the blessings of everyday life? As we grow older, I think most of us are grateful when we wake up. As we listen to news or read a newspaper, we know that sickness, tragedy and death may enter our circle at anytime. So we are grateful for the gift of life.

Do you enjoy reading the  Facebook posts on Thanksgiving? I love them! I appreciation how I can develop a  deeper appreciation  for the thousands of gifts we have each day by reading posts.

I love ... the opportunity to hug my daughter, son-in-law, and husband. I treasure FaceTime when I talk to my son. Family and friends are incredible gifts.

A long list of blessings might be recorded... as your list is mentally recorded... embrace them everyday.

hope & wisdom

This week is National Bible Week. "Since 1941, this week has been a call to read the scripture for hope and wisdom."

For Christians, the Bible is often a source of comfort, guidance, instruction, and for matters of doctrine.  A friend recently expressed a truth than gave me pause to reflect on how I am serving.
She said, we serve out of a living experience with the Lord Jesus.

My desire to strive for a daily vibrant relationship with Jesus. I don't want to have a mechanical,  artificial, or fake relationship.

Maybe this week will serve as a catalyst to remember the extraordinary history we have in the Bible. Most importantly, to have a living relationship with the author, God.

God is the strength of my heart

"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth had nothing I desire but you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of your deeds.

Psalm 73 : 23-28

Stella

She is a Maltese and this week's pet. Stella is easy going, enjoys people and is extremely friendly.
🙂

Tea

"Life is like 

a cup of tea

to be filled to the

brim and enjoyed 

with friends"

Unknown

Shopping, tea, and conversation... makes for a delightful day.

Wordless Wednesday

Coconut Cake

This coconut cake is on the menu at the North Charleston Marriott . It's one of the most delicious cakes I have ever tasted. If you have a chance to visit the area, I highly recommend sharing this delicious cake.

 Planning a visit to South Carolina? I suggest you make reservations at the North Charleston Marriott. The "official" grand opening will be November 17, 2016. We will miss the grand opening... it was already fabulous when we stayed there last weekend.

Check out this site to and search for the Best Coconut Cake Recipe.
As you search this site, you are sure to find some delicious recipes.

Monday Musings ... Mississippi

After an uneasy introduction, I have a deep and abiding love for Mississippi its people, food, music, and the state’s rich and complicated history. This familial love story is the result of my husband.

The love and hospitality  I receive from Jerry’s family continues to humble me. I admire how my husband’s family has thrived in spite of difficult circumstances. His family is a wonderful example of thousands of Mississippians who live, work, and make a difference in their communities. Yet, too often, people only remember the raw and painful history of Mississippi.

Today, there is another reason to see how Mississippi has changed.

 Dr. Russell Moore is the President of the Ethics and Religious Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.  He is from Biloxi, Mississippi. Dr. Moore shares his thoughts on a national stage regarding culture, ethics, religion, politics and how faith intersects with culture. His words offer clear insight on the culture and how is differs with God’s Kingdom agenda.

“For too long, we’ve called unbelievers to “invite Jesus into your life.” Jesus doesn’t want to be in your life. Your life is a wreck. Jesus calls you into his life. And his life isn’t boring or purposeless or static. It’s wild and exhilarating and unpredictable.”

Russell Moore

I believe

"I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord:

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead, and buried;

the third day, he rose from the dead;

he ascended into heaven

and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father and Almighty;

from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body

and the life everlasting.  Amen"

The Apostles' Creed

Reciting the Affirmation of Faith in today's church service, reminded me of our weekly services in our UMC in Indiana. As a child, these words are etched in my spiritual memory. Today,  I still believe. 

Honoring Veterans

“While only one day of the year is dedicated to honoring veterans, Americans must never forget the sacrifices that many of our fellow countryman have made to defend our country and protect our freedoms.”

Randy Neughebauer

This is part of the WWII memorial.
Honoring those who served on this Veteran's Day