Monday Musings

 Someone recently wrote that there is a deep longing in our hearts for fairness. Children have an innate desire for fairness. Children are often quick to point out issues that tilt the wheel away from fair play. I don’t think we ever outgrow our deep longing for justice.

No matter the age of the person, we have a hunger for making wrong things right. Who speaks for those on the margins of life? Some candidates want to silence entire communities. I don’t think we like feeling powerless.

 In the absence of justice, we hope that we are able to achieve a portion of peace by electing officials who will represent us. Sadly, this year we find some individuals who don't promote peace.  This is especially true in this election cycle

Political pundits and candidates are twirling and whirling around the country.

I have seen some bizarre behavior this election cycle. I have been appalled by the racist, xenophobic, and hysterical rhetoric this year.  I am fed up.

Last week, I realized I am looking to find solutions in broken political system with broken people. Every candidate will disappoint us. Fortunately there is a limit to what politicians are able to accomplish.

Instead of obsessing over this sad political season, KKK, David Duke, and reckless accusations, I have decided to give my redirect my attention. Where? 

Last Wednesday night, Pastor encouraged members to purchase a book by Tony Evan, Kingdom Agenda.  Focusing on God’s Kingdom Agenda has given my heart peace and ways in which direct my energy.

Check our more of Tony Evans here. www.tonyevans.org

Sunday Scripture

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, 
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger 
and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. 
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers
for they will be called sons
of God. 
Blessed are those who are
persecuted because of
righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. 
Blessed are you when people insult you, 
persecute you and falsely say all
kinds of evil again you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your
reward in heaven, for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5: 3 - 12 ( NIV)

Pet of the week, Eby

This is the Eby's special entrance to her condo
in the garage. 

"Eby Rose, or Eby, as I call her, came to my house about eighteen months ago.  I first saw her sweet little face staring at me from beneath a bush outside my window.  She stayed around but would have nothing to do with me.  After about a month of my feeding her, she decided to let me pet her.  The rest is history;  however, she remains  very timid and will let no one near her but me. 

Eby resides in her own condo inside the garage, and is happy to be the ruler of her domain.  She is dear to my heart and my sweet little splash of happiness."

Special thanks to Maggie for providing the text and pictures for the pet of the week. Maggie is one of my Mah Jongg friends. 

Friendship Friday

"Coffee with friends is time well spent."

Unknown

We talk, laugh, plan, and sip the most delicious mocha coffee. 
I complain. Friends give advice. We sip coffee.  

My friend has beautiful expressive hands.

Technology is so cool

A Woman’s Touch is a unique boutique  owned and operated by a dear friend. After a full and satisfying career, Wanda retired to begin a new chapter in her life.   As a talented seamstress, she decided to use her God given gifts and open a boutique.

Wanda had a vision to open a boutique addressing offering affordable fashion to women. Now her dream is a reality. Not willing to settle into an easy retirement, she created a wonderful place where women are able to find dresses, scarves, hats, jewelry, and home accessories.

Recently one of her customers arranged for a Periscope session so potential customers outside Middle Tennessee will be able to see her store. I was able to see the Periscope session on my laptop. 

A Woman's Touch Boutique
5326 Main Street
Spring Hill, TN

“Behind every small business. there’s a story worth knowing. All the corner shops in our towns and cities, the restaurants, cleaners, gyms, hair salons, hardware stores, didn’t come out of nowhere."  Paul Ryan

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

“You don’t have to be chef or even a particularly good cook to experience proper kitchen alchemy: the moment when ingredients combine to form something more delectable than the sum of their parts. Fancy ingredients or recipes are not required; simple, made up things are usually even better."
Erin Morgenstern

I agree with this quote to a point. I think proper cooking lessons teach us the basics and then later to sharpen our skills. After we master the basics, it is then when we can begin to experiment .   

Do you remember your first cooking lesson? Who was instrumental in teaching you how to cook? Was it your mother, grandmother or daddy?  One of my friends shared that she has been cooking since she was five. What? Yes!  While her mom was recuperating from childbirth, her mama was teaching her how to make biscuits. 

I can just see this little girl running from the kitchen to her mama's bed to see if the batter was exactly right. It was such a sweet memory. 

As with all of life, learning is a lifelong process. 

Monday Musings ... book clubs

 “It didn’t take Celeste long to realize that this was going to be the sort of book club where the book was secondary to the proceedings. She felt a mild disappointment. She’d been looking forward to talking about the book. She even, embarrassingly, prepared for the book club, like a good little lawyer, marking up a few pages with Post-it notes and writing a few pithy comments in the margins.

Liane Moriarty, Big Little Lies

Sometimes I feel like this character in Liane Moriarty’s book, Big Little Lies.  Since, I am a member of three book clubs, I am often amused to see how each group responds to our book selections. Each club has its own personality. 

I love that friends bring their opinions and insights to the discussion. Often a book will trigger memory that will lead the conversation in uncharted waters. It is never boring.

This month's morning book club was snowed out. I was looking forward to discussing Moriarty's book, Big Little Lies. Her books provide rich plots, complex characters, and interesting twists and turns. I am hopeful that the discussion will be rescheduled. 

Sunday Scripture

… the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:

“Great and marvelous are your

deeds,

Lord God Almighty,

Just and true are your ways,

King of the ages.

Who will not fear you, O Lord,

and bring glory to your name?

For you alone are holy.

All nations will come

And worship before you,

For your righteous acts have been

revealed.”

Revelation 15: 3 - 4