Biscuits and Eggs

Is this my typical breakfast? Oh no!  As a matter of fact, I think this may be the first time I have had biscuits, eggs, grits, and salsa. Last week, we enjoyed breakfast with friends.  Getting to know friends over breakfast is a great way to begin your day.  If you want to try some new recipes, check out this site:The Southern Lady Cooks

Monday Musings... Memorial Day

"Memorial Day isn't just about honoring veterans, it honoring those who lost their lives. Veterans had the fortunate of coming home. For us, that is a reminder of when we come home we still have responsibility to serve. It's a continuation of service that honors our country and those who fell who fell defending it."
Pete Hegseth

Listen I will tell you a mystery

" Listen I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but will all be changed - in flash, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability,  and this mortal body must out on immorality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:
"Death has been swallowed up in
victory."
Where , O death is your victory?
Where O death is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the
power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God,
who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

I Corinthians 15:51 - 58 (New Revised Standard Version)

Pet of the week, Henry

Henry is this week's pet. He is also a rescue pet. If you are familiar with the nature of rescue animals, you understand that they often come with a host of issues. Most owners opt for help and training for their pet as they begin to transition to their forever home.

At first glance, I thought Henry was a German Shepard. No... Henry is a different breed but very close to this breed.

Special thanks to Henry's owner for taking time to talk to me.
She was so gracious to allow me to take these pictures. Thanks!  
We met at the Bluegrass Farmer's Market. 

Friendship Friday

"Listen, my friend! Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment you are seized with helplessness, and becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of your helplessness."

Ole Hallesaby

Everybody out of the pool!

I had barely entered the locker room when friends were coming in from the pool.  Water Fitness class has been delayed due to lightning.

 Once I  made the decision to come to an early morning class, it was disappointing to have the class postponed/cancelled. While it was disappointing, I am grateful for safety procedures that keep us safe.

On the left our instructor and
the right a student.
I love our class.
Class participants are all different ages, sizes,
and abilities. We share a goal... maintain or increase our fitness levels.

Wedding Dress ... for sale...

"A wedding dress is both intimate and personal for a woman - 

it must reflect the personality and the style of the bride."

Carolina Herrera

Gorgeous... don't you agree.
My friend is happily married and would love someone to enjoy this dress.

Tasty Tuesday

My friend has a talent for planning celebrations. She pays attention to every detail of an event with meticulous precision. Big budgets are not necessary when she has an event. She has a art of mixing homemade food with take home food to create an eclectic smorgasbord. Festive colors, candles, sparkle, great food, and music are the ingredients she mixes together for a fun event.  What is the most important ingredient?   Love! 

Monday Musings

"This is a barbershop, not a hair salon.  We come in here not trying to impress anyone. It's a place just to talk, hang out with the fellows, talk about sports, women, and relationships."
Joe Davis

Last week I was able to sit quietly while
 my husband got his haircut.
Special thanks to 'Wig' who is an awesome barber.
 A few weeks ago, he came to the house to cut Jerry's hair.
'Wig' is in the above picture
cutting 'J's hair.

Many years ago, I  entered a barbershop for the first time. It was when my husband was away on a business trip.  It was my responsibility to take our elementary age son to a barbershop.  I know that the conversations were different because I was there with my son. 

Everyone needs a safe place where they can talk freely. 

It is gift of God -

"As for you,  you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those you are disobedient. All of us also lived among the at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For are are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2 : 1 - 10 ( NIV)

Friendship Friday

It is touching to see friends who travel hundreds of miles to visit my husband who is recovering from surgery. This was a special visit as one of  'J's closest friends arranged to bring two other friends.

After several text messages and a few phone calls, "A" and I were able to pull a bit of a surprise for J.
It is no easy task to try to do a surprise when people are coming to your house and you have an inquisitive husband.   Yet, he was surprised.

These godly men are husbands, fathers, brothers, deacons, friends, and respected men in their community. I appreciated how they took time for a visit. What a wonderful picture of friendship.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
Psalm 133:1

Men, you are looking good.

Do you ever ...

Do you ever talk back to your TV? Have you found yourself frustrated and angry by television reporting? Do you feel that your voice and opinion don’t matter?  Do you think networks executives and reporters simply don’t get it?  

I do.

It is in those moments of frustration, I think that is why twitter has become a vehicle for people to express their thoughts and angst.  With a twitter account, millions can voice their opinions, gather followers and join groups. It also can be a very noisy echo chamber where you follow people who share your opinion, and others who follow you.

It can also be a little scary and crazy.

When I first disagreed with someone on Twitter, I discovered some folks would use the opportunity to share their snarky remarks.  I had measured my words. I thought I was polite. The person responded called me a “zero”.   At the time, I had a little over 100 followers.

Ouch. What she was saying was my opinion was worth zero to her.

I responded in words similar to these... My value and worth are not determined by the # of my followers on my twitter account.  A loving God determines my value and worth.  My zip code, my bank account, and the car I drive, or my home does not determine my value and worth.  

My sweet daughter shared wise words…  don’t respond anymore. Now, I know better to get involved in Twitter fights.

Today, I have a little over 500 followers on twitter. No, I don’t feel more valuable or loved because of that number. I continue to daily focus on things that are eternal. I have learned valuable lessons on Twitter. I enjoy following John Piper, Tony Evans, Beth Moore, and Annie Downs. In addition, I also follow “ordinary” folks. Most of us have the same worldview we are Christians.

Regardless of a person’s worldview, I believe that each person has worth and value.  

This scripture says it the Gospel of John, states it perfectly, “ For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.”

As we grow in the knowledge of God and His word, we continued to be transformed and to grasp the  love of God. Then, we can be transformed by understanding our worth is determined by God.  

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

This breakfast has all the necessary ingredients for a satisfying meal. Crunchy cereal, smooth banana, and cold almond milk.

Do I have cereal every morning? No. I switch it up. Some mornings I have avocado toast. Other mornings, I enjoy a boiled egg. Still others, I will have oatmeal or a Kind Bar.

On most mornings, I begin my day with water and a squeeze of lemon.

What will you enjoy this morning?

Monday Musings

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

While a small group of women in a sewing circle may not change the world, they are able to touch their community. The Christian Women’s Crafting Circle is one of many groups in our city that meet and create items. The CWCC group has created the following items: dresses from pillowcases, tote bags for nursing homes, house slippers, blankets for preemies, T-shirts are transformed into pants for toddlers, and more. 

How do they accomplish their work? Each member uses her own sewing machine. They also donate many of the materials necessary for the projects. Most recently they received a generous donation of fabric from a friend. As a result of donations the women are planning  more projects.

you will receive power ...

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. "
Acts 1:8 (NRSV)

When the day

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like a rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.  Divided tongues, as fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Act of the Apostles 2: 1 – 4 (NRSV)

Pet of the week, Watson

"Have patience

This week's pet of the week
is a service animal named Watson.
Special thanks to Watson's owner who
talked with me at the check out.
BTW, Hancock Fabric Stores are going out
of business. They have some fabulous bargains. 

with all 
things, but,
but first of all
with yourself." 
Saint Francis de Sales

Service animals are trained to meet the special needs of their owner. Service animals are obedient and patience. We may be most familiar with guide dogs for the blind. Today, service animals  also help individuals who have hearing loss, PSTD, and other medical issues. It is important to respect  that service animals are at work.   Resist the temptation to talk or pet service animals.  They are focused on assisting their owner.

This is a special weekend, National Adoption Weekend.
Pet Smart stores across the nation are helping with this special event. Visit their web to learn more: Pet Smart