good-bye August

morning prayers, homegrown tomatoes, cantaloupes, cucumbers, squash, summer sounds, anniversaries, weddings, engagements, back to school sales,  school buses, hotel rooms, sunsets, grocery shopping, pencils, funerals, bees, humming birds, cornfields, good byes, hellos, family visits, living rooms, advice, birthdays, road trips, eating out,  family reunions, hot weather, thunderstorms, swimming pools, book deadlines, twitters, Instagram, Facebook, book clubs, laughter, tears, sighs, yawns, kisses, hugs,  noon time prayers, sermons, notes, teaching, training, evening prayers, & a love that never ends.  

Derby, Pet of the week

Did you know that some hotels allow pets to stay with their owners? Depending the hotel chain, you might discover that your pooch will enjoy a hotel stay rather than the kennel.  There will be an additional charge for your pet.

This week's pet is Derby. I met Derby and her owner while we were visiting in Nebraska this summer.  I trust Derby enjoyed her stay.

Our stay at the Courtyard Marriott was very comfortable. I think Derby would agree. 

Friendship Friday

"A good friend

will know how

you take your coffee."
Unknown 

This dear friend celebrated a birthday this month.
Are you able to identify this coffee maker? 

Wait ... don't post every picture

This afternoon, I was sitting in our church preparing to take pictures then post them on Instagram. A little later, I might post a few pictures on Facebook. As instrumental music was playing in the background, our pastor addressed the waiting congregation. " Please do not post any pictures of the wedding on social media.  The couple requests that you wait... sometimes before the ceremony is even finished... guests are posting pictures.... do not post pictures of this wedding on social media."

Yes, Pastor, I get it.   Sometimes, I find myself wanting to savor every moment by capturing it with a picture.  I need to be respectful and be in the moment.

So... no pictures.... just words...

Beautiful bride, handsome groom, gorgeous mother of the bride dress, suave father of the bride, pink and white flowers, songs, scripture from Genesis, vows, prayers, songs, tears, laughter, family, toasts, more laughter, dancing, music, dinner, friends, joy, and most important... worshipping God.

Friendship Friday

Wonderful anniversary... roses, then
dinner at Tony's

"Best Friends are the people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little brighter, and live a little better."
Unknown

Grateful that I have an amazing best friend in my husband.

He is great life coach, encourager, driving instructor,  joke teller, grill master, grass cutter, fixer of appliances, awesome dad, uncle, cousin, friend, and most of all my praying partner and Bible reading husband.
Happy Anniversary!

Table Decorations

Do you agree this  is a gorgeous arrangements of hydrangeas for a ladies luncheon? Each of these flowers came from the same bush. Let your family and friends enjoy some of the summer beauty by selecting something that grows in your garden.

Thanks to my friend Carol for sharing this picture.

Monday Musings ... Olympic life lessons

"The most important thing in the Olympic games it not winning but taking part;

the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well."

Pierre de Coubertin

Not everyone who participates in the Olympics will receive a medal. Yet, everyone who participates has the opportunity to fight well. In life, we have daily challenges to fight and live well. 

Snickers ~ Pet of the week

Snickers "Snack" is this week's pet.
Fast Facts about Snickers:

• adopted from Craigslist
• Blind in one eye ( most likely from birth)
• favorite treat ( anything  tuna)
• meow - likes she has been smoking for four decades
• hates getting in her leash but tolerates it because she loves sitting in the grass outside

8 Scientifically proven reasons why  having a cat is good for you (source Emily Shackleton ... metro.co.uk)

1. They can lower your risk of heart disease
2. They can help children with autism
3. Their purring helps heal bones, tendons, and muscles
4. Research by Dr. June Nicholls found women are attracted to men with pets
5. Children have fewer infections and respiratory problems
6. and allergies
7. Positive impact on your mental health
8. Watching cat videos  are good for you. 

 google the author Emily Shackleton to read the entire article. Shackleton has written some very interesting articles. I think you will find them fascinating.
Special thanks to Kristen from Omaha for sharing the facts and pictures of Snickers.

Friendship Friday

"Ointments and perfume encourage the heart;

This friend will teach a Bible Study beginning
this September. I look forward to the study.

in a similar way, a friends advice
is sweet to the soul.
Proverbs 27:9 (ISV)

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday ~ Birthday Lunch

What makes a birthday special?  It is the love of family and friends that make a birthday special.
Today we celebrated the birthday of a dear friend.

What a lovely gathering of family and friends. 

But you, dear friends,

"But you, dear friends, remember what was predicted but the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; they told you, "In the end time there will be scoffers walking according to their own ungodly desires." These people create divisions and are unbelievers, not having the Spirit.
But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in the most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. Have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through  Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time, now and forever. Amen.
Jude 1:17 -25 (HCSB)

Friendship Friday

"Ah, how good it feels! The hand of an old friend. 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

What a joy to see these dear women who have been friends for over fifty years! 

 What a treasure! 

Keep a secret... they are both in the eighties!
God is blessing them! 

Wordless Wednesday

Smells

"Smells bring to mind ... a family dinner of pot roast and sweet potatoes during a myrtle-mad August in a Midwestern town. Smells detonate softly in our memory like poignant land minds hidden under the weedy mass of years."

Diana Ackerman