... that you may know the hope to which he has called you

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that they eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his imcomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at the right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name this is invoked,  not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things  under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything in the church, which is his body, the fullness of him will fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1: 16 - 22 ( NIV)

Friendship Friday

"Your real friends are the ones who pray for you." 

I'm grateful for faithful women who are steadfast prayer warriors. I love that I count them as friends.

Top Ten List of 2017

 What would you include in your top ten list for 2017? Would your list include family or work milestones? Or maybe you would include some personal accomplishment. 
Here is my top ten list: 

1. God  Does that sound trite? I love this verse from James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift comes from God."
2. The wonderful gift of my granddaughter.
3. The gift of overcoming fear with my first airplane flight in over 10 years.
4.  Savoring the gift of friendships. Saving good-bye to friends makes me realize not to take anyone for granted. 
5. Road Trip with friends to see Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples. 
6. Family Reunions  and more time with "J" 
7. Using Uber for the first time
8. Prayer Partners and my church family
9. Exercise Classes and my teachers
10. Sorority Sisters

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Are you using an Insta Pot?  Earlier this year, we purchased one. Today, was the first time we prepared a meal using it. What was the recipe? Mississippi Pot Roast. Kudo's to our  son- in- law, "K" for providing the recipe and step by step instructions.

Using the Insta Pot will take away every excuse I have had about being too busy to cook a meal.

Christmas

 As this Christmas day is beginning to end. Families and individuals who celebrate this sacred holiday are savoring the remains of this day. Soon this day will be a treasured memory.

Whether the day was celebrated quietly or with friends, I trust you have an abiding presence of Christ.

"Christmas presents from Santa? 

That's nice.  

But the perpetual presence of Christ?

That's life changing." 

Max Lucado 

Friendship Friday

"We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to help us stay young." 

Letty Cottin Pogrebin

"L" and "L" have been friends for over fifty years. I love the story of their friendship. Before they were born, their mothers were friends who lived across the street from each other. Today, they continue to be the best of friends. Oh my goodness, they stories they share.

Last Saturday, we share a meal at Nick Ryan's
They are a sweet example of a friendship that can last decades.

I will listen to what the LORD says

Psalm 85 1 - 13
You, LORD, showed favor to your land;
You restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the inquiries of your people
and covered all their sins.
You set aside your wrath
and turned away your fierce anger.

Restore us again, God our Savior
and put away your displeasure toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations.
Will you not revive us again?
That you people may rejoice in you again
Show us your unfailing love, LORD,
and grant us your salvation.

I will listen to what the LORD says.
he promises peace to his people,  his faithful servants -
let them not turn to folly.
Surely his salvation is near to them that fear him.
that his glory may dwell in the land.

Love and faithfulness meet together
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The LORD indeed will give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest
Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for for his steps.

12 Days of Fitmas

Here is a challenge.  Make exercise a priority during the 12 Days of Fitmas.  Our local Y has created this challenge. What will you do for the next twelve days? Will you add an extra class to your regular schedule? You might ask a friend to be your accountability partner.  Here is to making making exercise a lifelong priority.

"We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, is then, not a act, but a habit."

Aristotle.

These instructors always inspire their students.  They are amazing.
Getting ready for this Saturday's Reindeer Ramble. 

Wordless Wednesday

Restore us

Psalm 80

Verses 1 – 7

Hear us, Shepard of Israel,

you who lead Joseph like a flock.

You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,

shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.

Awake your might;

come and save us.

Restore us, O God;

make you face shine on us.

that we may be saved.

How long, LORD God Almighty,

will your anger smolder

against the prayers of your people?

You have fed them with the bread of tears;

you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.

You have made us an object of derision to our

neighbors,

and our enemies mock us.

Restore us, God Almighty;

Make your face shine on us.

That we may be saved.

Gratitude

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and 

change ordinary opportunities into blessings."

William Arthur Ward

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday ... Holy Honey

What happens when bees make a hive in your church? You bottle the honey and offer it for sale.

The Church of the Cross is in Bluffton, South Carolina offers their honey to the public. I'm not for sure if this honey is produced on site or if there is another location.



Do you enjoy honey? For the most benefits, it is always best to buy honey locally.

Monday Musings... Mississippi

“A child born to a black mother in a state like Mississippi … has exactly the same rights as a white baby born to the wealthiest person in the United States.  It’s not true but I challenge anyone to say it is not a goal worth fighting for.

Thurgood Marshall

Conversations on the beach…

On the beach, we are joining others enjoying this sunny afternoon.  We see folks walking, running, building castles, reading, relaxing, walking dogs, riding bikes, and fishing. After days of chilly temperatures, we are taking advantage of this glorious weather.

Jerry and I are soaking in the last days of our beach vacation. In front of us, I see a man wearing an interesting t-shirt. HEROMAKER. I cannot resist, I ask, “What is a HeroMaker?” He explains a Hero Maker is someone who pours into the life of an individual.

With that question and answer, we begin a conversation that begins here in South Carolina, goes to Anderson, Indiana, turns to Dayton Ohio, and take us to Lauderdale County in Mississippi.  Is this a coincidence? If we had arrived at the beach earlier or later, we might have missed the opportunity to talk to this pastor.  

At every point of the conversation, I have chills on a warm sunny afternoon.  He attended Anderson College. My father attended Anderson College. He pastored a church near Dayton, Ohio. My husband grew up in Dayton. Jerry’s cousin played football with his son when they attended the same high school.  Then, I ask, are you from Indiana?  He shared, “No, I was born and grew up in Mississippi.” What part of Mississippi?

Both of these men were born in the 1950's two years apart in Lauderdale, County, Mississippi. Their experiences were in stark contrast to each another. One family owned a business, while the other family experienced poverty and segregation.

Today, many differences melt away in the sun.  Change, perseverance, struggle, determination, and most amazing is that both have experienced God’s grace are part of their story.

Our conversation continues as we share our Christian faith, our families, and our goal to pour and mentor the next generation.

What unites complete strangers to engage in deep conversation?  It is the God of the universe.  It is God who delights in bringing people from different tribes, languages, cultures and backgrounds. After all, God's kingdom is an everlasting one and totally different from today’s culture. God’s kingdom does not show partially.

Pet of the week, Finley

Finley is this week's pet.  Did you notice his dog blanket?  Chihuahuas have been described as graceful, charming, and sassy. They usually weigh between three and six pounds. I met Finley and his owners during a recent trip to Kroger.

Shhh.... don't tell anyone. Dogs are not allowed in the store. 

Friendship Friday

"The fact is that relationships are the alchemy of life. They turn the dross of dailiness into gold. They make human community real. They provide what we need and wait in turn for us to give back. They are sign of the presence of a loving God in life." Joan Chittister

It is impossible to explain how visiting with friends can help us better understand and appreciate the existence of a loving God. In ways as unique as each individual, God reveals his character through his children.  Visiting with our friends, I see how God has equipped them to share their wisdom, insight, and experiences to help others. Most recently, they are sharing tips on how to navigate a new season in our life.  

I also see how in a season of grief, they hold steadfast to the knowledge of a sovereign and loving God . Instead of becoming bitter, they become better in displaying the love of God in the midst of pain. 

Thank you God for these wonderful friends. Thanking God as we parted company, Tim prayed for us. God has a purpose for each season in our lives.  

When, where, and what

"When was the last time you did something for the first time?" kcstyle

What are some of your interests?

I think libraries are a great  resource of free workshops. Community Centers also have a long list of  free activities.  Each month, centers offer classes that are designed to reach a wide audience. What types of classes? Sewing, pottery, piano, choir, book clubs, exercise classes, bingo, and more.

Where else? What about your local university? community colleges, churches, and local YMCAs.


This week, I learned how to make a protein ball, looked at stars in a telescope, and made a roller ball using essential oils.

We are never to old to learn something new. What will you learn for the first time?

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

“I like birthday cake. It’s so symbolic. It’s a tempting symbol to load with something more complicated than just  ‘Happy Birthday’ because it’s this emblem of childhood and a happy day.”

Aimee Bender

It is easy to attach meaning to birthdays. Why? Because birthday cakes are loaded with more memories than calories. Birthdays are those milestone events when we have the opportunity to ponder our life and celebrate with those we love.

I love birthdays! I love the cake, the ice cream, the happy song, cards, emails, texts, phone calls, messages, and birthday hats worn by friends. What do I love most? I love this incredible sweet gift of life that God has given me. I love celebrating getting older! Life is an incredible gift. Why not celebrate!  

beautiful on the outside
delicious on the inside

Monday Musings

“Because the greatest part of a road trip is not arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.” unknown

Last month, I took a short twenty-four hour road trip with two friends to attend a concert in Bloomington.  The trip began with the first snow flurries of the year. After the flurries, the weather calmed down and we enjoyed a smooth trip. Road trips do not have to be long to be memorable.

This trip was a near perfect. We departed Sunday afternoon, then arrived home Monday afternoon. We did not miss a beat in maintaining our normal daily schedule.  

Instead of a chain hotel, we stayed at the Showers Bed and Breakfast  located in downtown Bloomington. What was it like? Three words that describe the B and B: comfy, cozy, and historic.

The concert …   amazing. I only wish I has been able to take  MORE pictures.  

Sometimes, we don’t have to experience wild stuff to have fun. Ordinary becomes memorable.