Tasty Tuesday

Today, a new restaurant has arrived in our fair city.
The name of this new eatery is Freddy's Frozen

#Ilovefreddys

Custard and Steakburgers

On their website, this is how they described the resturant's beginning: "Founded in 2002, by brothers Bill and Randy Simon and their friend and business partner, Scott Redler, the three named the restaurant after Bill and Randy's father, Freddy Simon, a World War II veteran."

Do you have this fast food restaurant in your city? Check our their web site here :Freddy's Frozen Custard Steakburger

Monday Musings ...

New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed,

sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch,

whose flame is imprisoned lightning,

and her name Mother of Exiles.

From her beacon–hand Glows world wide welcome;

her mind eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame,

“Keep, your ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries with silent lips.

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”
Emma Lazarus

the workers are few

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless. like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field."
Matthew 9: 35 -38 (NIV)

Pet of the week, Cole

Special thanks to the Awesome Allison my
dental hygienist for sharing this picture of
their family pet. Her sons gave Cole his name.
Thank you! 

This week's pet is Cole. His family describes him as loving, gentle, obedient, and intelligent. He has one small problem... he loves to chews shoes.  Otherwise, I think Cole is a near perfect pet.

I appreciate what lessons our dogs teach us. According to an article in the Parade magazine, here is one lesson that dogs teach us.

"Celebrate Every Day
For a dog, every day is Christmas morning. Every walk is best walk, every meal is the best meal, every game is the best game. We can learn so much by observing the ways our pets rejoice in the life's simplest moments. Take time every day to celebrate the many gifts that are hidden in the ordinary events of your life."

Friendship Friday

I love spending time with my friend, Sharon. Her joy is contagious!  We met a few years ago while playing  Mah Jongg.   She is a skilled Mah Jongg player. She is so much more... wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher... and

Sharon is a dear friend. 

 Last fall, I was invited to participate in her weekly Women's Bible Study. We searched the scriptures as we studied the covenants of the Bible.  Her time in study, research, and application was evident. After the study, we all left challenged, encouraged, and more in love with God and His word. This month, she began leading a study in the book of Zechariah.

I was unable to attend this study. I'm in the process of recovery from surgery. In the midst of a her busy schedule she took time to  pick me up from my physical therapy appointment.

She made time for me! Friends make time for each other.

"The best of friends will always be friends who imitate Christ."
Alistair Begg

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

"Food is better when you start from scratch."   Dinner the Blue Apron Way

Last week,  "J" and I began our first week with Blue Apron. It was an inspired idea. Any service that eliminates grocery shopping from my to do list, is a winner. On Wednesday, our food was delivered to our home.  Inside the box, I see clearly labeled fresh herbs, vegetables, spices, meat, and recipes.
Everything we need for three meals. Perfect.

As I recover from surgery, I am limited in the preparing meals. Blue Apron has helped as I slowly resume mobility and resume  normal activities. We may try another similar service... Home Chef

Visit Blue Apron's website for information about their vision, menu, pricing and market.Click here: Blue Apron

Meal preparation was a team event. Assembling all of the necessary tools... 

Monday Musings ... Women's March

I don’t know Dale Patridge, but I read his thoughts regarding this weekend’s women march .This is part of one sentence that I love, “… it’s time we recognize the reservoir of wisdom that sits within our women.” You may not agree with all of his thoughts… I think they are worth reading.

“MEN, we CANNOT IGNORE last weekend’s women’s march. It was a complex movement fueled by historical wounds, ungodly political agendas, and broken desires. But at the root, it was the reaction to the absence of Godly men. A reaction to generations of fathers who never loved, husbands who never cherished and brothers who never valued. It was wives, sisters, daughters, aunts, and grandmothers screaming the songs of oppression, of belittlement, and of confusion. Men, the women of our world are hurting for the truth. Their protests are also pleas to us for more love, more value, and for more leadership. Men, it’s time we recognize the reservoir of wisdom that sits within our women. It’s time we see the value Christ placed on our counterpart. And it’s time to grow up, know up, and show up to the roles God has placed before us. Remember, when men become boys, women become men. And when women become men, our ladies carry our weight at the cost of their femininity. In turn, our dormancy is robbing what them so beautiful and distinctive in the first place.  God has given men and women different roles. However, He has not given us different value. Men, it is time for us to turn to the women in our life, to pick up our heart and to stand in our responsibilities, and to remind them of God’s word on women, on the unborn, and on intrinsic value. The world will never thrive without their inclusion. Let’s make sure they feel this truth this upcoming year.”

This essay was was posted on Instagram. As of this evening, over 450 individuals have shared their comments.  What are you thoughts? What part of this had you nodding your head in agreement? Or, maybe what part made you angry? 

And forgive us our debts,

"This, then, is how you should pray:

"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not unto temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will
not forgive your sins. "

Matthew 6: 9 - 15 (NIV)

Women's Marches Against Trump

Today, all across the nation  hundreds of thousands of women joined in a counter inauguration marches.  The events were focused on protesting the election President Trump.

Did you participate in one of the marches across the country? Did you join with family and friends to participate in an event? Or, did you watch some of the news coverage.

Locally, many of my friends marched in our city. Then, I know friends and family who marched in St. Louis, Indianapolis, Panama City, and Washington. D.C.

One of my young friends in Indianapolis marched. On Facebook, I see this young wife and mother holding a huge poster with the following scripture, "... And what does the LORD require of you?To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah: 6:8.  Her sign was in sharp contrast to the many others posters in the crowd.

In our city, at the end of the protest a television crew, taped a small group of Pro- life women who were quietly praying.  It was an interesting news day. So many people, so many views...

A relative sent me this flyer that was displayed in Washington D.C. 

Democracy in action

" Understand, democracy does not require uniformity. Our founders quarreled and compromised, and expected us to do the same. But they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity - the idea that for all of our outward differences, we are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one. "
President Obama

Phenomenal Pearls Reflections of Strength and Endurance

"In our community, on January 12, 2017, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated hosted the Coretta Scott King "Spirit of Ivy" Awards Luncheon. The award, named for the civil rights activist Coretta Scott King, widow of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At the luncheon the sorority  recognized area women who have and continue to exemplify the spirit of the ivy - strength and endurance in facing and overcoming obstacles."

"Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it, and win it in every generation."
Coretta Scott King

2017 Honorees
Lisa Parker Wood ~ Business Owner
Dorisa Slaughter ~ Community Leader
Renee Shaw ~ Connections
Deidra Jones ~ Single Mother
Dr. Salome C. Nnoromele ~ Outstanding Educator
The Links, Inc. ~ Outstanding Organization
Nicole Johnson ~ Creative and Performing Arts
Alicia Robinson ~ Young Entrepreneur

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Musings ... Martin Luther King Jr.

Forgiveness as a way of life is a truth that must be embraced. As we celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday, I believe his words ring true today.

"Forgiveness is not an occasional act,
it is a constant attitude."
Martin Luther King Jr.

We visited the MLK Memorial in D.C.
in November of 2016.

The Lord will guide you always

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,

with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry

and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,

then your light will rise in the darkness,

and your night will become like the noonday.

The Lord will guide you always;

he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

and will strengthen your frame.

you will be like a well-watered garden,

like a spring whose waters never fail.

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins

and will raise up the age-old foundations;

you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,

Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Isaiah 58: 9- 12 (NIV)

Pet of the week

"Dogs do speak,
but only to
those who know how to listen."
Orhan Pamuk, My name is Red.

I guess I was not listening... because I forgot this dog's name. 

Friendship Friday

Friendship Friday

Lucky Friday the 13^th

I am lucky to count Gail as one of my dearest friends. We meet in high school. No, we were not  students. I was the assistant at the Youth Services Center. She was one of the ESL teachers for international students.

An invitation to a Quinceanera was the occasion that allowed us to become better acquainted. While we waited for the event to begin, we visited.  Our conversation lasted for over ninety minutes.  Maybe that is the genesis of our friendship.

Since then, we have served as volunteer as tutors with Operation Read, attended volunteer trainings, worked with students on sewing projects, and enjoyed many cups of tea.  Gail has graciously attended my Mary Kay Pink Party, helped with my special projects, and been willing to give cooking advice. She has extended invitations to her Circle Group at her church.

As a result of our friendship, I know my life has been enriched. I am blessed… not lucky.

“Close friends are truly life’s treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. With gentle honesty, they are there to guide and support us, to shares our laughter and our tears. Their presence reminds us that we are never really alone.”

Unknown

As a result of Gail's international travel,
 I have some of my favorite rocks from Israel.
These rocks have special significance as she shared their Biblical location.