joy

Words are inadequate to express the joy of having family. On March 1,  I will celebrate my daughter's birthday. As look back over the years, I have fond memories of my pregnancy,  the quickening movements of her,  doctor's visits,  sonograms, pokes, examinations, gowns, classes, maternity clothes, elastic pants, heart burn, and then joy of the birth.

So tomorrow, I will celebrate the birthday of my daughter.  As the mother of adult children, I continue to discover new joys that God gives me.

Most recently, I have discovered the joy of loving  young children in my Sunday School class. I love their tiny hands, their smiles, their laughter, their sticky fingers as the grab goldfish snacks, and their growing trust in God's love.

God  can expand our love beyond the love of our biological family. Love expands our lives and our capacity for love.  Why? Because God is love.

Monday Musings ... Black History Month

In 1926, Negro History Week was established as the brainchild of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. In 1976,  as part of the United States Bicentennial  Celebration, Black History Month was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford.  This recognition has not been without criticism.

Why is Black History Month important?  Dr. Carter G. Woodson, believed that "Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."

One example of a story that inspires is the movie Hidden Figures. This real life story of three  African American Women has inspired millions. The movie may be a vehicle to inspire other individuals who has fought to overcome any obstacle.

Tutoring

" A child without an education 

is like a bird without wings."

Tibetan Proverb

"Read to Succeed (RTS) volunteers are a part of an initiative of Lexington Leadership Foundation (LLF) a Christian  non-profit organization. LLF was formed in 1999 to mobilize people to action addressing issues of the most needy in our midst."  The training manual highlights this important truth,   "Since successful reading supports every other academic study, it precedes tutoring"

"Each week, volunteers meet across our city in various churches  to assist elementary age children to  love to read. Readers are trained to do paired reading, a simple but effective method.  Children are given pre and post-test to evaluate progress."

Volunteering with this Read to Succeed is a highlight of my week.

It is a joy to see how students are making progress each week. I believe, we are beginning to see students who are developing a love of reading.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

" How can one make friends without exquisite dishes!
It is mainly through the table that one governs."

Jean -Jacques  Regis  de Cambaceres

French Politician  ~ 1713 - 1824

This soup was so.... delicious! 

power of God

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved is the power of God."
I Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

Pet of the week, Wyatt

What do the following individuals have in common, Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt,  Rachael Ray, John Stewart, Thomas Edison, Serena Williams,  Brad Pitt, Rosie Perez, John Steinbeck, and Jamie Foxx? They all have owned Pit Bulls.

Pet ownership is a responsiblity. I think everyone who owns a dog should seriously consider enrolling their dog in obedience   training.

This week's pet is Wyatt a Pit Bull.

Pet Smart is a nationwide chain that offers learning centers.  Check them out.

Friendship Friday

Originally from Turkey,
she has been in America
for many years. 

Is there such a thing as a perfect friend?  A Turkish Proverb states it well,  “A man who seeks a perfect friend remains friendless.”  True, there is no such thing as a perfect friend.

Are you fortunate to have friends who are “near” perfect?  In most cases, our friends have qualities that far outweigh their negative traits. We simply do not have the time or the energy for people who don’t bring out the best in our lives.

Real friendships are reciprocal. We are able learn, help, and benefit from each one another. 

Ayşe and I became acquainted as the result of Newcomers. As our acquaintance developed into a friendship,  we discovered the common bonds regarding things we hold dear. As mothers, we treasure the gift of our children. Friendships, family, culture, and are some of our shared interests.

What enriches our friendship? We also began to learn to appreciate or understand about our differences.

Tip I learned from my friend...
I will use Mary Kay's
Timewise replenishing serum +C
to correct dark spots on my skin. 

Over the years, we have enjoyed countless cups of tea, luncheons, summer drinks on her deck, girl night outs, Mary Kay Pampering Sessions, and a Mary Kay Road Trip to Nashville. It was on the road trip to Nashville, I share more in depth about my Christian Faith and how I became a Christian.

While we have talked about my faith, it was not until last year, I began to understand more about her faith as a Muslim. Last year, she lent me her book, No god but God by Reza Aslan. I look forward to reading and understanding more about her faith. Maybe she will have an interest to attend a study with me.

Learning goes both ways.

My thanks to her for taking me to
physical therapy. She also walked Josie.

Monday Musings

The American Heart Association shares this important figure,"Each year, 1 in 3 women die of heart attack and stroke, yet it can be prevented."To learn more about how to make a change, visit this site: GoRedForWomen.org

Awareness is important is one key to making lifestyle changes. Learn facts and share them with someone you love. It will make a difference.

treasures in jars of clay

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body, the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."
2 Corinthians 7 - 10

Pet of the week, Claire

Claire is making a repeat appearance as the pet of the week. A few years ago, she appeared as an adorable kitten. Today, she is a still the lovely orange tabby. Claire loves a nap in the sun. Doesn't everyone? 

Friendship Friday

Gloria is on the left. Jill at the back. Of course me, taking the selfie. 

"It’s the

FRIENDS

we meet

Along the way

That

Help

us

Appreciate

the journey"
Author Unknown

My friends  are such a source of wisdom, encouragement, and laughter. I treasure the time I spend with them. On Wednesday, Jill hosted a lovely lunch.

Find friends who will encourage you!

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Morning Meditation is a new juice offering @ our local First Watch restaurant.
The ingredients in this drink include the following: orange, lemon, turmeric, organic ginger, agave nectar and beet juice.

Monday Musings ... xenophobia

When I think of my former self, I am embarrassed. I cringe, when I remember how I felt about international students when I was in college.

Why would I dislike people from other cultures or races? Hatred of people was not a family value that my parent instilled in their children. This is especially true since we were often the recipients of racial slurs. So it is difficult to understand the origin of my thoughts.

I remember, sharing with my roommate, if you are a student at the university, speak English! Hearing people having conversations in their native language was infuriating. Ugh….

Move ahead to 1980, when I was traveling to Germany and France, I understood first hand the comfort of speaking English in a foreign country.

Fast forward to 1990, it was in Nashville, where I first worked with refugees from Sudan and Iraq. It was here when I began to hear the stories of refugees and understand their struggles.

Most recently, I have tutored and volunteers with refugees from over ten countries. Their journey to America is heartbreaking. Many of the families endured life in refugee camps for decades. In addition, they endured countless interviews and screening process before they become eligible to obtain refugee status. I was a volunteer who helped refugees learn English and adapt to life in America.

While, I am not an expert in refugees, I do have over 27 years of first hand experience in  working with families and individuals as they work to  adjust to life in America.

Once people become aware of how the screening process works, they might be able to understand the process. Knowledge is powerful.  Why would anyone want to remain ignorant?

be strong and take heart

" I will remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)

Pet of the week, Fala

President Franklin D. Roosevelt had one of the most famous presidential pets, Fala. During last's November's visit to our nation's capital, I saw this statue of Fala.  Discover a bit of interesting presidential history,  and watch the You Tube video of President's speech about Fala.

On the far left of this picture
a little girl was petting the statue of Fala. 

Friendship Friday

Deep and lasting friendships will change your life. If you want superficial and casual friendships you will never discover your untapped potential. Some friends will challenge you to be your best, be at your side when you need their help, and sit quietly by your side when you grieve.
Maureen has been a blessing as she drives me to my physical therapy appointments.

I am grateful for Maureen's friendship.
Her joyful service to the Lord Jesus is an inspiration.
Her commitment  to Cure International is touching lives internationally .
Visit their site here: CURE

"Find a group of people who challenge you and inspire you; spend  a lot of time with them and it will change your life." Amy Poehler

Wordless Wednesday