Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Traveling with "J" during business trips I became accustomed to the concierge lounge. I began to appreciate the  access that is available to frequent business travelers. During our stay, I was able to  enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast and nightly hors d'oeuvres.


I am taking notes on how to provide simple yet tasty hot d'oeuvres.

Monday Musings ... Memorial Day

"These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor - and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror --"
Michael N. Castle

beautiful Bella

Bella is this week's pet. She is a Weimaraner.
This breed was once  highly sought out in its native  Germany.  The breed is described as elegant and demanding. Weimaraners also require regular and vigorous exercise. Notice the orange collar? It is a training collar. Bella was running without a lease... only possible because she is well trained and most importantly obedient. 

meaning of the word Bella ...beautiful, loving, lovable and graceful.
I think it is a perfect description of this week's pet.
I met Bella while I was walking Josie. 

Friendship Friday

"No Christian can be a Lone Ranger. 

We won't make it on our own.  

We need each other to cling to Jesus."

John Piper

Words seem inadequate to express the love I share with these dear sisters.
Our friendship is deep as pray and serve together.
Earlier this month, I took this picture after BSF Share Night.
Look forward to our next visit.

Wordless Wednesday

Bedtime Snack ...

This past Sunday evening, a 7- year- old was enjoying a bedtime snack at the kitchen table and playing with his iPad.

His life was interrupted by senseless violence.

He was killed by a stray bullet that shattered a window in his home. There had been a fight in his neighborhood. Someone pulled a gun in a nearby yard and the stray bullet hit him in the head.

Our homes are a place where we are supposed to feel and be safe. Safe...

 This incident happened in a city that is located just an hour away from me. Yet, I know this could happen in any city.

Police, politicians, and community leaders are outraged. We are weary with sadness.
We wring our hands, shake our heads, and feel powerless. Are there any solutions? I don't think there are any easy answers.

Our national and local leaders need our prayers as they work to formulate strategies.

 Governor Bevin was quoted saying the following:

“I have a solution that has nothing to do with politics,” he said. “It has nothing to do with spending more money. It has nothing to do with more police on the streets. It has everything to do about engaging you as members of our communities – people who understand this is a cultural problem, a community problem, a spiritual problem, an economic problem.”

God is ...

Psalm 46

“God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, through the earth give

way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its water roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging

There is a river whose streams make glad the city

of God.

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts,

The Lord Almighty is with us;

The God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the Lord has done,

the desolations he has brought on the  earth.

He makes wars cease

to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

He says, “Be still and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

The Lord Almighty is with us;

The God of Jacob is our fortress.

Blue

Blue is a Bluetick Coonhound and the pet of the week. You would not believe how long it took to take this picture! Sitting attentively, Blue is waiting for a treat. Can you guess what the treat is? 
Give up? Okay, it is a hot dog. Yay! 

Lisa owns Blue.
She is also the owner of Hickman Creek Kennel. 

Friendship Friday

Do you love a good laugh? I do! I think laughter is gift from God. Laughter  creates some sort of release of chemicals in our bodies. I know that there is some science to support this truth. We can accept and  embrace the knowledge that laughter is good.

I'm also grateful for the joy of fellowship.

Carol is my friend and one of our church's Bible teachers. Over the past five years, I have had the joy of taking several classes with her. My most recent class was Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed. Pricilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur offer this video based teaching. Then, each week women gather to discuss our daily lessons. As always, time spent in studying and applying God's word transforms our thinking and our lives.

Wordless Wednesday

Pet of the week, Sasha

Sasha is pet of the week. Can you tell by her lease that her owner is a Cub's Fan? Her owner has taken part of some milestone events as Cub Fans savor their 2016 World Series Championship.

 Sasha is taking a break while we talk about the Cubs. What a sweet dog!

This quote is from the May 22, 2017 issue of Time Magazine,
"Our love affair with dogs has been going on for 15,000 years, and there is
no sign that it's flagging. About 44% of families in the US include at least one dog,
meaning a canine population of up to 80 million."
Me: Wow! 

Friendship Friday

"I've always loved antiques, but furniture that's been in the family is different. Knowing the history of a piece makes it come alive." Trina Burke

Do you love antiques? Are there treasured pieces in your home that have a special story? I have a few treasured antiques pieces.

My friend Patty loves antiques as well.  When you visit her home, you will admire how she has included antique furniture in every room. I enjoy gently gliding my fingers over some of the furniture.
What else do we have in common?
We share a deep love for God, God's word, and people.

I have know Patty for the past eight years. It was not until earlier this year that our friendship grew even deeper. In the midst of her busy schedule, she graciously provided transportation for some of my physical therapy sessions. God answered prayers! I returned to class at the end of February.

While I was in therapy, she was always ready to  work on some
part of her Bible Study.
Patty is one of 1000 teaching leaders in 39 countries that teach people of all
ages, races, and cultures via Bible Study Fellowship.
Every single time she took me to therapy she always connected with someone she knew
through her service to God in the community.
She is a beautiful example of a joyful servant of the Lord Jesus.
Find out more about BSF  click on the link here: BSF
Classes will resume in September. From Memphis to Maine classes are in every state.
Women, Men, and Children all study the same book in the Bible.
Join a class you will be blessed! 

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

 Bride and Groom ( K and P)  are alumni of this university.
Can you name the university?
Answer: University Kansas
Where did Rock Chalk begin?
Evolved from a chant from a chemistry professor in 1886.

Monday Musings...

Monday Musings… Mother’s Day

I did not know that the celebration of mothers can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. More recently, the early Christian Festival was known as Mothering Sunday,  In America, President Woodrow Wilson  declared a Mother’s Day as a national holiday by proclamation in 1914.

This Sunday millions of grateful children and grandchildren will send cards and give gifts to their mommas. Most of us have a deep sense of gratitude for lessons that our mothers have shared and the sacrifices that they have made. 

I love to browse the Internet to find inspiring words. I found a few from Pinterest I wanted to share:

·      Enjoy your family  - Take time to visit those you love.

·      You have more strength than you know.

·      Loyalty is a wonderful asset.

·      None of us are perfect, but we all the ability to be loyal to those we love, such as family and true friends.

Mrs. Sara is a blessing to her family.Here she is posing with her grandchildren
On the right, her beautiful granddaughter Bee and her grandson Reggie.
While I did not meet Mrs. Sara under happy circumstances, I am blessed to meet this
sweet Godly wife, mother, and grandmother.
Sending Mother's Day Greetings and love to Mrs. Sarah and Capri.

Pet of the week, Solo

Labrador Retrievers continue to one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
It is easy to understand their popularity. Labs are gentle, intelligent, and easy to train.

In April,  Solo and his owner were guests at the Marriot Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas. As a guide dog, Solo had to pass strenuous exams to be paired with an individual who needs assistance.
Look at Solo's face. So sweet.

Friendship Friday

We are Hoosiers, IU graduates, wives, mothers,
sisters, the list could go on and on.
Most importantly, as Christians we share a love of God and
His people. Jesus is our hope, our strength, and our joy. 

"Do what you can! If you can't feed 100 hundred people, then just feed one."
Mother Teresa

We cannot read to an entire classroom, so each week we read to one student.
My friend and I are volunteers with Read to Succeed.

Table setting

"I say grace. I’m a big believer in grace. I happen to believe in a God that made all the food so I’m pretty grateful for that and I thank him for that. But I’m also thankful for the people that put the food on the table.”

Alton Brown

A peak from the Bridal Tea Table Setting

Wise Words

“Prayer is not merely

a religious duty,

but an ordered action.

Prayer is not only

 an experience,  but a living, vital,

 daily interaction

with the living God.”

Elisabeth Elliot