Friendship Friday

Looking at these  cool sandals, glittery flats, pretty toes, remind me of the strength and love of friends. Each of the friends have  unique strengths and beauty. Here are "J" words as she describes her friends."These are just a few of the feet that have walked, driven, flown miles and miles. Surrounded by love." jbsw

Trains, planes, and automobiles

"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off.

You sit still and trust the engineer."

Corrie ten Boom

I love these trains in airports. 

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Snacks ...
What is your favorite snack? Do you like fruit and cheese? Or maybe you enjoy popcorn. In the summer, do you have popsicles in your freezer? 

I discovered a delicious snack provided on a recent Delta Airline flight. They offered a gluten free pretzel sticks seasoned olive oil and sea salt.    


"My favorite snack is caviar."
Kelsey Grammer

These cookies are delicious. 

Monday Musings ... fear

Regarding fear, I think Don Wyrtzen states it well.
"The illusive monster of fear lurks in the shadows, waiting to claw my soul to shreds. As one prone to melancholia, I see its ugly face often: when I'm struggling with the emotional stress of a difficult relationship, when I'm afraid failure is just around the corner, when success is too hard to handle,  and on days when free-floating anxiety is getting the best if me."


Wow... I know the feeling when fear seems to reach deep in my soul.   I have to fight those feelings.  I am not alone. Fear is not a respecter of person.  It is when remember to trust the character of God, read His word, and pray, that I begin to experience peace.

Yesterday, I met a women who appeared to be struggling with fear. As we sat in the boarding section of Delta airline, her tiny body was quaking and trembling. We were waiting to board the next flight. Suddenly, she was spilling out many of her family issues with me. I thought she must be desperate to share her story to a complete strange. In addition to being exhausted from traveling from Hawaii, she shared struggles with her daughters, loneliness, and physical challenges.  

I pray that as she arrives home she will be have a good night's rest in her bed, begin the healing process with her family, and regain strength from her long vacation.

As I reflect on our conversation, I  had forgotten about my fear of flying. 

Pray for strangers that we meet along the way.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Earlier this month, I joined family and friends to celebrate Timmy's High School Graduation. His grandmother's home was filled love and laughter.  Outside under the white tent, we ate, talked, laughed, and savored the joy of this milestone event.  

There were several moments, I was feeling a bit nostalgic. I was thinking of my sister Beth, Timmy's grandmother. There are moments at every family event, where I miss love ones.

I did not want to linger in sadness, I have to choose to embrace the gift of this occasion. 

Timmy's nickname graced the cake.  

Monday Musing ... Juneteenth Day

"Juneteenth: Our Other Independence Day
Two and and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, American Slavery came to an end and a  celebration of freedom began. "

While most Americans may be unfamiliar with this holiday, it is worth noting that  Union Soldiers arrived in Texas on June 19, 1865 to free the remaining slaves being held in Texas.  Today, some celebrations include parades, presentation of community awards, neighborhood cookouts, rodeos, essay contest, and other events.

"Did you know that Juneteenth is celebrated as a partial of full state holiday in at least 42 states and the District of Columbia? "

Sources of information : Smithsonian and Time and Date website

Father ...

Proverbs 13:1
"A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes."

Psalm 103: 13
"As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him."

Pet of the week, Marley

Marley: I think Josie wants to come back to
see me.
Will you bring her back?

Marley is this week's pet. After the initial sniff, sniff, this pair of puppies wanted to play.  We had to part company before their leashes got tangled. Marley is a gorgeous beagle. 

sniff ... sniff ...

Friendship Friday

Is there a universal  longing for friends who know all about us and still love us? Do you have a friend that has been an anchor through the ups and downs of life? What is more comforting than being known and being loved?

If you have a friendship that spans decades embrace this gift.  Friendships that have endured decades are rare.   Instead of outgrowing each other, their friendships has grown deeper.

 When did they become friends? Their friendship began in middle school and continued in high school. Later, it would extend to Ball State University. At different times, three of this ladies would become roommates at Ball State University. Yes, there have been disagreements. That is what happens in real friendships. 

So today, on this hot June afternoon, I hear a bit about their friendship. What a lovely group of women. 

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can
grow separately without growing apart."
Elizabeth Foley

Renae is the the back on the right. She is my niece in law. She is precious.
My sister loved Renea and her children.
I was blessed to attend her son's Tim high school graduation open house.
Larrie is on the front row to the right.
Rachael and Mary Jo are the other friends.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

"People want honest flavorful food, not some show-off meal that takes days to prepare."

Chef Ted Allen

This Blue Apron meal took less than a hour to prepare.
It was also delicious! 

Monday Musing

"J" and I visited Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in
Charleston, South Carolina during the Memorial Day Weekend.

"When evil is in the world, you and I may not be able to control evildoers, but I want you to know today that I know a man who is able to handle all of our problems."
Rev. Norvell Goff

What man is truly able to handle all of our problems? That seems impossible. As a Christian, I believe that Jesus is fully God and fully man.  Countless other Christians hold this to be a foundational truth in our faith. He is able to handle all of humanity problems.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but  have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemned the world, but to save the world through him."
John 3:16 - 17 (NIV)

I waited ...

Psalm 40
"I waited patently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God
Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.

Blessed is the one
who trusts in the LORD,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
and the things you have done,
the things you have planned for us,
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.

Sacrifice and offering you do not desire -
but my ears you have opened -
burnt offerings and sin offerings you do you require.

Then I said, "Here I am, I have come -
it is written about me in the scroll.
I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart."

I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, LORD,
as you know.
I do not hinge your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not cancel your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.

Verses 1 - 10 (NIV)

Friendship Friday

Does your community have a outdoor theater that features local musicians? If so, I hope you will invite a friend, prepare a meal and take a lawn chair to enjoy an evening of music. I think, we all need more music in our lives.

Last week, a friend from exercise class invited me to attend a concert at our local Moon Dance Theater.   It was a near perfect evening to enjoy the music of the Walnut Street Ramblers. Take a minute and look at their web site. Click on their link here: Walnut Street Ramblers

Barb, Mia, and me
Barb's husband is one of the musicians in the group.

Wordless Wednesday

Beautiful Bella

"I don't understand people who won't touch their pets. Their cat or dog is called a pet for a reason."
Jarad Kintz

 I met  this Bella on a morning walk in May. Although she is just a puppy, she already knows a few commands.This breed has been described as loyal, playful, intelligent, and devoted to list a few of their traits.

Our neighbors have a dog named Bella. So you may see another Bella as pet of the week.

Make the most of your day.

Friendship Friday

Carolyn is a Clinical Microbiologist.
Several of her work colleagues have also been a part of the
Bible Study Fellowship. She invited one of her work friends,
One of her friends said:"I wish I had been a part of BSF much earlier.

The group gave me a flower, paper flower
bouquet, and gift certificates.
On the back of each flower, each friend shared  a message.
This is the scripture that a dear friend shared:

"Therefore my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.
Let nothing move you.
Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord,
because you know that your labor in the Lord
is never in vain.
I Corinthians 15:58

" A friend is one of the nicest things you can have
and
one the best things in life you can be."
Winne Pooh

 Carolyn and I met in Bible Study Fellowship. When you meet every week it helps to foster meaningful friendships. We pray, laugh, and discuss scripture together. In some cases, we  even grieve together.

Our friendship extends outside the study. You might see us exercising in a Water Fitness Class at the Y. While she was in Hawaii, she even purchased a cover up for me.

At the end of our study in the Life of Moses, Carolyn was gracious and coordinated a very special group gift for me.  This thoughtful gift continues to be a precious reminder of our time together in the Bible.

June

“Tell you what I like best –

Long about knee-deep in June,

‘Bout the time strawberries melts

On the vine, -- some afternoon

Like to jes’ git out and rest,

And not work at nothin’ else!”

James Witcomb Riley