Time for Carter Family Reunion

Source: Free Clip Art available on wed

Tomorrow will be our sixty-second family reunion. After months, of planning, conference calls, text messages, Facebook pictures, PayPal instruction, registrations, invoices, emails, phone calls, t-shirt orders, the event will finally happen.

As we have been elbow deep in the planning, I trust we will not overlook the most important part of the reunion. It will not be the T-shirt design or the menu. It will be the family members  we see.

Wordless Wednesday

As Jesus looked up

Luke 21: 1 - 4

"As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "Truly I tell you, he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on. " 

Pet of the week, Turtle

Here Leah is holding turtle.
I asked Larry, "What is the name of the pet?"
He said, "Turtle. "😐

This week's pet is a turtle. Larry, my brother is now the "proud" caretaker of the turtle.  How did he gain possession of this creature? His daughter Leah!

While turtles as amazing creatures, they are not the cozy, cuddle, lick your face pets. You still must clean their environment, feed, and provide some opportunities for exercise. I look forward to my next visit with Larry.

Friendship Friday ... Wendy

Is my exercise teacher my friend? If you are a  member of her  exercise class, she make you feel like you could be her friend. She shares stories about her life, provides inspiring instruction, and offers daily doses of inspiration.

On most days, she teaches over 100 students each day. She is an inspiration.Once she steps in front of a class, she beams. She is in her element.

Over the past four years, I have been a member of her classes. Her instruction has helped me and others prepare for surgery and helped us in our  recovery process.

Attending exercise classes is not always easy. Relationships with the teacher and other students makes a huge difference. We are a fierce community of folks who encourage one another to keep going. Friends? What do you think?

Monday Musings ...eclipse

Today's Eclipse 2017 was a once-in-a- lifetime event. Did you have an opportunity to see the eclipse? Were you a part of a group t? Or did you enjoy the sighting from the safety of your home.

From Portland, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina, I have friends and family who posted about their views.

In my neighborhood, there are three common areas. It was in these areas  where parents and children parked their lawn chairs and sported their eclipse glasses to view the event. It was a party life atmosphere. Little children were running back and forth and soaking in the event.

 During part of the day,  I was driving around shopping and during errands. After one errand, a stranger offered me her glasses. For a brief moment, strangers become engaged in the moment.  Differences seems to faded in the moment. Every day folks were gazing to the sky to celebrate the wonder of this moment.

These moments are rare. It is a cause to celebrate.

not my picture.... 

Rejoice in the Lord

Philippians 4: 4 - 9

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable  - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. "

Words to pray

Each time I see a picture from our nation's capital, I am reminded to pray. 
Scriptures

inform us to pray for our leaders.
I am praying that God will give our leaders wisdom, discernment, and godly advice. Pray for our President, Cabinet, Congress, and your local officials.

Regardless of the party in office, we are told to pray. 

Tasty Tuesday

Did you know that the Buttermilk Pie has its origin from the United Kingdom? Now, it is most often associated with southern cooking. Have you ever tasted a Buttermilk Pie? It has a smooth custard like texture. My cousin,  Cindy, shared her recipe. The following recipe is a different that the one I used today.

Here are the ingredients:
Buttermilk Pie
1 cup buttermilk
3 eggs
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3 Tablespoon flour
1 9" in unbaked pie crust

Preheat oven to 350 F
Beat the eggs until frothy, add butter, sugar and flour.
Stir in buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice, and nutmeg.
Pour into pie crust.
Bake for 40 to 60 minutes or until center is firm.
 Credit for this  recipe goes to Allrecipes.com

Those who trust

Psalm 125

"Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as
Mount Zion;
they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people, but now
and forever.
The wicked will not rule the land of the godly,
for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.
O LORD, do good to those who are good,
whose hears are in tune with you.
But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD.
Take them away with those who do evil.
May Israel have peace!

(New Living Translation)

Tasty Tuesday

National Farmers Market Week is from August 6 - 12.  I encourage you to support your local  market. I know that you will find a large selection of locally grown produce.
Here are some reasons to support local farmers market.

• Preserve Farmland
• Stimulate local economy
• Increase access to nutritious food
• Support healthy communities
• Promote sustainability

These suggestions are from the National Farmers Market Coalition. Check out their website here: Farmers Market Coalition

Fresh tomatoes and herbs are just two of the reasons you will find delicious produce to spice up your summer meals.

Wordless Wednesday

August

August Sun

by Rhonda Baker

The birth of August is upon us, as the fair haired sun rises in the sky

With songs of the cicada unwinding, the sand hill Cranes sail by 

The heat is hovering all around us, we feel heavy in it's grip

To break free from it's bonds, from it's clutches we must rip

Shade gives little relief, to this melting, bending soul

A river full of water, it not enough to quench this foe

Only the darkness breaks the curse, that the day could not hide

Relief is but short ... and that too must subside

For August is just arriving, her journey's just begun

It's only a beginning, her moment in the sun