Gratitude

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and 

change ordinary opportunities into blessings."

William Arthur Ward

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday ... Holy Honey

What happens when bees make a hive in your church? You bottle the honey and offer it for sale.

The Church of the Cross is in Bluffton, South Carolina offers their honey to the public. I'm not for sure if this honey is produced on site or if there is another location.



Do you enjoy honey? For the most benefits, it is always best to buy honey locally.

Monday Musings... Mississippi

“A child born to a black mother in a state like Mississippi … has exactly the same rights as a white baby born to the wealthiest person in the United States.  It’s not true but I challenge anyone to say it is not a goal worth fighting for.

Thurgood Marshall

Conversations on the beach…

On the beach, we are joining others enjoying this sunny afternoon.  We see folks walking, running, building castles, reading, relaxing, walking dogs, riding bikes, and fishing. After days of chilly temperatures, we are taking advantage of this glorious weather.

Jerry and I are soaking in the last days of our beach vacation. In front of us, I see a man wearing an interesting t-shirt. HEROMAKER. I cannot resist, I ask, “What is a HeroMaker?” He explains a Hero Maker is someone who pours into the life of an individual.

With that question and answer, we begin a conversation that begins here in South Carolina, goes to Anderson, Indiana, turns to Dayton Ohio, and take us to Lauderdale County in Mississippi.  Is this a coincidence? If we had arrived at the beach earlier or later, we might have missed the opportunity to talk to this pastor.  

At every point of the conversation, I have chills on a warm sunny afternoon.  He attended Anderson College. My father attended Anderson College. He pastored a church near Dayton, Ohio. My husband grew up in Dayton. Jerry’s cousin played football with his son when they attended the same high school.  Then, I ask, are you from Indiana?  He shared, “No, I was born and grew up in Mississippi.” What part of Mississippi?

Both of these men were born in the 1950's two years apart in Lauderdale, County, Mississippi. Their experiences were in stark contrast to each another. One family owned a business, while the other family experienced poverty and segregation.

Today, many differences melt away in the sun.  Change, perseverance, struggle, determination, and most amazing is that both have experienced God’s grace are part of their story.

Our conversation continues as we share our Christian faith, our families, and our goal to pour and mentor the next generation.

What unites complete strangers to engage in deep conversation?  It is the God of the universe.  It is God who delights in bringing people from different tribes, languages, cultures and backgrounds. After all, God's kingdom is an everlasting one and totally different from today’s culture. God’s kingdom does not show partially.

Pet of the week, Finley

Finley is this week's pet.  Did you notice his dog blanket?  Chihuahuas have been described as graceful, charming, and sassy. They usually weigh between three and six pounds. I met Finley and his owners during a recent trip to Kroger.

Shhh.... don't tell anyone. Dogs are not allowed in the store. 

Friendship Friday

"The fact is that relationships are the alchemy of life. They turn the dross of dailiness into gold. They make human community real. They provide what we need and wait in turn for us to give back. They are sign of the presence of a loving God in life." Joan Chittister

It is impossible to explain how visiting with friends can help us better understand and appreciate the existence of a loving God. In ways as unique as each individual, God reveals his character through his children.  Visiting with our friends, I see how God has equipped them to share their wisdom, insight, and experiences to help others. Most recently, they are sharing tips on how to navigate a new season in our life.  

I also see how in a season of grief, they hold steadfast to the knowledge of a sovereign and loving God . Instead of becoming bitter, they become better in displaying the love of God in the midst of pain. 

Thank you God for these wonderful friends. Thanking God as we parted company, Tim prayed for us. God has a purpose for each season in our lives.  

When, where, and what

"When was the last time you did something for the first time?" kcstyle

What are some of your interests?

I think libraries are a great  resource of free workshops. Community Centers also have a long list of  free activities.  Each month, centers offer classes that are designed to reach a wide audience. What types of classes? Sewing, pottery, piano, choir, book clubs, exercise classes, bingo, and more.

Where else? What about your local university? community colleges, churches, and local YMCAs.


This week, I learned how to make a protein ball, looked at stars in a telescope, and made a roller ball using essential oils.

We are never to old to learn something new. What will you learn for the first time?

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

“I like birthday cake. It’s so symbolic. It’s a tempting symbol to load with something more complicated than just  ‘Happy Birthday’ because it’s this emblem of childhood and a happy day.”

Aimee Bender

It is easy to attach meaning to birthdays. Why? Because birthday cakes are loaded with more memories than calories. Birthdays are those milestone events when we have the opportunity to ponder our life and celebrate with those we love.

I love birthdays! I love the cake, the ice cream, the happy song, cards, emails, texts, phone calls, messages, and birthday hats worn by friends. What do I love most? I love this incredible sweet gift of life that God has given me. I love celebrating getting older! Life is an incredible gift. Why not celebrate!  

beautiful on the outside
delicious on the inside

Monday Musings

“Because the greatest part of a road trip is not arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.” unknown

Last month, I took a short twenty-four hour road trip with two friends to attend a concert in Bloomington.  The trip began with the first snow flurries of the year. After the flurries, the weather calmed down and we enjoyed a smooth trip. Road trips do not have to be long to be memorable.

This trip was a near perfect. We departed Sunday afternoon, then arrived home Monday afternoon. We did not miss a beat in maintaining our normal daily schedule.  

Instead of a chain hotel, we stayed at the Showers Bed and Breakfast  located in downtown Bloomington. What was it like? Three words that describe the B and B: comfy, cozy, and historic.

The concert …   amazing. I only wish I has been able to take  MORE pictures.  

Sometimes, we don’t have to experience wild stuff to have fun. Ordinary becomes memorable.

Friendship Friday

"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 share our laughter and our tears. Their presences reminds us that we are never really alone."
Vincent van Gogh 

Tasty Tuesday

Food on the road...

If you travel to Nashville, Indiana please visit the Chocolate Moose. They have been in business since 1933.  You will experience a cozy little restaurant that offers delicious coffee, hot chocolate, and tasty treats.

Monday Musings ...

“Who Can Stand Against the LORD?

No one can, no one will

Who can stand against the King?

No one can, no one will"

In the middle of night, I remember the lyrics of a song that I heard Sunday night. I am singing the lyrics in my head that are pointing me to the truth that nothing can stand against an Almighty God.   

I love songs that bring back memories and encourage me. Lyrics have a way of letting a truth soak in your soul. Some songs are so steeped in musical memory and history; I simply rest in the beauty of the words.

Recently, I am blessed to have attended two such concerts.

A tale of two performances …

On October 29, I attended a concert in Bloomington, Indiana. Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples were at Indiana Auditorium. One highlight of the evening was listening to Mavis Staples in her opening act prior to Bob Dylan’s performance.

Experiencing this live performance of Mavis Staples and Bob Dylan was not the best part of the experience. It was the entire 24 hours that included the concert.  What parts? Traveling to Bloomington, walking on Indiana University’s campus, staying at the Showers Bed and Breakfast, and having friends share the experience.

Then, most recently, I attended a Todd Delaney Concert at church on Sunday,

The words of his songs are finding a place in my soul. 

Who Can Stand Against the LORD?

No one can, no one will.
Lyrics from a song by Todd Dulaney

In the midst of pain and suffering, it may seem evil wins at a concert where people are killed in Las Vegans or at a church service on a Sunday morning. Christians have a sure hope that in the end, evil does not win.

Praying for a family member. 
Praying for our country