... that you may know the hope to which he has called you

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that they eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his imcomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at the right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name this is invoked,  not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things  under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything in the church, which is his body, the fullness of him will fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1: 16 - 22 ( NIV)

Friendship Friday

"Your real friends are the ones who pray for you." 

I'm grateful for faithful women who are steadfast prayer warriors. I love that I count them as friends.

Top Ten List of 2017

 What would you include in your top ten list for 2017? Would your list include family or work milestones? Or maybe you would include some personal accomplishment. 
Here is my top ten list: 

1. God  Does that sound trite? I love this verse from James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift comes from God."
2. The wonderful gift of my granddaughter.
3. The gift of overcoming fear with my first airplane flight in over 10 years.
4.  Savoring the gift of friendships. Saving good-bye to friends makes me realize not to take anyone for granted. 
5. Road Trip with friends to see Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples. 
6. Family Reunions  and more time with "J" 
7. Using Uber for the first time
8. Prayer Partners and my church family
9. Exercise Classes and my teachers
10. Sorority Sisters

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Are you using an Insta Pot?  Earlier this year, we purchased one. Today, was the first time we prepared a meal using it. What was the recipe? Mississippi Pot Roast. Kudo's to our  son- in- law, "K" for providing the recipe and step by step instructions.

Using the Insta Pot will take away every excuse I have had about being too busy to cook a meal.

Christmas

 As this Christmas day is beginning to end. Families and individuals who celebrate this sacred holiday are savoring the remains of this day. Soon this day will be a treasured memory.

Whether the day was celebrated quietly or with friends, I trust you have an abiding presence of Christ.

"Christmas presents from Santa? 

That's nice.  

But the perpetual presence of Christ?

That's life changing." 

Max Lucado 

Friendship Friday

"We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to help us stay young." 

Letty Cottin Pogrebin

"L" and "L" have been friends for over fifty years. I love the story of their friendship. Before they were born, their mothers were friends who lived across the street from each other. Today, they continue to be the best of friends. Oh my goodness, they stories they share.

Last Saturday, we share a meal at Nick Ryan's
They are a sweet example of a friendship that can last decades.

I will listen to what the LORD says

Psalm 85 1 - 13
You, LORD, showed favor to your land;
You restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the inquiries of your people
and covered all their sins.
You set aside your wrath
and turned away your fierce anger.

Restore us again, God our Savior
and put away your displeasure toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations.
Will you not revive us again?
That you people may rejoice in you again
Show us your unfailing love, LORD,
and grant us your salvation.

I will listen to what the LORD says.
he promises peace to his people,  his faithful servants -
let them not turn to folly.
Surely his salvation is near to them that fear him.
that his glory may dwell in the land.

Love and faithfulness meet together
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The LORD indeed will give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest
Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for for his steps.

12 Days of Fitmas

Here is a challenge.  Make exercise a priority during the 12 Days of Fitmas.  Our local Y has created this challenge. What will you do for the next twelve days? Will you add an extra class to your regular schedule? You might ask a friend to be your accountability partner.  Here is to making making exercise a lifelong priority.

"We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, is then, not a act, but a habit."

Aristotle.

These instructors always inspire their students.  They are amazing.
Getting ready for this Saturday's Reindeer Ramble. 

Wordless Wednesday

Restore us

Psalm 80

Verses 1 – 7

Hear us, Shepard of Israel,

you who lead Joseph like a flock.

You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,

shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.

Awake your might;

come and save us.

Restore us, O God;

make you face shine on us.

that we may be saved.

How long, LORD God Almighty,

will your anger smolder

against the prayers of your people?

You have fed them with the bread of tears;

you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.

You have made us an object of derision to our

neighbors,

and our enemies mock us.

Restore us, God Almighty;

Make your face shine on us.

That we may be saved.