Monday Musings ... heroes

This year 2018 will come to a close  in a few short hours. Do you wonder what 2019 will bring? As we ponder the unknown, it is my hope that we will find men and women who will be heroic in difficult times. 

It is my hope that we will find people who will be willing to sacrifice time, talent, and  treasures for  good causes.  It is my hope that people will take stands that will make a difference in the lives of their families and community. 


We need heroes.  We really need heroes. 

"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example."
Benjamin Disraeli 

Sunday Scripture

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters,  I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one things I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has call me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3: 12- 14 ( NIV) 

Merry Christmas

"For a child is born to us

a son is given to us.

The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9: 6

Christmas Eve

Before family or friends arrive for a visit, we (J and I) work to make sure everything is clean and in order. We clean blinds, have carpets cleaned, sweep hardwood floors, dust furniture, clean bathrooms, and make sure each bed has fresh linens. Then we stock the fridge to make sure each family member has their favorite food. 

Once our family arrives, our house is a filled with so much activity. We become accustomed to living with a bit of disorder.   We are do life with our family. When you add more adults, dogs and a toddler to the household things can get messy. 

On Saturday, our neighbor arrived with Christmas goodies.  For a minute, it was a bit crazy. Three little dogs were barking, construction paper and stickers were all over the floor, the kitchen was in a disarray from the previous meal.

I was embarrassed. Our house was a mess. 

Instead of talking with her on our porch, my husband invited her into our home.  Do I want to keep people at a safe and comfortable distance? Or, do I  share my life and the parts that are messy. 

Christmas cards are on our mantel, Christmas cookies are waiting to be delivered, and candles are lit to help create a cozy atmosphere. 

Life is not always picture perfect… While we may not invite neighbors in all the time to see the real us… We develop deep friendships when we allow our friends to see the messy parts. 

Christmas is often a mix of happy and sad, beautiful and messy… No matter the circumstances, God is with us. God promised to never leave us or forsake us

For me, that is a comfort. God knows me … and loves me.     

Peace

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire  Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinus was governor of Syria.)

And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manager, because there was no guest room available for them. 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the LORD appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel of the LORD said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the LORD. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

            “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

            And on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this things that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Luke 2 : 1 – 15 ( NIV)

Friendship Friday

Our time together began with a common interest in playing Mah Jongg.  Whether we were newcomers to this game or experienced players, we enjoy our weekly afternoons of playing. In the beginning, we concentrated on learning the game, discussing rules,  understanding strategy, luck verses skill, and expectations.

Now our friendship is growing, we discuss movies, tv. relationships, professional careers, art, decorating,

Friendships over Mah Jongg are fun. Plus, it helps our memory.

Which Christmas Tree do you like the best ...

I love looking at Christmas trees. I enjoy different themes from the simple to the elaborate.  I have selected three trees that are located in various businesses in our community. Are you able to identify the business where these trees are located? Which Christmas tree do you like the best?

Every space on this tree appears to be decorated.
I think some individuals like to find visual clues as
to locations. .

Tasty Tuesday ... Christmas Cookies

If the holidays are stressful for you. Relax. If you are working toward having everything perfect for the Christmas ... my suggestions. Let it go! Enjoy this season. Linger over a cup of hot chocolate. Want to bake the perfect cookies? Let it go! Take a trip to a trusted bakery.

Enjoy your family and friends. Don't make this season about being perfect. There is a huge difference between entertaining and hospitality .  One is performance driven... the other is all about love.

These cookies are from a local bakery. 

Monday Musings ... community

"The first service one owes to others in community involves listening to them. Just as our love for God begins with listening to God's Word, the beginning of love for others is learning to listen to them. God's love for us in shown by the fact God not only gives God's Word, but also lends us God's ear ... We do God's work for our brothers and sisters when we learn to listen to them."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Holiday gatherings are a sweet part of December. At many of our celebrations, food can be a central

part of the event. We may enjoy some of those seasonal foods that we don't normally have during the rest of the year.

This afternoon, our  exercise class celebrated the annual  Christmas  party.

Each week most of us meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for our water exercise class. Today, we took time to share a meal together.
What a buffet of food. Green Salads, Fruit Salads, Veggies, Cheese, Crackers, Gluten free cake,  Chic Filet, macaroni and cheese, hashbrown casserole, brownies, cookies,  water, tea, wine...
As I reflect on today's meal, I don't think I saw egg nog.

Tomorrow morning, we will be working out again. After today's luncheon, we don't want to take a day off.

Monday Musings ...Advent

In this season of Advent, these words resonate with me. 

"One of the essential paradoxes of Advent: that while we wait for God. we are with God all along, that while we need to be reassured of God's arrival, or the arrival of our homecoming, we are already at home. While we wait, we have to trust, to have faith, but it is God's grace that gives us faith."

Michelle Blake in the Tentmaker

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Our monthly Cooking Light group met today.  The popular Cooking Light magazine will end it publication this month. As a group, we are sad. While we did not always like the issues, we usually found recipes, tips or information that we found helpful.
Are you looking for an excellent Beef Stew recipe? I highly recommend this farewell issue of Cooking Light. The stew recipe is delish!

Today's table setting was lovely.

... streams of water

“Happy are those

who do not follow the advice of 

the wicked,

or take the path that sinners tread,

or sit in in the seat of scoffers;

but their delight is in the law of the

Lord,

and on his law they meditate day

and night.

They are like trees

planted by the streams of water,

which yield fruit in its season,

and their leaves do not wither.

In all that they do, they prosper.

The wicked are not so,

But are like chaff that the wind

drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not

stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of 

the righteous;

For the LORD watches over the way

of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.”

Psalm 1 (NRSV) 

Tasty Tuesday ... time with friends

Last Monday evening, I had a sweet meal with girlfriends. After Bible Study, we decided to go to IHOP and have breakfast. The best part of our time together was the fellowship. One minute we were laughing  ... then the next we were having deep conversations about relationships. 

During this season, IHOP restaurants are offering  Grinch Pancakes. The Grinch pancakes look rather plain without  all the toppings. They have a touch of green food coloring . While they may not look very appealing...they were very tasty. 

Having breakfast for dinner is a simple luxury for me. 

Friendship Friday

Just because a friendship is getting difficult doesn’t necessarily mean it’s supposed to end.

Anything of depth takes work to maintain. The difficulty could be the end natural consequence of moving beyond the surface and into a friendship that’s built on something more than commonality.  

Jackie Hill Perry

make room at your table ...

“One day all of us in Christ will sit

around an enormous table

exquisitely set with a feast of rich

foods, prepared in divine kitchens.

No one will be left out.

No one will be alone.

No one will be nameless.

No one will be unknown.

No one with nowhere to go.

We will finally be home.”

Beth Moore

Until then ... make room at your table for your family, friends, neighbors, strangers, those who may be  lonely, sick, sad, your enemies who may become your friends ... make room. Practice hospitality 

Monday Musings ... truth

"People hate the truth for the sake of whatever it is 

they love in the place of truth.

They love the truth when she shines on them;

and hate her when she rebukes them."

St. Augustine

354 - 430 

Friendship Friday

Are there difference types of friendship? If so, what are the levels of friendships?  Are the differences of friendship important? One site lists the following levels of friendships; acquaintance, casual friendship, close friendship, and intimate friendship. * Source: Institute in Basic Life Principals

 As one of my  older friend often shares, "Not everyone can handle your stuff."  I think only a few trusted friends are able to give you wise counsel. It is important to know who you can trust.

I love the description of Intimate Friendship: "This is the deepest level of friendship where friends invest in one another's lives with the goal of helping each other mature in godly character. Honesty, humility and discretion are requirement of an intimate friendship. Comfort one another through trials and sorrows; pray diligently for one another."

 What do your authentic friendships look like?
This is a real friendship. T and J are dear friends. Grateful for our time spent together.













I love when our friends have the opportunity to meet our family.
Here are our son in law meets our friend.

Thrifty Thursday

"The bitterness of poor quality remains 

long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten."

Benjamin Franklin

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

"Food for the body is not enough.

There must be food for the soul."

Dorothy Day 

I think there is a real hunger for connections to others. Today is a good day to reach out to others in our lives. 
#worldkindnessday2108   Make acts of kindness the new normal. 

Monday Musings ... The Pelican Project

On November 8, 2018 an exciting new project was launched. The name of this effort is The Pelican Project. What is the Pelican Project?  "A guild of women fostering commitment to Christian faith and practice across cultural, denominational and racial lines."

One discovery at this site has led to more discoveries.  I am excited to  unearth more resources,  thoughtful articles, book recommendations, and online discussions. I love that  cultural issues are addressed  not avoided.

This project was founded by nineteen members.  Who are they? Wendy Alsup is one. Karen Swallow Prior is also a part of that group.  Once you visit their site, I am sure you will be able to learn about the women who founded this effort. Visit their site by clicking here: The Pelican Project
At the site, you will find Good Links, Good Books, and a place to join the conversation.

I know you will not be disappointed.

This is part of what Karen Prior Swallow shared about the site ... "We are a guild of women committed to stewarding social media and local church involvement to connect quality Orthodox teaching to women  seeking discipleship by modeling civil and uplifting conversations, even in the midst of disagreement."

I have also added several  books to my long list of books to read. This list now includes the following: Is the Bible Good for Women? Practical Theology for Women , The Gospel Centered Woman all authored by  Wendy Aslup.


Maybe you will find a place of sweet belonging.

Tasty Tuesday

"Eating crow is a colloquial idiom used in English-speaking countries, that means humiliation by admitting by have been proven wrong after taking a strong position."
Source: Wikipedia

Do you know anyone who have made any predictions about today's mid-term election results? Have you noticed that most people are tending to be very cautious regarding today's results? Do you have any favorites regarding the outcomes of today elections?

I hope no one will be eating crow.

Monday Musings ... words

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking,

the prudent are restrained in speech."

Proverbs10:19  ( NRSV)

Tillie

Life is better with chocolate. 
Life with Tillie the  Chocolate Labrador is  also sweet.
😃
This weekend, I hope you enjoy family, friends, good music, and the opportunity to enjoy a walk.
and ... a chance to enjoy good chocolate. 

Friendship Friday

"Just a few years ago I realized that friendship is not a remedy for loneliness. Loneliness is part of our  experience, and if we are looking for relief from loneliness in friendship. we're only going to frustrate  - that friendship, camaraderie, intimacy, all those things live together in that experience."

Rich Mullins  

Tea Tasting and a tour

“Ninety nine percent of all tea consumed in America is grown in Asia, Africa, or South America… many, many, thousands of miles from our shores. That’s what make the Charleston Tea Plantation so special… so rare. It’s America’s only working tea plantation. Charlestonians have been enjoying the freshness of our locally grown tea for over 30 years. Located on Wadmalaw Island just a few miles south of Charleston, S.C.”  this quote is from the tea bag of Charleston Tea Plantation

 

If you love history, tea, and South Carolina, you will enjoy taking a trolley tour of the plantation. 

... filled with love

"Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. 

He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."

Ephesians 5:2 (NLT) 

Love

 Our hearts  are troubled with yet another senseless tragedy. It is  easy to feel powerless. What are we called to do in the midst of another mass shooting? It seems that the cycle of violence never ends.

We  live in a broken world. It would be easy to respond with hate. Yet,  hate  is the not the answer.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Frugal Friday

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.
Frederick Douglass

Indeed. It is cost effective to prevent problems instead of repairing broken lives.

Last night, I joined with hundreds of volunteers as we recognized individuals who are making a different in the lives of our youth and families. We listened to inspiring stories of people who are making a difference. We do believe that it is easier to build strong children.

Leadership Lexington is a faith based program that seeks to serve those who are on the margins of life.  How does the program work? Volunteers are screened and trained to become Read to Succeed Volunteers. In addition volunteers serve in the The Fatherhood Initiative to serve with fathers who are incarcerated. Another program is Amachi  which acts as a mentoring program for young people.

From prayer, to after school programs, tutoring,  and mentoring, leaders want to make our city ... A City For God.

Attending these events allows volunteers to see the big picture in our community.
I love that I have the opportunity to serve along side talented servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The added bonus, "L" is my prayer partner. Her husband and I teach a group of fifth grade students.
I thank God I can count them as dear friends.
Making a difference in the lives of young people is so worthwhile. Praying with and for children is an investment in eternity.

Tea Tasting

Do you have a favorite tea? Do you prefer sweet ice tea or hot tea? Currently my favorite hot tea is peppermint. A close second is a delightful peach ginger tea blend.

Tomorrow, I will  try this tea. It is a white and lavender tea blend. What caught my eye about this tea?  The label. The sun-kissed lavender white and lavender tea blend. Top it off with Skinny Piggy Kombucha. What is Kombucha?
The label says this,
"Every sip of Skinny Piggy Kombucha is a dance party
full of delightful tea blends and live cultures.
Drink one every day and you'll be dancing, too."
After I drink this tomorrow afternoon, I will let you know if I am dancing.

What is Kombucha? According to an online source, "Kombucha is a a green or black tea that is fermented with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, otherwise known as SCOBY.
During the fermentation process, the yeast in the SCOBY breaks down the sugar in the tea and releases probiotic bacteria."

Hmmm ... sounds like I could be dancing to the restroom.

Monday Musings ... a blessing

May you always have
enough happiness to keep you sweet;
enough trials to keep you strong;
enough success to keep you eager;
enough faith to give you courage;
and enough determination to 
make each day a good day. 
-Blessing

Thrifty Thursday

Grateful I was able to cook dinner
for these two work colleagues.
Dessert tea and cookies.

This week's tip:  Use your Amazon Prime account with Wholefoods. You will enjoy10% off Blue Tickets plus an additional 10% off sale.
Check it out. It may be something that will work for you and your family.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Today's brunch provided a welcomed  break from our daily routine. Loved the invitation from Jerry. Who do you need to call and invite to meet over coffee? Make the effort to keep in touch with friends. Make a call, send a text, or send an email. 😃

Monday Musings ... life

"Life is amazing.

And then it's awful.

And then it's amazing again.

And in between the 

amazing and the awful

it's ordinary and

mundane and routine.

Breathe in the amazing,

hold on through the awful

and relax and exhale

during the ordinary.

That's just living

heartbreaking, 

soul-healing,

amazing, awful, 

ordinary life. And it's

breathtaking, beautiful."

L.R. Knost

Frugal Friday

My son - in - law, recently introduced me to this wonderful product, Bee's Wrap Seconds.  I love their business philosophy, reducing waste and fostering a culture of reuse.  Check out their website.
Beeswrap.com  Sign up for their email list. Receive a discount on your first purchase. 😀

This product has me thinking... what will I reuse in my home. What will you reuse or repurpose in your home? Will you share what you are doing? I would love to read about your creativity.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday ... DV8

On most Tuesdays, I share a quote or a picture about a local recipe or a luncheon.
Today is a little different...  it is about DV8

"DV8 is a restaurant and bakery in Lexington that provides second chance employment opportunities for people in substance  recovery who are trying to redirect their lives." Connections PBS

DV8 has been featured in the New York Times, NBC, and our local television station.

In September, Ron Perez, Owner of DV8 spoke to the Lexington Chapter of the Altrusa Club. Check out details about our local chapter, Altrusa Lexington
Ron shared the story of how his restaurant is built on social responsibility. The restaurant is making a difference in the lives of recovery addicts, the community, and serves as a model for businesses.

Please take a moment and read or view the story about DV8. If you google, DV8 you will discover the history of the amazing restaurant. I am sure that you will be encouraged and challenged.

Rob Perez, Owner, DV8 and Saul Good Restaurant 

Mason and Sheba

Mason and Sheba are the pets of the week. Don't you think they live in an idyllic setting? They have plenty of room to run, jump, and enjoy daily exercise.   They are excellent guard dogs.

According to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepard stand in the front of the canine royalty.
Why? "They are loyal, display courage, have a keen ability to learn commands to many tasks, and they are often willing to put their lives on the line in defense of their owners." I don't think that your can ask for more.

They even look royal in this setting. Special thanks to my friend "C"  for sharing this picture.

sparkling and wonderful family

"I hope you know how brave, important, sparkling, and wonderful you are, 

even if you don't feel like it. " 

unknown 

It is nice to be amazed! I admire my cousin. She is a beautiful example of strength, joy, and faith in God. Her outlook on life is so inspiring. Praying the next chapter in her life will be a inspiration to others.  Wow! She is an inspiration to me. It is never to late to make a change in your life. 

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

I love when family members come to visit. Yes, it means extra work. We do more cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, and visiting. Even with the extra work, it is a labor of love. We love spending time with family.

When you have working professionals come to visit, your dining room becomes their work space.
First, it was a professor from the College of Charleston. Now, we have a government employee parked in our dining room. Instead of placemats, we have work paper and a computer in the dining room. Depending on the weather, we are dining in the kitchen or enjoying our meal outside.


As for cooking, I have prepared soup, pasta casserole, and on  tonight's the menu ... Chicken and Waffles.  I hope you will consider trying this syrup for your Chicken and Waffles.

Now we are preparing for a neighborhood party on Sunday. On the menu... A Labor of Love.

Monday Musings

October is Breast  Cancer Awareness Month. Take the time to schedule your mammogram.  Thousands of people across the country are wearing pink to encourage everyone to stand together in the fight against breast cancer. 
#AKABreastcancerawareness

... we rise up and stand firm

Psalm 20 

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;

may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

May he send you help from the sanctuary

and grant you support from Zion.

May he remember all your sacrifices

and accept your burnt offerings.

May he give you the desire of your heart

and make all your plans succeed. 

May we shout for joy over your victory

And lift up banners in the name of our God.

May the LORD grant all your requests. 

Now this I know:

The LORD gives victory to his anointed.

He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary

with the victorious power of his right hand.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses.

But we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

They are brought to their knees and fail, 

But we rise up and stand firm.

LORD give victory to the king!

Answer us when we call. 

Psalm 20: 1 – 9 (NIV)

Pets of the week: Blue Parakeets

"The more often we see the things around us - even the beautiful and wonderful things- the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of the world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds - even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less. "
Joseph B. Wirthlin

I pray I will  have a fresh perspective and appreciation of the  beauty I see each day.


Now... for a bit about the pets of the week.
After weeks of focusing on dogs as pets of the week, I am grateful to focus these two little parakeets. Gloria is the proud owner of these two birds. They are so sweet.

Friendship Friday

"As iron sharpen iron, so one person sharpens another."

Proverbs 27:17

A true friendship provides an opportunity for friends to grow better together. We become more efficient and more skillful as God the Holy Spirit empowers us to serve.

I thank God for the opportunity to serve in Bible Study Fellowship with Belinda. Serving with my friend Belinda a joy. I wonder, if she realizes what a blessing she is to me.

Thrifty Thursday

Do you have any unfinished projects? Are you in the middle of a sewing project or craft project? Find time to work on the project  each day. I'm sure you will find  joy and satisfaction once you complete the last stitch.

Last week, you were introduced  to two girls who were working on a sewing project for their American Girl Dolls. This week, you will see their finished project. I hope they will be inspired to begin new projects and feel the joy finishing those projects. I look forward to sharing about their upcoming projects.

'"Finishing what you start is important."

Adam Neumann

Special thanks to Cindy for allowing me to share these pictures. 

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

"Most often, it is not the workout that gets us out of bed in the morning. It is the friendships and those unspoken bonds of those counting on us to show up."
F. Flowers

This morning we added a special reason to get out of bed this morning... we offered a Bridal Shower for Nicole our exercise teacher. Class members offered healthy snacks. Grapes, strawberries, water, carrot cake cupcake, etc.