What a friend ...

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, through for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this' While we were still sinners Christ died for us.
Romans 5: 6 - 8  (NIV)

What a friend ... we have in Jesus

Holy Week

Monday Musings ... cousins

"Cousins are people that are ready made friends, you have laughs with them and remember good times from a young age, you have fights with them but you always know you love each other, they are a better thing than brothers and sisters and friends cause they are all pierced together as one. "
Courtney Cox 

Love one another

"Owe nothing to anyone - except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will  fulfill the requirements of God's law. For the commandments say, "You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet. " These and other commandments are summed up in one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law. 

This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer than now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for others to see.  Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living,  or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about how to indulge your evil desires. 

Romans 13: 8 -14 (New Living Translation)

Pet of the week, Caison

 Susan is the scribe for this week's pet, Caison.

Last week, Caison celebrated St. Patrick's Day. 

"Hi. My name is Caison. My mommy lost her pure bred Border Terrier a few months earlier and was looking for a rescue. As my breed in relatively rare, I am hard to find. I was in a shelter in Tennessee.  Mom started out the next morning calling the shelter to ensure that I was still there. By 11 am the next day, I saw my mom and started wagging.

I may have some Irish Terrie in me, as I am a mixed breed. If I say so myself, I am very intelligent and obey my family quite well.

I do love greeting company, however, and much to Mom's dismay my excitement over rules her desires. Thank goodness I soon settle down and able able to be with everyone."

Friendship Friday

Our friendship is a study in contrasts. She is a the daughter of Italian immigrants. I'm a fifth generation Hoosier. As a descendants of slaves, my family history is limited to the 1800's. Angela is a native New Yorker.  I'm a product of rural American. Angela is tall, thin, and blonde. Well, ... I am not.

Yet, I love that we have much in common. We are wives, mothers, grandmothers, friends,  Mah Jongg players, and most importantly we are Christians.

When my daughter was pregnant, she faithfully prayed for her. At our lunch earlier this week, I shared new pictures of my granddaughter. Yes, she commented, "She is beautiful." I thanked her for her prayers during her pregnancy . She, said, " I  still pray for them." I am grateful that she continues to pray for them.

I love friends that pray.  Which one of your friends  do you share your prayer concerns?

Tasty Tuesday

"It's a wonderful time when you sit down around the table for dinner and discuss life. No matter where you are, it gives the semblance of normalcy to my crazy world."
Melina Kanakaredes

I am  savoring the joy of last weekend's BSF Retreat in Cincinnati. In the midst of  a chaotic news cycle, this weekend was like an oasis to be with other believers.

There were over 4, 000 women and men who attended this retreat. Can you image the behind the scenes details of the catering company?  This is one of the banquet halls where meals were served. 
Meals are a wonderful way to connect with others.

Who will you call and invite to share a meal together?

Tasty Tuesday

This little leprechaun has a small pot of gold.

March Cooking Light Menu

Irish Theme Luncheon 

Curried Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Shepard's Pie

Panko Crusted Broccolini

Irish Soda Bread

Guinness Brownies

Chilled Water

Irish Coffee 

Assorted Beverages

Be devoted to one another in love.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep you spiritual fervor in the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Romans 12: 9 - 16

Pet of the week Roscoe

  I think pet must tolerate some of the outfits that they wear. Some of the outfits are cute. But necessary?

Roscoe's owner was careful to hide him as she shopped in a Cracker Barrel.

Friendship Friday

"Beautiful things come together one stitch at a time."

Unknown

I believe that friendships also come together one step at a time. Over the past fourteen years, I have had the joy developing a friendship with this dear one. Nancy and I become acquainted as the result of a local volunteer organization in our community.  

Over the years, we have enjoyed  so many special moments ...Nancy's surprise birthday party, farewell event for friends, Cooking Light group, and conversations regarding her mission trips to Kenya.  She even provided delicious meals while I recovered from knee surgery. In addition, we both are participants in Bible Study Fellowship. 

I am amazed how God has gifted her. She inspires me to work hard any gift that God has given me.  
Look at her sweater! Yes! She knitted this gorgeous sweater.  She said it was fun!  
I thank God for friends like this sweet woman. 

spread the word

Special Olympic Volunteers
were at the table. 

In the lobby of our local Y, I see colorful balloons, wrists bands, markers, and a banner. The display is strategically located so every patron that visits the Y for an exercise class will take notice.

Young volunteers are bringing awareness to their cause.
One of the volunteers inquires of me ...
Volunteer : Do you know what word we are talking about ending?
M: No. Tell me
Volunteer: The word is retarded

 In our short conversation, we talk about hurtful words. While we talked about this word, she also gave me an example of other words that hurt. I hope you are making a mental lists words that can offer restoration, healing, forgiveness and hope.

What word would you like to end? What are words of hope that you can spread? What are some words of eternal value will you share?

Friendship Friday

"Just thinking about a friend makes you want to to a happy dance,

because a friend is someone who loves you in 

spite of your faults.

Charles M. Shultz, the creator of the cartoon Peanuts

a mother's strength

"Only out of great vulnerability do you discover what strength you have. Having a daughter who I love with all my being has helped me mine the source of that strength to previously unknown depths."
Emila Fox 

When I became a mother thirty-seven years ago, I gained strength I never knew I had. Today, I have a mother's love that continues to grow. 

Happy Birthday to my daughter.