Monday Musings ...God's handiwork

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to  do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10

In eternity past, God prepared good works for us to do. Is that amazing to you? It is to me. In reality, pondering the timeless nature of God always gives me pause. God created time.   From Genesis to Revelation, God has unfolded His plan for redemption.

So before we were born, God has created us to do good works. We are not redeemed by good works. God redeemed us through faith in Jesus for good works for His glory.

Pause ...  back to God's handiwork. People are God's handiwork. People ...
This weekend, we took time to celebrate "J"'s birthday.


This weekend, we celebrated my husband's birthday.  On Friday, we attended a benefit dinner. The dinner benefited, The Provision School. On Saturday, we enjoyed dinner at Nick Ryans.Then on Sunday evening, we enjoyed a Minnesota theme dinner with neighbors.

I hope you have an opportunity to pause and celebrate God's handiwork.

For we are God's handiwork ...

Ruby ...

Ruby is  this week's pet. This sweet puppy lives in our neighborhood. Ruby has so much energy and personality.
Puppies make life fun.

Friendship Friday

"Your fitness journey isn't always about you ...
inspiring others along the way is just as important."
unknown

For years, I avoided fitness classes, I had preferred walks at Radnor Lake, walking on a track, or for the solitary exercise on a elliptic machine. More recently, I have discovered the joy of developing fitness buddies. Friends offer encouragement to keep going. I love that they welcome you back with a smile. 

Every so often, we meet after class for coffee. 

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

I love independently  owned businesses. My  new favorite: Cherry Seed Coffee Roastery.
After exercise class this morning, my buddies and I took time to connect after class.
I appreciate they have so many tasty offerings! Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Steamed milk, scones, muffins, and more.

My drink this morning: Mexican Mocha
This delicious drink has just the right balance of everything. 

Monday Musings

“The Bible does speak to every issue in life, and political issues are informed by our theology. There’s no such things as a politician or political issue that is not theological. You cannot do politics without theology. So we have to break this false dichotomy. 

Voddie Baucham

Pets of the week

Earlier today, I met these gentle dogs met at a local store.

I think they could be friends. At least they are sniffing their noses. 
#nicetomeetyou #whatisyourname

Friendship Friday

"Family and friends and faith are the most important things in your life 

and you should be building friendships."

Barbara Bush

1925 - 2018 

tools for success

Co chairs of our local Women2Women Program
On the right was tonight's speaker. 

Are you enthusiastic about serving in your community? What fuels your passion to make a difference in the lives of others?

Earlier this evening, I attended our monthly Lexington Altrusa meeting. At each meeting, I learn about inspiring work that happens in our community.  Click here:  Altrusa Lexington to discover more about our local club.

Tonight's speaker was from Lexington's Chapter of Dress for Success. Are you familiar with their mission? If not, here is their mission statement:

"The mission for Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional development and the development of tools to help women thrive in work and life."

Visit  this site Dress for Success to discover if you have a chapter in your city.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Tomorrow, April 18 is IU Day. What is IU day? "It is a 24 -hour,  binge-watching,  gift-giving, social-sharing celebration of Indiana University."  To kick start my celebration,  this afternoon I enjoyed a cup of tea and a petite four. 

Did you know that Indiana University is the10th largest public university in the United States. With a student population of 49,695, the university's impact is worldwide.

This little petite four is perfect size confectionery. It is packed full of sweet deliciousness. If it was any bigger it would not be perfect.

Monday Musings

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection.  ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”

Leonardo da Vinci

... with all joy

“May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you  may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

Romans 15: 13 (NIV)

Pet of the week, Bella

One note, Bella's owners and I attend the same church.

 Bella is both beautiful and gentle.  She has an adorable face.What do you think?

Here are a few of the details I  discovered about  this breed the Cane Corso. "Cane Corso ( Courser) dervives its name from the Latin 'cohort', meaning 'protector'. The Romans used the breed to guard livestock, hunting game and as fighters in war."

I met Bella and her owner as I was picking up Josie at the kennel. Our dogs will never interact at the kennel. Large dogs and small dogs have separate play times. Josie is a dainty 11 pounds and Bella is well over 100 pounds.
Did I mention the name of the kennel? Hickman Creek Kennel.

Friendship Friday

"Friends make the world beautiful."

Indeed.

I cherish the moments that we (J and I)  are able to reconnect with friends.  Last weekend, we were able to spend time with  our young friends. As we look back, we remember the time they were courting,  the engagement, a wedding in Savannah, a baby shower in our home, visits to Georgia,  and then visits in Kentucky.

We have seen this young couple grow as newlyweds and now as parents.This year they will celebrate ten years of marriage this December.

Now, we pray God will give us the opportunity to show them how to grow old with grace and  trust God in all circumstances. Learning goes both ways in friendships.

Our friend ... her daughter ... her nephew is photo bombing ... her hubby is sitting beside me. 

Wordless Wednesday

Snoopy

A staff member was awarded the "Trooper" Award
Sounds like they did something really good.

"Always believe something wonderful is going to happen. Even with all the ups and downs, never take a day for granted. Smile, cherish the little things and remember to hug the ones you really love." 
Snoopy

Friendship Friday

"Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning."
Unknown source

Denise is a friend.  We  are also  members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She is also an amazing teacher.  Students in her classroom are fortunate to have her as their teacher. Her passion for service in the community extends beyond the classroom.

For years, Denise has been coordinating the minority doll drive for our graduate sorority chapter. I love this effort ... minority children receive dolls that reflect their ethnicity. The doll drive is just one of her many volunteer efforts.

Which of your friends inspire you?


This year she has been elected as the Soror of the year. She is so deserving.