... 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.