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.