Wise Words

"Rest and self-care are so important. 

When you take time to replenish your spirit,

it allows you to serve others from the overflow. 

You cannot serve others  from an empty vessel."

Eleanor Brown. 

Tasty Tuesday

  These gorgeous flowers brightened our dining table and made an ordinary day - extra-ordinary. They provided a lovely addition for our dinner. The flowers were a gift from our son.

Our daughter and son -in-law generously offered a catered meal as part of my recovery.
As I focused on the recovery and therapy, I am grateful for our children who are a perfect tag team is giving us exactly what we needed.

 What is the perfect dessert? 

If it is peach season, I suggest you use peaches in a pie or cobbler. 

This dessert was delish! 

Monday Musings ...

Are you a part of a growing number of individuals who have had a joint replacement surgery? If you are, you join the ranks of 7 million Americans who are living with an artificial knee. Or, maybe your hip has been replaced. If so, you join over 2.5 million who are living with a new hip. Over the past decade, the numbers of people who have had joint replacement surgeries continue to steadily increase. Many Americans decide to  undergo surgery to maintain an active lifestyle and continue their exercise routines.

Speaking about exercise … Did you regularly attend any exercise class? If so, it did not take you long for you to overhear or participate in conversations related to our health, surgeries, and possible joint replacement surgery.  Folks are eager to share recommendations regarding surgeons, hospitals, and recovery time. Take it all in. If you don’t need the advice now, you may need it later. 

Once surgery is in your rear-view mirror, you will have the challenge of physical therapy. Recovery after surgery is challenging.  Don’t give up, keep going, encourage others in the process, endure the temporary  challenges to enjoy long term benefits.

Almost two weeks ago, I underwent hip replacement surgery. What has been my most challenging part of the process? Pain and physical therapy 

My surgery and  recovery have been are easier because my family and friends have prayed for me.

 If you know someone who is planning to have any type of surgery, please pray Daily life requires a lifestyle of prayer. 

Wait patiently for the LORD ...

"Teach me how to live, O LORD.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.
Do not let me fall into their hands.
For they accuse me of things I've never
done;
with every breath they threaten me with violence.
Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's
goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.

Waiting patiently for the LORD.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.
Psalm 27: 11 -14

Tears ...

I am shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of my friend. We were praying and hoping that she would recover and return home. My comfort tonight  ... remembering legacy and her love for the LORD Jesus.

Tears ... 

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love."
Washington Irving.

Declare

"Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all the peoples."

Psalm 96:3 

Surprise ...

"Each day holds a surprise. But only is we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy it will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity."
Henri Nouwen

Friendship Friday

"I cannot image where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun."
Chuck R. Swindoll

I am grateful to call "M" my friend.
She is witty, engaging, and just plain fun.
She is also a  devoted mother, grandmother, and a great- grandmother.
She is holding this week's pet of the week, Stella.
Stella is a Calivier King Charles Spaniel.
This breed is classified as a toy dog by the
American Kennel Club.
Stella is a simply adorable. 

Happy 4th of July

"May we think of freedom

not as the right to 

do as we please,

but as the opportunity  to do

what is right."

Peter Marshall 

Tasty Tuesday ... cupcake

"Cupcakes are utilitarian. 

No pesky plates and forks to wash afterwards.  

Fewer dishes, more efficiency."

Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero 

Cupcakes A to Z, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, 2006

Monday Musings ... sailing

"What if others suffer shipwreck,
yet none that sail with Jesus
have ever been stranded yet." 
Charles Spurgeon 

I spotted this remote sailboat at a local park.