Pet of the week, Griff

"Huskies are typically high in engery and extremely independent. Little did we know, we'd get the opposite. This is Griff. He is a two year old Wooly Coat Husky (that just means he has a longer coat than usual). He loves naps and hates being alone. His favorite thing to do is play with his mom and dad, or go to daycare and see all his friends. That said, Griff is extremely lovable and playful. He however is very sensitive and gets his feeling her easily, so we're careful with our tone and how he is disciplined. We definitely have a special snowflake ... our little cookies and cream Husky,"
Text submitted by my friend, J

Tasty Tuesday

What is your favorite Halloween Candy?  Too many choices? 

Candy Corn? 

Monday Musings ... fires

How did I miss the obvious theme in this book? “After listening to Nancy, I say, “Of course that makes perfect sense. At the morning book club  we delved even deeper into the book’s themes, I listened closely.  Book discussions are often rich because participants who have dissimilar life experiences, education, and world views. Instead of becoming irritated that others do not see things as I do, I appreciate their point of view.  I’m able respect their viewpoint without embracing it.

Last month I volunteered to lead this month’s discussion. Our October’s selection was Little Fires Everywhereby Celeste Ny. The discussion took several different turns … current college cheating scandal, planned communities, privilege, parenting, abortion, burdens, choices, and so on … 

This novel opens with the aftermath of a fire set by Izzy.  Over the next three hundred pages, we come to know two very different families.  While Izzy sets a literal fire in one home. In contrast, another character  sets fires with her tongue. Everywhere she goes, she set fires with her tongue. When she had lunch with a friend, her words started a fire. In meeting with strangers, her words sparked a blaze. In conversations with a daughter, her words ignited a fire.

We noted in our discussion, we need to pay attention to our words. Our words also have the power to create havoc. 

This remark sparked a memory. In the book of James, there are some important words regarding the tongue and fire… I think these words are worth reading:  “The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. James 3:6a 

The entire book of James in the New Testament is worth reading. 

... that leads to life.

So then, 

even to Gentiles 

God has granted repentance 

that leads to life. 

Acts 11: 18 (NIV) 

Pet of the week, Amos

  Can you guess the breed of this dog? Well,  Amos is a Grand Bleu de Gasconge ( French lineage of this breed).This breed has been described as scenthound and is a typical hunting pack hound. "Dogs of this breed should show an attitude of calm strength and nobleness." (Wikipedia) 

In the United States the name of this breed is the Bluetick Coonhound.  The breed originated in Louisana. Amos's owner shared that  he is a descendent of Smokey, Mascot of the University of Tennessee.

I love his name! Amos! The meaning of Amos: strong; carried; and brave.  What a perfect description of this dog. 

Do you know the origin of the name of Amos? Amos was an Old Testament prophet in the 8th century. If you have time, I highly recommend reading the book of Amos. Then, I would dig deeper and read some commentary regarding this book. As you dig deeper in God's Word, I assure you will not be disappointed. In the book, you will discover themes of hypocrisy, judgment, and mercy. It is so good.  

Friendship Friday

"Perhaps this place in this country 
would be a better served

with a few more unexpected friendships."

Rep. Mark Meadows speaking of his friend Rep. Elijah Cummings

Rep. Elijah Cummings
1951 - 2019

Practice being at peace ...

"Come, children of God, and listen to me.
I'll share the lesson I've learned of fearing the LORD 
Do you want to live a long, good life, 
enjoying the beauty that fills each day?
Then never speak a lie or allow a wicked words
to come from your mouth.
Keep turning your back on every sin, 
and make "peace" your life motto.
Practice being at peace with everyone. 
Psalm 34: 12 - 14 ( TPT The Passion Translation) 

Pet of the week, Winnie

Winnie is in training to be a service dog. I met her while I was visiting at a local university.

I wonder about her future. Who will she help? What obstacles will she help her  owner overcome? How will she help this individual live a richer and fuller life.

Once she is fully trained, her trainers will say good bye as they allow her to be released to fulfill her purpose.

Friendship Friday

"How many slams in an old screen door?
Depends on how loud you shut it.
How many slices of  bread in a loaf?
Depends on how thin you cut it.
How much good inside a day?
Depends how good you live 'em.
How much love inside a friend?
Depends how much you give "em."
Shel Silverstein


Elaine and I have been friends for nearly a decade. Over this decade we have shared many fellowship meals, late Monday night dinners at IHOP, conversations over scriptures, singing hymns, and so many laughs.

This summer, we both underwent hip replacement surgery. Today, we both received our flu shots.
How much love is in our friendship? There is no way to calculate how we measure the love. Our love is an overflow of our from God to one another.

Tasty Tuesday

Before the meal is served, we strive to create a comfortable setting for our guests. We use our everyday china, candles and flatware. In the background, we have music. As soon as they enter our home, I want them to know that they are loved.

Monday Musings ... Movies

"Going to movie with friends or our significant other can be a cherished time especially if you're surrounded by an excited audience.  But there's nothing like being in an empty theater, the air conditioning blasting away, while your enjoying a film free from judgment  or rude voices. "
Kwame Opam

Watching a movie in the theater is a experience that is well worth the effort.  I love  sharing the experience with my hubby and friends.

Indeed... earlier this year, I saw  the movie "The Farewell" by myself. It was a sweet alone time. I sat in the darken theater with a few other souls. What a sweet movie. One critic said this of the movie, "The lovely paradox of "The Farewell' is that everyone in it tries to hide their feeling as long as they can, yet their story goes straight to you heart."

While this movie is no longer playing in theaters, it is now available on Amazon.  You will miss the theater experience, yet you will surely love this remarkable movie.

Last night, ten individuals gathered around our dinner table laughing and discussing the movie.
The name of our group, Movie Groovy Group. 

How should we respond

(We have seen God's mercy and wisdom: how should we respond?) With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you,  my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves toward the goal of maturity.
Romans 12: 2 (Phillips)

Fashion Friday

"Fashion has two purposes: comfort and love

Beauty comes when fashion succeeds."

Coco Chanel

My friends have an impeccable sense of style. While, they have a keen sense of how to dress well, it is their inner beauty that shines.

What is your best accessory?
Your smile!
😀

half-truth

"The adage that "practice makes perfect is only 

a half-truth. A more precise and 

accurate conception is that with deliberate practice with 

informed feedback 

makes perfect.

Tim Baldwin 

We cannot walk the entire trail.
We stop at the half way point.
I rest on a bench.
Then, we return to the car.
Sometimes a half is okay.
When is a half acceptable?
What do you think?

unfailing love ...

"Then, they cried out to the LORD in their
trouble,
and he brought them out of their
distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired
haven.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his
unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Psalm 107: 28 - 31