So long, September

 September is slowing evaporating away. In hours, this month will be history.  I look at my September calendar in disbelief. How is this possible that the month is almost over.  This calendar is a little crooked. Like much of our collective lives. Every day is a little tilted or off. 

What  about your  September days... How did they look?  What are the "normal" parts of your life? What brings you joy?

What brings me joy? ... participating in a Nashville Bible Study via Zoom.  I became a part of this study in September. I love seeing each person's face and hearing their stories. I am humbled that they have welcomed me as a part of their group. 

National Daughter's Day

 "If I could give my daughter three things, 

it would be to be the confidence to always know her self-worth, 

the strength to chase her dreams, 

and the ability to know how truly, deeply loved she is."

Unknown

Mah Mavens ...

Our weekly Mah Jonng games have been suspended. We no longer go from home to home to enjoy our weekly games. They have been suspended due to the current pandemic.  

What do we do?  The weekly games have been replaced by our Zoom video visits.  We keep current by sharing our reading lists, family visits, new adventures, and upcoming travel plans. The Mavens share how they are keeping current by playing Mahjong online. As for me, I have not ventured to play on line.  I wonder, will I be able to play this year? 

What is a Maven? One online dictionary  defines  maven as an expert or a connoisseur. I  consider members of our group, experts. That word does not define me.  I know my skills have improved while playing with them. Maybe I am a maven in training. 😙

They are my Mahjong friends. While, we began our time together playing this delightful game our conversations have extended beyond the game.   In some ways,  these friendships are giving me great joy. I like how it is stated in the scripture from Proverbs 27:9 

"Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy,

for good friends are like fragrant incense of God's presence."  (The Passion Translation) 

 

Wheel

There are many spokes on the wheel of life.

 

Tech Tuesday

 Are you experiencing technology fatigue? Since in-person gatherings have dwindled down to a few face-to-face encounters, I wonder how our communities are handling the isolation.  I especially wonder about  folks who are home alone.  Plan telephone visits with your family and friends. 

For me, I am ready for a more face time with the people I love and call  family and friends. 

Since the beginning of September, I have participated in a Zoom Family Reunion, Zoom Bible Study, Zoom Book Club,  Zoom Worship Service, Zoom Training, Zoom Debriefing,  Zoom Club Meeting,  and with more Zoom meeting on the calendar. I am almost Zoom outed. 

I know, the benefits far outweigh the negative. We experience face to face communication with no face masks. So, until we meet and hug in person. Keep Zooming. 

Willis Pet of the week

"Wha'choo talkin 'bout Willis." was the  signature phrase that  Arnold Jackson spoke in the television show Different Strokes spoken by Gary Coleman.

Well, Willis is this week's pet of the week. He is one year old and full of puppy energy. I recently met Willis owner as we visited over their fence. 

I am excited that our neighbor took the first step to introduce herself to us. Sometimes, we never make connections with people who live in our backyards. Do you know all of your neighbors? I think I need to make some goodies. 

small acts of kindness

"Even the smallest acts of service, the simplest acts of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11. If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate." 

President Obama 

... unmute me

 Unmute me!  

For sixty-four years, the Carter Family Reunion has been held during Labor Day Weekend. Since  Covid-19  pandemic has  impacted every part of our lives, this year's reunion had to be held virtually. 

We did not want to miss this year!  While we were not in the same city physically, we connected on our phones, computers, and iPads via Zoom! Family from ten different states participated in the  Zoom Reunion.

Some things were different, yet some things remained the same ...while we didn't share a meal together, we shared recipes, songs, prayers,  and conversations. 

One problem, we were challenged to unmute participants . With nearly 100 cousins on line, it was difficult to hear all the competing conversations. So many messages, with this common request, "Unmute me!"

You have searched me,

 You have searched me, LORD

and you know me.

You know me when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive me my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

you, LORD, know it completely.

You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. 

too lofty for me to attain. 

Psalm 139: 1 -6

shuffle with perseverance

 Over the past three weeks,  have been humbled with pain that makes me bend over and grimace in pain. I so grateful for technology that allows my physician to connect with me. Giving thanks for effective treatment plans.   This poem ... spoke to me.  It might resonate with you. 

"While others run fast, you can just

shuffle with perseverance.

While other impress,

you can simply press on. 

While others stop for the dark,

you can run through the dark,

The race is won by those who keep

running through the dark.

You've got to keep running

through the dark

because the Light is rising 

within you

The low lying storm cloud

that hangs over you can't 

master the light of Christ

that raises you.

Darkness does't 

have anything

on light

on hope, on faith. 

Sometimes the best

training for the really

big things is just the 

everyday things. 

Ann Voskamp 

September

 One SEPTEMBER morning

I went to a place beyond dawn

A source of sweetness that flows

and is never less. I have been shown 

a beauty that would confuse both worlds. 

source: Unknown