Monday Musings ... Joy

 What is bringing me joy? Here is my short list: family, friends, Thanksgiving leftovers, music, poetry, books, a fresh snowfall,  phone calls, text messages, old sweaters, comfy shoes, Instagram, November vacations, beaches, sandcastles, ocean waves, yogurt, prayers, Zoom Bible Studies in Lexington, Zoom Bible Studies from Nashville, fruit snacks, Peppermint Mocha, FaceTime with family, real newspapers, answers to prayers, a house that is silent,  Zoom Book Clubs, Christmas lights, clean clothes, appliance that work, Bible Studies, nighttime prayers, morning prayers, memories of my mom, dad, sister, hope in the midst of darkness, and so goes the list. 

What is bringing you joy? 

Tasty Tuesday

 In my six decades of living, God has blessed me with a lovely life.  I have a short list of things I want to accomplish or places where I want to travel. Truth be told, I'm okay with staying close to home with family and friends. The place I want to be ... in the center of God's will. 

So, when I experience unexpected pleasures it brings me such joy.  

Earlier this month,  we enjoyed a  visit with dear friends in Georgia. As usual, we enjoyed an evening filled with laughter, conversation, a delicious meal,  a pre birthday celebration and a suprise. What was the surprise? Champagne for my birthday! A first! 

I love this table setting. 

I love the charger, flatware, china, place setting.

Ok, I love everything. 

💖

Monday Musings ... find your people

 While we are in the middle these difficult times, now more than ever find your people who will support you. 

Elizabeth Elliott wrote, "Not many of us are good at being Christians all by ourselves - we're supposed to be a flock or a body. We've got to have help: somebody to study the Bible with, somebody to pray with, and somebody to life us up when we're down." 

... in the shelter of the Most High

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the LORD:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

he is my God, and I trust him.

For he will reduce you from every trap

and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you his wings. 

His faithful promises are your armor and protection. 

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in the darkness, 

nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side.

Though ten thousand are dying around you.

those evils will not touch you.

Just open you eyes,

and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the LORD your refuge,

if you make the Most High your shelter,

no evil will conquer you;

no plague will come near your home;

For he will order his angels

to protect you whenever you go. 

They will hold you up with their hands

so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.

You will trample upon lines and cobras;

you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The LORD says, 'I will rescue those who love me. 

I will protect those who love me. 

I will protect those who trust in my name. 

When they call on me, I will answer; 

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation." 

Psalm 91 : 1 -16 ( New Living Translation) 

Thrifty Thursday

Why shop at thrift stores? Here are a few of my reasons.

1.  Save Money ! You will find high-end items for a fraction of the cost.  

2. Thrift Stores are often attached to charitable causes. Goodwill and Salvation Army are two such non-profit organizations.  "Goodwill works to enhance people's dignity and quality of life by strengthening their communities, eliminating their barriers to opportunity, and helping them reach their full potential through learning and the power of work."  The  Salvation Army's  mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.'

3. To discover new or gently used items. 

4.  To reduce waste and help the environment ...  Careers at thrift stores provide "Green Jobs" These  jobs collect and recycle items that would otherwise become waste and potentially add more waste to landfills. 

5.  For me, I shop for items that I will use seasonally. Today, I shopped at GW Boutique to look for chargers. I purchased  six red plate chargers for a mere $3.50. I plan on using them for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and 4th of July. 

Gw Boutiques are a part of Goodwill.  Early this morning, I was the only person in the store. This is the store where I found the chargers. 

Tasty Tuesday

 "You don't

need  a silver fork

to eat

good food."

Paul Prudhomme

Low Country Shrimp Boil 

Monday Musings ... politics

 "To despair over politics - regardless of which side of the political divide one lands on - as many Christians have done in the current apocalyptic political climate, is to forget that we are but wayfarers in this land. 

Choosing  hope - whether amid the annihilation of the world or merely a political breakdown -  is virtuous."

Karen Swallow Prior 

... pounding waves

"The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;

the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;

indeed, the world is established, firm and secure,

Your throne was established long ago; 

you are from all eternity.

The seas have lifted up, LORD,

the seas have lifted up their voice;

the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mighter than the thunder of the great waters,

mighter than the breakers of the sea - 

the LORD on high is mighty.

Your statues, LORD, stand firm;

holiness, adorns  your house

for endless days. "

Psalm 93 

Friendship Friday

 friend ...

the finest  word 

in any language.

Talbot Jennings 

Today live life fully ...

 While yesterday was Veteran's Day, this is a wonderful quote from a person I follow on Instagram: "Honor our veterans by freely living today to your fullest potential."

 The post continues with this., "Freedom is an extraordinary gift. Just ask our friends in many places around the world. What are you doing with that gift today and everyday? 

My father was a veteran as well as of two of my three brothers. In addition, my son-in-law is a veteran. What does living life to the fullest look like to you? 

#livealifeworththesacrifice #actionoverwords #makeeachdaycount 

Happy Veterans Day

 

"We don't know them all.

But we owe them all. "

unknown  

Hope

 Hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. Hope is the name of this week's pet. She is a rescue greyhound dog from Florida.  Hope is perfect name for an animal who was a part of the eight race tracks in Florida. This beautiful dog has been rescued and now lives in the Bluegrass State.💖

According to National Geographic, "The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end."

Florida voters have decided to effectively  to ban dog racing by the end of 2020. 

Where does your hope rest? God Rescues  us... and gives us hope. 

Friendship Friday

"True friends  are 

never apart

maybe in distance

but never in heart."

Last Sunday, I had a lovely phone visit with a friend. It has been years since we have enjoyed a face to face visit.  We are blessed with a deep connection. Time seemed to evaporate as we began to share what God is doing in our lives.  It was a joy to see how God continues to be faithful in our lives.

Thanking God for these beautiful flowers from Charlene. 

Waiting

" I believe that a trusting attitude and a patient attitude go hand in hand. You see, when you let go and learn to trust God, it releases joy in your life. And when you trust God, you able to be more patient.  Patience is not just about waiting for something ... it's about how you wait, or your attitude while waiting."

Joyce Meyer

Providence of God

"Remember this, keep it in mind,

take it to heart, you rebels.

Remember the former things, those of long ago;

I am God, there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me.

I make known the end from the beginning,

from ancient times, what is still to come.

I say, "My purpose will stand, 

and I will do all  that I please."

From the east I summon a bird of prey,

 from a far-off land a man to fulfill my purpose.

What I have said, that will I bring about;

what I have planned, that will I do."

Isaiah 46: 8 - 11

 

November

 "She stands 

In tattered gold

Tossing bits of amber

And jade, jewels of year grown old:

November"

Zephyr Ware Tarver (1886- 1974)

American Poet