Tasty Tuesday

 This Sunrise Drink is available at First Watch Restaurants.   This non- alcoholic drink is tasty. 

Monday Musings ... light

Is there really light at the end of the tunnel?  Or, are current circumstances the new reality? Each day there seems to be  a constant but certain flow of troubles, disasters, and tragedies.  Unless I am  intentional about  finding places of joy, I will be in a constant state of fear and dismay. 

 It is hard to escape the sobering news from television, radio, and social media. It is also challenging to find any hope in the midst of everyday sadness.

Yet. Hope is available. 

On a recent walk to the park, I saw a people who are bringing light into dark situations.  In the midst of this  pandemic,  organizations and churches are finding ways to help individuals who are struggling with addictions.  

Last Saturday, Overdose Awareness Day was held at a local park.  This was the eighth annual event  which supports recovering people and their families and honors those lost to substance use disorders. 

One church was on site providing  free flavored coffees Another  church offered free sandwiches and drinks. Information booths were available to help people become trained to offer assistance. 

Yes. There we know there is hope. While we offer prayers,  we must combine our faith in Jesus with deeds of kindness.  Overdose Awareness Day is just one example of bringing light into dark situations. 

Currently communities in Louisiana and Mississippi  are suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.  HelpSalvationArmy is one place where individuals may offer help. I'm sure there are organizations that preparing to bring truckloads of food, water, and necessities to those who are hurting. 

FREE NARCAN

Do you know someone at risk of an 

OPIOID OVERDOSE?
FREE NALOXONE
TRAINING AND
NARCAN KIT

...good deeds

 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses it saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out trampled  underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. "

Matthew 5: - 13 - 16 

Sullivan

 Dependable and predictable  are two words that have been used to described the English Bulldog. This breed has also been described as a wonderful family pet.  As you can see from this picture, this breed is muscular and hefty. What is their temperament?  docile, friendly, and gregarious. 

I met Sullivan last week during our travels.  Look at his face! That punched-in nose is so cute. 

Friendship Friday

 "Kindness is a passport

that opens doors

and fashions friends.

It softens hearts and molds

relationships that can last lifetimes."

Joseph B. Wirthlin

Tips from a ninety year old...

 When you wake up in the morning... thank the LORD

Before you go to sleep at night thank the LORD

During the day... pray for your family and friends

If you having difficulty walking... use a cane... if you need more stability use a walker

Be specific in your prayer requests

Be faithful in prayer

Today... we celebrated the birthday of this dear friend...  tomorrow take a moment and check out the blog. You will see her sweet face

💖😀

First Nations

 "There are 574 federally recognized Indian Nations (variously called tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities, and native villages) in United States.  Online source. 

This sculpture is located in Omaha, Nebraska at the Joslyn Museum. 

Tasty Tuesday

 Last week, we celebrated our 43 wedding anniversary. We shared a lovely dinner and  dessert. . Special thanks to our daughter and son-in-law. 

"Desserts are the fairy tales of the kitchen a happily - ever- after to supper."

Terri Guillemets

Are there real life fairy tale marriages? 

Monday Musings ... eyes to see

 "I cannot show 

you my God;

not because there is no

God to show, 

but because you have 

no eyes to see Him."

Saint Augustine

Return to me with all your heart ...

"Even now," declares the LORD,

"return to me with all your heart,

with fasting and weeping and mourning."

Rend your heart

and not your garments,

Return to the LORD your God.

for he is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and relent

and leave behind a blessing - 

grain offerings and drink offerings

for the LORD your God." 

Joel 2: 12-14 

What to do on Saturdays...

sleep in, pray,  treat yourself to late breakfast, attend a neighborhood parade, walk, read, sit in the sun, paint a Rainbow, watch track and field events, shop sales, sip lemonade, eat cashews, pray, text  birthday greetings,  eat Teddy Grahams, pray, walk a dog...

If you are Earle the pet of the week ... you find a cozy place to sleep.

Kindness challenge

 In July, I participated in the "Kindness Challenge". While the challenge has ended, I continue to be intentional to explore ways to extend kindness. 

Random acts of kindness... where? 

 As as result of traveling to over five states over the past six months,  it seems natural that we might offer some acts of kindness to hotel staff. Gift certificates, coasters, handcrafted cards, gum, chocolate kisses, cups,  and thank you cards.  I dropped it off at the front desk.  Anonymously of course! 

"This is an  unprecedented time. It's time for unprecedented kindness."

Source: Inspire kindness

Tasty Tuesday

 

Monday Musings ... suffering

 "Out of suffering have emerged

the strongest souls; the massive character

are seared with scars."

Khalil Gibran

It is difficult to see anywhere on earth where there is not suffering and pain.  For those who are enduring the suffering, I pray God will be with them in their trial. For those who are alone, I pray God will send someone to be present with them. Lord, help us be the hands and feet to comfort and aid those who are in need. God guide, provide and give peace.  In the name of Jesus. 

Ruby

 "Friendly, gentle, lively, watchful, calm... these are the words that have been used to described the St. Benard.  This bred was originally bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St. Benard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border." Wikipedia

I met Ruby and her owners at Rest Stop in Indiana.  

I hope Ruby has many happy years with her new owners.  Ruby is only eight weeks old. 

What is a holler?

"A holler is a place to where the sun come up late and sets early. After the sun sets, it's still a couple of hours before it gets dark. It's a place where you can let your young'uns, dog, cat, and chickens run loose in the yard." Definition from Merriam-Webster on line. 

Well... here is the establishment ... the Chocolate Holler

Tasty Tuesday

 My favorite summer salad... 

Spinach, feta cheese, blueberries, and chucks of watermelon. 

Monday Musings ...agape love

 Agape - definition

"It's the selfless, unconditional type of love that helps people forgive one another, to respect one another, and to serve one another, day in and day out."

Another definition  - Agape love is perfect, unconditional, sacrificial and pure. 

Word origin ... Greek

earthen vessels ...

 "But when have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body."

2 Corinthians 4: 7 - 10 

little dogs

 Little dogs bark at everything that moves.

Big dogs stay silent until it matters. 

Unknown

Friendship Friday

 What keeps me coming back again and again to the pool and exercise class? Friends and Fun. There is  a wonderful connection between friends and motivation to come to class. Exercise is always fun with some exercise buddies.

This exercise teacher makes it fun and challenging. 😎😍😊💪

Smile

 "Let us always meet each other with a smile,

 for the smile is the beginning of love."

Mother Teresa

I appreciate  dentists and dental hygienists... especially mine. 

"They are making the world better one smile at a time." 

 

Tasty Tuesday .... Birthday cake

Chocolate Cake 

 

What is the secret of staying young?

"The secret of staying young is

to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age."

Lucille Ball 

Singing Happy Birthday to my friends. 

💖

Monday Musings...

 It has been a long sixteen months since I have attended worship services at our local congregation. I have visited another congregation  ...  it is not the same as going into the  sanctuary in our building. 

For over a year, I have logged on to Facebook or You Tube to listen to sermons. I was able to sit in the comfort of my home. Yet ... I was longing to be a part of in person services.  So I could say in complete agreement with what  King David wrote in  Psalm 122

Psalm 122

"I rejoiced with those who said to me.

"Let us go to the house of the LORD."

Our feet are standing 

in your gates, Jerusalem."

Verses 1-2.

Indeed... I was rejoicing.  For two days in a row, I am grateful to be in church. Yes, we are wearing masks and there are some limits of who is able to attend in person. Grateful.💖