Advent

Our Pastor's Sermon title:  Advent Announcement 

Scripture: Isaiah 7: 10 - 14

The four Sundays preceding  Christmas represent Advent. The candles on the Advent wreath represent four virtues, hope, love, joy and peace. 

Catholic and some Protestant church observe Advent... the anticipation of the birth of the Messiah, Jesus. 

Billy Graham said this about Advent: 

"Some churches emphasis the Advent Season more that others, but all Christians look forward to celebrating Christ's birth during this season of the year. Why was Jesus' birthday so important? The reason is because slightly over 2,000 years ago, God stopped done from Heaven and became a human being: Jesus Christ. As the Bible says.

The Word become flesh and made his dwelling among us.

John 1: 14 (NIV)

Here is a picture of our Advent Wreath. 

Online resources are available regarding Advent. 

Pudge, Pet of the week

 Pudge is adorable.  He is a big bundle of cute.  Pudge is an English Bulldog. 

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticism."

George Eliot, British Author

Pudge brings his owner such joy. Walks on the beach and life in South Carolina. What could be better? 

Friendship Friday

There is a special bond between first cousins. "Cousins are often a child's first best friend. They are friends which are related to you, which is even better." 

While there is a genetic bond between cousins, we are blessed because we share so much more. We are fortunate because we share our faith, hobbies, recipes, stories, hints, books, and so much more. 

Grateful this Thanksgiving week, I shared Thanksgiving with my cousin Cindy. 

 

A Taste of the South ... Shrimp and Grits

Earlier this month, on November 16, I attended a cooking demonstration facilitated by Nettie. After her demonstration, each participant enjoyed a bowl of  Shrimp and Grits. 

Who were the participants? We were travelers from all across the country. People were from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Colorado, Florida, and Quebec. In a little over an hour, we bonded over a meal.   I hope everyone will embrace this week of Thanksgiving and make gratitude a daily lifestyle.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."

Melody Beattie 

The grits were the best! 

Monday Musings ... Thanksgivng Week

Are you busy preparing for a busy Thanksgiving week?  Are you  busy cleaning, preparing, and cooking for a traditional get-together. One friend reminded us not to let the preparation cloud the importance spending time with the people we love.  

What will your Thanksgiving Day look like? Will you enjoy a quiet day? Will you travel to visit friends or family? Or maybe you will   share a meal with friends at a local restaurant.  I have heard this saying for the past two days, every day is a day of thanksgiving.  Do you agree? 

\

I like this quote from Annette Bridges:

"Gratitude, 

helps us to see what is there instead

of what isn't" 

Shout for joy ...

 "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness, 

come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who had made us, and we are his.

We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever,

his faithfulness continues through 

all generations. 

Psalm 100 

What motivates you?

 Last evening, I attended our Wednesday night Bible Study via Zoom. Our pastor posed this question: "What motivates you?"

This question was used as an introduction to the evening's study in his series of teaching Building Bridges:  Sharing the Good News.

 I loved the question, because it made me pause the think.

What really motivates me? Loving God, Loving People, and sharing God's love with others.

At one point in my life, pleasing my parents was my motivation. Then, I recalled a memory of of Daddy. What motivated my father? Every morning, my dad would begin his day by reading the Bible.  Each evening, he ended his day on his knees praying to God.

Today would have been my dad's 96 birthday! My Dad's example is a precious memory.

What motivates you? 

Monday Musings ... vacation

"Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion."

Leigh Hunt

For five days,  our family experienced a sweet time of  vacationing together. Traveling from different parts of the country, we gathered for beach time. What did our time together look like? Walking on the beach, collecting sea shells, trying new recipes, exercising,  gathering around the dinner table, listening to music, laughing, discussing world events, and relaxing. 

... house on the sand

 " Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation  on the rock., Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowd were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."

Matthew 7:24 - 29 (NIV) 

Pet of the week, Maddie

 

Maddie is Cairn Terrier. This terrier breed  has its origin in Scotland.  The breed is one the country's earliest  working dogs. 

 Maddie works at a boutique store in Hilton Head. She is a working dog that wears pearls.  Maddie is  a lovely example of keeping busy as you age. Maddie is 16 years of age. Other pearl necklaces are available for purchase. 

seeking friends ...

"Let us seek friends that will stir us up about our prayers, our Bible reading, our use of time, our souls, and our salvation."

J.C.Ryle 

Veterans Day

 

To our men and women in uniform,

past, present, and future,

God Bless you and keep you.

Thank you.

Source: unknown

A Taste of the South

 This afternoon I attended a Taste of the South: Southern Cooking Demonstration and Tasting 

Nettie's Fennel and Bean Soup

Ingredients

1/2 cup of chopped fennel from the bulb

1 cup of chopped onion 

1 tbsp of minced garlic

1/2 c of chopped celery

2 cans of diced tomatoes

1 box of chicken stock

1 can of great northern beans

1 can of cannelloni beans

1 pack of mild sausage

1 pack of Italian sausage

1 container of spinach

Steps

1. Saute onions, fennel, celery  and garlic. Cook until garlic is  light brown
2. Add in broth. sausages chopped into half an inch slices. Sautee until skin loosens and turns light brown,
3. Add tomatoes into the mixture
4. Add chicken stock, simmer until all ingredients combine about 20 minutes
5. Rinse beans in cold water. Drain. Add to mixture
6. Add a handful of spinach. Let simmer until soft about 10 minutes
7. Serve in a bowl with cornbread
8. This recipe serves 8... generous portions and more for leftovers. 

It was delicious! 

"To feel safe and warm on a cold and wet night, all you really need is soup."

Author: Laurie Colwin 

Monday Musings... birthday

 As I grow older

I'm grateful for the gift of life, family, and friends.

I am thankful for this incredible gift of another birthday.

Thank you God! 

💖🎂

So in everything

 "So in everything, 

do to others what you would have them do to you, 

for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." 

Matthew 7: 12

Pets of the week, Anna Rose and Teddy

"Happy is the home with at least one cat."

This Italian proverb speaks to those who love cats.   There is something so endearing and sweet about  Teddy and Anna Rose. Teddy is the gray kitty. Anna Rose is the sister to Teddy.

Special thanks to  Rhonda and Jeff for sharing this picture

These two have convinced me to become a cat owner. I just need to persuade my husband and dog. 

cats, books, and sunshine... perfect

Friendship Friday

 "If a person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. 

It may simply be that he has a

 small piece of fluff in his ear."

Winnie the Pooh

Monday Musings ... All Saints Day

All Saints Day  is celebrated on November 1 by the Roman Catholic Church. In addition,   the following  Protestant churches also celebrate this day; Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist.

"All Saints Day is a a Christian solemnity celebrated in honor of all the saints of the church, whether they are known or unknown." Wikipedia

"Stoned to death around 35 CE, Stephen was the first Christian martyr to die for his beliefs. He is frequently portrayed as a young man wearing a deacon's cloak, holding stones used for his execution and palm fond indicating his matrydom. The painting of sculptures, known as polychromy, began in antiquity and was common until the last sixteenth century, persisting in Germany and Austria in the 1700's" Source Josyln Museum 

 Saint Stephen 

This sculpture is located in the Joslyn Museum, Omaha Nebraska