Friendship Friday

"Thank you for being a friend.

Travel down the road and back again.

Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confident.

And if you threw a party, invited everyone you knew.

You would see the biggest gift would be from me

and the card attached would say,

thank you for being a friend. " 

Lyrics Andrew Gold

 In Honor of Betty White 1922 - 2021

While this song was the theme song for the Golden Girls. I think this song is appropriate for any group of friends. 

As 2021 draws to an end, I trust you have fond memories of dear friends and look forward to making new memories with friends in 2022. 

The picture below is of a group of men that exercise at the Y. In the past,  due the pandemic, they would  meet in the parking lot. More recently they are meeting in the lobby at the Y. 

I pray God will be bless you with health, peace and joy in 2022. 

Bring Us Great Joy

"Father. let us remember that the good news of Jesus' birth has the power to bring us great joy this Christmas season. Our joy isn't dependent on what is going on in our life, our world or the people that we are with. It doesn't depend on the gifts we give or the gifts we find under the tree. No earthly thing can ever complete joy. Our joy come from you. That joy that flooded the hearts of the Shepards, the angels, the wise men, the hosts of heaven, and Mary and Joseph is the joy that still has the power to overwhelm our hearts with rejoicing."

Hope Bolinger offered this prayer.

This prayer was offered as one of many for Family Blessings Christmas Dinner that was available online. 

Christmas Week preparations ...

 Over the past  several weeks, friends are quick to share about their Christmas preparations. Friends are asking the question,"Are you ready for  Christmas?  Folks are willing to give  details  about their menu planning, cookie sharing, stocking stuffing and  Christmas tree decorating plans. 

Yet... in the midst of Christmas preparations.

We also take care of normal daily duties... dentist appointments, annual physicals, and screenings. Some reports are good... some not so good. 

While we prepare for each season that God allows us to experience ... we ask God for His grace and strength to do the ordinary duties of every day life.

Thrifty Thursday

  Do you love hunting for treasures in thrift stores? Do you head for the clearance rack to see what goodies you are able to find? I like the hunt for deals.

I'm on a email mailing list that alerts me to seasonal bargains at a local store. In the past, this store will have shoppers lined up for blocks to find great deals. Giddy shoppers would shop with eager anticipation to see  what bargains would be available. Once inside, you will find table after table of assorted sale items. 

What would you find? You might find sweaters, bags, napkins, tablecloths, table runners, napkin rings, classes, cups, trays, pillow cases and so much more.

 No frills shopping. Tables covered in great bargains.  Yes! 🛍 I left with a bag of goodies. 

Old School House

"Old School Coffee . Where ethically source meets fast and friendly service! We believe coffee is more than just a beverage. It's an experience that needs to be celebrated and shared. Our customers deserve a quality cup of coffee from a verified source, and they should be able to get one without being late to work. "

Where is Old School Coffee located? 

This unique place is located in the historic Dudley Square. Originally constructed in 1881 where it served as Public School #3. It operated as a school from 1881 to 1925. This building still maintains it 'old school' charm. 

If you every travel to my city, I will treat you to a great cup of coffee. 

 

Tasty Tuesday

In the midst of the tragedy from the havoc of the tornados, organizations, businesses, and churches are providing food for the survivors and the first responders in western Kentucky. 

Here are just a few of the businesses  who are providing food for our neighbors in the Mayfield and other cities in western Kentucky.

• Tyson Foods donated 600,000 meals
• Seven Louisville Food Trucks have been delivering food
• Mercy Chefs deployed their first meals less than 24 hours after the tornadoes hit the cities within a 250 mile radius. 

Prayers and actions are going together to make a difference to those who are suffering and pain. 

Monday Musings

In the past, a Sunday School Christmas program at our church would include prayers, scriptures, songs and a time for fellowship. 

That was before the pandemic. 

Last year, in the midst of the pandemic and before the vaccines were widely  available, our faith  community like many others had to  creative in offering worship options. We gathered around our computers to attend virtual services. It was different.

Yesterday, we gathered on our church grounds. We were bundled up in our  coats, hats, scarves, and mittens.  We had a portal heater that offered additional heat. Although the weather was chilly, it was a glorious sunny afternoon. 

What did this gathering look like? Our students read scriptures,  offered prayers, sang Christmas hymns, and played Christmas theme games. We even had a Hot Cocoa and S'more stations. Our children even created Christmas cards that they will deliver to a local nursing home. 

While our gatherings looked different. In person or virtual ... The Good News continues to be shared!  The truth of scriptures does not change.

 Our pastor delivered the Good News. A Savior is Born. God Loves Us.  He offered a wonderful question. What Gift would Jesus like?  

Advent ... Joy

 "And the angel said unto them,  Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

Luke 2:10 

Friendship Friday

 "Friendship isn't a big thing,

its a million

little things

The Art of Female Friendship"

Author: Becca Anderson

Advent truth ...

"The darker the world becomes the 

more I long for the light

The light is coming 

Ready yourself to see the light and 

to show it to others still drowning in 

darkness

The light shines in

darkness and the darkness has

 not overcome it  Be the 

light  Show the light" 

Karen Prior Swallow

Jesus speaking:

"I am the light of the world. He who follow me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of the life." John 8:12

Mercedes

 

Friendship Friday

 An Irish Prayer

May God give you, for every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile,

For every care, a promise

And a blessing for each trial.

For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song.

And an answer for each prayer. 

Author unknown

Thrifty Thursday

"Goodwill Industries was founded in 1902 by Rev. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist and a social innovator. Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of Boston, then trained and hired those who were poor to mend and repair the used goods. The goods were then were either resold or given to people who repaired them. The system worked, and the Goodwill philosophy of "hand up, not a hand out was born."

"Goodwill. America's Original Thrift. "  Quote was from South Carolina's Goodwill Web site. 

This young man serves at a local independent coffee shop.  Where did he get his sweater? At a local Goodwill Store. 

Musings...

 I love a good Hallmark movie. Do you think I should pitch this storyline to Hallmark Channel? 

Here is the plot synopsis:  There is a beautiful young woman travels the world teaching in several countries. A handsome young man travels the world serving in the military. She is from Indiana. He is from Michigan. They met at US Embassy event for  expatriates. They meet... fall in love... and get married while he is stationed on an island.

Is this story believable?  What do you think?