New Year's Eve ...Imagine

 "A New Beginning!

Imagine that we could live

each day as full 

of promises.

Imagine that we 

could walk through 

the new year

always listening

to a voice saying to us:

"I have a gift for you and 

can't wait for you to see it."

Henri Nouwen

Depending on the source you are reading, one scholar listed 8,810 promises in the Bible.  This person also listed 7,487 as promises God made to humankind. Hebert Locklear found 7, 147 promises from God to humanity. Whatever source you read, it is comforting... we have thousands of promises of God to His children. We can listen   God's Voice through His word. The Word will keep me anchored in 2023.  

Family and Friend Game Night

Tonight was a great  game night with family and friends.  We enjoy delicious food, lots of laughter and time to play charades.  Some friends and family were a bit reluctant to play... once they got engaged they had fun. 

The winner was the young woman who acted out David and Goliath.  Laughter does a body good. 

We are grateful for this mother and daughter who took time to join us tonight. J is takes a moment to smile with this lovely  duo.  

Tasty Tuesday

 This Lemon Chicken Rice Soup is delicious. I paired this soup with cornbread. This is an unconventional paring.  This soup was fantastic on a cold winter day. 

"Soup puts the heart at ease, calms the violence of hunger, eliminates the tension of the day, and awakens and refines the appetite." 

Auguste Escoffier

Monday Musings ...Advent

"As we live between Advents -Between  Christ having come and his eventual return - the waiting, and even the suffering, become oddly sacred. 

Hardship by hardship, grace by grace, resurrection by resurrection  we're building upon the unshakable    foundation of God's kingdom with the unlikely mortar of suffering and the intangible stones of hope. 

May we expect Christ's arrival with bated breath, hope-thrilled hearts, and the stubborn conviction that there are treasures to found in the dark, quiet, in-between waiting. "

 Quote from Hope Heals

Christmas

"Christmas is most truly  Christmas 

when we celebrate it

by giving  the light of love

to those who need it most."

Ruth Carter Stapleton 

Christmas Eve

 Childhood memories are difficult to measure up to my adult reality. As I child, I could barely maintain my excitement on Christmas Eve. I would count the days until Christmas arrived.  Growing up I had great sense of security and safety as a child. 

This Advent Season  has given me a sweet appreciation of this season. I am preparing for a small Christmas dinner. 

Lord please comfort those who are grieving the loss of a loved one this season. Lord please help those who do not have homes find safe places to shelter during this brutal cold. Not everyone feels safe or secure... please give communities safe place for those who are in need. 

deep lasting joy ...

 "The shallow happiness 

of busy people often 

fills the place meant

 to experience

the deep 

lasting joy of 

Emmanuel, God-with-us."

Henri Nouwen

Tasty Tuesday ...

Tonight, we enjoyed a ballet performance of the Ebony Nutcracker. After the ballet, we shared dinner downtown. 

Friendship Friday ... Saturday edition

What a blessing to have a real friendship.  I am so grateful that "B" is a tried and true friend. A decade long friendship began as we were teaching ESL classes for adults.  From the beginning, we had such a love for the students. 

While, we were teaching, we were also learning. Learning how to teach together. Learning from our students. Respecting the journey of every student.

One highlight, our road trip to attend a Bob Dylan and Mavis Staple concert. We drove to  Bloomington and stayed the night in a great Bed and Breakfast.  We have enjoyed countless conversations over tea, lunch, dinner, and book club gathering.

I thank God for this friendship

Thrifty Thursday ... making a holiday top.

 Are you tempted to purchase a holiday shirt?  Do you want to wear something festive to a luncheon or a gathering of friends?  What about making your own? Save some money and use your creative energy to make a unique top. 

This is exactly what  Stephanie did. She is a  Water Fitness instructor at our local Y.  She always has great playlists and inspiring exercises. 

There is something wonderful about wearing something you designed. Browse YouTube Videos about creating holiday t-shirts, decorating, and cooking. I know you will be inspired!

Ok... she is not smiling, but she is super sweet. 

What are you listening to ?

 

"A harp can be dangerous as a sword, in the right hands." 

Online source
 

Tasty Tuesday ..Wednesday edition

" Appetizer ... a small dish of food or drink taken before a meal of the main course of a meal to stimulate one's appetite. "

Appetizers might include small bites of food  that offer a variety cheeses, crackers, dips, and fruit. 

Last week, Karen offers these tasty appetizers. They were delicious. 

 

Joy

 

Tasty Tuesday

 At Saturday's Women's Retreat we were blessed by worship music,  inspiring teaching,  and a challenge to have a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus. During breaks, we were had the opportunity to support ministry booths and small businesses owned by women. 

A festive holiday table setting 

We gathered together. 

Charcuterie Box 

Monday Musings ...

 "Faith is salted and peppered 

through everything at Christmas.

And I love at least one night

by the Christmas tree to sing and feel

the quiet holiness of the time

that's set apart to celebrate love,

friendship,

and God's gift of the Christ child."

Amy Grant

Nativity  Scene from Liberia

Peace

"For to us a child is born, to us a child is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6 

Advent Week 2 Peace 

Pet of the week, Milo

Milo is a special pet of the week. Milo serves as a Service Dog at a local middle school. Pets can be a sweet source of comfort as students deal with daily issues. 

Does Milo look like he doing a yoga stretch?  What do you think? 

 

Friendship Friday

 "May old friends never be forgotten for new ones. May friendship be enlivened by good-humor, but never wounded by wit. May the difference of opinion never divide friends." Quaver

I'm so grateful for the beauty of this  friendship. Today, I was looking at the picture and remembering how many times, I enjoyed teas, lunches, and dinners on her deck. This is the past. We no longer lived in the same city. Now, I look forward to a road trip to see her in 2023. 

Treasure the gift of friendships! 

What did you learn today?

 Did your parents ever pose this question to you... "What did you learn in school today? My parents wanted to hear about my day. It was a predictable question, to see if  I would was able to  narrow a day's learning to one sentence.  

Well, today, I was able to ask Alexa to call my phone.  That little skill was huge to me. I had to locate my phone. It was hiding under some paper. Have you ever lost your mobile phone? 

What did you learn today? 

Advent

 "The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul who know themselves to poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

Small Business Saturday ... Binya Gullah Gifts & More

 Binya 

Gullah Gifts

& More

Hilton Head Island, SC

Today I am honoring, Binya this small business is located on Hilton Head Island. If you are looking for unique gifts that have history and purpose this is the place. While shopping there earlier this month, I purchased cards, candles, a book, and more. The owner also has clothing, jewelry, and handmade Sweetgrass baskets. I hope that they will  expand their business  to offer mail order items.  I will be in line to order! 

Here is a picture of the owner and her mother.  The mom is a retired elementary teacher and her daughter is an attorney. 

Friendship Friday

"As children, we used to laugh hundreds of time a day, as adults, life tends to be more serious... But by seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness and even add years to your life."  Source: Help Guide

Our friends from Connecticut are the best! Wisdom,  joy, and love all wrapped up in this couple.  We are grateful for these great prayer partners. 

Thanksgiving

 Mourning &

THANKSGIVING 

It's not an either /or situation. It's a both/and

The most beautiful thanksgiving is offering from a heart that weeps. The most pure gratitude comes from a soul that reaches deep to acknowledge the gifts in spite of the countless, unfathomable losses. That doesn't mean you don't cry when while you life up hands and give thanks. 

You can mourn what's been lost even while you acknowledge what you still have. 

Your grief doesn't lessen you gratitude , it transforms it. 

Tears turn an ordinary, two dimensional Thanksgiving table into a complex and glorious altar. Dying and living, mourning and thanksgiving together.

Holy, fragile, beautiful 

Michele Cushart

Tasty Tuesday

 I know this thought is not original, but it is true, Let every day be a day of Thanksgiving.  Earlier this month, we visited with friends in Georgia. We enjoyed a lovely meal with dear friends. 

Falcon

 "No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."

Christopher Morley 

Falcon is this week's pet.  For a moment, think of all the best qualities that dogs might possess. Well, Falcon has each of those qualities.  He is great watchdog, intelligent, obedient, house broken, friendly, and is good with people of all ages. Perfect! 

Just look at his face, he is listening to me! 

He is so well trained! He knows his place on the sofa. 

Friendship Friday

 

Friendship is such a gift. We treasure our visits with this couple. It is a decades long friendship that began when the men worked together. The friendship expanded when I was introduced to this couple in the nineties. 

The friendships has flourished  over several states, phone calls, texts, marriage of their children, and so over so  many delicious meals. Our  conversations flow between the  funny, controversial, deep, random, work, and our share faith in God

Thankful for this dear couple and their friendship.

Above ... A beauty between two men.

Thrifty Thursday

I followed the recommendation from a friend  to stop by Off Island Thrift Store. Libby told me... the store is huge. She was correct. The store has over 32,000 square feet of merchandise and over 500.000 items.

I left with one item, a bowl make in Turkey for $4.00. 

" A bargain 

ain't a bargain

unless it's 

something you

need."

Sidney Carroll 

Tasty Tuesday ...

 Oh my goodness... Take a moment and list all of the items you may purchase from  vending machine.  Ready, set, and go...

Candy bars, soda pop, chips, crackers, gum, popcorn, pretzels, coffee, hot cocoa,  and yes,,, Cotton Candy... This machine was out of order. Oh MY! 

"Life is like a cotton candy, so sweet and beautiful, but it is gone so fast." Unknown.

Monday Musings....

 

"If you look for truth, you will find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to the end, despair."

C.S. Lewis

... on sand

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the  rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beast against that house, it will collapse with a might crash."

Matthew 7: 24 - 27 ((NLT) 

"Behind the clouds ...

 "Behind the clouds, the sky is always blue."

Norwegian Proverb

Last month, I shared a picture of a dog that was featured as the pet of the week. This week, I am sharing  a picture of my son with the dog that was with the group during his October trip to Norway. I can only imagine the view in person must have been breathtaking. 

Friendship Friday

 I trust you have friends that make your life sweeter.  I hope that they encourage you and make you smile.  They are a treasure to us. 

"Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awake our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God's presence. " Proverbs 27:9

Thrifty Thursday ... saving

 Saving Memories ... taking one picture at a time ...  All week, I have been saving memories by taking pictures. Pictures on the beach, at sunrise, on the putting green, swimming, working on a puzzle,  making crafts, cooking, group pictures, flying kites, beach pictures ... 

We had fun flying this octopus kite.

Monday Musings ... election eve

"Democracy is based 

on the conviction 

that there 

are extraordinary

possibilities 

in ordinary 

people."

Harry Emerson Fosdick 

Vote...

It is our civic responsibility that each person should be informed and vote.  

  Regardless of the outcome of the 2022 midterm election, I rest in truth that God is in control and is sovereign . 

let us not

"Let us not not become weary in doing good, 

for at the proper time will reap a harvest 

if we do not give up." 

Galatians 6:9 

Rocky

Rocky is this week's pet. What a gorgeous dog! I wish you could fully appreciate his fluffy coat. Yesterday, he was groomed, now he is on his way to see a friend in Florida.  He wanted to be at his best. We always feel better when we look our best.

Rocky is Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are described as tenacious, friendly, bold, outgoing, protective, and playful. 

Friendship Friday

 

For nearly a decade, I have been friends with Carolyn. We both share of a love of good books, water fitness classes, pedicures, fire pits, marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, gardening, reading to our grandchildren, British movies,  and most importantly, we love Jesus. 

Last month, she invited members of our Bible Study Fellowship class to her home for fellowship. It was a wonderful evening. We enjoyed stimulating discussion, delicious soup, and S'mores over the fire pit. 

Fall Fun. 

Thrifty Thursday

 Is there a cost to being kind? Does it hurt some people to smile? Yet, some people are hurting so badly  they find it difficult to smile or be kind. 

I discovered this on online source: "There is no cost to kindness. A smile, a word of thanks, a good deed,  or a friendly gesture - there is no cost to these things, and yet the benefits are priceless."

Since  there is no cost be to kind ... throw it around like it's  confetti. Someone may need your kind word or smile. 

I love the quotes I see in middle school classrooms. 

This is one of my favorites. 

Tasty Tuesday

 This dessert is a signature dish that is served at the Glitz. Last Friday, we enjoyed this dessert in celebration of our birthdays!  

This is the  Nonesuch Kiss... described as  baked meringue shell filled with jamoca ice cream, hot fudge sauce, toasted almond slices, whipped cream and topped with a cherry. It was a delicious. 

Monday Musings ... words

"You are not only responsible for you say,

but also what you do not say." 

Martin Luther 

Do not fear ...

"Do not fear. for I have redeemed

you;

I have called you by name, you 

are mine.

When you pass through the waters, 

I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall 

not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you

shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume

you.

For I am the LORD your God,

the Holy one of Israel, your

Savior.

Isaiah  43: 1b -3a  

Pet of the week

 Highlighting a pet of the week had been  incredibly fun for me. Over the past several years, I have met so many generous pet owners who have been gracious to share pictures of their pets. I have snapped pictures of pets on hiking trails, in the neighborhood, at local parks, in homes, and while we travel to different states.  Having random conversations with pet owners is a blast. Most folks are incredibly kind. 

I think ninety-eight  percent of the pets of the weeks have been dogs.  Two percent have been cats. One  friend shared a picture of her bird. Larry (my brother) shared a picture of his turtle. Pets can make our lives so much richer.  

This week's pet is from Norway. My son took this picture while he was hiking in Norway.  I want to make sure I give him credit. 

Did you know that Siberian Husky's are incredibly intelligent, friendly, outgoing, alert and gentle. Their coats are thick and double coated. I told my son, hiking in Norway is now on my bucket list. He was kind, he said, "Mom, you could not do it."  I think I will settle to just travel to Norway. 

Friendship Friday

 

In the fall, I meet with three friends  to celebrate our birthdays. Gloria's birthday day is October 26. Jill's birthday is today. Lord willing, I will celebrate mine early next month. 

We are grateful for this incredible gift of life and birthdays. Today, we had lunch at the Glitz. We enjoyed a lovely drive on country roads, delightful conversation, laughter, and a delicious meal. A near perfect day...

Sending special greetings to my friend Lisa. Today she celebrates a milestone birthday. 🎂

"When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age." Victor Hugo 

Wednesday Walk

 

"Above all, do not lost your desire to walk: every day I walk myself into a state of well being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. "

Soren Kierkegaard

This morning, Josie and I enjoyed a walk.  Yesterday, we walked at a local park. I love the familiar and always changing views of local places to walk. As we know, staying active has many  documented health benefits. After a brisk walk, I just feel better. 

Tasty Tuesday

 At last week's Evening Edition Book Club gathering, we offered a few treats.  

Monday Musings... school

 As a little girl preparing to enter first grade, I was so eager! As the youngest of five, my anticipation was off the charts preparing to enter Eden Elementary. I was ready join my older siblings. I entered the school with smiles. 

 I left in tears. I was too young, I had to wait until the following year. What! A whole year! I don't remember much of the waiting. 

Those good old school days seem like a million years ago.  

Each week, I volunteer at two different middle schools. Volunteers must submit to screening and office check ins. I am grateful that our school system takes safety seriously.  While safety is legitimate concern, school districts across the nation are facing with very disturbing testing results. So many students lost academic ground during the Covid pandemic.

I am grateful that some teachers remain excited about teaching and continue to love making a difference in the. lives of their students. 

 Do you still love to learn?  Do you want to help students who may have lost their love for learning. Have you considered volunteering at a school?  Schools need mentors, tutors, and dedicated individuals to make a difference in the lives of our students. 

Who can bear hope ...

 "We must shine with hope, stained glass windows that shape light into icons, glow like lanterns borne before a procession. Who can bear hope back into the world but us ...

Marge Piercy 

Pink Weekend

 

Today the Women's Ministry at CBC  hosted a Pink Weekend. The day was filled with worship, prayer, information, testimonies, conversations, laughter, tears, silence, remembrance, encouragement, challenges, and fellowship. 

Today also offered an opportunity for women to support small businesses. What a joy! Participants had the opportunity to buy books, jewelry, hats, dresses, gift packages, and so much more. 

It was heart-warming to hear the testimonies of women who are breast cancer survivors. We also recognized the women who fought with courage and grace. 

It was a day to remind people to take time to do monthly breast exams. Since, breast cancers impacts both women and men, we need to encourage everyone to take breast exams seriously. 

I look forward to tomorrow's  message at church.  We will Pink in the Pews to bring awareness to  Breast Cancer Awareness.  It is a message that we will take every day. 

The Women's Ministry of Consolidated Baptist Church church did an amazing job. This event was the first event held in person. During the past two years the programs were held virtually,. What a joy to be in person! 

 

Monday Musings ... lyrics

 Living in the Nashville area for years, I developed an appreciation for country music. It is easy to love country music. I love the lyrics, melodies, and of course some of the artists.  

 

Recently, I tuned in to a local country music station and listened to the song, Hard to Love by Lee Brice. The lyrics resonated with me.  Although this song is not new, it is new to me. 

 

Hard to Love is referencing to a romantic love between a man and women. Does this truth extend beyond romantic love.  I think so.  I must admit it… some folks are simply hard to love. They are stuck in their ways, irritating, grouchy, and cantankerous. Is it normal to have people in our lives who are difficult to love? 

 

  I think, it difficult to love people or even like individuals who hold the opposing views.  

Yet, if people who follow Christ take seriously his words, love your enemies, we are called to love people who are hard to love. 

 

Who is hard to love in your life?  

"But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5: 44

 

Teddy

 Teddy is this week's pet.  If our weekly game of Mah Jongg is at Rhonda's home, Teddy is sure to be near.  We will be sorting our tiles or preparing to select or discard a tile and Teddy will come by ready to be petted. He is precious. 

"Your house will always be blessed with love, laughter, and friendship if you have a cat." Lewis Carroll 

Friendship Friday

 I love friends who make you feel better just by being with them. When you have the opportunity to visit you savor every moment.

 Sharon is a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired middle school teacher. As she often shares, I taught middle school students, "You cannot scare me.!"😃

For the past several years, I am been a student in her Bible students. What is the study this fall? In the Upper Room. Next Wednesday, this series will end. Before it ends, I am already looking forward to the next study. Time spent in studying God's Word is always a joy. 

Before I was a student in her class, I enjoyed playing Mah Jongg with her.  Sharon is a huge blessing. She was one of my helpers in helping me after one of my surgeries. Taking me to physical therapy was HUGE Blessing! 

Thrifty Thursday

 Tips for fishing for you dinner... 

#1 Tip "The number one rule of fishing is to be quiet. Don't scare the fish. " Carole Radziwill

#2 Tip. Go to your favorite fishing place... after it is stocked with fish. JBS