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!