Earlier this year, these two friends had "chance" encounter in the lobby of a hotel. It has been years since they enjoyed a face-to-face meeting. The years seem to evaporate as they talked about mutual friends, career moves, relocation, children, graduations, grandchildren, and retirement.
It's great to reminisce about good memories of my past. It was enjoyable when it was today. So learning to enjoy has two benefits: it gives me happiness right now, and becomes a good memory later."
George Foreman
"The heart of hospitality is about creating space for someone to be feel seen, and heard and loved. It's about declaring your table as a safe zone, a place of warm and nourishment."
Shauna Niequist
Our friends Keith and Libby created that safe place for us. We enjoyed a sweet visit in November. Woody is their lovable dog.
"There is always something to do. Hungry people to be feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well."
Nikki Giovanni
"This Advent we look to the Wise Men to teach us where to focus our attention. We set our sights on things above, where God is. We draw closer to Jesus ... When our advent journey ends and we reach the place where Jesus resides in Bethlehem, may we like the Wise Men, fall on our knees and adore him as our true and only King."
Mark Zimmermann, in Our Advent Journey
Hundreds of years before the Messiah was born, Isaiah the prophet under the direction of God wrote these words;
"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given
and the government will be on his
shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Of the greatness of his government and
peace
there will be no end.
Isaiah 9: 6 -7a
"Oh, give thanks to the LORD,
for He is good! For His mercy
endures forever."
I Chronicles 16:34 NKJV
Today, I give thanks to the LORD.
I give thanks for God's mercy, love, and goodness.
I am grateful for God's gifts of faith, family and friends.
Earlier this month, I took this picture at a friend's home.
Last week, we had a tasty meal at a local restaurant, Chow Daddy's.
"It's up to us to choose
contentment and
thankfulness now - and
stop imagining that
we to have everything
perfect before we are
happy."
Joanna Gaines
Praise the LORD
Praise, O servants of the LORD
Praise the name of the LORD.
Let the name of the LORD be
praised,
both now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to the
place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is exalted over all the
nations,
his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on
high,
who stoops down to look
on the heaven and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash
heap;
he seats the with princes,
with the princes of their people.
He settles the barren woman in
her home,
as a happy mother of children.,
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 113 - 1 - 9
"There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with a cake." unknown
Special thanks to Lisa for creating this cake.
Tonight's Bible Study offered some probing questions I want to consider ...
For example, "What type of older person do I want to be? Another question was this, "What type of legacy will I leave behind?
Walking in nature gives me a perfect time to ponder questions and pray. Since God is everywhere, praying in God's creation is a great place to pray.
The poll that
matters is the one
that happens on
Election Day."
Heather Wilson
This time last week, I was in bed preparing to get up at 4:00 am, to be at the polls. I arrived at the precinct at 5:00 am. Thank God I was able to serve with the entire day! The training provided by our local clerk allowed election officials to serve without incident. At each station, Democrats and Republicans served our community well.
All day long, voters provided their identification and proceeded through the lines. What impressed me... So many first time volunteers. I congratulated them for taking their civic duty seriously.
While the election is over, now we prepare to continue to stay engaged in local and state politics. Civic duties need to happen every day and not just on election days.
Psalm 37
Don't worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the LORD and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and
prosper.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the
dawn.
and the justice of your cause will shine
like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the LORD.
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't fret about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop being angry!
Turn from our rage!
Do not lose your temper -
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed.
but those who trust in the LORD will
possess the land.
Verse 1 - 9 (NLT)
Welcome Fall! This year the fall leaves look so vibrant. Are you looking forward to enjoying hot cider, warm donuts, cozy blankets, sweaters, flannel sheets, hot cocoa, fire pits, scarves, walks in the park, Hallmark movies, family gatherings or maybe you will enjoy some silence.
Whatever you need, I pray that God will give you special time to enjoy seasonal joys.
Make room for joy in your life.
"The Walk to Emmaus develops a Christian disciples and leaders by inspiring, challenging, and equipping active adult church members for Christian actions in the home, churches, workplaces, and communities. It also benefits less active members who are seeking to renew a relationship with God, grow spiritually, or discover a firmer foundation for their lives.
Through the Walk to Emmaus, as they seek to become healthy and vital congregations, local churches have a means of growing disciples and a tool for developing leaders for the disciple-making systems.
The program begin with a 72- hour short course in Christianity that in wrapped in prayer and signs of sacrificial service. It continues for the rest of the participants' live with follow-up groups that offer along with the local church's robust offerings, continue to ongoing growth in grace.
Source : Upper Room Website
Last night, I returned home after my 72 -hour short course. Today, I am reflecting on all that transpired over the 72 hours. It was both exhilarating and exhausting. I am still processing this weekend.
This morning, I enjoyed a walk reflecting on the next steps of service.
Psalm 24 1 - 10
"The earth is the LORD's and everything in it,
the world and all who live in it;
for he founded in on the seas
and established it on the waters.
Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?
who may stand in his holy place?
The one who have clean hands and a pure
heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god.
They will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God their Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek
him,
who seek your face, God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in
Who is the King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty -
He is the King of glory.
Random information
Do you know that sacroiliac is real word? I thought the word was a joke. Then, I realized the pain I feel in my back is because of my sacroiliac. This little ten letter word has five syllables.
Tip for dealing with back pain, go to your doctor.
This morning's walk with Josie was glorious!
There are some monrings that seem near perfect. Today was one of those days.
Tonight Lexington Leadership Foundation celebrated twenty-five years of service to the community. Tonight's program marked the many milestone events over the past quarter of a century. There was a challenge to continue serve in life-long obedience of service to the Lord Jesus.
Tonight's Menu
Lexington Signature Salad
Kentucky Bibb Lettuce, Dried Cranberries, Grape Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Feta Cheese
Main Menu
Souther Fried Chicken Breast, Buttermilk Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Green Beans, Black Pepper Gravy & Pepper Jam
Dessert
Roasted Graham Crackers, Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Syrup. Toasted Marshmallow Cream
Beverages
Mock Cocktail , Water, Tea
"It concerns us to keep a strict watch
over our thoughts,
because God takes particular notice of them.
Thoughts are words to God."
Matthew Henry
Happiness is playing Mah Jongg with the girls.
Thursday afternoons are reserved for playing Mah Jongg.
Playing Mah Jongg is a great way to keep your mind engaged and lets you work out new challenges. Another benefit, we develop friendships! These two friends will celebrate their birthday this month. Their birthdays are on the same day... just different years.
"My beloved October has returned - with its brilliant colors, cool temperatures, and sunny, cloudless, azure skies, and I must enjoy it before it escapes for another year."
Peggy Toney Horton, Somewhere in Heaven My Mother Is Smiling
When a puzzle is finished, I love that each piece has a perfect place to fit.
Each part of the Bible fits perfectly together. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, it fits together. It has been stated that studying the Bible is often compared to putting together a puzzle. If I attempt to force a scripture into the context where it does not belong it is a distortion.
When individuals state that the Bible is full of contradictions, errors, and myths. I try to listen. They may further explain that the God of the Old Testament is evil. They may site specific example. In some cases, I will share that when I engage in an in-depth study I understand the context and history of the scripture. God’s word is flawless.
It is when, we engage in an in-depth study of God’s Word, we find the character of God. In the pages of the Bible, I see the character of God, I see love, patience, forgiveness, faithfulness, mercy, peace… as so much more.
In reading the Bible chronologically I have discovered how each scripture is intricately weaved together in love by Jesus. Each piece of the Bible fits perfectly together.
"What if the change
you are avoiding
is the one
that gives you
wings."
unknown
Special thanks to my dear friend Sharon
who shared pictures of her Monarch Butterfly.
Amazing...
"Fall in love with your life. Wake up early, buy your favorite coffee, go for walks, eat good food, wear what make you feel confident, and listen to your favorite music. Purposefully create these small moments that make you fall in love with your life."
For me, I want to fall more in love with the generous God that make all of these gifts possible.
"Far and away the
best prize that life
offers is the chance
to work hard at
work worth doing,"
Theodore Roosevelt
August, you were amazing. August, you were hot and steamy, fast and funny, you gave us thrills from the 2024 Olympics, a sweet celebration at our wedding anniversary, 140 year church anniversary, a 69th Carter Family Reunion, songs, Sunday School, Church Services and a month filled with prayers. God, we thank you for August.
"Oneness is the way of the kingdom of God in the world. Gospel-centered, kingdom-oriented unity has always been a unity within diversity. Unity does not happen when we are the same. True , robust, healthy and vibrant unity happens within our unique and diverse expressions. The church is best expressed as a bouquet of unique flowers rather than twelve red roses. We are better together."
Kristi McLelland
"The difference between friends and pets is that we allow friends into our company,
pets we allow into our solitude."
Robert Brault
"Yet, true friendship are still there for you when there is nothing in the tank. At your darkest hour, when you are running on E, they show up. You laugh freely together, cry unabashedly together, and pull shenanigans together. That is friendship. "
Online source
August 21, 2024 National Seniors Citizens Day
This day is intended to recognize the achievements of the more mature representatives of our of our nation.
"The theme for this day is the Powered by Connection which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being." While this may be intended for those who are more mature in our lives, the reality that healthy relationships are vital to humanity.
Do you enjoy receiving an encouraging text? When you see someone's phone number light up your cell phone, do you smile? What about an unexpected card in the mail. Do you enjoy scheduling time for lunch with a friend? All these ways and so many more can help us to be powered by connection.
You may not be a Senior Citizen it is okay to seek ways to have meaningful relationships and connections at any age.
Yesterday, we celebrated forty-six years of marriage. We enjoyed a dinner, quiet conversation, laughter, remembering our beginnings, our children, our challenges, and how we grew to understand the important of having healthy conflict.
During our marriage we have enjoyed the sweetness of commitment, endured the challenges of surgeries, the joy of seeing our children mature, welcoming the birth of our grandchild, comforting one another in the sickness and of death of our relatives, receiving God's comfort in sadness, enduring work challenges and successes, standing at the gravesites of our loved ones and the the joy of worshiping the Lord Jesus in church.
God has been our source of provision, protection and peace. God will continue to be at the center of our lives until we will be with Him.
"I will follow you, my love,
to the edge of all of our days,
to the very last of our tomorrows."
Atticus Poetry
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews 10 - 24-25
"The novelist with Christian concerns will find in modern life distortions which are repugnant to him, and his problem will be make these appear as distortions to an audience which is used to seeing them as natural; and he may well be forced to take ever more violent means to get his vision across to this hostile audience ... to the hard of hearing you shout, and for the almost blind you draw large and starling figures."
Flannery O'Conner, novelist March 25, 1925 - August 3, 1964
While this was written in the fifties. I think it could well describe our current culture. When things are truly disturbing seem natural to the culture. How do we share a different worldview without shouting. I think it is certainly something worth praying about.
"I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the
LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27: 13 - 14
"It is great to have friends
when one is young,
but indeed it is still more so
when you are getting old.
When we are young
friends are like everything else,
a matter of course.
In the old days, we know
what it means to have them."
Edvard Greig
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not the winning but the taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but in fighting well."
Baron Pierre de Couberin, Founder of the modern Olympics
"Sometimes the poor are praised for being thrifty.
But to recommend thrift to the poor is both grotesque and insulting.
It like advising a man who is starving to eat less."
Oscar Wilde
"I will stand at my watch
and station myself on the
ramparts;
I will look to see what he will say
to me,
and what answer I am give to
this complaint.
Then the LORD replied:
Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.
For the revelation awaits an
appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly came and will
not delay.
See, he is puffed up;
his desires are not upright -
but the righteous will live by his
faith -
Habakkuk 2: 1 - 4 (NIV)
This week's pet is Rebecca, the Basset Hound. Special thanks to Pat for sharing this picture of her daughter's pet.
The American Kennel Club described this breed as charming, patient and low-key. They are loyal, loving, and mild at home. The Kennel also states that this breed can be stubborn on the trail. I appreciate what the sites states on their page, owning a pet is not just a privilege but also a responsibility. Indeed, I totally agree. Don't you?
Rebecca says, " Wait, I'm listening. I'm all ears."
"There was a definite process
by which one made people into friends,
and involved talking to them and
listening to them for hours at a time. "
Rebecca West
Shopping in thrift store is a wonderful way to stretch your dollars. During the Pandemic, this barista was sporting a Goodwill find with his sweater.
Shopping for bargains in July? Check out the Goodwill store in your community for Christmas in July deals. I am sure you will find bargains. 💲Save money! 👍👍😍😀
My Summer Reading List
"Connoisseurs describe the flavor of escargots to be something like a salty mushroom. In France, where escargots remain a popular dish, they are usually served as a light appetizer." Online Source
Since, I live in the South, I guess I will pass. I went to the market today. These little jewels were next to the trout.
"I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks
that keep the darkness at bay.
Small acts of kindness and love." -
J.R. R. Tolkien. "The Hobbit"
Psalm 104
Praise the LORD, my soul.
LORD my God you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent
and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.
He makes wind his messengers,
Flames of fire his servants.
He set the earth on its foundations;
it can never be moved.
You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment;
the waters stood about the mountains.
But at your rebuke the waters fled,
at the sounds of your thunder they took to flight;
they flowed over the mountains,
they went down into the valleys,
to the place you assigned for them.
You set a boundary they cannot not cross;
never again will they cover the earth.
Verses 1 -6
NIV Version
"Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they had not found a friend."
Charles Spurgeon
"New month, new intentions, new goals,
new love, new light, and new beginnings."
April Mae Monterrosa
The Evening Edition Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. Last week, we gathered to discuss The Seeing Garden. It was a rich time of discussing the fascinating characters, the time period of 191 time period, and the great estates of the San Francisco area.
Our hostess served this delicious fruit tart.
Philip Toshio Sudo
James states it this way, "Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow, What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, If it is the Lord's will, we live and do this or that." James 4: 14 - 15
On Father's Day, instead of enjoying ice cream at home hubby had a car crash. Grateful, hubby walked away from this accident with a minor fracture. The pain from a car crash is real! Your body has experienced real trauma.
This van was parked outside PetSmart today. Clifford the Big Red Dog is a fictional character. I smile, that there are people like me who like this adorable Big Red Dog, Clifford.
"Wishing to be friends is quick work,
but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit."
Aristotle
IMPERFECT FOODS
"Extraordinary groceries at ordinary prices"
"Imperfect Foods offer a full lineup of carefully curated groceries that are the best of their kind, a little imperfect always delicious.
Groceries that make an impact
High-quality, affordable groceries weekly to your door."
Visit their website and include your zip code to see if they serve your community.
" Cotton Candy is the most amazing form of caramelization
every invented by man. "
Jose Andres
Pickle Cotton Candy
I wonder if this a cotton candy is sweet and sour taste combination.
I would not be willing to spend $4.40
As they mark this milestone event and prepare to further their education at community colleges or universities, I witness how God has been faithful in their lives.
I pray each student will be determined to trust God and be faithful to use their gifts to the glory of God.
