Tasty Tuesday

 "There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with a cake." unknown

My birthday cake was as a delicious as it is beautiful.

Special thanks to Lisa for creating this cake.

What ...

 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. 

Monday Musings ... Election Day

 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. 

Don't worry ...

 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) 

Real Peace from Jesus

 

Hello November

  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. 

Tasty Tuesday

 "Easy, Quick and Tasty" These are the words from one reviewer regarding JUST CRACK an EGG Scramble Kit.  I agree! Depending on the variety, you will find potatoes, onions, cheese, and bacon. If you are busy and want a protein packed breakfast or brunch  this may be something you want to check out. 

Monday Musings ... Walk to Emmaus

 "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. 

 

Wonderful Wednesday

 

The earth

 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. 

Monday Musings... Sacroiliac

 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.

October Morning

 

This morning's walk with Josie was glorious! 

There are some monrings that seem near perfect. Today was one of those days. 

Thrifty Thursday

 "I believe that thrift is 

essential to a well-ordered life. "

John D. Rockefeller 

Tasty Tuesday

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

Monday Musings ... thoughts

"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 

Friendship Friday ... Mah Jongg

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. 

  

October

 

"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 

Monday Musings... Puzzles

 

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.

Transformation

 "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... 

Monday Musings ...

 "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. 

 

Spend time with the wise

 

Monday Musings ... Labor Day

 "Far and away the

best prize that life 

offers is the chance

to work hard at 

work worth doing,"

Theodore Roosevelt

September

 "September

tries its best to 

have us forget

summer."

Bernard Williams

August

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. 

Monday Musings ... What does the Kingdom of God look like?

"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  

Company or solitude

"The difference between friends and pets is that we allow friends into our company, 

pets we allow into our solitude."

Robert Brault 

 

Friendship Friday

 "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 

Seniors

 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. 

Monday Musings ... Tuesday Edition

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

encouraging one another -

 "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

Friendship Friday

 Half Hood

Half Holy

That Means Pray with me 

Don't Play with me. 

Monday Musings ...

 "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 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

Friendship Friday

 "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

August

Breathe 

the

 sweetness 

that hovers 

in August. 

Denise Levertov

 

Olympic

 "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

Thrifty Thursday

 "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 

Wall Art

 Le Quartier Bakery & Cafe

... but the righteous will live by faith -

 "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) 

Roberta

 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."

Marigold

" Marigolds are the flowers

that remind us of our mortality. "

Mark Twain 

Friendship Friday

 "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 

Thrifty Thursday

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! 👍👍😍😀

 

What are you reading this summer?

My Summer Reading List

• Steal Away Home  by Matt Carter and Aaron Ivy 
•  The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
• At Home by Bill Bryson
• James by Percival Everett
• A Voice in the Box: My Life in Radio by Bob Edwards
• All My Knotted Up Life by Beth Moore
• Daily Devotional Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon

What are you reading? 

Tasty Tuesday

"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. 

 

Monday Musings ... kindness

"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" 

LORD my God you are very great ...

 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 Friday

"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  

Words to take to heart

 

July

 "New month, new intentions, new goals, 

new love, new light,  and new beginnings."

April Mae Monterrosa

Washington, D. C. at night

 

Tasty Tuesday

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. 

Monday Musings ... car accident

 

"We take life for granted, sleepwalking until a shattering event knocks us awake. Zen says, don't wait until the car accident, the cancer diagnosis, or the death of a loved one to get your priorities straight. Do it now."

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. 

Clifford

 

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. 

Friendship Friday

 "Wishing to be friends is quick work,

but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit." 

Aristotle 

Where to store treasures ...

 

Thirfty Thursday ... Imperfect Foods

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.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Tasty Tuesday

" 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

Monday Musings ... graduations

 I was humbled to be a part several celebrations for some special  high school students.  My former Sunday School students  are now graduates of high school.  Parents were sweet to include me in the celebrations.

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.   

Friendship Friday

 "Surround yourself with friends who uplift you and 

inspire you to be your best self, even during workouts." 

Thieves ...

 "Gossipers are worst than thieves because they attempt to steal another's person dignity, honor, credibility,  honor. and reputation which are difficult to restore. 

Tristan Thompson

Monday Musings... Vacation Bible School

 "VBS mixes so many great elements together - teaching Bible truths to kids, sharing the gospel, bringing the whole church together to serve with a purpose, effectively reaching non church or under-churched families, and all while having a blast!"

Barb Witt . a writer for VBS

Friendship Friday

" Friends, books, a cheerful heart and a conscience clear are the most choice companions we have here."

William Mather

Thrifty Thursday ... Time Management

•  We are stewards of the time God has given us. 
• Time is not evil; God created time and pronounced it good! 
• We must discover  how to use this resources wisely. 
• Using time well requires balance. 
• Being a good steward of time means being realistic. 

Instagram 

🕤

Tasty Tuesday

 "The pedigree of the honey does not concern the bee, a clover, anytime,  to him, is aristocracy. "

One of my exercise buddies is a beekeeper. Look what she gifted me! 

"The sweetness of life lies in usefulness, like honey deep in the heart of a clover bloom ." 

Monday Musings... Memorial Day

 "Let us remember

all our heroes

who have life us

while fighting 

for our country."

Parade

Grateful for the neighbors who placed a flat at each mailbox in our neighborhood. 

What did you learn today?

 Now I know the value of learning something everyday. As a child, I did not fully understand or appreciate this question my mother posed each day after school.

"Every day, be aware of learning moments, slow down when you experience one, record it in a journal, and process it with a friend. This can be a life-changing enhancing  habit.

So ... what did you learn today?" Don McMinn

When I learn something, I must put it into practice.  For me, it is to ask for help. It is humbling but necessary.

Monday Musings... primary elections

 "Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell

 them again and again and 

if those priorities begin to show up at the polls. "

Peggy Noonan

I will see the goodness of the LORD

 "I remain 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

Friendship Friday

 "I no longer 

have the energy for

meaningless 

friendships,

forced interactions or

unnecessary  conversations."

Source: online

Honestly, these men probably never had unnecessary conversations or forced interactions.  Their work conversations were necessary, important, and very intentional. Now, as happy retirees, they are able enjoy time with family, grandchildren and friends. 

A large group of men meet each month at a local restaurant for lunch.  This group have a special connection, love God, enjoy Bible study and are proud grandfathers. What a joy to see each of them taking time visit. 

fruit