Monday Musings...

 "January is a month of fresh hope and broken promises. Whether we have planned to eat less, work out more or save money, many of us manage to keep our resolutions for days or even weeks until we finally give into our impulses to eat cake, dodge the treadmill or splash out on a senseless whim.

Logically speaking, a slip-up should not derail our attempts to reach a long-term goal, but all too often, single failure to maintain self-control is quickly succeeded by another, and another until we eventually give up. ...

When we see slip-ups as inevitable, we are more likely  to achieve our goals." 

These words from David Robson in   his article from the  Wall Street Journal January 27 - 28, 2024 If you are interested, the Wall Street Journal is available at your local library. 

This column reminded me of my intentions for 2024. 

While, I do not list resolutions, I do pray about what word I use to direct my intentions for the year. This year, my word is LOVE. 

This scriptures informs my intentions,

"Teacher, which commandment is the greatest commandment in the Law?

Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hand on these commandments."

Matthew 27: 36-40 

What are your intentions for this year?  Remind yourself, that slip-up  will happen... just start anew. Keep going. 

Friendship Friday

 "Constant use had not

worn ragged the fabric 

of their friendship." 

Dorothy Parker

I am grateful that I have friends who are reliable and steadfast. When possible they are ready to help me.  Time and time again, my friend "B" has been a super pet sitter for our  sweet Josie. 

Recently, "B"  took care of our Josie while traveled to visit family. Walking a dog in single digits temperature is challenging.  Here, Josie is getting warm after a walk. 

Are you a reliable friend? Who is a reliable friend to you? 

What is this?

 

This  hive was lodged in one of our exhaust vents. This hive explains why our upstairs furnace was not heating properly.  Once the technician removed it the problem was solved.

This little structure could be a metaphor to explain why some things in our lives may not operate as well as they were designed to function. Maybe some emotions are stuck. Anger, resentment, fear,  guilt ... 

Sometimes we need professional help to uncover the reasons why we are stuck and not able to move forward. It is okay to ask for help. 

Thrifty Thursday ... Greed

"There's a difference between ambition and greed. Greed is wanting more. Ambition is wanting better."

Jon Forte, Closing Bell Overtime 

 Wanting a better life for your children may be a universal hope for parents. What does that look like?  How would you define a better life? 

Tasty Tuesday

 

Monday Musings ... Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Our lives begin to end

the day

we become silent

about the things

that matter." 

Martin Luther King Jr. 

This year, marks the 30th Annual Unity Celebration  to commemorate the life and work of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

The day began with a community wide  breakfast  which brings together corporations, small businesses, organizations and churches. After breakfast, volunteers went to work all across our community   to make a difference in the lives our residents.

This year's theme: Unity: Still a Dream 60 years later 

Friendship Friday

 "How about diamonds are a girl best friend?

Nope.

It should be switched around and pointed out,

instead, that your best friends are diamonds. 

Gina Barrera 

Friends from December's Tea

...with a willing heart

During a Wesley Covenant Service the congregation is invited to pray:

"Lord, make me what you will.

I put myself fully into your hands:

put me to doing, put me to suffering,

let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,

let be full, let me be empty, 

let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and with a willing heart

give it all to your pleasure and disposal. " 

John Wesley June 28, 1703 - March 2, 1791

I wonder if this prayer was as somber and humbling to those in Wesley's lifetime as it is today when I read it.