Monday Musings... August

In a few short hours this month of August will end. Some days I remember  simply going from  one moment to  the next moment. Rather than becoming overwhelmed, I pray.

 I walk by faith and trust God. 

Monday Musings... Book Clubs

 Are you in a book club? In my circle of friends and acquaintances. I know several individuals who are in at least one book club. I have been a member of  one book club for over twenty years.  Reading and discussing books has given me thousands hours  of joys.  We linger over conversations, enjoy meals, and every once in a while, we travel to distance cities for  over night gatherings. 

What do I do with all those books ?  Years ago, at the encouragement  of my son, I set up an online bookstore.  That online bookstore was successful.  I was able to sell books and downsize my library. It was enjoyable to sell books that had provided me hours of entertainment.

According to my research assistant, (Alexa) today there are nearly 500,000 book clubs in the United States. I think that number is drastically, underestimated. Why? 

In some ways, each week, millions of people gather in living rooms, kitchens, Zoom meetings, old and new buildings, storefront businesses, and in ancient cathedrals to discuss books from the Bible. It is here that many people from all over the world, meet to discuss the  ancient  and life changing words from the Bible. 

In my opinion, the world's largest Book Club is the Bible. 

August ...

"Isn't it nice to think

 that  tomorrow 

is a new day with 

no mistakes in it yet?'

L.M. Montgomery

What is more wonderful ... is the forgiveness of our failings, shortcomings and sin. because 

Jesus loves and forgives. 

July...

July you were amazing. July you offered sacred moments where we prayed,  sang songs, made pottery, marveled at fireworks,  scooped ice cream,  ate hot dogs, endured thunderstorms,  travels hundreds of  miles on road trips, savored  family visits,  and enjoyed  breakfasts at the hotel. Where did you go July? You went by so fast! 

Most of all, God you gave us July and you  provided safety for us. 

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

Traveling ...

 Summer vacations often look  different for everyone.  Whether, we enjoy a staycation or enjoy an adventurous road trip, travel can offer a reset for our lives.  Depending on budgets and time concerns, summer travel often provides a popular time to travel with families. 

Traveling does not have to be elaborate to be satisfying. Maybe before summer ends, you might consider a staycation or a family trip.

Do you need inspiration for traveling?     One source might be Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross is available for Roku. If you like reading, maybe A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home, by Frances Mayes. 

No elaborate plans? Take a day trip outside of your zip code. It will be a great reset. 

🌎

Sunday

 When my Sunday is a fully day of rest, I am prepared for the upcoming week.  What does rest look like? It begins with a bit of silence and preparing for church services.  Worship music is often a way to recharge  and fill my spirit before leaving our home for church. 

After church services,  we will have brunch and later dinner. 

What would Sunday afternoon be without a nap. 

Sundays are for rest. 

What?

 What is Godliness?

"Godliness means conforming to the character of God in your thoughts, feelings, desires and actions." 

Thursday Thoughts ...

 "Do all the good you can, 

by all the means you can,

 in all the ways you can,

in all the places you can,

at all the times you can, 

to all the people you can, 

as long as ever you can.

- John Wesley 

Monday Musings ... June

 June, I love you. You are one of the best months. You bring such a wealth of joy with  summer vegetables, Vacation Bible School, ice cream, June weddings, lighting bugs, freshly cut lawns, hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salads, ice cream, bug bites, boat rides, summer reading lists, family visits, text messages, Instagram posts, graduations, open houses, doctor visits, treatments, grocery shopping, grilling, surgeries, unexpected news, dental visits, blood work, bills, open houses, garage sales, packing, moving trucks, relocation, road trips, gas stations, rest stops,  hotel rooms, fireworks, lunches, church services, prayers, hymns, dinners, breakfast, tears, laughter,  and so goes the list. 

June, you will bring a mix of good and bad news. No matter the circumstances, God is faithful. God will  carry us, sustain us, and provide for us. 😊

Monday Musings... be ready

I admire people who are ready at a moment's notice. Who are those individuals? This list is not exhaustive; police officers, firemen, EMTs,  surgeons, pilots, military personnel, parents, teachers, bus drivers, pastors... 

One never knows what will happen in the future.   One moment, a pastor receives a call that a member of the congregation is in the hospital and needs help.  A teacher will spring into action when a student suddenly collapses in the classroom.  Dinner preparation is going smoothly until there is a kitchen fire. There are endless scenarios where someone needs to be ready.  What about our faith?

If we are people of faith, we need to be ready to share the hope we have in Christ Jesus.  God's Word gives  simple and helpful information.  The challenge, we must be willing to study to be prepared. If we stay ready, we don't have to get ready. 

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this will gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 3:15 NIV

May

 "Oh to have you in May,

To talk with you under the trees, 

Dreaming throughout the day, 

Drinking the wine - like breeze,

Oh it were sweet to think

That May should be ours again, 

Hoping it not, I shrink,

Out of sight of men. 

May brings the flowers to bloom, 

It bring the greens leaves to a tree, 

Ant the fatally sweet perfume,

Of what you once were to me. 

Paul Lawerence Dunbar 

Monday Musings... prayer

 ... when we cannot prayer, that is when we need to prayer the most

Charles Spurgeon 

Tasty Tuesday ...

 Today, April 21 is National Chocolate - Covered Cashew Day. 

Things you might do to celebrate and enjoy Chocolate Covered Cashew Day

• Enjoy a snack of cashews. 
• Take a moment and view Youtube videos that will inspire you to enjoy these nuts.
• Enjoy these delicious nuts in moderation. 
• 💖💖💖💖💖💖

Tasty Tuesday

 

Here's a simple truth:

Dinner spreads love. 

Laurie David

Tasty Tuesday

 "Food tastes better

when

shared with friends."

Conversations shared over a meal with friends is priceless. I trust that you will have time to share with those you love. 

🥘🍲

Good Friday

 "May the sacrifice that Jesus made

fill you with gratitude and peace." 

Monday Musings... Holy Week

 Each moment and each day is sacred when surrendered to the Lord Jesus. This week is especially sacred as we remember the Lord Jesus and His journey to the cross. What services will you attend this week? 

Monday Musings ... the church

 " The church is not meant to 

mirror the outrage 

of the culture but to model

the character of the Christ."

Russell Moore

Grace

 "I'm glad we are saved by grace and not by good works.

 Because I don't want to listen to everybody 

brag for eternity on how they got there."

DL Moody

"For it is by grace you have been saved,

through faith and this is nor from yourselves

it is a gift of God  not by works, so that no one can boast.

For we are God's handiwork. created in Christ Jesus to do 

good works. which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2: 8- 10

Tuesday Thoughts

"Worry is a conversation

you have with yourself

about things you cannot 

change. 

Prayer is a conversation 

you have with God about 

things He can change.

Amen!