Sunday Scripture

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation – if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you have heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. “

Colossians 1 : 15 – 23 (NIV)

Traditions

I can give credit to Sir Henry Cole for one of my Christmas traditions. What tradition? Christmas Cards.

Sir Henry Cole was a government worker in UK. In 1843, Sir Henry wanted  ‘ordinary people’ to use the new Public Post Office.  Sir Henry and his friend John Horsley created the first card and sold them for one shilling a piece.  

Since then, the tradition of sending Christmas cards and holiday greetings are a part of many cultures. Whether they are handmade or designed by Hallmark or Day Spring Christmas cards continue to have some appeal.

Check out more information about the history of Christmas Cards here: www.whychristmas.com

I look forward to finishing my Christmas cards tomorrow.   

Telephone calls and text messages

"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us."

Western Union Internal Memo 1876

At the time in 1876 it must have been impossible for the people at Western Union to understand the way in which the telephone would transform society. Today, it almost impossible to visual a day without the use of our phones.

Last Thursday, I received a call from my surgeon. He was checking in on me.  I also received texts from his office. Phone calls and texts have been instrumental to ask questions and receive information. 

Since I am homebound, I am grateful for the technology. 

This afternoon, I wanted to talk to my family. So from Indiana to North Carolina, I had sweet phone visits. I love to hear the voices of my family and friends.  I also love see their smiles. 

Walking

It's been a week since my knee replacement surgery.  

"I dream of hiking into my old age. "
Marilyn Doan

Tasty Tuesday

"If you really want 

to make a friend,

go to someone's house

and eat with him ...

the people who give

you their food

give you their heart."

Cesar Chavez

Then... there are friends you bring you meals as you recover from surgery.  Preparing meals is the last thing you are able to do when you recover from surgery.  What a gift to have friends bring meals.
Friendships are a treasure. 

Monday Musings... character

Our behavior reveals our true character.  When we observe people, we discover something about their character. Listen to their conversations. Check out how they interact with  people. You will discover a part of their personality.

What if someone ridicules a person with a physical disability? What do you think if a person continually makes mention of their wealth, position, and power? Or maybe they are quick to judge another person's physical beauty.

I think Donald Trump's behavior reveals a lack of humility, kindness, sensitivity, and compassion.   His cookie cutter brash statements appeal to some voters. Instead of giving thoughtful well reasoned speeches, he seems to delight in creating headlines instead of solutions. I am appalled by Donald Trump.

There are so many other well qualified and experienced candidates that possess the character traits that would better serve our country.  Here are four Republican candidates who are better than Trump.
Gov. Kasich, Gov. Christie, Senator Rubio, and Former Gov. Jeb Bush

On the Democratic side, there is no drama. Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, offers a sharp contrast to the "Donald".

Whatever your party... please stay engaged in the process.

In a previous post, I mentioned  last month I was in South Carolina.  I attended a Town Hall meeting held by Senator Tim Scott.  I also met Mary Amonitti, President of the Republican Women of South Beaufort  County.

In my one meeting with Mary, I discovered that she is a caring person. She is active in her church, community, politics and is an amazing Real Estate Agent.

... as an evening offering

Oh LORD, I am calling to you. Please hurry!
Listen when I call to you for help!
Accept my prayer as incense offered to you!
And as my upraised hands as an evening offering.

Take control of what I say, O LORD,
and guard my lips.
Don't let me drift toward evil
or take part in wickedness.

Psalm 141: 1- 4 a (NLT)