Sunday Scripture

Praise the LORD, all you servants of the 
LORD
who minister by night in the house of 
the LORD.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.
May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and 
earth,
bless you from Zion.
Psalm 134

Me and my shadow

Are you able to pick up your shadow and carry it? As you can see, this gentleman is able to pick up his "Shadow".

 Last Saturday, this couple graciously allowed me to take their picture. The gentleman actually offered a suggestion for the this week's post.

The pets of the week are Shadow and Rico.  I met this couple last Saturday at Cumberland Falls.
Chihuahuas are described by the American Kennel Club as graceful, charming and sassy.

Grown folk conversations

“What conversations about life, love, and freedom are we keeping from young people today? What firsthand testimonies are we reluctant or afraid to share? The life of our faith and the life our nation are dependent upon “ grown folks” conversations that must not be limited to grown folks.

Pastor Kenneth L. Samuel

As a result of some grown folks conversations last weekend, women are becoming better equipped to live life freely. Last weekend, I attended a women’s retreat sponsored by the church where I am a member.  We had plenty of grown folk conversations.

Some of those sessions made me weep, laugh, and even cringe.  I am uncomfortable when individuals talk about mental illness, abuse, drug addiction, and grief. I would rather pretend that everything is okay. Yet, the professionals were not willing for women to stay stuck. Maybe it is a part of my middle-income upbringing that I am hesitant to talk about difficult issues. My mother's voice is  in my head telling me, " Don't tell your business ... "

Yet, it is because women were willing to talk about their journey to freedom that inspired others to seek wholeness.  What is the common denominator for freedom?  The women share it is Jesus.
God uses counselors, support groups, medicine and other resources to help women work toward wholeness.

What kind of women? University professors, principals, engineers, counselors, nurses, singers, writers, and everyday women like me.  

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Kentucky Café Native

 “Dine and relax in our urban oasis. Kentucky Café Native features local craft beer, fine cheese, and bright herbs to entice your senses.”

Although I have yet to enjoy a meal here, I already know it will be special.  Trees, flowers, and shrubs surround tables and chairs. Small rocky paths guide guests to small intimate seating. I can imagine friends and family gathered around a meal. Friendships will deepen over a meal.

Visit their website hereKentucky Cafe Native

Monday Musings

Heroin addiction has penetrated its way into communities all across the United States. Unintentional deaths due to heroin overdoses have reached epidemic proportions. It is staggering to discover the tragic loss of lives due to heroin.

In the past, we would read with sadness about a celebrity’s death from an overdose. Then we might occasionally read an obituary where someone in our community might have died from drugs. Locally, some parents have been brave to discuss their loss publicly.  They hope to help others facing similar challenges.

Over the past week, I have had three friends who informed me how their lives have been touched by heroin. Attending funerals will make you confront the ugly truth of addiction.  

Last Thursday evening as I listened to yet another tragic story sadness and anger were beginning to stir in my soul.  If I only look at the numbers, I might be more depressed, but I think if we look closer we are able to see some glimmers of recovery and hope.

Here is just one individual who has struggled with heroin addiction shared this,

           

            “I lost jobs, crashed my car twice, gone broke, narrowly escaped

            Jail – and I am one of the fortunate ones. One of the worst things

            about relapse for me is not the loss of money and material things,

            but the loss of love and trust from my family.”

Yet, I hope that this is just one person of many others who are struggling to get free and stay free. I hope others find recovery through rehab,  support, and spiritual support. Recovery is hard but possible. 

"Every day is a second chance."

Unknown

Sunday Scripture

How lovely is your dwelling place,

O Lord Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints,

for the courts of the LORD;

my heart and my flesh cry out

for the Living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young –

a place near your altar,

O LORD Almighty, my King and

my God.

Blessed are those whose dwell in your

house;

they are ever praising you.  Selah

Blessed are those who strength

is in you,

who have set their hearts on

pilgrimage.

As they pass through the Valley of

Baca,

they make it a place of springs;

The autumn rains also cover it

with pools.

They go from strength to strength,

till each appears before God in

Zion.

Hear my prayer O LORD God

Almighty;

Listen to me, O God of Jacob.

                                    Selah

Look upon our shield, O God;

look with the favor on your anointed.

one.

Better is one day in your courts

than an thousand elsewhere;

I would rather be a doorkeeper in

the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of the

wicked.

For the LORD God is a sun and

shield.

The LORD bestows favor and

 honor;

no good thing does he withhold

from those whose walk is

blameless.

O LORD Almighty,

blessed is the man who trusts in

you.

Psalm 84 (NIV)