joy

Words are inadequate to express the joy of having family. On March 1,  I will celebrate my daughter's birthday. As look back over the years, I have fond memories of my pregnancy,  the quickening movements of her,  doctor's visits,  sonograms, pokes, examinations, gowns, classes, maternity clothes, elastic pants, heart burn, and then joy of the birth.

So tomorrow, I will celebrate the birthday of my daughter.  As the mother of adult children, I continue to discover new joys that God gives me.

Most recently, I have discovered the joy of loving  young children in my Sunday School class. I love their tiny hands, their smiles, their laughter, their sticky fingers as the grab goldfish snacks, and their growing trust in God's love.

God  can expand our love beyond the love of our biological family. Love expands our lives and our capacity for love.  Why? Because God is love.

Monday Musings ... Black History Month

In 1926, Negro History Week was established as the brainchild of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. In 1976,  as part of the United States Bicentennial  Celebration, Black History Month was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford.  This recognition has not been without criticism.

Why is Black History Month important?  Dr. Carter G. Woodson, believed that "Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."

One example of a story that inspires is the movie Hidden Figures. This real life story of three  African American Women has inspired millions. The movie may be a vehicle to inspire other individuals who has fought to overcome any obstacle.

Tutoring

" A child without an education 

is like a bird without wings."

Tibetan Proverb

"Read to Succeed (RTS) volunteers are a part of an initiative of Lexington Leadership Foundation (LLF) a Christian  non-profit organization. LLF was formed in 1999 to mobilize people to action addressing issues of the most needy in our midst."  The training manual highlights this important truth,   "Since successful reading supports every other academic study, it precedes tutoring"

"Each week, volunteers meet across our city in various churches  to assist elementary age children to  love to read. Readers are trained to do paired reading, a simple but effective method.  Children are given pre and post-test to evaluate progress."

Volunteering with this Read to Succeed is a highlight of my week.

It is a joy to see how students are making progress each week. I believe, we are beginning to see students who are developing a love of reading.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

" How can one make friends without exquisite dishes!
It is mainly through the table that one governs."

Jean -Jacques  Regis  de Cambaceres

French Politician  ~ 1713 - 1824

This soup was so.... delicious! 

power of God

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved is the power of God."
I Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

Pet of the week, Wyatt

What do the following individuals have in common, Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt,  Rachael Ray, John Stewart, Thomas Edison, Serena Williams,  Brad Pitt, Rosie Perez, John Steinbeck, and Jamie Foxx? They all have owned Pit Bulls.

Pet ownership is a responsiblity. I think everyone who owns a dog should seriously consider enrolling their dog in obedience   training.

This week's pet is Wyatt a Pit Bull.

Pet Smart is a nationwide chain that offers learning centers.  Check them out.