Friendship Friday

"Close friends are truly life's treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. With gentle honesty, they are there to guide and support us, to share our laughter and our tears. Their presences reminds us that we are never really alone."
Vincent van Gogh 

Tasty Tuesday

Food on the road...

If you travel to Nashville, Indiana please visit the Chocolate Moose. They have been in business since 1933.  You will experience a cozy little restaurant that offers delicious coffee, hot chocolate, and tasty treats.

Monday Musings ...

“Who Can Stand Against the LORD?

No one can, no one will

Who can stand against the King?

No one can, no one will"

In the middle of night, I remember the lyrics of a song that I heard Sunday night. I am singing the lyrics in my head that are pointing me to the truth that nothing can stand against an Almighty God.   

I love songs that bring back memories and encourage me. Lyrics have a way of letting a truth soak in your soul. Some songs are so steeped in musical memory and history; I simply rest in the beauty of the words.

Recently, I am blessed to have attended two such concerts.

A tale of two performances …

On October 29, I attended a concert in Bloomington, Indiana. Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples were at Indiana Auditorium. One highlight of the evening was listening to Mavis Staples in her opening act prior to Bob Dylan’s performance.

Experiencing this live performance of Mavis Staples and Bob Dylan was not the best part of the experience. It was the entire 24 hours that included the concert.  What parts? Traveling to Bloomington, walking on Indiana University’s campus, staying at the Showers Bed and Breakfast, and having friends share the experience.

Then, most recently, I attended a Todd Delaney Concert at church on Sunday,

The words of his songs are finding a place in my soul. 

Who Can Stand Against the LORD?

No one can, no one will.
Lyrics from a song by Todd Dulaney

In the midst of pain and suffering, it may seem evil wins at a concert where people are killed in Las Vegans or at a church service on a Sunday morning. Christians have a sure hope that in the end, evil does not win.

Praying for a family member. 
Praying for our country

peace with God

"Therefore, since we have been justified with faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Romans 5: 1-5 (NIV)

Pet of the week, Olly

"A dog reflects the family life. Whoever saw a frisky dog in a gloomy family, or a sad dog in a happy one? Snarling people have snarling dogs, dangerous people have dangerous dogs."
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Case Book of Sherlock Holmes

Since we often judge by appearances, I think we can draw some conclusions regarding  this week's pet.

Olly lives a pampered life. Olly travels in a very stylish stroller. If you travel in style, you must also dress the part. I met Olly during recent visit to the doctor's office.

Friendship Friday

Last Friday, we celebrated birthdays! 

I think some people may substitute fluffy friendships instead of deep and meaningful ones.  When individuals encounter and experience real friendships, I think they long for the authentic. I believe this is true, especially of women of faith.   

In conversations with my friends, we share how God is shaping and transforming our lives as we study  His word and apply the truth in our lives.   I love friendships that challenge and encourage me. When we part company, I leave always having learned something new.  Real friends should enrich our lives and make them better.

"Knowledge is indispensable to Christian life and service. If we do not use the mind that God has given us, we condemn ourselves to spiritual superficiality and cut ourselves off the riches of God’s grace.”

John Stott

Glory of God

Scripture Alone
Christ Alone
Grace Alone
Faith Alone
Glory of God Alone
Martin Luther