Happy Thanksgiving!

I love Thanksgiving Day. I love everything about it- the food, the table settings, the decorations, the gathering of families and friends, and the opportunity to reflect and thank our Lord for all He has done for us.

My challenge is to maintain a thankful attitude throughout the year. Keeping a gratitude journal helps me  focus on giving thanks. Are you aware of the benefits of having an attitude of gratitude? Check out my Gratitude post.

Many blessings to you and your family this Thanksgiving.

It's a Party!

I hosted my mom's 80th birthday celebration this week. Twenty-six sweet friends from church and our prayer group joined us.

I chose a "tea room" theme. Each table was uniquely decorated. I purchased some flowers and a few ornaments, and used my own crystal bowls and vases. However, lest you think I am a "Martha Stewart" type, let me set the record straight... a beautiful, talented,  twenty-four-year-old  event coordinator volunteered to help. I am not responsible for what you are about to see. I only took the photos. My creativity was not required.

 









Though not an original idea, I did do this:

 

 

Place some marbles or accent beads in the bottom of a vase. Insert flowers. Fill with water. Add a floating candle on top. Very easy and inexpensive.

 

I hired a caterer. Chef Pennye owner of  MyLeigh's Morsels prepared a wonderful tea room menu. Spring Mixed Greens tossed with Honey Lime Vinaigrette Dressing, Southwest Chicken Salad on Croissant, and choice of Caramelized Onions and Mushroom or Broccoli Cheese Quiche. This plating is served on my grandmother Anna's china.

 

 

For dessert, we ate German Chocolate birthday cake, followed by a chocolate fountain with strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, and cinnamon graham crackers for dippers.







 

I played "Happy Birthday" on the steel pan. This photo is from July 2007 when I played the song for my husband. I took lessons when we lived in Trinidad.

 





 

Classic tunes from the Great American Songbook (by Rod Stewart) was my musical choice: "What a Wonderful World," "It Had to be You," "The Way You Look Tonight," " 'S Wonderful," "Fly Me to the Moon," and my favorite "Moon River" were a few of the selections.

 

Friends and family members from across the country sent birthday card greetings and memories. My mom, Lorraine, appreciates your good wishes and sentiments.

 

What have you celebrated recently? I'd love to hear your comments! 

 

 





 

 



Reflections from a Former Island Girl

Where, oh where, is my steel pan sheet music? I want to play.  I need to play. It's been too long.

When hubby and I lived in the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, I took steel pan lessons. I loved it.  And, I've missed it. But, I've lost skill.

I'm hosting an 80th birthday party for my mom. I want to play 'Happy Birthday" on my steel pan. Practice is required. I can do this. I will do this.

My steel pan teacher,  Lydia would be happy I play. Thank you, Lydia, wherever you are. You enriched my life.

First Friday: The Church

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."

1 Corinthians 16: 13 (NKJ)

The Family Research Council hosted the "I Stand Sunday" Rally at Grace Community Church on Nov. 2, 2014. Its message focused on standing for religious freedom in the United States.

 

Dr. Ronnie Floyd, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, said, "The greatest need for America is for the church to revive."

 

November's First Friday Intercession is for The Church.


LORD God Almighty, how excellent is Your Name! You alone are worthy of all our worship and praise! Thank You for Your church. Thank You for every spiritual blessing in Christ. Thank You for the gifts You have given its members to serve one another. Forgive us for turning from You, our first love. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Help us to hear, understand, and obey the Holy Spirit's direction. Help us to live as children of light, in holiness. Revive us, and heal our land. May we speak Your truth with boldness, and in love. May we bless, rather than curse, others. In the Mighty Name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ...amen.