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.

The Ugly and The Beauty

My book club read The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Victoria Jones grew up in the foster care system. Feeling unloved and unworthy, Victoria disrespected and rebelled against foster parents until they sent her back. I too would have sent her packing- not tolerating Victoria's bad behavior very long - my eyes blinded to the beauty, worth, potential in her. In failing to see Victoria's beauty, I saw my ugly.

 

All experience pain. Everyone has been hurt, wounded, broken. There's ugliness in all of us. But we are created in God's image, and there is beauty and worth in people. I need to search for it, dig deeper. Find in the unlovable and difficult individuals the treasure of potential and gifts God gave them. And remember, God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5: 8).

 

 

Detached and wary, Victoria Jones learned to communicate through the Victorian language of flowers. She taught people to express their true feelings through the bouquets they sent. In general, lilies symbolize "majesty"; but, have other meanings depending on the color.







Jehovah Raah: The LORD is My Shepherd

"The LORD is my Shepherd..."

Psalm 23: 1

 

 

What was I thinking? I chose the least budget-friendly apartment. It was an illogical decision. Yet, I didn't change my mind. It was the summer of 1985. I was a widow with a baby son...and about to bite off more than I thought I could financially chew.

Since then, I've learned I really am a sheep. A very clueless one at that. But I also realize I have a tender, loving Savior Shepherd who leads me, guides me, and gets me where I need to be in spite of myself, no matter how long it takes.

We moved into that Lubbock, TX apartment complex. Weeks later, a male college student moved into the unit next door. That young man would become my future husband, best friend, and father to my little boy.

We married in 1988 and moved to Houston. Life has been a great adventure! We have never been in want. Jesus Christ, our Shepherd - Jehovah Raah-  has provided green pastures of provision and still waters  which have nourished and refreshed our souls. He led us places where we were taught by His pastors and loved by His flock. We've walked through the valley of the shadow of death, experiencing miscarriages, and grieving the loss of  friends and family members. His Presence comforted us. We are thankful.

His goodness and mercy continue to follow me throughout my life. I delight in the promise that I will dwell in the LORD's house forever.


How has the LORD revealed Himself as Jehovah Raah to you?



 



 

 

 



Powerful Influences

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things."

Philippians 4: 8 (NIV)

 



 

I read an article that stated the average child spends more than 40 hours a week in front of a screen. This does not include computer time at school. That's a lot of time watching television, playing video games, texting, and using social media!

 

The media and entertainment industries are powerful influences on our children and culture. This month, my "First Friday Intercession" is for these culture shapers.

 

 

Father God in Heaven, You are Sovereign over all!

 

Please give parents wisdom to limit their children's screen time. Help them to understand their responsibility for what comes into their homes. Give our children wisdom and a strong conscience to know and understand what is right in Your eyes. Help them to make good reading and entertainment choices. May their thoughts be pleasing to You.

 

Thank You for strategically placing Your people within the sports, media, and entertainment industries. Help them to be light, and show Your love and grace to others. Give them strength to be bold and true to Your word. Bless them with creativity and favor. May truth and morality be presented by our nation's media. Amen.