An inventory of things.

Have you taken inventory lately?

I’m seating in my office looking at a shelf full of books. Last night, I changed my closet from winter to summer wear. I kept some things, discarded some things, and plan to donate some things.

The last two weeks were full of fun and vacationing. I have gathered more memories, more places to visit, and more insight to the life all around me. I enjoyed listening to hip hop karaoke from those a few generations behind me. The lyrics hindered my joining in the sing-along. Wow, that was a wake up call to the person I once was. I appreciated the fun near the beach with crowds dancing outside to the live “Grown Folks Music” of Brasswind, a band composed completely of retired/active duty military and local teachers. A big thank you for your service!

I began this BLOG journey months ago with the post, We Filled a Dumpster. It was a reflection of things past and the memories shared with our descendants over the generations.

This morning I started a new study in the Biblical book of Ezra, a priest and scribe. I am one easily fascinated by the stories of war. The battles we face everyday and the fortitude needed to remain steadfast in the aftermath is a lesson in overcoming. Ezra opens with an inventory of the spoils of war and the descendants of a people displaced in exile.

What captured me in the reading of chapters 1 and 2 is the record of inventory of things and the people that returned from captivity. I thought about the things I put in that dumpster months ago. I thought about my descendants, past and present. I thought about the experiences I have had over the years as inventory to the person I am today and the new experience that may determine who I become tomorrow. The book of Ezra mentions descendants of singers, servants, gatekeepers, people of province, and more. It list items such as bowls, plates, knives, and livestock. When is the last time you counted the number of bowls, plates, and knives in your house?

What fascinates me and excites my awe and wonder is the thought that there is a record of my coming and goings, a record of my thoughts and actions, an inventory of me that will be presented when the exile to this earth is over. What intimidates me and gives me peace, is the loving grace of Christ. That I am counted as heir and descendant of creator GOD is an awesome responsibility.

Although my days of hip hop are beyond me, I still reminisce and dance around to a good beat. I still shop and gather new things. I still seek the Lord daily and grow exponentially in the calling to do his will.

May the inventory of my life be pleasing to Christ.

Always grateful,

You Matter

Hello Wonderful People,
May you never forget- you are created & wonderfully made!
As Mental Health Awareness month comes to an end and we recognize Memorial Day for all those that fought in the battle; Know that we can overcome the daily battles we all endure.
May you find your peace and comfort in a faith journey with friends and those that KNOW YOU MATTER.



May your journey continue with the peace of mind that passes all understanding. I hope to meet you in the online SANe community read along. https://a.co/d/aWswnzg

Always grateful,

So many worlds, so many lives… Living on mission.

How was your week?

Being surrounded by people on mission is a great reminder of all the good in the world. It was a very good week.

It began with sitting down for lunch to celebrate the birthday of someone very close to me. We celebrated the day of her entry into this world ninety three years ago. The struggle, the challenges, the triumph, the life of 93 years is one to appreciate and admire. May I be like this precious soul when I am ninety three. A soul that loves life by being with others, playing cards, exercising on the elliptical machine, and sharing her faith. A life on purpose.

It was a week getting to know the challenges my dear friend has made to stand as a Jewish clergy woman. Her stand for woman’s person-hood and the struggle for equal treatment has opened the door for a voice not heard by many. From a Reform clergy woman, to a Reform Cantor, to a Reform Rabbi living in the US. Living on purpose breeds strength and perseverance.

There was a day to sit and plan for scholarship opportunities for youth going off to college. Youth from communities that others may blast as lacking the wherewithal to succeed. It was another opportunity to be with someone living on purpose to show that her people are very capable and willing to succeed.

There was time to set another memory with my husband. We enjoyed a local performance of Guys and Dolls. A well performed rendition of the Broadway hit. A 1950 story that highlights the intersection of two worlds. The world of Sarah Brown, the leader of the Save-a Soul Mission, who’s mission is to save sinners and her encounter with Sky Masterson, who’s mission is to take a gamble and bet on anything.

An interesting epiphany occurred while watch this performance. The character Adelaide sings a song in her nightclub act. I sing the first few lines of this song to my grandchildren- A Bushel and a Peck. It is quite interesting the things in my head, that come out of my mouth, and I have no idea it’s origin.

And the days began again on Sunday- Mother’s Day, It is a time to reflect on my assignment in this world. Have I provided the space for my children to be in this world and explore all the lives around them. Have I embraced my neighbor as myself. Have I reached the epiphany of a God that so loves the world he gave his only begotten son. Am I living my life on purpose?

I am seen from afar, everyday.

The purpose to love God with all my heart, and to love others the same. I am walking the walk on purpose to see others as God sees.

I am grateful for all the lives that spent time with me this week. You have helped me live my life with purpose. May I contribute as those around me have in their walk on mission in this world.

Always grateful,

I used my washing machine. Contemplating top load or front load…

For reason that began years ago, I am not the one that usually does the laundry. Recently, we purchased a new washer/dryer set. A major shift from top load to a front load. I realized I had not thought this completely through when it occurred to me, once the front load starts, there’s no going back to add the few things I forgot to add.

Here’s some practical information for your consideration:

Top-Load Washers:    Loading: Clothes are loaded from the top.

Washing Action: Use an agitator (a central post with paddles) or an impeller (a lower-profile cone) to move clothes and stir water.

Pros: Faster cycle times, easier to load and unload (especially for those with back problems), often more affordable.

Cons: Use more water and energy, may be less gentle on clothes.

Maintenance: Generally easier to maintain, less prone to mold and mildew.

Front-Load Washers:    Loading: Clothes are loaded from the front.

Washing Action: Clothes are tumbled in a rotating drum, using less water and friction to clean.

Pros: More energy-efficient, use less water, gentler on clothes, can be stacked with a dryer.

Cons: Slower cycle times, may require more maintenance to prevent mold and mildew, can be more difficult to load and unload. Maintenance: Require more frequent cleaning to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

In the moment, I sat in front of the washer and watched the clothes being cleansed. The slow rise of the water. The soft sound of the water tumbling through the clothes. The suds mixing in and the process of using less friction by tumbling versus the agitation that comes with the top load.

May is Mental Health Awareness. Yesterday was spent in Philadelphia, the town of brotherly love, at the summit to kick off the National Conference for Mental Wellbeing. As we navigated the streets from the parking garage to the convention center, there were multiple streets blocked off by police cars, for reasons unknown to us. The question I ask myself… are you well? Am I being agitated by the things of this world or being gently tumbled by the grace of God.

The agitation of the top load, all the thoughts that wander through the brain can be much easier to load and harder to unload if not cleansed with daily reflection. But the transparency of front load, being open for all the world to see, can be equally troubling if I do not take the time clean the mold and mildew that sits on the heart.

So, as I complete my reading of 1 John, may I remember there will be times when I may sin but I am cleansed in the knowledge that whatever is born of God overcomes the world. “And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.”

SO the answer to my question, am I well? Yes, I am well from the top load of my mind, to the front load of my soul, to the bottom of my feet that walk this earth. As I wander in this world my mental wellbeing is in the peace and grace of the Lord, his cleansing word, and the Spirit

that guides me toward repentance and away from the storms.

I end with my daily reflection, keep yourself clean.

Always grateful,

Zoe- Is it just a name or a way of being?

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day in the small town of Kensington. Hundreds of people came out for the Kensington Day of the Book. There were close to two hundred authors spanning the gamut of fiction, non-fiction, fantasy to political discourse.

We began the day in prayer not knowing what the results would be for my four foot table space, mapped as 35A. I met authors and learned of their story. I watched as those around me engaged in small talk about their book. I watched as phones came out to accept a tap from the ubiquitous card that verifies your presence at the festival. I watched and waited for verification that space 35A would also be one that would connect with others.

The presence at the Day of the Book Festival…. bring words of fantasy, hope, entertainment, life changing transformation, or some meaningful way to connect with the soul of others.

Earlier in the week, there was a different event. Not outside in the sun of the day but the same mission of those that came out to offer hope, perseverance, and resilience. It was the Family and Trauma Institute conference. There were shared stories of healing, shared stories of perseverance, and shared stories of hope.

What does Zoe have to do with all of this? Zoe is not just a name, it is a way of living. It is living life to the fullest, finding happiness in the happening.

As I watched and waited to connect and open my phone to see the “tap” or “insert card”, there were moments of uncertainty. But I did not despair or become sad in the success happening around me. There was confidence in the prayer my husband and I began the day with together, standing on the ground of space 35A. Your will be done, Lord.

Within the last hour, my God showed up. Within the last minute, and seconds, my Lord showed up with his promise- Trust in me and your cup will be overflowing. The table was folded, the books were put away, then boom, sales came. The books came back out, the card reader flashed it’s four green lights and the phone instructed, “place the card horizontally”.

This morning, a song was in my head. It was resonating from a beautiful conversation with a wonderful lady on Saturday morning. One of those that keeps repeating until I play it out load. It is my song today- It’s Gonna Be a Good Day, no matter what they say.

What an awesome God we serve. Zoe is more than a name, it is living life to the fullest. It is finding happiness in the happening. It is resting in the joy and promises of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Always grateful,