August 9, 2020 thought for the day: Learn from your tears and you will win laughing. Spanish Proverb

Sundays seem to be special days. In my eyes it ends one week and begins another. But today, for some reason, is a little on the lonesome side for me. I guess something is a little different on this Sunday.

I usually get a “recharge” from church but today it just wasn’t there. We have a set of visiting pastors. I have noticed there is a difference in the way each of their sermons are presented. In my humble opinion, there seems that there are two types of training that prepares the speaker. I feel that with one type I could read the scripture and a bible study article and get out of it what is presented from the pulpit. Then there is the other type of pastor who gives life and light to their words and ties in the journey of life today with the words of the scripture from two thousand years ago. Those are the ones that uplift my spirit.

On August 8 the photo challenge was “happy place”. I have several “happy” places. But the closest and easiest to shoot was the chair I sit in as the day is ending, after dinner and the dishes. I head for the lounge chair, turn on the TV for news and sound and then crochet for my great grand children. I feel them with each stitch. The piece may not be treasured as I hope it would be (but then maybe it will be), maybe through some mysterious form of osmosis or maybe through a higher power. For me, the love that goes into each stitch knowing that they can’t be with me as often as with their mother and father, I have the pleasure of thinking of them and loving them as I work.

As is usual for my Sunday, this being a day of rest, I am not planning to get much done. I must water, the plants know when they are thirsty no matter what day it is.

The word is lasting.  It is mutual respect which makes friendship lasting, John Henry Newman.   Be not dazzled by beauty, but look for those inward qualities which are lasting, Seneca the Younger. The love of study is in us the only lasting passion. All the others quit us in proportion as this miserable machine which holds them approaches its ruins, Baron de Montesquieu.  A good disposition is a virtue in itself, and it is lasting; the burden of the years cannot depress it, and love that is founded on it endures to the end, Ovid. There are only three pleasures in life pure and lasting, and all derived from inanimate things-books, pictures and the face of nature, William Hazlitt.  True and lasting inner peace can never be found in external things. It can only be found within in. And then, once we find and nurture it with ourselves, it radiates outward, Gautama Buddha. Not the maker of plans and promises, but rather the one who offers faithful service in small matters. This is the person who is most likely to achieve what is good and lasting, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Today’s theme is “sweet”. This photo fits in two ways. There is the sweet face with the loving eyes and there is the name “Sweet Pea’.

This article kind of related to our house this year. Sue bought a small fire pit grill so the twins could roast marshmallows and have smores. The article is about backyard grills and how they have become very popular this year. One of the reasons mentioned is that it is hard to fine a good steak at a steakhouse now with restaurants being closed. Once you have decided on cooking on your own grill in your own yard there is the question of charcoal or gas then propane or natural. If charcoal is the choice then decide on lighter fluid or other methods of starting it. One person mentioned that some may want to blend wood with the charcoal for the flavor. Flavor has to be considered when choosing charcoal or gas also. Charcoal is a bit messier than gas but gas is quicker and easier. Then comes the cost involved with the two types. The question of how often it will be used has to be considered to. That can lead to the size of the grill to look at when shopping.  The article suggests that the newbie start simple. One suggestion is to read one of the many books on how to use a grill. And finding and using the right kinds of foods for a grill. Also remember that grilling with friends makes for a happy summer day.

I think we will have tacos again tonight. Seems like Sundays are becoming a lot like Fridays. Fridays are pizzas and Sunday’s are becoming tacos.

Joy