Misplaced Faith

Last night on a blustery, winter evening, the girlfriends ventured out to dine at what is arguably the nicest restaurant in Richland. Mission Point has been the location of at least a couple girlfriend dinners in the past year, and since we planned this dinner as a belated Christmas get-together we wanted to go somewhere a little special.

We shared our latest praises and concerns that ranged from proud grandma videos to concerns of a corporate takeover to the boiler in my basement that fuels my home's hot water heating system and currently sounds like a B-52 about to drop its payload. 

One concern we all shared was how technology and social media have become such a part of our lives. Although we like to see photos of our children, grandchildren and extended families – constantly checking social media can be a real time waster. And how do we handle those friend requests from high school chums who, well, really were not at all chummy back in the day?  Ruth suggested only logging on once a day and limiting the time – a great philosophy that takes some willpower – especially for Elisabeth and I, who are retired.

Well, as we often say, God works in mysterious ways.

This morning, my computer was being stubborn, so I rebooted. While I waited for my MAC to come alive again, I picked up a little book that Ruth gave me for Christmas titled “New Every Morning, A Celebration of God’sFaithfulness for Women” authored by Leah Slawson.

I opened to the first devotion, titled Misplaced Trust and read the following: 

Sometimes it seems the entire world is connected – through texting, phone calls, status updates and the list goes on. We all want to communicate with one another – all the time. We want to speak and have an audience, and we want to read and listen to what others say. We need and depend on one another, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We were created for interdependence like parts of a body.

But it’s easy to cross the line of trusting in people more than trusting in God, talking to friends more than talking to Jesus, seeking counsel rather than seeking the Counselor.

Our instantaneous connection with others carries with it the danger of putting all our trust and hope in others. We put faith in our companies, our political parties, our social groups, our teachers, even our preachers. We can always find another blog to read, website to peruse, sermon on podcast, text to respond to or email to read.

We become dependent on these relationships and before we know it they have displaced faith.  Our time and our thoughts are consumed with the words of everyone but God. Scripture tells us people are here and gone in the blink of an eye. In a moment, our plans perish with us.

Only Jesus - only His presence is lasting in our lives Only He will be with us in this world and the next, every moment of every hour.

So without checking email, FaceBook, twitter, the local newspaper website or my favorite blogs, I began to write this post.

Now you could argue that asking you to read MY blog post is part of the problem. But I choose to think of it as a way to bolster my resolve and offer a suggestion to you as well.

Today, as recommended by the scripture below, I will put my trust (and time) in God, not in the princes of social media. 

Psalm 146:3-4 (NLV) 
3 Do not put your trust in princes, in a son of a man, who cannot save us. 4 When his spirit leaves, he returns to the earth. His thoughts end on that day.

Stay warm out there (and perhaps say a prayer for my boiler),

Miriam

Amazing Blessings!

This past Wednesday, I had the honor and privilege to take my aging parents to one of our states’ most beautiful treasures, Mackinac Island. In previous discussions, my Mom had informed me she had never been able to visit Mackinac and we decided it was a trip long overdue! My Dad had been there sixty years ago, so he was also excited to observe the changes, including a “new” bridge across the straights.

We found a reasonable mid-week overnight accommodation at the Grand Hotel and although on Mackinac, “reasonable” has a different connotation, the reservation was made. At 86 and 92 years of age, I was concerned that the trip would be exhausting, so I prayed for God’s favor to help us to make the lengthy trip and have a fun time, and also for good weather to see the Island. He always provides!

We arrived at Shepler’s Ferry at 11:20 am, caught the 11:30 trip across and found the shops and town to be inviting, bustling with excited families, and somewhat materialistic. We had lunch at a recommended spot, Horn’s Bar. It was a very eclectic renovated landmark and our food was very tasty. We found the carriage to the Grand Hotel, an original old carriage restored to its splendor of old and climbed aboard. The ride up the hill to the Grand was relaxing and fun as we chatted with two families also happy to be there. The kids questions to their parents made us smile, “Do they have electricity here?” 


We were met in style on the red carpeted entry with door men and women directing us inside. The Hotel definitely earns its name, Grand, with furnishings, paintings and artwork to amaze all ages! Our room was not available yet, so we walked outside up to the top of the property and took photos of the grounds. We proceeded to the famous porch and sat in the chairs enjoying the view and watched the passerby’s. Our room was promised by 4 pm but was ready at 3:45. We walked the halls to the very end of the hotel and then outside the double doors as directed. 

To our amazement, our “room” was the Masco Cottage, Grand Hotel’s finest accommodation! We had to pick up our jaws from the floor to enter the most wonderful and beautifully decorated home which would be ours for one night.

The four of us walked around exploring the four bedrooms in two stories of luxury surroundings, thinking we would just stay forever. We found our rooms and brought in our luggage, toasted the amazing opportunity and blessing we had been given with a glass of wine and walked outside to enjoy the view below. Discovering a walk around porch surrounding the Cottage, an outdoor grassy area with lawn chairs, and even a deck with Jacuzzi tub and patio set, the blessings just kept coming!

Dinner was at 6:30 PM so everyone changed, freshened up, and we trekked our way back to the main dining room where we were greeted and served like royalty. We enjoyed seafood cocktails, onion soup and salad, salmon, and chose some pretty fabulous deserts: warm brownie with cherry ice cream, pecan balls with chocolate syrup, and cheesecake to die for! Calorie counting starts another day. Our servers made the meal truly special. We now appreciated the long walk back as the meal was wonderfully filling. Mom and Dad turned in earlier than my Sister and me so we chatted in the upper level in our media room and bedrooms. After a restful night, we awoke early around 5:30 for a beautiful sunrise over our balcony and were blessed again with gorgeous rainbow colors as the sky also awakened to a new day! Hot coffee helped us start our morning on the deck. God is good, all the time.

Breakfast was a selection of smoothies or juices, fresh pastries, selections from omelets to crepes or pancakes, bacon, and fresh fruit and great coffee. Staff is so amazing, serving guests so efficiently and with great smiles, another spectacular godsend.

Perusing the many shops, smelling the wonderfully fresh flowers, walking the halls, visiting the Art Exhibit, walking down through the grounds to the Straights edge, and enjoying the carriages and horses going along the road encompassed our morning. It was quickly time to check out of the royal cottage we called home. Saying goodbye to our luxurious Shangri La was not easy, but we found ourselves awaiting a carriage back to the docks to await the ferry back to Mackinac City and our long ride home.

The four of us had to pinch ourselves to return to reality from the blessing we had just experienced on Mackinac Island and in our Masco Cottage. After a quick purchase of fudge, the road met us with another sunny day and fun conversation of all we had experienced. For a first and possible only visit to the Island, the Mackinac Grand really made our stay a spectacular family memory for years to come! 

Feeling blessed,

Anna

Congratulations Elisabeth!

Earlier this week, we broke bread (and toasted with a bit of wine) to celebrate Elisabeth's retirement from a very fulfilling 35-year-career! Her work as a project manager for a global company took her to various cities in the U.S. as well as other countries. 

Now she is looking forward to spending time in Michigan with her family and friends and completing some of those home projects that have been hanging out on her list for awhile. 

Desiring a festive location for this celebration, we chose to meet at the Wine Loft in downtown Kalamazoo which is owned by the Millennium Restaurant Group. This destination also fit into our goal of 'buying local' as the Millennium Restaurant Group was formed by a group of restaurateurs from the Kalamazoo area. The group owns eight other restaurants, each with it's own theme, mostly in Kalamazoo, as well as an event center. They also do catering from box lunches to fine dinners and are well known for their high quality food and service. 

The Wine Loft is nestled in the ground floor of the historic Haymarket Building and furnished with dining tables as well as cushy couches with coffee tables divided by curtains for more relaxed, intimate seating. The menu offers tapas for a light dinner or snack as well as salads, soups, flatbreads and full entrees. As you would expect, the wine list is extensive - both by the glass and the bottle. 

We arrived at 6pm on a weeknight, but the restaurant already had a scattering of guests. It's location, just a block from the Radisson Plaza Hotel makes the Wine Loft a natural stop for entertaining visiting business clients. After 10 p.m. it fills with the young and beautiful, dressed for an evening out and the music gets turned up a few notches. 

As usual, the girlfriends enjoyed hearing each other's latest news. Sarah updated us on her possible work trip to Germany this fall as well as her new volunteer opportunity to coach men and women who have been out of the work force for various reasons as they prepare themselves for new employment opportunities. 

Ruth shared some great photos of her trip to New York and the beautifully presented (and presumably tasty) food she and her husband enjoyed while there. We chatted about her upcoming status change to Grandma and how to balance helping with the new baby while giving the new mom and dad time to enjoy their new roles and bond as their own little family. 

We prayed for Anna who was not able to join us as she was busy nursing her mom back from a fall. We trust God to hear our prayers and heal mom as well as give Anna the capacity to show loving care during the healing process.

But what about the food? Ruth and Sarah each ordered a Flatbread which is much like a square, thin-crust pizza. Elisabeth and I were food twins, ordering the beet salad and crab cakes.

Beets are one of those things people either love or hate and you can count me among the lovers! With some smoked blue cheese, cipollini onions, honey roasted walnuts, beet juice vinaigrette and flat leaf parsley added to the mix, the salad was divine. The crab cakes were a perfect compliment, filled with blue crab and covered with a light crunchy coating.

To complete the celebration, Elisabeth and I ordered deserts to share. We parted ways on our desert selections. Elisabeth chose chocolate lava cake and I picked three Small Bite Cupcakes from The Cupcake Zoo, which is located just a couple blocks away from the Wine Loft. Both choices were delicious and paired with some decaf, they were a perfect ending to a great meal.

Once again it was great fun to fellowship with these Godly women and I can't wait until next month when we head back to the Richland Pub. 

Blessings until then,

Miriam

Flashback Friday with the Girlfriends

One of the great things about our lovely little community of Richland is that we are within a few minutes drive of Kalamazoo, home of two campuses of higher education, several theater groups, a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues as well as one-of-a-kind retail shops.

Tonight our destination was two-fold. Dinner at the University Roadhouse, followed by a play at Western Michigan University.

The Roadhouse, as the regulars refer to it, is operated by The Housler Restaurant Group which has been family owned and operated since 1989. The varied menu, lively upstairs pub and outdoor-patio seating make the Roadhouse a popular spot any night of the week for students, parents and townies.

With so many choices and a couple great-sounding specials, it was hard to choose our entrees. After much deliberation,

Ruth went with the Gyro and Sarah chose the club sandwich with sweet potato fries. Elisabeth was home nursing a virus (it’s been a long, cold, sick winter in Michigan) and feeling a bit puny as well, I chose the tomato soup and half a turkey sammy.

The food at the Roadhouse is consistently tasty and filling, although not award winning in the creative department. But that’s OK for three girlfriends more interested in the conversation than the grub.

And converse we did. Sarah and I caught Ruth up on our adventure in Florida and Ruth gave us a rundown of her busy week while we were away. While we were with Anna searching for sun, Ruth was spending a great weekend with her hubby and their three young-adult offspring.  We chatted up our past theater-going experiences and our familiarity with the topic of the upcoming play based on the 80’s movie Nine to Five.

After dinner, Ruth drove us over to the WMU Gilmore TheaterComplex, home of the “nationally award-winning department of theater” and we settled in to enjoy the play.  As the lights went down, the stage erupted into a rousing rendition of the musical theme song of Nine to Five. The costuming was a fabulous flashback to the 80’s with frilly to frumpy dresses, masculine-styled suits for women and BIG hair! As the play unfolded, it was entertaining to remember the days of typewriters and secretarial pools and at the same time disconcerting to see the womanizing actions of the top executive, Mr. Hart!

We laughed and booed and were amazed at the talent of the students on the stage and behind the scenes! No wonder this theater program is known as one of the best in the nation!

Before we knew it the lights came up and it was time to head home – well after our typical bedtime! We all agreed however, that it was a great evening and we must see what the WMU theater students are up to next season.

Until next time, when the girlfriends get together to break bread…

Blessings to you and yours.

Miriam

  

Girlfriends Dinner at North 11

Tonight the Girlfriend’s met for our monthly dinner.  Our number was down by two as Anna remains south soaking in the sun and Elisabeth had last minute plans with family.  So Miram, Sarah and I gathered together at North 11 for a nice evening of dinner and fellowship.

North 11 is located at 5585 W Gull Road in Kalamazoo, Michigan, about 4 miles west of Richland.  It is a great place to gather for food, fun and friends!  That is what they advertise, and they are right on!  The evening we met they were hosting a KalamazooWine & Canvas event.  Wine and Canvas is an entertainment event much like a concert, dinner theater or movie theater.   No talent or experience is necessary.  Their talented instructors will guide you step-by-step!  You will be amazed at your very own work of ART!  Or so they say.  It was interesting to observe....maybe a future evening together!!!

Sarah and I each ordered a different one of the pizza’s while Miriam had a sandwich.  The waiter gave us plenty of time to enjoy our drinks and a little conversation before our food was served.  Of course, I could eat pizza almost any time.  

I’m a traditionalist and had Traditional Old standby; marinara, pepperoni, mushroom, mozzarella and Parmesan. It was delicious!  I even had enough leftovers for lunch the next day.  Yummy!

Our conversations move along the same lines each time we meet:  family, work, and studying the Word.  In our very busy lives this time together helps us slow down and recall what is really important.  Life isn’t about the “what we do” or “how we do it.”  It’s about the relationships we have and how we do them.

I am truly blessed to know these Christian women.  I am blessed to call them friends.  I am blessed to have their counsel.  I am blessed to have them praying for me.  I am blessed to have them hold me accountable.  I am blessed.  

Thank you, God!

As I wrote this blog post, I couldn't help but think of the following Bible passages from Ecclesiastes (NLT)

⁹ Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ¹⁰ If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. ¹¹ Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? ¹² A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Blessings!

Ruth

Blessed by Faithful Friends

October has come and gone.  With Anna out of town, the other four of us met for dinner at Mission Pointe Steak and Seafood House. It is a locally owned and operated business that serves a nice selection of steak, seafood and pasta dishes.  They have nightly dinner and drink specials.  The evening we visited the establishment was busy with tables full of ladies.  While the food wasn’t excellent, it was good.  Sarah and Elizabeth had pasta dishes while Miriam and Ruth had fish.

The best part for me of every meeting is not the establishment, it is not the food, it is the gathering with friends and breaking bread together.  God has blessed me with these Christian women I call friends.  They are faithful women who love God.  They continue to grow and learn on their journey.  They serve God and others within their local churches as well as their community and abroad.

These women are real. They have families. They work. They have challenges. The difference between them and other women is that these women don’t do any of this alone.  They have God on their side. They love Him. They lean on Him. They are learning to trust and obey Him more every day.  They are an excellent example to me and those they meet.  They point others to God.

Each time we meet the conversations move between what is new at work, what is happening in our families and what are we going to do next.  This particular evening the controversial subject of same sex marriages came up.  We discussed same sex couples we knew, both family and friends.  While we recognize everyone will read and interpret the Bible for themselves, we also recognized that the Bible is very specific on what it has to say about this.  We also recognized that God calls us to love the sinner, not the sin.  That is what He does for us and expects us to do for others.

On a lighter note, another controversial subject was that of Endorsements on Linkedin.  We had some laughs over who has been Endorsed and the subject of the Endorsements.  For an interesting read on the topic, go to: http://www.corebrand.com/news-views/blog/747-why-i-dont-like-linkedin-endorsements. 

The evening ended with plans for a trip to visit Anna.  She will be out of state for some time and has invited us to come for a visit. We are hoping to visit her and have dinner sometime in mid to late January, pending confirmation of work schedules.  Although we keep in touch via email and text messages, we are all looking forward to that gathering!

Until next time,

Sister’s in Christ,

Ruth

End of Summer Park Party

Meeting with girlfriends in the park in Richland on a most beautiful, warm and sunny summer evening after visiting our local Subway for our selected meals - life doesn't get any better than this!  

Delightful conversation followed as Miriam and Sarah tried the pulled pork and Ruth stuck with her Subway standby, the Italian BMT. I chose the oven roasted chicken and we all made it a meal by adding our favorite chips and cold drinks.  All meals were tasty, with many healthy veggie additions! 

It was a really comfortable evening on the picnic table in an active town square. We talked and laughed over the details of a recent excursion on the Kal-Haven trail, bicycling in monsoon rains that Ruth and  Miriam bravely attempted.  We were very proud of their efforts, however, in getting out there.

We all discussed those friends we had who were going through health challenges and prayed together, missing our friend Elisabeth, who was out of town.

Work and life challenges were again topics of concern, as well as our children and families. Updates on possible retirement areas we have considered were examined also. Wow, we can't possibly be saying that!  We're all way too young for retirement.          

It's great knowing each of us can depend on the prayer and support of our entire group! We all seem to be refreshed and lifted up after sharing time together.  

Looking forward to our next meeting and the next update,

Anna