Tag Archives: grateful

SHOUT OUT TO… Hospitality Graced with Generosity!

Flying into Buda, Texas

What an exciting weekend we had on the fourth of July 2022. I am grateful for the freedom and the ability to celebrate July 4th in the United States of America. We decided back in February 2022 to visit a dear friend who moved to Buda, Texas for his birthday on July 3rd and stay a couple of extra days until July 5th.  [Names of friends have been left out of this blog for privacy purposes.]

The entire trip was smooth and uneventful, beginning with our air travel from Denver, CO. The weather was pleasant, the flight was smooth, the airline was comfortable and accommodating. Our travel was wonderful to Buda as well as our return home to Denver.

Once we arrived at our friend’s new home, the accommodations were quite cozy and very lovely. Our host turned over his home to us, (a couple and myself); and stayed at a different location. Who does that? Give up their bed, their home, provide food/refreshments, and stays at a different location, so we could be comfortable and have privacy. This is very fine hospitality. 

We met two awesome families who are friends of our host. They provided us with food, fellowship and made us genuinely feel welcomed. We received gifts, we laughed, played games and shared some personal stories. In addition, we had a tour of Buda and Austin and we were treated to a charming dinner at a restaurant in Buda called Mud Bugs. The following day we had a birthday dinner for our host at the famous Oasis restaurant in Austin. The hospitality was graced with generosity. Shout out to the folks who made our trip very memorable.

We went on a beautiful boat tour after our dinner at the Oasis on Lake Travis. We admired the beautiful homes and the breathtaking scenery as the boat captain entertained us. As many of you know, it is extremely hot in Texas during the month of July. But, our time on the lake was relaxing and comfortable during our evening ride. Our host paid for the boat tour as his “birthday gift” to us, and the captain of the boat refused to take a tip as his gift to our host. He asked for a positive review on FaceBook. Again, hospitality graced with generosity.

Our trip to Buda was a vivid reminder of the importance of love, friendship and the connection of “strangers” when we are interrelated by the same spirit of the living G-D! It was comforting to know and visit with like-minded people who are living their faith in an unique way filled with laughter, joy, gratitude and faithfulness. I was further inspired by their gracious acceptance of us and long to visit again.

I was also blessed to hear about some of their trials and tribulations; yet, I witnessed their steadfastness in the L-RD.   Finally, I was surrounded by three wonderful married couples who seemed to be joyfully in sync with each other. This was awesome to witness, especially when divorce is so prevalent in our society. 

All in all it was a very wonderful excursion away from home, and I am extremely grateful for safe travels as well as the all the exciting interactions. Thank you to everyone who helped make our trip so very enjoyable! Shout out and much love to you all!

Grateful Musings,

Dr. Dee

www.goodtimeaustin.com
If you ever decide to take a tour on Lake Travis – ask for Chris. He was our boat tour captain.
Good Time Tours: 512-924-2911.

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COVID-19 The Blessings…

Praise His Holy Name

Lift Him up and behold the glory of our G-D and King! The head of His family and all the earth. Lift Him up and let His Name reign and be not afraid for He is good and desires to demonstrate His love for each of us.

Why are we so afraid and consumed with the affairs of this world? Oh how we have preoccupied ourselves with the activities of others who hate G-D and His people, especially with the hype and disasters surrounding COVID-19, the election, violence, scandals, and more. 

There are so many commentaries about 2020 that it is hard to keep it all straight, no less who or what to believe. So much more negative than positive to say the least!  Don’t you get tired of the “downers”, “doomers”, “gloomers”, “haters”, “violence-whores” and I’m sure you could add to this list. However, this blog is not about the wretched and the evils which attempt to torment our souls consistently on a daily basis! This blog is about and a reminder of the goodness of our L-RD.

I just want to list some positive personal points about 2020. 

  • If nothing else it has deepened my appreciation for my family and friends. I had the opportunity to see most of them twice this year and that was a true blessing. See, we live in various states and countries, so seeing them was extra special this year.
  • I was blessed to buy a townhouse in the summer and that was a real blessing! I have had lots of homes and lost them all for various reasons. However, G-D blessed me with another home I can call ours…the L-RD’s and mine.
  • I was invited to teach at a middle school after losing my position at an elementary school.  Initially, I was worried and upset about being placed in the right teaching position, but G-D worked things out better than I hoped and prayed for. I am also working at home, so I am grateful that I do not have to commute and I am grateful to work for a principal who believes and honors her staff.
  • Gyms were closed for a while, but they are back open. I put on some “COVID” fat, so I need to exercise. I am so grateful to get out of the house and workout on a regular basis.
  • On Friday nights, friends and myself usually get together for dinner, Torah Study and discussion of social issues. I am grateful that we did not allow COVID-19 to keep us apart and G-D has blessed us and our study for being faithful to Him. We’ve even had several new guests share a meal with us and fellowship.
  • Family Chats have also become part of our norm! We ZOOM from various places in the country in order to stay connected. Seeing family and laughing is so much fun on Zoom. I am grateful for this technology which allows us to interface.
  • My health has been great for the most part this year. I did, however, hurt my knee between the gym and missing the stairs not once but twice. My knee is on the mend, but it has been a process. I am seeing a physical therapist who has really helped me. I appreciate him and the work he is doing. I am grateful.
  • I am also so grateful for more things that I can name including my ability to think, write, read, see, hear, feel, walk upright, laugh, cry and even embrace boredom at times. Also, for all the provisions G-D has afforded me during this past year, including the very special man in my life.

So yeah, just like you I am so OVER COVID-19, but COVID-19 nor the ills of the world will determine my perspective. G-D as always proves He is greater than all the evils and mayhem of this world. We as believers, must believe He is greater and He will be with us always because He loves us.

If you have not received Yeshua (Jesus) as your Savior, L-RD, Redeemer and brother, you are missing out on Salvation and Shalom in this life and the life to come. Asking Yeshua to come into your heart and rule your life does not mean we will not face challenges, but He will always be with us every step of the way listening to our prayers, protecting and guiding us.

Are you ready? Ask Him into your heart today!

Much love,

Dr. Dee