Love Your Pet Day, Hudson Taylor Mission to China, Crazy Old Lady Me

 

That is so cute, every day is love your pet day at our houses, right?

Hudson Taylor, what a great man, he felt called to go on mission to China in 1853. A poor man, he dared to go all the way to China to bring Christ to the people there. Taylor's journey from England to China took almost six months. Imagine the harsh conditions on the small ship. He had many adventures and soon learned to dress in Chinese attire so people would stop and listen to him. He faced robbers and violence. He learned Chinese so he could preach and talk with the people. His memoir was originally titled "To China With Love", showing how much he loved the Chinese people. 

Last but not least, a fun cartoon for all of us old ladies and gentlemen. You youngsters may attain this one day too.

 

Joy in 2025

 

I have always loved horses and rode them at a riding stable, the two I rode were Sunset and Frosty.

My pink rose bush in spring or summer., It is an old rare variety that I bought at a university arboretum about 30 years ago.

I am hoping that 2025 will be a joyful and hopeful year overall for all of us.

I purchased the above painting from a charity store named something like Habitat. This is a large painting 32" x 44" and it barely fit into my car and on the wall in my bedroom, but it did fit. It gives me smiles when I look at the girl and and the flowers and woodland scene. What do you have in your home that brings you smiles?

Sadness

 I am feeling down friends. Two of my best friends died suddenly recently, Pam on November 10 and AudreyRose on January 10. These friends lived in town so we enjoyed meeting for coffee and as sisters in Christ. I am stunned. They were each 72 and did not have life threatening conditions. How do we pick ourselves up after these sad events?

 

I was just coming to grips with Pam's death when AudreyRose died. Her other friend went to Audrey's home to pick her up and take her to lunch and found her dead. I met these women in church. AudreyRose asked me to be her Christian mentor as she was a new Christian, and we got to know each other well as we met at my home for coffee and Bible study and laughter. Each of them was a person who loved to give and helped others because of their love for Christ. We were fun loving and laughed a lot.

Here is an answer to the question I asked, how do we come to grips with loss and sadness: Jesus says Focus on Me, not the storm. One happy thought is that Pam and AudreyRose are happily chatting in heaven. Love and peace to you all. You are each a treasure to me.

Jan. 23 2025 I read through your many kind thoughtful comments and each one touched my heart and gave me a smile. It is helpful to share sadness and get "hugs" from each of you via your comments.
 

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