Show Yourselves Thankful!

Living by these three words found at the end of Colossians 3:15 can make a real difference in our lives. By counting our blessings, then showing appreciation for them makes our emotional state positive. 

We are reminded at 2 Timothy 3:1-5, that we are living in the last days, critical times. People in general would be "lovers of themselves...unthankful". How can a true Christian avoid adopting this negative, "spirit of the world?" (Ephesians 2:2)

"This is what Jehovah has said, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: "I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk." -Isaiah 48:17 

By taking to heart God's instructions, applying Bible principles in our daily lives, we show deep appreciation for our Creator. Paying attention, by walking according to God's commands will draw us closer to our Heavenly Father. Is there any greater benefit than this?

"O let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness
And for his wonderful works to the sons of men."
-Psalms 107:8

Afternoon in the Plaza

Imagine we are on a little trip together. Let's spend a little time at the plaza in  Sabadell, Spain.
A perfect day for people watching.

We see, children, man walking his dog, older ones, families with cute little babies, lovers, and perhaps some tourists.  Then.... A man with a big Bass violin!



http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=GBaHPND2QJg&feature=youtu.be


Hope you enjoyed our Moment of Culture. Beethoven's 9th Symphony, the finale! We should do that again sometime!

Oldest Winery in Southern California

 Since 1917 this winery has been open in L.A.

I went with a friend to check this out.

We started in the tasting room
Who served us our wine?


Yes, Stefano Riboli, himself.
He is very passionate about his wine
And loves people too!


WE choose the San Simeon Cab.
Yes, very good, from the grapes in the valley.
We took our open bottle to the resturaunt

Where we enjoyed

Pasta with shrimp and it was sooo goood!

We had a little bit of wine, salad and good conversation.

Also, live music, all very enjoyable.

We may just have to go again.

A History Lesson-

I will not forget.

I went with a friend to Encino, California to see a presentation entitled "Ladder out of the Lion's Den."
This presentation was about Leopold Engleitner,  a survivor  of  the Buchenwald, Niederhagen and Ravensbruck concentration camps. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, his conscience would not allow him to serve in Hitler's army.  "Ladder out of the Lion's Den" specifically about all he had to do was to sign a paper renouncing his faith and he would be free to walk out of the concentration camp.

The book, "Unbroken Will", is the story of his life and why he did not sign this document. The purpose of this presentation is to ensure that what happened under Nazi Germany is not forgotten, and to emphasize the vital importance of tolerance and humanity to ensure peace. Yes, especially our youth are encouraged to base their lives on just principles and not be swayed by the imperfect philosophy of men.
Why do I find this subject interesting?

Because, Leopold Engleitner and many other ordinary men and women showed by example that imperfect people could follow closely in Jesus footsteps and obey his commandments, even at great cost to themselves. They were able to fully apply Jesus command, "This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends" -John 15:12, 13

To be able to put God's interest first in their lives is a faith worth imitating.

For a short version of his experience see the following link:

Leopold Engleitner

Because I feel education, learning from history will help honest-hearted people to apply Godly principles in their own lives, in this way, no loving person will contribute to anything like this happening again, for this reason I have posted this information.

For the life story of two others who lived through this terrible time in history and how they came out spiritually undamaged please see:

Andrej Hanak

Natalie Holtorf

May we have God's view of people and kindly help others to put their trust in Jehovah's saving power. Then, under all circumstances may each individual apply in his life, these words:

"Beloved ones, let us continue loving one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born from God and gains the knowledge of God. He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. By this the love of God was made manifest in our case, because God sent forth his only-begotten Son into the world that we might gain life through him. The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent forth his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.
    Beloved ones, if this is how God loved us, then we are ourselves under obligation to love one another."  -1 John 4:7-11

Compare: 1 John 3:10-12

Frozen Yogurt and Entertainment

 Nothing like:

Frozen Yogurt

 And free entertainment!

 Provided by:

 The Grandkids!

 Dance dance dance

Italian Day in San Diego

Daniel and Pam treated us to a special afternoon.

We started with a late lunch in Encintas at this Restaurant.

We took our time and enjoyed our meal, slowly

no rush, just talking and eating.

As we were getting ready to leave, we saw some friends 

and visited them for a moment or two. 

Then it was off to Little Italy, San Diego

Where we got dessert! 

Gelato! And it was delicious! 

The flavors are written in Italian, 

The people waiting on us spoke Italian

One of the servers was actually from Serbia,

"Not Siberia,"  she informed me.

mMmmmm Dark chocolate Gelato!

After Dessert we took a leasurely stroll thru Little Italy

The weather was perfect!

The company even better.

View from India Street towards the bay.
 

As we walked the streets 

we could hear the Italian Language in the air.

Just what our two "Romans" were "homesick" for.

Yes, this is a day trip we will want to repeat

And before we left San Diego

we stopped for a cappuccino.

Ahhh perfectly made.

Then we headed home

Shall We Go For East Indian Food?

YES!

 

Our children, Dalton and Kyria took us out  for East Indian fare.

 Kyria chose Tandoori Chicken

It was so tender you did not have to chew, it just melted in your mouth.

And the flavor was amazing!

 Dennis ordered Lamb in a spicy yogurt sauce

And I enjoyed the chicken with curry and Indian pickles

Again the meat was tender and very flavorful!

 I was very happy with my choice it was so good,

 very different than anything i have had.

 Dalton had Chicken Marsala and it too was delicious! 

I know, because I made everyone share with me.

Next time we will go back for the buffet lunch where we will taste many new and interesting dishes.

 As we arrived we could see into the banquet room, and it was all set up for a party, but no guests had arrived yet.  When we left the party was going and the people were beautiful. Women wearing beautiful sarees. 

www.mantrarestaurants.com