A day closer to Thanksgiving...

 Here it is Tuesday before Thanksgiving and I am still thinking of putting the thanksgiving dinner together.  Plans have already changed as far as location.  Granddaughter's in laws aren't coming now so it's been moved back to my daughter's house and it will 'just' be them, us, and the granddaughter's family.  I need to doublecheck, but I thought the SIL's brother was in town for Thanksgiving too.  Maybe they went back to California.  Doesn't matter.  MY designated menu to fix didn't change - I still have the turkey, dressing, and giblet gravy to make.  And that's ok.  You know how I love to be in the kitchen cooking for others.  That's my favorite thing to do.  

I actually cooked dinner last night - believe it or not!  I baked salmon and put tater tots in the air fryer (love how it crisps them up!) and then I cut up some cucumbers for the green veggie.  And it worked.  I was full and hubby didn't complain.  Why would he though... it was food someone fixed for him.  sigh.

I only got one gift wrapped yesterday - for the older great-granddaughter.  It's the only thing under the tree.  The remote dinosaur came in and although I ordered two of them, I noticed it has 6+ on the age so the little one will not be getting it.  As if she even needs any more toys.  And I am trying to cut back on purchases.  I have a lot of things arriving from Amazon today - most are my vitamin refills but I think a couple things are gifts.  I don't know if I have much more still on order from anywhere.  I've tried to cut back and allow things to arrive so I know where I'm at.  Which I will know, when I start wrapping and writing down what I have gotten for whom.  

There is nothing hubby or I need but I still must find something for him.  He has been fussing at me to give him a list - I just tell him 'whatever' and make it a size large.  Suggested pajamas cause I love pajamas, but he complained I had so many - (so? and what's the problem with that?) - but I do plan to weed out the older ones and get rid of them after the holidays. You know, part of the declutter process.  Some have coffee stains on when I dribble my coffee and he doesn't bother to spray before washing.  Pajamas are always a safe gift.  You can never have too many.

I think my kids have finally reached that state too - you know, the one where "there is nothing I need".  They have found as well that during the year if you want or need it - you get it.  Come the holiday - there isn't much left.  Not even underwear.  I'm sitting here trying to think of some ideas.... and drawing a blank.  I'm low on body wash.... could use a new loofah as my other one is separating.  Love stationary on hand for when I write letters (yes, I still sometimes sit down and write letters!)  I want to get the Passion Translation of the Bible.  The books are being translated so not many are in one book.  There is a new one coming out sometime in December - but will wait on getting it.  TPT or The Passion Translation is what it is - for any who are searching for ideas.  I don't have any right now - had gotten one that had several books together, but gave it to hubby for a gift.  I love the way it reads.  Some day I will get the entire set, but willing to take a few at a time to read.  That would be great to start the new year out with a new translation.  (just an idea I'm throwing out).  Kettle bells (exercise) are also an idea.  I sometimes will 'sneak' into the "workout room" while hubby is doing his homework and grab a barbell or two and do a few reps.  I just don't need him watching me - so I go when he's busy and just do a few and then run back in here to work.  Telling my 'secrets' here..........  I just like doing things without comments or being watched.  Hubby does love to eat so snacks and gift cards to restaurants make him happy.  Maybe an Amazon gift card (or B&N) where he can buy his own books instead of telling me what he wants and expects me to buy it (which I do).

Acts 2:44 (NKJV):  "Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided among them all, as anyone had need."

I've been reading here in the mornings the book Letters to the Church by Frances Chan.  It's really very interesting.  He left this huge megachurch that he built up - and went to Asia for several years.  He knew there was something more than 'doing church' the way we do it in America.  In other countries, they do what the early church did - they loved each other and took care of each other as a need would come up.  Our churches in the US have become standardized, if you will.  An hour for the service, an hour for Sunday school - if they even have it - (or just two worship services and two SS for the children) - and then people leave and go home.  There is rarely any interaction during the week.  But what if, like the early church, we kept in contact with each other (heck, we don't even do this within our own families!) and as a need was made known, would help take care of it?  

For example, our church, it's a 1-1/2 hour to 2 hour service because the worship is at least 45 minutes and sometimes longer.  Our pastor had wanted to be a singer as he has a great voice, so many times he continues the worship when he gets on the stage for another 10-15 minutes.  Then 30-45 minutes for the message.  It's all good - although 'we' get disgruntled sometimes with the worship - when it looks more like a performance than worship, it is frustrating.  That's why I close my eyes when I worship.  I don't want to see people jumping up and down.  Anyway, we have a full church on Sunday mornings, as a rule.  But come Wednesday evening's Refuel - which is a prayer meeting (which is done a lot differently than I ever knew), and only 70 at most come - and it fluctuates between 50-70 I would say.  We don't even always go.  No Refuel this week due to the holiday - so no prayer?  What is our priority here?

We did fill up Thanksgiving fixings in a bag and donate as requested.... but how does that work with the earlier church in the New Testament?  As I read this book by Frances Chan, I wonder what our churches would look like if we were following what the New Testament disciples did.  Could we / would we sell things to make sure others had food?  Would we open our homes to those who needed a place to stay?  Would we make sure medical care was available to those who needed it?  Would we feed them spiritually as well as physically?  What would living like the early church look like in our modern world?

Maybe it is something we as individuals need to think about.  I'm just as guilty.  I'm over-cautious about inviting people over - unless hubby knows them and agrees.  He's not as open as I am - to anyone coming over.  And heaven help us if there isn't enough room around the table and they want to sit in a chair - or spill something on the carpet - or Lord help if they sit in HIS recliner!  We have to move beyond 'mine' and share all we have.  I prefer my kids to tell me things they'd like to have when I'm gone - and if I'm not in need of it, I'd be perfectly happy to let them have it now, to ensure they get it.  Once I'm gone - if hubby is gone - I don't want anyone fighting over anything.  It's all just 'stuff'.  But if in that 'stuff' is something, a memory, that one would want, I'd love to let them have it now.

Time has gotten away from me again as I have rambled on this morning.  Need to get on the work computer and finish this off.  But something I leave you with.... what could you do to show love to others and be the early church to them?

Blessings!

Yes, I put my tree up yesterday!

 I was determined to get something productive done yesterday and I was able to get some things completed.  For one, I got all my cups, saucers, and teapots brought into the house from the car and put back up on the shelf.  I found I am missing one cup, and a cup I thought was missing, was found.  Realized I forgot some things at my daughters, which I will pick up tomorrow night.  I pulled out Christmas things out of the cabinets int he garage... determined I was going to get rid of some things but not sure just what yet.... and pulled the tree out.  Hubby 'helped' me put the tree together and I put minimal decorations on it.  Realized last night that I had poinsettia garland out in one of the containers still in the garage and will pull that out today to put on it.  The tree is up, and lights are working. Too short to put the star at the top and didn't want to get the stool - so need to fix that some time when hubby is gone or someone much taller than me can somehow get it to stay at the top.  They just don't make these trees to have a place to put something on the top!  Now I can start wrapping the gifts in here, writing down the contents and to whom, and then get under the tree and out of here!  

I have several boxes sitting out of the cabinets in front of my car in the garage - with the intention of going through them and making decisions as to what to do with them.  The Christmas stuff will be easy; either I use it this year or get rid of it.  What I am referring to is all the bears and stuff I used to have setting out.  I do have one on a 'train' - that is for a grandson and I believe I have already written his name on it.  I may see if they will take it this year.  He was my little trainlover since my big brother passed away.  I had bought it because of my big brother, but knowing this grandson loved trains, I wanted him to have it.  I'm letting things go.

I also was able to go visit Ms. Diane for a little while yesterday and caught up with her.  She had noticed it had been a while (at least a month or more) since I had been there.  Ms. Vicky was leaving yesterday when I was unloading my car of the cups/saucers, so talked with her a bit.  I had planned to go visit her as well yesterday, but she said that she wouldn't be home.  AND she dropped the bomb that she has a roommate now.  She's female, and we've seen her, but assumed it was someone visiting.  Her car had been sitting in the driveway for a few days.  Ms. Vicky wants me to meet her, but even she doesn't know her very well.  She is a 'friend of a friend' who needed a place to live and couldn't afford anything on her own.  And, Ms. Vicky needs help financially as well.  I know she just has social security and she has had to really tighten the belt lately.  I hope it works out for her, but she isn' t so sure just yet.  Nor would I be.  A stranger invading my space?  Even part of it?  Not sure if I would react.  But, one must do what one must do.  I may be in that situation some time.

Church went well yesterday (thank You, Jesus!) and of course we had to go out to eat afterwards.  And hubby wonders why he can't lose weight.... and I struggle constantly with mine!   We went to a place at 59th Ave & Bell, down the row from Walmart, called Times Square.  Food wasn't bad - coffee was bland.  I had biscuits and gravy and eggs and bacon; hubby had an omelet and fried potatoes.  I am positive Ron's was much better!  

Thanksgiving week - working only 3 days this week and I'm happy about that.  Still need to get those meeting minutes typed, as my oldest son reminded me on Saturday.  Maybe today.  Get them out of my way - I do need to get them done, just stop procrastinating and do it, right?   Need to plan out when I'll get started on the parts of the dinner I am to fix and take to the granddaughter's.  Which reminds me, my two granddaughters I saw on Saturday will be bringing their little ones and coming over the afternoon of December 17th to bake cookies - and I'm thrilled.  Glad the two are reconnecting and their little ones getting to know each other.  Four years difference in the little ones.  Not sure about the older ones - seven years perhaps? Don't remember how old either one are.  Age is just a number anyway - right?

Gather together.... that was what came to mind this morning as I thought about a scripture to use.  But, cannot think of a specific scripture that I want to use.  But what about gathering together?  Yes, we did it on Saturday for the birthday party.  Gather together can mean so many things. Gathering 'things' together, gathering 'people' together.... but it is the 'gathering' I think I'm thinking about.  I love being around family and miss the gathering of all.  With this small house, no way could it handle everyone.  Hubby wouldn't go along with it anyway.  

Even with thinking about teaching a small group in our home, he has stated no more than six more people.  In other words, three couples.  AND he really wants to 'select' whom to invite.  Which he can't, regardless of what he might think.  He can't control EVERY-thing, although he does try to.  Definitely can't control me most of the time - he may think he does, but I rebel - albeit sometimes internally!  Don't tell me I can't eat that cookie!  I will hide it under my shirt and go to the bathroom and enjoy it!  LOL  

Reminds me, I think I had shared that I had joined a 'Declutter Group' on Facebook.  I chuckle as I read some of the things people have written.  They are busy 'decluttering' their house and good for them!  I 'lost'/decluttered a lot when we moved - and yes, I still have a lot I could get rid of.  (I'm working on it - in MY time)  Some have shared that as they have cleaned out cabinets, they have found hidden bags of candy they had forgotten about - been there so long it had hardened!  That cracks me up.  I do have some candy in the candy dish on the table that has harden.  How do I know?  I've tried to eat them! I really do need to dump those few that are left and get fresh ones.  Sometimes I just want that piece of sugar and chocolate.  And don't tell me I can't cause I will go buy a BIG bar and eat the entire thing sitting out in the parking lot!  Truth!  (or confession)  I have bought a Little Debbie's brownies and have sat in the parking lot (now this was many years ago!!) and ate the entire box so that I could throw away the box in the dumpster when I got home and not get chewed out because I was eating something I shouldn't.  So don't tell me I can't have it - I will show you!  And the size of my body proves my statements!

And with that confession, I need to get off this computer, get dressed, and get on my work computer.  I think I have a meeting today with my boss - we just catch up on our lives, but she has to 'touchbase' at least once a month for work purposes.  December lst we are taking the day off work and going to the Christmas Ideas house (as we have the last 4-5 years).  And, wouldn't you know it, the company is having our 'Christmas Party' that very day in Mesa.  I would normally drive down there and participate - but nope, not that day.  I have PTO and I have plans!   My boss already bought our tickets (I think they are about $70 a piece!) as part of my Christmas.  It's our special time.  Then we will have our 'admin meeting' at Wildflower on December 22nd so that I can give her the 'Christmas goodies' I make - salsa, pickles, cheeseball, etc. so that she can have for the holiday for her family.  It's traditional anymore and I love supplying it for her.

Ok - gotta go - have a blessed day - and be a -

Blessing!

It was a good day

 I couldn't believe we were lucky enough to have the rain stop yesterday as we went to the dinosaur tea party.  It was a good day.  The party went well; lots of sandwiches (I really shouldn't have been concerned, there were more than enough) and lots of cake for everyone.   The birthday princess had fun playing with her cousin who came up to see her and another little friend.   I enjoyed seeing not only the little cousins playing together, but their parents spending time together.  And I got to see my oldest son, which is always a treat for me.

It was mid-afternoon when we finally left.  Lucky for me, someone else washed my teacups and teapots so I loaded them up in the boxes and put back in my car.  Know what?  They are still there.  By the time we got home, I told hubby I would take them out today and put back up on the shelf in the kitchen.  I knew I didn't want to bring the boxes in yesterday as I'd feel the need to put back - and I just wasn't in the mood.  So today I will get things put back away.  Yeah, I felt lazy.

Today is Sunday and I will be speaking at one of the RV parks.  I went over the message a couple times last night, and again early this morning.  Made some more changes, as I often do.  I think I'm ready.  But it's the first one of the season and I'm always a little bit anxious.  But, I love these friends at the RV park so it won't be bad at all.  When I finish this, I'll jump in the shower and start the getting ready.  Yes, it's still early - but we need to be there about 8:30AM.  Good thing it isn't that far away.   Next month the first one is up north a bit, and the second one back down here.  Got to start looking for something to speak on for next month - two different locations so can use the same one.  But I still have to find one.

Also got some cooking baking scheduled for December 17th with my two beautiful granddaughters and their daughters.  They asked if they could meet up together and bake together - and of course I said yes!  Just let me know what they wanted to bake and I'd make sure I have the ingredients on hand.  Fun time for them - and for me.  So looking forward to hanging out with them.

The main scripture I'm speaking on today is John 15:1-8 - but focusing on John 15:5.  I'm sure you have heard the verse before.

John 15:5 (NKJV):  "I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing."

It's like the story of a young man who got up on the stage and quote the 23rd Psalm.  He got all kinds of applause and glory.  Then an older man got up and quoted the very same 23rd Psalm.  There was silent awe.  When asked why the different reaction for the same psalm, when he had spoken it so well, the young man replied...

"I know the psalm.... he knows the Shepherd."

Do you know the Shepherd?  Grab your bibles and read the 23rd Psalm this morning.  What does it say to you?  Do you really know how much our Shepherd loves and cares for you?  He does.  Give Him some of your time this morning; turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Blessings!

The rain in tumbling down...

 In fact, I think it just started a few minutes ago - and my first thought, because it sounds like a good steady rain, is that the cushions are on the chairs outside.  Oops.  Nope, not going to run out in my jammies and grab them off the chairs.  They can just get wet - and dry out when the sun comes out - which may not be for another day or two.  It is what it is.  

Today will be a busy day as I will need to start getting in the shower soon (or go stand out in the rain?  Naw, too cold!) and figure out all the things that were running through my mind as I tried to sleep last night (besides the Hawaii 5-0 that was on the TV before we went to bed.  Sigh).  Today is the Dinosaur Birthday party.  And, because of the rain, it will be indoors instead of outside.  Tables were set up last night but because of the cats, couldn't get them set up.  I took over about 30 teacups, although we didn't need that many, and 10 teapots.  I will be going over early to help set the tables.  And, after I was thinking about it during the night, I need to take sugar for those who use sugar in their tea, and perhaps some honey to set on the tables.  I'm concerned about the sandwiches, since I didn't have a hand in it.  I don't think this person has been to a tea party before.  I'm tempted to make some chicken salad and keep in a bowl and get a loaf of bread to take 'just in case'.  But I cannot.  I do not want them to feel I'm intervening in their area. I'm sure they are well aware of the number of people who RSVP'd....  but I know people and they love to eat.  Tea parties are not known for lots of food.  You get sandwiches (and I didn't hear scones mentioned so don't think they will be there - and they are my favorite!)  and the sandwiches are usually cut into quarters.  I want to help if needed, but I am learning to keep my hands off and let other people do what they want to accomplish - without my intervention.  It's all good.  We'll also have cupcakes. And there will be dinosaurs all around.  And I'll be wearing my dinosaur dress.  With a sweater.

I'm hoping I'm not tired when this is over so that I can get our tree up this afternoon.  It was kind of funny yesterday.... this little birthday princess came over yesterday while grandpa fixed a light that had gone out on the garage.  She walks in and sees the reading nook I had bought for ALL the grandchildren moved to another room.  She didn't like that.  She kept telling me "move back!" and pointing to where it should be.  I explained that the Christmas tree would be there so I couldn't move it back. Didn't make any difference.  It wasn't where it should be.  Then she noticed the 'lene' was missing.  She kept asking "where lene?  Jump!" and I realized she was talking about the little trampoline I have that she likes to jump on when she comes over.  Well, I had moved that to the garage and put the weight bench where it was so that I could put the reading nook where the weight bench was.  That didn't make her happy either. Oma had moved things around and things were not in their right place!  But we made her happy with a chocolate ice cream push up - until she dropped it on the carpet and it went in the trash.  Changes are hard!

Sounds like the rain has stopped already.  That lasted all of 7 minutes, perhaps.  At least I don't hear it, but I do hear thunder. It could still be raining quietly, but more than likely, it has moved on.

Tomorrow, I start the speaking at the RV park.  I have the message typed out and have gone over it once, so tonight I will need to focus on it and get it down.  I'm more concerned about an ocular migraine happening (it blocks my vision with the lightning bolts on the sides) or that I will have to wear my glasses while reading it.  Depends on how far away the podium is - first time since I had the cataract surgery that I've spoken.  I'll have my glasses with me, regardless.  

John 17:17 (NKJV):  "Sanctify them by Your truth.  Your word is truth."

God's children participate in His sanctifying activity by resisting the evil one and living out the truth found in the Word.  They are sanctified so that Christ can send them into the world to spread the gospel.  Just because we read the Bible and believe it, doesn't mean that we are 'sanctified'.  We also have to live out what we read and live it.  We share the Word by how we live, the words we say, and by what we do. It's amazing how some people say one thing and live another.  I'm not perfect, so I'm not pointing fingers by any means.  I screw up all the time and have to ask for forgiveness.  But I strive to be whom God has called me to be.  Never give up.  Keep striving.  God's not finished with me, nor with you.

Ah, I hear the light drip of the rain again.  Perhaps it is a soft steady rain, hopefully just soaking in to the ground.  Which means, because it is raining, once I wash my hair, dry it, and put it up - it will quickly go straight.  My hair is sooooo straight.  It just won't hold a curl for very long - and I don't like using a lot of hair spray.  My hairdresser told me to use lots of hair spray to hold it - but I just can't.  I'd have to wash it every day if I did that.  I don't need curls that bad!

Today, Lord, I thank you for the rain.  Even though it messes up the birthday party and it will be crowded inside the house, I'm grateful that the grass and the flowers and the trees are being watered so that they will grow and become beautiful.  My roses have come back to life somewhat since the tough summer they went through. I was beginning to think they were going to die, but new life and new roses have appeared. Thank you for their beauty and their fragrance.  Thank You for the cooler air as well.  I hear the rain falling a bit harder now, I pray for no flooding as we attempt to drive to places we need to go today.  Lord, please take care of each vehicle that is driving to the party; be with each person driving, that they will be safe.  I pray today will be a good day, Lord.  Cover us, guide us, direct us, and always keep us in the palm of your hand.  Amen.

Blessings!

Yes I know I heard it...

 It was about 1:15AM this morning and I heard a voice spoken in my ear.... and it was the name of which we call one of our grandsons.  Now we used to call his dad that too, so what did I do?  It woke me up, of course, and I thought about what a possibility could be - didn't come up with anything, so just began to pray for that grandchild AND that father, for protection, for wisdom, for everything that came to mind. I probably will never know if anything was happening.... because it could be that because I prayed, nothing did happen; that God adverted that situation.  I don't know. 

Parents - be alert.  If the Holy Spirit wakes you up in the middle of the night with a name in your ear, please wake yourself up long enough to pray for that person!  You never know if you have been able to advert a situation that could be harmful. You could also keep them from making a mistake.  No matter what the hour, pray.  Pray unceasingly.  

I hear hubby in the other room getting ready for his Bible study this morning.  Besides working, I need to take a break and go over to the grocery and pick up a turkey for next week.  Plus things for the dressing and giblet gravy as I don't want to get in the crowds next week.  Then again, there may not be that many.  Most will pick up when they do their grocery shopping this weekend.  I don't think I'll need to get a big turkey because there will be ham as well.  Most will go for the ham.  Hubby has also given me instructions I cannot get the ladder out of the garage and climb on it to get my teacups down from the ledge they are on.  It's easier to let him 'win' on this one than me slipping and dropping a cup and shattering it, trying to do it on my own.  I did try the stepstool yesterday - just to see if I needed the ladder, and yeah, I'm too short.   Need the ladder for about another foot.

I sure am hoping to get our tree up this weekend so that I can start clearing out this room.  I know a lot of things that I have bought and who they are for.... but there are some things I don't know if I bought them or just thought about it.  38 days until Christmas.  I'm not worried, as long as I have one thing for each one.  I try to put thought in to each gift, regardless of what it is.  Sometimes I buy things for myself and then think, 'why did you get that?' and wonder who I can give it to. LOL  i.e., my tool set.  Good starter set.  Wonder if one of the grandsons could use it.  I'll have to check with the dads.  I really don't need it.  I use a tool about once every six months.  And not when hubby is home.

2 Timothy 1:3 (NKJV):  "I think God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my forefathers did, as unceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day."

How would you feel if someone told you that they were praying for you unceasingly?  What would you think that meant?  My interpretation?  I don't think it means someone stays on their knees night and day (unless the circumstances warrant it) praying specifically for you..... but I do believe that God will lay someone on your heart and mind and if He does that, you are to pray for them - even a sentence prayer - right then.  Many of us are not able to spend hours in prayer.  So how can we pray unceasingly?  By saying a prayer every time that person or situation comes to mind.  Yes, even YOU can do it!  I frequently whisper 'Lord Help!' and that too, in itself, is a prayer.  He knows every need before we even speak it.  But He loves us to share our thoughts and needs and wants with Him.  He's a good, good Father.

And, as I shared yesterday, we also Thank God for His answer (or non answer) as we ask for those things.  He loves it when we ask for things, but He also loves it when we acknowledge our thanks to the One who can provide all things for us.

I'm still reading in Ezekiel this morning and wow.  I don't think I could be a prophet back in those days.  God used them as examples, and each one's life was very difficult.  Ezekiel just lost his wife, God told him she was going to be taken from him.  And he was told he couldn't mourn for her. In fact, God made him mute for a time.  Why all that example?  Because God was showing how Israel was the desire of His heart and she was breaking His heart by her idol worship and turning away from Him.  

Reminds me of the scripture where it says (in my own words) why would we cut down a tree, make firewood out of part of it, then carve a face in another part - and then fall down and worship it?  Isn't that stupid?  I'm so glad I know my God is the CREATOR of all things, of that tree that some worship.  We are the Createe.... God is the Creator... and He alone is the One we are to worship. Hallelujah!

It's going to be a busy weekend.  Yet, it will be a fun one.  I sure hope I push myself to get done all that I want to get done.  I've had a tendency lately to just be lazy and not do anything.  Using hubby as an excuse (although the issues are real) not to do something.  Most times I just don't want to deal with the questions of 'why are you doing that?  'Why can't I help?' " why why why"  UGH.  I just want to do it myself!  Unless one of my kids or grandchildren come over and of course they can help!  OOPS.  Yeah, I tend to show favoritism, I think.  LOL

And with that - I need to stop rambling and go sit at my computer - the work computer, that is.  It's turned on and I have several messages to go through already.  I know there are a couple meetings I have to get scheduled.  And I still haven't typed out the board minutes yet.  Surely I can get it all done today.  Maybe.  Will see.  Perhaps.  UGH.

Have an awesome day - and until tomorrow....

Blessings!

Sometimes it is a novel thought....

 How many times have we prayed the same prayer over and over - every.single.day - and nothing happens?  We just keep asking.  I know - I have done it.  I get caught up in the 'asking', that sometimes I forget to thank in advance of what He can do.  Are you following along with me?

Perhaps you want to lose weight.  You've done your duty; you have cut back on carbs, on sugar, and all the other good things you like to eat.... and nothing has happened for weeks.  You took to walking to help.  Still, very little changed.  You have been seeking for God's help in your weight loss.  You keep asking Him to drop the weight off.... and nothing has happened.  Same o prayer, same o answer - none.  So what should we do to perhaps change that?

How about instead of ASKING (once again) for God to drop the weight off, how about THANKING Him for the weight falling off?  Do you not realize that He is the One who created you in His image?  That He is the One who breathed into you to give you life?  Do you not think that He can do anything else?  I know, you have asked for years - and nothing.  So - change it!  Thank Him that the weight is going to fall off - as you continue to exercise and eat right.  (and having an ice cream once in awhile is NOT bad!)

Quit praying and asking - start surrendering and thanking!

Instead of complaining that God isn't answering our prayers, let's thank Him for the answer!  It is all in His timeframe, after all!  We don't see the big picture; we don't know what plan there is for the future.  But this we do know -

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV):  "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Surrender what you want to ask for!  Want peace in your family?  Thank God that He loves you and loves your family unit, and that you know He wants only the best for you.  Thank Him that He provides for your family - whether great or small - and that He meets your needs.  Need a job?  Thank Him for providing that job.  Need groceries?  Thank Him that He will cause groceries to be provided or a way to get them.  

Our God loves us so much that He will do just about anything for you - in alignment with His Word.  His Word is never wrong.  We need to perhaps open our eyes to see what God does FOR us - even though we may not have asked for it - and never feel we got the answer.  We have to trust God that all things are done in His timing, not ours.

Let's do prayer differently.  Let's pray and THANK God for all He does for us.  The things we are aware of; the things we are not.  Thank Him for taking care of our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren - and meeting their needs that we know not of.  Let's praise Him instead of holding our hand out. 

I have a granddaughter who has been in a difficult situation for a little while; I don't even know how long it has been going on... but she asked for prayer not long ago... not that I was the only one praying, for I'm sure her mama was as well!  But it was with rejoicing that I heard God had answered our prayers for relief and she could see the 'light at the end of the tunnel'.  Praise God!  In all things, give Him thanks!  Even things we aren't aware of that perhaps only needed one prayer added.

Kind of like my message for Sunday - more on that another day.  Yep - our RV park preaching is starting up this week.  Stay tuned!  Neat thing happened at prayer meeting last night, though.  We were talking to our pastor and mentioned that we would not be at church on Sunday - and we explained I would be speaking/preaching at an RV park.  We had told him about it when we had met for lunch a year ago.  Pastor Patrick grabbed my hand and started praying over me - and his words were awesome - and I loved that he said something about 'testimonies that will come from the message given'.  I always pray that God will take what is spoken and use it for His glory alone.  Based on what I shared above, I guess I just need to 'thank Him' for the Word He has me speak and that it falls on listening ears that hear.

Oops - time is up and I need to get my work computer on!  Thank You, Lord, for giving each person reading this mixed up blog and for blessing their day, meeting their needs, and providing all that they desire.  Thank you Lord, for loving them, for caring for them, for all You do for them.  You are Holy, You are Sovereign, You are mighty.  Hallelujah to You, O God!

Blessings!

40 days until Christmas....

 Yep - I have the count-down on my watch and it tells me every day how many days to go.  And I'm not stressing at all.  Like I said, I have cut way back this year and am not buying like I have in the past.  At least thus far.  And, I haven't hit the stores - yet.  May not, if I can keep from it.  Hubby mentioned something he 'needed' last night so I will go to the store and look for that - some things you just can't order online.  Good excuse to go shopping by myself - right? :-)  And I'd rather go shopping when it isn't crowded - although all these 'black Friday' sales are happening already - stores are desperate for sales to stay afloat.  I heard rumor Kohls was eliminating some departments in their stores.  Macy's has cut back too.  I really don't care.... even though I shop at both places.... there is nothing I need and no one has told me (other than hubby the one thing last night) that they want - so, they get whatever I get them.  I try to make it unique and special for each one... but sometimes, when I don't see them all year an no contact, I have no clue what size they even are.  Oh well - they get what they get.  It may be a box of nuts!

I switched my musical clock on the wall to Christmas tunes yesterday.  Yeah, I'm starting to gear up for the holiday.  If I don't get the tree up this weekend; it will be up by next weekend.  Goal?  Not only to get the tree up, but to clear out this room and figure out what I have already bought!  Got my sister's things wrapped yesterday as I am 'done' with her - just need to buy a little something for her hubby and then that box will go out a couple days after Thanksgiving.  Or I may wait until December 1 to send it.  Just to make her wait until December to open it.  Not much for her this year either, but a couple things I heard she needed. Nope, not December 1.... just remembered my boss and I are going to the Christmas House that day.  A day off work with my boss - fun times!

Hubby was in 'one of those moods' yesterday.  He kept coming either in to the room and sit down to share his thoughts with me, or stand at the door because he was bored.  It drives me crazy as I am working and it forces me to stop to see what he wants.  Most times it isn't a big deal, because working from home I do have more time to 'spare'.  But if he sees I ignore him and keep working, I get the "well, I see you are working so I'll leave."  I don't know what he would be doing if I was in the office every day - would he even remain sane?   Today he has an eye doctor's appointment downtown - the one where he went last week and they messed up his appointment - they gave him the paper with that date, but in their books they wrote this week.  So back this week he goes.  All the way downtown.  He's not happy about that.  But he will be gone a couple hours this morning. 

The dinosaur tea party is this Saturday - and I heard we are to have rain.  Plans are being made to move inside versus having outside as planned.  It will be a bit crowded..... right now it's up to about 28 people I think.  So - I will be taking down some of my teacups and teapots to wash and take over.  I may take over Friday night so that I don't have to worry about them Saturday morning.  I already have a task to do that morning so will be going over early.  I have bought little jars to fill with honey as a party favor. Oh yeah - I still need to go get the tablecloths at the dollar store yet.  I am not taking my good ones.  I may take a break and run down there today.  Gives me a place to go on a break.

Psalm 42:1 (NKJV):  "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for you, O God."

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you 'panteth' after it?  That you really, really, really wanted it?  That you have such a deep yeaning in your heart to have it?  That it is all you can think about?

That is what this verse implies.  Think about it.  Do you want God so much, that it is like a deer who is in desperate need of water.... that your heart is in desperate need of God's presence.

Isn't that where you want to always be?  I love the song that came out years ago - Breathe by Michael W. Smith.

'This is the air I breathe / This is the air I breathe / Your Holy Presence livin' in me / This is my daily bread / This is my daily bread / Your very word / spoken to me. / 

And I, I'm desperate for You / And I, I'm lost without You / 

I love that song and whenever I would hear it (and still do) I return to that desperate state of needing God's Presence within me.  To feel Him, to know He is there.  He is always there, but I sometimes just need the reassurance.  Know what I mean?

Especially when times are hard; words are spoken; attitudes surround me.... and I'm broken-hearted and it comes up within me... I can fall back on this song and know that He knows I'm more desperate for Him than ever.  That I need Him more than ever.  That I am truly lost without His comfort and peace within me.  That I am empty without Him.

And so are you.  Jesus is the absolute fulfillment of all that we could ever hope for or desire.  He supplies every need; every emotion; every thing.  Are you desperate for Him?  Seek Him this season.  It's time to be thankful - for all He has given you; for all He has supplied for you; for His forgiveness; His favor; His answers to our prayers.  Rejoice in Him, for after we go through the season of thankfulness to Him for His provisions, we get to rejoice and celebrate with Him in His birth.

And because of His birth - we have rebirth in and through Him.  Hallelujah!  Prepare your heart - now is the time to turn to Him.  Let Him have His way in your life.

Blessings!