I survived yesterday

 I finally got both airline and hotel scheduled for two of the executives yesterday and it was exhausting.  I'm still a bit 'anxious' in that I did it correctly.  But, it's done.  One wanted a window seat, the other an aisle - and for both - had to go to rows 25 and 26 because there was nothing else available.  Oh well! That is about all I got done yesterday.  Today I still have a lot of meet and greet meetings to schedule for my new boss and a few other things, but I will be taking my car down to AAA Repair to get my oil change completed at 8a.  I'm still debating whether to go down and wait, or have hubby pick me up, or they run me home.  Flip Flop.  If I go and stay, I'll take my work computer with me so that I can work on the meet & greet meetings.  An early morning oil change shouldn't take long, right?

Got my mystery boxes from EFF yesterday and there wasn't as much as last week - thank goodness!  What was I thinking ordering two boxes again?  Anyway - I did get two cases of tomatoes again, plus some other things.  At least no more broccoli!  I still three stalks in the refrigerator I must use up soon!  Maybe I'll go get some velveeta cheese and make cheesy broccoli soup. That was the original plan, but I still haven't made it to the store.  I do need to get milk as I see we are running low.  I did take some things up to the DILove to share with some of her family if she wanted to.  LOL  Gathered all the cookies in a plastic bag and stuck a note on it - 'R says.... all the cookies are his, and he will distribute.'  I thought it was a funny way to get to him - and he 'called me out' on it last night.  Well, he did get his cookies, right? All in fun. Glad to get them out of my house for yesterday found me really wanting some!

Yeah, I'm trying hard to stay on this low carb plan to lose this weight and lower my BP.  It was still high this morning (136/86) but I blame it on my left hip and leg hurting.  The pain hasn't gone away yet.  Ironically, it feels like the bone is aching, not a muscle or a cramp.  I've mentioned this a few times before and will bring it up to Dr. Mark in January when I see him.  I don't know where he can send me to have a bone checked.  I don't believe it is sciatica as some think.  I think it is more that I've worn that bone down in the hip as that is the side I sleep on and if I'm really tired, I don't turn over but stay on it all night.  But then, it could be the bone itself.  I don't know, but when I get up from this chair soon, I will be putting some cream on it to calm it down. I've already taken an Excedrin for it.

My son has asked me for more Christmas ideas.  I added a brownie pan to my list the other day.  I had loaned my brownie pan to my nephew a few years back and I don't know what he did with it, but when I got it back, the finish is off of it. I still use it, but can use another.  Stay tuned as I think of other things.

I'm doing pretty good on this low-carb 'thing'.... but it is hard.  Last night I cheated.  Hubby was gone to his meeting and although I ate cottage cheese and yogurt, I used Yoplait and it wasn't the low carb one. Yeah, lots of carbs in it. Also ate a stick pretzel (wanted salt), which I probably should not eat as I need to back away from salt some plus it's the worst thing to eat on a low carb plan, right?  But, even with eating those carbs last night, my glucose was down to 106 this morning.  My coach from Virta and I have been exchanging texts on the app frequently lately.  I don't know of anything to tell him today. I like his contacting me though, for it tells me he is encouraging me and offering suggestions, asking what I'm eating, do I have questions, etc.  To me it is encouraging, anyway, that someone is 'tracking and watching' me.  The first time I was in Virta I had a great coach too, and I told him all the right things.... but I just quit doing Virta and finally totally withdrew from it.  Will see how long I last this time.  But I need to be held accountable and if Virta is the way to do it - then I'll do it. After all, it costs me nothing as the company pays for it. I just, in good faith, need to do it right.  Once I can get the weight off and keep it off for awhile, I can cancel again.  Or, when I retire, (if I ever do), I will have to cancel for my insurance will be gone.  

Messenger X (which is John Bevere's ministry website) sends me a quote every morning.  This morning it is "Consecrate yourself and trust God's lead, even into the unknown.'  Each day, if you think of it, leads into the unknown.  We don't know what will pop up during the day. We don't know the outcome of each day.  It is the unknown.  Do we trust God to lead us through it - whether the news is good, bad, or indifferent?  Can we say I trust God no matter my circumstances?

Trust me, there are many mornings that I just throw myself upon His mercy and grace and ask Him to lead me through the day.  Days when I am overwhelmed with life, when I think I 'don't want to do this anymore'; days when the pain in my heart over disappointments or disagreements is so great I don't know what to do with it.  Days when ... well, you can probably fill in the blank with your own words.  Can you trust God no matter what the answer is to the situation you are wanting an answer for?  That job? That medical diagnosis? That one answer you long for?  Can we trust God in all things?  His Word says that we can.  No matter what, God is always in control.  He takes even the bad and will bring good from it.  Trusting God can be hard at times for we are a 'fix it myself' generation.  But things get completed much better when we take our hands off and let Him deal with it.  And I say that from experience.  I have screwed up so many times in my life I often wonder why He bothers with me... yet, I know He loves me and will take even the bad things that come at me, and bring good from them.  I have to give the situation to Him, and take my hands off.  Hardest thing to do most times.

I asked my DILove last night if there is such a thing as a disconnect between the brain and the eyes.  Her response troubles me, for it is one that I suspected, but didn't want to hear.  Hubby is having difficulty at times - not always - either that or he's doing it to drive me crazy - but like yesterday, I had cucumbers in packages stacked on the counter. (I'm hoping to make pickles this weekend)  He comes in to the kitchen, looks at them, and asked if they were tomatoes.  Now I know he is color blind with red/green - but.... I always pause and look at him to see if he is serious.  He was. I told him no, they were cucumbers - and then he says "oh, I was looking at them from this angle and they looked like tomatoes".... meaning he looked at the round end, but still.  And I also told my DILove about the other night. He fussed at me about my mopping the kitchen floor as that is something he can do (why start now?).  Well, later that evening I went into the kitchen and found several (like in 10) drops of salsa on the floor.  So I called him by his full name and told him to come in and get the mop and clean it up.  He couldn't see the drops. He got the mop and started mopping in an entirely different area.  And got upset with me (as I was getting upset with him!) because I kept pointing out the area where the drops were and telling him he was missing them - "and that's why I do the mopping!!".  This 'stuff' scares me for I don't know what to do.  And really, there is nothing I can do. Not now, anyway.

I know that God is in control of every situation.  Every stage of every age.  Not only for hubby, for myself as well, for I know I am moving up in age.  And that's why I try to stay active. I want to keep moving and not end up - as much as I loved my mother - sitting in a chair at the table all day long because of no strength to do anything else.  I don't want to 'fall and can't get up' - that saying isn't as funny as it was 20 years ago.  Right?

And with that, I need to get off here and get on the work computer, get dressed, and get ready to take my car down to the shop.  

Have an amazing day - full of love, warmth, special memories - and good news!

Blessings!

Yeah, I'm behind schedule.....

 I did not sleep well last night; not sure why.  I didn't get up until around 5:45a and it was with a really bad headache; bad enough I immediately took Excedrin Migraine before I even took my pills!  The headache has settled down now, but I sure didn't get much of my 'quiet time' done.  I'm so glad that God loves me and understands when I 'miss out' on our time together.  I did still have time to read a devotional, some in my bible, and pray a little.  But I miss my extended time with Him.  Grateful the headache is finally going away that is in my head (a little 'fun' here; hubby is still here).  HAH!

Because hubby has to know all I do and when I'm doing it, I walk in to the kitchen this morning to return my coffee cup and he is already asking me if I'm making a protein shake to leave the blender out because he is going to make one as well.  Ok... I wasn't thinking of breakfast yet... but did go ahead and make a protein shake and have it now to sip on as I type this.  

I did fairly well with my food intake yesterday and switched out 'lunch' for tomatoes and mini cukes!  Last night I thought I was making a better choice when we went out with friends to Chili's.... I chose a house salad with ranch and chicken enchilada soup (I was really thinking tortilla but they don't have that one.  Well, the soup was really creamy (and good)... and although I tried to be good ... my glucose took a jump to 123 this morning!  Note to self; stick with the house salad at Chili's.  Or maybe the fajitas and do without the tortilla.... ugh... I love carbs and giving them up is hard!  But, if I want to lose weight and get lower my BP, it requires sacrifice!  I want to see the scale start moving downward; it hasn't yet.  Sigh. But I tell myself as well that I worked out yesterday and therefore built my muscles up as well, and muscle weighs more than fat does so need to focus on the body changes and not the scale changes, right?

I have two more 'mystery boxes' coming in today.  I have no idea what is in them but am sure I will be sharing with others.  I try to go before noon to pick up, but am not always able to do so.  First thing I need to do today, once I get word the requests are approved, is get two airline and hotel reservations completed for two of the bosses.  I do not like doing airline reservations; I'm always afraid that I will get the wrong ones.  In fact, I created both yesterday and put on 'hold trip' until I got the approvals.... and I noticed I may have either put one name twice or well, I don't know what happened.  May have to delete one hold and start over.  It's going to be 'a day', it feels like. But that's just 'in my head'.  Right?

Hmmm just got a 'call' from Fed Ex (which I didn't answer cause didn't know number) and it is telling me that about an unsuccessful delivery attempt... to visit fedex.com.  So is it real or a scam?  It doesn't give me a telephone number. The call came from Gibsonia, PA.  Never heard of Gibsonia, have you?   Oh well, I may check it out later.  I do have several items on order and it's possible they were shipping by Fed Ex. If they screwed up my address, it's on them.  

I've got to finish up on this first message I'm going to do at the RV park - my first Sunday is November 8 and they will call me THIS Sunday to get title and scripture.  I'm no where near ready; don't even have a draft done.  Need to get focused in the next few days and the one I'm working on currently, make that decision whether or not to use it.  I've actually 'toyed' with the idea of telling them that after this season (November - March) that I won't do it anymore.... but I love the people and I love sharing God's Word and as we are all 'older'... our time on earth is growing smaller and I must do my part in making sure they (and me) are ready for 'the end'. As I am sure you are aware, many people think "Oh, I will think about accepting Jesus as Lord once I get older" or "I have plenty of time, I'm healthy!" and other excuses we make... but we do not know the day nor the hour that God has chosen for us. Our 'job' is to BE READY!  Right?  Each of us must make that decision; it can't be made by our parents or spouse or siblings.  It's a question for each one individually - have you accepted Jesus as Lord?

Hebrews 4:12  (NLT) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.  It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

The inner life of a Christian is often a mixture of genuinely spiritual and completely human motivations.  Only a supernaturally discerning agent such as the word of God can sort out what is of the flesh and what is of the spirit. (David Jeremiah ESV)

When you think about it, it's true.  We think spiritual thoughts, and our human tendencies, or motivations, are also within our minds and we can decide which way we will go - either obey God's instructions, or follow our human motivations.  Unfortunately for many of us, we tend to do things 'our way' instead of God's way, and then we kick ourselves for how it turns out - right?

I'm getting all sorts of reminders on my phone this morning!  I have an oil change scheduled at AAA Repair down the street tomorrow morning, so they are reminding me about that.  I've already received two notifications from EFF that my 'mystery box' is ready for pickup today between 8-5p.  Well, I can't go until closer to noon (usually try to go between 10 and noon, depending on what is going on workwise. I have to check the boss's schedules too.  But, I take it as my 'lunch break' and am usually back between 30-45 minutes.

Well, it is after 8a and I am working so need to get on those wonderful travel arrangements.  May you have an amazingly blessed day in all that you do.  No matter what happens, trust God.  It is in HIS TIMING that things work out.  We may be disappointed, we may be frustrated beyond all things..... but God sees you, and loves you, and knows what is best for you.  We don't always like His teachings for us, but they are for our good.  Trust Him.

Blessings!

It was a lazy day....

 I did go to church yesterday, although I heard it 'live' while hubby was watching it.  His coughing was worse than the day before, and he was getting hoarse - by last night, he was coughing frequently.  I had him 'dope up' on the cough meds.  When he goes to pick up a prescription today, I 'suggested' he ask the pharmacist for something to take; what I bought doesn't seem to have worked for him.  Not sure why the meds haven't worked; he has 'rested' a lot... 

Back to work Monday for sure.  I have timecards to approve, but I think that's it.  Need to check on how things are going with getting my new boss on board.  I've been glancing at work emails all weekend and haven't had anything that was critical for me to do. Which is always a good thing.

Can you tell already that I don't have much to talk about today?

Church was really good and it was based on I Peter 1. Several people asked where hubby was and how we were; I shared we both had been sick the past few weeks and I was much better, but hubby was not. Message was so good, as they usually are when Pastor John speaks.  It's a 4 week series on 1 Peter which started yesterday.  If you want to hear a good message in 1 Peter - check out Reclaim Church on You Tube (it's the one with the black flag facing backwards.  There are a few other 'Reclaim' Churches so that is how to identify 'ours'.  They have another 'Growth Track' session coming up on the 2nd Saturday in November and hubby and I plan to attend.  Pastor George is going to lead it and it is going to be on prophecy.  

My time is getting away from me this morning since I didn't get up until a little after 5a.  I blame that on difficulty sleeping.... and going to bed at 10:30p.... got into NCIS shows we hadn't seen before.  But, on a good note, we didn't turn the TV on until about 5:30 or so.  I kept debating on going to see Ms. Vicky... but I was so comfortable on the couch I just didn't get up.  Did get several rows on the 'multi-color blanket' I'm crocheting.  I wonder if anyone would want it....  Once I'm finished I'll decide if I will keep it or give it away.  I have a long ways to go!

I'm going to go 'full force' Virta starting today.  That mean, low carb eating as much as I can.  I really do want to lose this weight and I am asking myself the question - "why did you start this during the holidays?!"   But, in doing so, it is also one way to rein in my tendencies to eat cookies that I bake. And yes, I still ate two-three cookies yesterday.  I'm going to ship a box of the cookies off to my sister sometime today, and I have a bag to take to Morgan.  That woman has more will power than anyone I have ever met!  I'm only giving her 4 cookies of each batch because you know how she eats?  She will allow herself one cookie, unless it is a big one, then only a portion of it.  That girl don't eat!  Although I do know her 'weakness' and when I make the chocolate no bake bars, she does indulge a little bit more.  Seriously, when I ask her, she will just take a bite or eat one if small.  I can give her a 3x4 container of eggs ole and you know what?  She is still eating it a week later!  I didn't know it would last that long!

And I may just fix up a batch of eggs ole' sometime today.  It may be 'high fat', but it is definitely 'low carb' as well.  Lots of eggs, cottage cheese, butter, cheese, green chilies, and maybe 1/2 cup of flour; depends on what size I make.  That's the only carb I add.  Since I stopped at Mr. Goodcents for lunch yesterday and brought home the #5 8 inch for both hubby and I, we didn't eat dinner last night.  Gasp! I don't think I cooked all weekend - other than all the cookies!  What's up with that?!  At least I can pull down my Keto cookbooks and Low Carb as that is what plan Virta is putting me on to lose weight and lower my blood pressure.  Not that you are interested, my glucose was 102 this morning (goal is to get it below 100), and my blood pressure is 129/82 with a heart rate of 56.  But Dr. Mark says my bottom number is off 10 points so subtract 10 (syncing it with the one he uses in the office - the old fashioned one, not digital) and that makes it 129/72.  He would like it below 120 if possible.  Personally, based on what it has been the past few weeks average, 129/72 is pretty good as far as I'm concerned. Of course I've been sitting here doing my quiet time so that has calmed me down. :-)  I am NOT sharing my weight!

Well, I had to pause and get on the work computer - and got the timecards approved - and then paused to make eggs ole and get it in the oven this morning.  Now I'm back for a few before going to turn down the oven temperature and then let the eggs ole finish baking. Yum!   Now, where was I?

Oh yeah, Dr. Mark and my weight and blood pressure.  Ok, enough about that.  Moving on!

I have Morgan at 1p today - HIIT.  I'm going to be moving my body around some this morning to loosen it up for that.  Glad it isn't early morning - my body just doesn't wake up that fast, but alas, she sometimes does put me at 8a.  I think part of that is because she knows I don't care if we start a few minutes late - which is what usually happens.  She gets there early enough, but the kids care doesn't open until 8a, and she brings her baby (whom I get to see real quick on those mornings) and has to change her diaper and get her settled in the kids care before she can come out and train.  I don't mind; if I'm in the middle of an exercise, she will also run over a few minutes for me to finish.  It all works out.  My next scheduled appointment is on Thursday at 9:30a, but it's just 'core'.  I do enjoy my trainings in spite of how much I may - or may not - hurt afterwards.  If I tell her I hurt, she smiles cause that means she did her job.  If I say I wasn't hurting like I should be, then she knows she needs to step it up. She's already told me my core is strong enough now she is moving into the advanced ones because I don't hurt afterwards.  I should never have told her, right?

We have dinner out with friends tonight right after work.  I am needing to be more careful; doesn't mean I have to just eat salads, but I'm glad I do like salads!  We're going to Chili's and their salads are way too many calories.  Will have to check out what I can get.  If I'm going to go to the trouble of weighing and pricking my finger each morning for Virta, I may as well 'do this' and get down the 20 or so pounds so that I will be in the routine, right?  Actually, I really would like to lose 30-35 pounds, but 20 is a good start. :-)

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

We are so blessed that God inspired His people to write down words to form the Bible, that we will know how to live.  I was reading this morning in Isaiah about how back then people would take down a tree, burn a section of it for warmth, then 'create' a form of some sort, then set it up and bow down to it to worship.  Something they created, and call it god.  How fortunate we are that we know Who is God, and that He lives inside each of us!  He is not a statue to be bowed down to.  His Word shows us how to live, commandments that bring us good and not harm.  Oh that we all would choose to live according to His Word and trust Him to guide us each day!  Lord, help us teach one to be obedient to You in all things.  Grant us wisdom in the choices we make.  Give us the wisdom to be holy, as You are Holy, courage to stand up for what is right, and knowledge of Your Word to obey.

Have a simply amazing Monday!  Be still, and listen for His voice today; you just might hear Him say, "This is the way wherein I choose for you to walk; walk in it and be blessed."

Blessings!

Why do I do what I don't want to do?

 Perhaps I'll elaborate some on that later, but for now, will give you a run down of my day yesterday.  

I stayed in here in my 'DQT' until about 10a yesterday morning - and loved it.  I still didn't get completed some things I would have liked to.  But, that's ok.  It's only 8a now and after I finish this, then I will hopefully get into that.  Still debating about going to church this morning.  Hubby kept me awake coughing (still) during the night.  He was determined to to go church last night, but this morning, about 7-ish, he stuck his head in and said that he couldn't stop coughing (still) so was not going to go.  Since COVID, people go bonkers when you have people around you coughing.  And I'm still feeling guilty about going to the Glam Party at CeCe's when I was at the start of my cold.  I'm debating on going to church anyway as I still have an occasional cough, but it's been 3 weeks since we've been there, and I need to go be with people.  Although I still don't know that many people in the third service.  I think it is next week or the week after we will add a 5p on Sunday service as well.  I've had my shower this morning so still have time to pull it together.  I'm not coughing as much, but do still have the occasional cough.

Back to yesterday, after my quiet time, much to hubby's dismay I'm sure, I fixed myself a bowl of cereal, so he did too.  I'm pretty sure he had been waiting for me to finish up and cook breakfast.... but I just didn't want to.  And didn't.  Then I decided I was 'energized' enough to DO something; get something done.  So I emptied out 3 shelves on the bookcase in the exercise room and brought out my cookbooks and put on the shelves.  I only have one or two, right?  HAH!  The took up nearly 3 shelves!  Now I have two bags of yarn sitting on the floor...what to do....

I went to the laundry room and looked at the cabinet counter, and realized there was no more room to put anything... and had two boxes of 'pre-made' cookies.... so guess what I did!  I emptied the boxes!  I made peanut butter cookies; snickerdoodles, white chocolate macadamia nut, and white and chocolate chip cookies.  And I had fun baking (and eating way too many) cookies all afternoon.  Then hubby started fussing and I was ready to sit down.  He wanted to watch a movie.  So we did.  I grabbed some yarn and started making a huge 'blanket' (got about 6" wide by end of day!) just alternating colors.  I think I'm going to call it the 'blanket of many colors' as I'm using up some full skeins and a lot of small partial leftover skeins.  After the first movie, it was 4:30p and I offered to figure out something for dinner but hubby wanted to watch another movie, so we did.  (erase erase)

The good part is I cleared a small space on the counter where the two boxes had been!  And I have lots of cookies!  I'm sending some of each to my sister.  No matter how she tries to follow a recipe, she cannot make cookies.  Seriously.  Even the oatmeal raisin; she messes it up every time.  She has an aversion to cooking, I think. Whereas, me, I love to cook and try new recipes.  Which is why I have moved my cookbooks out in the open where I can start going through them and try to make some new things for Christmas gifts.

Which reminds me, if I haven't already shared this, Sue txt'd me the other day and just said, 'cheese ball, cucumbers (aka b&b pickles), loaf of your wonderful pumpkin breads - any type, and a small jar of salsa'.  I laughed and asked 'is that it?'  In the past I have given her so much more - but she said that she was sitting there and was hungry and was thinking about some of the things she loves that I give her.  Most I can't do until closer to the holidays, but am looking forward to being busy baking again.

I talked with a granddaughter yesterday as we had talked about going to her in-laws for Thanksgiving but instead my oldest son and his family are coming over.  I promised her I'd make sure they had my cornbread dressing for Thanksgiving, and if I can find giblets without another turkey, I'll fix them giblet gravy as well.  Her in-laws love my dressing and giblet gravy.  Always makes me feel good when someone wants something I make. :-)

I purposefully went to Colossians 3 after I did my Bible reading this morning.  I have some things IN me that I need to work on.  I've let too much of the 'world' in me and need to get it out of me.  Hence my title 'why do I do what I don't want to do?'.  I always beat myself up after I do it.  I'm not going to specifically state what thing(s) I am referring to in my life, but there are things that I want to get rid of. I know they are not pleasing to God, and after I do them, I am always so disgusted and angry with myself, and pleading with God to forgive me and help me to overcome.   There are things many people do that they don't want to, but find themselves doing 'just because' they can.  For some, it is like an addiction of drinking or smoking or cussing (just to name a few obvious ones).  You don't really WANT that drink, or cigarette, or say those words, but you do it because you are bored, or you are angry or .... for whatever reason.  We think we have control over whatever that 'bad habit' is...  (or 'habit'), but many times, it has control over us.  

That's where Sanctification comes in.   But let me back up and explain what Justification is first.  

Justification is an act of God by which those who are unrighteous in themselves are nevertheless declared righteous by God by still in the sinning state.  Justification is a deliverance from the penalty of sin and is a past action for all believers, accomplished by Christ at the cross.

Romans 5:18 (ESV) Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

Sanctification is not the act of God declaring a person righteous; rather, it is the continual process by which God is actually making a person righteous. Sanctification is the deliverance from the power of sin and is a present and continuous process of believers becoming Christlike, accomplished by the Holy Spirit's power and presence.  Sanctification represents a believer's victory over the flesh, the world, and the devil.  The ultimate end of our sanctification is that we will be found in Christ's image.

Romans 8:29-30 (ESV):  For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.

My prayer is that God will continue to work IN me, to make me more like Jesus, and a lot less like me and the world.  Remove my pride, remove my arrogance, remove any thing that is in me that is not of Him.  Lord, HELP!!

Wishing you a day that is full of His peace, His love, His joy, His purpose for you.  

Blessings!

Quiet, Lazy, Saturday....

 I didn't get up until a little after 5a this morning for when I awoke at 4a, I reminded myself it was Saturday and I did NOT have to get on the work computer.  I do love my mornings when I can sleep a little later (if my body lets me) and come in here and stay as long as I want to.  Hubby was 'supposed' to go the men's breakfast at church this morning, but got up coughing (still) so chose not to go.  He's still doing his quiet time, and I'm just finishing up - until I start reading or doing some studying, anyway.  I'm ready for a second cup of coffee so may stop in a moment to go and get it.  It's 'only 8:40a so no need to rush out, right?  I love these mornings!

Did I tell you I finally got around to wrapping a few gifts the other day?  Well, I did, and I put them in the corner of hubby's office.  I don't think he has noticed them yet.  And that's ok.  I need to find more wrapping paper today so that I can get more done this weekend.  Maybe later today I will go out.  I have to get an early start or I will be wrapping the day family comes to open gifts!  At least let them be wrapped longer than 24 hours, right?  I do love Christmas, though.  Not just for the giving (and getting) of gifts, but for the meaning of it.  Think about that.  What do you love about Christmas?

Not much has happened this week, at least that I remember.  I was told I will have a new boss on November 9.  I did contact her, she did respond, and we agreed to meet one day when she comes down to pick up her badge.  Maybe towards the end of week after next.  I did get her equipment ordered yesterday and now it's 'sit and wait' until I get the tracking number.  I'll have to find notes to review what else I need to get her signed up for.  I haven't had a new boss in so long, I just don't remember.

I picked up two mystery boxes from the market I buy from on occasion.  I was NOT expecting several boxes/cases to come out that door with my name on them!  But - I think I have found 'good homes' for the majority.  What all did I get?  For $50 ($25 each order), I got two cases of tomatoes (probably 8 plastic containers in each case), two cases of mini cukes (a lot of containers in each case), two BOXES of fresh cut broccoli on the stem, 6 papayas, 6 artichokes, 4 melons of some sort (still don't know what they are), 2 dz medium eggs, 8 striped bell peppers (never saw those kind before!), 8 potatoes, two fennel plants (gave both of those away; have no idea what to do with them!), two bags of very large grapes, two bags of mini peppers.... and I can't remember what else.  Think that is a lot?  It was!  I was really blown away with the boxes of broccoli and mini cukes and tomatoes!  I took some up to my DILove for one her her boys and her family still at home, and she mentioned a coworker was drooling over the video and wanted some as well, so did send a little bit for her, took some to two granddaughters, and another son.  I think that is all I gave to.  I still a lot for us.  I managed to put most in the refrigerators last night.  Want to go get some Velveta cheese and make broccoli cheese soup this weekend.  Maybe look up some more broccoli recipes.  I gave away a lot of broccoli, but still have a lot as well.  But I can make things with it and give to a couple of the neighbors.  After delivering the goods last night - we went to Denny's for dinner!   I counted last night that I 'helped' 8 families - and that equals out to ($50 divided by 8) $6.25 cost per family.  And most got a lot as well.  Good deal, right? 

I have two more mystery boxes ordered for Tuesday.  In the past, mystery boxes were not as big as I got yesterday so was very surprised.  Will see what Tuesday is, then will probably skip a couple weeks while I figure out what to do with what I have!  Oh - got a few squash as well.  So much stuff!!

I have a lot of things I 'need' to do today, not even going to list them, for I have no idea of what motivation I will have to do any of them.  I keep telling myself that if I retire, every day would be empty like this - so keep working!  As much as I don't like some of it, I am at least keeping busy and keeping my mind active, right?  If I don't keep moving - literally - I will become 'old'.  And you know I do all I can NOT to become 'old'.  Right?

In I Kings 17 there is a story of Elijah (one of my very favorite prophets!) and a woman  who lives in Sidon - 

I Kings 17:8-16 (NKJV):  8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a [a]jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ ” 15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.

As I think about this scripture, I see the obedience of Elijah going to a foreign city, as he was told to by God.  He found a widow there and asked for water.  She was gathering sticks to make the very last meal, with what little flour she had left, for herself and her son.  But Elijah asked for her to not only give him water, but also bread.   And what did she do?  She was obedient when she heard 'Thus saith the Lord' from Elijah.  She didn't know the Lord, she was a foreigner.  But she obviously had heard of Him.  In FAITH, she made Elijah a small cake first. Then there was enough flour to make for herself and her son.  And because of that FAITH, the flour and oil used to make the little cakes never ran out.  At least not until Elijah called on God to bring the fire from heaven to burn up the offering and then Elijah prayed that rain would fall.

And he didn't pray just one time!  Elijah prayed seven (7) times for rain to fall - after praying 3 1/2 years before for it to be withheld!  And God heard him both times.  God withheld the rain for 3 1/2 years.... and then when Elijah prayed the seventh time for rain to fall, God sent the rain and opened up the heavens.

Faith and Persistence.  When did you last have both?  Having faith is sometimes easy.  But persistence.  When was the last time you persisted, and pushed in to God in prayer, seeking not what He can do for you, but seeking Him?  Sometimes we get our priorities messed up.  We run to God with all our wants and wishes.  We may even remember to thank Him when we receive them.  But when was the last time we ran to God to just 'be' with Him?  Just to seek Him?  Just to 'Be still and know that He is God'?  Perhaps that is something we need to pursue today.  Just 'Be'.

May you find the joy of just 'being' today in the presence of God.

Blessings!

I miss the early morning sunrises

 Yeah... it's 6:30a and it's still dark out.  Ironically, I hear landscapers out (not ours) doing trimming down the road - in the early morning darkness - and the trash company picking up.  It's barely starting to get light - but I guess if they can see general areas, they can get an early start on their day.  I'm waiting to open my shutters so that the light will come in.

I sent an email to my new boss yesterday and actually got a response back late last night. I had noticed the number next to my work email so skimmed it.  She seems nice via letter anyway.  When she comes down to get her badge (HR won't mail it), she has agreed to meet me for lunch somewhere (I suggested Wildflower) so we could meet.  I'm looking forward to meeting her, yet, a bit apprehensive.  After all, is she snooty?  Is she a 'power person'?  I don't think she is as I asked if I should call her Dr. (she has her PhD) or could I call by her first name.  She responded her first name, that she reserves the 'Dr' for when she is at conferences and with peers.  She 'looks' like maybe in 30's so it will be interesting her ideas.  I have no clue how old she is, but see a photo that was supplied to HR.  No gray hairs anyway. She does have an impressive resume and has been a Sr. VP before.  Hopefully I can 'come up to speed' quickly in supporting her.  I can now get her equipment ordered as I found out if she can have someone sign for it.

I have a board meeting prep this morning at 9a with a new 'president'.  I wrote him an email yesterday, asking him if he was going to attend - no response.  He probably will as I copied his EA, but it would be nice (and polite) if he could respond to my questions.  I started it with "I currently support...." .  I'm wanting to pass this board off to his EA, to her dismay, I'm sure.  This is the last one for this year and after it (the first week of November), I will approach to have her take it over for 2027.  I may lose on that, but it doesn't hurt to go for it.

I got some good news last night; my oldest son is going to stop by for a visit this morning, and back up hubby's computer.  Hubby had asked him a couple weeks ago about backing it up.  My only question is "why?"  LOL.  I can't remember the last time I backed mine up; I'm sure I have some things on there I wouldn't want to lose, but it's only important to me, I'm sure.  I don't really care if my computer loses it all; I'll just start over and be more selective in what I save. If I need to keep it for prosperity or passing on, I should also print it and put in the safe, right?  My family tree, on my mom's side, which is in an email and a folder somewhere (where DID I put it?) has also been sent to each of my children and a couple of the grandchildren who asked for it.  I also have one or two printed copies.  Some day I need to clean out my computer, go through papers.  I think I still have a box of 'stuff' in the garage somewhere that I brought home when I 'retired' from MCP!  Never have gone through it. At some point I do need to start going through boxes and drawers, as well as files.  Remember when I mentioned a short time ago a friend's advice?  Handle it once and make a decision on what to do with it. Don't just lay it back down in another stack - either trash it or file it.  Right?  Easier said than done.

I read Habakkuk this morning, a small book in the Old Testament.  I've read some books of the bible so many times that when I reread, the scripture brings back memories.  As I mentioned yesterday, some of it, well, most of Habakkuk was about trust.  But I love the last few verses.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (ESV):  Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the bines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.  God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.

I was one again so moved by that scripture that I wrote something in my bible as my own statement.  Should I share it?  'I will rejoice in the Lord, the God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength and shield. He will lead me Home.'

When we were growing up, we were always told 'don't write in the books!' - which of course, for most of us meant school books or library books.  When I first became a Christian and got a bible to use, I was very hesitant to even underline anything - let alone highlight! - anything in a book.  But one pastor got it right.  He said, "If you don't feel you can write or underline or highlight in your bible, then get yourself one that you can!"  In other words, it's OK to mark it up!  I would say all my bibles that I have read/gone through these last 40+ years have mark ups, underlines, and lots of notes/prayers in them. Most I wish I had dated so that I could look back on them, but I haven't always added a date. Like today, no date, just a statement/prayer.  I don't highlight often for to me that is distracting when I go back to re-read, so I just underline in pencil.  There are some pens (I've used in the past, but haven't in years) that are perfect to write in your bibles - they are ink-leak proof, which means they don't bleed though the pages as some pens do.  Very thin point, so that you can write clearly.  I probably ought to invest in a set again - they aren't that expensive; may be $20 for 6 pens in different colors.  I have so many pens and I use a pencil more in my bible that I just haven't wanted to get them. I use a pencil type highlighter at times when I really want the verse to catch my eye.  But not often.  

Anyway - where are you pulling your strength from this morning?  In man, or in God? It's like the song verse "I trust in God, my Savior, the One who will never fail, He will never fail. ...... I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered, I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered.... that's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him!'"   (Check Elevation Worship 'Trust in God')

And... it's 7a and I need to get on the work computer, get dressed, and make fresh tea!   Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

A no title post

 mainly because I can't think of one at this very moment.  Oh yes, I could come up with something as thoughts come to me this morning, but.... here I am, with no title.  And you are here, wondering what in the world is she writing about today!

We had a hail storm come through parts of our county yesterday.  I guess the oldest son got hit pretty 'bad' - in that they had three windows get busted from the hail.  Other than that, I bet they also got chips on the cars - but since one is white, it won't show up much.  Last time I drove through hail on our way to Heber Overgaard, I did get some small chips in my car paint.  But the hail that came down at my son's house - wow - he sent a video and they were pretty big!  And, I saw this morning that Heber Overgaard got hit with a tornado yesterday and did some damage up there as well.  Weird storm came through our county and north and northeast of us for sure!  We got a little rain in the morning, but nothing after that, other than some sprinkles in the afternoon.

Yesterday was our youngest' great-granddaughter's first birthday.  No party was held, so we drove over last night to give her a small gift.  And, sadly, because I'm not around her very much, she didn't really 'know' me, and wouldn't have anything to do with me.  Broke my heart.  You know how much I love all my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and for one to not want me to hold them and love on them... ouch. It's bad enough when they get older and don't want it!  I don't leave lipstick stains!  LOL  They don't live that far away, but with my working, and her mama working odd hours... well, I just haven't put forth the effort I guess to get to know them better.  Some situations can't be changed.... for now.... and I'll leave that there.

The words 'that there'.  When I was in high school, it seems that Mrs. Kirkham, my English teacher, would tell us never to use 'that there' in a sentence.  Only use one or the other.  Hmmm. Interesting that thought just came to mind as I typed the words out the in the last paragraph.

I don't have anything on my calendar for today - other than it is a former best friend's birthday.  Melonie. I say former because I haven't seen her all year.  We were best friends back in 1968-69, lost contact after our men came home from the service (hers was in Korea, I think; mine was in VietNam).  Her husband 'found' me about 10 years ago and we have seen each other, had lunch together a few times, but we just haven't connected much this past couple of years.  We've done lunches a time or two, just not this year. Not sure why.  As she has a hearing problem, I seem to be the only one calling and you know me and calling people - it just doesn't happen often.  I do need to make contact today and perhaps I can take her for breakfast on Saturday as hubby has the men's breakfast at church. Yeah, that's a good plan, right?

I was very pleased to find my blood pressure had dropped back into the 'normal' range this morning.  It hasn't been 'normal' for several months - I'm talking 112/76.  It's been in the 130's and 140's over 80's for the past couple of months.  I blame it on living with hubby.  So what has dropped it down - it's gone down little by little the past 3-4 days.  No, I'm not taking it again in case it's wrong.  I like thinking I'm finally back in the 'normal' range.  I should have waited about signing up for Virta if I have done it on my own!  I'm signed up, had my initial call with the clinical person, but haven't heard from my 'coach' yet.  Maybe I need to really do it so that I have someone I can be accountable to - especially with the holidays coming up.  

I had asked my now former boss what she wanted for Christmas of all the goodies I've given her over the years.  She sent me a text yesterday and said 'cheese ball, B&B pickles, all my breads, and I forget if anything else.  I laughed and asked 'is that all?'  It certainly isn't very much!  But I want to do some new things this year and I do need to start going through my cookbooks and see what looks like fun to make. I do love to make things and give away; one of my very favorite things to do.  Maybe I should ask my kids of they want anything.  I laugh because my grandchildren usually say 'a jar of your salsa'.  I love it and I try to oblige them.  They have no clue how much it means to me to give them something I can make that they will like.  If I had the time, I'd be all over the place making things and giving away.  It's just what I love to do.

I started reading in Habakkuk this morning.  I like reading the summary before each book in my bible as I start to read.  I've read this before, but this morning, based on things going on within the family, a paragraph really stood out.  Habakkuk is a prophet asking God about judging Judah because of its sins against God, and God tells Habakkuk that He is going to send Babylon to punish Judah. So Habakkuk asks why send a heathen nation, worse than Judah, to punish it.  And God tells him that Babylon will be punished after it punishes Judah.  But this is what spoke to me.  

The question is.... Will I trust Him.... no matter what?  That's a hard one, isn't it?  No matter what happens in situations, will I still trust God?  Will I continue to trust Him to heal my son - no matter what? Will I continue to believe that God will answer my prayers for a great-granddaughter?  Will I believe that God will hear me and answer my prayers for whomever and whatever?  Will I trust Him?

"Habakkuk did not like the way his world was shaping up. Events in Judah deeply troubled his heart, while rumors and faceless threats rumbled just over the horizon. In the end, he had to come to terms with this question: Will I trust in the wisdom and goodness of God no matter what happens around me?  We must all grapple wit this question. Although the process was not easy, in the end Habakkuk took shelter in God Himself, deciding to be thankful and joyful.  Faith grows stronger when we deliberately release our anxieties, remembering that "God, the Lord, is our strength and that His plans are best, no matter how unreliable life may feel at the moment. Our past, present, and future all belong to the Lord. Our times - our very lives - are in His hands.  Trust Him."

So I ask myself today, as I often do, am I still trusting God no matter what happens?  His plans are best; whether I understand them or not.  Life hurts sometimes, doesn't it?  But do we trust God through the hurt?  I am going to answer for myself only, but I am saying 'YES', I will (and do) trust God no matter what the future holds.  If I lose everything, I will trust Him.   He is my very life, and my life is in His hands, no matter what happens.  And so is those I love dearly and entrust to the One who can save and heal them.  If I can't trust God - what is left?  Nothing.  Doctors can only do what doctors believe they can do.  Our God can do anything and everything.  He knows all.  He even knows the thoughts we are thinking as we read (or write) this.  He knows our thoughts before we even think them!  That is how awesome our God is!

Our God is worthy to be praised, worshipped, and adored and loved - no matter what our life endures or contains.  Hallelujah!  I'm glad I'm not in control for I tend to make a mess of things! 

Trust God.  Surrender it all to Him.  Give Him thanks, and give Him the glory.  All things - including us - are in His hands. Thank You, Jesus!  

Blessings!