what brought on that question?

 This week I have been making myself get on the rebounder and 'walk' for 15-20 minutes.  I also have my hinge health exercises to do.  I've managed to do these every day for the past week.  Why?  Because I am in a challenge at work which counts steps.  And I created a team 'Jailbreak Walkers' cause I get points if I am the lead on the team (and the more points I get over the year to hit 70k points, I get $50 off my medical insurance every month).  I can't let 'my team' down and don't put forth any efforts.  I have 9 other people on my team - about 5 I do not know - and they apparently are 'runners' and are really moving us up in the challenge.  We are currently 74 out of 1074 teams.  Not bad, right?  I'm not a runner; I'm a walker.  And I now have to find the time to walk.  So in the evenings, after dinner, I get on the rebounder.

Last night, first I did my hinge exercises for my neck, my shoulders, my wrists.  Simple exercises.  I like doing these cause 1) it keeps me accountable (as does the walking above) and 2) I win prizes when I do exercises for so many days.  I just follow along with the video that is shown, and it records what I do.  So fair I've gotten a set of workout bands, and the other day my massage gun arrived. I didn't have to do anything for them but work out.  Win-win, right?

Anyway - I did the hinge exercises then got on the rebounder.  I would have used the treadmill, but I was barefoot and rule #1 I have learned to not walk on the treadmill barefoot; that's how I got plantar fasciitis a few years back.  So I do a mile on the rebounder, come in the front room and sit down with Jonathon Cahn's latest book The Altar of Pergamon  and started reading.  (It is really good, by the way - holding my interest!)   I then go into the front room and sit down and hubby looks at me and says, "I have a question for you.   Why are you all of a sudden making sure you get exercise in every night?  Why do you want to exercise at night?"  I tried to explain (again) that I have the leader in the challenge for work which records our steps, and although I usually have less than 6K steps every day, I need to 'do something' to do my part.  I sit all day; walking for a bit in the evening is all I do.  As for the hinge health exercises, I reminded him that I earn prizes, plus the exercises are to keep my neck loose and my shoulders and wrists from hurting.  I'm strengthening them.  "Well, I just wondered why."

Ok - the first thing I thought was 'if I was working outside the house, he would say I was exercising because I had a new 'man'.'  Trust me, I am definitely NOT interested in anyone!  Is his jealousy streak coming out again?  He didn't say anything other than that - but why the question?  Wouldn't it be enough that I am trying to remain strong and healthy?  I will admit, I wanted to say, "I have to keep my strength up so that I can catch you when you fall." but I withheld the words so that I didn't say them.  I'm not trying to put him down; I'm just trying to take care of me.  Have no idea why that question came up.

I have Morgan at 8a this morning and then a meeting this afternoon.  Yesterday I didn't have much to do either.  I probably ought to bring in some crocheting and work on that... but yes, I still do need to get the minutes done from the last board meeting, and I need to clean out more folders.  Oh yeah - I heard from Sue yesterday; she text'd me and we chatted for alittle bit.  She is enjoying retirement.  I'm so happy for her that she and Paul can now do things together.  

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

How many times have we found ourselves putting ourself first before others?  We were in line first, right, and someone slipped in front of us... do we point it out to them and make a comment they stepped in front of us?  Or do we just smile and step back?  Do we always have to have the last word in a 'discussion'?  (I know I often make hubby mad because after a few words back and forth, I shut up and walk away)  How often do we 'read' into things that are not there?  Hubby and I had a few words yesterday afternoon.  Now he knows I've been making a list up for the son-in-law to fix when he comes out here in a couple weeks.  I've been told to make a list of things that need to be done.  Hubby doesn't do them, so if the SIL is willing to do them, why not?  Anyway, hubby's bathroom faucet has been leaking.  He came to the door of my 'office' and tells me he called our warranty company ($ each visit) to come out and fix it.  I didn't way anything, just looked at him.  So that started it.  I explained that the SIL would be here in two weeks, why would he call the warranty company?  SO then it escalated to it is his bathroom, and water is going everywhere on the cabinet, etc.  I just looked at him and then he says "why do you look at me like I'm stupid?"  I just shake my head and don't bother to respond.  He rants for a few more minutes and then storms off.  A little later I go into his bathroom to look.  Yes, the faucet is leaking.  Yes, the washcloth he has around the faucet is soaking wet.  Then I realize, that is the same washcloth that has been there for a long time, like in several days. Now it is has been leaking for awhile, I admit, but not that much.  However, he has left that washcloth there for weeks, I'm sure, and it was soaking wet.... because he never changed it out.  He didn't wring it out and put it back... and even so, do you know that a wet washcloth just attracts more water to hold in?  That's why we start out with a DRY washcloth, so that it will soak it up.  If you leave a wet one there, it will just continue to soak up water.  Or am I wrong?  Anyway, I took that green washcloth and laid it aside to dry... and I put a clean one around the faucet.  He hasn't said a word about it... he had to notice it.... I think. After all, he has used the sink.  But, not one word.  Anyway - he was angry last night - and I was shaking my head at why he couldn't wait.  After all, he told me, he doesn't have the tools to fix it himself.  And he said he wished he had a camera to have a look at my face when he first told me - he 'read' that I was angry he had done that - when in fact, I was 'dumbfound' he, after all this time, decided to call the warranty company to come out today to replace it..... two weeks before the SIL is here.  I just shake my head.  I just didn't respond.  Obviously this was very important to him and I made him feel stupid.  After all, he said, "it isn't your bathroom"!  And it isn't.  sigh.

Anyway - I've rambled on about nothing and I need to get dressed, get the work computer on so I can sign in, and get ready to leave by 7:30a to get to the gym.  Hubby is at his bible study. He will go see Chuck today but said he will be home early in case the plummer comes early.

Treat others kindly.  Many need it.  And many times, so do we.  Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

I'm ready for the weekend to get here!

 I have nothing on the calendar for today and only an 8a training with Morgan in the morning.  I'm so ready for the weekend to get here!  I feel it's been sitting in doctor's offices has been the thing this week.  I didn't go with hubby to his cardiologist yesterday - probably should have, but didn't.  He kept pushing on me not to go, and since he hadn't had any tests and this was just a check-up, I didn't. I needed that time alone, right?  He also had a dentist appointment to get his two front teeth crowned yesterday - and I did take and drop him off and then pick him up when he was finished.  Then it was a somewhat quiet evening. I did some exercises then read - and hubby watched the ballgame and slept in his chair.  We both went to bed by 8p.  Well, the reason I did was he commented about going to bed at 8p and I just looked at him and said I was reading.... so he stayed in his chair... and I told him he could go to bed without me... but of course he wouldn't... so I went to bed as well.  And slept.  

See how interesting my life is?  It feels like anymore it is made up of work and doctor appointments. Oh well.  I just keep plugging along.  At least I'm starting to take a little time to do my exercises here at home at night.  Hinge Health is making me start on it.... I earn 'prizes' as I do their exercises.  I think it is kind of cool they 'turn the camera on' and I have to position myself within the camera range full body, and they have these green dots around my body that they can see how I am exercising with their trainer.  I'm working on my neck, shoulders, and wrists.  It's really cool.  They only do that for a couple of the exercises then they turn the camera off and continue with others.  After that, I got on the rebounder and walked for about 3/4 mile.  I like that on the rebounder I hold on to the bar and I just move my feet.  I don't bounce, I just 'walk'.  It helps keep the legs moving and strong.  I need to work on my walking too so will get on the treadmill.... October 11 I am to walk a 5K and I have a feeling it may be too hot to walk outside so will do it on my treadmill.  It's called 'Fit and Run' I think. I signed up with several at work; they will go to Gilbert or Tucson and run where the actual run is; but I chose the virtual caused I am not driving down there in that mess!  I remember one walk that hubby and my youngest son did it with me; we met my boss, Sue, there and we walked together.  Even got pictures of that day - it was raining! It was a fun time.  Now I have to walk alone - hubby won't walk, and neither will the son with me.  He only walks with his wife now when they do their trips.  But the youngest did do the 13.1 mini marathon back in.... well, the photo I have has May 25, 2020 on it - surely it wasn't only six years ago!  I do enjoy walking, and walking with others always makes it more fun, even when I don't want to talk and walk.

Ephesians 5:1 (ESV):  Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

When we were children, (most times) we wanted to be like our mother or father; depending on whom we were the closest to.  I loved the way my mother wrote, so I often practiced her handwriting, and I think I still, although I have developed my own style, have handwriting very similar to hers.  My little sister often says she and I have handwriting close enough that when I send her a letter, her husband will look at the envelope and wonder why she wrote herself a letter!  But I have also noticed our handwriting is similar.  No, I did not copy hers; I copied my mama's.  I know at one point a few years back my writing was getting shaky... and I realized it was because I was trying to write quickly.  So I slowed down.  Now I find I am printing or using cursive and it is not shaky but is clear and very readable.  I can remember when I was a student and the classmates would try to see how sloppy and run together their signatures could be.... but I always wanted my writing to be 'pretty'.  And it is.  Even if I say so. LOL  I can even remember taking a paper napkin that had designs on it, and teaching myself to sew (I did have a home Ec class that we did cooking one semester and then sewing (I made an apron!) the second semester), watching my stitches as I used red thread and wove it around the design.  

Come to think of it; I made my 'senior cords'.  Do you remember what those were?  They don't do that anymore, I don't think.  We took our school colors (blue and gold) and made skirts (pencil skirts, mind you) out of gold corduroy and we had people sign our skirts (or for the guys, pants)  - that was our senior year.  I wish I had kept the skirt; I don't know what happened to it.  I do remember making a gold dress for my niece (Debra) when she was two years old (my senior year).  Ok - got off track.

Who are you an imitator of?  Sometimes we admire people so much we try to be 'like them' in that we dress like them (you see that a lot with 'stars') or we wear makeup like they do.  We choose our style to 'be like' whomever we admired.

I want to imitate Jesus.  As I watch 'The Chosen' or some of the other biblical movies, I can visually see (Matthew is still a favorite movie) how He loved others.  How he went the extra mile. How He did for others.  How He not only loved, but served, others.  And that He often spent time with His Father.  I want to be like Jesus.  Who are you striving to be like?

I John 2:6 (ESV):  ......whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

I know I've mentioned it before.... we should walk so close to Jesus that the dust of His sandals gets all over us.

Have an amazing day; do something kind for others without expecting a thank you nor a reward.  Your reward is found in heaven.  Be Jesus' hands and feet to someone.  That might be all the kindness they get today.

Blessings!

Go back to work to 'rest up'?

 Yes, I am 'back to work' today and in fact, will be covering for another EA who is taking the rest of the week off.  Her people are usually quiet so it's a win-win.  But- my morning, once I get off here, will be getting dressed and heading over to the gym - I have Morgan at 8a for a HIIT workout.  NOT looking forward to it today; I'm still tired from yesterday.  It was a l-o-n-g day.  And yet, I didn't do anything.

Hubby's surgery went well.  We got there by 7a and didn't get out until about 10:30a.  We stopped at Black Bear for lunch- and I got the worst Rueben sandwich I think I have ever had.  I ate a few bites and kept wondering why it felt so dry.  I finally opened it up and they forgot to put the thousand island dressing on it!  So I asked for the dressing and put it on myself.  I continued to eat it, but it just wasn't quite the Rueben yet.  On the 2nd half of the sandwich I opened it again.... sigh.  There were only about 3 strands of sauerkraut.  Now you know that the thousand island dressing and the sauerkraut really make the sandwich ai Rueben, right?  I didn't say anything; I was getting full anyway.  After lunch we headed home and I jumped on the work computer because I had some things I did need to take care of, even though I had the day off.  Took care of those; sat down for about 15 minutes, then headed over to see Joe, my hairdresser.

I've gone 'blond'.  Well, not a 'true blond', but he tried to put a lot of blond where the white was... and although I see the white, and to me it is still obvious, well, I just have to deal with it.  We are going to try to work it back to a lighter shade so that when my white comes in, it's not so obvious and I don't have to keep going back to Joe sooner than I had planned.  I get home and hubby says he likes the color..... but why didn't I go shorter because it is so hot?  Well, because I want to let my hair grow out again ... but I just remained silent.  It's the same nagging.... he likes short hair, I want to do my hair the way I want. So there!

Hubby text'd while I was getting my hair done that he had head pain (from the surgery) so I needed to stop at Walgreens to get a pain prescription that was waiting for him.  Went there and got that and headed home - and then had to fix dinner. He told me he wasn't very hungry.... but he ate every bit of the salmon and risotto that I fixed for him.  By then it was nearly 6:30p and late for us to eat.  But after we ate I did some exercises that I have to do in Hinge Health, and then we headed off to bed.  I didn't sleep real well, but hubby must have; he didn't get up until nearly 6a to bring me my coffee.  And I'm keeping an eye on the clock; got to get dressed for the gym and still get on the work computer.

Today hubby has a cardiologist and a dentist appointment.  I'm hoping I don't have to go to the cardiologist; he doesn't think I need to, and I may not with taking off yesterday. There are no tests; it's just a 'check-up'; you know, the hi, how are you doing? any pain? ok you are great! and out the door.  He doesn't even know why he has to go.  I may drop him off at the dentist and go back to get him - he gets his two front teeth crowned today.  

So there... I think you are caught up on my 'life'. Such as it is.  I'm pretty tired this morning still, and am not quite as excited about doing HIIT as I usually am.  I have got to get myself 'pumped up' for it. LOL I do what I can do.  And, with stopping the Fosamax, I have to prove to Dr. Mark that I can strengthen my bones (glad he works out - you should see his muscles!!) and don't need medication.  But I am tired, and I think it is just from sitting so much yesterday. Well, every day, with work.  I've got to get my body moving, even just doing little things.  I want to live life as I age, if you know what I mean.

James 3:13 (ESV):  Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

There is a dramatic contrast between worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.  Our lives reflect the source of our wisdom.  Those of us who live for Jesus will have understanding and be wise and concerned for others.  That is the wisdom of knowing Jesus and having the wisdom of heaven.  Those who are not wise, do not care about others in true fashion; they don't care what their actions cause or inflict on others.  They are estranged from God and will be sensual and selfish, reflecting only the wisdom of Satan.

So who do you choose to have wisdom in?  I choose to live for Jesus and let my conduct be like Him. Yes, I'm not perfect, and I fail more frequently in words and actions that I care to admit.  BUT, when I confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.   And He will do that for you as well.  

Be wise and understanding.  You might even help yourself!  Always give yourself grace, as you give it to others.

Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

What an afternoon it was!

 We left the house around 11a, and didn't get home until about 4:30p  Yeah - a very long afternoon, but also very interesting.  I 'love' Dr. Mark.  It doesn't matter who the patient is, he gives them his undivided attention until everything is discussed.  My appointment was at noon; I didn't get 'in' until about 12:45p.  No biggie, I knew I would get the same undivided attention as the patient who was with him got.  So... I had the EKG, a 'blow' test (don't know what they call it), got my flu shot, got a few other 'exams' and then we sat down to discuss my blood workup, etc.  I didn't get a comprehensive blood test done, just my TSH and T4 as both were out of whack the last time.  Both were back in the good range.  We discussed my leg pain I had had.  It was getting so bad I nearly woke hubby to take me to the ER.  And then I told him - "don't laugh - but this took care of it!"  I got a copper bottle (from Ayeruda) and started drinking a glass of water from this copper bottle each morning before my coffee.  I am serious.  After months of intensive pain in my legs every single night - the pain has disappeared from the very first glass.  I sleep through the night (unless God wakes me up to pray) (or I have to go down the hall) without pain.  He just looked at me and kind of smiled/shook his head.  Whatever works!  We discussed the pain I had and he said it sounds more like neuropathy as that is how people describe the pain - but if I am not in pain anymore, let's move on.  And we did.  He spent an hour with me, and we talked about my medication.  This is where I may get some feedback from others..... but I told him I did not want to take the Fosamax anymore.  It sometimes causes my legs to ache 2-3 days after taking it.  Yes, it is a side effect.  But the one thing I shared was that I have been terrified these five years I have been taking it - one side affect is that I could be walking down the street and my thigh will break.  (What Fosamax does is build a sheath around the bone; it doesn't strengthen the bone).  He acknowledge my fear and said that is usually a 'spiral break' when it happens, and we discussed it.  But what got me was his comment, when I asked if I could stop taking it.  He said,

"This is America - you can do whatever you want to with your medication.  I will not force you to take anything; it is your choice!"  Hot dog!  We discussed my last bone density two years ago showed my risk factor of falling and breaking had gone from 2.0 to 2.2 (big deal).  I just can't get over how people have lived for years without breaking bones without taking all this medication - Fosamax, Bovia, Prolia, Reclast, etc.  My brother had osteoporosis (now better at osteopenia, which I have).  He has gone the route of Fosamax (from which he developed Barrett's Esophagus and has those issues now), Reclast (infusion) and he now does Prolia.  My daughter is on Prolia.  My sister is on Prolia.  I'm the one resisting it all!  Am I wrong?  I strength train twice a week.  I can increase my training with working out here at home.  The more I move, the stronger my bones and the muscles around them will be.  So if I fall and break a bone - so be it!  I don't want to deal with side effects that I don't 'have' to.  It's not a life-threatening disease, if you know what I mean.  So I'm not going to take Fosamax anymore.  I'm going to continue to strengthen my bones.  I did tell Dr. Mark that I have a bone density test this year (after 5 years on Fosmax, and if it shows my bones still are deteriorating, it proves Fosamax isn't helping), and in two years I can get another one - if it is going to where I will be disabled, then we will look at Prolia or something else that would be created in that time. Right or wrong, I am happy it is 'my body, my choice'.  It's a drug.  It hasn't made my bones better. I feel by working out I can continue to strengthen my body. If I fall and break something - I'll deal with it.

It's like the shingles shot.  It is MY choice whether or not to take it.  I don't know anyone who has opted out of taking it - but I have.  Yes, I know it is extremely painful.  Yes, I know it can get in the eyes or any other place on the body (my cousin had it in the eyes and forehead; my sister had on her face as well) but I will take my chances.  It doesn't PREVENT you from getting it; it only is to make it 'not as bad'.  So how bad is bad in each individual?  I refuse the shingles shot.  I did get the pneumonia shot as I've had it numerous times.  But, I don't need to get them anymore; I've had the powerful one. :-)

All in all; I got a script to go back to SQL to get a comprehensive blood work-up done. He sure has marked a lot of things on that sheet!  And that's ok.  I'll get it scheduled for early next week and then I go back to see Dr. Mark on September 28th and will get his thoughts on the results.  I'm anticipating good results.  For now, I'm doing the happy dance I have a choice over what I am prescribed.  I trust Dr. Mark, and if he is letting me make this choice, then it isn't really critical.  Right?

Oh - with the HS-CRP test that showed in critical range?  He explained it to me - physicians don't go by Lifeline Screening tests as the testing is different.  The CRP is cardio - and no, I don't have cardio issues.  Most doctors don't even screen for it, unless there are heart issues.  It's not inflammation of the heart in my case; but he said if I had a bruise, or worked out before the test (which I did) or bumped into something, my body would react with inflammation in that area.  He really took the time to explain it to me.  All in all; don't worry about the test; it isn't saying what I thought it was - the testing is different than what the doctors would request and read from. 

Hubby came in after me, and of course I have to stay in there.  I find it amusing that most of the time when Dr. Mark is giving hubby instructions, he is looking at me - to which hubby also looks at me.  So I'm the one asking the questions and clarifying things.  I honestly don't know why he doesn't look all the time at hubby; he is the one who needs to understand it.  I refuse to baby sit him.  He's a big boy. He knows what medications he needs to take; he knows when to take them.  Nothing has changed. Just do it.  Right? LOL  All in all - he's fine.  Used his walker for the third time.  I wonder if he got his flu shot; we all may have forgotten.  

Today I have taken the day off work because I need to take hubby to the dermatologist to have a basil cell removed on his forehead.  He must be first as his appointment is at 7:15a - so we need to leave in another hour.  Hopefully it won't take long and I will have the rest of the day to do things.  I do have a 2;30p hair appointment so at least will have some time (alone) for me.  I won't get back home until about 5p I'm thinking.  I'm starting to look like those monkeys that have the white all around their face.  Don't laugh!  It isn't quite that bad, but I notice it so it's 'time' to do something about it.  ;-)  

So now you know all about my medical.... I probably shouldn't list all that on here... but it is what is on my mind this morning.  My apology if you don't want to hear it. This is my life; or part of it anyway.  

I sent a note the other day to the other two couples who were in our bible study, asking them if they wanted to continue or dissolve completely.  I am somewhat surprised that I have not heard back from either couple.  Was it too soon for me to step in and say I want to lead the group?  I didn't put our previous leaders on the text as, after all, they resigned.... should I have?  I'm leaving it alone.  If they don't respond - then we can find another group.  It's just odd that neither have responded.  Are they talking to each other?  Is my inferiority complex kicking in?  Are they praying about it? Are they too wrapped up in the medical conditions of their loved ones that they can't respond?  I know what I feel I am called to do - and that is to teach and preach.  I'm letting God lead.  I put it 'out there'; now it's out of my hands.

I John 4:16 (ESV) So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Do you know and believe that God loves you so much, that He chooses to abide, to live, within you? In all you do, if you are a Believer, know that God is with you, that He loves you, that He walks with you. There is no greater love than His.

And... I need to get off here and get dressed.  Maybe I'll skim through and delete some things... I mainly put it here cause I know at times my kids read in here and it lets them know "I'm ok".  And I am.   Like the song says.... "I've been washed in the water, washed in the blood, I'm as good as new, O Hallelujah!  I'm FREE!!

Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

Well, there wasn't food this year....

 and they either forgot, or ran out, of the bookmarks they were passing out after church.  Last year they had a cookout, and although one had not been mentioned, I must admit, I 'assumed' there would be.  No worries; we stopped at Mr. Goodcents for the Ultimate #5 and it was so good!  Their bread is so soft and I can easily eat it (once I take the retainers out, of course).  We spoke with Pastor Josh, but nothing was said about the bible study.  We saw Bret after the 2nd service and he hugged us and said he really felt bad about dropping out leading, and hoped that we would all continue to get together; that we should all get together in a couple weeks for dinner.  They have a lot of traveling plans coming up; many of which I'm pretty sure he isn't aware of, based on the past. LOL  His wife schedules trips for both of them, or even just her - and off they/she goes!  And that's ok.   We didn't see the other two couples at church either, as we go to the last service.  AND, Pastor John had a couple BIG announcements....

1) There is a church in Page, AZ that has been begging this church for the past 6 years to take them over.  It is very small, only about 17 people still attend, and they haven't had a pastor in years.  The decision was made this past week to change that church's name to Reclaim Church - Page (if you are ever up that way, stop in!) and there is a young(er than us) couple, and he apparently is a pastor for that is what they called him, he and his wife and son are moving to Page to head up that church.  We didn't know he was a pastor, but that's ok; we only saw him at church. And, 2) we are going to start up - at the end of October - a 4th service - which will be Sunday evenings @ 5p.  Hubby asked if we would switch to that one, but I told him no, unless we were asked to switch to get it started.  It's football season, so you know how that would go.  But that's ok; I could go, right? LOL  Will see how that pans out.  We are just out of room with 700 people coming in the three services and we are putting people in the overflow area for the services!  Praise God for that!  Pastor John and Lindsey preach the Bible and I love it!  I'll share about yesterday's message perhaps tomorrow.  I'm getting short on time.

I have my physical with Dr. Mark today.  I'm kind of wishing I hadn't shared with him the test results of the inflammation.  He didn't order the tests; but I did, and found out what I suspected.  My body has inflammation in it.  BUT I don't want to be referred to another doctor; I don't want to be put on a regime of pills and then there are the additional office visits 'every six months' to check.... ugh.  You know what I'm talking about!  I know I will need the bone density test and the mammogram this year.  Right now I am debating on a lot of things in regards to my medical health.  God is my Healer, yes, but sometimes He does allow things to happen to get my attention, if you know what I mean.  I am going to ask Dr. Mark to give me a prescription for the inflammation and let me take it, and in about two months get another hs-crp test.  If it is still high, THEN I will go to a rheumatologist.  If I can get it down (eating anti-inflammatory foods, exercising, etc.), then there is no need, right?  I still blame it on the bites I got 3 years ago.... the pain in my legs did not start until I got bit.  Logical thinking, right?  Since I started drinking water from a copper bottle, the pain in my legs has stopped.  I have no explanation for that.  But it did.  After several months of waking in the middle of the night in intense pain in the the legs, I now sleep through the entire night (unless I have to get up and walk down the hall).  What does that tell you?  What is the copper water doing? I have no idea.  But I just drink it in the mornings and that's it. My brother did a big research on my legs with the bug bites, and AI said that there is no way the bug bites (even scorpion bites) could still affect me three years later.  I say it's wrong.  So who is right?  I am still working today but taking off at 11a to head to Dr. Mark's.  Hubby has an appointment whenever Dr. Mark gets 'done' with me.  It should just be a typical physical.  What you see is what you get, right?  I have to go to SQL for blood work due to my employer insurance.  I did that a few weeks ago so he will discuss those results with me today.  Enough of my medical stuff.  I am declaring my body is healthy and strong and with God as my Jehovah Rapha (or Rophe), I am healed, strong, and ready for anything! Amen?  Amen!

I did take tomorrow off work as I need to get hubby to the dermatologist office at 7:15a to have a spot removed from his forehead they said is basil cell carcinoma.  Like the other two spots that he had taken off a year or two ago, it will leave a scar.... and he is dreading it because those shots in the face hurt!  I will NOT be in the room with him; last time I was and I left when he started screaming.  Yep.  Can't deal with screaming.  If you have had a shot in a sensitive area, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  There ain't much skin on the face and he had two spots taken off last time! Those numbing shots go deep!  We should be back home by 10a and I'm hoping to get my butt in gear and get things done.  I didn't do anything yesterday; other than finishing a book, taking a nap, and then watching NCIS until 11p! It was hard to get up this morning!  But in all fairness, I was awake several times during the night praying for a specific issue that was going on.  I don't know how God answered ... nor how He will answer.... but I am trusting in Him for protection and clarity of mind for the one who needs it.  

Ironically, with the prayer request that I received last night and have prayed consistently over, that is one of the thoughts I have about this bible study group. I think I mentioned it before; we need to just spend time praying for those we love, pray for the church, pray for each other - with 'some' study thrown in.  Does that make sense?  We cannot exist without prayer.  Prayer is our source of Strength when things are crazy, and our Hope when things are well.  I don't know about you, but I depend on prayer every single moment.  I ask for a lot of things, trust me!  Some God does answer, and I rejoice and praise Him.  And some things God does not answer.  And I still rejoice and praise Him.  Why do I praise Him when He says 'No'?  Because He is a good, good Father and I know that He loves me, He hears me, and whatever happens, happens for good.  Romans 8:28 is often quoted when things are tough - and I will quote it here as well.

Romans 8:28 (ESV): And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

I think sometimes that verse is quoted in the wrong places, don't you?  Yes, God can take the bad that happens to us and turn it into good, but that doesn't mean we will see what He changed.  Does that make sense?  How can a situation be 'good' when we can see nothing 'good' in it?  I feel that sometimes all we can do in these hard situations is pray, then surrender it to the Lord to do what He chooses to do.  The answer may not be what I desire; but He knows best and it may have nothing to do with me at all.  I'm thinking for one of my sister's death.  As you know, I truly believed, I had faith, that she would come out of it. But she passed away.  I accepted that.  Not because I am so good, but because my God is so good.  

I have a son who loves to drink to excess.  For years I would get a text that would say something like "mom, I love you, and I'm sorry."  Or it would say, "I'm done. No one cares. Good-bye. I love you." When I would call to check on him the next day, he would not even remember sending me those texts. And let's not go into him calling me and saying he has no value, he doesn't care anymore, he's going to end his life, that is the best way to go, etc.  Oh yeah, been through all that for years.  Or I'd get the call from his wife telling me she had to call crisis on him, or he was being taken somewhere.   It's so hard to get those phone calls, and those of you who get them, my heart goes out to you.  I know what it feels like.  You are helpless. Nothing you say will help. They turn it the way they want to hear it. It is their cry for help and they don't know how to ask for help.  They know they need God in the worst way, but they refuse to acknowledge they need Him.  Think about it.  They know it.  But they refuse Him.  The only One who can help them through what they are going through. The only One who can save them from distress and disaster.  The only One.... Jesus..... and they refuse Him because they don't want to admit they are helpless to do it on their own.  Yeah, I'm thinking of past experiences.  And they still happen on occasion. And what do I do?  I go to my Heavenly Father and cry out for my son and ask for His intervention, and then I put my son in His hands and ask Him to heal him.  I can't hang on for it will destroy me; I have to surrender him.  Does that make sense?  It's painful.  It makes us sad when we get those calls and 'here it goes again'.... I get it.  It doesn't lessen the pain; but it does increase the prayers for.  And we keep praying.... always.  

Don't let a situation that doesn't feel like it changes get you down.  God is always at work; as we continue to pray, we need to relinquish each situation to the only One who an resolve it.  And, if it ends up in the worst way, we still praise God, for He brought us to the point of prayer where we had to learn surrender.  Surrendering our children and grandchildren to whatever is going on is so hard, trust me!  But we continue to pray for God's hand to be upon them, for clarity of mind, for love to reach down into their hearts and bring them hope.

And with all this - I'm out of time and need to get the work computer on.  

"And in all things......God works for good."  Trust in Him, He truly is our only hope.

Blessings!

In His time, He answers....

 Yesterday was a good day.  No, I did not get ANY cleaning done.  Lazy in that respect.  But, after I came out of here, I fixed egg sandwiches for us for 'brunch', and not long after that, hubby turned on the TV to watch the Notre Dame game.  I remembered my son's gift, and I also wanted to go look at storage stuff at Michael's, so told hubby that was what I was going to do.  He didn't care. He had the ND game on.  So I decided to go to my son's first and it was good to see him and my beloved DIL and a special grandson. (well, ALL my grandsons (and granddaughters are special) who still lives at home.  After visiting for a few moments, it was so stinking hot standing in the sun so I soon left and headed back towards home and Michaels.  

I didn't find the storage containers I was thinking about, but I did find some artificial flowers on sale for fall.  I have once again become 'my mother' in that I 'plant' artificial flowers.  In this heat, I get really tired of spending $100-$200 on real plants, only for them all to be dead within a month.  As mentioned, they had artificial fall flowers on sale (normally $11.99 each bunch) - and with my discount coupons - I ended up paying about $3.76 for each bunch - and I got about 14 bunches, I think.  But I've got to tell you something hilarious!!

After I got home (went to Fry's after Michaels to pick up a few things) and brought the groceries in, I noticed a reflection of someone in our courtyard.  I go and stand at the window facing the porch to see who it was.  It was our 'roofmate'!  This is what is so funny!  She was looking at my plants - and I still had the artificial 'summer' flowers in three of the pots in the courtyard plus one on the outside of the gate.  She was walking around the courtyard and feeling the flowers to determine if they were real or not!  I stood and watched her, wanting to open the door and say "can I help you?", but I didn't.  I just watched.  She discovered the three plants on the covered porch are real.  The sun doesn't burn them up.  But the others - LOL - I have the drip hose (whatever it is called) in each one because I want to keep the soil soft, in case I do go to a potted real plant in the future.  So I know she thinks I'm nuts because I'm 'watering' artificial plants!  Apparently she had been in her courtyard (noticed their grill is back in the front courtyard and they were grilling a steak) and had wondered why my plants were still alive and hers had died.  LOL  So what did I do after she went back home and inside their house?  I quickly gathered the fall artificial flowers I had just purchased, pulled all the spring flowers out of the pots and put the fall ones in.  LOL  The next time she comes out in to their courtyard, she will see NEW flowers in my pots - still being 'watered'.  LOL  Just for the record, two of the pots do have real plants in them too; they are just now growing from the seeds I planted a few months ago.  But isn't that funny?  She never did ring the doorbell or knock. She just walked around and looked at my pillows on the bench and the plants, and then left and went back home.  Hilarious!  I stood at the window, watched, and laughed!

Back to my title.... In His time, He answers.... well, you know how I want to be back teaching a Bible study again.  I have truly missed the group studies and discussions.  And, I love to teach - not that I am any great scholar or anything, but I love to share about Jesus with others.  I've prayed about it and asked God to lead me.  You know how I struggled at our previous church, trying to get a class together.  I've given previous book studies to one of the pastors here and haven't heard anything, but Pastor Josh did ask hubby a month or so ago about us leading a life group.  I wanted to do it, but left it up to hubby - as we are already in a life group.  We've bonded with the people and are happy with the group - except that our leaders cancelled for the summer, which is ok (all of us had travels coming up in July and August).  Here it is mid-September and we all were wondering when we were going to start up again.  Well, yesterday we got a text that after much prayer, they have decided to dissolve our life group as they will be doing an exceptional amount of travel through the end of the year (going to Europe in December!) and won't be available to lead it.  So now I'm thinking.... is this God's answer to my prayers to have a bible study?  

Back to Pastor Josh, hubby decided he wanted to stay in our current life group.  Well, now it's leaderless, so I asked hubby about taking it on.  He seems reluctant for some reason; then said he would just rather we get together on occasion with the other couples.  That's not what a 'life group' is... he is just wanting to go to dinner occasionally with them.  I'm wanting to dig deeper int he bible.  Does that make sense? I get what he is wanting.... I know this is stemming from my suggestion to him a couple weeks ago that why didn't he call Pete (who is about 80-ish I believe, but still very active) and ask to meet for breakfast and talk to him about starting to meet up occasionally and study a book together.  I'm wanting to keep the group we have bonded with together and teach a book.  I don't want to immediately 'jump' into taking the lead.  So I am praying about what to do.  Do the others WANT to stay together.  I know Pete & Carol were somewhat frustrated, as we were, about not meeting.  I want to stay at our house and lead it; hubby wants to go to their houses too - alternate.  Who is the social butterfly here?  LOL  I don't know how it is going to end up, but I'm sure hubby will be cornering Pete at church this morning to talk with him about breakfast - and maybe the group.  I wonder if Pastor Josh has been told that our leaders don't want to do it anymore.  Will he say anything to us this morning?  I don't want to bring it up first; but if I see Pete & Carol, I may just ask what they want to do.  Stay in our group or find another one. That may be my answer as well.  Whatever the answer is - I'm leaning into God to lead me where, and when, and what He wants me to do.  

All three of us 'other couples' have a medical issue going on within our family.  Pete & Carol's grandson has brain cancer (just discovered); Bob & Claudia's daughter has an immune system disorder and recently discovered cancer.  We have our son needing a liver transplant.  I think we are a great group to get together and just pray together for the health of our families.  I just feel it; but will wait on God's timing.  And figure out WHAT to teach on.....

I know my preaching schedule comes up starting in November and I will have that to 'keep me busy', but other than preaching, we don't do much but an occasional dinner with two of the couples there.  I have to be patient... and have been in this case.... and now our leaders have resigned the group.  I'm waiting on God for the next steps.   Is this God's answer to my prayers about teaching?  Stay tuned.

Today is the 9th anniversary of the start-up of our church and they are having a big cookout after the 3rd service.  They did it last year, but because we were then going to the first service, we didn't return.  But now we go to the 3rd service so we are already there and will stay.  It will be interesting how they set it up; there isn't a lot of room inside, unless they bring out tables and move the chairs around them in the sanctuary.  It should be fun and there will be lots of people - and it will be very hot outside...... and there will be food that I don't have to pay for nor cook.  Just saying.  

In the 'a call to die' book by David Nasser I read something this morning that although I have read it before, became a paragraph I wrote in my 'want to remember' book.  He had shared a story about God telling someone to do something - and when they did, they got an opportunity to share Jesus with someone who had been watching.  But here is what he wrote..... 

"We are not always promised that God will show us the 'big picture'. It's not obedience if we only obey when we know the great things that will come out of it or when it is convenient for us. God wants our availability and obedience to Him simply because He asks. If anyone has the right to ask for this kind of obedience, it would be the sovereign, Holy God."

When you feel that nudge to 'do something', 'say something' to someone, it may be God nudging you to step out in faith and in obedience to speak to someone.  It may not necessarily be about Him; it may be only to show kindness to someone.  How can we be 'Jesus' to others?  By being available to be His hands and His feet when He calls us to obedience.

I think of the story of a pastor who dressed in ragged clothes, went unshaven a few days, didn't bathe, and just looked homeless..... and one Sunday morning he laid himself over some the steps in front of the church, just to see what would happen.  And what did happen?  People went around him; commented he ought to leave and go somewhere else to 'sleep it off'.  No one paused to ask if he was hungry, did he need medical care, how could they help.  When it was time for the service to start, everyone was shocked with the pastor walked into the church, dressed as a homeless man, and began to preach.  He didn't shame them, but shared how they missed being the hands and feet of Jesus.  That's a story for all of us.  Especially when we see people sitting outside restaurants on the curb; sitting beside the door of a grocery store.  We should look at people with the eyes of Jesus, and be His hands and feet.

Reminds me also of an old book I have.  I read it the first time when I was much younger.  It is still in print as a paperback, but I have a copy of it hardback.  I've read it several times, and I have been thinking about reading it again lately.  It's called In His Steps by Charles Sheldon.  My former mother and father in-law had this book also.  I'm not sure if I read it there the first time, or from my mother.  But the story within this book is about a man who walks inside a church and asks the pastor a question that the pastor ponders and then acts on.  Other in the church also take on this challenge.  I have put myself in this challenge many times.  And it may be time that I do it again, by reading this book and becoming familiar with it once again.  If you were walking with Jesus, walking in His steps, how would you treat others; how would you be living?  Great book to read and highly recommended - by me!

And with that, I will leave you with this....

I Peter 3:8 (ESV):  Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Wishing you a day full of abundant blessings and favor of God.

Blessings!

I've been dilly-dallying this morning....

 Because I have 'time' in my hands at the moment.  It's a Saturday and although there are a couple things on the calendar I could attend to this morning, I have chosen not to.... and here I still sit in 'my room', doing the scroll through Amazon.  No, I didn't buy anything, but I did try to - one for a Christmas gift (yes, I've started on those!) but when I hit order, it says out of stock, so that's my sign to not order anything.  Right?

I still haven't gotten my son's birthday gift to him.  I finished work yesterday then went into the kitchen to fix dinner, and as we sat down I remembered the gift - but by then I figured the DIL was gone from work. Maybe I can swing by his place some time this weekend.  I wonder if I can get out without hubby... oh yeah, he has a Notre Dame game today... I wonder what time it is....  I've been wanting to go to the Brass Armadillo and walk around... not that I NEED anything.... but it's fun to look.... just in case I see something that I just can't do without.  Right?

We watched movies last night after dinner - which was another Tovala dinner that I split between us.  It was really good.  Prime rib cut up, mashed potatoes, mushrooms.  With dividing it between us, I added a can of corn, then cut up some strawberries, added sour cream and brown sugar - and that was our dinner.  I'm hungry this morning but am not going out to fix anything.  Not yet, anyway.  It's only about 8a.  Maybe I'll fix some eggs ole this morning.

I have so much here at home I want to get started on.  The counter in the laundry room needs to be cleaned off; the shelves in the garage need to be rearranged.  I can't blame that on anyone but me.  Heaven forbid hubby would put something out on the shelves, right?  I do need to go through it and see what jars I have up there so that I will know what I need to get for Christmas canning.  I also need to go through the cabinets out in the garage and get rid of some things.  So many 'things' I want to do.... but probably won't get any of them done until the weather turns cooler.  The garage has to be over 100 degrees most days.  I feel like I use hubby as an excuse most of the time for not getting things done.... he always 'wants to help' but I spend my time explaining to him why I'm keeping something or what to do with it.  But then, if I work on my closet, he will work on his... and that would be a win-win, right?  Except I'm still not getting done the things I want to get done.  Yeah, I should work in this room too.  I'd love to attack the book cases in all the rooms and get all our books in order by author - but heaven forbid I should do anything in "HIS" office!  I don't know why he is so resistant to me putting the books in alpha by author order.  We have so many duplicates that I could sell them on Thriftbooks or the good ones back on Amazon.  So I don't know at the moment what I will do today.  After I cook breakfast, of course.

Think I will go get another cup of coffee...... got it and of course hubby decided that maybe he needed a cup as well.  I picked up my Amazon order that was delivered around 4:30a this morning.  Hubby was telling me we were nearly out of k-cups, but what he didn't know was that I ordered another box and it came this morning as well.  I also got him six pair of ankle crew socks for the gym.  I ended up folding his laundry yesterday morning and he had about 15 pair of socks that were faded, dingy and downright ugly looking.  I told him to throw them away.  I wouldn't even give those to goodwill!  Yes, they were that bad.  So just a thought for any of the kids readings this... he can use hankerchiefs and he can use ankle crew socks - white.  It doesn't matter if he gets a lot at Christmas; he can use them!  And of course containers of cashews. LOL   I'm kind of hungry this morning so grabbed a package of 'his' Belvita snacks.  I buy the big box at Sam's Club for him and he keeps them under his desk.  Surprised he had some left - but he did - and 'let' me take a package.  I'm not ready to stop and cook breakfast!  I can probably do whatever I want today - haha - in my Amazon box new socks for him and Verona coffee.  He's happy.  He hasn't been real thrilled with the Starbucks Caramel coffee I had bought - it was just for something different.

Answer me a question if you know it..... I was told some time ago that the lighter the coffee, the more caffeine is in it.  I always thought the darker the coffee, the more caffeine.  So which is it?  Light - Medium - or Dark?   I generally prefer the 'slap me in the face' coffee.... (wouldn't that be a fun name for a coffee brand?)  I drink my coffee black as a rule, but do enjoy flavoring every once in awhile.  Like the little creamers you can put in them for flavor?  I don't use them often, but on occasion.  Just for a change up.  I don't usually buy creamers as they will go to waste, so the little ones work for me.  And when I go to Panera for Needles of Hope, I get their dark coffee about 1/2 up the cup, then finish filling it with Hazelnut.  Just to have a different taste. :-)  Years ago Pastor Steve got me on the coffee mixtures.  When I was with him and we went to Circle K, he would get regular coffee about half up the cup, then added cappuccino.  His explanation was that cappuccino by itself is generally too sweet and somewhat weak as far as coffee.... so by adding dark coffee, it gives it a good base and not as much sweetness.  And you know I'm so sweet I don't need much more sugar, right?

Philippians 4:4 (ESV)  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

If we truly pause and think about all the things that God does for us, how can we not rejoice in Him, thank Him that He even woke us up this morning?  That we are breathing.  That we have food to eat. That we have a roof over our heads, and most of us have vehicles that we can go someplace.  Some of us have jobs that we can be thankful for.  If you really pause and think about the goodness of God towards us, how can we not be grateful and rejoice in Him?  He blesses us so abundantly - how can we not praise Him?  You hear me talk all the time that I have too much 'stuff'.  That I have clutter everywhere - and it's usually because over the years I have bought too much, right?  I use it for awhile, and then there it sits.  Did I really need it to start with?  Probably not.  I need to start pulling things aside and make a list and submit it to my family and see if anyone wants them - after it is gone from me, I don't know what is done with it, right?  OOh - don't want to think about that!  LOL  I've hung on to it this long, right?  Some things I just need to learn how to use - that would help.  

I had my SIL put together a TV stand for me the last time they were here.... and he put my little TV on it.  The purpose, as I am sure I shared before, was to be able to move it from the exercise room to this bedroom should we have guests who like to watch late night TV.  I have a firestick, but don't know how to use it, and my youngest couldn't figure it out when he was here.... and started talking Roku - and I don't have that.  I need something that I don't need to hook up and take off every time it is moved.  Any ideas?  It will be in the exercise room for the most part, and maybe that will get hubby (and me) back there to workout if we can see something on TV.  For me, though, when I'm on the treadmill or the rebounder, I put my laptop on the table and watch a movie.  Which I am hoping to do later today.  I've got to get my steps back up.  My company is having a challenge and it requires getting steps in.  I formed my own team 'Jailbreak Walkers' as I usually do, and already have a full team.  But I can't let them do all the walking; I need to get my walking up to 10K steps a day again. And it would help me lose weight as well.  That and quit eating.  Sigh.

And, surprisingly I haven't heard from my son that I'm late today in posting this!  I love this relationship we have in which we can share life.  I always go to his blog first... and went a little bit ago and see he posted a short one.  I agree, with writing every day, with the life I have, I'm sure most of it is so boring who wants to read it!  But every once in awhile, surely I have something good for you to read. :-) Maybe.

And with that, I'm going to get off here and get back to my reading.  I picked up a couple 'new' books from Thriftbooks.  Both are by Jerry Bridges, who is an excellent Christian author.  The two I am wanting to read now.... and I need to decide which one first... I will follow You, O God.....Embracing Him as Lord in your private worship, and I Exalt You, O God....Encountering His greatness in your private worship.  Don't both of those sound good?!  Plus today in another yet Amazon delivery, the Altar of Pergamon by Jonathan Cahn should arrive.   I've only read a couple of Jonathan Cahn's books (did you know he was the 'other passenger' in the duct tape passenger story?   I watched a podcast he did, talking about it.  He said the other guy was very amiable, having a couple drinks, but was sharing things, just talking. Then he asked what Jonathan Cahn did.  Jonathan shared about writing the book and the guy started getting agitated.  Then he calmed down and they continued to talk, but in talking about the book, Jonathan (who is a Rabbi) shared he was a minister, a Jew who believes in Messiah, and mentioned Jesus.... and this guy starts yelling and long story short (cause a lot happened very quick), he grabbed Jonathon Cahn's throat and was trying to choke him before others came up and pulled him off and they duct taped him to the seat.  The devil was in full force, ya think?  Anyway, guess I've gotten off track. 

So - I am closing this off.... have an amazing day, be thankful that God is so good to you.

Blessings!