I feel like I'm always a day late and a dollar short!

 Once again this morning I have about 5 minutes before I need to get on the work computer.  See how it interrupts me all the time?  Work!  BLAH!!  But, here I am still sitting in my chair and not rushing to get out of it.  I have already brought the computer up, checked messages, and I'm good for the moment. I want to get this done - so what if I take an extra 10-15 minutes this morning, right?  After all, I only take lunch hours (lately) when I have to take hubby somewhere (like today) and I don't usually take an actual break... not that it matters.  I have no one watching me. Which is a good thing. They'd see how much time I have not doing anything while I'm waiting on two new bosses.  It's getting scary for they are interviewing!  

I did find out something yesterday - or the day before - which frustrated me, and yet, gave me hope.  They have taken the 4 board meetings I am somewhat associated with (although I only 'support' three) and since Brett left and Chuck was made president of these boards, then he has also retired August 31st, and it is a wise move, in my opinion.  They have divided up the 4 boards to other leaders.  Instead of one being involved in ALL of them, as president, they each have one to contend with.  Now I'm hoping that they will also remove ME from taking the minutes, setting up the powerpoint deck, etc., and give it to the admin who supports that leader.  Only fair, right?  I will probably end up keeping one or two of the boards even though my leaders are not included in that 'presidency'....  if they leave them that way.  Stay tuned on this one.   Which reminds me, I do need to check the upcoming board deck and make sure it is in order.

My shoulder and back are still pretty sore but at least I can move my arm more now. Did not go see my DIL but put some 'deep blue' ointment on it and it helped.  It's still sore, but at least I can move it.  Today I won't be doing much anyway.  Got to drive hubby back to Tempe to the dental lab to check the shading for his front crowns.  An hour's drive each way and maybe ten minutes there.  Yep - that includes my lunch hour. LOL  We will leave late morning so hopefully traffic won't be too bad. 

I don't know what I was (or wasn't) thinking when I went to bed last night!  I forgot to plug my phone in (it is plugged in and charging now) and get the copper bottle filled with water. Need my phone charged, the other isn't a big deal.  (see how I'm looking for something to write about quickly?  It's 7a)

Got my labs done yesterday - I am really 'anxious' (not really the right word but excited definitely isn't) about the inflammation test I paid for.  It will be interesting, for sure.  I need to find that first result and put it with this one when I go see Dr. Mark later this month.  Something needs to be done about my legs.  The pain is very intense but it doesn't last a long time - maybe twenty minutes, and if I get up and walk, it fades away.  I still say it is the scorpion bites or whatever bit me about 15 times on the inner thigh!  Something is causing the pain and I didn't have it before then.  I'm hoping I can get Dr. Mark to listen and act on my complaint.

I've started reading a couple books on prayer - some again for the third-fourth time.  I wanted to write for the hundredth time, but I haven't read it that many times.  I even have dug out a couple books I know that I read for the first time back about 1984-era.  Yeah, they are old, but they are still good classic books on prayer.  I've gotten bad (in my opinion) about praying.  I get so focused on praying for specific people and specific things, I have neglected just sitting and listening to what God wants to say back to me.  I run out of time, if you know what I mean.  A

Oh wow - apparently someone or something doesn't want me to talk about prayer - my computer screen just jumped to aol and I don't even have it up!  

I have filled my mornings with so much 'stuff' in the short time I have to do my quiet time (because some mornings I'm not getting up until 5a instead of my 4a... sigh.  I guess I need to go back to the 4a so that I can do all I want to do.  Anyway..... I've cut out a lot of reading, but I always want to read my Bible because it is through the Bible that God sometimes speaks to me.  But I can't just 'read' it. I need to read the scripture and meditate on it.  I also need to quit focusing on if I can get online and type in here, but take the time to just 'be' with God.  I have been writing out some of my prayers, and speaking some aloud.  But as mentioned, I tend to focus lately on 'needs' and 'wants' versus just desiring more of Him.  

So this morning I asked God to give me more of Him.  That any spiritual gifts I have, they are from Him, and I ask that He give me boldness to use what He has given me.  When I've taken a spiritual gifts test, I've, in the past, of the top five have been intercession, faith, preaching, giving, and I forget - serving, I think.  I haven't taken one for awhile but I know I have a copy around here somewhere.  I've asked God to increase my faith.  I've asked Him to take away the distractions that keep me from focusing on Him.  I've asked Him to teach me to pray - not just for my wants and needs, but to draw closer to Him.

James 4:8  Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.

And that is what I'm praying.... that I will draw so close to Him that I can feel His breath when He turns my way.  I want to be so close to Jesus that the dust from His sandals gets all over me.

So where are you in all my ramblings?  Did the thought occur to you that Jesus wants YOU to draw near as well?  How He longs to gather us into His arms.  Just to love us. 

Take some time today to pause and think about your relationship with Jesus.  Who is He in your life today?  Do you need to get some things right with Him?  He's always waiting on us to draw near.  Today would be a good day.

Blessings!

I need to get on it....

 I sometimes do reviews in Amazon for some things that I purchase.... and I've gotten way behind in doing so.  I have it on my 'list', and I think about it... but I haven't done it for a couple months now.  So I need to just take the time and get some done - today if possible. Just because I don't like leaving things 'undone'. How often do you do reviews for things?  Every time, or just when they tick you off? Just curious. 

I slept good last night - and I should have - as I took an Advil before bed.  Now I am not one to take any medication not prescribed unless needed (i.e., aspirin, etc.).  So why did I take Advil?  My shoulder hurts.  I've tried to think what I could have done over the weekend to hurt it. All I could think of was sitting for 5-6 hours and crocheting; yes, I did take breaks, but I made two baby blankets in one afternoon so you know I was 'at it'.  Yesterday, when I went to the gym for my HIIT workout, I noticed my right shoulder was somewhat 'sore'.  I went ahead and did the exercises..... squat, pick up a 20# 'bag' by the straps with both hands, flip it up, stand up, drop it down, repeat.  Then on to a 12.6# dumbbell placed in the middle (on floor) and reach down with one hand and pull it over my head, then back down. Then the other hand.  Then this one was tough.... using a long (very long to me!) rope, pull the weighted sled (and I had Morgan take the weight off) down the length of the hallway, then pushing it all the way back, then doing squats with jump-ups.  Three sets.  I noticed the pain in my shoulder when I started pulling on the ropes.  I am thinking that I irritated the shoulder more by continuing to pull.  I sometimes push myself too much.    My arm I can move on its own pretty much, but can't raise it much.  I'm just thinking I have irritated it.  I took an Advil late afternoon, and again last night before bed.  I may have to pay my DIL a visit after she gets off work to have her confirm it is just irritation.... I don't think I tore anything; I can still use it.  Will see how it feels later.

I do go get my blood draws today.  TSH and T-4 for Dr. Mark because they were not in a good place in July's blood draw. He was concerned.  If they aren't back to normal today, he is concerned about a pituitary gland issue.  Hoping it is fine.  I also have my xx-CRW (can't remember the first two letters) testing that I am personally paying for - it measures inflammation.  If you recall from a previous post, I had that test when I did the Lifeline Screening, just out of curiosity because of my leg pain.  It was high.  So I have ordered the blood test again today at Sonora Quest (SQL).  I'm hoping it has gone down, but if not, I will be bringing that information to Dr. Mark when I go see him later this month.  I'll hear from his office, maybe by the end of the week, to get that appointment scheduled.  It should be for my physical.  Or wellness check, whatever you want to all it.  He will order a full test of blood work after that, but his concern at this time is the TSH and T-4.  I'm concerned about the inflammation.  My shoulder probably doesn't help with the testing today.

Out of time... hang on, got to turn on the work computer and I'll finish this there.  Ok, I'm back.  I have found how hard it is to get dressed with a sore shoulder!  I feel like a sloth in using my right arm!  Use it v-e-r-y  s-l-o-w-l-y.  And either I slept on my back or the exercises I moved the wrong way - my lower back is hurting too!  Glad I have a chiropractor appointment already scheduled on Thursday morning!  He will shoot me straight. :-)

After our first week of meals using the Tovala oven, I'm quite happy with it.  Hubby wasn't wild about the fish tacos (using Hake) but I've enjoyed the ones I've fixed for me.  No, he hasn't cooked in it yet, but he did say he wanted me to show him how. The instructions are so simple - you open the container, follow the instructions on removing the plastic over the metal container (I'm keeping these to use for treats for Christmas!) and add whatever it says to.  They even include a container to put the meat in (in a sealed bag).  Anyway - put it together, put the meat in the other container.  Put the two containers in the Tovala oven, hit 'scan' on the board, and hold up the QR code on the instructions - it reads it, sets the temperature and timer.  When it's done, I get a notification on my phone/watch that says the meal is finished, and the oven shuts off.  Nifty, huh!  The only drawback is the food is fresh and you need to use it within 3-4 days.  Glad I only get six meals (three each) a week.  It sounds like we may be spending a lot of money for six meals a week.... $94 this first week, BUT.... you consider when we go eat out we easily spend $50 at a restaurant or at least $35 at fast food..... for one meal each!  If this causes us to eat at home more (and it will, for I don't want to waste the food!) we can save a little bit.  And after six orders, my oven is free  (if I cancel before six weeks, I will have to pay for it) and I can use the oven for other things, setting the temp and timer manually.  It's an air fryer as well, but I haven't used that yet. I love that the meals require little preparation.  Ok - enough promoting.... I'm really just filling up space, right?

Today is my first day without Sue.  She is so sweet; she text'd me on my phone around 4:30p and reminded me we will be getting together and texting and calling each other - meaning, we won't just walk away from our 35+ years of friendship because she retired.  She's the best.  

Do you remember tuning forks?  I bought one some time ago but have not read the instructions on how to use it.  You may NOT remember them.... but think back to the old days, say 75-100 years ago.  Doctors used tuning forks to stop headaches, and other aches as well.  Perhaps today I can bring up the company and read how it says to use it.  Yes, of course I bought one.  I don't remember much about how it was used, but I remember it was used 'way back when' when I watched TV as a child. LOL  Yes, a long time ago.  I wonder if a tuning fork could help my shoulder.  I use it (my shoulder) a lot more than I would have thought!  Getting dressed this morning was fun.

There is a scene in The Chosen (if you haven't watched it from front to finish, you should!) that is on my mind this morning.  Yes, it is fiction but it does have a lot of truth in it as well. I refused to watch it for a long time; mainly because that was all my sister talked about in every conversation, pushing me to watch it, and I kept resisting just because I didn't want to be 'told' what to do.  And besides that, I pretty much stick to the Bible as to what is truth, and I didn't want fiction messing that up.  But it does make it more clear.  But I am off track.  Again.

The scene.  Jesus is talking with Judas and asked him what his name meant.  Judas responded "God is praised" (can't remember exact words) and Jesus asked Judas, if he will praise God.  To which Judas said, "Every day."  Jesus then looked at Judas and said, "Follow me".  

Is that us?  Do we praise God every day, and then when things don't go the way we want them to, we turn our back on Him?  Do we betray Jesus?  Or even in our darkest moments, do we continue to praise Him?  Not for what He can do for us.  Not for material gain.  Not even for healing.  Will we continue to praise God, praise Jesus, praise the Holy Spirit - because of WHO He is...... 

I have been through some very dark nights and my only reason I came through them is because Jesus never let go of me.  He didn't heal some that I prayed for.  He didn't make right the wrongs done to me and those I love.  He didn't change things like I asked Him to.  But through it all, He loved me with a love that no one else can give.  How could I not continue to praise Him for everything, even for the dark night of the soul?

Psalm 42:5 (NIV):  Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 63:4 (NIV):  I will praise you as long as I live, and in Your Name I will lift up my hands.

Amen and Amen....

Praying you will have an AMAZING day - go through this day knowing you have the blessing of our Father upon you.

Blessings!

Monday morning HIIT

 Yep.  Morgan has scheduled me for an 8a HIIT this morning.  Not sure if my body is awake enough for it - but yes, that is what is on the calendar.  And I was awakened in the night with my legs on fire - I go tomorrow to SQL to get my blood work done; some lab work for Dr. Mark, and the inflammation test - CRW I think - for my legs.  I will send the first one I got from Lifeline Screening and this new one to Dr. Mark before I go for my physical.  I want to give him time to look at it and try to figure out what it's about.  I honestly don't know, as I have mentioned before, what they can do about it.  You can't SEE anything wrong.... it's the waking up in the middle of the night with the intense burning.  But, since I've been drinking the 'copper water', it isn't the bones.  It is the tissue/fat/whatever it is - in my legs that burns.  And Is till blame it on the scorpion bites! Or whatever bug it was. It used to just be in one leg, but now it is in both.  Something is eating me alive, I think.  But I can still move, still do HIIT, still lift weights.  I've got to keep active.  And I've given this story to you many, many times... and the only reason this morning is because it awakened me again this morning and it is on my mind with the blood workup tomorrow and a doctor visit sometime this month.

Yesterday was a good day.  Spent a lot of time in here, which I love on Sunday mornings.  Hubby and I had a bowl of cereal together for breakfast (until he starting in about something and I got up and walked away).  Went to church - and it was a great message!  Pastor John is talking about the seasons of life and this was week four.  It was on Ecclesiastics 3:7-8.  A really good message!  My notes are on the bed; and I'm out of time to write much right now, but maybe I'll get up and get them later.

Came home and I fixed us prime rib sandwiches from our Tovala stash.  They were really good.  And I got out of cooking for the rest of the day.  I just didn't cook!  I got to read some, took a short nap, and then we watched NCIS for the rest of the evening while I finished up crocheting a couple blankets.  Oh, I did run to Ace Hardware and got a battery for the back room remote.  Need that fan on if I'm going to start working out again - that room can get really hot in the afternoons.  I do want to start walking more. Told hubby he needed to use the rebounder so that he could hold on to the bar to maintain his balance.  No, we didn't get it done last night; NCIS was on. LOL

Today is Sue's official retirement date and we'll talk later via phone.  Our company app is still on her phone and operational until later today when they literally shut her down, so we can still talk via teams.  I wish her well, but I will definitely miss her - a lot.  In God's timing, I will be able to retire.  But for now, it's 'suck it up, buttercup!'  UGH have a board prep today.

I'm going to try to get this finished this morning before I leave, but I'm already on the work computer.  Perhaps I will post this and finish it up tomorrow.  Or add to it later today. Perhaps I will do that - but then - I've got things to do.  Sue is already sending me messages via teams this morning.  Just like we always have.  I will send out her 'final goodbye' email later this afternoon.  Also just remembered I need to approve timecards!  So - guess I will post this now - and if I have time, will add to it later.  And, if not, will be able to write tomorrow. :-)

Have an amazing day and be kind to others, you don't know what they may be going through!

Blessings!

Who would have thought?

 We went to a Celebration of Life for a dear friend yesterday at church.  He was a greeter, and that very first Sunday we attended, he greeted us like we were old friends.  And every Sunday he was there, and we (I) looked forward to his greeting.  Little did we know that he was also battling cancer.  Long story short, he passed back in July and they now had his service.  We didn't know much about this guy other than he loved fishing.  He would tell me when he wouldn't be there cause he would be on vacation fishing.  I found out a lot more about him yesterday.  He had been a truck driver.  He came to accept Jesus as an adult, and he never looked back.  He was loving and kind to everyone. No one was a stranger when he was around. He loved Jesus and shared Him with others.  There was a lot more shared by his grandsons and wife, and even granddaughter.  The church was packed, which apparently surprised the wife as she seemed started when she stood up and turned around to thank everyone for coming.

But what got me... and you may laugh at me because it is so silly.... we visited a bit inside the church before we started making our way to the door.  They had food and tables set up, but we opted out and decided to leave. I am walking ahead of hubby, through the lobby, and I hear my name. I turned and there is a couple that we have known for years - from our former church days.  In fact, this is the 'Bill' that hubby used to meet for breakfast every week until he got Alzheimer and he became all weird.  He seemed fine yesterday.  Anyway - it was he and his wife.  She asked how we knew Stan (the man who passed) and I told her.  So I told her that was our church  and had met him there. She then let me know that she knew the wife BEFORE she had married Stan (2nd marriage; married 24 years).  (ok, are we pulling rank here? My year and a half versus her 24+ years?)  But what struck me after I left, is that both she and Bill had such dour looks on their faces, and I realized this morning, as I thought about it, they (not to be judging!!) are Christians..... but they forgot to tell their face!  I have never seen her smile.  I'm going to stop there, for I don't mean to judge, but the contrast from a happy Christian who loves Jesus to someone who speaks all the right words, and possibly even lives it, but to appear so unhappy?  What is up with that?  It wasn't over the death of our friend, that is the way they have always looked.  It puzzles me.  Most Christians I know are always smiling (at least around other people) .  I don't get it... and I hope I don't get THAT. Just an interesting observation.  And all hubby wanted to talk about with Bill is when can they get together for breakfast or lunch... sometimes I think going out to eat is all that man thinks about!

Hubby and I swung by Cracker Barrel on the way back cause I didn't want to do anything - not even cook Tovala.  That was a mistake.  Not only was the food slow in arriving, I got the vegetable plate of mashed potatoes and corn and two orders of fried okra.... hubby got the catfish dinner... for some reason, none of it 'hit the mark' for either of us. He said the catfish was mushy.  Interestingly, at 5:30p and the restaurant wasn't even half full.  Could it be from the cooking as it seemed to have gone downhill?  We both decided we wouldn't go back for awhile.  It was very close to the church so it was easy to slide into for a meal.

Today is Sunday and of course we will be going to church.  Now whether I will stop early enough that I can go fix breakfast for us remains to be seen.  It's only 7a so have a couple hours in here yet.  Yep - on Sundays I don't come out until around 9-ish.  My eggs ole is sounding really good right now so am thinking about that.... only make maybe half a batch rather than a full batch; don't know how much cheese I have.  Yeah, I'm getting hungry, a little, anyway. I could go get a protein drink or bar... may do that anyway. 

My big brother sometimes cracks me up.  Several months ago he and my SIL ran into a great niece that he had not seen in probably 30 years. She recognized the SIL and my brother, and my SIL recognized her, but my brother did not... which really isn't unexpected; I could probably pass her on the street and not know who she is as it has been many years since I saw her.  Anyway, the great niece asked my SIL if my brother had dementia because he couldn't figure out who she was.  So he plays on that dementia bit ever so often with me.  This morning he texts me (because I have found out our little sister also goes to that church) that if he ever saw her close enough to speak to her (now mind you, they have not spoken since 2012) he would ask her if she was MY older sister!  Then he said he could blame it on his dementia.  LOL   He and I can't figure out why she is so terrified of running into him.  He said he'd say hi if he saw her close enough.  Just isn't going out of his way to see her.  And vice versa.  This situation is one reason I struggle with going back for a visit.  And I'll leave that there.  I know what he says and I know what she says - and they are miles apart in the reasons they don't associate.  

I sometimes think about how much Christ has forgiven me.... how could I not forgive someone for less? 

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV):  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Romans 12:19 (NIV): Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God' wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. 

But the 'self' within us WANTS to take revenge, doesn't it!  When we are hurt by words or actions, we want to spread malicious gossip, we want to 'do unto them as they did to us' and we want to just go beat them up badly.  Right?  Surely it isn't just me at times. Well, maybe not the beating up badly part, but I want to tell MY side of the story before THEY get a chance to tell theirs.  Right? Please tell me I am not alone!  Sometimes I have to shut my mouth and tell myself to let God take care of whatever happened.  And you know what?  When I take my hands off the situation, God does take care of it....and it is ALWAYS in His timing.  Not today, when I want Him to take care of it, but in one of the tomorrows that I may never know about.  I have to leave issues and problems in God's hands.... how else could I survive in this world?  I've shared way too much in here about times I've been hurt (just think of the times I didn't share!) and my thoughts about it.  And God has - in most cases - worked it out.  Sometimes I have to just keep forgiving.  I even verbally speak the words "I forgive XXXX" because I know I must forgive, for if I don't forgive, that would be MY sin and that is worse than my forgiving someone for a wrong done to me.

And now I am out of things to talk about.  Church this morning, then I'm not sure about this afternoon; possibly a nap in there somewhere.  Before hubby gets the TV on (unless there is a game of some sort) I can get some reading in.  It really annoys me when he asks - almost daily - is this a read night or a movie night.?  One would say he is just being considerate.  He KNOWS I would prefer the TV off.  Yes, I do enjoy a good movie on occasion.  But I don't 'learn' anything from the movies.  The books I read are not romance novels... they are to help me grow in the Lord... and that to me is more important.  We did watch two movies last night (although hubby often sleeps through most of the 2nd one.).  I know he will turn NCIS on ... sigh.... I like NCIS, but I don't have to watch it every week - they are all reruns and most we've seen.  I guess I may work on some diamond art... or crochet.... 

Hope that you have an amazing day - and be kind to others, you don't know what they might be going through.  We are all God's children; let's share His love - it just might be what is needed to bring someone to Jesus, just by watching us walk.

Blessings!

"It's a new day.... and I'm feeling..... good...."

 Wasn't that a Michael Buble song?  Actually, it is. :-)  The title of the song is 'Feeling Good'.  Have you heard it?  I love his songs, so relaxing!  

"It's a new dawn, It's a new day, It's a new life, for me and I'm feeling good."  That's the chorus.  Try googling it and listen!  It just might start your day off better. :-)  

If you think about it.... when you hear the beaten up, torn down, unhappy songs.... they tend to put you in that mood, don't you think?  But when you hear a song about Hope, about Love, above 'feeling good'... you find that well, you don't feel so bad after all!   Right?

I had a great lunch with my son yesterday.  I love that he chooses to spend time with me when he can and we can have meaningful conversation.  I noticed last night that I STILL forgot to give him a prayer wheel I have for him.  Well, it is something I can give him 'next time'. :-)  Always enjoy my time and conversation with him.

Speaking of my boys....  the youngest is taking hubby out for lunch today.  That works.  The oldest takes me to lunch, the youngest takes hubby!  That works out well, don't you think?  No, I'm not envious that my youngest takes hubby out.  I'm happy he does.  Today, though, I will get to have company during that time.... a great-granddaughter will come visit for a couple hours.  Not sure yet what we will do; will depend on what mood she is in and if she wants to play with the dolls or bake cookies or what.  Will need to see how it starts out.  Usually the girls run to the back room to play with the dolls.  Either way, we will have quality time together.

I'm sitting here looking at my list of 'things to do' and wondering what I should try to work on today. I could always add more things to the list, little things that have no urgency at all, but why make the list so long I don't want to do any of it?  Some I don't want to do unless I'm alone; I don't need a supervisor, if you know what I mean.  It's already 8:30a this morning.... yes, I'm writing this late, but it's Saturday.... first thing I'll do is take a shower and wash my hair (you needed to know that, didn't you!) when I'm done here as we have a celebration of life for a friend this afternoon that I plan to go to.  I'll take it when I'm done here.  I don't have to cook breakfast (which I haven't done for some time now) because hubby will have a big lunch, I'm sure.  They probably will go where they can have steak.  What is the big deal about steak, anyway?  It's nice once in a while, but it's no biggie to me. Definitely not a 'deal breaker' on where to go.  Actually, no food is a deal breaker for me.  I need to eat less, not more. 

Which reminds me, we tried our first meal in the Tovala oven last night - and it was good and easy!  I was surprised, to say the least.  I chose the teriyaki chicken bowl.  I opened the box, the rice was already in it, I opened a packet and put the broccoli on top.  Put the raw chicken in another container (furnished) and poured teriyaki sauce on it.  Put both containers in the Tovala oven. Here is where it is unique.  There is a card inside the food box, and I take the QR code for chicken and 'scan' it on the oven screen.  It turns the oven on - goes to that temperature, sets the timer, and voila!  It took 20 minutes!  I followed the rest of the instructions of putting a lime vinegarette on the rice/broccoli, mix it up.  Take the chicken out of the teriyaki sauce and cut it up, pour the sauce in the pan over the bowl - and - you know what? It was really good!  We'll see how long I enjoy this type of 'cooking'.  LOL

What brings you peace?  Yes, that could be a loaded question.  You may think it is getting off by yourself (and I agree, getting away by myself does bring me peace at times).  You may think it is doing things you enjoy doing.  And that could be true as well.  What brings you real peace?  One of my devotions this morning talked about Adam and Eve, and how they had such peace in the garden of Eden.  And it only took one bite for that peace to fall away.  Do you think Adam may have choked on that piece of fruit he ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil?  Do you think he was immediately filled with fear at his disobedience?  After all, God DID tell HIM.... 

Genesis 2:15-17 (ESV):  The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

(I am reminded of my son's keychain 'But did you die?') And did Adam die?  He surely did.  God didn't tell Eve... but surely Adam told her, yes?  So she had to know... but allowed the serpent the devil to entice her to eat of that tree anyway.  And she gave it to her husband..... and he took of it.  So God banished them from the beautiful Garden of Eden.  They had to till the land, and labor under it.... but they never got to be in the garden again.  That in itself was a loss to be repented up, you think?  The peace that Adam and Eve had in the garden was taken away.

What causes you to lose peace?  What gives you peace?  Have you ever stopped to think about it?  I have discovered one thing.... and I talk about it frequently.... clutter causes me distraction.  When I can be in a room without a lot of clutter, I have peace.  Does that make sense?  Granted, that is rare, for I am a 'collector' of things I don't need but someone else might.  Don't laugh!  You are probable the same way!  When I finally decide, after years of holding on to something, that I don't need it and get rid of it, I always need it.  I can even give you an example - and you will laugh!!

I had this electric saucepan that I had gotten from Aunt Sue.  I used it when all my burners were full. But, since I don't cook that quantity anymore, it has set in the garage for years.   I finally decided to let it go when my daughter had a yard sale before she moved.  This pan was probably 30 years old and still worked.  Well, I thought about that pan a lot this year.  Remember when my oven AND my stove were turned off for 3-4 months while we waited on the part for the oven?  Yeah, I thought then that I sure wished I had that saucepan!  Yes, I thought about buying another, but thank goodness, I held back on that urge!  And we survived!  

And there the rambling starts again, right?  I couldn't sleep last night (probably still wound up from a night of worship at church!) and I've had trouble staying awake this morning.  Hence, this is later than usual.  Maybe my mind isn't functioning on full level yet and the ramblings are settling in?  Perhaps that is also a sign that I need to get off here and get in the shower and 'clear my head'.

So with that... I'm off here today.  Hopefully can manage to get some things done somehow. Spending time with a great-granddaughter will be a good break. Which reminds me, hubby made a comment about us going south in October to visit our granddaughter and her little family.  I will need to check with her what would work best for them, and then look for a hotel.  Now THAT brings me joy.  Peace will follow. :-)

Have an amazing day and be kind to others.  You don't know what they are going through that makes them do things that make no sense.

Blessings!

It's 'her' last day....

 Yes, my boss at work is retiring and she plans to turn her computer in today, although officially she hasn't retired until Monday.  Am I jealous?  Somewhat. Am I happy for her?  Absolutely!  She is ten years YOUNGER than me and she gets to retire and enjoy life.  That is so awesome.  I don't regret having to work, I really don't.  I work from home, which is very convenient.  I pretty much have freedom to take time off work (like today, going to lunch with my son) whenever I want/need to (taking hubby to doctor appointments).  I have a great job and work for a great company.  I like those I work with.  It's a great place to be.

But what would my day look like if I ever DID retire?  Reality?  The only change is that I wouldn't be sitting in front of the computer at 7am, planning on how my work day would come out.  Seriously.  That would be the only change.  Hubby would be happy I wasn't working, because then he could take me to breakfast or lunch occasionally without me grumbling about time away from work.  Of course, then we probably couldn't afford to go out to eat much. LOL  I am already in the house nearly 24x7 every single day.... so not much will change.  If I need to do something, most days I can break away to do it.  My biggest fear, if you will call it that, is that I will lose myself.   

Yes, I can still crochet/knit, bake (but who for?), do my diamond art without work interruptions, other craft projects.... but no interactions with others will cause me to die inside.  Does that make sense?  It's been hard enough working from home (thank you, COVID) and have limited contact with those I work with.  In the office I was taking walks with friends on breaks, eating lunch with them, sitting in offices and asking questions or just catching up.  I was much, much more social than I am now.  I feel I have been like a bug - squashed - except for those times I can 'run away' and visit my boss or other friends alone. Does that make sense?  Am I feeling sorry for myself?  It's just been my life for the past five/six years and I feel my life has been sucked out of me.

Of course today is going to be amazing cause I get to spend time with one of my boys.  Any time I can spend alone with my kids or grandchildren - or even great-grandchildren, puts me on a high. ;-)  I feel like I can 'come to life' for a little while again.  I was chatting with Sue, my boss, this morning.  Sigh.  I told her this was the last time I could Teams message her 'good morning' as she plans to turn her computer in today.  We chatted a bit and I told her I was having lunch with my son, and had considered taking 1/2 day off so we wouldn't watch the clock. She told me no, not to 'take' 1/2 day off, but enjoy my lunch with my son.  Tonight they are having a 'surprise' retirement for our division president - he also is retiring on Monday, officially.  I'm sure he is aware of it by now, but it's been a surprise.  I am not going as it is downtown, but I have sent him a retirement card and he responded.  We are 'friends' but I'm way out on the outer circle of those friends, ya know?  Anyway, Sue is going to go - so will drop her computer and badge off on her way there.  I don't do downtown if I can avoid it. And I can avoid this.  Happy retirement to them both.  (Sue and I already have scheduled for December 4th, I think it is, when we go to the Christmas Ideas House.  Already have it scheduled off and she approved. :-) )

After the Christmas Ideas House, Sue, Dr. K and Nancy meet December 5th (two days in a row with Sue!) and then I'll meet up with just Sue on December 23rd - I told her to give me a list of the goodies she wants for Christmas. LOL  She says every year (and I've given her things over the past several years as part of her Christmas gifts) her kids come over and look at something and ask "Did N make this?" and when she says "yes", they dive into it.  Makes my heart smile.  I told her to give me a list this year cause I wasn't going to make everything like I did last year. I wore myself out.  I do need to write all these recipes down.  Hey - that would make a great gift for Sue this year - a card with all the recipes I've made her over the years on it.  Yeah, I can do that!  Need to write that down!

One of my dreams has been to make a recipe book for my children/grandchildren of my favorite recipes over the years.  Or just recipes I like.  I keep thinking it, but have never followed through.  And then I think, well, when I retire, I will have the time..... yeah. I won't have much more time than I do now, right?  It's what I do to fill up that time.  And here I go rambling again, right?

As I was reading this morning a verse stood out to me and daggone it, I always have to pause and ask forgiveness, cause I know I fail in this area a lot of times.  And you know you do too.  We talk about people a lot, and not always in the best terms.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV):  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Is anyone saying 'ouch' besides me?    Do I need to even elaborate on what that means?  I think it pretty much speaks for itself, doesn't it?  We all do it, well, most of us.  Usually without thinking.  We are just 'sharing a prayer request', or 'sharing needed information', right?  We really don't mean to say something BAD about anyone, right?  But we do it by the words we use.  Sometimes I do catch myself getting ready to say something and then I get convicted on the spot and just shut my mouth.  But many times, on the inside, I'm hoping whomever I'm talking to will just say, 'it's ok, go ahead and tell me'.  Ever found yourself in that predicament?

Tonight is a 'worship night' at church, and we have an awesome worship team, so we are going.  At least that is the plan right now.  My 'social hour' too. LOL  That's how I meet people at church.  Which reminds me, and I may have told you this the other day.  I mentioned to Morgan on Tuesday that I was thinking of doing a bible study here at home on Tuesday nights.  Immediately she said, "I'll come!"  That almost caused me to stutter, for I didn't expect that!  So I have been thinking more about it, and who I could 'invite' that would be around Morgan's age (30-ish) so that she wouldn't feel the youngest, you know what I mean.  I don't want to get ... well, if you read between the lines, and have read enough of my comments over time, you know what the rest of that sentence is. 

Anyway, this morning in my prayer time I kind of threw out a fleece.  I really do want to have women friends that I can trust and they can trust each other.  I don't necessarily want just a 30's age group, but maybe 30-60?  Anyway, my sort - of - fleece to God was "If You want me to start this women's bible study, someone from church will come up to me and ask if I'm going to start a bible study, that she is interested".  It doesn't have to be tonight, or anytime soon, but I don't want to start a group because I want to start a group.  I want to start a group because God says it's time to have a group.  Does that make sense?  

All of us are at different stages in our lives.  All of us have different needs.  I always was reluctant to be involved in women's groups as a leader because sometimes, just sometimes, they will call in the middle of the night if they are in a crisis or need to talk with someone.  Unfortunately, early in my married life, I learned that hubby does not appreciate being awakened in the middle of the night (think landline phone that always had to be on his side of the bed) by someone who wanted to talk to me.  My little brother used to call me in the middle of the night drunk.... luckily that ended after a few times.  The phone calls, that is.  Anyway - I threw the fleece out; let's see what God does with it.  And if that doesn't happen, it doesn't really mean I shouldn't start a women's study in my home.... I need to wait for His timing. 

That scripture could possibly be used in a message or a bible study, ya think?  

And with that, I need to get off here as I do have some work to do before my son arrives.   I pray you have an amazing day, and be kind to others; you don't know what they are going through.

Blessings!

I got an extra one...

 Morgan text'd me last night that her 8:30a cancelled and did I want a third training this week.  What was I thinking?  I had core on Tuesday, which is beginning to remind me when I move, and I had legs yesterday. She hit me with squats and more squats, and when we were finished with the squats, we did lunges and ore lunges!  My legs are stiff and sore this morning from the workout.  And I said 'Yes' to working out again this morning?  I am thinking it will be upper body - probably back as we did chest the other week. I don't think I can do HIIT this morning, which will be the next one next week.  I get it mixed up - but I think we are on upper body, HIIT, core, legs.  My legs were shaking last night as I walked out of the gym.  Squats and lunges are no fun - but so much needed!  From sitting all day for years - and even more so these past six years of working from home, my legs are cottage cheese.

We should get our first Tovala order today.  I got the oven set up last night and I think we're good to go.  It will be interesting to figure it all out, but am looking forward to trying it.  If I don't like it, I can send it all back!  Or after six orders, the oven is mine.  Well, it's 'free' now, but if I quit ordering food before six weeks, I either return it or pay for it.  At least this will keep us from going out to eat so much and me having to prepare meals - at least three times a week. Some nights I just don't feel like it.  Like last night. We ended up with tv dinners - and that's ok!

My legs awakened me early again during the night.  They are burning, not like before when it felt like lava going down the bones.  It's burning, so I imagine it is inflammation.  I get the blood work done September 1 and will see how bad it is, and will talk with Dr. Mark on how to get rid of it.  All because of those stupid scorpion bites that no one seemed to know what to do with.  

'We' watched the Dolly Parton special last night.  I didn't want to specifically, but hubby did.  I liked Dolly and her music, don't get me wrong.  But what you see are just clips of her life - and for two hours, that is exactly what it was.  Clips of her life.  Hubby had asked if I wanted to watch it and I said 'no' and I get the "WHY?" So I told him if he wanted to watch it he could, but I didn't particularly want to. I would have preferred to read, but since he had the TV on, I did glance up at it as I crochet'd.  And daggone it, I've run out of this color of yarn - AGAIN.  I'll go through and see if I can't find a color to blend in the ends and then I'll be done with it.  No big deal. Worse comes to worse (where did that saying come from, anyway?) I will go back to Michaels' and pick up another skein.

My daughter called yesterday morning and shared they 'all' will be coming out October 2 - October 9 but will be getting an Airbnb until October 8, and they will come stay with us.  It will be good to see everyone and we haven't seen in person our great-granddaughter since July 2025, I think.  We get photos, of course.  Reminds me, my granddaughter sent me two photos of her little one last night in fuzzy slippers. She is so cute!  I've got to get down to see them!

I switch out my retainers this morning for new ones.  I will wear the new ones for two weeks and then switch them out again.  I tell you what, when I have them off, the 'things' they put on some of my teeth to help them move sure do cut up the inside of my mouth!  I have started eating just soft foods or small pieces that I can chew easily.  You know you needed to know that.  I'm more concerned the new retainers I put on will cause headaches and my mouth to ache until it gets used to the change.  But, that means it is doing what it is supposed to do, right?

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)  You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Have you ever noticed those who are 'all over the place' in times of trial and those who 'sit in peace' when things are tough?  People don't always understand that when you put your life in the hands of Jesus, He is the One in control and no matter what happens, you can trust Him.  Some people come up with diagnoses so that they can stay in the center of attention.  Not to sound mean, but my mother was always sick.  She always had a headache. She always had a bad shoulder. She always had something wrong.  Not enough to go to the doctor, but always said she was hurting.  To get attention?  Possibly. I don't know if the pain was real or imagined.  In her latter years I'm sure it was real - she had multiple myeloma, COPD, and I'm not sure what all.  But when I was growing up, mother was always in pain about something.  

So when I started going to my doctor out here, years ago, I explained to him that I am so afraid of becoming my mother, that if I have a pain, I will wait at least two weeks.  If that pain is still there, THEN I will make an appointment to come see him.  Or if it was severe.  Otherwise, I'd tough through it. And that's what I have done all these years.  (How long has my legs been bothering me?  4 years now? But, they can't see anything so they don't know what to do!)  But I have been at peace, for I have Jesus.  In fact, when I was praying this morning, I prayed for myself, which I don't normally do other than the usual.... help me, Jesus!... prayers.  Anyway, I told him, thinking of Paul, that if He didn't heal me, give me the strength to endure. Although I want to be healed of the pain in my legs, if He chooses not to heal me, then help me endure to the end.  Either way, being here with my loved ones is good... but being with Jesus is even better.  No, I'm not going to die anytime soon - unless the Lord decides to take me home.  My job is to be ready to go when He does decide to take me home - however He decides.  And the same for each one of you.  Are you ready - no matter what comes in the future - that you know where you'd be.

I thought of my siblings that have already passed, and my heart was grieved.  My oldest brother was an atheist and fought me on everything about Jesus.  My little sister says she wants to believe that in his final moments, he turned to Jesus.  My older sister, when we've talked, said she was a Christian and accepted Jesus.  My youngest brother, who died many years ago, I was able to talk with him also and he told me he had accepted Jesus as Lord and believed he was saved.  Could I have done more to save my oldest brother? I don't know. I prayed for him, but.... 

Oops - I'm out of time and need to get on the work computer, get dressed for the gym! Time flies when I'm having fun.  

Have an amazing day - and be kind to others. You know know what they are going through.

Blessings!