A Lick and A Promise

One thing I have quickly discovered is that with working and having a long drive once again, it puts dampers on getting on the computer much!  I can't believe I haven't been on the computer since last Friday - but then, I do have my internet on the cell phone so I can get messages.  And the messages back up because I want to save to print and it just keeps getting put on the back burner.

Kind of like life, don't you think?  We really do mean well.  We do what we are supposed to do, how we are supposed to do it.  Then we give it a 'lick and a promise' (do you remember that saying?)   and really do intend to get back to it, but it doesn't always happen.  I STILL need to sit down and one by one go through emails and delete, delete, delete.  A whole nother story!  Anyway - thinking about the saying "a lick and a promise" made me google it to see what it said.

Meaning

A cursory effort, for instance at painting or tidying up. It alludes to the perfunctory washing performed by children.

Origin

This is colloquial English and is first recorded in print in Walter White's All round the Wrekin, 1860:

"We only gives the cheap ones a lick and a promise."

Things that make us go.... "hmmmmmmm".

There are lots of things that we all do that we start, anyway, and eventually put it aside thinking, 'I'll get back to this' and we rarely do.  I know I have a few quilt projects sitting here, still waiting from some time ago for me to 'get back to it'.

Do you find that you do this with friends - or with family - as well?  The kids want you to do something special with them and you put them off because you want to watch this tv show.  Or you are on the computer.

Your mom wants to spend time with you - but trying to get your time is like pulling teeth.  (guilt trip anyone?) And, of course now that she is working, her time is even more limited than before.  I know - deal with it.

Your spouse would like some of your time - but you are too busy with your friends, or with the computer, or with other activities that you don't have time.  Perhaps they haven't actually voiced that thought, but it could be they have thought it.

Or maybe they all just gave up wanting it.  Gave up asking for it.  I think we all give up at one point or another.  Always giving it a 'lick and a promise' that next week we will.... next month will be better because... we always find some reason that it can't happen.

Christmas is on its way and less than 26 days away.  I understand the entire family is cutting way back with Christmas giving.  And we all should.  In the past financially things were not so tight and it was fun to purchase special things for different ones.  Unfortunately, as the children and grandchildren have grown, their time is placed elsewhere, as are their interests, and no one knows what to buy them.

For example, last week I asked for ideas, sizes, etc from all three of my children.  They must have thought they would get 'back to it'  (sorta like a lick and a promise) at some point - but as of today, still had not gotten responses.  Oh, wait, I did get a response from one son after a reminder I still want ideas.  Here is the conversation:

Me:  Have the kids decided what they want for Christmas yet?
Son:  Cody-money. Tommy-bey blade 2 pk. Hailey-anything.....lol
Me:  You have to do better than that I will not give money for Christmas give me clothing sizes please
Son:  Ages
Me:  :-p  can't you do better than that?
Son:  Not really

So you see what I'm up against here?  And that is just one family!  Still waiting to hear from the other two.  Probably will be a similar conversation.

What happened to children knowing what they want and be willing to wait for a holiday (i.e., birthday, Christmas) to get it?  Nowadays they all have so much there is nothing left to give them!  And I'm at a loss, yet will find something, even if it takes me longer to find something special for each one.

And then there are the children!  Sigh.  They are actually worse than the grandchildren in giving ideas.  Oh well, they don't get ideas, they get what we choose to give!  It's all about surprises anyway.

A Lick and A Promise.  Every year I promise to make Christmas better.  Not necessarily more gifts, but more meaningful.  It gets harder some years for the moods are so varied.  What happened to love and friendship and just wanting to be together as family?  I miss those days.  I'm sure we had a few of them.

Maybe we gave relationships a 'lick and a promise' one too many times.  I pray you don't.  Cherish your family; love the children.  Yes, I know at times being a parent is difficult.  Trust me, I know it all too well.  There is a lot of pain in being a parent.  A lot of helplessness.  A lot of joy, yet, a lot of pain as they grow up.  They become their own person.  Sometimes sooner than you are ready to let them be.

Sometimes I wish I could have them back just for a little while.  I just want to hold them, and love on them, just for a little while.  To get  back what time has stolen away.  Perhaps someday.  It reminds me of the story 'I will love you forever'.

And that is not a 'lick and a promise'.

Blessings!

The Day After....

Isn't there a movie with that title?  Or a song?  Just thinking as I typed it that it sounded familiar.  Oh well, it is what it is.  Today is the Day After Thanksgiving.

Did I get up and do the Black Friday thing?  Heck no!  I did that one year.  A friend told me how much fun it was and one year I decided to go with her.  We met early and by 5AM we were in the Walmart Parking Lot, looped around a couple rows of cars.  When the doors opened we slowly...very slowly... made our way inside the store.  Now mind you, I still had no idea what I was going to buy.  There was nothing I was interested in getting a 'good deal' on - I just wanted to experience this 'rush' people think they get by shopping early on 'Black Friday'.  Well, I had no 'rush' and I finally found a decent price on a VCR if I recall correctly.  Don't even remember who I bought it for.  I stood in line for 45 minutes to pay for it.  And that was the only thing I got.  I told my friend I was done shopping.  Especially done shopping early on Black Friday.  Ridiculous.  There is nothing I nor any one I plan to purchase a gift for needs that would cause me to get up early and go through that rat race.  Uh Uh not me!!

I did go out this afternoon - but only made a couple stops and was far away from shopping centers!  I did glance over at a few; by late afternoon they didn't look too bad.  I glanced through some ads early this morning and saw nothing that enticed me to brave the crowds to purchase.  I took the leftover giblet gravy, some dressing, and some deviled eggs over to the middle child since he didn't make Thanksgiving with us.  I hope he enjoyed them.  I heard my granddaughter was at her 'other grandmothers' so headed over there to see her.  Glad I did! Our church is having our Christmas Tea on December lst and although I had mentioned it to her mother, I "assumed"  (you know, the made an ass out of you and me word) her mother would mention it to her.  She hadn't.  It wasn't her place to invite my granddaughter, since I was doing the inviting, but am glad I ran into my granddaughter to ask her!  And I got a bonus!  She is coming over either tomorrow or Sunday and will paint a Christmas design on my fingernails while we watch the move "Brave".  Cool Granddaughter and Grandma time.  And yes, she is going to drive back up next weekend so that she can join us for tea.  I ponder if I should see if our 8 year old granddaughter can go as well; we could get a good photo of my princesses and me.

After seeing my granddaughter I headed on to the grocery store.  I actually am a bit ahead of myself; found a couple ham butts on sale so got for our Christmas brunch.  Now I need to watch for pork country ribs (boneless) to go on sale as that is what I fix for New Years Day.  With buying Marley some new snacks and getting the ham I spent a bit more than I meant to  - but that's ok.  Didn't get anything that I really shouldn't have.  Came home after that 'road trip'.  I may venture out tomorrow to shop - or I may not.  I need to come up with some firm ideas first as I do the 'stroll' and end up spending more than I mean to (like today at the grocery).   I will have two paydays before Christmas so I may be shopping on Christmas Eve, which I really don't want to do.

Last year around this time doing Christmas Shopping was actually fun.  I got to go shopping 1:1 with my children.  Well, maybe not the youngest - our 1:1 time was Veterans Day cause he was off work.  But my daughter and my oldest son each was able to spend some time with me and go shopping.  Thta was a fun time.  Especially since I know my son does not like to shop - and yet, he was willing to go with me and let me do what I need to do.

With working I'm not sure yet how things will be at the office.  I mean I don't know if they don't do anything, if they draw names, what....  I reckon I will find out soon.  For my bosses I will probably do as I have always done in the past for my bosses - a jar of bread and butter pickles and a loaf of my cranberry pumpkin nut bread - and some would also get a jar of salsa if I knew they liked it.  I need to work on some new 'material' to give for Christmas gifts.

So here it is the day after Thanksgiving and I'm sitting at home on the computer.  But probably not for long as I bought the fried chicken from Frys today (it is the best!!) for dinner and will need to fix a salad to go with it.  That will be our dinner tonight.  Maybe cheese and crackers while we watch a movie tonight.  We started watching 'Must Love Dogs' last night but tiredness quickly overtook me and we didn't finish it.  Maybe tonight. 

Hope that you have recovered from eating too much (if you did) and that you are finished with your shopping today (if you did) and are ready to settle down and relax.  Make the most of the weekend and enjoy it.  Life is too short to be miserable.  Make every moment count.

Blessings!

A Good Day to be Thankful....

Today is Thanksgiving Day, and a good day to be thankful. At least it makes some people more conscious of what this day is for and that perhaps they ought to re-evaluate their lives or their friends, and determine what it is to be thankful for.

We are currently at my daughter's house, where we usually come to celebrate our Thanksgiving lunch.  As usual we all ate way too much.  Or is that weigh too much!  We had a 22 pound turkey this year and after taking some for us to take back home, have left the rest for my daughter and one son to take care of the rest.  I wouldn't even take any home as I'm done with turkey for awhile, but hubby told me this morning I had to bring some home for him, and for Marley.  Whatever. :-)  My middle child already left word that we were to bring him leftover deviled eggs and some giblet gravy.  I think we pulled some dressing out for him too, just in case he wanted it.  He didn't say.  Missed his family with us, but am glad they are spending time with his beautiful wife's family. 

I even made my cranberry apple cobbler this year - and it is as good as it has been in the past.  We have pumpkin pie too, of course.  I'm not that much in to desserts any more so even not having any would be fine.  However, I confess, I did eat the cranberry apple cobbler.  It has been awhile since I made it so wanted to make sure it was good.  Right.

Most of the family is in the other room watching Expendables 2.  Not my type of movie so here I am.  In this room my granddaughters and a friend are watching "Grease".  Maybe I'm just tired - and rightly so.

Marley did her 2AM whining routine this morning.  I kept stalling getting up, hoping that she was having a dream.  By 2:30 I gave up and let her outside where she quickly did her business.  I got her to go back into her crate (where she stays at night for now) and I went in the back room to try to doze a bit more.  Didn't want to go back to bed and have her start whining again.  She did start, but stopped after a few minutes.  I went ahead and did my quiet time, then tried to sleep a bit.  Hubby got up about 5:30AM to see where I was.

I had asked my children, and grandchildren, to join me for a short walk this morning, just to do a family thing together.  I was delighted to see my daughter and a granddaughter, and one of my boys show up as well as hubby and I.  We also brought Marley to get a walk in for her.  We did a 3.12 mile walk and then went our separate ways.  I think all said they went home and took a nap - as did hubby.  But not me; I had to get the turkey in the oven, make the dressing, giblet gravy, cranberry apple cobbler, and whatever else I had to do.  I don't think I sat down until we were riding over here.  We did have a nice lunch and now most are watching movies or on the computers.  I am on my daughter's computer now as I don't want to watch these movies. 

Tonight we will probably just chill out and I will get to see one of MY kind of movies - yeah, the chick flick kind.  And although I have probably watched it 50 times, I will find one that I feel like watching again.  I'm not in shopping mode just yet.  Got to wait for at least a paycheck to come in before we do any shopping.  In fact, although I say I 'go shopping' a lot, I don't enjoy shopping.  I usually just walk around the store; my way of escaping I guess.  Alone time, unless I'm with a friend, daughter, or granddaughter - then it's fun time!

Since today is Thanksgiving, I'm thinking of things that I am thankful for.  There are many things, but I won't mention them now.  Although I share a lot and probably a lot that I shouldn't share, I don't feel like sharing anything.  But I am thankful and I have thanked God for these things already.

What are you thankful for?    What are you truly thankful for?  Thankful this blog is quickly coming to an end?  Just kidding~

Although Christmas is my favorite holiday, I dread the next month.  I dislike crowds with a passion and know I am going to have to be in the middle of them when I get out to do any Christmas shopping.  Hmm, maybe I will avoid that and just order online.  I hate to pay these ridiculous shipping charges, but my sanity may well be worth it.  I enjoyed the past few years when I had to shop - I took time off work and went during the week day when everyone else was at work.  Nice.  I remember one year that I think I was the only one in the store.  So nice.  So quiet.  But, it won't be this year.  With a new job I won't have any vacation time to take off for awhile.

I always try to find/think of something unique for each person; something they may want and wouldn't buy for themselves, or something they may enjoy but never voiced a desire for it.  I remember one year getting our middle child a pair of golf sandals.  He never expected that and I was so excited to get them for him.  He usually can figure out what I get so when I can stump him, I'm delighted.  Last year I was able to get the boys sweatshirts of Indiana colleges they like - Indiana for the youngest; Purdue for the middle child.  I like to do surprises.

Guess I will get off here and go online and see what I can find that might interest them.  I think financially everyone is struggling this year.  It will be interesting to see how they deal with it.  And myself as well.  My go to is making things, when I have time, that is.  Still need to come up with ideas.

Hope that you have a great Thanksgiving day and remember that even the little things you need to be thankful for.  We sometimes take so many things for granted; be grateful for them.  Think how your life would be without them, if you are having trouble thinking of things to be grateful for. 

Be a blessing to someone this holiday season.

Blessings!

I feel like....

I haven't been on the computer 'forever' although it has only been since last Friday!  Something that doesn't happen often, but we had a busy weekend which did not allow any time on the computer.  Then on Monday I started my new job, came home, changed and headed to Zumba.  I didn't dare try to get on the computer after being gone all day, even though I was home by 7:30 or so.  Last night we went out for a bite to eat then to the grocery to pick up some things for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.  No time to get on it then either.

Today, though, we were allowed to leave work early.  Tough first week.  I'm in training and worked
9-4 for 2 days then today I ended up working 9-2:30.  I'm off the next two days for the holiday.  Next week life really hits and I'm on the 8-5PM shift.  What I have learned this week I have enjoyed doing and am looking forward to learning how it all ties together.  I have orientation on Monday, then Tuesday getting 1:1 hands on instructions.  Thus far I feel I am going to enjoy working with this company and its employees.

I am so grateful to God for answering my prayers (and many prayers of others) for this job.  I truly have a lot to be thankful for.  Looking for a job was actually very humbling, and I will admit it was.  I really thought that with my experience I would have no trouble getting a job.  Not that I'm being proud about it, but I really felt my skills were excellent.  Partly too because every job I have gotten in the past I was either hired on the spot or shortly thereafter at my asking price.  After staying nearly 26 years in one job, I also felt that I showed loyalty.  BTW, I probably missed a total of ten days in that 26 years because of sickness.  That is how good an employee I was.  However, the last job I had I really didn't enjoy it that much.  Oh, I enjoyed the involvement with upper management, but I disliked the way employees were sometimes treated and disagreed with their methodology.  My boss and I clashed several times on that.  There were other issues too.  I still say that God opened the door for me to leave.

And to share how God takes care of us, we thought my last check was the end of October, as that was the year's end of my early retirement.  However, last March the company held back a week from everyone in order to get them on a different pay cycle.  Therefore, two weeks later a check for one week's pay was in my checking account.  That is the end of my pay, I'm sure.  This week would have been the next check; and I got to start work.  Tom's SS check comes next week so that will help until I have a regular check coming in.  This next check will be for two weeks plus this week, I'm thinking, for I don't expect anything this week and it was their pay week.  Tom's SS check bridges us to the next paycheck.  It will be a lot less than I was making before, but that's ok.  We'll just tighten the belt and move on.

I'm really looking forward to family time tomorrow, although all my family will not be with us.  I read today on facebook my daughter in law had an uncle who passed away, I'm assuming very recently.  They had planned to be with her family tomorrow anyway, and I'm glad.  She needs to be with family during this unexpected loss and also because the health of her father isn't that good.  I wish there was something I could do to help her, but I'm at a loss as to what that is.   I will miss them being with us.

I mentioned to the children and grandchildren about our 3 mile or so walk at 7AM Thanksgiving morning earlier this month.  Only two commented; one reluctantly and the other seemed tentatively.  I sent out a reminder today telling them the time and location; am not putting the pressure on anyone.  It is strictly for fun and nothing else.  I'd like to do this every year - providing I think of it next year too. I plan to take Marley for a walk tomorrow morning so told them to bring their dogs and walk them too.  Will see if any show up for the walk.  I'll be there probably around 6:50 to get ready to head down the canal.  It will be fun and a crisp walk. 

One of the bonuses at this company is that you can earn money for exercise.  After all, it is to their advantage if you are healthy as they won't have to pay that much on insurance.   I actually got up Monday early and went to the gym before work, went to Zumba Monday evening, and made it back to the gym this morning.  Will walk in the morning  and probably will get to the gym sometime on Friday or will take Marley out for a walk.  I like the challenge of earning points for working out.

Maybe once I start working I can get back to telling stories or doing something other than sharing about my life.  Don't know if I will be able to get online every day, but perhaps at least a couple times a week.  I've enjoyed being able to write as much as I have, although some I haven't posted but left in draft form and some I've shared way more than I should have, and some I should have kept in draft form.  Oh well.

This is Life as I know it.  Perhaps it gives you something to think about - whether good or bad.

Hope you have a good evening - perhaps I will have something interesting to share tomorrow.  Trying to get some items cooked/made before tomorrow to save on time.

Perhaps we ought to think about moving our dinners (next year) to 4PM or so, so that it will give everyone most of the day to do what needs to get done and then only have to 'share' the late afternoon together.  I think my sissy said they are eating at 3PM and my bro said they were eating around 5PM.  We have always just made it noon or 1PM because that is the time Mama always had it.  Hmmm traditions.  Now that would make an interesting topic for a blog.  Will need to think on that.

Blessings!!

Another Saturday morning.....

and actually my last 'free' Saturday until I start work on Monday!  Already have a busy weekend lined up.  Last night we had UFO at church.  Well, it is actually UnFinished Objects - which means we ladies bring projects we are working on that haven't been finished, sit around and work on them and chat.  It was fun and I got a lot completed on the quilt for the great granddaughter for Christmas.

This morning I was up early and heading to Tempe to meet my girlfriend for our monthly walk around ASU.  We do our brisk walk - usually about 3 miles - and then head to Einstein's Bagels for breakfast.  Sit around and chat for an hour or so then head our separate ways.  I've been home for a little while but will be leaving shortly for a Ladies Tea.   After the Tea I will need to work on a few things before tomorrow's 'stuff'.

Tomorrow we will be up early to head to Prescott Valley with another friend and go to church up there.  After church and lunch we will head back to Phoenix for a friend's birthday party at 4PM.  Then we have a leadership meeting at church from 5-7PM.  After that we will probably just chill out.

Then Monday - I get to start my new job!  I'm really excited about starting this new career.  No, I haven't done this job before but am looking forward to learning a lot of new things.  Some things will be a refresher course, I'm sure, but every company does things a little differently.  I'm excited about working again.

As soon as we come up with a team name, my friend Sue, my son Stuart, my hubby Tom, myself, and perhaps my daughter Mary will be signing up for The Color Run in January.  I didn't want to sign up until I got a job - so here we are.  I didn't know hubby would decide to do it as well or I would have signed up with I had a coupon for $29.  Now it is $40 each.  Could have saved myself some money.  Oh well, it's only money, right?

It is another beautiful Saturday in Phoenix.  It looks pretty cold most other places - glad we live out here!

Not much to say and I need to get my sandwiches made for the tea party.  Hope you have a good day.

Blessings!

Finally!

Ok, for me it is FINALLY.... but it has all been in God's timing.  I say that because my checks have totally run out .... and I get a call from the company I have been waiting to hear from - and they have officially offered me the job.  During the call, the HR person paused.  I waited, and hearing nothing, I asked her "Is this where I respond with a 'yes' answer?"  It wasn't.  She was pausing to see what else she needed to tell me about the job.  She asked me if I wanted to take a few days to think about it and then call her back with my answer.  I told her I didn't need to wait, my answer was 'yes'! 

I'm relieved this ordeal is over for me.  I have diligently reviewed different search engines nearly daily to see what I could apply for.  Most jobs I applied at what I had most recently been doing, although I didn't want to do that on a full scale like before.  I even applied for jobs that I have no experience in, but am willing to learn if they would hire me!  This is one of them.  I haven't done this specific job before, although I have done similar.  I am young enough and willing enough to learn and they are willing to take a chance on me.

What about you?  Are you stuck in your rut that you have to have a certain position?  You won't 'lower' yourself to do something else?   Sometimes the only thing keeping you from getting a job is your pride and reluctance to do anything.   There is something out there for you - keep searching.

Yeah, I know what I'm talking about.  I could had been prideful and decided I had to have the Executive Assistant job that I worked my skills into.  Yeah, it pays really good money. Or that I had to have a job that paid the 'big bucks'.  But it is more than money.  I was willing to do it to just get a job, and I would have done it well.  BUT, my heart wasn't really in it, even though I applied.  I have the upmost respect for my friend who remained at the company I was at, supporting the CEO and COO.  She is well worth her pay - and more.  It just isn't the job that I would want - unless I had a choice on whom my boss would be!

A job is your second home in most cases.  You need to want to be there; to enjoy what you are doing.  I did learn a lot and I did enjoy it, and I would do it again if an opportunity came up.  If I was able to do it on my own.   I feel I am going to really enjoy this job because it will be working with people I enjoy being with (not to say I didn't before, but these are not strangers), and when I leave the office at 5PM my work is done.  My hours before were 7AM - 5:30PM most days - working straight through lunch.  It was extremely busy and stressful at times.   But I am grateful for the experience I received in this position.  I met a lot of people and did a lot of things.

One of the things I'm looking forward to in this new job is that they are community minded in that the employees volunteer for things.  I did that before at my last company and I must say that I miss that involvement.  I won't be in charge of it, but I will be able to participate.  I have heard nothing but positive comments about this company and that says something of itself.

Oh - did I say I get to start on Monday - and I work three days and then are off two days for the holiday?  Is that cool or what?  They asked me when I wanted to start - I told her Monday.   I'm relieved I have a job over Christmas and beyond.  I was mentally trying to determine what to do for Christmas - what could I bake or make that was different.  Still will be tight for it is quite a bit less than I made before, but I'm hoping we can make ends meet.  I'm sure we can.

Tonight we have a UFO at church - Un Finished Object.  What that means if you have a craft project that you have started but haven't finished, bring it and finish it while visiting with other women.  My problem is I don't know which project to take!  I have several - and some I want to finish up for Christmas gifts - guess I'd better figure what I'm going to do - time is not on my side much longer!

Marley has still been chewing on the house although we bought the bitter sprays recommended to us.  We have borrowed a shock collar for her - now we have to watch to see when she does it so that we can teach her not to do it.  We got it last night - and hadn't looked at it yet.  This morning I was watching her and she started chewing on the house again - so we pulled out the video to watch how to do it and read the instruction book.  We have the collar on Marley and it is activated.  She is now asleep on her bed.

Which is another funny thing.  When we had Marley's bed in the middle of two rooms, she would go to it with her treats, and would occasionally lie on it.  Since we have moved it in front of the fireplace (no, it isn't on) she lies on it a lot more.  I was tempted to let her sleep on it last night since we had walked 5.5 miles yesterday (and she got sick in my car on the way back - yeck) - but had her get in the crate.  Not sure yet we can trust her by herself, although I think we can.  I want to leave her out at night, we will just need to make sure things are put up and away. 

I need to jump off here and get busy - since my not working days are numbered now I need to see what I can accomplish.  I work better under 'pressure' - meaning less time.  Otherwise it is so easy to just put it aside for another time.  Yeah, I know you know what I'm talking about.

Hope that you find the job you are looking for, if you are searching.  I'm grateful that God finally decided to give me mine!  As my daughter reminded me when I shared with her - it's all in His timing.  Keep looking, Keep asking, Keep waiting.  He will answer.

Blessings!

The Sounds of Silence

I love these times when I am alone and all that is making noise is the clock ticking.  Or, as at this moment, Marley is slurping water from her bowl.   Hubby and oldest son have gone to a show so I am alone.  I actually enjoy being alone, although if I was truly alone, I don't know if I would like it as much.  I've baked one batch of cranberry pumpkin nut bread and the second batch is in the oven.  I'm getting ready to search the job wanted sections of the internet.

Times like this I would much rather curl up with a good book, a blanket, and read.  But, I know that I need to be doing other things so don't do that.  At least not as often as I would like to.  Always something to do.

I did get up and go to the gym early this morning - although I didn't really want to.  I think in another hour or so I will take Marley out for a walk at the canal.  The air is cool and crisp and nice to walk in - although I think it is to get up to 80 degrees later today.  It is still mid-morning so it hasn't gotten that warm yet.

As I sit here and think about the quietness, with my fingers making a clicking noise on the keyboard, Psalm 46:10 comes to mind.

"Be Still, and know that I am God". 

I think that is why I like being alone.  Being alone allows me to be still.  Not that I can be still for very long.  Like this morning.  I've baked two batches of bread.   I'm thinking of going for a walk. I'm thinking ahead to Christmas and what gifts I can make this year.  My kids get baked goods and other things year round - or whenever they want or ask for it - probably not interested in it for Christmas too.  I think our entire family is struggling this year; I have begun to wonder if I should have continued to work - but then, we were struggling too.  I think it is easier now than it was then - probably because of the stress I was under. 

I've opened the back door to let Marley out.  Leaving it open, I hear the birds chirping.  I have a bird dish that I try to keep food in.  Marley keeps chasing the birds away. 

Needing to get busy, the silence must be broken.   Take a few minutes to enjoy the silence around you.  Reflect on your life, your past, your present, your future.  Where are you going; where do you want to be.  So much of the unknown defines us, it should not be so.  Determine what you want to accomplish and just do it.

Blessings!

Still Hoping and Still Waiting....

I received a call a few minutes ago from one of the companies I have applied for a job.  I really would like this job, although it is several miles away.  Everything I have heard about the company has been positive and I know people there already.  I received the phone call from HR but all they wanted to do was update me, stating that they still haven't heard back yet on the approval to hire, apologized for the delay but 'during this time of year they are usually slow' and that I was still high on the list.   Good but yet not good.  So I'm still hoping and still waiting.

And I'm still applying.  I nearly completed an app for Sears and for KMart yesterday..... but didn't hit submit.  I don't mind working at either place, but it is like a 'last resort', and since I don't job hop and wherever I end up I want to stay there.... well, I don't know if that is where I want to stay for the rest of my life.  Especially when you hear of companies cutting back hours on their employees due to Obamacare.  I need a job that pays medical benefits.  So, even though it is pretty positive I will get this job, it is uncertain as to when.  Guess that gives me a specific prayer request to make - rather than just asking prayer for employment, ask that corporate will respond with a yes answer so that I can get started.

Came across this scripture this morning and it reminded me to give thanks for having the opportunity to apply for jobs, being healthy, etc.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

So - I guess because I haven't found a job yet (my will) it is because God hasn't put the job He wants for me to have (His will) in front of me?  Or is it because I am waiting for this one job which is a near sure thing, and it will come about when it's time?  But, uh, God?  Can we hurry this timeframe up before we are completely broke?  Sigh.  I try to be patient, but in this it is getting very difficult.  But, I don't want to just grab anything to have employment.  Will continue to put out my applications and see what happens.

A friend told me Sunday that he couldn't believe I haven't been hired yet - my resume is stellar (so he says).  I asked him if he wanted to hire me. :-) 

I have been enjoying cooking the past few days - canned a lot of bread and butter pickles, made up a couple batches of cranberry pumpkin nut bread, made garbage and extra for others, made chocolate chip cookies.... I need to finish up pickles; still have 1/2 crate of cucumbers.  Could bake some more bread too.  But for now, need to run an errand.

Today I am trusting in God that I will get a job soon.  I am trusting that it will be the right job.  I still haven't heard back from several that I have applied for, so who knows - perhaps one of these will call yet today and want an interview.  In this whole process of finding a job I have discovered three things.

1.  It is very convenient to submit an application/resume on line.
2.  I don't like submitting an application/resume on line cause unless the words are put just so so - the computer just generates a rejection letter.
3.  I don't like phone interviews, even though they are convenient. I prefer eye contact.

This entire process has been humbling; I never thought I would have this difficulty in finding a job - especially since I am not asking near what I was making.  Oh well.  It is all in God's hands.

Blessings!

Marley must know...

Last week was an extremely stressful week.  In a lot of ways.  I read a comment that completely crushed me, I struggled to find a job, I interviewed and didn't get, Marley was into a house chewing mode again, I was upset with hubby over his reluctance to find a job, stress, stress, stress.  Things don't always go my way.

Isn't that the story of your life too?  The more you do and try to do, you feel beaten up and spit out.  Like I said, it was a rough week last week.

Saturday was a busy day - started out with Market on the Move at North Hills Church (as a volunteer) and by the time it was over, I had two cases plus of cucumbers and a flat of tomatoes in my car.  Do people really think I have time for all this?  Regardless, I canned 14 pints and then some quarts on Saturday, yesterday after church I canned nearly a dozen quarts and this morning, after going to the gym, I canned up the rest of the quarts and did a dozen pints.  I finally just quit.  I'm hoping to get rid of the rest of the cucumbers and tomatoes tonight as hubby has a meeting and I know one of the guys likes to can and cook.  I still have two cases of pints left to fill - it will either be pickles or salsa. 

Still no job.  I'm waiting on a response from another company.... one I have been waiting on for some time.  If I don't hear soon, I will just get a seasonal job to get money coming in.  I'm hoping for something so that I can get medical benefits and drop the insurance I'm carrying now.  It is nearly $300 a month and right now we don't have it - so after this current month will be cancelling it.

I'm feeling kind of low today; not sure why other than life itself.  It is a beautiful day out and I should take Marley out for walk.  Yeah, perhaps I will do that; it might perk me up.  I already did a little over 4 miles at the gym this morning, and I have zumba tonight; perhaps I best not go today.  I won't be able to walk tomorrow!!

Today is a granddaughter's 8th birthday - or is it 9th?  Princess Hailey.  I called my son earlier with hopes of getting her for awhile this afternoon and making cookies, but he said she already had plans with her mother.  Since they are back in Phoenix, I'm hoping to get the grandchildren for baking at Christmas; only problem is, if I'm working I won't have any days off.  But, I have to work. 

I don't have anything to say today... hitting a real low point.... enjoying time alone while hubby is off with a friend.  I don't get 'alone' time much anymore; didn't realize how much I missed it.  I think I could take a nap, but don't want to waste the time sleeping.  Maybe I'll fix up a batch of cookies; I bought some mincemeat to make cookies with the other day.  I wonder if I still have chocolate chips.  Oh, I made a total of two batches of cranberry pumpkin nut bread too yesterday.  All are in the freezer as they will be used for Christmas gifts along with the pickles.

Christmas.  It will be here before I know it.  Our church is having our Ladies Christmas Tea on December lst.  I'm looking forward to hosting a table; already have my daughter, daughter in law, two granddaughters and my best friend coming.  I get to bring my tea cups and tea pots.  It will be such fun.  I'm also hosting the Christmas Tea for my tea group as well - about 12 women or so.  I need to count and see how many cups I do have.   I do enjoy entertaining, whether friends or family.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

I don't think that just pertains to strangers, sometimes family members can be angels too.

God provided for us this past week.  On Friday we discovered some money had been deposited into our checking account.  In thinking about it, God brought back to mind that last March Aetna had withheld a week's pay (for everyone) to get overtime set for hours work and not guesimated as in the past.  Of course it only affected those who were working, but it also affected my pay.  Therefore, this past week what we received was one week's pay.  That should be all I get now, which makes it more crucial I find employment immediately.

Not sure what is going on with Marley.... yesterday morning - and again this morning - she woke up about 5AM and then woke me up to let her out.  After that, she wanted to head back to my room where I do my quiet time.  By the time I get there, she is already on the futon.  But today I had her go back to her crate as I was going to the gym first.  When I came back I let her out and back to the futon she goes - and curls up and goes to sleep.  She wouldn't eat her breakfast this morning nor has she drank much water.  She laid around outside quite a bit; I gave her a treat but I think she buried it.  I hate it when she does that!  But for the past two hours or so she has been in the house, lying on her bed asleep.  Even when I walk into the room she just raises up her head and looks at me.  Maybe she is feeling my mood. 

Not much to share today; need to get back to applying for jobs.  Hope that you are having a good day!

Blessings!

Waiting is the hard part....

I started to write a blog yesterday and share what was going on, but I found myself distracted and probably sharing more than I should, so I deleted it.  Didn't post it.  Sometimes I let my own frustrations and personal opinions get into this - and I shouldn't. 

Tuesday morning I received a call from this one company I have been waiting for some time to call me.  They wanted to know if my salary request was negotiable.  I said yes.  After all, zero coming in means I don't have a lot of room to play with.  Last I heard was that they had sent it on to Corporate for approval.  I did not hear back at all yesterday.

Tuesday afternoon as I was going through some of the listings, I found a position for another company and decided to go ahead and apply for it.  A completely different field, yet the same type of job that I had before.  Sounded challenging, but worthwhile.  I submitted my resume.  Yesterday morning I received a phone call they wanted to call back at 3:30PM to do a phone interview.  That was fine with me.  They called, and we chatted for about 1/2 an hour.  She shared what the job was about (which I knew because I had copied the job description and had reread it before she called back), and then talked about my resume.  She asked me how I handled some things, and then asked that I shared with her my daily duties at my previous job.  She asked me why I left.  She asked for my questions, of which I only had a few.  She went so far as to tell me benefit information, salary, bonus, etc.  I found that highly unusual, but intriguing.  She advised that the hiring manager had left for the day (he had emailed her while she was interviewing me), but she would get him my information first thing this morning.  Now I don't know what that means; what I mean is, did she decide I was to be hired and it would go to the 'hiring manager' to make the official offer, or is that just a title of someone who makes the decision.  I found it interesting she went as far as sharing the salary and what the bonus would be, as well as the benefits, on the initial interview call.  I'm glad she did, for now I know that I won't be wasting my time waiting on a call back. I wish more companies did that.  Just be honest and up front. 

So, here I still wait.  I was surprised that I did not hear back from the first company yesterday.  Now I'm not sure I want them to call just yet.  I keep praying that the job I should take is the job offer that comes through first.   I am thinking, besides it being more money and much, much closer to home, that I would like the challenge of this new job possibility.  I actually got excited as I thought about the different things she said I would need to do.  One challenging thing was dealing with three different time zones on a daily basis!  That should really be interesting!

But, until either of these job possibilities present an offer to me, complete with firm salary commitments, I can not claim either of these as my own.  So I still wait.

I got up a little before 5AM this morning and hubby and I headed to the gym for the second time this week.  Got 7 miles on the bike and about 3  miles on the elliptical.  I have decided that I need to get up early and go to the gym so that I can get my training in.  I do want to be in better shape than last year for the mini marathon.  Not sure if I will be able to take a vacation then, but will at least possibly fly back for the weekend in order to do the mini.  I think it would be really cool if I could go back several pounds lighter and surprise my siblings.  Diet doesn't seem to do it for me - I enjoy eating too much.  Having to work out sucks too, but hopefully, in time, watching what I eat and doing a workout will help drop some inches.  More waiting to see results.

I'm waiting, too, for my hubby to find a job.   I have my fears that he will quit looking once I find a job.  I'm not even sure how hard he is looking.  He did go for an interview Tuesday, and by the time he got home he was already against it.  I have to admit I don't see him selling insurance on commission.  Yesterday was to have been a veterans' job fair, and he did go, but said he couldn't find it.  Today there is another job fair not far from us, and obviously he is not going to go, even with me reminding him, and a friend reminding him, and suggesting he go and check it out.  Yeah, I could go, but I have two jobs I'm waiting to hear back from and I want to stay close to the home phone.  I probably should have given my cell phone for them to call, but I didn't.  If he chooses not to find a job - again - well, it has made our lives very difficult in the past, and I would hope he would try harder to find something and quit finding excuses.  Yeah, it is a very sore spot with me...

Waiting is never fun, but what we do in the waiting time can sometimes be beneficial.  After I finish this blog I will begin again the task of going through job opportunities and see what I can apply for.  I still have high hopes of starting employment on Monday. 

What about you?  Are you waiting for a job interview?  A job opportunity?  What are you waiting for that is worth waiting for?  Waiting for your ship to come in?  What are you doing to bring it in?

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Waiting is never easy, and seldom fun.  One thing is certain, when we trust and hope in the Lord, the waiting is worthwhile.  He wants to give you His very best for you.  And also for me.  So I continue to wait.

Blessings!

Election Day....

I will be so glad when all this hoola is over!  Oh yes, I watched the debates, well, most of them.  I read the news articles from different places.  I tried to stay focused on the topics.  Which, I discovered, neither of the candidates for President of the United States did.  Why can't they just answer the question??!!  Stop going back to get your 2cents worth in on the last question but focus on the question you are being asked!!  ARRGGGHHH!!!

We mailed our ballots in a few weeks ago after sitting down and discussing each of the pros and cons on the candidates for the different offices, and also all the judicial people and the other propositions.  It was interesting in some respects.  We often went 'for real?'  Some decisions were no brainers.  Which reminds me of the article I read this morning on aol.  This woman coming towards a stopped school bus did not want to stop while the bus unloaded children.  What does she do?  She turns onto the sidewalk so that she doesn't have to stop!  I'm not sure if it was that day or another day, but it was taped by the school bus - and as she pulls onto the sidewalk to avoid stopping, then back onto the street, she gets pulled over by the police.  Her punishment, other than a $250 fine?  She has to wear a sign stating something about being an idiot for an hour for two days next week.  Duh.  And she probably planned to vote too.  Where do all these people come from?

Anyway, today is election day and I will be so glad to not get the phone calls, watch the tv ads (even though we mute them), listen to anyone doing their opinion.... silence.  Quiet.  Oh, the peace of it all.

I received two phone calls today - one to say the job had been offered to someone else, and the other to ask if the salary amount was negotiable.  Of course I said yes!  I have really been wanting this job - a lot less stress and I have heard so many positive things about this company I am sure I will enjoy working there.  I am hoping for a phone call yet today, but I am quickly learning HR works at their own schedule.  Hopefully tomorrow I will get an offer and can accept the position.  It would definitely take some stress off.  Just to get some benefits too so that I can drop my insurance which is costly and doesn't seem to cover anything.  If I can start the new job on Monday, that would work great for I have a blood donation scheduled for Friday morning.

Falling back on yesterday's blog in which I talked about being positive - and going to the gym - I want you to know that I was up at 4AM and we were at the gym by 4:30AM.  I got about 4.5 miles in this morning.  As we were leaving, my friend walked out with us and said 'see you tomorrow'.  I believe my hubby responded 'no', but I told her I guess I have to be positive so I'll think positive about going.  Why not - I got my workout done early and still have my day ahead of me.

I even baked two batches of my Cranberry Pumpkin Nut bread today - about 19 mini loaves.  It is sooooo good.

Obviously I have nothing to write about today.  Well, my sissy reminded me of this scripture when we were discussing the election.

II Chronicles 7:14 - "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

I know people are quoting that scripture - and it doesn't seem right because people are not turning to God, they aren't confessing their wicked ways.  But people are using that scripture because they want a certain person in the presidential office - and the funny thing is, they are talking about one or the other! 

Whoever gets elected, our position as Christians are to pray for the President, for Congress, for the House of Representatives - for those in leadership.  We are to pray they will have wisdom to make the right choices and that those who influence them will give them the right answers.   Sometimes God allows us to vote the wrong one in office so that the hearts will turn to Him in desperation.

Just like He has allowed me not to find a job yet - I can guarantee you that He is more centered in my thoughts than ever before.  Well, maybe not ever before, but I had probably gotten a bit lax lately in thinking about Him.  I prayed and thought of Him in my quiet time, but the rest of the day, probably not.  But now, I am consistently praying and seeking His wisdom and guidance on every job application I complete and every time I go even to the grocery store, that I will get only what I need to get!

Which reminds me, I 'bumped' into my son's MIL today at the grocery.  For all the hardship this woman is going through, she still was joyful and had a smile on her face.  We chatted for a bit and the first thing she shared was how appreciative she was of my son's helping her every day.  He sits with her husband (who is seriously ill with Parkinson and Dementia) while she runs the children to school or picks them up, and on Tuesday mornings he stays with his FIL so that she can get away and do errands, grocery, bank, etc.  She went on and on about how grateful and appreciative she is.  Made me so proud of my boy.

Of course she also had to share that our 10 year old grandson got all the way to school this morning before he realized he forgot to put shoes on.  He is definitely our little Tennessean!  In fact, very few of the grandchildren wear shoes half the time - and he is one of them.  This isn't the first time he has forgotten to put shoes on whether for school or for church.  My mama was born in the hills of Tennessee and so was I, so I proudly claim bare feet privileges.

I hope that you got out today - or voted early - to make your vote count. 

Blessings!

Being positive....

I was shopping at Walmart earlier today and ran into a couple whom I love dearly.  No, I didn't hurt them - ha ha.  This woman gets up at 3AM at least Monday through Friday and goes to the gym to work out.  If I can get my butt there before 6AM, she is usually still there.  If I recall correctly, because she has MS, she works out until she burns 2000 or 3000 calories.  I forget which.  Anyway, she used to get up and climb North Mountain (1 1/2 miles straight up, nearly!!) every morning, including Saturdays.  I gave up on North Mountain a long time ago.

Anyway, Andrea gets up early and heads to the gym about 4AM.  I got there about 5:30AM one morning last week so got to have a nice visit with her while I huffed and puffed on the elliptical beside her.   She breaks a sweat, but rarely huffs and puffs like I do.

Back to meeting them inside Walmart.... we chatted for a few minutes and she says, "I haven't seen you at the gym!"  I go, "Really, you didn't see me?  I wonder where I was?"  No, seriously, I just smiled and said I couldn't make it.  So what does she say when we leave?  "See you tomorrow".  I go, "uh, yeah, uh, maybe.  Will see".  She goes, "No, you need to be positive and say Yes, I'll be there."  I just laughed.   Like I want to get up at 3:30AM to meet her there at 4AM.  Ok, I won't do that, but I might get up at 4AM and meet her there at 4:30AM.   For right now, I'm just going to say, 'Let's see what tomorrow brings". 

Being positive.    Being positive about things does have its advantages.  But, is it being positive or just being confident?  Are they one and the same, or are they different?

I've been confident that I would find a job before now.... and I find my confidence eroding as time goes by and I'm not getting that phone call I've been waiting on.  I did call one place last week and they said that they hadn't made a decision yet but I was at the top of the list.  So what does that mean?  I'm on the top of the list but they haven't decided?  Hello - if I'm on the top of the list, doesn't that mean I'm next?  Sigh.  Still waiting.

I am tired of getting computer bleary eyed nearly every day, looking at different jobs.  I've taken to getting away from the computer and doing other things at times - like this morning.  Well, I did have other plans this morning and they did not happen.  Not as I  had planned.  Which is why I ended up at Walmart.

I had left the house at 10AM to head to the school to work with a couple little girls with their reading.  I have one at 10:15, the other at 11:00.  I leave my house and as I'm sitting in line to turn onto the freeway, a man in a truck next to me rolls down his window and yells that my tire is low.  I nodded and said thank you and made my turn - only instead of the freeway I went up the frontage road to where I could pull off.  Sure enough, my right rear passenger tire was nearly flat.  I debated.  Hubby had already left the house and I didn't know when he would be back.  Do I go back to the house and wait - when I could do the same thing he would have to do.  So I said a prayer...several times... and I pulled back onto the frontage road, did a u-turn at the light and headed back down the other side of frontage road.  Once back on to Cactus I drove to where we have our cars worked on.  Yeah, I was praying air would remain in the tire so that I wouldn't go completely flat and ruin the tire.  That was my biggest concern.  But, I made it, and they were able to work my vehicle in to get the tire checked.  Yep, I had a nail in the tire.  They fixed it, and off I went.  It was too late to go to the school so I went to Walmart to pick up a few things.  And a very few things it was - but I still spent more than I thought I did!  Of course some of the things I had to pick up weren't cheap, which accounted for it being higher, although they were small things.  I am positive I had to have everything I picked up at Walmart.

Being positive.  Sometimes it isn't easy to be positive; other times it is so easy.  Think back to the last time you were positive about something.  Now think about something that you had not been positive about.  Did your perspective on it change any?

I'm trying to think of an example...   When I was young I was positive that I would find love everlasting and be happy the rest of my life.  I still believe in fairy tales, but my life hasn't turned out the way I thought it would.  Mostly from my own choices - wrong and right ones.  Am I still positive that my life will be happy the rest of it?  No, not really, but I've learned that to be happy it is my choice.  I can choose to be happy, and in turn, help others to be happy.

Now to determine if I will positively get up early in the morning and go to the gym... will I be confident in my ability to do so?  Absolutely.  I am confident that I can get up.  That, however, is not the hanger in front of me.  The hanger in front of me is Will I get up and go to the gym in the morning.

Guess I will just have to wait until morning and see what time I get up, if I get in the car to go to the gym, and if I actually end up there.  Your guess is about as good as mine at this point.

Hope that you are having some positive thoughts and working on it if you aren't!

Blessings!

Church Distinctions

I'm thinking about this because my little sister went to a different church this morning, one that we had talked about a few times.  In fact, I had been taken to that church when I was in Indianapolis last May.  Tom stayed at his brother's house and went to church with his brother, I went to church with my brother.  I really liked this church and enjoyed the music and the message.  In fact, I enjoyed it so much I have downloaded the app for the church and still listen to the messages.  This 'Pastor Steve' really is open and tells it like it is.  I like that in a pastor.  He recently shared how we should vote.  No, he didn't say whom we should vote for, but he said to take a piece of paper and to list what is important to you as a Christian.  I don't remember how he said it or all that he said, but a couple points he made was 1) the Bible states that marriage is between one man and one woman.  2) the Bible states that we are knit together in our mother's womb (conception)... and I forget the third point - but the idea was to list those things the Bible says, then vote for the candidate who supports those Bible teachings.  Sounds pretty simple to me.  As a Christian we are to believe in those things the Bible teaches.  I am still amazed to hear friends who confess to be Christians state they are voting on the one candidate.... when you know it is nothing more than color.  What has blinded them to the truth? 

Anyway, didn't mean to get off on that, but talking about different churches and different styles of preaching.  I found it interesting my little sissy had listened to Pastor Steve on the downloaded app, and she chose to drive several miles to go to his church and hear him and see what the church is like.   As she shared that she went, she commented about the distance and how big the church was.  So I ask her, was it worth going to, to which she replied yes. But she also went on about how they go to a couple other churches close to home.  And her hubby likes one other especially which is very close to home.

I commented how my hubby and I used to drive 85 miles one way to go to church for about five years - to which she came back it was because we wanted to be on staff.  Which is true, and we were on staff, but only in name since we lived so far away.  We still went because we wanted to.  We stopped after about five years because I was growing weary of all the driving (I was driving about 50 miles a day M-F) on the weekends and we felt God was leading us back to Phoenix to worship.

I pause to think about her real reason for going.  I don't know why she really went.  She likes the churches closer to her; in fact, if I recall correctly, they recently 'joined' this one church nearby.  So why are they church hopping?  I don't know unless she just isn't feeling like she is getting anything from the other churches.  She knew what to expect from Pastor Steve - as I said she had listened to him on the app before.  But seeing him in action in person is pretty cool.  Not that he does anything, it is just the entire church atmosphere which is warm and inviting.  I love how they do baptisms.   That alone can turn lives around!

'Our Pastor Steve's' wife, Wanda, was at our church this morning.  It was so good to see and get to talk to her for a few minutes.  She asked how we were fitting back in where we are.  I was honest with her and told her we have tried to go slowly to get to know people who came while we were gone, but it just wasn't the same.  We want to become more involved, but we just don't feel the warmth and invitation that we had before.  Again, lots of new people have come to this church in the five years we were gone.  We still don't really know the pastor yet.  I mean, we know him, and are even in his prayer group on Sunday mornings, but we don't know him, his vision for the church.  We have gotten bits and pieces of it, but overall, we feel on the outskirts.  I suppose we should invite him over for dinner (along with his wife, of course) and just point blank ask him what his vision is and how can we support him in it.

If we lived in Indianapolis, I know that I would want to go to the church in Brownsburg, although we are church of God ministers and it isn't one of our affiliations.  But it doesn't mean they don't believe the same as we do.  Most churches, even church of God, may have a few things that they interpret a different way.  I know in my mind I am more rigid in some areas and less rigid in others.  Some pastors I raise my eyebrows at what is said and done, thinking 'no way'!  But, I am not responsible for them, I am responsible for me.

The church we are attending right now has been our church nearly since we came to Phoenix.  We love the people there and truly want to be a part of the congregation.  It just takes time to get involved the way we want to.  I have joined the leadership of women's ministry, although that has never  been my 'thing'.  I guess mainly I didn't want to be responsible for just women's ministry, but I think I will enjoy the area I am able to be a part of.  In fact, we have a meeting tonight that I will need to go to.  This women's ministry is active and alive - and I do participate in the activities.  In fact, Zumba is on Mondays at 6:30 PM and Tom makes sure it is on the calendar so that I don't forget to go as I did the first week!  I hope we can get it to grow - we have a lot of fun there. 

My area in the women's ministry is the small groups so I will get to help promote some of these.  This is my first meeting so I hope I will get a better feel of what they want - don't want to step on any toes.  I think I am just to work with the leaders of these small groups - which are not many at this point.  I can only think of maybe 3 - but will probably get a list tonight and then can work from that.  Who knows - maybe this is my calling and I don't know it!

Bottom line, it does matter where you go to church.  Yes, I said that right.  It does matter.  You want to go where you can be 'fed', but also where you can feel welcomed and part of the church body.  You want to be able to pick up the phone and share with others.  You want to be able to read on facebook those things you need to know.  Like today, another friend posted about the shocking death of another friend this morning.  I had met this person only a couple times and knew she had health issues, but still, it is always a shock to hear the family found her dead in her apartment this morning.  We use facebook and emails as a way to connect as well as study groups and other activities.  Hopefully this person was able to connect with other women (which she obviously did) who walked the journey with her.

And it isn't just about the women.  Men need to reach out to other men and mentor or be mentored by them.  Something you did before may not be where you need to be at now.  For example, previously at this church Tom was the head of men's ministry.  They immediately asked him to be on the men's ministry team - and he was for a very short while, but he felt that wasn't where he was to be and resigned.  I'm not sure if he has found his niche yet; but hopefully he will.

We all need God and we all need fellowship with other believers.  I was thinking this morning how when we got this house my thought was that we would be able to entertain others.  It hasn't happened on any large scale because, quite honestly, Tom doesn't share my love for entertaining.  It has really put a damper on using our home as a base for gatherings.  It has been his loss, for sure, and has affected me as well.  I do have a tea part planned here in December though.  Part of my women's ministry tea group.  I do love to have people over - but there always seems to be a reason why I can't invite anyone.    Enough of that!!

Bottom line - if you aren't in church, you need to find one in which you can be encouraged, loved, and able to grow spiritually.  Your children need to be in church, learning about God.  That is one thing (my opinion, yes) that has gone wrong with this world!  Men and women have turned from God and to the world to satisfy them and to meet their needs - only now the world has literally gone to hell.   Parents can not control their children because they don't control themselves.  They have never learned skills to parent their children, and they have passed that on to their children, to their children... and the end result is chaos.   When you take the Bible as your guide to teach and direct your children (true, it doesn't mean they will obey it when they get older), they stand a greater chance of being a man or woman responsible and respectful of others.  Ok, off my soapbox.

Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

As you seek a place to worship, as you go to your selected place of worship, remember it isn't about you, it is all about God.  Plan to go to church next Sunday and get your children in church.  Go to church expecting to find God.  He's waiting on you to invite Him home with you.

Blessings!

Saturday morning....

and it is another beautiful day here in Phoenix, AZ.  I know I seem to say that often, but it is a beautiful day out!  The sun is shining, the air is cool.  It's 10:30AM and I still have the back door open for fresh air.  I love it.  This is why I live in Arizona.  I love days like this.  Marley is laying at my feet (which seems to be 'as usual' most of the time) and still.

I mentioned yesterday in my blog about coordinating a walk/run on Thanksgiving morning about 7AM.  My hubby commented on it last night he wondered if any would agree to it.  I asked if he was - and I think it was very reluctant, but he said yes, he would go for a bit, but not to expect him to walk far.  He just does not like walking.  I was surprised no one responded to my email yesterday.  However, my middle child, who also does not care for walking, did comment on my blog yesterday.  Wow.  He did comment!  He also committed to walking, even if a short distance.  I'm not asking for everyone to walk five miles; I'm just asking for us to get together as a family and do something together, rather than eat, sit, and watch TV.

I wonder if I will hear from the other children/grandchildren - whether they are interested or not.  If not, that's fine.  I don't want anyone (including my middle child) to feel they HAVE to walk with us.  I know my daughter enjoys walking, my youngest son enjoys hiking so surely he can walk too.  But, it is their choice, not by obligation, but choice.  I want everyone to come with a good attitude and have fun.  They can invite friends if they want.  Once the walk is over - they go home.  Sounds simple to me!

I had a 7 year turkey in my freezer and decided to bake it yesterday.  I didn't know if it would be any good or not, but found that it was still tender and juicy.  It was a very small one, maybe ten pounds, I don't remember.  But, I made a small batch of giblet gravy and my cornbread dressing to go with it and we had a great meal, adding edamanes to go with it for color.  I called my daughter in law to see if she had left work yet, to stop by and pick up our left overs for her dinner.  I felt there would be enough left that some, if not all, the family could have.  I kept enough turkey for hubby to have today.  I've had enough.  I text'd my middle child, who loves turkey, dressing and gravy (we had talked about it the day before) to see if he was surprised.  I was disappointed he wasn't even home, but he was confident they would save him some.  There wasn't that much, and three growing boys.... I don't know if he got any or not.  I was disappointed I spoiled the surprise too.   But he surprised me.  He asked if I had thought of giving it to the youngest son.  I had, but didn't think he could drive over to pick it up.  I suppose I could have asked, but had thought of my daughter in law and thought that she might not want to cook after working all day.   Regardless, it is all gone now and my freezer drawer is empty to stock up on turkeys again this year when they go on sale.  I think this one remained fresh enough because I had bought it fresh, not frozen, and immediately froze it.  Seven years is a long time though.

Hubby is going out to paint over where Marley chewed up the house the other day.  I got some great suggestions on getting her to stop.  I think she just gets bored, even though her toys are there for her to chew on.  It's times like these I think that if we had another pet that she could play with that it wouldn't be lonely for her.  I just don't take the time to play all the time.

But I can get off here and put my tennis shoes on and take her for a walk.  We've been averaging about 3 miles; perhaps I can take her farther today and she will be too worn out the rest of the day to get into trouble.  Just kidding!  The walking will be good for me too.  Still working towards the mini-marathon in May if I get to go to Indiana.  It's hard enough to get airfare for one, but having to get it for two is more difficult; especially if the other isn't even sure they want to walk in the mini-marathon.  Guess that decision will be made by January, when I think we can sell the numbers if we aren't going.  I may hold out for I would really like to do it, even if I am only gone for the weekend.  But, sometimes I don't get to do what I want.  Isn't that the way life is sometimes.

Hope you have a good day - if it is beautiful out where you are - get out and go for a walk!  It's healthy, easy, inexpensive, and good for you!!

Blessings!

I wonder if they would do it....

I think it would be a lot of fun, and now that the grandchildren are getting older, I think they would enjoy being a part of it as well.  And friends could be invited as well.  I think it would be so fun; we could get t-shirts made up and make this an awesome fun time.  Little late for organization, but still, might be able to pull it off on small scale.  What am I talking about?

The 2012 lst Annual Forrest Family & Friends Thanksgiving Walk/Run.     Doesn't that sound pretty cool?  I've already checked out the canal map on walkrunjog.com.  It is actually 5.2 miles if you start at the beginning of the canal at 51st Ave & Cactus Rd.  If you wait until you get to the end of the fence, I think it is only 5 miles.  But, hey, what's .2 miles?   It would also depend if you stay on the top route or go up and down around the loops.

The entire walk/tun would be from 51st Avenue & Cactus to the 67th Avenue bridge and back.   It would be fun to do it early on Thanksgiving morning - like start out about 7AM and you'd be done and back home by 9AM, and that includes driving time.  Or, if you didn't want to do the 5.2, if you stop at the 59th Avenue bridge, I think that is just short of 3 miles round trip.  Great way to get an appetite worked up for Thanksgiving lunch!

I wonder if my kids would go for it!!  Maybe one or two might - just for something to do that morning.  I will have to compose and email and send it out - just to see what interest we can get.  And friends could be invited too!

What has prompted my thinking about this - again?  My brother and his wife have arranged a 5K walk/run in their neighborhood in Indiana.  They even had t-shirts made up (and I ordered one for me just because; told them I'd do the walk here).  I think it would be such fun to start our own out here.  I'm sure I'll get some flack about it... some people just don't like to walk, but I'm sure I will get some that will say they are 'in'.  If not, I may walk it myself!  Oh - and bring the dog for a good walk too!

See, this gave me something to write about today - I'm getting excited about this and want to get it pulled together.  Thanksgiving will be very quickly.  May need to think about this on New Years Day too, for those of us who do not do organized walk/runs.  Family gets together anyway - and since I do the cooking.... they can wait on me!

So what do you think?  One way to get the family doing things together - I'm sure some of the grandchildren would enjoy the walk - and it is definitely at your own pace.  There are lots of seats around should one need to stop and sit for a spell. 

I need to think this one out - and get busy on it.  Sure hope I can get a few this year.  Hope you are one of them!!

Blessings!!

A new month, a new beginning....

Yep!  I'm calling it what it is.  November 1st starts 30 days of thankfulness.  Why?  Because I said so!  No, silly, because Thanksgiving is in this month so why not start this day out with a thankful thought - and every day of this month?  I even wrote it on my mirror in the bathroom in lipstick so that I would remember, even in my toughest times, to name something that I am thankful for.

So for today, November lst, (and I may not list these every day, but starting off, here goes) I am thankful that God allowed me to take early retirement last October and have this year to play, renew friendships, renew relationships, spend time with my husband, children and grandchildren.  I've been able to volunteer more, have longer quiet times in the morning.  I've gotten Marley (yes, she is a blessing for which I'm thankful for, it's just that sometimes I like to tell her I know from where she came and she can go back....) and am getting her used to walking with me.   I've been able to go on walks in the mornings, in the evenings.  I must admit I haven't cooked like I thought I would, cleaned like I wish I would, created like I wanted - but all in all, I'm thankful and grateful for the time I've had to just 'chill'.

I'm thankful for I know that I will find a job this month.  I'm thankful that my God loves me and will always provide all that I need.  I'm thankful for children I can call at a moments notice and know that they will do what they can to help.  I'm thankful for friends who pray for me and my situations; that are my Aaron and Hur holding up my arms in my battles.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to worship and the freedom I have in going about each day.  I'm thankful I can share about Jesus (in most places) without repercussions.  I'm thankful that I have plenty that I can share with others.  I'm thankful for my health, for I am able to do many things others can not.  I'm thankful I'm alive, although many times I wish I was with Jesus, for being with Him is far greater than being here on earth.

There are many things I am thankful for - what about you?

Philippians 4:12
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

For some reason I can not find on BibleGateway the scripture I am looking for... and I don't have my Bible handy to locate it.  I'm sure it is due to the different versions saying it a different way.  Same scripture, different way of saying it.  But what I am looking for just shares about how we should be thankful in all situations, that our God provides for us whether we realize it or not.

Yes, we all go through difficult times.  But that isn't God doing that to you, it is your own, or others about you, who have created these situations.  How you react and how you work through these situations shows your thankfulness to God, who allowed these situations in your life to grow you.  Yes, grow you.  Not physically, but spiritually.  Are you turning to Him and seeking His direction in your circumstances, or are you running further away, blaming everyone else and not accepting your responsibility in working through the situation.  God doesn't bring these situations upon you to try you or to break you.  He allows these situations to grow you - and sometimes it isn't even about you.  It is about those who are affected by how you respond.  Those who depend on you are looking to you to take care of them.  Are you going to fulfill that role or give it to someone else?

Right now I just want to thank God for all that He has planned for me, good and bad.  I know I have a lot of learning yet to do, a lot of breaking down of things I hang on to.  One thing I know.  When I give these things to Him, He will walk the journey with me - up the hills and down the valleys.  I'm never walking alone.

And neither are you.  Give thanks.

Psalm 106:1
Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Blessings!