Ready or not.....

Today is my last day at work - and it will definitely be a busy one for sure!  I need to make sure I have all my work completed when I leave, and those that will be covering for me while I'm gone, have the information they need to do my job well.  It bothers me some that they pulled me off of what I had been doing and created this new team last week, knowing that I would be leaving this week.  But, they did, and I have done my best to get a flow created in this position.  It will be torn apart and changed probably many times before I return.

That's what this past week has done - changed nearly every process several times.  I know they are fine-tuning the process, but it drives me crazy for the lack of communication on what they are changing.  And why would they even think to ask my input, the one who does the job.... just commenting.

Part of me is excited about the upcoming trip, the mini, visiting with family, and yet, it's change.  I know I will have a good time, but I feel guilty about some things.  Things like knowing hubby will be 'alone' and lonely.  He isn't like me; I will call others to meet me for coffee, or lunch or whatever.  He will sit at home and be lonely.  I choose to find things to fill my time; he doesn't.  We are really opposites in that respect. 

Sometimes I'm fine being alone.  I was alone last weekend while hubby chose to be alone at a retreat.  I could have called someone to meet me, but I didn't.  I don't get much alone time and I chose to accomplish some things that I wanted to get done.  Had I gotten a phone call I would have jumped at the opportunity to get away, don't get me wrong.  I just choose not to depend on others to fill my time.  I love being with others, and enjoy my time with others.  And sometimes it is ok to just be alone.

Hubby is going back to the doctor today; some tests he had done didn't come back very well and he is afraid.  He tends to be afraid a lot so this morning in my quiet time I was looking for verses to give him to meditate on, that he will choose not to be afraid, that he will trust God for any outcome.

Reminds me of the movie Facing the Giants - one of my favorites, even though it is about football.   In this movie the question is asked, (in my words) "If God doesn't give you what you ask for, will you still love Him?"

In other words, if you pray for favor of a job and don't get it, will you still love and trust Him?  If you ask for healing, and don't get it, will you still believe in Him?  If you ask for financial blessings and don't receive it, will you still trust Him?

I will.  His Word has proven itself to me time and time again.  No, I haven't always gotten what I have prayed for, but God sees the big picture and I don't.  He knows better than I do what is needed, what I need.  He hears me, of that I have no doubt.  But His answers far exceed my requests.  I don't always get what I want, but I know beyond all doubt that I can trust Him and trust His Word for He is always faithful.  He will walk with me to the very end.

I have completed my training and am trusting God for the outcome in the marathon.  I have prayed for good weather, in spite of predicted rain for Saturday.  I am trusting in Him that if I am to walk in this mini-marathon, He will bring it all together.  Even if I walk in the rain, it will be a fun memory. 

I am hoping to weigh in this morning since I won't be here tomorrow to do so.  I jumped on my scale at home and it looks like I may have lost some ounces - hey, every little bit helps.  I was hoping to be down 15 pounds by now, but when you really don't work at it, it doesn't happen.  But I may be down at least 12 so that is a good thing.  Who knows, with all the walking this week, perhaps I can drop another pound or two by the time I weigh in next Wednesday!

And now I need to get started on a new day - lots to do and lots to finish up.  My writings for this next week may be sparotic as I am not taking my laptop with me.  I'll be able to get on my sissy's computer some so may add then.  Besides, I'll be playing!

I would appreciate prayers for hubby today as he goes to the doctor, that he will receive a good report.  I ask too that prayers for safe travel will be forthcoming for me.  And good weather for the mini!!

Blessings!

IT"S THIS WEEK!!

Only two days - today and tomorrow - and I will be packing and heading to the airport for my trip to Indiana!  I'm still excited, but after seeing, and hearing, news reports of cold temperatures (anything below 80 is cold to me) - well, 73 is still chilly and that is what it is to get to there this week.  And rain is predicted for Friday and Saturday.

But I'm going to be positive - last year rain was predicted too - instead it was, I think, 85 degrees and 90 percent humidity.   I am so looking forward to walking in the mini again, and like I have said earlier, I want to make this a yearly thing. Yes, I know it involves a trip to Indiana to do this, but it's something I can look forward to every year.  Something to train for.  A goal to set and achieve.

The next walk after this that is 'on schedule' is Thanksgiving day.  Three four family members besides me did the walk last year.  We did a basic stroll because of Marley, but even if we need to get two groups going, one at a stroll and the other at a faster pace, I want to make this a yearly thing too.  In fact, this year I'm planning to order t-shirts for those who do the walk.  We could do an 8 mile for those who want to walk fast; and a 3 mile for those who want to stroll.  We can also include friends who want to work up an appetite for their big turkey meal. 

But I'm off subject.  That is a few months away yet and we have a few holidays in before that.

It's Monday and I'm back at work - and have lots to do today and tomorrow; plus train someone to cover for me while I'm gone.

Hope to be able to weigh in tomorrow morning so that I can not miss this week; I won't be here Wednesday to weigh in.  I've been 'good' over the weekend so hopefully all that I turned down will make a difference on the scale.  Then while I'm gone I will need to watch it too.  Heck of a way to spend a vacation; watching what I eat, but I have made a determination.

WHY AM I SETTLING FOR THIRD PLACE WHEN I CAN TAKE FIRST PLACE?  Well, I think I can think first place, so why am I settling?  We are on the down side of our 14 week challenge, I think we are in the 9th week - I still have time to kick it into gear (while others are confidently slowing down) and take the lead for the finish.

I just need to apply myself and hope they don't!  I don't need to settle; I need to go for the GOLD!

And with that - I need to get off here and get started on work; overtime is going to be heavy today and tomorrow - lots to do!

Have a great day!

Blessings!

Just Marley and Me....

It's been an interesting weekend thus far.  Hubby went off on a weekend retreat and left me home with Marley.  Which isn't bad at all as next week I leave him for much longer with Marley.

Yesterday Marley and I had a good evening.  She didn't eat much and kind of hung around me.  I think she was missing hubby.  Maybe.  She kept wanting to sit in my lap.  (Is she trying to make me think that he allows that?  I know better!!)  We went to bed a little after 9PM and I tried something new.  She didn't know what to think.  I left her out of the crate.  I told her I was going to bed - and I did.  I heard her come into the room, and told her 'out' for she knows she isn't allowed in our room.  I can't break that rule too! 

I finally got up and brought her bed into the kitchen.  She didn't like that at all and refused to get on it.  Her bed was out of place and no way was she going to get on it.  So I left her alone and went to bed.  It didn't take long for me to fall asleep for I was really tired.  About 1-ish or so I woke up and went to see where Marley ended up at.  She was in her crate.  So I turned the light off and went back to bed, getting up around 5AM this morning.  About 5:30AM here she comes strolling in the back room to see what I was doing. 

It wasn't long after that I had to put her back in the crate for I was heading out for my walk with my best friend.  We did the same route we have done the past two months; the first month it was 7.52 miles.  We reversed the route and the second month it went to 7.82, I think it was.  Today we went back to the first one and again it was 7.52.  We haven't figured out the other one.  May have to try it next month.  Anyway - just under two hours we completed our 7.52 walk.  I was starving by then so glad we were at Einsteens - decided on iced green tea versus coffee!  The bacon Cheddar Egg sandwich on Asiago bagel was perfect.  After  a bit of conversation we went our separate ways.

I came home to Marley, who was glad to see me.  After letting her out for awhile I took off and did a little shopping for my trip.  Didn't find the capri exercise pants I was looking for - after three stops I quit.  I should have bought what I found in the first location.  Oh well, my sissy and I can go shopping that Thursday I get in and find what I'm looking for. 

I have turquoise tennis shoes; I need to get turquoise striped capris and shirt, don't you think?  Of course it is still cold there, I'm thinking.  I may need to take my long sweats to wear.  It could be a very difficult walk for me - for I don't do cold real well.  Although, walking will warm up my body.

My brother posted a photo of his wife today at their favorite restaurant.  She not only had on a hooded sweatshirt, she had a jacket thrown over her shoulders.   That makes me more than a little nervous!  But I'm trusting that the temperatures will be in the 70's by the time I get there.  It will be a beautiful day for a long walk.

As I mentioned in earlier posts, my job has changed at work.  I am so busy I usually end up drinking only two-three big glasses of water through out the day - rather than the 4-5 I normally drink.  I just can't believe how busy I am.  But it is a good busy, I think.  But that is why I hadn't posted the past couple days - I have been helping someone else get caught up - and needed to start work around 7-ish.  Left no time for a post.

I need to bake cookies tonight for men's ministry at church.  They are having a barbeque after church and asked women's ministry to bake cookies.  I bought a tub so will be doing that later on tonight.  The temperature was 99 degrees today so am waiting until it starts falling some.   I hate it we are already having to run our air conditioner.  No, I didn't turn it on.  Hubby turned it on some time ago.  He couldn't stand it.  I would suffer through it before I turned it on.  I just don't touch it.

Now that I have rambled for awhile about nothing I guess that I'll get off and see what else I can do.  Maybe I will get the dusting done.

Hope you have a good weekend!  It's hard to believe this time next week I will be finished walking in the One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon!  We start at7:30AM, I think - and are done by 10:30 at the latest.  Sure hope my sissy doesn't back out on me.

Blessings!

What's YOUR Testimony?

Sometimes when I read books a second or third time, I pick up something that I didn't the first time, or I find something new.  I find that happens all the time when I read the Bible.  One day I can skim over verses and it not speak to me, and later I can read over those same verses and it's like 'I didn't see this before'!  I try to read through the Bible at least once each year, so it does happen frequently.

One of the 'other' books that I'm re-reading - this time for the third time because I get so much out of it - is Mark Batterson's The 40 Day Prayer Challenge "Draw the Circle".  Every time I read it I get something out of it. 

That is what is on my mind this morning, and I may have written about this before.  But even if I have, perhaps what I share today about my thoughts on it will be something new.

Day 32 - Get a Testimony.  It's based on the scripture in Revelations 12:11:

                                              "They triumphed over him
                                                   by the blood of the Lamb
                                                   and by the word of their testimony."

When God answers one of our prayers, no matter how big it is, or how small it is, we need to share that testimony with others.  It's a stewardship issue.  It isn't bragging about what you got, or bragging that things fell in to place, or that you got a better job, or that you won a game.  Giving testimony is the way we give God all the glory.  Don't say 'I did this' or 'I did that', for you are taking God's glory - and NOT a wise thing to do. It is being prideful.  Instead, when you have an answer to a prayer or special favor, praise God and tell others of the wonderful things God has done for you.

Why do we need to share it?  Because others need to hear it.  They need to be encouraged in their own walk and encouraged to remain steadfast, no matter what they are going through.  And even in the tough times, they have their own testimony, for they get through each day.

Jesus broke the curse of sin so that we can break the cycle of sin.  We seal that victory of Jesus triumphing over the enemy by the shedding of His blood on Calvary's cross.  Our testimonies don't remind us that the victory has already been won, (I read the end of the Book - WE WIN), but they remind the enemy that he has been defeated.

When we share God's faithfulness, His grace, His mercy, we are loaning our faith to others.  When we listen to a testimony, we are borrowing faith from others.  We are rejoicing with those who rejoice, just as they rejoice with us when we share our testimonies.

A first-person witness is more credible because they are either in the story, or they have seen it happen first hand.  A second-hand story is like hearsay.  You heard about it, you didn't see, nor experience it.  It's kind of like going on a date.  You can take your spouse out on a date and share where you went, what food you ate, where you sat, what you discussed, and so on.  You were there, you know all about the evening.  So you share something funny that was said that night to another person.  They enjoyed the story so much they share it with someone else.  But they weren't there.  They don't know if they are telling it right.  They don't know how it fit into your conversation, nor how those actually involved responded.  They can only tell about.  They 'borrow' your excitement, your joy, your laughter.  But the greater excitement and  joy and laughter - was yours.  It was your testimony of a great evening.

When God does something supernatural for us, or blesses us however He chooses, we need to share His goodness and faithfulness.  Whether it is in answer to an unspoken prayer or a spoken request.  We need to share every day His faithfulness to us.

I have prayed for miracles, I have seen miracles happen.  Even when they don't happen the way I think they should, I can still give God the glory in answer to my prayers.  I pray for lots of things - I've prayed for healing in friends, but don't see it happen.  I can still give God glory for it because through disease and death, God has touched lives that I'm not even aware of.

I have prayed for supernatural financial blessings - and have been the recipient of God's mercy and favor.  When I think I am ready to hit bottom, I have felt His hand pick me up, dust me off, and set me on my feet.

There comes a point when you will grow weary of hearing other people's stories.  You need a story of your own.  It's got to have your name on it.  You've got to see it, hear it, taste it, feel it, touch it, and smell it for yourself.  You need to go get a testimony, and then you need to share it.

How nice!  I have received two notes, one just right now.  This one is from our director.  "Just wanted you to know that having you on our team makes all the difference.  It truly is a pleasure to work with you.  Thank you for all you do.  Diane."    I received one the other day that was from my supervisor.  "I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for all the extra hard work you do  to keep us "in compliance"!  Thanks, too, for always looking to see where you can help others and make a difference!  Sincerely, Mary."

Yeah, I have those where I can re-read them occasionally when things get really hectic.  I may not always keep them out where I can see them, but for now, that is where they are.  They are encouraging to me - and since I have experienced the receipt of them, it is first-hand.  Some day things get pretty crazy - yesterday was one of them.  Sometimes just a kind word is needed to encourage and uplift.  It helps you get through the tough times.

What's your testimony?  Did you lose a pound or more the last time you got on the scale?  Did you work out just a little bit more than you thought you could?  Did you find your strength has increased?  Did something special happen that you weren't expecting?  Did your children get an award? Testimonies.

Be ready and willing to share yours.  Encourage others by your testimony.  If you can have them, so can they.

Blessings!

It's nice to be appreciated.....

This week is Employee Appreciation Week.  Instead of just celebrating the Administrative Professionals on Wednesday (their set holiday), this company prefers to celebrate everyone all week.  Yesterday my supervisor passed out really nice notes to everyone, personal notes.  Mine read "I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for all the extra hard work you do to keep us 'in compliance'!  Thanks, too, for always looking to see where you can help others and make a difference."   It was nice to receive.

We also have a bulletin 'wall' on which colorful index cards are written on and pinned.  Things like, 'Barbara, thank you for your patience in answering my questions' and 'Thank you Barbara and Betty for handling the expedites while I was on vacation'.  Then there are the funny ones 'Thank you Betty for making the sun shine and us giggle here in the busy times'  (she really does do that - she cracks me up some days with her comments.  She'll be talking with a provider, mute the phone and make some comment before continuing the call.  And she is usually loud enough EVERYONE can hear her.

Actually, everyone can just about hear everyone no matter how soft you talk.  I hear one two cubicles over from me when she's on the phone.  And I know they hear me, although I try to talk softly.  The other day I had to make a call to a member with a denial.  I got through the little comments I had to make, and got off the phone.  One of my co-workers who at that time was 3 rows over, hollers out, that was so cool - "thank you for choosing....". 

Yesterday though two of my co-workers gave me a nice compliment.  As we sit fairly close now, they really do hear what I have to say on the phone.  When I hung up from one member, one of them commented that I am the perfect person for the job of calling the members for my voice is soft and light, and friendly, not loud and hard (definitely not loud!).  We have some here that speak VERY loudly so everyone definitely hears what they are saying.  But it still puts me out of my comfort zone.  Especially when I have to tell someone their request is denied for whatever reason.

Anyway - back to Employee Appreciation Week.  Yesterday we did the index cards and wrote nice things.  Today is free jean day (no, not free jeans, but we can wear jeans without paying to wear them) and we were to wear a Hawaiian shirt (which I remembered the jeans and forgot the shirt).  Tomorrow is NERD day - we can wear jeans and dress like a NERD.  No thank you.  I won't even wear jeans tomorrow for it is weigh in day and I don't want the extra weight of the jeans.  Thursday is another free jean day and they have some game planned about 'getting to know you' scavenger hunt.  Like who has time for that?  Not our department!  Friday is jeans for charity again - which means we can wear jeans (as on every Friday) but we pay $2 and the money collected goes to a charity each month.

It's nice to be appreciated.

We took hubby out for dinner last night with family.  It is such a joy for me to get all the children and grandchildren together and really have time together.  For family gatherings at our daughter's house, the kids go to the computers, the adults gather around the television or kitchen table.  We're together - but not together.  Last night was really nice, I think.  The kids were down at one end of the long tables, laughing and cutting up amongst themselves.  Us adults were able to chat and actually hear one another.  We actually were 'family'.  And it was nice.  I think he appreciated the attention.  I had a blast going around to each one and taking my picture with them.  I posted some of them on facebook last night - most I look horrible in, but it's not about me.  It's about a memory with those I love.

So what are you appreciative about?  Take some time to tell those closest to you how much you appreciate the things they do - for you and for your family.  You will be glad you did.

Blessings!

I've Moved, Hubby's birthday, and other thoughts.....

First of all, I've moved.  No, not out of the house, but my desk here at work.  My job got officially changed this past weekend from a 'regular worker' to a 'specialized worker'.  No, it doesn't make a difference in pay.  But it does mean that God has answered my prayer for favor here at work.  He has shown me favor by giving me a specialized assignment.  I was (nearly) always out of work and having to ask others for work to do.  It was frustrating me to have to continually ask  for work from others when there was so much work to be done and I couldn't get much to do.  In this new position I will be dealing ONLY with a certain business unit.  Unfortunately, it will also get me out of my comfort zone for I will be having to call these members when we not only approve their doctor's request for different things (MRIs, PT/OT, etc) but I will also have to call and tell them when we deny it.  I had to make about 8 such calls last week.  All went fairly well, but one, and I had to listen and then continue on with my blurb about if you want to appeal, please call.....  and so on.  Hopefully I won't have many of those.  And I should always have work to do.  This morning it will be just trying to get a flow going on how to complete these tasks I must do and figure out what to do when.

And today is hubby's 76th birthday.  I gave him a couple books we had discussed last week that he wanted to take a look at.  I was already on Amazon on my Kindle Fire and we were talking about the books - so I just went ahead and ordered them right then and there.  They arrived Saturday so I was able to give them to him first thing this morning.  He wants a new pair of tennis shoes too, so if the kids don't give him money or gift card to apply towards them, I'll get them for him. We are meeting the rest of the family at Old Country Buffet at 6:30PM tonight to celebrate his birthday.  I always enjoy getting the family together for any reason, and this is a valid one.  Don't get much 1:1 time, but I do enjoy just being with the children and grandchildren.  Fun times.

Less than two weeks before the One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon.  I haven't gotten the walking in that I did last year, but I feel that I have gotten in enough that I will be ok.  I'm meeting a friend on Saturday morning and we are walking the 7.75 miles that we have walked the past couple months.  It will be a good start and hopefully we'll get a short walk in before the mini after I arrive in Indiana just to warm the bones back up.  I am looking forward to doing this with my little sister.  It will be her first time.  We are hoping to make this a yearly things for us to do as 'sisters'.  With living apart like we do, doing anything together is difficult.  Now I need to find something out here to get her to come out for and do with me.

Lots of things going on in my life right now with the changes here at work, planning the trip to Indiana, trying to come up with a good study to facilitate at church this fall, and just life itself.  Every day I bring my day before God and ask Him to walk me through it - help me to let go of the things that I don't need to do, but remind me of what I do need to accomplish and help me to get the job done.  Martin Luther once said that he had so much to do that if he didn't spend at least 3 hours in prayer before the start of each day, he'd never get it accomplished.

I feel the same way, but I don't spend three hours in prayer before I leave.  I wish I had the time to do that, but the hour I spend reading my Bible and in prayer in the mornings is about all I can get done - besides the quick prayers I do throughout the entire day.  And yet, I know that I God walks me through each day, because I ask Him to. 

So how is your Monday looking?  Pretty scattered and busy?  Take some time to take a deep breath and ask God to put it all into focus and let it all fall into place.  He will, you know.  Sometimes you just need to ask Him.  Have a great Monday!

Blessings!!

Believing God....

in the good times and in the bad, I believe God will answer our prayers.  I believe that He will provide for our needs.  I believe that He is always faithful, that He will always walk with us throughout whatever journey we are on.

I have been praying for a friend recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  She is scheduled for surgery this afternoon.  I asked God earlier this week that they would do another test prior to the surgery and she would be declared cancer free.  I didn't know whether they would do a test or not, but I hear this morning they are going to do some test on her this morning, with the surgery later on.  Is this in answer to my prayer and that they will find her cancer free?  I don't know.  I do know that I'm trusting God; that He will decide the outcome of this test, that if she must have surgery, He will guide the doctors in all they do.  And I'm believing that God will answer my prayers for my friend.

I have also been praying for favor here at work.  I enjoy what I currently am doing, but I pray every day that I will remember every step of every thing I need to do, that I will do my work completely and accurately.  I pray for favor that I can do everything well.  Yesterday I was called into my director's office.  She asked me 'what do you do?' and I proceeded to tell her what I could think of.  She then advised that there were going to be some changes made and we were going to have a specialized team put together to focus on one type of members.  She wanted me to be on this team.  I was curious what that meant so was glad she continued a little further.  I will be taken off of what I am currently doing and be given new responsibilities.  It kind of sounds like I will be having more contact with some of our members on a telephone basis.  A little out of my comfort zone, but I believe, again, that God will give me what I need to do this part well. 

I don't know much of what it is about, this change.  We have to work tomorrow (Saturday) and I have heard they plan to have a meeting on this tomorrow to tell us all, and that it is effective Monday morning.  It should make for an interesting day.

Yesterday my supervisor and I were sending IM messages back and forth and at one point she commented that 'there are changes coming down the road that affect me'.  Thank goodness this was after my meeting with my director so I knew something and didn't need to feel uneasy.  I decided to play like I didn't know what she was talking about, for I don't really know what it is all about.  So I just commented 'Oh, O...K....'.  She didn't respond with anything else, so a little later I added to that, "I've been praying for favor with my job".  She responded with 'Then you need to start thanking Him'.    That really made me take notice.  I now really wonder what they have planned for I haven't been given much information thus far.

I hope they don't give me a lot to do right away - I go on vacation May 1 and who is going to do it while I'm gone?   Perhaps this is just for me to get it organized.  I'm honored they selected me to work with this new team.  I don't even know who is going to be on this team.  I'm excited I get to learn something new.  I have always believed God directed me to this company for all this, whatever is ahead of me.  It's going to be a ride.

So what are you believing God for this morning?  Sit back and close your eyes.  Whether you believe in God and in His love for you or not, sit back and think of all He has done for you.  He has provided what you need each day.  You wake up every morning to a new day.  He gives you each day as a 'do over'.  He knows when you need help; many times He is just waiting for you to ask Him to intervene.  Sometimes He lets you hit bottom, so that He can help you up.

Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

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."

 

What - or WHOM - are you believing in?

 

Blessings!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Coach Called!

Coach Olivia called me this morning to check in and see how I am doing.  I love how I am being held accountable and yet not 'bugged' about eating healthy and exercising.  Last time I talked with her was 4 weeks ago.  We have scheduled again 4 weeks out.

Our conversation centered around my exercise for the mini, as I had told her last time we talked, my focus for now has to be on the mini, and not on anything else.  Unfortunately, my walking certainly hasn't been up to the par it was last year, when I wasn't working.  But I do try to keep moving and do walk whenever and wherever I can.  Even walking slowly is walking.  I park at the top of the ramp in the parking lot here at work, at the far end, so that I can get the back of my legs stretched as I walk up  and head towards the van.  Granted it isn't far, and it only takes about 5 minutes to get there, depending on how fast I walk, it is exercise.  I am moving.  I take the stairs up the one flight to our floor here at work.  I do what I can to get some walking in.  I do 'long' walks once or twice a month, which is about all I can fit in at this time.

We also talked about the challenge I wanted to give to my children to lose 10% of their body weight by Christmas.  She asked how that was going.  I had to tell her 'I don't know' for I chose that the children did not have to tell me they were in the challenge; I want them to do this without any pressure.  If they succeed in losing 10% by Christmas, they will gain $100.  If not, I gain the $100 I was planning to give them.  It's their choice.  I'm thinking of including a couple of the grandchildren if they would be interested.  If nothing else, perhaps it would help us all eat more healthy - or at least smaller portions of those things we have no control over.  After all, some of us have to eat what someone else fixes for the family, it doesn't mean we don't get to eat, we just eat a smaller portion.

I was also excited to tell her how much weight I have lost since March 6 - I have lost 11.6 pounds!  And I do not feel deprived either.  I allow myself at least one 'cheat' meal a week and I watch my portion sizes.  All but one week I have lost something.  One pound this week, and I'm wanting to kick in some extreme walking so that I can drop another next week.  I'm afraid I'm going to start plateau-ing.  I'm loving how I'm feeling and seeing my body start to change and my clothes get a bit looser.  It's a good feeling.  Even with these eleven pounds it feels good my waistband isn't cutting into my belly.

My coach was so encouraging and positive in what I have already accomplished and am going to accomplish.  It helps to have someone walk with you through the journey.  Someone who won't watch every step you make, but encourage you on the ones you do make.

I think I would make a good coach.  I want to give people freedom to choose, but be available to share their positive accomplishments and get an 'atta boy' out to them and when they struggle, be there to encourage them to 'forget what is behind them, but press on towards the goal'.

Have you set a goal yet?  How you doing with it?  Forget what happened yesterday, what are you going to change for today?

Blessings!

Horror and Tragedy

Yesterday, April 15, 2013, was Patriot's Day in Boston, Massachusetts.  Yesterday horror and tragedy unfolded as I watched the replay of two explosions going off around the finish line of the 26 mile Boston Marathon.  People were killed; many, many more were injured.  Many had body parts severed.  Why is the United States so hated that people, especially of other nationalities, will seek to kill or harm us?

The United States is the first one to respond to any country for any tragedy - and yet in return, we are beaten, bruised and despised.  Our people are tortured, beaten, and killed.  And for what.  It makes no sense to me.

Other than the fact that God has turned His back on the United States because of what it has become.  We were founded on the Bible and the principles of God.  The men and women who came over on the Mayflower to start a new life, were actually running for their lives due to prosecution in England over their belief in God.  They dedicated this magnificent county to God and prayed He would always protect her.  And protect her God did over the years. 

But also over the years the people in this magnificent country have turned away from what is good and have turned to evil.  They covet each other's property.  They lie, they steal.  They stretch the truth to make themselves look good.  They worship money and other things, putting idols before God.  They have turned to homosexuality, which is vile in God's eyes.  They turn to other sexual sins including pornography.  They have done far worse than any of the Israelites did in the eyes of God.  And He has turned away for He can not look upon sin.

That isn't to say that for us that do pray for this country, for each other, and for ourselves, that He doesn't hear us.  He does hear us, when there is no sin in our lives.  He does act on our behalf, but sometimes He says 'wait'.  And sometimes He says 'no'.  But sometimes He does say 'yes'.  It isn't fate; sometimes He wants us to depend upon Him to provide.  Not just what we need physically, but what we need spiritually.

The thought has occurred to me of how many of the people injured - or killed - were ready to die?  Did they know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?  Or was He just the guy who hung on a cross?   Those who had limbs severed - where will they draw their strength to survive?  Will they give up in depression over their personal loss?  Or will they look at a person who has no arms and no legs and be grateful they still have what they have - LIFE and Limbs - and see how they can touch other lives.

Will some become motivational speakers who choose to speak positively about what happened to them and how it turned their life around?  Or will they become addicted to pain killers, depression meds, or other things, trying to forget the horror of the day?

I can not answer any of the questions.  My heart and my prayers go out to each and every one affected by the explosions.  I pray for healing, not only physically, but spiritually.  I pray that eyes will be opened; God has saved them for a reason.  It only takes one person to make a difference for good.

May God forgive the United States for turning their back on Him; may we fall to our knees and ask for forgiveness.  Not only for ourselves, but for those who choose the wrong path.  For those who hurt us.

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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Pray for the families of those injured and killed, as well as those who were injured in this terrible tragedy.

Blessings!

Caught in the Act of Doing Good!!

Usually when we are caught in the act of doing something, it is usually something we shouldn't be doing.  Like sneaking into the refrigerator for that last piece of chocolate cake (not in my house, though, there is never any there - and if there is chocolate, there is none left over), trying to play games on the computer when you should be in bed, sneaking and wearing an outfit - or makeup - that we aren't supposed to wear.  Lots of other things too.

Reminds me of the time when I was about 15 or so and my older sister still lived at home.  She was a professional so her clothes were very nice.  I decided one day, after she left for work, that I would wear one of her sweaters to school.  If my memory serves me correctly, it was a pink cashmere.  I sometimes wore the initial N as a pin, and on this day I did so.  When I got home from school I carefully hung it back up exactly as I had taken it off the hanger.

When my sister came home she went into her room and came back out to ask me, "Did you wear my sweater today?"  I probably denied it, trying to look innocent, but it was a lost cause when she showed it to me with my initial N still on the sweater.  Busted.

This morning I brought some tomatoes and Italian squash into the office for anyone who wanted any as Saturday was Market on the Move and I got a case of each.  I had already pulled some out for our neighbors and I canned 8 quarts and 9 pints of the cucumbers as well.  I was 'done' with the extra.  I have a director who doesn't get down this way often so I bagged a few tomatoes and squash up and took down to her office and put on her desk.  I saw her water bottle sitting there so, knowing she was coming in early today as she had called a meeting at 7:45AM, I decided to surprise her and just fill it up with ice and water.  She would never know it was me, for I wasn't going to tell her.  Well, when I took the water to her office, she was sitting at her desk.  I stopped at the doorway and just said 'busted'!   She thanked me, of course, and I told her that if she hadn't been in there I would never have told her.  Usually two other women hover over her and do things for her.  They weren't here, the opportunity was there, so I did it.

I like doing nice things for people.  I enjoy bringing a smile to their face.  I love seeing their outlook on the day change because someone did something nice for them.   Sometimes we DO hold the key on how people will get through the day.

Do you yell at your child as they get ready and head out the door for school?  That affects them the rest of the day.  It depresses them, and makes them feel unloved, unworthy.  You have ruined the day for them.

However, if you say nice things, and compliment them, they will go to school with their head held high, ready to conquer the world.  You have made their day complete with your words and actions.

A friend years ago once told me that MY attitude set the attitude for the entire office.  It is something I've never forgotten.  If I come in to work with a smile, and a 'good morning' to everyone, then we all have a good day (and yes, it works for them too).  It isn't my job to make their day better, but it is my job to keep my attitude and actions and words in check.

I didn't have a great childhood growing up; much I don't remember for I learned to separate myself from life.  I used to say I grew up with two personalities - one for home in which I was the bookworm escaping from the life around me - and one for school, in which I was open and friendly and likable.  I didn't feel liked at home.  I lived that way for years.

My challenge to you today is to do something anonymously today for someone.  If you get caught in the act - great!  If not, pat yourself on the back, you done good.

Whether or not I get caught, I choose to do good for others.  I always pray that God would use me to touch someones life each day, whether it be by a kind word, or a kind act.

I challenge you to get caught in the act of doing good today!

Blessings!!

New stuff....

My new glasses came in yesterday.  Right now I'm feeling a bit disappointed in them.  Both pairs.  One pair was an old frame with the lens changed out for some that will make my staring at the computer much easier on the eyes.  I have them on now.  Right now I don't like them.  Yes, I can see a little clearer with them, but it's still fuzzy. 

My other new glasses are progressive lens.  I had them before and didn't like them very much.  I only wear my glasses when I'm driving, going to the movies, or need to see in a meeting a whiteboard.  I don't wear glasses to read, preferring to read without anything on my eyes.  I put them on at the eye doctor's office yesterday and was completely disappointed in them.  I didn't realize they were ordering progressive (I wasn't asked, nor did I inquire), not that I would have said anything - I always trust my doctor to order me what I need.

In fact, I rarely wear my glasses, other than circumstances I've listed above.  On Sundays and on shopping trips I usually like to wear my contact as I see better.  If I shop with glasses on, I have to take the glasses off so that I can see the price tag.  With my contact I don't as I only wear the one on the left.  I know, I'm 'unique'.

My eyes are extremely tired - eye strained - from spending hours in front of two computer screens working.  I wore my new glasses to our group study last night and afterwards we stopped at Whataburger cause we hadn't eaten.  I walked in and the light was so bright against my eyes I could barely see.  I have had this problem since coming to work here.  I have two computer screens, I have a ceiling light just in front of me, plus the windows showing above the cubicle wall.  Oh, and let's not forget the air vent that blows in my face just enough to dry my eyes out.

I was hoping the new glasses would help; now I'm not so sure.  But, I will give them a try.  Sometimes we have to use what we have for awhile to see if our eyes will adjust.  If they don't - well, I'm not sure what I'll do.  I have through the weekend to make a decision on the progressive lens. They said they would do one of two things; change to a single lens or do a line bifocal.  I told them I would try through the weekend to see if they will work.  Of course I obviously paid more (which they will not refund) for the progressive - so since I had them before, may just keep what I've paid for and use them.  After all, I do not wear them often, preferring to go without anything.

Getting new glasses is like getting a new life.  In a way, it is a new lease on life.  With new glasses I can see things more clearly and participate in more things for I can see what they are.  With glasses I can drive and see where I'm going (which is always helpful). 

With a new life, well, it is also a new 'lease on life'.  You look at things differently.  Your attitude is different.  You want to be involved and do new things, because you want to.  Everything is different.

Mark Batterson said this in his book, The Circle Maker:  "We don't see the world as it is; we see the world as we are."

What are you seeing today?  Is it a reflection of your attitude; or is it what it is really is.  Everything is dark and gloomy when life is tough, or sad, or overwhelming.  Change your attitude and you can change your perspective of life around you. 

Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.  ~~ The Bible.

Blessings!

What have I done???

YIPES!!   I finally went to my director yesterday and asked if I could 'own' something of our work.  Her response was 'you do already', and she started telling me what I 'owned'.  I had to correct her a couple times for I certainly did not 'own' these specific things for my coworker controlled what work I got.  She didn't like that.  I was to be getting these things and wasn't.  I noticed she called my coworker into her office after me.  I hope I didn't stir the pot!

So this morning I come into the office and proceed to bring up my computer.  Out of curiosity I checked my 'rightfax' folder.  OH NO!!  Me and my big mouth!  I have 31 outpatient faxes to work on - many of which I do not know how to do them.  AND I have 13 inpatient admits to process as soon as I get finished with this blog.

Was I wrong in going to my director and asking for more work?  No, I don't think so.  I am being paid to work, and I often get everything completed and have to literally beg for work to be given to me, only to get it piecemeal.  Others around me are on overload.  That isn't right and I want to do my share.  We are already short staffed so someone needs to step up and do something.

I was also told they have another project they plan to give me.  I don't really want it - but if they do, I don't have any choice.  I don't like talking with the members but they are going to have me call the members and ask them specific questions.  Like I want to do that.  I don't talk on the phone that much, preferring to email or text.  Who has time to call?  Oh well, I have a job and if that is what I am given to do, I will do it to the best of my ability.

So I now question myself with 'what have I done?' because I have so much to do.  Wow.  I am going to have to learn how to do a lot of things that I don't know how to do today.  I prefer it one at a time - not several different things all at once.  It is going to be a long, long day.

Hope that you have a good day.  I need to get to work.  Coworkers have already started to arrive - and they keep interrupting me anyway.

Blessings!

Three more weeks!

Three weeks from today and I head to Indiana for a week!  I hadn't realized how close it was getting as I have been planning on this trip since about November.   On my way in to work this morning I was thinking about my trip and when it was - and the realization sunk in.  At least I don't have much preparation to do for it.  In fact, I don't even plan to pack until the morning of.   I don't need to be at the airport until mid afternoon so will have plenty of time.

Been trying to sort through my mind on where I'm staying when.  With the mini-marathon on Saturday and the fact I am walking with my little sissy, ensures that I will be staying with her for sure Friday evening and Saturday.  I'll go between her and my older brother to stay as my older sister and younger brother have no room.  Which is a good thing; I really don't like going from one place to another; I always leave something behind!

Today is weigh-in day!  I got on my scales at home and it shows that (undressed) I have lost a little over two pounds this week.  But my scales don't count - the scales here at work do.  At least I can feel confident that I will lose something.  My scales can't be that far off - both scales are digital so should be close.  I wore the lightest outfit I could find.  I've already taken off my jewelry cause it is heavy.  Every ounce adds up!  I can remember when my little sissy and I, in our much younger years, would take off all jewelry (at the doctor's office) and hair pins, chewing gum - anything that would cause an ounce to go up.   Now it doesn't matter as much - we're both older and bigger than we were then.

I'm glad I'm losing the weight a pound or two a week for that allows me to keep it off.  It isn't because I ate a light dinner, it is because I've tried over several days to watch what I eat.  Unfortunately, this past week I haven't even walked any distance, which bothers me.  But, plan to get some good walking in some time this coming weekend.  Maybe tonight, but am not sure.  I never know anymore if I have to work some time over here at work.  I never stay as late as the others but sometimes I need to stay a hour or so.

Don't have anything to really share for today so guess this one will be short.  Oh wait - here's the scripture verse for today. 

Luke 22:31  "Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat, but I have pleaded in prayer for you."

That verse speaks volumes.  This morning as I drove the 21 miles to work I was praying for some sick friends, family members, my spouse, my children.   I hadn't thought specifically about that verse at that time, but in retrospect I can see how Satan has tried to intervene in all our lives.  He does it by planting seeds of desire, seeds of guilt, seeds of envy, seeds of lewdness, seeds of rebellion, seeds of discontent, seeds of need, seeds of sickness, and so many more. 

This is where prayer comes in.  We have to always be alert to what the enemy is trying to do in us, through us, and through those closest to us.  Our attitudes affect and influence others, as theirs do us.  If we allow the enemy to get a foothold, it will be easier for him to drop other seeds in us and make us his disciples, rather than belonging to Christ.

Sometimes life is a battle.  We must be alert to what we see, what we desire, and how we influence others around us.  Especially by what we post on facebook!  Just had to throw that in.  What we do and what we say defines who we are.  It shows how much respect you have for yourself - and for others.  If you do things you know you shouldn't be doing, well, I'll leave that alone for you to figure out.  I am not condemning anyone.  I am holding you accountable to being the man or woman of God He created you to be.

With that - I need to get off here and go weigh in!  Have a blessed day!!

Blessings!

Our Job....

My daughter-in-law posted on facebook six hours ago - wow, what was she doing up at 1AM?? - and I love the posting she commented on.  It's a statement by Max Lucado.

Your job is not to bear fruit.  Your job is to cling to Jesus.  He is the vine, you are the branch.  Hold on to Him and fruit will happen.

John 15:1-17

The Vine and the Branches

 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. ¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other."

How many times do we try to do things in our own way - and fail?  We think that if we just ask for something 'in Jesus' Name' that it will happen.  But we don't abide in Him, so how can we ask in His Name when we don't even know Him?  How many times do we have to try before we will finally 'own up' that we can't do it in our own power?  Even if we succeed in what we are doing - is the result truly what we sought after, if we did it in our own power?

Some people do the 'name it claim it' game when they read verse 7 - when they read the 'ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you' part.  They seem to think that if they get up and go to church on Sundays, and maybe even give a little tithe here and there, that whatever they ask of God, He will give it to them.

NOT.  Or perhaps I should say, not always.    There is more to the entire scripture.  Jesus says that God, as the gardener, cuts off every vine that doesn't bear fruit.  If all you are doing is meeting your needs, God doesn't see that you are a part of the Branch.  As a bush, or a tree, gets pruned, God cuts those people off who claim to 'know' Him, but do not live in Him.

It's more than doing for others when they are in need.  It's more than throwing a few dollars in the offering plate - or even giving your 10% when the plate comes around.  It's all about how you live.  Are you living and walking in truth?  Can people look at your life and see Jesus entwined in it?   Not just when you are at church or with church people, but when you are at work; when you are just with your family; your spouse; your children.  They look at you, they watch you - do they see Jesus in you?

I pray for forgiveness every day - and sometimes throughout the day if I feel I need to.  Why?  Because I am not perfect.  I know I fail many times in people seeing Jesus in me.  I let my attitude get the best of me, or my anger (righteous or otherwise), my indifference, my pain, my sorrow.  I let life get the best of me sometimes.  I confess that.  I sometimes feel I may as well give up, for I just can't seem to get it right.  Then I realize more often than not, that I try to do it in my own power, instead of adhering to the Branch and holding on to what He has to give me - a life giving source.

I don't want to be perfect, I want to be a vine secured to the Branch.  I want the sap that runs through the veins of the Branch to flow into me.   I want to be available to whatever He desires of me, and go wherever He wants me to go.  There is a song that has been going through my mind this morning - the verse goes something like this - "Where You lead me, Lord, I will follow; Where You send me, Lord, I will go".   I often wonder what that would entail.  I say it - but would I?  I know that He would never lead me nor send me where He was not able to keep me.   I wish those closest to me would believe that too.  I just keep telling myself, 'maybe, someday....'.

It isn't about what we do, how many people we help, how much money we give away or even tithe.  What does matter is if we are clinging to Jesus, our Branch of Life.  Where are you in relation to the Branch?  Have you been pruned from the Branch and want to be grafted back in?  You can be, you know.  Just ask Him.

Blessings!

When God wakes me up.....

I don't like it when I wake up on my own in the middle of the night.  I really don't like it when it is because of something I've done and God has brought it back to mind, forcing me to deal with it, whether I was right or wrong.  And it grieves me when I wake up for other reasons beyond my control.  God woke me up at 2:15AM this morning to pray for my children.  He wouldn't let me go back to sleep, so I finally got up at 3AM and went to my 'quiet room' to pray and read. 

Sometimes we do things that we don't see anything wrong with.  Or, sometimes we know it is wrong and yet we do it anyway.  What you do is between you and God.  But have you ever thought of the things that you do that influences others?

Sometimes others don't know that you have done something until you post it on facebook.  Then everyone that you know - and don't know but are connected to by other people and their 'likes' or posts - knows what you have done.  They know if you are faithful to who you say you are - or that you are a hypocrit.  That's the part that grieves the heart of God.  He wants us to be faithful to Him at all times, in all parts of our lives. 

I John 2:6 says "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."    I can't find the version I was looking for that says it more plainly.... "Whoever says that they live in Him, must walk as Jesus walked."

If you are claiming to be a Christian and do not walk as Jesus did, and are not obedient to our Heavenly Father and His laws, you are a hypocrit.  There are no wavy lines. 

True, Jesus did make wine, and He did drink wine.  We are not told to not drink wine.  We are told not to drink to excess.  Why?  Because then you lose control and do stupid things.  See, it is for our own benefit.

We are told not to lust after other women (or men) because that is the same as committing adultery with them in your mind.

We are told not to covet after things other people have, because it will consume us.

We are told not to make any idol, or place anything before God.  That includes money, things, entertainment, people.  

We are told we are to live a rightous life, faithful and true to the One True God and His Only Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.  How can we resist the things of this world?  By the Holy Spirit living in us.

Things that you think you are doing 'innocently' influences others and can be your downfall.  People lose respect for you.  They don't want to be around you, for a man is known by those he keeps company with.  They don't want their families around you for fear you will influence them badly. Yes, Jesus went around sinners, however, He was there to show them the right way to live.  He wasn't there to judge them and condemn them, but to show them LIFE.  He didn't participate in their sinful activities.  He showed them the way out.

I am not judging what was done.  I would not even be mentioning it or thinking about it, other than the fact that God woke me up at 2:15 AM to deal with it.   I've brought it before Him in prayer; and I'm trusting in Him to guide me if I should say anything or if I have done what He wants me to do.  Pray.

How are you living your life?  Are you a disappointment to your children, your spouse?  To yourself?  Do you think you are 'doing ok'?  That all your good stuff far outweighs the bad?   Have others who claim to belong to Jesus influenced you by doing things you know is not Christ-like?  Do you feel that is your 'permission' to live a double life?

How do YOU feel about those who claim to be a Christian, and yet their behavior does not project it?  I know how I feel; I am uncomfortable around them.  I don't want to judge them, for I don't want my life to be judged either.  I fail, often.  More often than even I want to admit.  God usually wakes me up in the middle of the night to set me straight.  Or, a friend will confront me and help me to see what I said or did that was not Christ-like.  Or I can always depend on my spouse to let me know.

Who you say you are and what you do, how you behave, where you go - should all line up.  If it doesn't, are you living a lie?

I leave you with these questions.....  "If Jesus spent the day with you, (and He does, when you invite Him to) would you take Him everywhere you go?  Would you do everything that you do?  Would you be embarrassed or ashamed and not want Him to know?" 

Think on these things.

Blessings!

Slow Saturday....

I awoke at 4:58AM and jumped out of bed this morning thinking 'Oh Man!  I didn't set my alarm!'  Then the thought occurred to me that I wore jeans to work yesterday (Fridays are usually $2 jean day.  We pay $2 to wear jeans and the money goes to a charity each month) so that meant today was Saturday, and I usually don't have to set my alarm for Saturday.  So I went back to bed for about a half hour.

After my quiet time this morning I actually cooked breakfast.  Hadn't done that for a little while; looking at the clock right now and seeing it is close to 11:30 I probably ought to be considering fixing lunch.  Anyway, I cooked breakfast, after which we took Marley over to the vet to get weighed and pick up her heartworm pills for the next six months.  After that we took Marley to the dog park and let her run around around for about ten-fifteen minutes before we loaded her back up and brought her home.

We have our daughter-in-law's dad's memorial service today at two so haven't really planned anything else.  I had wanted to go walk this morning, but without the dog, which means hubby would walk with me.  He doesn't like to walk and he didn't want to walk this morning as he felt it would rush us too much.  (Huh?  we had at least 4 hours, but whatever).  He has offered to walk this afternoon AFTER the funeral, and I know it will be too hot for him, but he says he will do it.  I'll probably end up on the treadmill as it will probably be a short walk.  It's thrown my entire day off for I would have rather do it this morning and be done with it.  We could have gotten ten miles in easily and without it being in the heat of the day.

He doesn't want to walk the canal as it is too boring.  Therefore, I suggested I find a route that we will walk on the streets.  I don't think he will like it either.  It is much safer at the canal than it is walking down the street.  Plus we have to breathe all the car fumes.  But at least I can get some walking in.  I guess I need to stop and keep this short and look for a nice route.  I'd like to go at least 5-6 miles  - but we will see.

Thinking about the service ahead today makes my heart sad.  Bill Jones was a remarkable man of God.  I don't think he needs any other explanation, for that truly explains who he was.  I didn't have that much interaction with him, except for the grandchildren school activities, but I did admire him.   He will truly be missed by his wife of over 50 years, his beautiful daughter, and her four brothers.  Plus many, many relatives that will be there today.  Today we celebrate his life.

Hope that you have a good day.

Blessings!

No Connection or Application

Gasp!  That is what I found when I tried to sign on my computer this morning here at work!  I tried two-three times, still nothing.  I turned the CPU off, signed on again, same message.  I called the 'Help Desk', waited for the 'next operator to take my call' for nearly ten minutes or more (I quit looking after 7 minutes) then FINALLY!  My call was answered.  I told them my name, where I worked, location, etc.  I told them what the problem was.

"We are aware of the problem, it is a network problem in the area".  Ok, so what does that mean?  "It means that you will just have to keep trying periodically to sign in, and at some point the network will kick in and you will connect."  Oh. 

So I finished my breakfast of an egg and oatmeal, sipping my coffee, and tried again.  YES!!  I got signed here, and lucky for you, here I am!  And this experience even gave me a topic for today.

No Connection or Application.

How could I make something of that?  My first thought is that when we allow sin into our lives, and we turn away from God, we lose our connection or application with Him.  No amount of signing in via prayer will cause anything to happen.  You may want someone healed.  You may want blessings to fall on someone.  You pray over someone for any reason. 

But if there is unconfessed sin in your life, well, God isn't listening.  He may answer someone elses prayer, but He isn't listening to yours.

It even says in the Bible that if a man doesn't treat his wife with respect and rightly, God will not listen to his prayers.  So for any man who reads this and thinks he is godly and has not treated his wife well, you need to confess your disrespect and unconcern for her and get right with God on it.  God will not bless you if you do not bless your spouse.

I have felt at times in the past that my 'connection' with God wasn't what it should be.  When I feel that something has come between God and I, be it my own anger, frustration or whatever, I know that I need to confess it and ask forgiveness.  It doesn't mean that it will go away, it means that God will help me work through it until I can let it go.

Sometimes I have felt like I didn't know how to pray anymore.  It is in those times I search my heart to see what may be there that I'm not aware of.  I confess anything that comes to mind, asking for forgiveness.   Life is not easy, and the person who says they walk a blameless life ... well, I would question it.  We all fall short of the glory of God and need to confess even daily those things that we say, we do, and what we even think about at times!

God can not have ANY sin before Him.  We may think we can hide our sins from everyone, but not from God.  It's like kicking dirty clothes under our beds or into the closet when we were younger.  If they can't be seen, they aren't there.  Well, I must tell you, God sees beyond all the hidden stuff and He doesn't allow sin in any form.  He can't.  He is GOD.

As you can tell I have made connection with my computer (or I would not be typing this right now).  I made connection with my Heavenly Father much earlier this morning, and will throughout the day.  I often will think of something I said or did and have to mentally, if not verbally, ask God for forgiveness.  If I have offended anyone, I need to go to them and confess it.  Yeah, I've had to do that a few times too.  It's interesting that those I go to and apologize for saying something to them I shouldn't have, will look at me with a questioning look as if 'and you are apologizing for what?'  They don't even remember.  But I did my part.

I need to move on this 'connection' with my computer and get to work this morning, but I wanted to share my morning with you before getting started.

BTW, If you haven't watched the movie "Fireproof", you need to.  Even if you have, watch it again.  It's what love is all about.  It's not one-sided.  Kind of like our relationship with God.  We back off, we shut Him out.  It is when we come back to Him, He embraces us.

May you feel His embrace today.

Blessings!

Opinions....

We all have them, whether they are right or wrong, is irrelevant.  We have opinions.  I read my son's blog before I jumped on here and read his and he was giving his opinion about something.  Good for him.  We all need to have a voice in what we feel.  So many times we hold back our opinions because we don't want to hurt feelings (yes, there are those times when you SHOULD hold back your opinion) or because our opinion is unwanted (which is many times).

Just because our opinion is different from what is being given doesn't mean it should be withheld.  Your opinion is of value.  It could give insight to a problem, help one reassess what is going on, it could change a way of thinking.

Or it could cause all sorts of problems.  Why?  Because of the way we give those opinions.   We can listen, and offer 'advice' (which is always our opinion, correct?).  We can listen and say nothing (which is in effect still offering an opinion (we have none).  We can just jump in there without hearing the entire story and give our opinion and make a fool of ourselves (which happens more often than we care to admit).  We can become overbearing, opinionated to the point no one wants to be around us.

Do you know people like that?  Those who think they know it all?  Yeah, I do too.  And I find that I try to avoid getting into deep conversations with those kind.  I have some here at work, I have some within my family.  With family it is easy to just shut up and let them do it their way.  If they want my opinion, they will call and ask.  If they don't want it, it is better to just shut up and listen.

Everyone has an opinion, and I do too.  God hears my 'opinions' as prayer requests every morning.  And even throughout the day.  I think... I believe... I feel....   all good words, and we use them frequently when we talk.

The question then arises, does the opinion match the situation?  Do we jump in and voice what we think without seeing the big picture?  Do we form an opinion of someones behavior, or attitude, or looks, or comment - just because it doesn't agree we what we think it should be?  Our own?  That happens often.  In fact, hubby and I had a "discussion" recently about his opinion and mine.  They didn't agree.  I'm sure you have had several of those with your spouse - or your child as well.

My opinion on all of this?  Do you really want to read on?

We need to shut our mouth and step back (mentally) and look at the big picture before voicing our opinion - especially if we are voicing it to someone else!  So someone glared at someone else and you noticed it - that doesn't make them a bad person, nor does it mean anything to you.  If it was at you, and you didn't know the reason, you should ask them what is going on that would bring that about.  If you observe it, you need to step back and not share it.   Perhaps that person needs something that they aren't getting.  Perhaps other things had happened that irritated them.

It happens to all of us.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

We should keep our thoughts on good stuff, and think on those things.  Perhaps if we do that, what other people do or say won't pull our negative opinions out.  

Remember what mama always told you?  (I got it from mine!)   'IF YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING GOOD ABOUT SOMEONE, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL'.

And that is my opinion about that!

Blessings!

Metered Ramp When Flashing

That's the sign I saw as I pulled onto the ramp leading onto I-17 this morning.  Yes, it has been there for years, and yes, I have noticed it before.  However, I was looking for a topic, something to talk about this morning.  I remembered my intent of this blog - to share stories to share life; only it has become more of 'life' sometimes and not what I intended it for.  And that is ok too.  So today, in my nonsense rambling, I'm going to write about the "Metered Ramp When Flashing" sign.

I actually did ponder for a few seconds as to what does that actually mean.  So, when the light is flashing (for us to stop prior to getting onto the freeway) does it mean they "meter" or "count" the cars?  What does that mean anyway?

I thought about life and how it could apply to this sign.  When life comes at us - and the things around us start flashing - our lives are being metered.  What do I mean?

People watch you.  Whether you proclaim the mercies of God and claim you are a Christian or not, they watch you.  They want to see how you react to things.  They want to see you fail - or achieve.  They want to be like you - or not like you.  They want to brag to others about what they saw, or share in disgust what they witnessed.

Life.  Even if you do nothing, you are living life.  Even if you sit in a chair all day doing nothing, you are living life.  My neighbor has MS and is 'chair-bound' - yet she lives life through watching television every day, any one who will visit her, and through her care-taker and the people who deliver her meals.  That is her life and she has accepted it for what it is.

My life is wrapped up in work (as it consumes the majority of my day) and the people I work with.  I've learned more about their lives than I have needed to.  Unfortunately that isn't because they are sharing it, it is because we are all in open cubicles and everyone can hear everything that is being said.  I'm sure some would much prefer to be elsewhere having these conversations with their spouses, their children, their creditors.  They have cell phones, but don't always use them - or can't leave their desk when they can.  I'm fortunate in that most everyone has my cell phone (I don't even know my desk phone - always have to look up the number to give it out) number so if it is a private call, I get up and walk away to where I can talk.  My personal business is my personal business. 

So what's the thought with the metered ramp and flashing?  I don't know.  Well, I was thinking that the ramp is our life - how we live it.  Every thing we do and say is watched (metered) by someone (and some ONE) to see how we react, or don't react.  How we live life, or don't live life  The flashing?  Could be our 'DANGER ZONE' - meaning that we need to slow down, we need to stop and evaluate our behavior, our words.

So as I go through today, I am on this road called 'Life'.  If I get angry or frustrated at someone (flashing) I need to slow down, I need to stop, and evaluate what is the root of it.  Could it be that I am struggling with something personal that caused my annoyance at those around me?   Could it be that there is nothing wrong here at all - but it is the struggle within me to do right, to live right?  Could it just be me?

We have a woman here who sits next to me in the next cubicle.  She is SO NOSEY!  And she's annoying.  I can let it upset me, or I can ignore it and consider it is part of her culture (She is from Serbia) - her brashness.  She is a nice person, and doesn't mean to be LOUD and RUDE and ANNOYING - so I need to overlook these things and be a friend.

How many times do I bring my frustration from my personal life into the workplace?  I would like to say never, but I'm sure I do at times, for some things weigh heavily upon me.  Sometimes it is just hard to separate the two. 

I do a pretty good job of leaving my work at work.  What I mean is that when I leave this office, I don't think about it, I don't even want to talk about it.  Hubby asks me questions and gets upset when I don't share - but I don't want my work life to come into my personal life.  And I need to keep my personal life (the details of it) out of my work life.

Ok - my coworkers are coming in now and I'm starting to ramble cause I can't keep my thoughts focused on this.  Guess it's time to sign off for today.  Oh yeah - it's time to go weigh in too!  Wish me luck!!

Hope your life ramp is smooth traveling today!

Blessings!

I'm drawing a blank....

about what to write about today.  I briefly gave it some thought on my way to work... but nothing specific came to mind.   I've already called my little brother for his birthday, talked with my little sister on the phone, emailed my niece for her birthday - and driven to work. 

People are starting to come in to the office to begin our work day.  I worked from 8AM - 6:40PM yesterday straight through- except for potty and water breaks.  It was the first of the month and we were told all of the inpatient admits had to be in the system before we left.  Nothing was said about overtime, but I'm putting it down that I worked it!  I think I did over 50 authorizations yesterday - it was a very long day.  When I got home, hubby didn't want to mess with dinner so we went to Souper Salad for a quick dinner and then came home and I sat and played words with friends before heading to bed.  Sometimes a quiet evening is the best kind.

Today is the second day of the month - and it won't be as busy - but will still be busy enough.  I've got to keep on top of things this month for sure - I leave out May 1st!  I reminded my coworker yesterday that May lst I will be out of the office until May 7th so she will be on her own.  The plus side is that I will be here on April 30th and I can stay late and get the end of month things in the system before I go home.  It does make a difference.  This time we were off last Friday for our 'Spring Holiday' and then the weekend too - which threw us three days behind in authorizations for end of month.  But all is good - we got them in.

I went to the eye doctor last Friday - found out that I have bad eye strain with having two computer screens, the lights and all here at work.  Left my good pair of glasses for him to convert to "computer glasses" and ordered another pair of glasses to replace them.  I'm looking forward to getting them.  Right now I'm wearing an old bifocal pair for everything - I had been using them just for the computer, but the doctor said they were too strong for what I was using them for.  Which is why I'm getting new ones.  This should be interesting.  I rarely wear my contact any more (and when I do it is only the left eye) so need my glasses.  I guess this is what age does to you - it doesn't matter if you wear contacts or glasses - you just want to see!

It's time to get to work so I need to close this off.  Spending time on the phone takes time away from my blog - but since I didn't have much to say today anyway - no big deal, I guess.  But there are some people I know who check this daily - as I do theirs - so wanted to put something here.  :-)

Hope you have a busy and productive day!

Blessings!!

April Fools Day!

I'm thinking back to when I was a child (yes, I was one once upon a time) and we loved April Fools Day.  Why?  Because we got to play tricks on our friends, teachers, and once I started working, on my coworkers.  I never did anything mean or out of line, but just fun stuff.

Like telling them their shoe was untied.  Or a blouse unbuttoned.  Or make-up out of place.  Or any thing that would 'make them look'.  And things like sugar in the salt shaker, unplugging office phones or removing keyboards.  Silly, fun things.

I think my favorite after I started in the workforce and taking messages for my bosses, was writing on a message pad that a Ted E. Bear called.  And I put the number of the zoo as the return number.  I know, the zoo still gets hundreds of these calls every year, and they have learned to laugh at them too, and it always brought a laugh to my boss or to a coworker when I was able to 'trick' them into calling and then say 'April Fools'!

I had to stop and look it up as to the origination of April Fools Day - and here is what I found:

There are several explanations for the origin of the April fool's Day. But here is the most plausible one. April 1st was once New Year's Day in France. In 1582 Pope Gregory declared the adoption of his Gregorian calendar to replace the Julian calendar and new year's day was officially chance to January. First it took awhile for everyone in France to head the new of this major change and other obstinately refused to accept the new calendar so a lot of people continued to celebrate new year's day on the first of the April earning them the name April fools.
There were several other 'origins' but I didn't take the time to go through them.  And so we still celebrate April Fools day, although now that I'm an 'older adult', I don't see it happening as much.  People around me aren't as much 'fun' as they probably were twenty years ago.  I guess they don't realize the laughter and playing clean jokes and doing fun things - well, I like to believe it keeps one young, keeps their attitude young.

Speaking of young, yesterday was Easter and our children and grandchildren and us - we all gathered at the daughter's house and had a nice lunch together.  After lunch the (grand)children went out and hunted Easter eggs in the back yard.   We watched a movie or two then we headed home.  For some reason I just couldn't get into the movies.  They were ok movies, but I felt somewhat withdrawn, bored.  I'm not sure why, it just seemed like there wasn't much laughter this year.  Not much excitement.  No playing of games (other than the 5 minute hunt for eggs) or going for walks.  Gads - could it be my children have gotten TOO OLD for such activity and prefer sitting around like the OLDER generation and watching movies all day?  Geez!  No wonder we are getting to be a fat generation!  We eat, we sit.  We eat, we sit.  We could have played games to keep the mind stimulated (true, I didn't even suggest it) or go for a walk (which I did suggest) or just DO something.  It was a weird day. 

We did go to the early service at church yesterday.  I wanted to go early so that I could get the ham in the oven.  Oh yeah, discovered something on the ham too.  I used Schwans sliced ham - and it is great for sandwiches - but baked in the oven - naw, I will be going back to the bone in ham and doing it the 'old fashioned' way.  These just didn't have much flavor.  There was enough I was able to send some home with the boys.  The salad was nearly gone - and I left what pie was there was with the daughter.  I have enough trouble with my weight without bringing all the leftovers home.

I was able to get out on Saturday and walk with a girlfriend 7.74 miles.  After I came home, I went to the mall and walked nearly another two miles.  Got to keep up on my walking and also need to keep watching my weight for the weigh in this Wednesday.  I tentatively got on the scale this morning and was curious how my eating yesterday affected my weight - well, I am not sure it was that I watched it carefully, or that I walked nearly ten miles on Saturday, but it looks like I may lost two pounds.  Of course we have to go by the scale here at work - which is different than mine at home.  I just need to watch what I eat over the next couple days so that I will have a loss.  It's ok I don't make the top three; I just want to lose.

One month from today I head for Indiana for a week.  It will be good to spend time with my family, visit my in-laws, and do the mini marathon on May 4th.  I'm excited about doing it again this year, and am glad my little sister is training to do it with me.  In spite of what SOME people think, she can do the mini, and she is actively walking to build up her strength.  We want to start making it a 'sister' thing and the two of us do it every year from here on out.  With us living so far apart, it is hard for us to do anything together, so this is something that we can do - and it is good for us.  Now that I have done it once, I know what to expect (and especially know to use the bathroom BEFORE I get to that last mile.  Last year I thought I'd wait to about the last 1/2 mile then sprint towards the finish line.  Unfortunately, the last mile held NO PORT A POTTY.  I thought I was gonna die I had to go so bad.  When hubby suggested we sprint across the finish line, I knew there was NO WAY I was going to move any faster than I was at that time.  And THEN we had to go nearly two blocks overall to find a port a potty I could use.  I wasn't sure I was gonna make it.  Anyway - I know better this year!  I still have hubby's registration to sell, maybe one of my brother's in laws will buy it.

I am looking forward to play time, long walks, laughter, and seeing my siblings.  It's been a year since we were there.  I'm hoping my body will be smaller than last year - I can possibly get ten pounds off yet this month - wouldn't it be fun to surprise everyone!  I haven't told them how much I've lost thus far.  I will still have to watch it while I'm there as my challenge here isn't over until the middle of June.  Could I even hope to win first place in the challenge?  Looking at some of those in the challenge - if they really applied themselves, nope, no chance of my winning without becoming too thin.  I don't plan on that - I like having meat on my bones.  It is what it is - so maybe they will lose interest in the challenge.  I can hope!

It's about time to start work today - and I know I'm rambling again today.  Seems like I've been doing that a lot lately.  It will be a very busy day as it is the first of the month and we have to have all our previous month work completed today.  I may need to work a little late - which is no biggie - I don't think we have anything going on tonight.  I will leave you today with this.....

"May the blessing of God await thee.  May the sun of glory shine around thy bed; and may the gates of plenty, honor, and happiness be ever open to thee."    ~~ Charles Dickens

Blessings!