A Tribute to my Beautiful Daughter-In-Law

My daughter-in-law. My middle child's wife. Four of my grandchildren's mother. A woman of God. A woman of love, compassion, and just good common sense.

This woman, my precious, beautiful daughter-in-law, teaches me so much. She brings healing to a hurting heart, comfort to the weary, and wisdom to confusing situations. I've watched her discipline her children quietly and with love. In watching her, she has taught me. I am forever grateful.

Why this post? I could have written something about her any time, because I simply adore her. But last night, she touched a tender place in my heart.

For those of you who aren't aware, my youngest sister and I are decidedly not close in heart as we used to be. Things taken out of context, multiple things of the past thrown out, accusations made, comments said, secret emails sent, contacting MY children behind my back on the pretense of 'letting them know they will always be welcome at my house' has taken its toll. I have apologized for anything I could have said or done - or as accused, not done - repeatedly. I've done all I can do, and now I must step away from the relationship. I sent to my sibling the email her husband had sent me behind her back. I'm not angry with him, nor am I angry with her. I'm disappointed. Regardless of the fact she has to share every disagreement with her children, her spouse, and even drag MY children into the battle behind my back, I love her. I just can not be close to her now. I need to step away.

And this is where my beautiful daughter-in-law comes in. Last night she sent me a note that the Aunt had requested to be friends on facebook. Now, I assumed they had already been all these years, as had my daughter-in-law, I felt. I told her to accept it; I want my children to love their aunt. I didn't go into details specificially, but did share with my daughter-in-law there were some issues.

My daughter-in-law's comments are priceless, and timely. "One of the best things my daddy and mommy taught me. Love everyone. Period. You can still love someone for who they are, even if you don't like what they do." "Love the sinner, hate the sin". and.... "Momma, I'm sorry you are going through all this. It hurts".

I would say my daughter-in-law has a heart of gold. Only this gold has been refined to silver. She touches my heart in ways I didn't know it needed.

NOT to say I do not get similar statements from my beautiful daughter, or from my boys, but today, I want to bless my daughter-in-law.

She is a precious gift from God to our family, a gentle breeze in the storm of life, and a joy to love and know.

I love you, Delnora. May God always bless you and keep you in His loving care. Your mommy and daddy are, I'm sure, very proud of the beautiful woman you have become.

Blessings!

Hump Day is here - and praises of protection....

Is it Wednesday already? At least I'm prepared. I think. I completed my lesson plan last night for the class tonight. I've made the copies and I'm set to go. Now to just get out of work on time so that I can get there in time. Am trying to decide if I will continue to teach on Wednesday evenings after the first of the year, when we start up classes again. It takes about an hour for me to get to the church on Wednesday evenings from work. Plus the time for preparation during the week. I enjoy teaching, but I also enjoy my 'alone' time when hubby is at church teaching his class and I stay home. Well, with Marley, I'm not really alone, but still. I'm still praying and thinking about that. See what God lays on my heart. If nothing, then I guess I don't teach. He usually pulls something out that sparks my interest and I know I will benefit from it as well.

In spite of being able to watch the beautiful sunrises each morning on my way to work, this morning I did not want to leave the house. It was COLD! Ok, it was only 49 degrees, but for someone who is always cold, I was cold! However, I did survive, I did drive to work (nice and toasty, I might add), and the quick walk into the office just kept me going. Now with a hot cup of coffee and a large glass of water, I just might be able to make it through the day.

I actually like Wednesdays. I love the commercial by Geico with the camel walking through the offices asking 'what day is it?' I like Wednesdays because it is a 'break day' in that I know my evening will be filled with reading and learning more about God. Yes, I can do that any day, but Wednesdays - whether at class or at home alone - are times I can just be open before God and let Him speak to me. Yeah, I do my quiet time every morning, but I always have an eye on the clock, which can be distracting. I enjoy the thought that there are only two days left - after the "hump day" and work will be done for the week.

I often wonder why we - meaning all people - allowed schools to fill up Wednesday evenings with school activities, rehearsals, etc. Years ago Wednesday evenings were always reserved for church. It's so sad, for look at how our country has turned out now. Kids run rampant and do what they would consider pranks, only to destroy property. They get angry - or confused - and kill people. Unlike their video games where the people get up and play again, these people don't. They have lost touch with reality. Where are their parents? What guidance did the parents give them? How will they end up functioning in this 'real world'? Questions I can not answer.

We got a great praise for God last night. We received a message from one of our daughters in Indiana. Two of the grandchildren, and a friend, were in a car accident yesterday. The granddaughter was driving to school and a car turned in front of her, so she stopped. Another car hit them broadside on the drivers side. The car rolled over and landed with the rider's side up in the air. All the glass windows were broken and the car is totaled. The grandchildren climbed out the rider's side window. No major cuts, no broken bones. Extremely sore, yes, but safe. Thank you Lord for answered prayer!

Hubby and I pray every morning for each of the children - and grandchildren - for protection, for their health, and other things. We pray together Monday through Friday. God truly answered our prayers yesterday for a shield of protection. When I shared what happened with our daughter here, she commented that another granddaughter had car trouble - and God intervened once again and kept her safe. I love to hear when God answers our prayers - so many times we pray and don't know when He answers. And yet, He does answer when we don't hear, for in some cases, nothing reported means God is at work protecting and guiding. Yea God!

Have you ever wondered what could happen if someone wasn't praying for you? Or for your spouse? Or for your children? A good question is, are you praying for your spouse, children and grandgrandchildren? You can't depend on others to do the praying when you are able to do it yourself. The question arises, Do you love your spouse, children and grandchildren enough that you will bring them before God and ask for His hand of protection to be about them? To protect their schools, protect their travel, help them with daily activities? Something to think about. It's so easy to pray - it's like having a conversation with a friend.

Don't know how to pray for your spouse, children, grandchildren? It's simple. Just say.... "Jesus, please watch over my children (name them) and grandchildren (name them) while away from me. Please keep them safe and free from harm. Protect them at school and give them wisdom for their classes. Please be with my spouse (name) today as they accomplish the things they need to today. Protect them in their travel to and from work, protect them at work. Bring each one safely home and grant us protection as a family. Bless our home, our marriage, our family, our finances, our ??. Help us to live life the way You want us to. Thank you, Jesus. Amen." See - although abstract with different thoughts, I think you get the jest of it. Simple words, simple prayer, and yet it is a crucial. Life is too hard to get through a day without a prayer covering. Not to say things won't happen, but you will know you did your part in asking for protection and blessings.

I sit here and I think back of several times over the years that I have just missed an accident by seconds, been next to one as it occurred, or managed to manuever away and not be involved in an accident. I didn't do it on my own. Each time I drive away praising God for His hand of protection over me, and over my vehicle. My prayer every morning is that He would place a shield of protection over me and my vehicle, and over those that surround me. I even ask Him to keep watch where I'm going - just in case I get distracted. I am totally dependent upon His help to get me where I'm going and back home. Thank you Jesus!!

It's getting time to start work so guess I need to log off this blog and get my things together and get ready. It may be a busy day - my coworker, for whom I have been trained as back up, went home sick yesterday. If she doesn't come in, I will definitely have a busy day. If she does come in, and I hope she does, it should flow smoothly. I'm still learning her job and haven't done much of it yet. Plus, found out yesterday that another coworker, with whom I worked with for about 4 months, is taking a 2 week vacation. No problem there except they released her help - and I am the only one who knows how to do that job. The next couple weeks may be very interesting. Not complaining, for I like being kept busy. They just expect us to complete everything within 8 hours a day and it isn't always possible. Oh well. God helps me figure out what is important and just do it well. What doesn't get completed will be there the next day.

Hope that you have an awesome day! May God bless you and keep you safe, may you feel His hand of protection all about you as you drive wherever you must go, while you are where you need to be, and as you go home tonight. May you realize how precious you are to Him, and how much He loves you.

Blessings!

I'm procrastinating..... again....

I have so many things I need to be doing - and yet, here I am, deciding to add a post to this blog. I actually did write one last week, but ended up deleting it. Just didn't feel right. Know what I mean? It was nothing important, just my thoughts on some things, but decided it wasn't worth putting out there.

Last week was a very busy week between work and all the other activities I had going on. This week I only have my Wednesday class to prepare for since Halloween is Thursday night so we canceled our class. I've got candy for the grandchildren to sort out yet before Halloween. One of the children have commented that I need to fix a bag for the adults as well..... which I had done last year.... but, $$ adds up way too quick. They will have to do a "candy tax" on the children's portion, I'm thinking. We volunteered at the 'Extreme Block Party' at church last night. I purposely chose the slide - and I have so much fun! I had the granddaughter of one friend who had to go down the slide at least 100 times - seriously! Over and over and over again. It was so fun, when she would get down at the bottom, she would come over and hug me and let me help her down. I think she must have been around 5 years old. So cute and so fun. The grandmother came to me at church this morning and thanked me for being so patient and helpful with her granddaughter, she appreciated it. We both laughed when she said her granddaughter quickly fell asleep on the way home!

And I got to see nearly all the grandchildren last night! Missed seeing two of them, but they are upper teens and had plans that night. I did text with the grandson who had other plans, and got a beautiful photo of the granddaughter going to homecoming with her date. My oldest granddaughter brought her three brothers to the "party" so I got to see her while she is in town. Got to plan a 'grandma day' with both older beautiful granddaughters soon! And now that little Hailey is getting older, and is in Phoenix, need to plan a time with her as well. I love spending time with all the grandchildren.

I really need to get on my lesson and get it out of the way. Then I need to work on my message for Pioneer Village. We went to the grocery after church and I have a roast in the oven - it's been years, I think, since I made a pot roast with potatoes and carrots. It just sounded good. I want to get my cookbooks out and start doing serious cooking again - but, unfortunately, by the time I get home at night, who wants to cook and prepare a big meal? Hubby fixes just enough for us. Don't need to be eating big meals 7-8PM - especially since I'm usually in between 8:30 - 10:00PM. I'm not as young as I used to be.

I have cookie dough in my refrigerator I need to bake. But with a department total of 10 - and 3 have recently had the "lap band" surgery to help them lose weight - it's almost like 'why bother'. I SHOULDN'T eat any, one has more will power than I do and doesn't, the others would only eat one or two.... but I'll get them baked soon - maybe put them in the freezer for times I need a few extra cookies. I know - I have the ladies tea at my house November 16 so I can have some of the cookies then!

Ok - guess I have procrastinated enough - and yet, I have written at least something here so that you will know I am still alive and kicking. It's been a rough few weeks with family relationships, but most have been resolved. The important ones anyway. Some people need to learn that they should not butt in with their comments in family relationships when they are not the sibling. That is one issue I still need to resolve - and will - but for now, am letting it ride.

So I need to jump off here and work on my homework. Until another thought pops in that I can share with you I will hush. Until then, may you have many ....

Blessings!

I must be getting old...... and yet, His mercy endures forever....

Wow - things I could easily remember before, I seem to forget more easily now. I like to credit it to my being so busy. I've tried to eliminate some things from my life, so that I can gain some of it back. Perhaps the year I took off working spoiled me. I still say it was a gift from God, and I'm grateful I had that year, even though I had to go back to work. Not many people are allowed the opportunity to take a year off work - with pay. I believe God orchestrated it - just for me. And I'm grateful.

It may also be that I've gotten older. But it shouldn't be that reason. Just because one gets older does not mean, necessarily, that they will forget things, or get confused. It does happen at some point, obviously, but I'm too young for it to happen to. Yet. God's mercy for me sustains me.

For one thing, I have thought for a long time I was to speak at Pioneer Village on November 17. I obviously was confused, or just not paying close attention when the schedule arrived last March. I looked at the schedule this mornng, and lo and behold, I'm scheduled for the 10th! I've been praying for some time as to what God would want me to share with His people there. But I hadn't been really focused on what it may be. Now is the time that I do need to focus and get on this so that I can be prepared and ready when the 10th arrives.

Because I feel that my busyness has helped add to my confusion, I've started to wean things out of my life to free up my time. I dropped out of the "fun committee" here at work because getting away from my desk for the meetings was very difficult. I rarely could help with any of the activties. I did that last month. I had a State church meeting a couple weeks ago and have since prepared the minutes and have everything sent to the Executive Minister of the State, and my work is done there. And yet still ahead, I have a rehearsal and a wedding next week. Then the Extreme Block Party for church, at which I am volunteering. Then speaking at Pioneer Village. Then we are helping with a Community Outreach in Prescott Valley the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Then Thanksgiving is a couple weeks away. Shopping. Baking. Parties. Then Christmas. Whew. Where has this year gone?

My work days are consuming. I leave around 6AM and don't get home until 6PM. Then after dinner, it's either sit with hubby and watch TV, read, or ? Then to bed between 9-10PM. And the day starts over. When I was working before it seemed like I had so much more time to complete things. Now I feel constantly pressured and squashed. I don't get to spend time with my children and grandchildren like I want to. I don't usually get on the computer once I'm home unless I have a specific thing I simply must do. And that is all I'm going to say about that.

I was talking to God on my way in to work this morning, thanking Him for His faithfulness and goodness to me. He has seen me through a lot of trials. He has walked with me on journeys I really wanted to just give up and walk away. He has given me strength when I've faltered, wisdom when I didn't know what to do, abilities when I thought I couldn't do anything. He heals my broken heart, wipes away my tears, and restores what the enemy tries to take away. I know I am nothing without Him, and I can do nothing without Him in control of my life. I shudder to think what my life would be like if I did not have God to run to, to cry out to, to worship, to praise. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have Him to gather me into His arms and hold me when I hurt the most.

What about you? Has life been so busy for you that you have pushed God out of the picture? Do you feel alone, deserted? Empty? Do you have a life full of busyness but yet nothingness? Take some time to thank God for His faithfulness to you. Thank Him for your job. Your love. Your family. Your friends. Your church. Begin thinking positive things and praise God that you are alive and well. Even if you have sickness, praise Him, for He is your Healer. Just ask Him. He will heal you in ways you may not expect. It may not be your body, but perhaps your heart.

Take some time today to just tell Him, "I love you Abba." And pause to hear His response, "I love you too, child."

Blessings!

The youngest child.... his 39th birthday

I went back to 2012 to see what I posted for this child, my youngest. I figured I had more time to think about it then so I may just repost what I wrote, with some minor revising. Let see....

Born at 9:37AM on October 16, 1974. 7 lb. 15 oz. 19 1/2 inches long. My smallest baby! Took awhile for him to grow tall, but he has. And he is my Army boy. As a youngster he sure managed to get into a lot of trouble. I think it was the 4th or 5th grade of school that we were called about him fighting at school on numerous occasions. Sigh. I wonder if it was more bullying and he was defending himself. I remember his 5th grade teacher was a male teacher. The teacher called and told me that in the previous 4 grades Stuart's teachers had been women who thought Stuart was so cute, and because he was small, he got to sit on their laps during stories. True or not, I don't know, but seems I was told that. I was assured by this male teacher it was not going to happen in His class; his first thought, he said, when he heard Stuart was going to be in his class was 'on no!!'. Yes, he did tell me that! But I think it all turned out well.

Back in 1979 when we lived about a mile or so from my mother, I received a call from mother asking me where Stuart was. I told her he was outside playing. She asked if I was sure. I thought I was, and went out looking for him. I couldn't find him. Come to find out, he had walked through neighborhoods and found his way to grandma's house. That meant so much to her, and it has become a story told and retold in the family.

Stuart is also like my little brother, Buddy. In fact, as I sat here and thought about what to write about Stuart, I started to write about how cute he looked in the Green Beret uniform I bought when he was six.... then realized I was thinking of Buddy. I need to look around and find that photo of Buddy.

If we thought about it for awhile, our whole family could probably could tell story after story about Stuart. He is my third child, the baby of the family. Spoiled at times, yes, but all the children were at some point. Loving and caring, and always giving to the point I could kick his butt. He has lost a lot of personal things and financially by letting others take advantage of him, which frustrates me I admit. However, he would help a buddy out in a heartbeat, regardless of what the cost to himself. He drives our family crazy with his behavior and his antics, but he is definitely loved. Some times we all just want to grab him by the neck and shake him. (Yes, son, I know you are smiling at that!)

Some day I hope he grows up. I'm sure he will, but at 39..... one can only continue to hope. I love you son. Happy 39th birthday.

Blessings!

Another Monday morning.... and random ramblings.... (borrowing from Ralphd00d)

We had a fun day yesterday - went up to Prescott Valley for church and then to socialize with friends there over a potluck (and you know how church potlucks go!) and then visit our pastor and his wife for a little while before heading back to Phoenix. It was a beautiful day up there and such a fun time. It is so good to feel loved and appreciated.

It was an amazing time at church when, during an impromptu testimony time, numerous people came up to share testimonies. These ranged from healings to expecting healing to one couple enroute to church on the highway, pulling their trailer, and somehow the trailer started to tilt - and when he looked in his side mirror he saw it going up on two wheels, he cried out to God. He said he thought it was "over" when the trailer would roll on over and take their vehicle with it. But when he cried out to God, God heard, and answered. The trailer came back down on all four wheels and they were able to pull over to the side of the road and praise God for saving them from disaster. We were all able to praise God through the sharing of His people.

And here it is Monday again - a day when some people look forward with dread because they have to go back to work. Or back to school. Or do something else that is totally against what they want to do. It isn't that work - or school - is bad, it's just who wants to get up early each Monday morning and go?! I'm included! I really didn't want to get up this morning. The temperature was 66 degrees when I left for work this morning so imagine the coolness of the morning, warm covers.... sigh..... great picture. I always sleep much deeper and much better when it is cool outside and I'm warm on the inside.

I know one grandson is happy about today- whatever day it is. It is his birthday, but I'm not sure which - 12th, I think. I haven't heard if they are doing anything or when. I have something already scheduled for tonight so I couldn't go tonight anyway. When the grandchildren get past ten years old, sometimes it is harder to get family together to celebrate. We do a lot of celebrating of birthdays at family get-togethers - but our last one was Labor day, which took care of September birthdays. I don't expect us to get together again until Thanksgiving. And it will be here before we know it!

Not sure how the holidays are going to play out this year. I think we are going to do it differently this year. I have become, I hope, more sensitive to the need for families to stay at home and celebrate the holiday with their own family. Or do something different. I'm still processing what we might do this year. I still long for the times everyone would come over and we would open our gifts together, but as our family grew, it became more difficult. It's time for families to start their own memory making; and it's hard for this mom and grandma to let go, yet, I know I must.

So many things going on this month - birthdays, a wedding, a graduation - not counting two nights a week that I facilitate a class and work 5 days a week! It beats sitting at home and doing nothing. I need to be kept busy so that I can stay alive and active. I want to check out the Color Run and some other 5Ks and get involved. I know I have missed a few lately; it is hard to do it on my own and when there are two to pay for, that makes it difficult as well. Guess I need to find some who enjoy doing these things and maybe form a little group.

Which reminds me! Last year I started on Thanksgiving morning, the 'Forrest Family & Friends'Phoenix Turkey Trot. It's nothing more than meeting at the 51st Avenue & Cactus canal and do a walk together. Last year, because most were not used to walking, we only did 3 miles. This year I want to stretch ourselves and do perhaps 7-8 miles - or more! Those who only want to walk a short distance can stop and wait for the rest of us or go on back. We even encourage them to bring their dogs and walk them. I may let hubby walk Marley this year. She quits on me after awhile and I want to get some miles in. Will need to possibly bump the lunch time back an hour or so - which would be beneficial as well. Eat at 2 rather than try to eat at noon. It will be here before we know it - I need to get my planning and thinking going.

Even though it isn't quite time to start work, I've seen several emails come in from Corporate, so think I will sign off my rambling and see what we need to correct. That's about the only time Corporate sends us emails - fix this or that. Hopefully they aren't my mistakes; and if they are, I can easily fix them. These emails quickly wear us down for although they aren't demeaning, they are constant.

Hope that you have a good day - and that you will remember how blessed you are. Our God is always available and waiting for us to call out to Him - day or night. He especially loves it when you just want to talk about your day. Or just tell Him you love Him. Try it. You'll feel so much better. We talk all the way to work - and all the way home. It sure makes my day and evening go easier.

Blessings!

Feeling mellow....

Do you ever feel like that? Do you feel like the toil of life has sucked the life out of you? Petty disagreements within families, issues with relationships, the government taking and taking from you..... today I feel weary. I want to find a hole and crawl in it. And put a cover over it.

But then, I guess that isn't so good - when that happens, I can't get out and enjoy life. I can't choose to live. I can't smell the fragrance of a beautiful flower, see a beautiful sunrise or sunset, get the special text or phone call. I can't love on grandchildren, I can't be with my children, I can't make a difference in someone's life.

So I choose to live life. I choose to get up out of bed, and take a deep breath every morning, and breathe in and out. I choose to live and move and breathe. I choose life.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 says "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

What is that saying we used to say as children? "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." Yeah, we used to tauntingly say that to other children, but when we are adults, words do hurt. They do crush. They do break us.

Words like phony. Hypocrit. Stupid. Idiot. Ignorant. Irresponsible. Controlling. Critical. Selfish. Lazy. Conceited. and these are just a few that come to mind.

So what do you do when people speak one of these labels to you? Do you throw a temper tantrum? Do you step back and ask yourself if it is true? Do you get angry and call them words back? Do you "withdraw" because you are just afraid the label might fit and you don't want to be known that way but don't want to acknowledge they just might be right?

Or do you come back with 'Hey, you called me this, and I don't agree. Please explain why you have said it." Of course you must realize that some things are just said in fun. Not meaning to hurt, yet if they do, rather than hold it in and let it fester, deal with it and talk to the person alone and see where it came from. They may not realize they hurt you.

When you retaliate and label other people because you were labeled, doesn't that put you in the same category as the person who labeled you that you are angry with?

When I was growing up it was accepted in our family when the parents called one of us 'stupid' or 'foolish' or 'irresponsible'. We didn't know any different because we weren't shown any difference. Now that we are grown up -at least physically, we take offense at the silliest things. We still don't talk about it. Maybe there is something to that....

What we do with our lives is our gift back to God. It doesn't matter how many godly things we "like" on facebook, or forward emails, or repost. It's when people look at the way you live your life that will influence them more than those things will. Sure, none of us are perfect, and definitely not me. But by the grace of God He has given me life and He hasn't given up on me and continues to work in me daily. Sometimes minute by minute.

But I can not change others. I can't make excuses for others. I can't protect others over silly remarks that were not meant to be taken literally. Some times people say funny things and people laugh, and then those at whom it was directed think about it. They allow the world around them tell them how awful it was, how they were used, how bad it was.... and then they get angry. A month later. Settle your dispute when it happens, don't let it fester.

I've been called quite a few things - but I think the one that hit me the hardest was 'phony'. When I confronted the person on the use of that word, and how it was used, the context stated was totally different than in what it was used. Now was that a cover-up for what was said? I don't know. I do know what I believe, and how I live, does not reflect what was said. I've prayed about it and asked God to reveal to me any area that it could apply. I'm watching and waiting for Him to show me, still.

And now I have started to ramble. Could be because I am feeling weary this morning. I am tired. I did get a lot of sleep last night, going to bed about 8:30PM, I think it was. This is just one of those days that I want to curl up and sleep, read a good book, and just be alone with God. I think I need to schedule a retreat for a few hours and just get away somewhere alone.

Alas, I am at the office and it is nearly time to get started on our daily work. I'm grateful for my job. It is a good job. It isn't my dream job, but it does pay the bills. And, I need to sign off this blog and bring up my work stuff and get ready.

If you are feeling defeated, weary and alone, don't give up. Look up. Keep your eyes on the PRIZE when you are struggling. Keep your thoughts pure and holy. Keep your faith, and walk, straight. Don't give up. Look up.

Our God, who is a Holy God, will never leave you nor forsake you. His Word says it. Therefore, I believe it. And you should as well. No matter what the world throws at you today, know that God is walking the journey with you. All the way.

Blessings!

Coach Olivia called!

I do enjoy having my coach call me once a month for it helps me keep my eating and exercise on track. I was able to tell her that from our last talk, I started getting up at 3:30AM 5xweek to exercise. It worked well for nearly 3 weeks. Long enough to make it a "habit". I was waking up at 3:15AM, actually, on my own. I was feeling good. This for some unknown reason, this week has been a bear! I guess I have been a bear - wanting to hibernate and not get up. I'm turning the alarm off in my sleep and going back to sleep until 4 or 4:30AM. Then I drag myself up - and find myself fighting to stay awake trying to do my quiet time.

Could the sleepiness this week be caused by the beautiful cool weather we have been having? I mean, the mornings here in Phoenix have been absolutely beautiful. I'm not sure exactly what the temperatures have been, but I'm guessing at least in the 70's. Of course it is still going up to the 90's during the day - but it is much cooler than it has been! Is my body wanting to hibernate in the cooler temps? Perhaps. I don't know. I just know that I need to force this body up out of bed and into my workout clothes and doing something. I went to bed around 9PM last night but it was still extremely hard to get up - and right now I don't remember if I got up at 3:30AM or not. I know I went and sat on the futon - and next thing I know it was 4:45 and hubby was bringing me a cup of coffee. I think I fell asleep during my prayers. I hate it when I do that.

Perhaps it is just stress of family squables, issues, and then work-related things. Lots of things still going on here. Oh yeah, the temp and I did make amends, I think. The words 'I'm sorry' repeated numerous times will eventually soak in - whether I am at fault or not. And, yes, I am planning on doing something for the temp when she returns next week. Although she commented yesterday she may NOT come back. We shall see if she shows up on Tuesday. Then I'll know whether to plan something for Friday.

Then my other co-worker had a family emergency yesterday - and she is the one who feeds work to the nurses, who feed it to me. It is her work I am to learn how to do. Haven't gotten there yet. They don't understand I can not spread myself so thin and do my job with excellence I demand of myself. Perhaps that is partially why my sleep hasn't been enough. Things keep changing - some for the better, some not - and I struggle to remember each detail so that I can do my job correctly. Communication is not very good in this department - which is a constant, ongoing with me. If they want me to take this other part of the job on - then they need to take something away from me. But talk to me about it before you just take it. It may be my favorite part of the job. In the meantime, I pray constantly for favor with my job.

One of my coworkers who is doing the fast with me just came in and wanted to share what they are doing. After she finished, I told her that I didn't need to know what she was fasting from; but if it helps to hold her accountable, then feel free to share how she is doing. I will support her and pray for her, but it is her decisions and her choices that get her through it. Interestingly, she has discussed it with her husband and they have decided the entire household will be on this fast. They are giving up their monster drinks, going out to eat, and some other things. She said they have been shocked that they have gotten by on spending only $20 for extra fruit and vegetables this week - and they have managed just fine with no eating out. Fasting is benefical not only physically, but financially.

Well, my co-worker with the family emergency just came in and shared what was going on - and I was able to share that hubby and I have been praying. She said things are looking much better at this point. It was good to be able to share that we have been praying.

And then my computer started giving me fits, telling me I had logged out of another session on my blog and I needed to sign in again. If I did, I would lose all I had typed above, which wouldn't be a bad thing, but I managed to copy and paste to Word, so signed back in - but now it is time to sign out and get to work.

Keep praying, keep fasting, keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the author and perfector of our faith.

Blessings!

Short and Sweet -

I have ten minutes before time to start work. Since I hadn't written since Sunday, thought I would jump in and add something. Something creative perhaps? Naw, the juices are not flowing.

I had a 'duh' moment yesterday. My middle child has a company phone now so he gave his personal phone to his son. My son commented on facebook if anyone wanted his number to contact him. Well, here is my 'duh' moment. I sent a text to the telephone number - yes, the old one, and asked for his new number. That obviously was not what he meant when he put it on facebook. Well, imagine how stupid I felt when my grandson sent me a text and said this is ..... He sent me the phone number later that evening - and my son sent it later as well because I did go back on facebook and ask him for it. Talk about a 'duh' moment.

But sometimes it is ok to have a 'duh' moment, don't you think? It often brings smiles to those who observe the silly - or stupid - things you do. And if you are smart, you will acknowledge what you did was silly or stupid - and laugh about it and move on. I mean, what else are you going to do - get mad because they laughed at you for being stupid or silly? DUH

Here at work things are up and down. I feel the 'enemy' is actively at work this week. Could it be because I am fasting with my friend - and friends here at work? Within the group I am fasting with here at work - comments are being made that disturb me but I have chosen to leave them alone. Things involving fasting. Things like 'don't watch what people are fasting from and make comments - we all fast what we want'. Not sure what that is about - but it left me with the impression that she wasn't fasting food and didn't want anyone to notice. I don't even see her during the day - and being within our cubicles all day - no one sees each other. I told them at the beginning that it is between them and God what they fast - I didn't want to know. However, it has caused one person to withdraw from the group fast. She emailed me yesterday and I again told her to do what she wanted to do - no one was forcing her into a fast - if she chose to do it, it was between her and God. I don't usually share when I'm fasting, but felt led to do so this time. Interestingly, it has strengthened our connection.

I made a joking comment on Monday to someone - and on Tuesday received a scathing email from her about my comment. What was the comment? One of our temps was being let go Monday - and we would have loved to have a going away party for her because she has been here several months - but because she didn't find out until Monday afternoon that was her last day, we were unable to do anything. Earlier in the day another coworker had sent a message out she was getting married this weekend, taking a couple days off, and her last day is a week from Friday. I was already planning a shower/going away type shower for her. To me it was a natural comment when she was mouthing off later to the temp leaving that she wasn't leaving until the 11th, I commented we were going to have a party when she leaves. Well, I got a look then - and I told her then, that I was just joking with her. She sent a scathing email to me yesterday about how rude I was to her. I've had to ponder that and I finally responded again with an apology and explained why I said what I did - and it wasn't meant to be rude, but funny, and now I wasn't going to organize anything because she instructed me not to have anything to do with her for the rest of her time here. Her loss. I'll let someone else pull something together for her.

I've spent a lot of time in prayer about this situation and realize that it is the enemy pulling me down - focusing on ME and my feelings, and not God. Therefore, I have resolved I am done thinking about it and will move on.

It is a beautiful day outside this Wednesday morning in Phoenix. It's terrible to be inside and not out walking in this cool air, but it is what it is.

Hope your day is a beautiful one. Time for me to get to work!

Blessings!