Keeping things simple.

 Yesterday I mentioned going for a massage and that at times it seemed she went 'pretty deep' but I had asked for 'firm' or 'medium deep' so figured that was it. Yesterday my back was pretty tender, and even this morning it feels tender.  I figured out why last night.  She pressed so deep that I have bruises on my back.  I've counted 4 or 5 fairly large bruises, especially on the left side. At least they will heal.  I don't think I will use her again - I don't think she did 'medium deep' for I have had men work on my back who were pretty firm and it never left my back this tender nor bruised before. Oh well, live and learn.

It was also a quiet day yesterday.  Sheeba was walking around in the morning with her leg up so I did not take her for a walk.  Yet, a short time later she seemed to be walking fine.  Then, after laying for awhile, she started limping again.  I have checked her foot - she lets me look all over it - checked her leg, and felt her hip.  She never wimpers even, so am totally blank as to what could be wrong.  She was limping again last night.  Will give it a few days to see if it continues - then will take her to the vet.  Sure can't afford a large vet bill - especially if they recommend hip surgery.  My granddaughter's dog cost almost $300 to get her hip done.  What is confusing is that she will let you touch her all over and even wants to run and play - and jump at the bugs she likes to catch and eat.  And never lets out a sound that she is hurt.  So confusing!

Today is Monday and the start of a new week.  I didn't check the computer yet this morning, yet I know I will have several emails and I already have things to do this morning, left over from Friday I didn't get done.  I'm glad I'm working from home today; I'm just too tired to 'clean up' and drive to the office.  I slept good last night, and we didn't stay up late, but I am really tired this morning and have been having trouble staying awake.  Didn't do much yesterday, but did get what tea cups I have unpacked up on the new shelves in the kitchen.  I'm missing about 20 or so yet, as I have the saucers, but no cups.  I worked on a couple boxes, but spent the afternoon on a crochet project I started - and we watched movies the rest of the day - in between football game sections.

Today my youngest son is driving up to see his boys in another city.  He'll stay up there a couple days with them as there are some things going on he wants to be at.  One, the oldest son has his divorce hearing final tomorrow.  I sure hope everything goes well.  Unfortunately, when I married them, I didn't know she was mentally challenged (it does sound better than psycho doesn't it?) and would do some things that are morally wrong.  I have no clue how this will end up, but it sounds like her mother and her just want money - something was said about alimony?  Or spousal support, whatever it is called.  Seriously?  Neither of them are working and he has the baby most of each month.  I dunno - I stay out of it.  But I do pray that everything comes out to the grandson's favor.  I know he will be a good dad and he adores his child.

Keeping it simple.  Wonder how I came up with that title?  It's cause I was reading in my Bible reading a different version this morning.  I was reading in Matthew 9.  Try reading it.  I have read Matthew 9:9-13 several times in different versions over the years, but I really like how The Message breaks it down and makes it more easily readable.  Follow along...

"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either.  Al these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom!  Do you think God sits in a box seat?

"Here's what I want you to do. Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God.  Don't fall for that nonsense.  This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply.  Like this:

Our Father in heaven,

Reveal who you are.

Set the world right;

Do what's best - 

    as above, so below.

Keep us alive with three square meals.

Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.

Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.

You're in charge!

You can do anything you want!

You're ablaze in beauty!

   Yes. Yes. Yes."

Sit back and read those words again, slowly.  Just let the tension flow out of your body and meditate on these words.  Keeping it simple, don't you feel His grace filtrate through your heart?   We all know the words of the Lord's prayer as we memorized years ago.  Which words speak to you?  Think about it.

Let's keep our prayers simple - He doesn't need big words or flowery flows.  He needs us to just be with Him and allow Him to be with us.

Keep it simple....