There is a verse...

 in the Bible that a friend had paraphrased many years ago and that paraphrase had stuck with me for many years.  I often pray that prayer, cause I don't know what to do.  This morning, as I pondered on what to write, the words came back to my mind.

"Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I trust in You."

So this morning, once again, I go looking for the actual verse.  I may have even been saying it wrong for years from what was paraphrased, but some times things just stick in your mind.  I am always praying for direction, for help in making the right choices.  Sometimes I choose rightly, other times, well, I have God's grace for my mistakes.

Psalm 143:8 (NKJV):  "Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You."

Have you gotten up some mornings and you had no clue what you would be doing, or how your day would be going  - once it started going?  There is nothing on the agenda for you to do; there are no plans.  I find that if I pray this verse, it is amazing what God will do in my life that day.  My prayer then changes to 'let me be aware of what You are doing in me and through me today, Lord."

Yesterday was a good day.  I had a wonderful breakfast with my son.  It did my heart good to sit with him for a spell and hear what is going on in his life and in his family's life.  He shared he buys dill pickle juice for leg cramps - I got excited!  I didn't know you could buy just the juice - and when he sent the link - yep - I bought a gallon!  We drink tonic water for leg cramp prevention - but I love dill pickle juice, so yeah, think I'm switching.  Hubby can drink the tonic water!  The dill pickle juice could help my salt cravings too, I imagine.

Coming home, I found baby wrapping paper in a cabinet in the garage (yay!) so got things wrapped up for the granddaughter's shower.  We went over there and I am grateful a few of her friends came as well as an Army family contact person.  It was a nice shower and she got some nice things.  The baby won't wear out any of the oneies as there were about 20 I think and they are all small!  

Sigh.  One of her brothers came down to go to a concert last night... and he was already '10 sheets to the wind'.  He staggered around the room and was loud and obnoxious.  I tried to talk with him and got lots of 'yes ma'am'... but I knew he wasn't listening... in the mental state he was in, he wasn't hearing anyone. I was so disappointed he arrived that way.  He couldn't even keep his eyes open.  I can only trust he made it back to the hotel last night.  Lord, please hear my prayers for this child.  Rescue him from himself.

We plan to go to church this morning and when I get home, I plan to make taco soup and take some over to Ms. Diane.  I found out yesterday that Ms. Amy did get admitted to the hospital.  Probably at her daughter's insistence, versus having the need.  I still can't get over how the daughter behaved - she was in a tizzy - and I don't understand why ... but it isn't for me to judge.  Perhaps the doctors/hospital needed the demand for her to be admitted to 'find out what is wrong'.  My thought was she had a stroke a week ago; she got an implant (pacemaker?) put in her chest while she was there... give her body time to respond and heal... she will be weak.  Right?  I'll call the daughter later today to find out what is going on.  She was nearly a 'Karen' with her demands!  LOL

So what are your plans for today?  Rest?  Reading?  Relaxation?   Why not take a few moments and start your day off right and pray with me the verse above?  

"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You."

That is my prayer... God loves each of us so much that He wants us to trust Him for whatever comes at us today.  We need His help to get through each day.  When we wait on Him, He will surely guide us. 

I Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV):  "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

II Peter 3:18 (NKJV):  "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; to Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."

What do you know about Jesus?  If your child or grandchild asked you about Jesus, could you give an answer that would help them to know Jesus?  Do you know about Jesus that you could share with those you love His wonderful Word?  Something to think about.

Blessings!

It felt good to hear it.

 I took a 'lunch break' yesterday to run over to Big Lots to pick up a baby shower card and wrapping paper - only to find out they don't carry them any more.  Shows you how often I get over to Big Lots.  While I was there, I may as well 'shop' so picked up a few things.  Can you believe that at Big Lots they were asking $4.59 for a small roll of aluminum foil?  Seriously!  I found an off brand for $2.99 and grabbed it!  Good grief!  

But while I was there, I got a phone call from the neighbor across the street.  Ms. Diane.  She told me thank you again for the pie.  She couldn't wait to have a piece the night before and even had a piece for breakfast!  What is funny there, is that she had told me she doesn't like yogurt.  This key lime pie is made up of two containers of key lime yogurt.  Anyway - what really warmed my heart was that she thanked me again and again for the prayer shawl.  Then she told me.  "I have trouble sleeping at night and am usually awake most of the night, tossing and turning.  Last night I was cool so put the prayer shawl over me while I watched TV.  The next thing I knew was that it was 5AM and I was still in my recliner.  I had slept sound all night; best sleep I have gotten in a long, long time."

See how God works sometimes?  I am guessing she felt such peace and comfort just from having the prayer shawl laid across her body, that she fell into a deep sleep.  God is so good.

I had a surprise this morning too.  After Ms, Amy was taken back to the hospital last night (neighbor on the left), I took her daughter to the hospital and stayed with her for while, which made me not only be up late for me, but when I woke this morning, I wanted to sleep a bit longer.  I left about 10PM and it was proably close to 11PM before I made it to bed.  Mentally I woke up about 4:23AM and did not want the body to awaken  cause my mind was wide awake most of the night.  I came in here and sat in my chair, trying to go back to sleep, which did not happen.  An hour later I heard hubby get up and knew he would bring in my coffee so turned the light on.  I decided to glance at my phone to see if Ms. Amy got admitted or if she was sent home.  No message there.

But I did have another surprising text - my oldest son offered to take me to breakfast!  Never mind that he was dropping the son off and then his wife off at work, which is a short distance from us.  He asked to take me to breakfast!  Whoo Hoo!  I do have things I need to do, but they can wait so that I can spend some time with my son.  I always enjoy catching up with him any time that I can.  

Matthew 5:14 (NKJV):  "You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."

As I read that scripture this morning, I am reminded that who I am in Christ is reflected to others.  I think of Ms. Amy, who says she is a Christian and attends church when she can but has a negative attitude about a lot of things.  And I think of Ms. Diane.  When I met her son the other day, he told me that he was a Christian, from the age of 16.  But, his mother was not.  Interesting that he brought that up in our conversation.  I finally told him that I would be happy to share things with her and help her understand Jesus loves her.  No, I'm not going to 'brow beat' Ms. Diane into submission to Jesus.  I don't have to.  But this verse identifies what I am to be.

My life should be a light to this dark world.  I have a lot of cleaning up to do, don't I?  I know I have attitude problems; I have relationship problems... I have shared my life here.  A steady reader knows me well.  But I also hope that they have read that I love Jesus and all I want is to be wholly surrended to Him and to His will alone.  I fail, time and again.  But I brush myself off, ask forgiveness, and focus again on Jesus.  

What I desire and want is not important; what is important is allowing Jesus to live through me and give others hope in life with Him.  Sometimes that is easy, when one is around other Christians.  But many times - especially right now - around family; around people who don't know me... it is sometimes easy to give in to the emotions they bring out in us.  Does that make sense?

I think of the relationship between my sister and I right now.  I don't understand her - no matter how much I try.  I've always given in to her and tell her she's wonderful - and she is.  But....she is not perfect, and neither am I.  Her words cut deep and wounds are hard to heal.  But by God's grace, this time, He wrapped me in a protective covering and the words did not penetrate.  I have refused to give in and do as demanded.  I have stood up and said no, that is wrong.  My light has not faltered in this situation.  Many years ago my light nearly went out.  But this time...  well, this too shall pass.  My mama always said so.

I'm always amazed at what people remember about relationships when people pass away.  I know my older sister and I had a relationship that the others didn't have with her.  And yet, one person seems to think they were so very close, and that she is now missed very much.  It puzzles me.  But let them think it.  I miss my big sister because we did talk 3-4 and sometimes more times a month.  It was very difficult for me to clean out her apartment for I felt I was invading her personal space.  But, it needed to be done, and working in her bedroom, I was in her very space.  Memories of that room still come to me and the work of packing and throwing away of things.  Ah... there I go again.

What I am wanting to share here... is that we are called to be a light in the darkness of this world.  Like a city on top of the hill turns its lights on and the world around it can see them, we, as followers of Jesus Christ, are to keep our lights on so that the world knows we belong to Him.  How are we doing with that?  I know I have work to do... how about you?

Blessings!

For me it was 'fun'....

 By 9AM yesterday I had made 4 key lime pies (yogurt based).  I love to cook and had a lot of fun making them up - which didn't take any time at all.  After a few hours to allow them to 'set', I began distributing them.  One went to our neighbor on the right - she had a birthday last week (got it on my calendar now) so told her it was to celebrate her birthday.  Later in the day I took one across the street, along with a prayer shawl, to our neighbor whose companion passed away on the 12th, and we just found out about it.  I had never met her in person - we have only waved across the street for the past two years.  I went in and visited with her for about 30 minutes, taking a break from work.  She is in her 80's and walks with a walker.  She has some health issues.  Met her son who was there getting rid of the companions' things and taking them to 'Four Paws' for resale.  The companion was a friend whose wife had passed several years ago and he just wanted a place to stay.  He lived in the other bedroom.  I had also waved to him across the street, but had never met him up close.  Anyway, she loved the shawl and was so appreciative of it.  It was a nice visit.

Later in the afternoon I took another pie next door on our left, to our neighbor who had the stroke last week.  Needed to check on her anyway.  Her daughter would love to put her in an assisted living place, but the mother is refusing to leave her home.  She really does need help - but she is 'borderline' - can still do things on her own, but needs someone to check on her and make sure she eats and gets up and moves.  The daughter is asking for someone to come in and stay 9-6 on weekends as she has someone who comes 9-3 Monday through Friday.  I guess I need to stop in and visit at least once a week - or call and check on her during the week.  

And after dinner, I took 1/2 of the last pie over to another neighbor who is single.  We shared the pie with her as hubby had asked 'aren't you keeping any for us?'.  We had a piece, then I put another piece in the refrigerator and took the rest over.  She was on a zoom call but was grateful for the pie.  She still works - I think she had said one of those places where they put the food together for you.... might be something to check in to for a couple of my neighbors so that they will eat.  I'll have to find out more about it and let the others know about it.  

So now, other than the one piece in the refrigerator for hubby, all the pies are gone.  That was fun for me.  I got to touch base with four of my neighbors, actually meet one of them, (I was also working so never could stay long, taking a break) and my mind is churning with ideas on making a little more when I cook for us that I can take over to the two women who do not cook and need to eat to keep their bodies strong.  I know, not my responsibility, but it's food!  And I love to cook!  It wouldn't hurt to throw in a couple extra chicken thighs and make a nice dish for them as well.  We don't have to have leftovers - in fact, many times the leftovers get thrown out, spoiled.  Why not pass them on to a neighbor who doesn't cook and let them have a 'home cooked' meal?  Cooking for others always has brought me joy and I love to cook.  Is this a new thing God is calling me to do?  To help with the widows that are in my neighborhood?  Novel thought!  His Word says to take care of widows and orphans.

James 1:27 (NKJV):  "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

Not to say any are in trouble... but they do need some assistance, I see, in food preparation or just having someone to talk to.  The lady across the street has a daughter who visits every night after work.  Her son comes occasionally to visit for a bit.  The neighbor next door on my left has a caregiver during the week until 3PM.  Then is left alone in evenings and weekends.  She had been driving, but I think she needs to stop that now.  She is 87 and does need to quit. She can barely walk, let alone drive!  The neighbor on the right, found out her daughter moved in with her two weeks ago so she has someone with her.

I look at these women and wonder what led them to where they have difficulty taking care of themselves.  Did they just quit living once they were alone?  I get it; that would be easy to do.  I have to keep busy  (work), and I have to cook (meals for hubby) - just being alone could cause someone to not do anything anymore if they didn't work or were not involved in anything.  They quit living, sometimes.  I don't want to be like that.  If nothing else, seeing these women in this way, causes me to be more determined to keep cooking, keep eating (yum) and keep active.  No one can take better care of me than me.  And Jesus.  I refuse to be a burden on my children.  So I need to take good care of me now, so that I won't be a burden later.

Have you checked on your neighbors lately?  Is there one who needs just a short visit to know that someone cares about them?  That someone acknowledges that they are there?  I can imagine our older generation - of which I am quickly becoming one of - feels left out of a lot of things - usually by choice, but often no more than just age and being unable to do the things they used to do.  For example, hubby and I don't get out much with others at all.  We have now joined a bible study group from church so that helps give us some social life.  We go physically to church and are meeting people.  It actually feels good to get out from these four walls that encircle us day after day.

We are not called to live alone.  We are called to help others.  I'm healthy and strong and love to cook.  I love people (as a rule).  Maybe ... just maybe... God is telling me it's time to be a friend to these widows who live alone, and not just a casual acquaintance.  Quit using work as an excuse.  I can take breaks.  I don't have to see them all the same day.  I can also just pick up the phone and give them a call and see if they are ok.  Need to get a couple telephone numbers though cause I don't have them all.  In time.

And now, need to jump in the shower and get ready for work.  Friday. I've thought it was 'Friday' the last two days so glad it finally caught up with my thinking!  Two more weeks until a week's vacation in cooler temperature.  So looking forward to getting away.  It will give me focused time as well to pray about this new ' ministry' and if that is what God is calling me to do at this time in my life.  Sometimes we just need to wait on His timing.  I've always wanted to be involved in community.  What better way to do it than take care of my widowed neighbors?

Have an awesome day!

Blessings!

It was a good thing....

Yesterday hubby kept stopping by my 'office' door and just standing.  When I'd finally look up and ask "What?", he'd mumble a question about a topic he had on his mind.  I'd try to answer sufficiently and then he'd go away.  It was 'odd'.  Then last night, as we were winding down for the evening, me with my crochet and him with his TV... he turns off the TV and asks a question about the Judgement Seat of God and do all people go before it and when and.... so I tried to answer his question ... and finally dug out my Bible and tried to explain from the scriptures.  I don't know if he just wanted conversation or if he was really interested in his question.  Sometimes he does that, just to make me have a conversation with him.  In the evenings I'm tired.  Medication side effects or work/age, I don't know for sure.  But once I sit down after dinner, I can easily close my eyes and fall asleep, I'm that exhausted.  Even ten minutes gives me energy to keep moving.  Anyway, ever since he told me that he told his doctor he asks me questions (that cause me to question his mental capacity, sometimes) to make me talk to him (because he's bored)... I am never sure where his qusetions are coming from.

But it was a good thing cause I was able to pull out my Bible and share scriptures, which also answers that question again to myself.  The more we read the Bible, the more we can understand it.  In this case, it was in Revelations and the judgement seat.  I'm not scholar, by any means.  I rely on study notes written by those who have much more knowledge than I for a lot of my understanding.  But I did pull out a book I went through recently - 40 Days in Revelations by Ron Rhodes - and gave to him and suggested it may answer his questions.  He could do it on his own, or do it in his study with his friends.  It was pretty deep and with breaking it down over 40 days, it helped me to understand it more than just reading Revelations by itself.

I received another long text from my sister yesterday.  She texts really odd things, things of the past that don't concern me, and random thoughts... then because I don't stop and answer right away, she sends another text that 'it's too soon (for us to resume a relationship) and says 'that's fine'.  I finally stopped the project I was working on and told her I was working on a project and would respond via email when I could.  And I did.  I don't know if she will respond or not.  She is mentally all over the place... I want to believe it is her medication that causes it... but her words are sharp and mean... accusing... condemning... then believes she is the one who has been wronged.   The sad part is that no one has been 'wronged'.  I went to visit my older brother while I was in Indiana.  Let.It.Go.  No, she didn't 'tell' me I couldn't go visit him, I told her I was going and went.  I don't share with him anything about her - and definitely not him with her.  Just because they don't talk - I'm sorry, but he's still my brother.  What a mess.  I do not defend myself.  I don't need to, for I did nothing wrong.  But in her eyes I betrayed her by going to visit him because she doesn't have a relationship with him.

Did I tell you I was reading in I Peter now in my devotions?  I only read one chapter this morning cause I need to stop early and get some things done.  But that one chapter!  Which one?  Chapter 3.  I should just make you wonder what it said.  In fact, why don't you dig out your Bible - or go to BibleGateway.com and look up chpater 3 of I Peter.  Want a hint as to what it is about?  A wife's submission.  Well, that's part of it.  Another part is 'a word to husbands'.  Yeah, it's good reading.  In fact, I'm going to keep you curious and not tell you what that chapter is about.  I read it slowly.  I read some study notes on it.  I think I may just ponder it for awhile.  

I think hubby has finally 'accepted' a retirement date for myself.  If I live that long and can retire.  I walked outside yesterday (it actually cooled down and was nice) and saw hubby talking to a neighbor so I went over to say hello.  I'm pretty much a hermit since I have to stay by the computer all day so don't see my neighbors much at all.  We wave if we do see, but to have a conversation?  Not often.  Anyway, during our course of conversation, we were talking about work.  She is using a walker, turned 75 last week, and is still working 4 hours a day at the Cardinal stadium making phone calls about something.  She turned to me and asked 'when are you retiring?'   I glanced at hubby and just said, well, my boss will be 63 this year and wants to wait until she can get Medicare... and I'll be 73 this year ... we enjoy working together so came up with January 10, 2025 that we both will retire - she will be 65 and I'll be 75.  That's when she mentioned how old she was.  Hubby sees nothing wrong with my continuing to work... of course he likes the lifestyle he is able to have because I do work. Oh well, at least I have a date to look forward to.  Hopefully I will be able to enjoy retirement.

Ok - I will share part of I Peter... think about it. And then go read the chapter.  You might learn something.

I Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV):  "Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."

It isn't just what you look like on the outside... but who you are on the inside that counts!  

Blessings!

Another thought...

 has gone by the wayside.  I had one last night.  I had a topic for this morning.  But what it was, has escaped me.  I'm trying to 'go back' in my mind to what I was doing yesterday/last night, hoping that might trigger that amazing thought I wanted to share this morning. Hmm.  nothing is happening.

Spoke with my little sister yesterday and we talked at length.  She has called the detective who was investigating our older sister's death, since it was not by 'natural causes'.  Seems he wasn't aware of a few things.... things like both her hands were crippled because of RA and because she had broken both of them in her falls and they wouldn't set them because of the arthritis.  Therefore, she had to hold things with both hands.  How could she open the lid of a bottle that had a child safety cap on it?  How could she carry the cup from the kitchen?  So much she shared.  I'm concerned, yes, but if the nephew did play a part - and we have imagined all sorts of things that could have happened, all they could do is commit to the mental hospital for the rest of his life.  He has spent all but about a week in the hospital since our sister passed.  I don't want to think he could have played a part ... but I know it is very possible.  None of us feel our sister did this on her own.  She would haved OD'd on her pills, which would have allowed her to go to sleep and not suffer with her body shutting down.  She would never have chosen this way.  She wasn't depressed.  I talked with her the day before.  She was frustrated her only source of entertainment was out - the TV.  The nephew said she was bored, and that's why she did it.  I don't think so.  I want to call her and ask what is going on; what really happened.  But, that is impossible.  

Taking my car in for an oil change and rotate the tires this morning.  I scheduled the appointment for 7AM so that I could drop it off (especially after scheduling it early the LAST time and sat there for 5 hours!) and hubby could bring me back home.  Not going anywhere today that I know of.  Praying they don't find anything wrong and will get my car back quickly.  A plus, they always wash the car after working on it - and even though I had it washed a week ago, it got 'caught' in the sprinkles a couple days later.  This will wash the dirt off.  The dealership is always sending me stuff or calling me and texting me - they want me to trade my car in and get a white SE with 2K miles less and 2 years newer.  I keep telling them NO, my car is paid off, there is only 2K miles different, and my car is blue and better!  I don't want nor need a car payment.  

I had a revelation of sorts yesterday afternoon.  Now, don't laugh, just because I am an old woman who refuses to 'be' old.  I've often talked about exercise and working out and eating right.... yeah... probably more than you want to read about.  I have signed up for more diet plans and more exercise programs that I don't do after one or two than I want to admit to.  I always dream of that 'bikini body' and the flat belly and strong arms and legs.  After all, I'm supposed to work out, remember?  I need strong bones.  As I was sitting in my chair, I don't know what triggered the revelation, but all of a sudden I felt God told me - I can't think of the exact words now, but it was as if the realization that at MY age of 72, almost 73, I could have a bikini body if I really dieted and worked hard at it.... but WHY put myself through that intense workout and diet?  I will NEVER wear a bikini again, not even in front of hubby!  So why would I strive to get one?  Yes, 40+ years ago I did wear a bikini... but I don't even get in the sun anymore!  I.don't.need.to!

I do need to do exercise to build up my bones.  I do need to eat right so that I can be healthy.  But I do not need to try and get a 'six pack' because although I COULD do that, I don't need to.  Yes, I need to lose the belly and butt fat... and if I workout normally and eat right (and less!) I can do that.  I don't have to be bone thinn.  Which means I can save money on these silly exercise programs that keep drawing me in to 'be' that skinny and strong woman.  What a relief!  What a 'letting go' relief of I only need to be me.   It's not so much as I'm 'old'; I need to accept myself and take care of myself in a healthy way.  So grateful that hit home.  

Accepting myself just as I am.  I ask God to accept me as I am, why can't I accept my body as it is?  Yes, it can be made healthy and strong, and I need to work at it.  But in the meantime, I need to accept myself.  I've always had weight battles or size battles with my sisters.  At one time - a long, long, time ago - I was at 113 pounds and a size 5.... I'm way beyond that now.  But I am loved by my family just as I am; I'm not in a competition anymore.  I am the smallest female in my family, even though I don't weigh the less.  Reminds me of the pin my daughter-in-law gave me years ago.... wish I knew what happened to it.... "You are not what you weigh"  or something like that.  It seems more that it was something of "Who you are in the inside is more than what you weigh"...  wish I could remmber what it actually said, but even then, many years ago, I was 'all about my weight' and she reminded me my weight didn't matter; who I was in the inside was what matttered.  I think it finally sunk in yesterday. And that is a good thing.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV):  "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Set aside every weight.... set aside anything that weighs heavy upon you, and the sin that so easily ensnares us.... let it go.  Let go of the unrealistic thoughts we have that make us miserable because we know we won't achieve them... not that we can't... but we won't put forth the effort.

Going back to school... we could find a way... but don't want to put for the effort to apply and figure out what to do.

Getting a new job...  sometimes we should... but we have a job so why do we need to look for one mindset.  Maybe we need to find something we can be passionate about.

Losing weight... yeah, I'm going there. ..   quit competing with others and focus upon yourself and being the person - and size - that God created you to be.  He will cause the weight to fall off if eating healthy and moving.

................   you can fill in the blank.  What do you hold on to that ensnares you and holds you captive because you don't want to do what you need to do to make it happen?   Is it an apology?  Is it attention?  What holds you captive in your thoughts and non actions?  

"Let it go...Let it go... You don't need it anymore..."  Be who God created you to be.  Let go of the things that hold you captive.  I am.

Blessings!

Is it the weather?

 I certainly don't know what is going on with me, but I am completely exhausted when I get up - and when I get off work - and sometimes in between!  I signed off the computer yesterday at 4PM, walked into the front room, sat down, closed my eyes, and fell asleep for about 30 minutes!  This morning I haven't been able to get much reading done as every time I started, my eyes would close and I'd go back to sleep again.  I don't like feeling so tired.  And it really, probably, isn't being so tired, as I am so lazy.  At leats that is what I think.  

We had rain finally come through last night; it woke me during the night.  Could that be why I'm so sleepy and tired?  My 'sleep scores' on Fitbit - which I don't hold any faith in - have been pretty low for me the past week.  I usually average around 86 - 90 - and this past week I've hit as low as 68 - 70 and I think I have slept pretty well! Night before last it was 75 - last night was 69.  What is going on with me?  

Perhaps it is more my food intake?  Perhaps I need to eat more healthy and clear my body of toxins and get refocused on exercise?  Hubby has been fussing at me for two weeks about going to the gym.... what he doesn't know is that when he leaves the house, I have gotten on my rebounder and although it may be only a couple minutes, I did get on it, and then I have done my weights some.  But definitely not enough to do any good, I admit.  I reminded him last night that he doesn't have to have me go with him; he can go by himself.  I get the blank look and 'I don't want to go by myself'.  I know he has a fear of falling since the doctor has told him to be extremely careful that he could fall and if he hits his head, it could cause a brain bleed.  He is really terrified he will fall, and I won't be there for him.

Our neighbor, the one who I think I mentioned the other day about calling us and we called 911.  She called me from the hospital yesterday and she has had a stroke.  She is doing very well, doesn't appear to have any side effects and has regained the use of her hand and arm that had 'quit working'.  Her daughter arrived last night and I stayed up until I saw her as I had unlocked her mother's house for her and had fixed her some food to have when she got in.  She flew in from Florida and judging from the time it took, she had a 7 hour flight time - which means she had to sit somewhere and change planes.  I am sure she was exhausted too.  She will be here about 10 days to make sure everything is taken care of for her mother.  I don't think she will need to be put in a care facility just yet (she is 87) as she does have a caregiver come M-F and stay most of the day with her.  I just need to be a bit more attentive in the evenings and check on her more.

I have a lifeline screening tis morning. Have you heard of them?  They offer several tests that you can have done for a minimal cost.  I did this about 3-4 years ago so am getting it done again today.  My older brother had it done 5-6 or more years ago - that was when he found he had some heart issues and needed to focus on those - and he has.  In fact, last year he had the vessels of his heart cleaned out - and he said that just having that done proactively took a lot out of him.  It has taken him quite a while to get his strength back - it was almost like having a heart attack - although he didn't have those side effects.  But - Heart Disease does run in my family.  My uncles had heart issues.  My dad didn't as he died far too young at 39.  But My oldest brother died of heart attack/failure; my next oldest brother has heart issues and is the one being proactive in keeping arteries open and taking care of himself by walking and working out.  My younger brother has had a couple heart surgeries - getting 5 stents, I think it was, some years back.  I feel my boys should not be afraid of it, but be watchful and have their hearts checked out too.   I haven't heard of heart issues with us girls, but one never knows.  Anyway - I'm having 5 tests done - carotid artery screening; heart rhythm screening; abdominal aortic aneurysm screening; peripheral artery disease screening, and osteoporosis risk assesment.  I know I have osteopenia.  I get all these tests for only $158 and if I had waited, the price would have been about 30 dollars less.  Oh well.  All the results of these tests will be sent to my doctor and I get a copy as well.  Something I think everyone should do.  LOL  Hubby has mentioned it a few times that he wants to do it.  When he brought it up last night, I asked him why.... his doctor hasd run every test immaginable on him - and I'm sure he has done these tests.  But I did tell him I'd send him information when I get it via email. 

Regardless of what tests I have done; regardless of what results are found - if any, there is only ONE who is in control of my life and how it operates.  My Heavenly Father.  He is the One in control of my heart beating, my mind thinking, my body moving, my blood flowing - all of me is controled by Him.  I don't need to worry if something may be found - that has never worried me - I pray for a revelation of things if something is wrong.  If nothing is revealed, then I will not think about something being wrong.  I go to my doctor on the 15th for my physical before I start on vacation (we are gone that week) and I expect tests to be ordered, which I will complete upon my return.  I get my blood work completed on Monday so he'll have it.  Maybe I should start eating healthier now if I have blood work done on Monday? :-)  Won't make a difference - it's a 3 month average I hear... oh well.  Lay off that sugar and carbs!

Psalm 139:13-16 (NKJV):  "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You.  When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth, Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them."

Each one of us have been fashioned by the hand of God.  He created us in our mother's womb.  He blew His breath in us and caused us to breathe.  He covered our bones with skin.  He gave us life.  And yet, before He even did that, He knew us.  He knew our successes, and He knew our failures. And yet, He still loved us enough to create us, and He loves us still, regardless of where we are.  He never gives up on us.

What a great and awesome Heavenly Father we have!  We are made in His image; we are made to worship Him.  Not that He needs our worship; but because He loves us so much and gives us so much and cares for us so much... how can we not continuously praise and worship our Creator?  

O Sovereign Lord, there is none like You!  All glory, honor, and praise belong only to You, Lord.  We worship You; we thank You for providing for all our needs.  We bless You for not leaving us without, but drawing us close to You.  You alone are worthy of our praise, O Lord.  Hallelujah to Your Holy Name!  All blessings are Yours O Lord, and we bless You.  Thank You for loving us unconditionally.  Thank you for giving us life and for sustaining us.  You are our God.

Take a moment and tell God what you are thankful for.  Your family?  Success?  Work? Health?  It is always good to give thanks.

Blessings!

And Monday has come around again....

and as I was bringing up my computer, I realized it is also 'timecard Monday'  Oh Joy.  BUT, I have already approved several so it won't take long to complete them all.  Not that I'm getting better at it, although I am, but it is more that I have encouraged people (salaried) to approve their timecards on Friday.  The hourly ones can't approve until after they work the week.  The problems I deal with on those people are when they forget to clock out or clock in and then adjustments must be made.  They are getting better, but there is this one that consistently seems to have a problem.  She's gotten to where she will email me when she realizes it and we fix it that day.  Hopefully we have them all fixed and she has approved her timecard.  

Have an eye doctor appointment today for an exam.  I don't need new glasses as I bought new glasses - regular and sunglasses - last year.  But if I can get insurance to pay for it, I'd like a pair of reading glasses.  My eyes are starting to get bad and I need that extra help when I try to read a book.  I have bought a couple of the reading glasses from the drugstore/$1 store, but they feel so heavy.  I want something that I will forget I have them on and they don't distract me.  But, if I have to pay for them myself.... then I may just go back to the drugstore and try on different ones.  I thought about compuer glasses... but I don't need them when I'm on the computer, although they may protect my eyes more.  No matter what the cost is, I do need to protect my eyes.  I see my specialist in September, I think it is.  I do have a cataract (don't those only happen to old people? I'm not old - remember?) that has been growing for about 10 years... that may be causing some problems too - and hopefully will find out then.  

I feel like I'm starting to get 'desperate' for vacation.  The sad part is that other than driving to another location, we probably won't be doing anything but sitting around and reading.  But, I don't have to get up early.  I don't have to spend the day in front of the computer (maybe I can start writing?) but I do have plans to read.  I'm starting to get antsy though... wanting to 'not work' and get away.  I'm just so tired.  Oh well.  It is what it is.

Started the book of I Peter this morning and something that many people often reflect on and can't seem to grasp hold of, is there in the first chapter.  What is it?  God has 'pre-ordained' those who will be His.  They are called 'The Elect'.  Who are those people and why do we sometimes feel our lives are worthless if He has already chosen whom He will redeem?

Elect simply means "chosen"; God the Father predestined His children for salvation and foreordained that they would be set apart (sanctified) as His people.

I Peter 1:1-2 (NKJV):  "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:  Grace to you and peace be multiplied."

Christians are chosen for salvation by God the Father, not because of who they are, what they have done, or what they might do, but because of His endless grace and compassion.  This is the doctrine of election.  Election does not mean that God is a mean overload who chooses some and rejects others.  Nor does it cancel out human responsibility, making us mere puppets.  God's choosing demonstrates His grace.  But in election we must still choose to trust in Christ. And we respond to God's choosing by choosing to live holy lives.

An old story about election demonstrates God's heart. A man was walking through a doorway, and above the entrance was a sign that read: "Whosoever will may come." As he walked through the doorway and looked back, another sign above the entrance on that side read: "I chose you before the foundations of the earth were created."

We are chosen people, but we must still choose to trust in Christ and to live for Him.  Our lives are to be holy and blameless.  I don't know about you, but I know I still have areas I need to work on.  Sigh.  Life is so hard sometimes, isn't it?  My 'don't wanna' gets in the way of my 'wanna' all the time.  

Take some time today to remember Whose you are... and begin to choose to live the way you feel He wants you to live.  I need to as well.

Blessings!

Angels of Grace?

 I was able to find what I needed to take to Ms. Amy and made the trip to the hospital. God is so faithful.  He knows how directionally challenged I am - and yet, He led me exactly where I needed to go.  And, even though it was before visiting hours, They went ahead and let me go up so that I could see Ms. Amy and give her the things I brought up.  She was doing ok, and as we know, it's usually only comfort care on weekends unless there is an emergency.  She's scheduled for an MRI on Monday.  I really need to try and stop by and see her some time today - or at least do a phone call.

Our neighbor caddy-corner from us and I were texting back and forth yesterday.  She is likea busy body and is all over the place.  She talks constantly, and yet, I love her to pieces.  She's a hoot.  She was asking about Ms. Amy, and I shared about my short visit with her.  Cricket, my neighbor, shared she has started this past week visiting the neighbor next to her (we both live in a duplex).  The neighbor next to her, and directly across the street from us... her 'spousal equivalent' passed away earlier this month.  We did not know.  So, with that information, I want to make perhaps a key lime pie and take over to her, and take her a prayer shawl as well.  We rarely saw them as it is too hot here for our older generation.  We would see him using his walker to get the mail, or she would sit in the garage in her walker seat.  We always spoke, but we've never developed the friendship.  

So I've been praying and asking God what is this in front of me.  Is this a ministry He wants me to get involved in - to make a point of visiting the older people on our street so that I can be a friend to them when they need one?  As Cricket and I text'd back and forth last night, I mentioned I was praying for Ms. Amy yesterday morning and asking God if this was a new ministry He wanted me to be involved in.  She then told me about her neighbor, and Cricket called she and I 'Angels of Grace'.  I like that title.  I've often been called an 'angel of mercy', but never an 'angel of grace'.  I love it.  I don't know what God has planned for me to do, but my heart and mind is open to whatever it is.

I know it will cost me time, and effort, but I need to be more conscious about checking on the more elderly in our immediate community.  Especially those women who have lost their spouse and live alone.  I think I have fought so long and so hard about getting 'old', that I don't like to think of myself as being close to their age.  Hubby makes me feel old so much of the time, and not blaming him as he is old and acts like it.... but I don't want to act old nor feel old.  I fight it.  I love our older generation and they are wonderful people.  I need to remember that at some point, I will be just like them.  Many are in their mid-upper 80's I think.  I need to put aside my personal plans and reach out and make contact ever so often, to let them know they are still valued and loved, even though they are old.

Why do I want to do that?  Because at some point I will have to admit that I am old and hopefully someone will value and love me.  Many of these older women do not have children close by to check on them, like Ms. Amy, her three children all live out of state.  The lady across the street is fortunate in that her daughter stops by EVERY evening for about an hour or so, on her way home from work.  Weekends she is there a lot too.  I know there is a single woman next door on the other side of us, she uses a walker, but still drives to work at the Cardinal stadium doing something about making phone calls.  I have talked with her some, but not often.  

I am fortunate that all three of my children live within driving distance; some longer than others.  But, I feel that if I needed anything, I could call any of them and they would try to help me.  I'm just stubborn in that I exhaust all my efforts before I will call on them.  They deserve to live their own lives and not babysit their mother.  But I feel I can if I needed to.  Of course hubby is with me and can take care of things as well.  

Is there someone in your life that you need to touch base with?  Perhaps an 'old' friend you haven't talked with for awhile.  Perhaps today would be a good time to give them a phone call and let them know that you are thinking about them.  Is there a relative that is getting up in years (no, I'm not referring to myself) that would relish a phone call from you?  Perhaps a sibling needs a call.  A child needs contact from you.  We all have people in our lives who need a touch.

You can become that 'Angel of Grace' to them.  Perhaps it is just sitting down with your spouse and letting them share with you.  They don't really want your comments.  They don't really want your opinion.  Sometimes all they want is someone to listen and to care about what is going on in their lives and how they feel.  I know that when I get a text from one of my children that just says 'just wanted to touch base' or 'thinking about you'... it brings a smile.   

You don't know how much they need that - and even you need that - until it's too late.  I need to make some contacts this afternoon.... how about you?   

Blessings!

Yesterday's title was somewhat off...

 Yesterday I put the title of the 'tongue' and for some reason, instead of talking mainly about the tongue and how it gets us into trouble.... I went off about the temptations - of ice cream, no less!  Obviously I had ice cream on my mind yesterday (temptation?) when I read it.  And, yes, I did dump nearly a full half gallon of ice cream down the garbage disposal after I got up.  Hubby was gone so he couldn't question what I was doing.  

Today is going to be somewhat busy.  Our neighbor, Ms Amy, called us about 10PM last night and was having some medical issues so we ran over to see what was going on.  We ended up calling 911 and they came and took her to the hospital.  I have one telephone number for a daughter, but wasn't getting an answer.  All three of her children live out of state.  I locked up the house and we came back home.  I sent a text to the number I have for the one daughter.  No response.  Expected no answer really - it was 1AM where she lives.  This morning I sent another text 'is this the right number'?  And got a yes response so I asked if I could call and got another yes.

FINALLY.  I talked with the daughter and she had seen my message and had called her mother and said she was still in the ER!  The hospital has no beds.  I'm going over to Ms. Amy's house this morning and get her phone cord and a black knit hat cause it is so cold in the hospital.  Will run them down to her and then will decide if I'm going to meet some friends for lunch or come back home.  I was thinking of bailing on lunch, but may be able to still meet.  Her daughter is flying out on Monday so will be here to take care of her mother.

Which means I need to get up and get moving this morning.  My mind is on Ms. Amy and getting things for her; getting to the hospital to drop them off (thank goodness it is less than 5 miles away); and going to lunch.  But a quick shower and getting dressed is the first priority.  

Although Ms. Amy isn't disabled, I often think of Bonnie, who had lived next door to us at our former house.  I don't visit with Ms. Amy much, but I guess I need to do it more often.   It'shard to find time when I'm in a rut of working, fixing dinner, then sitting down and crocheting, then a hour or so later going to bed.  But, I need to put Ms. Amy ahead of that some evenings and go over and visit.  After all, I'm not on the road for an hour driving home from work, I'm right here.  I've become a hermit; a shut-in of my own making.  I need to make a point of visiting Ms. Amy when she is well, not just when she is sick.  Maybe that's why I'm next door.  After all, we live in a community of 'old folks'... perhaps I am to be checking on those close to us more.  Something to think about.

So - today I guess I don't have any profound (as if I ever do) thoughts to share as I am thinking about the things I need to get done this morning.  So with that, and an empty coffee cup, I think I will hush and get going on my day.

Have a blessed day!

What does your tongue say about you?

 Ouch.  I started reading in the book of James this morning.  Now I must admit that I love the book of James.  I really do.  He steps all over my toes every time I read him.  He makes me stop and look at my life in comparison, and I must admit, many times I see things that I need to work on.  I will never be perfect, for only Christ is perfect.  And that is fine.  But if I am a Follower of Christ, then I must be like Him, correct?  There are some passages to relook at - shall we?

Matthew 16:15-16 (NKJV):  "He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"  Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Yeah, that is not in James, but we need to start there.  Who is this Christ that we are to follow?  He is truly the Son of the living God.  God is NOT Dead (watch that movie if you need clarification!) and He is alive and well, and He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, here on earth, to be like us, to be tempted as we are, and yet, He was without sin.  He showed us the way to live, to turn from things unholy and turn to things that are of God.  It's not hard... it's really very simple.  It's when our mind gets to thinking, and that is where we get into trouble.

James 1:12-15 (NKJV):  "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death."

Adam and Eve began the shifting of blame in the Garden of Eden.  Remember Adam telling God "The woman whom You gave me.... gave me of the tree."  And Eve, she passed the blame on to the serpent.  But God should never be blamed for sin - sin is the sign of the enemy; it's evidence of the devil's activity.  God may allow the temptation to strengthen us in our walk with Him, but He will never give you the temptation.  If we give in to temptation, we are the only ones to blame.  

Even Jesus was tempted, remember?  Temptation is inevitable; no one escapes it, not even Jesus.  But He chose to not give in to temptation but to quote back to the devil the Word of God and - well, remember ,,,,

Luke 4:4 (NKJV):  "But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'"

Every word of God. That means we need to read and to know God's Word so that we can resist the temptations that come at us.  If we don't read it, how will we know that God doesn't want us to do things?  How can we follow Jesus if we don't know who He is?

Temptation itself is not a sin.  It is the giving in to the temptation that causes it to become sin.  It isn't a single thought - it is actually a process involving four stages: enticement, entrapment, endorsement, and enslavement.  The key to overcoming temptation is not just to resist but also to change one's thoughts - refocusing one's mind on what is true and on Whom is our Victory - Jesus Christ.  When people hold the temptation in their hearts and begin to fantasize it in their minds, sin is then conceived and once sin is 'born', it brings forth death.  

We all sometimes fall into that thinking.  It could be something that we know is sinful, and yet, our thoughts wander down that lane. Just thinking about it isn't bad, is it?  Yeah.. it is... cause it puts it in our mind as a focus and then it becomes all we can think about.  Let's use something simple as an example.  Food.  You know that I love food.  Most people do.  If that ice cream in my freezer is all I can think about, it has become my focus and no matter what, I will figure out a way to have it, whether hubby sees me eat it or not.  Now, ice cream in itself is not bad (in moderation).  And, remember, this is just an example... I'm trying to make a point, using something that I love.  I know that a lot of ice cream is not good for me.  I struggle with my weight all the time because I love food.  Salads will put just as much weight on me as ice cream, but it is healthier, I tell myself.  Anyway, if I keep my focus on the ice cream, and my desire for it increases to the point I 'have to have it' to satisfy myself, then it becomes a sin.  The thought is there that I have to have it and I will do anything at all costs to get it.  Then I go get it, and eat a bowl of it.  (with saltine crackers and chocolate all over the top of it, of course.  Or leave the chocolate off, but the saltine crackers are a must."  It's like temptation to do things we shouldn't do.  We think about it, fantasize about it, and then have to have it, and do it.  And then we feel terrible because we gave in to the temptation.

So what do we do?  When the thought first comes to mind, we need to cast it out of our minds and ask for God to help us block that thought.  Do other things that are pleasing to God and are not sinful.  Take your family out for dinner, do something productive.  Keep your thoughts from fantasizing about your desire.  Even movies nowadays have sinful scenes in them that can cause you to fantasize about things that you shouldn't be thinking about at all.

For me - I have had to get that ice cream and dump it out and/or throw in the trash.  Yep.  I may have one portion of that ice cream ... but I have - many times - because I know ice cream is not good for me and it causes me to sneak and eat it - I will take the half gallon of ice cream and dump it out or throw it in the trash to get it out of my temptation.  Waste of money?  Perhaps.  But I had a portion of it, which is what I wanted.  I don't n eed to eat the entire half gallon.  I'm not one of those women who, when things don't go their way, grab ice cream and sit and eat the entire container.  (why do they typecast us women as doing that, anyway?)

Ok - I dealt with temptations this morning of a non-healthy food item... you don't want me to get started on the 'tongue'!  Oh that we could bridle that tongue and keep it from flapping all over the place!  But - it is a topic for another day.

I Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV):  "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you re able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

Keep your thoughts on good; on God.  Push those temptations out of your mind.  Ask God to help you with your thoughts, to keep them pure and holy.  Seek His face, and know that He is God alone.  Receive all that He has for you.  You will never regret it.

Blessings!

The mind lets us believe ....

what we want to believe.  True statement?  I think so.  Hubby and I discussed yesterday morning, after I finished up in here, what he was mad about.  But he explained he wasn't mad... just that I had hurt his feelings.  So I asked him... 'was what I said true?  And if it was, why are you hurt?'  He once again explained what he felt he contributed to our finances... so I just commented that if he does all that with his social security check, then he doesn't need my paycheck, and I can retire, right?  Blank stare.  I just left it with 'we need to sit down and you need to tell me what all the bills are' (he has it in plain sight, but if I go look at it, he is immediately defensive as though I will question something (and I would)).   Oh well.  I guess I just need to 'suck it up' and keep working.  At least for now.  I know that if I was going into the office daily that we would not be having this conversation.  It's because I am home 24x7 and with him most days 24x7 and I'm going nuts.  Money truly is the root of all evil.  If you let it.  As I said before, we bought this place with the idea that if one of us wasn't here (or I didn't have a job), we could still survive.  Enough of that.

The dreaded question came up yesterday by my boss.... board minutes.  He actually sent an email and copied me, to the the person who covered for me last month when I was out of town.  But she is off.  So I responded to him that she had sent me the notes she took... but I haven't put in the proper format yet.  Guess what I need to work on today.  Sigh.  Did I ever tell you I hate to do board minutes?  And we have another meeting next month.  At least I figured out where the 'record' button is in Teams so that I can record the meeting.  

My other boss, the one I report to, sent me a self-evaluation form to complete and return to her within the next couple of weeks.  Then we will meet and discuss it.  After that, she will make her own comments - and my raise for next year will be based on it.  Now I'm realistic.  I just put what I do.  She knows how to word it in her comments that I am great in my accomplishments.  That's the sign of a good boss.  She builds up, and doesn't just leave things 'as they are'.  No wonder I have followed her around for 30 years, huh.

I slept good last night.  I had hubby turn the fan up a couple notches (over the bed) and I slept until 4AM.  But here I have tried to sleep some more this morning.  I think it is more I'm fighting depression with being within these four walls 24x7 versus lack of sleep.  I'll snap out of it.... I just need some mind stimulation.  I love being alone, but because most times I must also keep an eye on the clock because of needing to work or do other things, I can't really concentrate on what I'm reading - whether it is my Bible, working on the computer, saying prayers, or writing in my journal.  Always have to watch the clock.  What would it feel like to not have to keep an eye on the clock.  LOL  No worries, I have hubby to tell me when to go to bed.  And some mornings if I try to sleep a little longer, he will make sure I'm awake to get up.  He doesn't let me stray far from routine.  

I've got a bit of a sinus headache this morning... just enough to keep me distracted.  Just saw the clock - 6:25AM - I will need to get up, get dressed, and turn on the work computer in a few.  Since I turn off my computer at 4PM, I nearly always have meetings to schedule first thing when I turn it on in the mornings.  My bosses work until 5PM or later.  

And I got nothing this morning.  I can tell you about God's faithfulness.  I can tell you how good He is.  I can tell you how much He loves you.  But my mind isn't pulling in any scriptures this morning.  Silly headache is too distracting.  Hopefully tomorrow I will be more alert and give you something interesting to read.  In the meantime....

Trust in God for whatever comes your way today.  Turn your eyes, your thoughts, to Him, and seek His face.  The things in this world will fade away, because 'He's got you covered.'

Blessings!

A full day today, perhaps....

 With my own people that I support at work, starting today and for the rest of the week, I have 'taken on' about 8 doctors that I hope will not contact me at all.  One of the executive assistants I work with is taking today and the rest of the week, off for a medical procedure.  A heart ablation.  Sounds serious enough to me!  So she asked if I could take on her people.  Sure, I said!  No problem!  Now my thoughts are like "please, Lord, don't let any of her doctors want anything!"  It will be an ok day... if she can do it, I can do it, right?  My only concern is I also offered to take a granddaughter to her doctor appointment today so will be away from my computer for a few hours.  Oh well.  It is what it is, right?  If I'm going to get asked to do something, it will be in that timeframe, right?  I'll just handle it when I get back.

I think I made hubby mad yesterday.  Lately he has been doing a lot of grumbling about a friend of his.  He wants this friend to go to breakfast or lunch with him.  The friend has said he couldn't, because his wife has given him several chores to do at the house and he has to get those done.  She tells him what she wants done and how she wants it done, and then goes off and plays pickleball with her friends or goes shopping or out to lunch.   The thought hit me... and I verbalized it.  Hubby didn't like my thoughts about this situation.  What did I say?  "well, it is kind of like our situation, isn't it?"  "what do you mean?"  "Well, you make ME work... and you go play.  Isn't that about the same thing?"    Uh, yeah.  That didn't set well.  I guess I need to learn to keep my mouth shut and mind my own business, right?  Hubby was still acting somewhat grumpy when he brought my coffee in this morning.  This could be a long day.

I've done a lot of typing this morning.... and a lot of erasing.  My thoughts are rambling around in my mind.  I think a lot is that I didn't get to sleep until about 1AM... and that alarm went off at 4AM way too soon.  I need to start eating better and exercising and get more rest.  THEN my body should feel more energetic, right?  Oh, but to start!  Of  course I could be like hubby.... I go to my doctor for my physical in a couple weeks... if I start watching my diet now, and start exercising, then I can tell my doctor I am eating healthy, and I'm exercising, and he will be so pleased.  Right?  Ah... the key is to START... and my 'I don't want to cause there is still ice cream in the freezer' mode rears it's ugly head.  How do you deal with these thoughts?

I'm starting to collect items for Christmas here in this room.  I really do plan to cut back this year so I'm thinking that if I put a sticky note on each thing I buy and put it here in the open (on the floor out of the way), that I can stay focused on what I have bought already and not get carried away this year.  Can I do that?  Which means I need to pull out of the closet some of the things I've already bought and bring out here as well.  I think part of my problem is that when I make something, I don't put any value on it.. i.e., I made afghans for each of the grandchildren last year... but it didn't seem to be a nice enough gift and I had to buy a few things more ... when they accepted the afghan as a nice gift.  At least I think they did.  I don't have anything to make for them this year... I've already given all the grandchildren quilts (albeit cheaters quilts), so that's out.  And now I'm more concerned about 'clutter' so don't want to do that.  I'm just going to have to try and meet up with them and get them to talk and see what things they are interested in that I can buy something for.  I imagine they are all getting tired of getting t-shirts with stupid sayings on them.  I don't like to give gift cards, but when they are necessary, it is ok.  But where do they like to go?  What do they like to do?  So many questions in my mind!  Parents seem to be having a tough time with it as well so they are no help to offer ideas!

Philippians 2:14 (NIV):  "Do everything without grumbling or arguing."

Sigh. Sometimes I wonder when specific scriptures come to my mind.  Yep, that one just hit.  I 'sometimes' do a lot of grumbling, don't I!  But the Bible says, 'Do EVERYTHING without grumbling or arguing.'  Did Paul know that we would STILL be grumbling hundreds of years later?  Probably.  It's in our nature (for most of us) to grumble about something - right?  (we have to get up.  we have to work. (ok, that's my biggest grumble), we have to pay bills, we have to go here. we have to do that.  There is always something we grumble about.  So what if we try that for just today - we don't grumble or argue?  One day at a time, right?  (I wonder if I can get hubby to agree to that?)

Ok  so let's try it.  A challenge to you today.  And to me.  Let's agree to 'do everything without grumbling or arguing'.  I have confidence in you (more than I do in me, I'm afraid!) .  Let's do this.  Whenver we catch ourselves thinking negative thoughts (grumbling, right?), let's stop ourselves and put it in a positive report.  Just because someone else is grumpy, doesn't mean we have to be.  Just because work is causing angst, we don't have to let it affect our attitudes.  

We've got this - right?  Let's work on it together.  Let's see if we can do this for one day.  Then let's go for two days. And then three days.  Let's be better, because we want to be better.  And watch our troubles fall away!  Ready?  Let's do this!

Blessings!

I wanna be like....

 Enoch.  Remember him?  There isn't much said about Enoch.  Remember Noah?  The one who built - in faith - the ark for himself and his family, and two of all the animals of the world?  Remember that the world had gotten so corrupt that God just couldn't stand it anymore, that He decided to 'start over'.  And look at our world today.... don't you think that God is about ready to destroy it today?  Anyway... back to Enoch.   Enoch was seventh in the line of Adam (and the great-grandfather of Noah)

Genesis 5:21-24 (NKJV):  "Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters.  So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.  And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

Ah, do you see the words I underlined?  Enoch walked with God.  THAT is who I want to be like, WHAT I want to be known for.  That I walked with God.  Can you even imagine what that is like?  To be able to walk with the Almighty, Faithful, Loving, Kind, Generous, All-Knowing... and so many more adjectives... God.  Our Heavenly Father.  Since Jesus is also God, it means I also want to walk with Jesus.  Not just once in awhile, but always.  Enoch pleased God, and he was faithful to God and in constant relationship with Him all of his days.  And as Enoch was, so I want to be.

Oh - and just a side note, you remember Methuselah, right?  He is the oldest man who ever lived.  

Genesis 5:25-26 (NKJV):  "Methuselah lived one hundred and sixty-seven years, and begot Lamech.  After he begot Lamech, Methuselah lived seven hundred and eighty-two years, and had sons and daughters."

But, back to Enoch.  Why am I talking about Enoch this morning?  Because he is listed in Hebrews 11 because of his faith in God.

Hebrews 11:5-6 (NKJV):  "By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Enoch pleased God.  That was his testimony.  He had so much faith in God that he not only pleased God, but because of it, God took him; he did not die.  Now that is not the reason I want to be like Enoch.  I want to be like Enoch because he walked with God.  I want to have the faith that Enoch had; I want to please God every day in every way.  There can't be anything better, can there?  To walk with God?  

Oh - I am sure when I am out walking, that I am 'walking with God'... but can you just imagine with me the picture of Enoch walking and talking with God Almighty.... and although God would not be seen, but Enoch was having conversation with God?  Discussing how awesome God is, so worthy of all praise and all worship?  God doesn't always talk with me when I'm out walking (and I need to get out walking more!!) but when He does... there is nothing like it.  I want faith like Enoch.  I want to walk with God every day - always.

I do have several other Bible heroes, people who had great faith (like Daniel in the lion's den, his three friends who were thrown in the firey furnace, etc!), but Enoch has alwys been my favorite, I think, because He walked with God.  The Bible doesn't list any other thing about greatness.  Just that Enoch walked with God.  And that is what I want.  Enoch pleased God.  And that is my daily focus. To please God.

Our lives are crazy nowadays, don't you think?  You've heard (aka read) my grumblings for some time now of things I'm not happy about; you've also read some good things, I hope.  I do grumble perhaps too much.  As I have said many times, this is my outlet.  And yes, I'm sure that God sees all that I write here as well.  In fact, He has me erase things many times when let my emotions get me carried away.  (i.e., erase, erase)  He knows where my heart is, and He knows everything that I feel, that I go through. And you know what?

God loves me just the way I am.  He loves that my heart seeks after Him.  He loves it when I even make a mistake - why?  Because I come running back to Him and seek His face more diligently, because I know I have not followed Him with all my heart.  God always welcomes me back with open arms.  In fact, I'm pretty sure He is often sitting upon His throne waiting on me with open arms to gather me close and lavish His love and forgiveness on me.

And He is also sitting there, waiting for you.  Does not the picture of Jesus sitting on His throne come to your mind right now, and can you not picture His arms opened wide to receive you - just as you are?  Oh that each one of us would be willing to run - not walk - to His arms and allow His love and forgiveness to flow over us quickly!  

What is the legacy you want to leave for your children,, your grandchildren, even your great grandchildren - and beyond?  I want mine to know that I loved Jesus with all my heart, that I not only followed Jesus, but that I walked with Him.

Blessings!

I feel lazy today.....

 but it is Monday and I have to work.  Well, I don't HAVE to, I could call in 'sick' or just say I want a day off.  But if I did - what would I do differently?  I just wouldn't get on the computer and it'd be another weekend day - in which nothing happens.  Although this weekend we did have something both days, but normally our weekends are pretty quiet.  So, no, I am not going to call it off.   In the past, when hubby was working, I'd sneak and take a day off, not telling hubby until that morning.  Of course he'd fuss and say 'why didn't you tell me, I'd take the day off too!'.  There was a reason I didn't.  I wanted a day ALONE.  I don't get time alone very often anymore (and I probably shouldn't complain, for some day I will be alone, possibly.... ) but I do love my alone time to do whatever I want to do.

So I am trying to motivate myself this morning to DO something.  I mean, I do have to work, so in another hour I will be dressed and sitting in front of my work computer.  Not that I want to, but because I have to.  I try to think positive about working.  I have people in the 'outside world' that I can talk to, albeit verbally and not in person.  I have things to do that activate my mind.  Those are positives, right?  But I am just tired of working.  Ok - enough of the negative.

There is a woman in the Bible who got very negative.  Her name was Naomi - remember her?  You can read about her in the book of Ruth.  Now Naomi and her husband lived in  Bethlehem and when a great famine hit, Naomi, her husband, and their two boys moved to Moab so that they could have food.  Then Naomi's husband died.  In Biblical times, when the husband died, the boys in the family were expected to take care of their widowed mother.  Well, after the boys were married, they died.  And that left Naomi and her two daughters-in-law alone.  

So Naomi became very bitter and negative and 'woe is me' ... not sure that I blame her.  That was a bad lot to be cast into.  Naomi heard that Israel had food again and the famine was over, so she wanted to go back to Bethlehem.  She tried to send her daughters-in-law back to their parents - and perhaps find a new husband.  One daughter-in-law did return to her parents.  But one daughter-in-law, Ruth, refused and went with Naomi to Bethlehem.  She said:

Ruth 1:16-17  (NKJV):  "But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.  Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me."

So Ruth went with Naomi back to Bethlehem, ended up marrying a rich man by the name of Boaz, and they had a son whom they named Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the grandfather of King David!  Now that is something to be positive about! When Obed was born, Naomi's negativity (she had requested her name be changed to Mara, for she felt that God had dealt with her harshly) changed to joy and she took care of this little one as her own son.

God can take our negativity and bring joy to it in many ways.  He can take our bitterness and change us into instruments of great worth.  But you have to believe it, want it, pursue it.  How bad do you want to change?  What is it worth to you to have peace within and without?  

God can take mundane things and make them whatever He chooses.  And He can also take you, just as you are, if you are willing to let Him do a good work in you.  

Every day I lay out my life before Him and ask Him to do whatever in me, that I can be more of Him.  That I can live better for Him.  That I can be used by Him.  And when those opportunities come, I need to take hold of them.  I had a couple opportunties yesterday to 'be Jesus' to a couple people... I may share about that another time.  It wasn't about me, but it WAS about Jesus.  

People watch you and see if your words spoken are reflected in your life.  Sometimes it is a learning process and you do things that don't reflect what you say... and you beat yourself up about it (at least I do), but when God gives you opporunities to glorify Him, go with it!  You will never regret it.

Blessings!

Another late start...

 I didn't get up until nearly 5:30AM again this morning.  In my mind, I've 'lost' 1.5 hours that I could have been reading and spending time with God.  This happens some on weekends.  When we didn't go physically to church, it wasn't a big deal, cause I could still spend as much time as I wanted here in my room.  But, now that we go physically to church, I do have to stop by 7-7:15AM so that I can jump in the shower and get ready to leave.  Funny thing, this morning.... I didn't sleep real well last night and the thought entered my mind to stay home ... but then I told myself that I was going to church.  Then when hubby brought my coffee in, he says to me, "I'm not going to church this morning.  I didn't sleep well last night and I'm not feeling too good.  You can go if you want to."  

Now that just fed right in to me, didn't it!  But I didn't let it!  I had already shaken off the devil and decided I was going to worship anyway.  But he tried again by hubby not feeling well and deciding to stay home.  But, I will get up soon and get ready and go to church.  I'm not sick; I'm tired from not sleeping well, yes, but I'm going to church.  But that is just how Satan works.  He plants that thought in your mind... and then when you overcome that thought, he comes in a different way.  Not this time, Satan!  I'm going to church!

We had a fun time at  our 'group potluck' last night, sitting around eating and talking.  We had chili hotdogs, salad, and vegetarian mac and cheese (not bad, but too much butter for me), and I made 'Settler's Beans (which were really good, by the way), and guess what else I made!  It was one of the women's birthdays and she had mentioned she loved German Chocolate Cake.  So guess what I made her from scratch!  German Chocolate CHEESECAKE!!  Actually, I made her a 4" one, and then I took a 9" one for everyone (and refused to take any back home with me) and then I have a 6" one that we have for our dinner guests tonight.

We have dinner guests coming over... I'll check with hubby to see how he is feeling when I get home from church.  If he still isn't feeling well, I'll postpone our dinner guests.  Need to find out before I start preparations anyway.

I'm having hip problems, I think. Althought it isn't my hip persay, but the joint of my leg attaching to my pelvic bone, I guess it is.  I noticed a couple weeks ago when I got into hubby's car, the seat was low (a friend who is much taller than me had ridden in it and moved the seat back/down) and I kind of 'fell' into the seat.  I noticed this pain on the left side, but thought it was becaues I was sitting 'off', so I just moved my butt around until I was comfortable.  It went away.  The pain has happened a c few other times now when I've gotten in his car (and I have since moved the seat back up where it belongs and is easier for me to get into).  But the other day, I got the sharp pain the left side unexpectedly.  I wasn't in the car.  Then yesterday, as I was cooking, it hit me again on the left side, and I felt a twinge of pain on the right side, same spot.  The pain was so intense that for a short time I couldn't even walk.  WHAT is going on?  The thought occured to me that perhaps this is a side effect of the Fosamax, because there are bone issues with Fosamax, althought it is supposed to put a 'sheathe' around the bone, it can also cause the bone to break.  No, my bone isn't broken, but why would my joint when my femur attaches to the pelvic bone start to hurt - and why such sharp pains?  I haven't done any extensive walking.  Nor extensive exercise.  It's out of the blue and I'm at a loss as to why.  I do have a doctor's appointment for my physical on August 15th so unless it happens to where it disables me doing anything, I'll wait till then to mention it to him.  Is this another sign of 'old age'?  I don't mind getting old - I just don't want to feel old - know what I mean?

I like to sit on my leg, and do that frequently.  Have I been doing it for so many years that now I have messed up that joint?  I don't know... I only know that when it hits (it isn't constant, has only happened a few times), I can't walk as my leg crumbles under me.  It won't allow me to put pressure on it.  I do have a Lifeline Screening appointment on the 26th... I did it about 3-4 years ago.  I pay $148 or so and they do 5 critical tests (or more) to identify if something is wrong.  They first alerted me to a couple things that I brought up with my doctor - nothing to worry about, but to watch, like cholesterol was clogging my arteries some... they tested my carotid artery with an ultrasound.  They do other tests too and I figure it is a way to get some tests done all at one place and they will send the results to my doctor.  Let him figure them out.  I get a copy as well, which is nice.  Overall the last time I was healthy.  Now that I have to take a cholesterol pill at night (doctor told me it is heritary, not my eating habits so much) hopefully my arteries aren't that clogged.  They also diagnosed my bone density was leaning towards osteoporosis..... 3 years later I was diagnosed with osteopenia.  Hence the Fosamax. Enough of my medical ramblings.

Sunday.  A day of rest.  A day of worship.  A day of spending time with God.  A time of turning our thoughts to the Creator of Heaven and Earth.  A day of just being with Him.  I look forward to these days.  I could spend every day just resting in His Presence.  But, unfortunately, I have to work.  Perhaps I need to play the lottery.... you can't win if you don't play, right?  Yeah, I don't play.  

We had a wind/dust storm come by on our way home from group last night - in fact, I drove home in wind and rain and lots of lightening.  My nice clean car I got washed last week is now spotted with dust and rain drops.  Oh well.  I try to keep it clean.. but with our crazy weather, it isn't possible.  My cushions were on my chairs last night, but don't know how wet they got - the rain just kind of blew through.

This chorus has been going through my mind this morning... it's the song 'All my Hope'  - look it up and take a listen.  

"All my hope, is in You.  All my strength, is in You.  With every breath, my soul will rest, in You."

Jesus is our hope, al my hope.  He is also all my strength.  With every breath I take, my soul rests in Him.  I pray you lean into Him and allow Jesus to be your hope, your strength, as well.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Sometimes the hard path is best....

 because sometimes God allows us to go through difficult things, or He will allow us to choose a path that is so easy we sit back and do nothing.  Each one is a learning path.  Which will we choose?  We all want the easy life.  We all want things at our disposal and to have things done our way and all things provided - just as we want it.  And we can give God the glory for all of it.  

But what if....

Everything seems to line up and we feel that a certain path is the one we should take.... and it proves to be dfifficult and hard and ....  Perhaps it is still the one we should take because God wants to teach us something through it.  Perhaps the circumstance you are dealing with is going to take you to a new level of consciousness and awareness of Who God is.  Perhaps it will bring your character up a notch.  Ever think of that?

I haven't.  But I was reading about Gideon this morning (Judges 6).  Remember when the angel came to him as hehid in the wine press threshing wheat because of his fear of the Midianites?  The angel called him a 'mighty man of valor'.  The angel told Gideon that God was going to use him to conquer the Midianites and set Israel free.  An ANGEL visited Gideon with this message.  And what does he do?  He askes for a 'sign' from God.  Seriously? He was talking to an ANGEL, aned he wanted the assurance and PROOF that God was wanting him to go into battle.  And he didn't ask for a sign just once, but TWICE!  

Judges 6:36-40 (NKJV):  "So Gideon said to God, "If You will save Israel by my hand as you have said, look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if ther eis dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on the all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as you have said."  And it was so.  When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece together, he wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water.  Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew." And God did so that night.  It was dry on the fleece only, but there was dew on all the ground."

Do you ever do that?  Do you ever feel like things are lining up the way you want them to - everything seems perfect... and yet... our FEAR of failure jumps in and says "God, can you give me a sign, please, that this is what I'm supposed to do?"  I'm sure I have.  And probably more than once.  And there have probably been times that situations and circumstances have come up that I SHOULD have asked God for a sign and didn't - and regretted not checking in with Him first!  And because we don't check with God first, sometimes we find ourselves in predicaments that we wish we HAD asked Him first.  

But... with that being said, I also believe that God will take our mistakes and will turn them for good.  Do you believe that?  I believe that God allows our wrong choices, our wrong decisions, because He wants to take us to a higher level of accountability.  I feel He wants to move our level of integrity to another level.  He wants our character to grow and be and strive to be more than we could ever imagine in our own thoughts. 

Proverbs 5:21 (NKJV):  "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, And He ponders all his paths."

Proverbs 16:1-3 (NKJV): "The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.  All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.  Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established."

When you know that you have heard from God, don't ask for a sign.  Trust Him that if He said it, He will do it.  Just as He said.

My late father-in-law once told me "God said it, I believe it, that settles it."  I have carried that thought around with me for years.  Have I heard God speak to me?  Yes.  Have I been used by Him?  Yes.  Have I always followed His instructions for my life.  Unfortunately, no.  BUT, I still believe that God takes my wrong choices and uses them to change me, to change my heart, to change my thinking, and to turn my heart towards Him.  People who have walked in my shoes, would not be where I am today if they had chosen differently than I did. 

God showed me how desperately I needed Him, and showed me the plans He had for my life, when He turned my heart and mind towards Him and opened His arms of love and forgiveness to me.  Once I accepted Him, the part of my life I had been living was history.  I was starting a new life, one that would be fruitful and productive for His kingdom.  I have never regretted surrendering my life to Jesus.  He is the One who set me free.

And He can set you free as well.  All you have to do is ask Him.  Let Him guide your thoughts and your life from this day forward.  You will never regret it.  "Let go and let God".......

Blessings!

3 

The last word...

He made me laugh.  And when I think of it, I still smile.  I mentioned the other day that my oldest son and I have this 'thing' of getting the last 'word' in.  Sometimes I let him win, and sometimes he lets me 'win'.  He read my blog, apparently, for he commented on it, '(last) word'.   I thought briefly about responding back on it... but decided to let it go and just comment upon it here.  And... what happened AFTER I read his '(last)' word.  What started?  Didn't I say a a book starts with just one word?

I have a title.  Now whether it is the title of a book, or just a chapter, I don't know.  But thoughts started going through my mind and I went to a blank Word document, and started typing.  I only did a couple paragraphs because I had to put the computer away and get ready for work.  

This is one of those times I wish I didn't work, and I could run with my thoughts at the spur of the moment and perhaps fulfil the dream I have within me to write.  If it is to be, God will always provide a way, and I have to hang on to that.   But the point is... I started.  I had the 'word' to be put to paper and begin.  What's holding you back?

I could tell yesterday was one of those 'bored' days for hubby.  He hasn't been going out to breakfast or lunch as much with his friends.  The Bible study he is in at the Baptist church up the street doesn't start for another month or so.  He still is meeting his friends on Tuesday evenings, and he works on the study during the week, but he doesn't have much of anything else to fill his time in.  Right now he doesn't even have a lot of doctor appointments.  (today he goes to have a blood draw, but that's it)  So what makes me think he is 'bored'?  

He will come and stand at the doorway of 'my office' and not say anything.  Just stand there.  When I finally look up and ask him what he wants, the reply is always the same. "Nothing".  Just thought I'd see what you are doing.  Drives me crazy.  He starts to read and he falls asleep.  Usually for at least 1/2 hour or more.  Then he complains he falls asleep.  (wonder why he can't sleep at night?)  I have tried to encourage him to get involved somewhere; to volunteer - but he refuses.  He has joined the men's group at church, but it only meets once a month - and that was last Saturday.  He has no hobbies, nor does he want to learn something.......unless it is something I want to learn, so that we could do it together.  Which is why I don't jump into things... I have become a 'loner' in a lot of respects.  I like having the opportunity to 'think' without others commenting.  Unless you have been 'smothered' like I have, you would not understand at all what I'm saying.  So I'll leave that there.

I was wrong.  I text'd my little brother yesterday to tell him I was praying for his wife as she had surgery.  I mentioned in yesterday's blog.  OOOPS.  He reminded me, it wasn't yesterday, it is MONDAY.  So I've written myself a note to not forget to pray again on Monday for her.  I wonder why it was on my mind so much that I thought it was yesterday.  But at least I prayed, and at least my brother knows I was thinking of them.  

Today I am needing to take a run down to the Mesa office.  I hadn't planned to, but it is in the plans now.  I will head out about 7:15AM to get down there.  My male boss had told me about some baby equipment that they wanted to get rid of as their youngest is now 1 year old.  Things like bouncer, etc. I can't even think what he sent me photos of.  Anyway, he offered them to us - free - for my grandchildren who are expecting.  Only problem is that he lives in Chandler, I live way out here.  He wanted me to meet at corporate downtown and I refused.  Told him to give them to goodwill as I was not driving in downtown traffic.  It's crazy there.  So we have now compromised.  He has a meeting in Scottsdale this morning, so he will meet me at the Mesa office and we'll put in my car.  That's the only reason for the trip this morning.  I do have some things to take back down to the office, but I haven't pulled everything together and with such short notice, didn't want to.  It will be a slow day anyway.  He is gone all day, my other big boss is on PTO.  

The last box was received yesterday from my little sister.  I wasn't sure what all she sent - and surprisingly, the 'other things' that I expected weren't there.   What was there was the quilt of my older sister's that I wanted.  It was made by either our mom or granny, as it is handmade.  I told her she could keep it, but she sent it.  There is a basket that my younger sister had literally snatched from my daughter's hands and said 'this one is mine!' (but doesn't remember doing that - just wondered why she had the basket).  She sent a small ceramic basket for my daughter, a new wallet of sorts, and a brown envelope full of jewelry.  I knew I had looked at our sister's jewelry and took what little I wanted for memory's sake, and I think the rest went into goodwill as no one else wanted costume jewelry.  But this jewelry was bagged and I hadn't seen it before.  So I text'd my sister and asked about it - she said that when her mother in law died a year ago and she mentioned getting her jewelry, I had commented I'd like to see some of it before she got rid of it.  Well, I guess this is it. None of it I want, so I will be shipping it back to my sister to do whatever with it.  That's all that was in the box.  Interesting.  My sister and I text'd about the box - I included my daughter so that all that was 'said' was seen by all.  It felt safer.

I have so much costume jewelry... and gave several pieces to my youngest granddaughter a couple years ago just to get rid of some.  Most was Avon jewelry from over the years.  Since I don't go into the office anymore, I don't wear much jewelry except my wedding rings.  I don't even put makeup on every day.  I'm not one of those people who can't go outside without putting makeup on.  What you see is what you get.  Makeup may make me look better on the outside, but it doesn't change who I am on the inside.  I will put makeup on this morning and clean up a bit as I will be seeing my boss.  Maybe stop at the grocery on the way home cause I need a few things for a potluck tomorrow night.  But other than that - I'm 'clean-faced'. 👩

Not much going on this weekend here.... a potluck at our group leader's house tomorrow evening, church on Sunday.  I think that is about it.  I want to make a cheesecake... will see how that goes.  Found a recipe for a German chocolate cheesecake.  Doesn't that sound yummy.  If I remember to stop and get what I need at the grocery this morning, I may even make it today.  I am just experimenting again.  The last cheesecake I made was crazy - took a lot more than I thought it would to make.  But in all fairness, I was distracted with work and I did two at the same time, which I probably shouldn't have.  Maybe if I just do one... and then divide it among my neighbors... we definitely don't need it.  I'm not even a big fan of cheesecake!  But want to make a small one for a friend who is in our group - her birthday is tomorrow and she loves German chocolate cake.  Thought I'd do something different.

I guess I've rambled on enough this morning about various things.  Hope that you have an amazing day.  Oh - the 'last word' in the most amazing and wonderful book in the world?

Amen.

Blessings!