Partially done, and it's ok.

 After hubby left yesterday I did come back into this room and surveyed what I was thinking.  I was sure it would work.  I mentally made a few other changes I wanted to do.  And I rolled up my sleeves and began to work.  I pulled the recliner out of the room.  Then I moved the bookcase that was on my left, and moved it to the wall next to the window.  Next, I went in the back room and started moving the desk into this room.  Sigh.

That's where I ran into a problem.  I measured the length of the desk to make sure it could fit in this area, but I did not measure the width.  And the width was larger than the door.  I tried every which way and it just was about an inch too wide for the door.  I could not lift it, the desk is too heavy.  After asking God for His help, and knew it wasn't going to be by my strength, I returned the desk back to its former location, and brought the recliner back into the room, moved my little table to the left side (versus the right side) of the chair and wow - it actually opened up this corner.

I had become such a packrat in that corner.  I had books stacked everywhere behind the chair.  Old prescription bottles too.  Why am I keeping SOME of those?  Because when I separate out my change, I drop them into one of the bottles.  Or rather, that is my thought.  I do use one for my quarters.  I think it is one bottle holds $10 of quarters.  Makes it easier to roll and have the right amount.  (that would be another home alone task.)  It felt good to clear out the books and put some back on the bookcase in the other room (which is getting bad and I need to spend a day working on that.  It felt good to clean up the mess behind my chair.  Now to see how long I can keep it this way!  Yes, I still have a stack of books here that I've put on the floor next to the bookcase.  Many are different versions of the Bible; but most are books I want to read or reread and just haven't yet.  And yes I still prefer book in hand versus on the Kindle.  But that is nice when we are out and about and I don't want to carry books with me.  With my Kindle, I have perhaps a hundred books with me, but never as many as my son does on his!  He reads much faster and more often than I do.  I wish I did have more time....and some time I shall.  

Anyway, back to my moving things around, I completed what I could last night and I was exhausted.  I mean, really exhausted.  I realize how weak I have gotten without working out with my weights.  I haven't walked in a long time so my legs aren't as strong.  I know, I've said many times I'm going to start, and sometimes I do, but haven't stuck with it  Feeling the way I did, and seeing how little strength I have from just sitting at the computer all day and working, yeah, I need to do something.  It didn't help that I had gone to donate blood yesterday and probably shouldn't have been moving heavy things... that was a whole 'nother feeling.  I laid on the floor at one point just to get refocused.  But, over all, I did what I wanted - mostly - and I did it "all by myself" (and with God helping).  And I was happy.

Hubby's comment this morning when he walked in to bring my coffee?  "I like what you did with the room, it really opened up that corner."  I was not expecting THAT.  I was expecting questions of 'who, what, when, where' and getting chewed out for doing it on my own.  But he didn't. (thank you, Lord).  He just said he liked it.  And that is all he needed to say. 

I have started buying for Christmas and several things are sitting under my window.  Hoping I can work on them this weekend and write down what I've bought for whom.  It isn't a whole lot, but some, and I want to be careful on how much I buy this year.  I want to give my kids more.... after all, they give to their families and they don't get as much.  But, one of my boys.... and he is the hardest to buy for....

Do you have a special friend that you love to stay in contact with?  Looking at my cards for today I have pulled the one out that says:  "God has blessed me with a great friend, and for that I am thankful!"  Do you have that special friend that brings special memories to your mind?  I do.  Even though she only lives about six miles from me now, we've known each other for over 50 years.  Can you even imagine that?  I met her when I was pregnant with my oldest, and my husband was overseas.  Her husband was too, but she wasn't pregnant.  We hit it off for some reason.  We had lunch a few weeks ago and had many giggles about the times we would - in the late evening hours - crave a Texas Stromboli.  Oh my goodness, this place in Goshen made the best.  We would count pennies to get enough money together to buy one and split it.  I haven't found any place that makes it as good as they did.  I wonder if I could try to make it myself.... doubtful.  There is another friend that I have treasured... I met her in the early 70's and we became fast friends..... her children were friends (and still are) with my children.  This friend walked with me through many journeys.  God took her on many journeys after we both moved from the little town to other states.  I often think of her, and miss her greatly.  But I know that one day I will see her again.  I come across cards occasionally that I kept from her and remember the fun times we had.  LOL  We would roam the streets at night in our little town, talking to truckers on our CBs.  Her handle was 'Purple Pony."  Mine was "Temptation".  Wow.  That was a different life.  I miss her so much.  God had better plans for her and took her home to be with Him.  I will see her again.

Proverbs 8:24 (NKJV):  "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

We have an even greater Friend in Jesus.  Our other friends may move away; they may die.  But Jesus is always with us, always near us, and always waiting for us to chat with Him.  He truly is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. We are never alone, when Jesus is with us.

Blessings!

Dare I be sneaky?

 Have you found that sometimes when you are reading your Bible that the story grabs you and you just want to keep reading?  Yeah, I was like that this morning.  I've changed my readings somewhat (again) and am reading some in the old and new testaments.  I Samuel shares how the prophet Samuel heard from the Lord when he was but a small child.  I've read that story, and heard that story many times, but I love hearing it again.  Can you not imagine it in your mind as you read... a young child sleeping near the altar of the Lord, and he hears his name being called.  Not once, but three times!  And it always reminds me of the times that I have literally heard God say my name.  Not three times, but once.  But it is such an amazing feeling when I hear Him speak my name, and I pause, and let it sink in that I heard my Father speak to me.  I can't explain the feeling I get.  I don't want to move.  I just want to 'be' and wait.

Then I also read Matthew 6 and in that chapter Jesus talks about 3 things.  When you give, When you pray, and When you fast.

Matthew 6:1-4 (NKJV):  "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."

Matthew 6:5-7 (NKJV):  "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words."

Matthew 6:16-18 (NKJV:  "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

I love how God will speak to us through those verses.  Don't give or do things to receive praise; for that is your reward.  If you help someone, you don't have to brag about what you did.  God sees it, and that is all that matters.  When tithe, it only matters to God how much you give.  Hubby and I both write checks... and you can never out-give God.  Giving to Him with our tithes and offerings isn't a sacrifice, it is an honor and pleasure.

Ah... my favorite verses... and when you pray..... I love coming into my room or the space that I have, just to be alone with God.  I can't always stop the interruptions, but I love the time I have - just Jesus and me.  He examines my heart and brings to mind those things that I need to work on. He truly restores my soul. 

And then there is the fasting.  We always do the 21 day fast in January; giving back to God the firstfruits of the year.  There is something about doing that.  But I love also taking a day or three, to just give up food and focus on Him.  Those are the days I have the most trouble with sometimes.  I won't go into detail, but it isn't that I don't want to fast, but there are things that sometimes prevent it.  I used to fast every Wednesday; then I changed it to Tuesday; then it kind of fell by the wayside on a weekly basis.  Oh I have still fasted meals and prayed for specific things; and I have fasted sleep, getting up even earlier to spend specific time with God.  But this is an area that I want to get back in to and stay focused.  Interestingly, I find it more difficult here at home than I do when I am in the office.  Of course I have to tell hubby if I'm fasting cause he knows when I don't eat... and I guess I struggle with that, for I don't want to tell him.  I want to keep it between God and I.  And that's a whole issue all by itself.  It's my thing....and I need to work on it.

But, see what I am saying?  I got to reading in 'I Samuel and I wanted to continue.  I changed to Matthew and got caught in Matthew 6 and didn't want to stop.  But, alas, the time moves on and I must.  

But what about my title?  Dare I be sneaky?  What is that about?  I have been looking for ways to rearrange this room.  Some mornings I feel so enclosed because of the clutter about the room.  So, yes, I may just be making it worse, but I'm looking at rearranging things.  I don't dare tell hubby for he will immediately vote it down.  Or if I insist, he will insist I not do it myself.  But in this case, I must.  I don't want his comments, his interference.  So what am I thinking about?  It may not even work, but I won't know how it will look until I try.

As you know, some mornings I come in here and sit in my recliner and fall back to sleep.  Or I try to fall back to sleep.  It seems to be happening more and more for some reason.  Must be the tart cherry juice I drink before I go to bed.  They said it would help you sleep, and last night, especially, I slept sound - moreso than I have in a long time.  But then I didn't want to wake up and it was a struggle again to try and read.  So... what I want to do is....

Take my kneeling bench and put it under the window.  Move my recliner (thank goodness it is a small one) and put in that corner.  Move my small bookcase against the window wall, and then bring in another desk that I have in the back room that is just sitting there, unused and gathering things on it.  I measured yesterday and it will fit perfectly next to my work desk.  THEN I can move my personal things to it and separate work and personal.  

My thought is that if I do my quiet time at my desk, I will stay awake easier.  You know how easy it is to be reclined, and close your eyes, and then your are asleep.  If I simply must go back to sleep, I do have a bed in here and I would sleep much better laying across it.  It would be easier to sit at the desk and do my quiet time, and have all my things there.   Yes, I'm bringing a large desk into an already cluttered room.  But, I'm trying to make it more efficient as well.  I'll start with moving the kneeling bench and the recliner.  If that works, and looks ok, I'll continue.  If not, well, I guess I don't move things. But I don't need the recliner in here either... hmmmm.  

But I don't dare try this to see what it will look like until hubby leaves the house for a few hours.  And tonight just may work out - I will not be going to my daughter's tonight as she has something else going on.  I will be home alone.  Most people don't get excited about those two words, but I do.  Home alone. I guess because my alone time is few and far between, when I can get it, I'm excited and I try to cram everything in it.  Will see how my time tonight works out.  I will be ready to go when hubby's car leaves the garage.  Unless something else happens and I hope it doesn't.   You may hear about it tomorrow.

So dare I be sneaky tonight and move things around when hubby is gone to his study with his friends?  Stay tuned!

Blessings!

Where did Monday come from?

 As I sat here this morning - it really was weird - I was thinking it was Tuesday.  But yet, I remember seeing Ms. Amy yesterday, and I couldn't do that during the day.  And I remember going to church, and yet, is today Tuesday already?  Then it dawned on me that it is 'only' Monday.  Why did I think it was Tuesday?  Is it going to be 'one of those weeks'?  I don't think I've done that before - leaving Monday out of the week.  Really weird.

And yesterday wasn't so different than a normal Sunday except Ms. Amy's son brought her 'home' for a few hours.  That was an odd and awkward situation.  Long story short, I did eventually get to go over and visit Ms. Amy for about 20 minutes before he said he had to get her back to the assisted living and I needed to leave.  He was like a protective hen... which wasn't necessary.  He is an odd one, for sure.  He seemed to resent Ms. Amy wanting to see me.  Interesting.

I seem to be having trouble writing in here today.  What's up with that?  I've written several paragraphs, and then stop and erase them.  It seems that I have nothing to share.... so let's go to the devotion I read today.  It actually was really cool, and made me think.

It is about a former basketball player who made a mistake play, and the team lost the game.  He beat himself up over it for awhile; even lost his desire to play, because he had made a mistakes and they lost. A friend told him "You made one bad play in a game filled with good plays.  Even great players blow it from time to time.  You're good, but last time I checked, you were still human"!   

Aren't we glad that in spite of our mistakes, that God doesn't forget we are human.  Or as I heard in Jentezen Franklin's message yesterday - we are only dirt.  

Psalm 103:12-14  "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.  The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.  For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust."

Been beating yourself up lately?  Maybe you need to cut yourself some slack.  Perhaps you had a day recently when you were the worst version of yourself.  Maybe you've said or done some things lately that you are not proud of.  Maybe you've been wallowing in your shame as we often do we we flub up.  Maybe you have been thinking you may as well quit trying, and just give up.

Don't.  I know it hurts when you let yourself down, but don't rob yourself of being the person God has created you to be, and you know you can be.  So you messed up, and said something you shouldn't have, or did something you shouldn't have.  Even the best of us have bad days from time to time.  You know I have!  No matter how mature we think we are, or even how spiritual we think we are, we are only human, and just made of dust.

Genesis 2:7 (NKJV):  "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."

Let your Father wrap His Arms of Grace around you.  Let Him lift you up and dust you off, and help you get going again.  He's never given up on you.  Don't you give up on yourself either!

Trust me, all the self-torture you can muster won't change that failure that is holding you captive.  You can't live backward.  You can only live forward.  So cut yourself some slack and give yourself a bit of that grace that our Heavenly Father freely gives you and me.  It's only when we can let go of yesterday's failures that we are able to give ourselves fully to tomorrow's victories.  

Quit hanging on to what you can't change.  Start living today in the grace of God.

Blessings!

I shall not want...

 What do those words make you think about?  Most people will automatically think of the 23rd Psalm.  Is that what you thought of?  I shall not want.  What do you think that means?  Obviously, our first thought is that it means that we have everything that we need, so there is nothing we want, correct?  Ponder that for awhile.  Are you in that place where you can say "I shall not want"?

What made me think of that?  As I sit here and start to write today, I'm listening to Free Chapel's worship service on my phone.  I love worship, and when there is a good worship team that can take you to the Throne of God, I'm so blessed.  

Oh my goodness!  Now they are singing an old favorite song of mine - reminds me of my mama.  And it's the only song I can play on the piano.  "When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!  When we all get to heaven, and see Jesus, then we will sing and shout the victory!"  Do you remember that song?  My mama used to sing that all the time, along with 'Rock of Ages'.  Sweet, sweet memories.  Although I don't really have room for it, and although I really can't play, I often toy with the idea of getting a small keyboard that I can sit up back here and whenever I want to remind myself of my heritage of church songs and play them - even with just my right hand, and remind myself of songs my parents used to sing, songs that formed me in my youth.   Whenever I commented to hubby in the past I wanted one, I got the 'what for? where would you put it?' stuff and it doesn't matter, does it?  If I want it, and it means something to me, does it matter what for and where would I put it?  Granted, I wouldn't have opportunity to use it often.... .. I do have an Amazon gift card from my boss... I COULD use it to put towards it, right?

I think that is some of the biggest struggles I have.... I love the things from my childhood that I hold dear.  It's hard to explain.  Some things need to be left in the past; I agree.  But, even if they are never used, if it means something to me... ah... I can't explain it.  Perhaps I'm just missing my mama this morning with hearing these 'old time' songs.  When she was in the hospital, and I got to spend time alone with her, we often sung a hymn.... I didn't remember all the words, but mama did.  'The Old Rugged Cross'.  'It is no Secret, what God can do'.  When We All Get to Heaven'.  Those are songs from my childhood that helped shape my life.  I love the chorus' we now sing, don't get me wrong.  But when the worship team keeps singing the same chorus over and over... my worship shuts down.  It has become a performance instead of worship.  That is my complaint against some of these worship teams. 

 In fact, when Pastor Gerald, whom I credit with teaching me how to come into God's Presence in worship, he knew when to stop.  We generally would sing 3 songs (and not always a hymn, but sometimes), two would be upbeat and fast and full of praise and worship.  But the third song... that is the one that always did it for me.  It would slow down, and a hush of reverence would fall, as we bowed down and worshiped God.  It prepared our hearts for listening to God's Word that was going to be spoken to us.  I miss those times of worship.  

Today is Sunday and I will be stopping soon to jump in the shower and get ready for church.  My throat feels raspy this morning (and has the past three days, actually) and I had a sinus headache again (took a pill and it helped)... thinking about going to an ENT to check out what is going on... only because of what I went through last April at the hotel... I haven't felt well since then.  I had planned to discuss this with my doctor at my well checkup - but you know how that ended up.  Haven't found a new doctor yet, but I'm going to research it soon.  I think I can go to an ENT without a prescription.  Will try, anyway, I think. 

I look at my phone and I see that I had a call from my younger son early this morning,   No message was left so I am left to wonder if my granddaughter is at the hospital to deliver our great-grandson.  It is late enough I think I can text him and see if everything is ok.  I never get calls in the middle of the night unless it is important.  I didn't hear it ring, or I would have answered it.  My phone is always in this room at night and I see the volume isn't up very high - I do that so it doesn't scare me awake if it rings.  My watch didn't vibrate so it didn't wake me up.  

I'm going to leave this with you this morning...   lyrics to The Old Rugged Cross..

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
It's shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he'll call me some day to my home far away
Where his glory forever I'll share

And I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)
Till my trophies at last I lay down
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

Did you find your mind humming the tune alone with the words as you read the words?  Did you even stop to read the words?  For some of you, you are old enough to remember this song.  For others, you may have never heard it before.  I suggest you pause, and read it again, and take those words to heart.  For many of us, we are who we are, because of The Old Rugged Cross, and Jesus, who died on it, for you, and for me.  Everything we have is nothing compared to the crown we will have when we see Jesus face to face.

Blessings!

Work, Fun times, and now I'm tired!

 I made it down to the office and back just fine yesterday, and I got a lot accomplished while there.  Someone had gone through all the boxes I had stacked up - and with 3 of the boxes totally empty, I have no idea what was taken.  I can only assume it was supplies for all of my personal things were already brought home.  I rearranged the 8 or so boxes that were left and got it down to 3, I think it was.  As I repacked them, I pulled out some things that I could still use here at home - if I wanted to.  Obviously, I've gotten along over two years without these things, but hey, the boxes are going to be put in storage.  So I actually brought quite a bit home with me.  My boss told me to take some things and just use them - even for personal use.  If not, eventually they'd be thrown away.  So I did.  I guess overall it wasn't a lot... a box of pens, a ream of paper, a notebook (so I can perhaps combine all my notes into one place and not all over my wall), a small fan.... I can't even remember all now.  I've already put it away too.  I really need to clean out this desk and straighten it up.  I'm thinking about bringing the other desk in the 'exercise room' in here to put my personal things on so I can keep my work area clean.  Problem with that is the recliner will have to go.  There is only so much room in here.  I'll have to think about how to do this.... and do it when hubby isn't home or it won't happen.  My boss also remembered my birthday gift so I continue to celebrate.

I have lunch plans today with a director from the office.  I think I have only met her once - and that was a few years ago!  We were emailing back and forth a couple months ago and somehow we got on the conversation about ancestry and genealogy.  I've probably already told you this.  Anyway, she wanted to meet so that we could talk more - and not a 'salad place'.  She likes to EAT a REAL lunch and then go light for dinner.  So Spinato's it is versus Wildflower, where I would have probably gotten a sandwich and salad.  I need to look at  menu at Spinato's so that I know what I want to order.  It's a pizzeria so should have plenty of choices!  She lives in the east valley so I found one between us, just a few blocks down from the Wildflower I meet my boss at.

It actually felt good being busy yesterday morning.  It was warm and I was sweating (imagine that!) at the office while I worked.  I probably worked on it 3-4 hours, going through drawers and boxing things up.  Met up with my boss and we grabbed a sandwich and chips from the vending area and sat in the area to eat and catch up.  By 1PM we both were heading back to our homes.  I got back on the computer when I got home and finished up for the day.  Leftovers for dinner, then we watched two movies before heading to bed.  I slept well, and woke up my usual time, reminded myself it was Saturday and tried to go back to sleep.  Within a short time, hubby got up so I did too.  He made a pot of coffee, blending two different kinds together.  I don't know how he did it, but I can't drink it  - it is way too strong - and I like a strong dark coffee, so you can imagine!  I did try to sip and drink some of it, but hitting my morning pills, my stomach started getting nauseous so I snuck into the kitchen and grabbed a mini bagel to offset the nausea.  But I can't drink the coffee.  We have k-cups; he just wanted to make a pot of coffee.  He did real well when we were on vacation; perhaps the two brands confused him? I don't know.  So leave me alone this morning; technically I haven't had my coffee yet.  

Decided I'd vary my reading in my Bible this morning.  Started in Matthew, read also in Psalms, then went to I Samuel.  There is so much to learn in each one.  Do you remember that Matthew, when Jesus walked up to him and said "Follow me", that Matthew got up, walked away from EVERYTHING, and followed Jesus?  He didn't say 'wait until I finish my day's work'.  He didn't say 'I'll catch you later, I'm busy now'.  He didn't grab his work to take with him.  Matthew doesn't even share that information.  It is found in Luke 5:27-28.

Luke 5:27-28  "After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office.  And He said to him, "Follow me."  So he left all, rose up, and followed Him."

How do you think that would play out today?  We often think that our times are so much different (and worse) than they were back in the biblical times, but they really aren't.  It's just communication now is so much different than it was back then.  Times are different, but the sins and behaviors of people are not.   I am sure Jesus has several tax collectors today following Him.... I wonder if they ever think about Matthew and his choice to follow Jesus.

Each one of us has the choice to leave all and follow Jesus.  Leaving all doesn't necessarily mean (nowadays) to walk away from family and responsibilities, it is leaving the life we were living, to one of greater value.  To give up the things we do that we know are wrong, and choose to do the right things.

If I don't forget, I'll share a conversation I had yesterday with my sister.  Within a 15 minute period she had text'd we were no longer family, apologized, then called saying, 'I didn't think you would answer', and started crying about missing our big sister and how much she always did for her.  I know better, bur let her think she did so much.  She didn't.  She wouldn't even return phone calls.  But - that's something else.  I'll share if I don't forget another time about the conversation.

Well, hubby just poked his head in the door.  "Are you ok?"  Uh yeah... it's Saturday... I don't have to be out of here at 7AM and since I didn't come in until nearly 5AM, I generally stay until 8AM... just cause I can.  I know what it is... he's wanting breakfast and I usually cook on Saturdays.  Sigh.  So guess that means I need to 'leave all, get up, and follow ..."  ok - dumb play on words.  

Got to fix breakfast...  then get ready to go to lunch with my friend.  He doesn't know I ate the mini bagel a short time ago.  Maybe I can get by with just fixing something for him.  I know his games; if I sit at the table with him, he s-l-o-w-l-y eats so that I will sit and talk with him.  I'm always done way before he is.

Blessings!

Taking the drive this morning....

 Yep - I am going to be heading across the freeway this morning to get to the office.  Once again they are telling everyone on the 8th and 9th floors - which is where our people were - to get everything cleaned out because facilities wants to refigure and redo the cubicles on these floors and let other departments take them - after all, we will not be going back to the office; at least not that one.  After nearly 3 years of working remote, many employees don't want to go back in to the office - and leaders have found that for the most part, people are more productive by working from home.

Now I don't feel I am more productive by working from home because I have to sit in front of my computer all day.  By that I mean that if I was in the office, I would be moving around a lot more, being interactive with people, and would be helping people who were not even in my department.  Here, I'm only working with my leaders and a couple who are under them.  I don't have anything I do daily - except scheduling meetings.  Some days I have a lot, others none.  From the way my desk looks you would think I'm really busy.  Yeah, I do need to clean it off and straighten it up.

Anyway.... I will be heading down to the office and meeting my boss there.  We will be going through at least my boxes that are packed and still sitting at my desk.... I had just thrown things in there, thinking at that time I'd be going back in to the office soon - and since that hasn't happened, nor will happen - I can repark these boxes and throw away some things that I kept in folders.  If I haven't needed them in 2 1/2 years or so, there is a great possibility that I will never need them, right? The boxes will go into storage - for what reason, I don't know.  If I don't need them, they need to be where other people can take what they need.  I am looking forward to getting out of the house for awhile today and doing something productive.

I read the book of Malachi the past few days.  It really has some great truth in it, things I wish I had known years ago.  He speaks of marriage and how it should be in the Lord's eyes.  He speaks of giving back to God - cheerfully - His tithe.  I have been so surprised that people will share that they don't tithe - and the reason they don't.  I still can't grasp that.  The Bible says we should give 10% of what we earn.  My mother always tithed when I was growing up.  I didn't understand it then, but I remember her doing it.  I remember the envelopes in the offering plates.  Churches, in hopes of keeping people accountable, began some time ago letting you go online to the church website and give your tithe.  Sundays come around and if the plate was passed, you passed it on.  Nowadays, because of COVID, the offering plates are not passed, but there are buckets or something in the back that you can drop your tithing in.  Not that it is for anyone to know what you are doing (don't let the left hand know what the right hand is doing).  In Malachi, God tells us....

Malachi 3:8-10 (NKJV):  "Will a man rob God?  Yet you have robbed Me!  But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?'  In tithes and offerings.  You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."

I know, I've talked about tithing before.  God's tithe has always been 10% of our gross income, after all, He lets us keep 90% to do with whatever we want.  I am always reminded of the scripture 

Proverbs 22:7 (NKJV):  "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

I have learned over the years exactly what that means.  And, if you have even a mortgage, you know what that means.  Most times we only apply that to credit cards that we often abuse.  (How many things had I bought on a credit card that didn't need to be?)  It also can apply to friends or family members.  When you loan people money, you are the one they will avoid, until they can pay it back.  Our bills, we will throw in a drawer or put on a desk where they aren't in our face, because we don't want to remember we owe them.  Ah, much can be said on this subject.... and the subject of tithing... but I'm not that smart to know everything.  I just know that when I give to God, He blesses me with things I don't think about.  I know that I can never out-give God, so I tithe, and trust Him to provide all that we need.  And He has never failed us.  I have mentioned some tough times we have gone through - but God always got us through them.  We can always trust God to take us THROUGH the fire of whatever is against us.  

When fewer people in the office building the cafeteria closed and they put in vending machines for those that remained.  I wonder if they have their good coffee, or is it by machine now.  Of course by then I may be wanting a soda instead.  Can't believe we were drinking 2-3 cups of coffee every morning when we were on vacation.... of course after our quiet time we'd go sit out on the porch and watch the birds and took the time to enjoy the coffee.   Wonder if my boss and I will eat lunch out of the vending machine or go somewhere.   Oh well, will figure it out once we get together.

In the meantime... until tomorrow and I ramble on again.... have an awesome day....

Blessings!

What is going on with me?

 I went to bed at my usual time last night... fell asleep, as I was exhausted from the day.  I woke around 2AM and had a little trouble getting back to sleep, but got up at 4AM.  I come into my room to read - and fell asleep again!  I would read just a sentence or two and my eyes would close.  It has been a tough morning to do my devotions and I still haven't gotten through everything I usually do.  And that's ok.  It's not mandatory.  God knows my heart and I have things I do in a certain order; if I have to leave some out, He's not going to zap me.  Thank goodness for that!

Wow - it is 5:47AM and the landscapers are already out mowing the grass this morning and trimming the hedges!  Usually they wait until about 6:30AM.  Must have a lot going on today.  Some of our neighbors may not like getting awakened so early - but for us, we're already up.

Well, I've written that paragraph three times and all three times I have deleted it.  Sometimes in my frustration about things I say what's on my mind about people.... as you know.... and then I look at it and (at least this morning) say, naw... you shouldn't put that on there.  Sigh.  Yesterday was a difficult day in that hubby just couldn't leave me alone to work.  He needs to find a hobby, but nothing interests him. Maybe I'll buy him a model car for Christmas... he has to do something besides watching me work!  We also had a conversation last night .... he was upset about a friend of his who is starting to get Alzheimers and had text'd hubby he was letting his wife take his personal finances (they have always had separate as she is 'rich' and he isn't) over... and hubby was upset about it.  I tried to explain that his friend was giving up so that he can focus on his health... and I commented on our joint account.... to which hubby tells me it is just fine.  Then I dropped the bomb.... "and if you don't start being honest with your doctor about your dementia, you are going to continually get worse!"  Surprisingly, he never said a word about it.  Didn't ask what I meant, didn't ask for examples.  I think he knows... just doesn't want to admit it.  Life is hard when you get older, I get it.  I have trouble remembering some things.  It's not the little things we forget though... it's how he remembers a lot of things that makes no sense.   Life is sometimes hard.  And it's harder when you don't know what to do and everything is met with resistance.

I did read the 23rd Psalm this morning before I fell back to sleep.  Did you know that Jehovah Rohi means 'The Lord is my Shepherd'?  I love it when I come across a name for the Lord, and they are throughout the Bible.  Years ago I taught a class on the names of the Lord.  I could even pronounce them as I had an audio tape that helped me.  I loved that class and learned so much.  Many of His names I have forgotten... but there are a few I still use frequently.  Jehovah Jireh is The Lord will provide.  Jehovah Rophi is The Lord who heals.  Jehovah El Roi is The God who sees.  I need to find that book - if I still have it - and go through it on my own.  It was a great class.

We will be starting a new class soon with our small group.  It's called 'Rooted" and is a discipleship class we've been told.  They want the entire church to do it.  Our first thought was 'naw, we like the discipleship class we have already done'... but ... wanting to be a part of the small group, I signed up both of us last night.  Now I'm not sure if our 'leaders' will be able to take us through it in our small group.  I don't want to do a small group nor go to another - we like this group.  Not sure how that is going to turn out.  

Guess I'm rambling now... my head still hurts ... probably from all these storms that have been happening.  Having lunch Saturday with a work friend.  We got to talking via work computer about ancestry and some of the things we do that was what our generations have done.  She wanted to meet and talk more - so we are.  I only have met her once or twice before we were sent home.  She said she wanted to go to a place that one could EAT lunch... in other words, not settle for a salad.  LOL  I suggested Spinatos - although I haven't been there in years, but it is about 1/2 way for us.  I'll have to google how to get there... Siri is my best friend for directions.

Ok - I have bored you enough today... have a blessed day!

Blessings!

What does a tear do....

 I had another rough night last night and didn't sleep much.  My head is hurting again this morning and I'm exhausted.  But this time it is my own fault.  I let my hurt and feeling of rejection cause me to say words of frustration that I shouldn't have said.  Not going to go into it, and I have made amends, and I'm not going into detail.  Detail in this is not important.  It's just a case of I felt hurt and rejected and I said words that I should not have said.

Isn't that how we react sometimes?  Someone hurts us and we respond.  Not that we want to hurt them, but we want them to see our pain.  But, you know what, they usually don't.  It isn't that they don't care, they just don't understand the depth of what we are feeling.  And it comes out through our frustration, sometimes in anger, sometimes in words.  I wasn't angry, I was hurt and feeling rejected.  I was over it last night, but I kept replaying the words in my mind as I tried to sleep.  I know I wasn't rejected personally.  I know they have no clue how deeply I was hurt.  And they won't know.  Well, I did send a text this morning and told them I was hurt and felt rejected so that they would know why I reacted the way I did.  And I did apologize and asked for forgiveness.  They just will never know how hurt I was.  And that is The End of this conversation.  It isn't the first time I've been hurt, and it won't be the last, I'm sure.  But each one needs a line drawn and say, "Ok, it happened, I've gotten past it, it's over and done."

Today's devotional spoke about tears.  I'm so tired from two nights of not sleeping well, and the pain of this and some other things that have happened, my tears can easily fall this morning.  The devotional talked about loss, and how we sometimes need to let the tears fall.  It doesn't matter if it was yesterday, or if it was 10 years ago.  Or fifty years ago.  If we carry that pain, that hurt, still in our hearts at our loss, or at something we felt was hurt or rejection, it can still bring tears.

And that's ok.   I love these words that the author wrote.... "So today, if something triggers an old pain for you and you find yourself feeling a bit sad or lonely or blue, it's okay.  Don't beat yourself up because you're not "over it" yet.  You may never be.  But you will get through it.  God is your Strength and your Comforter, and He will keep walking with you, step by step and day by day.  And don't worry about those tears.  Tears are God's way of helping you let the sadness out.  That way it doesn't build up inside.  Don't be ashamed of your tears.  They're good for you, even if they started a long, long time ago.  Those tears are precious to God.  He's collecting every one of them in a bottle.  He is saving them for a Special Day - the day when you and He will be able to pour them out together in a place where there are no more tears, no more sorrow, and no more death.  That's the day you'll finally be Healed, the day you'll finally be Whole.  That's the day you'll finally be Home.  Then you can put that bottle on the shelf for good."

This is the sentence that spoke to me..... "Tears are God's way of helping you to let the sadness out."

I have held back tears for many years for many reasons.  And other times I cannot hold the tears back; they just flow unbidden.  I guess the hurt and sadness in my heart sometimes just can't hold back the flood anymore and they just fall, regardless where I am or what I'm doing.  Many times it is a book I'm reading that will trigger the tears (that happened this past week), other times it is a song that will tenderize my heart and for an unknown reason, the tears will fall.

What about you?  Are you like me, holding your tears back all the time?  It isn't that we worry so much about the tears falling and people will see us; I think it is more we want to be alone in our sorrow, our grief.  At least it is that way for me a lot of times.  There are situations where the tears - whether of joy or sorrow, will overflow and I have no explanation for them.  I'm out of control on the inside, and the tears are flowing on the outside.

I watch a love movie on TV and I will fight the tears because we all long to be loved and treated like that.  I read a good book that will help me in my walk with God, and something will be written that will trigger thoughts of my own inadequacy and failures in life, and the tears will fall unbidden.  I can go to a funeral of a friend, and cry my eyes out because of their grief and sorrow.  But when it is my own family, I have managed to keep my tears in check.  Why is that?  When I conducted my older sister's funeral recently I choked up before I got the first words out.... but managed to get it 'under control' and continue.  Yet, when I am alone and think about my family and those who are already gone, the hurt and pain inside of me because of my loss will grieve me, but the tears don't always come.  

Perhaps it is because I don't want to be sad; I miss them, I love them, but I don't want to spend my life grieving at my loss.  There are times that my pain is great.  I remember after hubby's father died and he had been my best friend in the start of this marriage, helping me through some very rough times... a few months later I found something in the closet I was cleaning out that I had bought for him..... and I lost it.  I was home alone so I could let my emotions have full rein.  I screamed at God for taking away my friend and father in law.  I threw things and screamed.  And I cried at my loss.  I felt so alone and without hope of surviving life.

And what did God do as I screamed at Him?  He listened to my heart.  Didn't matter what words I used.  He heard my heart, he saw my pain.... and He loved me.  He wrapped His arms around my heart and loved on me until I was able to stop crying.  All the years of pent up pain and loss; all the times I felt unwanted and unloved, rejected, God held me while I cried those out.  Then I calmly picked the things up and put them away.  Exhausted and worn, but knowing I was loved and comforted.

I could use some of that now... but will continue to hold it in for awhile.  I need to find some alone time where God and I can really talk.  It's hard with working from home; even here in my room during my quiet time, I don't want to deal with pain and sadness.  Working from the office has its advantages... I had a good hour or more driving time, and there were times when I would spend them crying as I drove home.  Alone in my car, I could be me, and I could let my emotions flow.  He sees every tear that falls, and gathers them into a bottle.

And He gathers your tears as well.  When was the last time you had a good cry?  When was the last time you shed a tear because of joy - or of sadness?  Maybe it is about time.  Let God comfort your heart.

"Tears are God's way of helping you to let the sadness out."

Blessings!

Little sleep, sinus pounding...

 what kind of day is this going to be?  For some unknown reason last night, my mind would not close its eyes and go to sleep.  I wasn't thinking about anything.  I had nothing on my mind.  It was just a void that wouldn't close its eyes.  What's up with that?  I know I slept some, but I knew when hubby came to bed, I knew about every toss and turn he made, I think.  I finally got up around 3:30AM and came in here and tried to sleep.... but even here my sleep eluded me.  Plus my throat is a bit sore... did I sleep and snore really deep?  Very possible.  Surely I slept some; I don't feel that bad. 

But now I am weighing if I should donate blood as scheduled this afternoon.  I'll wait a few hours and if it hasn't gone away, I will reschedule for next week.  Don't want to take a chance I'm catching a sinus cold or something.  Not a good thing to have if I want to donate blood.   I really think if I could sleep for a couple hours, a deep sleep, that I would feel much better.  Maybe I will just go ahead and reschedule since I'm on my computer.  If I get a chance, a 10 minute nap would be good this afternoon.  

I got a lot done yesterday and all the meetings that I needed to schedule - I think there were about 30 of them yesterday.  But, got them all done.  I was busy all day.  I know I got an email right at 4pm to do something, but I decided I wasn't even going to read it; it was, after all, 4PM, and it was not from my bosses, but from one that reports up to them.  It can wait until this morning.  At least I have something to do right off, right?

Looks like I may be driving to Mesa on Friday.  Facilities has asked for the floor we were on to be totally cleaned out.  I packed up numerous boxes when I left over two years ago (can you believe that?!) and they are still sitting by my cubicle.  My boss said she would go in and help go through other cubicles to make sure they are cleared out and asked if I wanted to meet - and of course I said yes!  It probably won't take us long to go through things and repack some of the boxes that have been gone through.  I actually have some supplies I brought home with me two years ago that I can return and put in a box.  They aren't being used; I can keep a few tablets of paper, but other than that, can return the rest.  It will be a fun day to meet up and 'work' on things there - but even more fun to have a 'play day' of sorts.  I don't have much on my calendar right now, and I'll let my other boss know I'll be in Mesa so don't send me work to do.   We will probably work through the morning, have lunch, then head back home.  Will see how it turns out.  It's almost like a 'day off' for me.  I have a long, leisurely drive there and back, get to see my favorite boss, do a little work... yeah, it could be a good day.

One of the hardest things to do is to rejoice in the Lord when things are tough.  When you and the spouse are fighting (yep, do that); when you are struggling with not feeling well (yep, feel that too); and when life is just full of disappointments and your heart is breaking (yep.... been there many times).  But the Word says that...

Philippians 4;4-6 (NKJV):  "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

And when we choose to praise God in the midst of our issues, in the middle of our troubles, whenever we feel discouraged, that praise erupts in heaven and you will feel His love and peace fall upon you.  Have you tried it lately?  When that 'thing' comes at you, when you feel that anxiousness or fear, or discouragement - or even when anger comes upon you - stop and praise the Lord and you will feel such a peace come over you that you know it's nothing you could have done on your own.  

Your success and happiness lies in you.  Resolve to keep happy, and joyful, and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.  Against life.  Against those things that trouble you.  Try it.  Rejoice and praise the Lord!

Blessings!

Getting back to normal... whatever that is....

 It actually feels good to be home (at least for now) and getting back into our normal routines.  Yesterday we went to church - and wow!  Pastor Pat was on fire again - he preached about Revival.  I have prayed often for revival to come, starting with me.  Stir a fire up within me that it can never be quenched.  And I pray that over my children and their children and their children as well.  I pray they all turn to the Lord and let Him guide their thoughts, their lives, their homes.   It was a great message.

Afterwards we stopped for lunch before heading on home.  Caught the son-in-law here cleaning out the gutters for us.  They stopped on their way home from their church.  After they left, hubby turned on the TV and promptly took a nap.  I jumped on my work computer and was able to approve a bunch of timecards that were completed (it's 'Timecard Monday'!) and go through the 200+ emails that were left that I didn't delete while I was on vacation.  I was able to get several meetings scheduled as requested too.  I guess I worked about two hours.  No, I don't get compensated financially since I'm salaried.  In this case, it is fine.  I do take off when I need to and I don't have to put in the time but just take it off for dental or doctor visits.   I feel pretty good about starting work this morning since I won't have anything pressing to do.  Well, I do have about 16 'meet and greet' meetings to schedule for one department, but they are not critical since this person doesn't start until September 6.  I've got time to get them scheduled, but will probably get them done today so that they are done and over with. 

Tonight we are meeting a couple from one of the RV parks we speak at, for dinner.  Which reminds me, I need to start pulling together messages for this fall - November will be here quickly.  I think my first one is the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  I also am scheduled for Christmas this year, and New Years.  And it's ok.  Last year I turned it down, but this year I said ok.  And it will be.  We have our Christmas early, and church starts at 9AM and we can be back home by 10:30AM.  First group doesn't arrive until around 11-11:30AM and I can have lunch in the oven while we are gone if that is what they want.  It will work out.

My boss text'd me yesterday to clear her calendar this afternoon as she got a new grandbaby over the weekend and plans to help her daughter with the new baby.  I haven't heard anything about a new baby for us yet so guess the granddaughter is still waddling around.  Surely the baby will come this week!  It grieves my heart for my granddaughter's living situation, but there is nothing I can do.  If we were at our other house, I would have pushed for her to come stay with us until she got on her feet.  But, here we are and can not do anything ... except pray.  And we do that.  

Psalm 130:7  "Hope in the Lord"!  

So many times we hope in different things, but do we ever turn our hope to the Lord?  How many times do we 'hope' that we have a good day?  We 'hope' that our medical reports turn out good.  We 'hope' that our kids will do well in school.  We 'hope' we have enough money for....  so many things we 'hope' for, but what would happen if we chose to put our HOPE in the Lord?

I guarantee you that if you place your HOPE in Jesus, that you will feel better.  He is the One who guides and directs our path (when we ask Him).  Being a praying woman or man does not mean that you'll never have bad days.  It means you are willing to find beauty even in the ugliest days.   And some days can get pretty ugly, I think!  

I encourage you to sit back and think about the things that you 'hope' in.  Is your hope in the Lord, or in material things?  There is a big difference.  It can also make a difference in how you look at your day when your hope in things falls short.

Look for the beauty in the day ahead of you.  There is always good.  Sometimes you have to look for it.  Look for the joy, for the beauty of the day.  It can set the tone for you.  I pray you find your beauty as the day begins.  Find hope.

Blessings!

There is no place like home....

 There is truth in that saying (in most cases!).  After our lunch with friends yesterday, we headed on back home and made it in good time.  After unpacking, we kind of just chilled for the rest of the evening.  I did not cook or even ask hubby if he was hungry.  I wasn't, after such a good lunch, and didn't even think about eating.  Hubby fixed himself some cheese and crackers.  Of course the TV came on in due time to the baseball game.  He asked if I wanted to watch a movie and I replied no.  I was already missing the quiet.  About the usual time I went to bed, but he stayed up to 'watch the news'.  I don't know when he came to bed.  I slept good, only awaking a couple times.  Awakening at 4AM, I told myself I had at least another hour, so dozed back off for a short time before getting up.

There is something to be said about being home.  I love having my space for my quiet time where hubby isn't sitting close by.  There is just something (for me) to be alone with God.  My mind is still searching on when I can block out the world for a couple days and spend it alone with God like I used to when I could go up to the hermitage.  In time, I will find the space, and the opportunity.  I need to wait upon God for this.... then it will be a truly blessed time.

My big brother sent me a windchime.  I knew he was going to.  One of our cousins in Tennessee sent it to him in 'honor' of our sister, who recently passed.  Some people send flowers, some people send blankets, some send other things.  It is in remembrance of the one who passed.  He said he didn't need it, and asked if I wanted it.  And I said yes.  I miss my big sister - a lot more than I thought I would.  I am sure I've said that before.  But I do.  I feel a void.  I want to call her.  We didn't talk long, but we did talk at least every ten days or so, I think.  Some days more than once.  So the windchime came while we were gone.  I opened the box - it is much bigger than what I was thinking it was! - and took outside to find a place to hang it.  

I decided to hang it partially inside the porch area because I knew if the wind hit it - everyone would hear it.  It isn't the sound of 'tinkle tinkle tinkle'.  It is more like TANKLE, TANKLE, TANKLE.  LOL  I hung it up and later when I went to bed, I heard the wind starting to blow hard.  We had a storm moving in.  And TANKLE, TANKLE, TANKLE!  I debated, and got up and went outside and tied the chimes together so that they wouldn't make such a loud noise.  I'm thinking I need to bring them further inside the porch where the wind won't get to as easily.  They are really loud in the quietness of the night.  I know our neighbor has a small one and I frequently hear it - and that's fine.  It's the tinkle kind.  I don't know how many of our neighbors could hear the TANKLE of ours, but ... no need to disturb the peace.  But then I laugh.  My big sister was LOUD, and these windchimes will definitely remind me of her.  I just need to figure out how to muffle the sound somewhat.

Today is Sunday and we will be heading to church in a couple hours.  It will be good to be back in the 'routine' of my daily life.  Church this morning; probably stop for lunch on the way home.  We both will probably nap this afternoon.  I want to get on my work computer and get some things out of the way.  Timecards are due Monday and I'm sure there are a lot of missed punches and things I need to fix on timecards - if I can get it done early, then tomorrow won't be so crazy.  Plus I see I have invoices to process and meetings to schedule.  I do get my work emails on my phone so was able to delete several that I didn't need to do anything with, but am still left with around 200 to actually open and look at.  Oh well - I probably deleted that many already.

Sometime this next week I need to think about looking for another doctor.  It still bugs me that my doctor cancelled my well check-up - and the first time his office can get me in is April 3, 2023.  I'm grateful it is a well check up, but still..... that is unacceptable.  Even my boss says I need to find another doctor.  It's really disappointing.  I've had nothing but troubles with doctors giving me attention since my other doctor retired.  After all, my health IS all about me.  Right?

This year is flying by.  And yet, the time is the same as before.  It can't be that I am more busy, for I am not.  But perhaps it is because I feel I am accomplishing less.  So much I'd like to do, so little that I make myself complete.  I really did enjoy the week of doing nothing but reading.  I still had to cook, and hubby still did the dishes, but other than that, just like here, nothing else was done.  Ok, so hubby does the laundry here.  And complains the entire time he does it.  But he won't let me do it, not even my own.  I wish he would.  What takes him two-three days, I can do in less than a day.  

I was reminded in my reading of my Bible this morning how we should watch how we respond to people; how we should behave and be around people.  I know it. I just don't often do it.  My anger duffer gets riled and I want to respond in like.  You know what I mean; you do it too.  You know better; you tell yourself you aren't going to let them get to you, and then....  But, 

Psalm 15:1-8 (NKJV):  "Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against a friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord; he who swears to his own hurt and does not change; he who does not put out his money at urury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.  He who does these things shall never be moved."

So what does that all mean?  According to Dr. David Jeremiah, in verses 2-5, "Those who live according to these verses shall never be moved. In other words, they will be stable, solid, God-honoring citizens in this world who have nothing to fear.  Lives forged in integrity are reinforced as if with steel. Uprightly is translated 'integrity'.  The term righteousness shows that one is in right standing with God.  Truth means what is right and trustworthy, not merely correct.  Backbite is the word for slander."

There are other things he said, but the scriptures makes one think.  Is my life one that can stand in God's Presence at the end of the age?  (or kneel, bow down, etc.)  Will we come before the judgement seat and be cast out of God's Presence?  Or will He place a crown on our heads and say "Well done, good and faithful servant".  It is always our choice.  

Something to think about today.  Don't harden your heart against the Lord; let Him draw you close.

Blessings!

It's going home day - and I'm ready....

actually, I think we both are.  Hubby mentioned yesterday afternoon that he felt like it was time to go home.  And, yes, it is.  I will need to remind him of this next year, if we go anywhere.  Five days and four nights is plenty.... unless you are busy doing things.  And we have only read.  He doesn't like to walk long distances, he doesn't like to hike... sightseeing hasn't really been our thing so much..... he doesn't like to shop.... but then, staying here and reading has been good.  We both take breaks and go outside on the porch and enjoy the breeze and just be quiet.  A good storm moved in yesterday and we sat outside and watched it until the lightening felt it was close, then we came inside, turned the recliners around to sit in and look outside the window and watch it.  It was really cool.

Soon we will start to pack up everything and load up the car.  Our friends came up last night to their trailer they have here, and we will be meeting at  a grill they like about five miles from here for lunch, then we will head on down the mountain.  It has been a nice week, I will admit, but it's not the same as being home and resting.  Of course there he would have had the TV on and we would have also been watching movies every night.  I think he is actually in TV withdrawal, which is why he is ready to go home. :)  Just kidding.  Sitting around and doing nothing is enough to drive either of us nuts.  I think back to last year when I got a lot of crocheting done; this year, very little.  I have spent my time reading - four books! - and one of them I read twice!  

I've been drinking my tart cherry juice while here.  I started it a week or so ago.  I had read it before, but I'm trying to get my mindset to eating more healthy and doing things that are good for my body.  The tart cherry juice helps rid the body of inflammation, which means less joint pain.  I figure it can be good for my bones too.  I'm really wanting to change our eating habits once we are home.  We haven't been too bad while here, but did eat a lot of carbs (chips, chocolate, etc.).  But bad enough.  Sure haven't gotten my gallon of water down daily like I try at home - but have been drinking at least half a gallon.  What has been different is that in making a pot of coffee versus a a cup at a time, and having the time to relax and sit outside and not have to jump on the computer to work, we both have been finishing off the pot each morning - nearly 3 cups a piece!  I haven't had the opportunity to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee in a long, long time, but this week it has been nice.

I sit here and look out the big window at the mountains and I am reminded once again of a verse I memorized many, many years ago.  We have always struggled financially since I married hubby.  When we moved to the city we live in, things did not change; they actually got worse.  We were having to pay over $1K a month support to his ex-wife... and that left us nearly nothing to live on.  Going to Burger King was a treat at that time.  It was a very difficult time financially.  There was a scripture I always ran to in my struggles and pain.

Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV):  "I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

Many, many times over the years I have quoted this verse in my prayers.  In the first house we bought, one of the rooms had long windows that was inches from the floor and from the ceiling.  That was my prayer room, where I would go to pray at night.  I often took a candle and lit it, setting it on the window seal (it was about 8 inches wide), and spending a length of time there, praying and seeking God for our situation.  I always arose knowing that God was in control, that He heard my prayers, and that He would provide for us.  And He always did.    Those times in front of that window praying, are some of my favorite memories.  

So this morning, as I sit here looking at the 'hills' through the large window, I am reminded once again of God's faithfulness in taking care of us.  He always takes care of us, but when I ask Him specifically and He answers, I feel in my heart His love and joy in giving me an answer.  Great is His Name.  Holy is He.  He provides all that we need.

Why hasn't He answered my prayers to tenderize hubby's heart to let me retire?  Because He can see the big picture and the 'extra' finances are needed.  I don't know what is ahead of us, but God does, and even though I know we can get by now, it would be tight.  I feel He is wanting to bless us - and in turn, allow us to bless others (which has been nice to be able to do when I hear of a need).  Maybe I will be working until the end.  I don't know.  But I do know that there is No One Else I would rather guide me and help me through life, than the One whom I call Lord.  He has provided all that we need, whether it be food, clothes, or even a job.  We are fools without His guidance over our lives.  I trust Him with my very life, how can I not trust Him to provide for it all.  He will release me from my job when it's time.  I just need to be patient in my waiting.

Blessings!

Surprised by his thought....

 We had a surprise yesterday morning as we were sitting here reading.  A knock on the door - and it was the lady who owns this house!  She needed to go into the garage and take care of something, but didn't want to scare us by just going in.  Actually, it ended up her friend took care of what it was after she opened the door (from the inside) and our host ended up talking with us for several minutes as we got to talking about her book.  It was a cool conversation.  She asked what our favorite part was, or what stood out to us, and hubby told her his thought... but I enjoyed the entire book and couldn't think of anything specific.  The book it self is somewhat about spiritual warfare..... but it is a story of two paramedics and what they go through day to day.  I think about my son's friend who is a paramedic, as well as his wife.  The author asked that we write a comment on Amazon about the book since she is self-published.  And I will.

But that isn't what really surprised me yesterday.  

After this surprise visit, we took a trip to town to pick up a couple things to finish out the week for food.  I still have food that I brought, but we've had it once... and the smell of fried chicken permeated our senses so of course I had to get some for our lunch.  Soooooo goood!  Enough left for lunch today.  Fried chicken is always good, even cold.  I will never forget my mother's fried chicken.  It was the best and could make my mouth water at the thought of having some.

But the surprise wasn't that either.

After we got home and put things away, we started our reading again.  All of a sudden, hubby says, "Why don't you write a book?  I know you can do it.  What is holding you back?"

THAT was the surprise!  I've written several times in here of my dream of writing a book.  In my heart, I know I can do it.  I was so surprised that for several seconds I could not say anything, but just sat and stared at him, words g oing through my mind as to what to say and how to say it.

"Time".  That was my response.  He didn't seem to understand that one word statement.  I tried to explain.  When one writes a book, time has to be allotted for it.  If I had thoughts about it and started this week, with all the free time I've had, I could have gotten a good  start, yes.  But, being home, and still working, it is totally different.  I get up at 4AM.  4AM-6:30AM is my quiet time; my time with God.  6:30AM I generally get my computer turned on for work and start to get dressed.  By 7AM I'm working and am usually sitting at the computer until 4PM.  At that time it is fix dinner, or we go out to eat.  Once dinner is over, it is usually 5:30PM.  It's relax from work, TV, movies, read, or crochet until about 8:15PM, when I start putting things away and get ready for bed.

I still haven't figured out how I used to get up early and stay up until midnight many nights with my baking and studying and working on things.  Sure can't do that now.  I think I've let my depression at life cause me to give up many of my desires and enjoyment of completing things.  And now, I can't get by on 3-4 hours of sleep; I need more, and usually average 5-6 hrs of sleep - which is why I was so surprised at 8 hours the other morning.

Hubby continued to try and encourage me to write a book.... completely ignoring my comment about having the time to do it.  I finally commented that my friend Jenny, who has written several books now (novellas, etc.) waited until she was able to retire before she blocked time for writing and doing the things she loved to do.   He finally stopped when he realized I really did mean I would have to retire to have time for writing a dream.  Especially when I told him my dream of writing has faded over the years because of working and not having time to enjoy life to the fullest.  A lot of it is my fault; I can't blame him.  And I do blame my mother.  She gave me her love of reading, but she also drilled in me that the 'man of the house is in charge; what he says is law'.... and breaking that command has been hard.  Oh I rebel all the time, as you know, but there are some 'discussions' I can't win.  At least not right now.  So what do I do?

I put it in God's hands.  He may not have me write the book I've always dreamed about writing.  My thought has always been to write my life story.  But then, my dream changed to where I just wanted to share about Jesus and help others find the Joy I have in Him.  But how do I start? What do I do? When can I focus?  All these questions ... and then it's time to work.  So I put it in God's hands and surrendered my dream to Him.  IF and WHEN He gives me the opportunity, THEN will be my time to do it.  If I push through on my own, it will not be successful.  It can only be if God is in the preparation and in the work itself.  It must have His favor of blessing upon it.  So I will wait until His timing.  If it ever comes.  And if not, then it is not meant to be.

Sigh.  Big Sigh.  Youngest son just called to let me know that he is on the way to the VA ER.... drunk, of course.... and he fell and hit his head.  Going to get checked out.  He breaks my heart with all his drinking and even with all the rehab he has gone through, he has made them a vacation from his 'problems' at home.... I don't understand why he can't honor his dad by not drinking like he does.  His father never got drunk.  He says he wants to be like his dad, but this is not the way to do it.  And it breaks my heart.  So now, I continue to pray, not so much that he isn't hurt, but that he will wake up and realize what his drinking has done to his children, and to his home, and to himself.  Oh God, please intervene and help him!

In all things, even this, I will continue to praise the Lord, for only He is worthy of all praise, all glory, and all honor.  Praise the Lord.

Blessings!

Day four of vacation....

 So far so good, one might say.  We had a stay in day again yesterday, but I am guessing we may venture out for a bit today.  I think hubby is starting to get antsy staying in one location.  Who knows, we might find something to see if we go out.   Yesterday was nice though.  I got so excited to be able to sit on the porch and watch a soft steady rain fall all about us.  It was beautiful.  I love watching the rain fall and just be quiet and behold God's blessing of rain.  It is a beautiful sight to behold.  Unless you are in a flood zone, that is!

I awoke at my usual 4AM this morning but stayed in bed until nearly 5AM before I got up, shut the door to the bedroom and came into the front room to begin my quiet time.  I had about 40 minutes before hubby stirred and came out.  Coffee made, he walked outside to watch the sunrise and drink his coffee.  I opted to stay inside where I am comfortable with my blanket around me to keep the cool air off and continue to write in my journal after reading.  Not sure what's going on with me; the last three days I have been sneezing quite frequently - and the last two mornings I got up and had a nose bleed.  Interesting.  Not sure what either of those are about.

Finished reading in Zechariah this morning; it's interesting how even in the old testament you can see where they refer to the Lord riding into Jerusalem on a donkey.  And when Jesus came, He brought the scriptures back to life and and fulfilled them.  When you read the Bible and you know about the stories in it, when you read a prophesy, it's really cool.

The youngest son called yesterday to tell about his daughter's latest doctor visit.  Seems she is dilated to 3 now and the baby has dropped.  Sounds like the birth could happen any time.  He says 'they' have changed he name of the baby - nothing definite yet, but making the first name 'Jay' instead of Ezekiel as she had told me.  I must say I am disappointed.  Greatly disappointed.  Yes, the parents should be able to name their babies anything they want, but ....  I'll leave it at that.  It hurt my heart for I have so prayed for baby Ezekiel to follow his namesake.  Even though my granddaughter, nor her boyfriend, knew the name meant anything.  I do have two grandsons named after great prophets - and one a king at that!  Of course they were not specifically named after them, but still..... 

My next reading in the Bible is going through the book of Psalms.  Psalms contain many written by David, both as a Shepherd, and also as King of Israel.  Some are full of praise, some of anger, some of seeking, some of .... well, you name it.  All emotions that we feel even nowadays.  There are several of the Psalms that are my favorite, but I still love to read through each one and ponder on them.  We all pretty much know the 23rd Psalm as many of us memorized it as we were growing up.  Many times when I have difficulty sleeping, I will begin reciting the 23rd Psalm in my mind, and before I know it, I have drifted off to sleep again.  And many times I also say the Lord's Prayer when I have trouble sleeping, both help me to relax and fall asleep.

Have you ever really read Psalm 23 and thought about what it means?   Did you know that you can make it your own prayer as well?   I'll share more about that - if I don't forget - perhaps next week when I get back to reading it.  Starting with Psalm 1 tomorrow.  Taking my mine.  And spending time praising the Lord, for only He is worthy of praise.

As I sat here this morning and before hubby got up, I was able to be quiet and think about the goodness of God to us and His blessings upon us.  He has been so good to all of us.  He loves us so much, He allows us to suffer the consequences of our mistakes, and yet, He walks with us through them.  Sometimes I think I keep Him pretty busy.  Sigh.

Finished reading a second book yesterday and started on a third book.  I love to read and am enjoying this time that I can read without stopping all the time to work or whatever.  Grateful that hubby cannot figure out how to turn the TV on (thank You, Jesus) and we have constant quiet.  He spends a LOT of time on his phone.

Oh - hubby found out something yesterday.  He wears a Versa 2 Fitbit.  When his phone rings, it pops up on the Fitbit and tells him who is calling, and it has a phone (to answer) or a red something (to disconnect it).  We both usually hit the red - usually not the green phone.  Yesterday, he accidentally hit the green phone and he was able to talk via his Fitbit!  How?  He has hearing aids and when he answered, it answered on his phone, which is connected to his hearing aids and as long as his phone is in reach, he will be able to talk on this Fitbit without having to run to his phone to answer.  I didn't know that - I knew I could hit the green phone (when I had the Fitbit), but I always had to pick up my phone to chat on it.  (With my new Apple watch that I got for my birthday, I can answer (as long as my phone is in reach) on my watch and talk.  BUT, everyone can hear my conversation ... whereas with hubby, only he hears his because of the hearing aids.   I miss my Fitbit in that it gave me all my information on the face of the screen, whereas with the Apple watch, I have to look at my phone.  I'm told I'll 'get used to it'.  And I probably will.

Need to get moving and start breakfast.  Maybe we will go in to town for breakfast... naw... maybe a little later.  We can have lunch 'in town' and then come back.. it's to rain again this afternoon.  I love to watch the rain.  Peaceful and my thoughts turn to praise.

So when you can sit out and watch the rain, where do your thoughts go?  I choose to think about God's goodness and faithfulness.  And spend time praising Him and thanking Him for loving me so much. Try it.  You will feel such great peace.

Blessings!

I can't believe I got 8 hours sleep!

 I don't remember the last time I got that much sleep - unless I was sick and slept a lot.  We went to bed about our usual time, and although I got up for the usual 'run' during the night, I didn't wake up until nearly 6AM!  And, if I hadn't looked at the clock, I probably could have closed my eyes and slept longer. I made myself get up and get moving.  The higher altitude and cooler weather must be good for me.  It's surprising tho, cause we did end up staying here all day yesterday.  And I finished the book I had started that is so good, and have started on another one.  Hubby is reading the one our hostess wrote... and I still can't figure how he can put it down and play with his phone for hours in between!  I think I read her book in ten hours or so. It kept my interest. 

Of course we haven't figured out how the TV works - even I tried and I don't know how she has it set up.  So he can't watch TV, and the news, so he is constantly on his phone.  How could he survive if he didn't have that phone, I don't know.  That's all he does all day long.  Not surprisingly, he got hacked again because of all the stuff he clicks on.  Got the message in messenger 'I found an old photo'... I told him about it and suggested he put a text on facebook 'don't open'... don't know if he did or not.  I'm trying to stay OFF my phone and read books instead. :-)

Sigh.  Hubby is already asking what is the schedule for today.  Like I even make a schedule.  I just looked at him (he's at the table; I'm in the front room - no privacy).... trying to think of what to say (cause, after all, I'm writing this).... and he goes 'oh, are you still in your quiet time?'.  At my nod, he goes back to his phone.  So what is on the schedule for today?  

I will cook breakfast.  We will shower and get dressed (yes, I'm still in my jammies), and if I can stall until nearly noon, perhaps we can drive to town and find some place to eat lunch.  I remember the Mexican restaurant the girls and I ate at on Jailbreak.  It's down a few stores from the Spaghetti by the Bucket that we got Monday.  By the way - it was really good and there is still some left.  Maybe give it to hubby tonight for dinner. 

I really don't know what we will do but guess I'll google and see what is around.  As I mentioned before, hubby doesn't like to walk, nor hike, nor shop... he just wants to 'do something'... me, I'm content with a book and a bottle of water and leave me alone.  But, down the mountain we will go and go in to town today.  'Town' is about 20 - 30 minutes away.  We truly are up the mountain about 1/2 way.  Steep driveway - even though paved.  Forget winter and snow - you will be walking up the drive, not driving it. LOL

Had a laugh yesterday - we have been watching a couple brown animals several yards and down the mountain.  We thought at first they might be elk, but they seemed to stay in one area.  So yesterday morning hubby was convinced they were cows.   Very possible. They were still in the same area.  Later yesterday I went out on the porch and called my little sister for her birthday.... and heard it. Neigh!  Neigh!  Duh. They are horses.  That hadn't entered our mind!  But now we know.

I was reading in Zechariah 4 this morning and came across verse 7.  In this verse, it is talking about saying 'Grace, grace' to the mountain and it falling and becoming a plain.  But the words 'Grace, grace' always speak to my heart.  Why?  Because of God's great grace given to me.

Zechariah 4:7 (NKJV):  "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of "Grace, grace to it!""

I remember Jentezen Franklin doing a message on this scripture some time ago.  When you have a problem, declare 'Grace, grace' over it and give it to God.  Let Him take care of it.  But I'm always reminded of God's great grace to each one of us.

What do you think of when you hear the word 'Grace'?  Most of us would probably think of prayer at a meal.  Me too.  But God's grace is so much better.  The grace we give at the table, the prayer, is to thank God for His blessing of provision for us.  Even that peanut butter sandwich is a gift from Him.  (so is a chocolate brownie, just saying).   But when we seek Grace over our problems, and speak "Grace, grace" to it, He is taking it over. :-)  Love that.  Our God can level any 'mountain' that comes against us.  Hallelujah!

Gotta start breakfast.

Blessings!

Day one... didn't start well.....

 I had a physical scheduled at my doctor's office yesterday.... it was scheduled last year when I had my physical then.  I thought it was pretty cool they schedule it when you finish the current year.  BUT - even after I got the automated reminder over the weekend of the visit, the text to read the attached privacy, hipaa etc stuff.... I got a phone call about 6:50AM.  I missed the call as I was getting dressed in another room from where my phone was.  My appointment was at 8:40AM, so thought I'd leave about 8AM - get there a bit early and hopefully get in quickly.  I saw the phone call, listened to the voicemail.  Seriously?  My appointment was cancelled.  I called the office and the recording said I could schedule online.  I waited for about ten minutes in case someone came on the line, then decided, ok, I'll reschedule online.  Pretty cool, right?  

Well, the FIRST available appointment for my doctor - I am so serious - was showing April 3, 2023 @ 2:20PM.   I'm thinking, ok, that is if someone is scheduling and doesn't care... but this is my yearly physical so I need to get it done, right?  So I call the office again and this time I chose for them to call me back.  Within ten minutes they called me back.  The lady checks for an open time.  She kept apologizing, and commented that 'that group of doctors do not have anyone to cover for them when they call in'.  What does that mean?  That means they don't 'share' their patients.... their patients can see only them.   And after apologizing again, the lady said the next available appointment for my doctor was April 3, 2023 @ 2:20PM - just like I saw online.  

I told her I knew it wasn't her fault, but this is unacceptable.  I didn't cancel, he did.  They should be able to fit me in somewhere.  They cannot.  So - I told her I will need to find another doctor.  Bless her heart, she really did try.  I thought about it, then decided to go ahead and get back online and schedule the April 3 appointment for now.  And, I will be looking for another doctor when I get back home and can take the time to research - like I did this doctor - and read reviews, etc.  Thank God I do not have anything wrong with me, and other than my simbastatin and levothyroxine, and Fosamax, I don't have any required prescriptions.  I have enough for a couple months yet on those as I just got them filled.  But it is the last fill for them.  Until I can find another doctor, I can still get my prescriptions refilled.

I just remembered that I am still 'enrolled' with the NOAH group that I went to before this doctor.  I never wrote them a letter to forward records because I was only there once (and my doctor left the practice).  I haven't seen any other doctor there.  Something to think about.  As long as they take my insurance, I'm at the point I don't care.  I just want to find a doctor that will take care of me and my needs.  Is that too much to ask?   But they are mainly Honor Health doctors and I work for Banner.  So my doctors have to be Banner doctors to get a good rate so I don't have to pay as much.

We left early on our trip as hubby was hungry and wanted to stop for breakfast.  We stopped at a restaurant nearby, ate, and then we started on our trip.  Traffic was very light and we made decent time.  In fact, got up here a little too early to 'check in' so did our grocery shopping and then stopped at Culvers and had a root beer float (hubby had his chocolate malt) to waste time.  We found our Airbnb, after hubby and I exchanged words over his reading the directions (yes, I drove) and my hitting road bumps that were causing him not to be able to read it right... (not going there).... but we finally got here and it is really nice.  It is up on the side of the mountain, the back actually about 6 ft from the mountain itself.  Our view is beautiful.  They do have a hot tub in the back, but I don't really want to mess with it.  The porch has comfortable chairs that we can sit out on, and there is even a small porch off the master bedroom with chairs.  There are steps leading down to a patio table and chairs if we want to sit outside and eat.  

Funny thing  - the owner is all about bears, elk, birds, lions, tigers, etc....  she has them all over the house in every room.  The furniture is all wood cutouts.  Except for the very soft couch and reclines.  There is a 5 ft HORSE in the front room!  One wall is all windows looking over the side of the mountain.  It's really beautiful.  Oh - there is a 4 ft Indian head made out of medal, setting on a stand here in the front room next to the fireplace too.  It's all very interesting.  I told hubby that if I got up in the middle of the night and walked in here and 'thought' I saw something and yelled, it was probably one of these animals standing around.  LOL  She has an ELK from the shoulders up to the tip of its antlers - hanging between the dining room and the kitchen!  It's beautiful, too beautiful for someone to kill and cut up to hang on the wall.  There is a huge medal lion head that is 3D hanging about the bedroom door.  It isn't creepy, but interesting decor, for sure.

I'm hoping hubby will not want to go to town (for what?) today but will agree to just hang around here.  He doesn't like walking or hiking.  He doesn't like shopping (of all my trips to this area, we have never found a shopping area, but I'm sure there is a Walmart somewhere.  There is nothing we need to pick up.  I'm content to curl up with a good book.  

Which reminds me.... the hostess of this Airbnb wrote a book.  She has one laid out for anyone to read.  She has a note in it that she has copies in the master closet if anyone wanted to buy it.  Curious, I started reading the book, and could not put it down.  It's a different type of book than I usually read.  It isn't a romance novel.  But it is one that keeps your interest.  In fact, I bought the 4 books she had on her shelf and plan to give out for gifts.  I was thinking Christmas, but I think I'll give one to my reader son for his birthday.  I think even he will find some interest in it.  It's interesting, and even I am learning a lot.  It was an Amazon best seller so it is good. :-)

I guess I have rambled on enough this morning about what is going on so will close this off.  I am hoping today will be a totally rest day; perhaps even a nap or two.  Woke up about 1:50AM this morning and just dozed after that so I'm still sleepy.  I will probably really mess up my sleep schedule while I'm here.  It's very quiet.  I am content to just be quiet and read.  

Have a good day

Blessings!

Vacation... it's finally here

 Actually, one could say that 'vacation started last Saturday because that is a day off work, as is Sunday, but for me vacation is not having the work the workday - which is today.  It will be a busy day of sorts.  I have my doctor appointment / physical at 8:40AM  (at least it is early) and then will come back home to pack the rest of my things.  We don't need to leave until around 11-12... and will stop on the way for lunch, I'm sure.  We can 'check in' at 3PM and plan to stop and pick up a bucket of spaghetti as we go through the town before.

Yep, I said a bucket of spaghetti.  There is a place down from the grocery I found when on Jailbreak this year as we were in the area we are going to today.  Actually, friends told me about it.  It's a 'store' that only sells spaghetti in a bucket.  They have a paper bucket (similar to KFC buckets) and they are in different sizes.  One size is for 4-6 people, and another larger size for others.  You can buy with meatballs (I think they charge by the large meatball - can you believe that?) or without.  I told hubby we could stop there as it is just down the row from the grocery store and pick up spaghetti for dinner tonight  (and probably dinner or lunch tomorrow too). Oh, they also give garlic bread with it.  When we girls got it - it was really good, and I think spaghetti is hubby's favorite meal so he will be in a much better mood and a happy camper.  

Ms. Amy and the daughter next door have decided to move her in 60 days to an assisted living in Ft. Myers, which will be closer to the three daughters.  They plan for the duplex to set empty for several months; asked if we could pick up their mail - mainly junk since all the bills are automatically deducted from her checking account.  I never made it to the assisted living location here... the daughter 'didn't feel like going' on Saturday, and yesterday she decided to go while we were at church versus waiting for me.  I find this out at 3PM when I called to see when she was going; we had agreed on 1:30PM.  Oh well. I called Ms. Amy and will try to call her periodically.  She is a sweetheart.  She is out here alone since her husband died.  It will be good for her to be with her daughters.  Her son, ironically, lives in Indianapolis. 

The message at church yesterday was really good.  Based on Philippians 4:19, Pastor Pat 'preached it'.  What is Philippians 4:19?

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV):  "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

The title of the message was "God will provide".  But the summary of the entire message can be found in the acronym 'SURE'.

S = Supernaturally.   God will provide for you supernaturally.  It may be an unexpected gift of monies that are needed for a critical need.  It may be a bag of groceries when you are out of food.  It may be your car makes it to a certain location - only your find out it shouldn't have.  Reminds me of my bestest friend Bertie.  She and her hubby were driving to Kalamazoo from PawPaw for an MS rally or something (she had MS)... and the van started acting funny, but they kept driving.  When they got there, David, her husband, stopped at a station for them to look at it.  They had a tire that all the bolts had either broken or fallen off... nothing was holding the tire in place.  And another tire had only one bolt left on it.  Yeah... God provided for them supernaturally.

U = Unexpectedly.  I can remember one Christmas when hubby wasn't working and it was just the two of us left at home, but we were broke.  No money to pay the bills, let alone do much for Christmas for the family.  It was a very painful time for me, and I was constantly praying for God's intervention and for His help.  Christmas morning, before the kids came over, hubby went out front to check on something, and found two grocery sacks sitting on the porch next to the door.  Puzzled, he brought them in.  They weren't full of groceries, but gifts for hubby and I.  I remember I got a nice white sweater.  Hubby probably got a sweater too, and there were a few other gifts for us in there as well.  No name as to who it was from.  But someone knew we weren't having much of a Christmas that year.   God provided and blessed us unexpectedly.  

R = Religiously.  It will always come back to God.  There is a story about a woman who was out of groceries and prayed very loudly every day that God would provide groceries for her.  Every day.  Next door to her lived a person who did not love God and didn't believe in Him.  Every day he listened to this woman loudly praying that God would provide food for her.  The man had a plan.  He went and bought a couple bags of groceries and put them on the porch, rang the doorbell, then hid and waited to see what the woman would do.  She came out and saw the groceries and started praising God for providing for her needs.  The neighbor jumps out from behind the bushes and goes 'Aha!  See!  Your God didn't provide for you - I did!  I bought those groceries!"   And the woman started dancing around and praising God louder and louder and saying that God did provide for her, and He used the devil's money to pay for it!

E - Exponentially.  That means it will keep increasing.  When God provides for you, it isn't always just one time, He continues to provide for you in all things in all ways, when you give Him the glory for providing.  It doesn't matter who or what provides the need physically, it is God working through them to provide it.

Our God is a good, good Father.  He always provides for our needs, and oftentimes gives us what we want as well.  

Sit back and think of some times when God has stepped in and helped you.  Or someone you love.  Perhaps you never asked God for help; but someone else did.  Or perhaps God just saw your need and provided.  Did you stop to thank Him?  It may be 20 years or more ago, but if it has come to your mind as you sit there, then I suggest you pause and just say 'Thank You, Lord, for providing for our need when you....".

God is good, all the time.  And all the time, God is good.

Blessings!