It must be the cooler mornings!

 I cooked again yesterday, but not as much as I did Saturday.  I made 'garbage' yesterday and again not as much as I usually do, and then put all my baking things away.  I made enough, though, that I did put some in a bowl and take over to Ms. Diane.  She just doesn't eat a lot of the time.  Being alone, she just doesn't 'feel hungry' or want to bother with it.  But she sure does gobble down what I take over to her!  I'm feeling I need to do it more often.  She says her daughter always makes sure she has egg salad or tuna salad for lunches (I can understand how a 'repeat performance' of egg and tuna salad would turn me off too). Yesterday I saw a car pull into her driveway, but I wasn't sure who it was.  But, wanting to get the garbage over to her (for those who read this and don't know what it is, it is a hamburger goulash my kids dubbed garbage the first time I made it), I went over anyway.  I had a little time that I could visit too.  It was her son and his girlfriend so I stayed and visited.  Then her daughter came over and brought tacos and taco bell Mexican pizza for them (not knowing I was there, but did offer some to me).  Ms. Diane apparently loves the Mexican pizza.  I imagine she will eat the garbage some time today.  I stayed a bit over an hour and had a great time talking with Ms. Diane and her son and daughter.  They always tell me how much they appreciate my stopping by and bringing food over for Ms. Diane.  It was actually an entertaining afternoon for me.

Hubby and I ate some garbage for dinner and watched NCIS for a couple shows then decided to watch another episode of The Chosen.  If you haven't watched it yet, you should.  Even hard-core people would enjoy it, I think.  It didn't take long, though, before I heard hubby snoring.  I woke him up several times cause we had already repeated part of the episode he had slept through earlier.  Finally, on the second one we watched, I just let him sleep.  Whenever we plan to watch the last two episodes, we'll have to re-watch this last one.  

I may comment about his sleeping through the movies, but I would be amiss if I didn't share that I am getting to where I struggle to stay awake here in my quiet time.  Is it the cooler mornings that cause me to fall asleep in the middle of my reading?  I go to bed at my usual time (around 8:30PM) and the last two 'nights', I've awakened about 12:30AM and then my mind is all over the place.  I tell 'it' to 'shut up and go back to sleep', but it refuses for some time.  So when I do need to get up I cannot wake up.  I've barely read any of my Bible this morning as I slept nearly two hours more!  I'm starting to wake up a bit now - and I remember that I have an eye doctor appointment this morning at 9AM - and it's 'timecard Monday'!  What was I thinking??

At least my struggle with timecards isn't as bad as it was in the beginning.  I've got most who have already approved their timecards now before I check them - which makes it much easier.  I fix their mistakes as they make them and let me know.  I actually have until 2PM to get them all approved, but as busy as my days have been the past few weeks, I like to get them done early.  I'll be gone almost 2 hours this morning at least for the eye doctor (counting drive time) so will need to jump off here soon and get started on the timecards.

No trick or treaters out here where we live, not that it matters.  The last several years we left our porch light off and didn't participate in it.  Well, we didn't participate except for the grandchildren.  I hear a great-granddaughter is going to be brought over some time to day for us to see her in her costume, so I told hubby he needs to go to the store and buy some gummy bears.  We have our Bible study tonight so hope they come early afternoon.  

Matthew 4:4 (NKJV):  "But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

We eat our food and our candies; we enjoy it all.  But even though we eat and it may satisfy our bodies, food and candies can never satisfy the hunger we have inside of ourselves  for the Word of the Lord.  Even after one eats food, does not one still feel hungry?  It is that hunger for something better that will cause you never to hunger again.

Of course that means we should let the Word of God fill us with good things.  He gives us the 'living water' that causes us never to thirst again.  His Word is the food that feels our soul and causes us not to hunger any more.  Yes, the body needs food in order to survive.  But the Word of God feels the soul and fills us in a way that actual food can not satisfy.

When was the last time you picked up the Word and read it?  Sometimes we read and we don't understand.  But the more you read, the more will sink inside of you and as you ask the Lord for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of His Word, He will provide you with what you need to understand.

I have a little prayer I read that I often pray before I start reading my Bible in the mornings. 

"Lord, I ask You to open my eyes and enhance my understanding so that I can grasp what you want me to learn today. I also ask You to enable me, by your Spirit, to apply the truths I learn to my daily life, and be guided moment by moment by Your Word.  I thank You, in Jesus' name.  Amen."

And sometimes He opens my eyes to see specific things and I am always blessed.  Try it... you will find it makes a lot of difference to read His Word and apply it to your life.  He will show you how.

Have a blessed day!

It was a busy day and I was tired!

 After we made the decision to not join with the group, and I had read via text we just needed to show up if we were going to help, I went to Sam's Club to pick up what I needed for cooking yesterday...well, what they had available.  Ended up ordering through Fry's as well and did an early evening pickup.  I sure do love the pickup - I buy less cause I can't 'see' everything and grab it... but I do get enough.  They do my grocery shopping and I drive at the specified time and pick it up and they put it in my car.  Sure saves times!  Anyway, while I was at Sam's club my phone went off a few times and someone in the group kept face-timing.  I didn't respond, and I saw that hubby had answered.  Surely he would tell them we weren't going.  He didn't.  I think they figured it out though.  And we weren't the only ones... there were about 5 others that didn't go either.  Surprised that two weren't going, but not at three.   

Regardless, after my trip to the store, then running out to grab a protein shake with hubby, I got started cooking.  My mind was all over the place, I think.  Didn't fix what I wanted to.  Forgot the biscuits at Sam's club and I had ordered on Fry's so couldn't experiment with the peach cobbler.  Hope to get to it today.  I did make Old Fashioned Molasses cookies.... yes, they have real sugar in them.... and they are good, but I'll give them away. :-)  I like Gingersnaps better.  In fact, I think I will experiment with those.  I wanted Roma tomatoes from Fry's... can you believe they said they didn't have any?  I will need to make a run to Fry's today to pick up a few things they said they didn't have.  Then again, I really don't need them today.   I was going to make 'white girl salsa' but ended up buying salsa.

I did make one dish yesterday that I took over to Ms. Vicky.  After I dropped it off, I remembered I forgot to put some things in it so it probably tastes pretty bland.  Embarrassing.  I think I'll make garbage today, if I have everything, or Taco Soup, and take over to her and apologize.  I did make blueberry cobbler yesterday in my crockpot.  Need to take some over to Ms. Vicky and Ms. Diane today.  On my way to Ms. Diane's with her dish yesterday I remembered the things I had forgotten to put in that dish, but went ahead and rang the doorbell.  When I waited and she didn't answer, I came back home.  I'm glad she didn't answer cause I really didn't have time to sit and chat, and that is what she wants more than the food.  I'll take some over when I can sit and visit for a bit.

I left all my ingredients out on the counter so it's either cook/bake or find a place for them for I also rearranged my pantry!  

LOL  It must be cold in Georgia..... Jentezen Franklin is wearing a sweatshirt to preach in this morning.  Yes, I still love to listen to his messages although we have found our own church.  Our messages have been 'on fire' the past couple of months and can't wait to hear what Pastor Pat will bring today.  The worship music is good, but I just wish they didn't jump around like they do.  I get it if the Holy Spirit is in control, but sometimes I wonder and that distracts me.  Call me old-fashioned if you want.  LOL Our pastor's wife is all over the place when we're worshipping.  Me, not so much.  And that's ok.  We worship in different ways and both ways are sincere.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV):  "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

There is nothing we can do in our own power to be saved.  To follow God.  He draws us unto Him, and our Heavenly Father gave His one and only Son, to die for you and for me.

John 3:16 (NKJV):  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

It only takes faith and belief in Jesus to turn our lives around.  He can turn ANY life around; trust me, He turned my life around.  I know men who were extreme alcoholics turn their lives around when they fell in love with Jesus and chose Jesus over anything else.  It only takes faith and belief in Jesus to get through anything.

Yesterday morning I ordered the Discipleship book and the Leader's guide.  I had them before, but I think they got 'donated' when we moved.  I had given up on being able to teach that class again.  I prefer the notebook I used when I took it, but now it is in a smaller spiral form.  Keeps the price down, I'm sure.  But I ordered it, and my thought is after this Monday night Bible study, I may ask a few people if they want to meet in our home and I teach it here.  That class taught me so much about loving Jesus and His love for me.  He turned my life around.

If you have been reading this blog for some time, you know the struggles I've had.  My highs and my lows.  You know my good times and my bad times.  

But I always run to Jesus in those bad or low times.  He is the only One who can heal my broken heart, restore what the enemy is trying to take away from me, and bring healing and hope in Him once again.  It's all about Jesus.  Standing for what is right is more important than having relationships with those who bring us down.

Joel 2:25 (NKJV):  "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you."

The Lord says He will restore all the years that the enemy, the locust, has stolen from us.  The years that turning away from Him; He will restore.  Oh that each reader would turn their thoughts and their hearts to Jesus this morning, it would make my joy complete.

I'm believing that God is restoring those years in my life that I threw away.  He has brought more life to me since I surrendered my life to Him, than I ever had.  He can do that for you too.  All you have to do is ask Him; surrender your life to Him and ask Him to help you through your battles.  He's got this.  Every time.

May your day be blessed.  May you feel His Presence.  May you know that He is God.  He created you in His image.  He knitted you together in your mother's womb.  Only He deserves to be honored, praised, and adored.  Take a moment and just praise Him.  

Blessings!

I made a partial decision

 What do I mean by that?  Hubby actually came to me yesterday and commented he didn't want to go downtown to feed the homeless with the group, but what was I thinking about it.  I told him that I was going to send some money to Teen Challenge, and I was going to stay home and cook; taking food over to our neighbors.  He, of course, thought that was a great idea.  I reminded him that he cannot stand on his feet for extended lengths of time as he loses his balance.  I love to serve people and do for others, but I want to do it in my community, where I can see it helps and make a difference.  Some of these people don't eat right because they live alone.  When we are alone, we know how we eat!  A home cooked meal is rare.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV):  "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let our light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

We are to do good to others, to reflect the light of Jesus to this world of darkness.  Does that make sense?  We either contribute to the darkness, or we bring light to it; the light of Jesus is what this world needs.  

Being around 'old' people pretty much all the time makes me all the more conscious of their need to be sure they are saved and ready to meet Jesus.  I've seen it so much over the years. I've observed people who have been 'busy' about the Lord's work for years.... then when they reach a certain age, feel they can retire and no longer be used by Him.  They make that call.... and they miss out so much on being a light to other people.  Not all people, obviously, but I have seen it over the years.

My heart is with the older generation at times because I know their time is short.  What if they aren't ready to meet Jesus?  What if they have not really embraced what being a Christ-follower is?  What if ....  

With speaking at the RV parks during the winter months when the snowbirds are here, I am more and more often aware of what is at stake.   We've had it told us that we are the only ones who give the invitation to follow Jesus and what it means.  The other pastors must be just fluffing the covers.  But I believe it is my responsibility to tell how to follow Jesus.... if I don't, and they have never committed their lives to Him.... if I don't give them that opportunity.... it will be on me if they don't go to heaven.  I must share the light of Jesus to them, and pray they will receive Him with all their heart.

It is ultimately their choice, yes.  And surprisingly people often will 'joke' they know they are going to hell because they choose one thing over following Jesus.  They hold on to grievances, unanswered prayers (well, they WERE answered, but in God's timing, not theirs), healings they sought and it didn't happen, circumstances that were beyond their control, things they should have given to God to handle and didn't.... or perhaps God took a loved one away and they had prayed for them.  There are so many excuses people give for not following Jesus.

And it's sad, for following Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me.  I'm not perfect by any means - you know that - but I know for sure that choosing Jesus is the best decision I ever made.  I still make mistakes.  I still get angry.  I still, sometimes, hold grudges or bitterness in my heart.  But as I seek Him, He makes my load lighter, He gives me the strength to get through each day.  When I am weak, He is strong.

Have you ever thought that when you do good to others, that you are being Jesus to them?  When you give out of your provisions, you are Jesus to those whom you give to?  When you show love to others, you are being Jesus to them?  I love that.  Sometimes I'm not very good at some things.... but I do try to be kind to others, even when they are unkind in return.  Yes, there are those kinds of people who do not accept freely what is given them.  Show them the love of Jesus anyway.

I slept until 5AM this morning and laid in bed until nearly 5:30AM.  Hubby had gotten up at 5AM and had gone to make the coffee.  I just wanted the quiet of the morning before I got up.  I finally got up and came in here and here comes hubby with the coffee.  And his complaints.  Sigh.  He was complaining there is something wrong with the Kerig... said it had done it earlier this week too.  He made a pot of coffee.  I'm wondering if he pushed the wrong buttons on it... but heaven help me that I should bring that to his attention.  Of course I'm not to make my own coffee.  After all, in the Bible it says 'He-brews' (Hebrews) and he makes sure everyone knows it.  Perhaps I'll make a pot of tea this afternoon and see for myself if it is the machine, or the person pushing the buttons on the machine.

I probably need to start wrapping some of these Christmas gifts and writing down everything so that I don't overdo it this year.  I am 'done' with my middle child....LOL.... my problem now is that I keep seeing other things I want to get.... but I know he would prefer I spend it on the grandchildren.  But the grandchildren get lots from their parents; why can't I do extra for MY children?  There will be a time that they will understand what I am doing.  I'm cutting back on the grandchildren this year (ok, so the great-grandchildren will be spoiled, but I'm not buying anything else for them!) and focusing on my children.  They are my joy, even when they break me heartache.

But first, I need to decide what I'm going to make today and figure out if I need to run to the grocery store, which is probably yes.  If I'm going to try the peach cobbler, I know I need to go.  Figure out what all I need for what I plan to make.... then come back and get started.

Naw, first will have to be I cook breakfast for hubby.  He seems to think that since I don't have to work, Saturdays I should cook breakfast.  I don't always, but it doesn't hurt me.  It will put him in a better mood for the day so why not. :-)  At least he is in favor of my cooking for the neighbors.  Why?  Because he gets some of it too!  I'm not only cooking for them, I'm cooking for him, right? LOL

So with all this, I'm shutting up for today.  Want to do some reading this morning and just sit with Jesus.  The day is here and things are to be done.  But they will always be there.  Having time to spend with Jesus quickly passes by unless one takes advantage of it.  

This is my time....

Blessings!

Where do I start?

 I woke up about 3:50AM this morning and instead of turning over and trying to sleep for 10 more minutes, I got up and came in to my room.  I decided not to turn the light on (hubby was still asleep in bed) and just sit here with my eyes closed.  Me and God.  Just thinking.  Listening to the quiet.  Soon I heard hubby get up so the light came on and I grabbed my Bible, looking at the clock.  Thinking it was maybe ten minutes I sat here in the dark, thinking, I was surprised when I saw it was 4:40AM.  Did I fall back to sleep?  I don't know.  Don't feel like I did.  But I did enjoy the time of being quiet and just sitting here in the dark and in solitude with Jesus.  There is just something about being alone with Jesus that can bring peace to the soul.  

So glad it is Friday and this work week is nearly over.  It's been a busy week, as you know.  Yesterday was extremely busy as well with everything I was trying to get accomplished.  Didn't get everything done, and at 4PM I shut my computer off.  Mentally, I was 'done'.  I checked last night and I have 20 messages for sure to go through this morning, before I even start!  Of course that is because I get off at 4PM and the bosses work until at least 5PM.  It's tough being a 'boss'....  one of my bosses is on at 6AM most mornings and she is still on when I get off.  BUT, she does take time mid-morning to go for a walk or to break away, and Friday afternoons I have her blocked from 1PM on - sometimes she may have a meeting or two, but it allows her to complete what tasks she needs to do or just relax and do other things, checking the computer for anything she needs to give her attention to.  All her kids are grown and on their own so she doesn't have to take care of them - although some afternoons when she can, she does babysit, just checking the computer for work.

My other boss usually doesn't get online until around 8AM and he often is back to back meetings throughout the entire day, and sometimes even has evening meetings; not all which he goes to, and many are online so it isn't so bad.  But he does have 4 small children under the age of 10 and helps his wife with them.  I don't think she works so he helps her a lot before work and of course, after.  He's also involved with the Mormon church so has his responsibilities there.  But he is a nice boss and very smart.  I got to see him when I made the trip to Mesa the other day.  

So where was I going with all this?  I have no clue, I started out I was glad the week was nearly over - work wise, anyway.  Hubby and I still haven't talked about tomorrow and if we will be going to help Teen Challenge.  It doesn't start until around 11AM, I think.  I am pretty sure he has forgotten all about it; when it's something he doesn't want to do, he pushes it out of his mind.  I'm just the opposite, I think.  When I don't want to do it, it's all I can think about because I want to have an honest excuse, and thus far I haven't come up with one.  Cooking for my disabled neighbors is good... but I don't know that is a valid excuse.   LOL  Just checked my phone to reread the message about it, and one of the people in our group has is asking do we sign up or just show up.  No response yet to his question.  They did also ask for donations for the pizza.... and I know with Teen Challenge running it, they do have a lot of help.. I could help with the pizza cost, right? And do my own service project in my own community.  

Which makes me think.... my daughter and her hubby go to a Bible study group with their church on Thursday evenings.  Last night she text'd me that she wanted my recipe for peach cobbler as she is going to make it for next week's group.  That's just how God works, you know?  I had actually been thinking earlier in the day about making peach cobbler this weekend - and trying to make it using my diabetic sugar and see how it tastes.  Plus I was thinking of a couple other ways to make it.  I think I will experiment this weekend with peach cobbler and make some myself.  My neighbor across the street is an insulin dependent diabetic, so it would be nice to give her something sweet that she can eat versus her grabbing some candy.  Anyone else interested? :-)  I always get excited about baking and it isn't any different just sitting here thinking about it!  Think I will go to Smart & Final and get a big can of peaches... don't know if Sam's Club will have it or not.  Costco is way too busy on the weekends and I can't stand all the people around me constantly.  Especially when I don't know what I want and have to look!  Sam's Club I have the 'scan and go' and I love it.  Get what I want, scan it, and don't have to stand in line!  I know what my cost is and when I swipe the total - boom, it's paid for!  It will be fun to experiment this weekend with the different ways to make it.  I even found a peanut butter cookie recipe last night that I'm anxious to try this weekend to make.  I'll use regular peanut butter, although it calls for no sugar added.... but I'll use my splenda for baking and see how they turn out.  Yum.  I hope.

Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV):  "Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."

And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

Hmmm... as I read that scripture over and think about tomorrow... I could apply it, don't you think?  Or am I overreaching?  Let me tell you my thoughts.

I've always been a 'Mary'.  My little sister has always been a 'Martha'.  There have been times I went to Indiana and didn't help with something and instead took a short walk to be alone with God and sort out my thoughts (being with family, some times this is a good thing), and when I come back, she would get all over me about leaving her to do the cooking and not there to help.  I still feel she didn't need me to stand there and stir the gravy (that's all I was asked to do).  She didn't like it when I referred to this story and said she was Martha.  Nope, she didn't like that at all!

But in thinking about tomorrow, and this story, I could apply it, perhaps.  The homeless will always be with us.  They have a group of people already serving them tomorrow.  I have always wanted to serve in my community, where I live.  Cooking for my neighbors and serving them seems to be AS important as driving down to the Van Buren area to serve pizza to the homeless.  Or am I stretching it here?  And, I do sit down with my neighbors and hear their stories.  I'm limited on time, either way, I'm building relationships in my community; or leave my community and serve the homeless one day.  But it's the group thing that is hanging on me.  Nothing more has been said about it since Monday.  We will now as one of the young men in our group sent the question last night how to 'sign up' to help - just get there or call the person that they will be there.  Waiting for the response from the person who shared this information.  I'm leaning towards donating money to help buy the pizzas.  Someone has to pay for it, right?  The more pizzas the more people they can serve.  Stay tuned on this one.  I've served the homeless in the past with other groups.  I've made sandwiches and passed them out one on one.  I've served at the food kitchens.  I've done all that over the years.  I'm not afraid of working with the homeless.  But there are other people who need help too.  Decisions, decisions!  

Ok, guess I have rambled on enough about all that.  With all my ramblings... it did give you something to 'skim' over, right?  Some days I do have some good stuff... but you can see where my mind is today.  Before I turn on the work computer, anyway.  Hope it won't be a busy day... I have things I need to get done.  Oh - I did get invited down to Mesa again TODAY for a team meeting and lunch.  The leader is fixing tri-tip.  I told him thanks, but no thanks.  A 94 mile round trip for lunch (with people I don't even know) isn't on my agenda for today.  And I've been invited to another one next month down in Mesa - but I know people in that group.  I just can't see driving there for only lunch.  I think I'll pass.

And with that, I'm shutting up!  Hope that you have an amazing day!

Blessings!

I'm struggling...and I don't know why...

 I 'overslept' about 40 minutes this morning.  Hubby said, when I finally got up, that he was getting concerned as I don't normally continue to sleep like I was.  It was only 40 minutes, come on!  But I was tired, and still am, for that matter.  I've got to start eating better and start exercising to regain my strength.  It's just so easy to eat what I want and sit on my butt.  But this week, as I've already shared, I was busy driving here and there and doing other things.  I did make it to Mesa yesterday, got to see a lot of people, and visited some during lunch before heading back home.  When I got home I had lots of messages to work my way through and things to get done.  Then needed to head off to meet this other person for a quick dinner.  She got caught in traffic so was late getting there, and next thing I new it was 6:45PM and I knew I needed to head home.  Tried to do some homework for our Bible study when I got home and was able to complete one day of it. 

Which made me think of something else.  This Saturday I had the thoughts of doing some cooking and taking over to my neighbors.  I keep telling them I'm going to, and I haven't done it yet.  Wanted to fix a pot of soup and some other things and just drop off to them and visit a bit.  BUT.... I think what is weighing on my mind is that last Monday evenings our Bible study group decided to do a group service project THIS SATURDAY and join Teen Challenge in serving pizza to the homeless and going around and talking with them, hearing their stories and all.  Normally I am for it; I'm up to it.  But for some unknown reason, I'm not wanting to go this time.  What is wrong with me?  Jesus served the poor, why don't I want to go?   Could it be that Saturdays are the only day I get to 'chill' and get things done I want to do?  I don't know.  I've gone to serve the homeless before.  I've sat with them and heard their stories.  I've done this before and I don't have a problem with doing it.  Am I just tired?  I'm just not getting that happy feeling about doing it... and yet, I don't want to let the group down by not showing up.  I haven't talked to hubby about it yet... I KNOW He doesn't want to go, and if he knew I didn't want to go, well, that would be the end of it.  But I feel we need to do it to be part of our group.  I'm torn. Not sure what to do.  So I'm praying that God will give me the answer.  And it will probably be that we need to go and serve pizza to the homeless.  Sigh.  Sometimes we have to do what we don't want to do because it is in that, that God blesses the work of our hands.   I haven't TOLD my neighbors I was cooking for them this weekend.  I can't use that as an excuse.  Unless hubby absolutely says no... I guess we will be going.  I'm just tired of thinking about it, trying to get past my 'I don't want to go out and be sociable' feelings.  

What would Jesus do?  How often was he so tired he could barely make it?  He never turned anyone away, but would always serve them in some way.  I have no excuse.  I've got to get my 'want to' built up.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV):  "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

The Lord knows my thoughts and knows I'm trying to come up with a good excuse.  Yet, He also knows that I'm not shirking doing for the homeless.  I'm just trying to get a feeling of wanting to help, wanting to serve, to come over me.  Could it just be that I am worn out from all the stuff this week?  I'm already overwhelmed with work... could it just be I'm being lazy?  I'm praying for an answer.  If God doesn't give me a reason NOT to go, I guess we will be going, unless hubby absolutely refuses.  And you know he won't let me go alone.  I know we won't regret going......

I have a meeting with one of my bosses this morning, plus another meeting with a support person to show me how to do a monthly exclusion report (another report that I do not want to do), and I'm not sure what else is on my calendar for today.  I really do need to look at taking a couple days off work and perhaps we do need to get away from here.  Sometimes it is good to have a different atmosphere around you.  I mean, if we stay home, there is always something that needs to be done, whether we do it or not.  It's always the 'same o same o' stuff.  TV and crochet.  Maybe read some.  I need a different scenery.

Can't go this weekend... maybe I can see how next week pans out.... if I can get a day off work and we just even go to a hotel in town - at least it is something different.  Times like this I long for the hermitage to be alone.  Take naps frequently.  Read a lot.  Pray a lot.  Take walks with God.  Oh how I long to have the time to do that.  I am getting in desperate need of alone God time.  

What about you?  Do you ever feel you just need some time alone with God?  Maybe you don't even recognize it as needing God, but just time to be alone.  Everyone should have that time to be able to refocus and sort life out, don't you agree?  Even just a few hours... I think I used to escape by going shopping... but I have gotten past shopping anymore; I end up buying things I don't need.  Nor necessarily want for that matter.  And I need to quit buying for some; they don't need it either.  And why spend the money?  I'd rather save it.

I read a story this morning about a couple who had three boys who had ran far from God.  They fasted and prayed for these boys for years.... and God called each one back, one by one.  Now they serve in youth ministry.  Oh how I pray for my children and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, that they will know the Lord personally and will serve Him - perhaps not in a ministry position, but to be available for His use.  Some day my prayers will be answered.  I just need to be patient.

Our God has been very patient with me; I am sure He wants me to be patient with those I love.  I would hate to have on my conscience that my child, my grandchild, or great-grandchild, was sent to hell when they died because I didn't tell them about Jesus; that I didn't let them know Him.  We all need to be praying for each other; for those we love, that their hearts would know Jesus (not just a head knowledge, but a heart knowledge), and that our life would reflect who Jesus is in our life.  I'm not perfect by any means, and I blame myself for some of the things my children do.... so I pray.  Who knows, some day they may follow Jesus too.

Blessings!

Today's the 'road trip' and I'm actually looking forward to it..

 Why, after all my grumbling, am I looking forward to it?  I will be alone for about an hour each way.  I enjoy being around people, don't get me wrong..... but as you also know.... I enjoy my alone times.  God and I always have great conversation as I drive back and forth to Mesa.  I think I have been irritated about having to make the trip because I felt it was 'assumed' that because I supported this person, I needed to be the one to do the running around for her.  Which in some cases was ok.... but it's 47 miles one way to the office and it's all on my dime!  But this morning I am feeling much better about it and I don't mind going down.

I did miss about 5 hours of work yesterday while I went to the Phoenix Corporate office.  And I was right, my friend had been there before and she knew exactly how to get there and where to park.  I tried hard to pay attention for I understand that since we gathered for their 'halloween festivities' (only 3-4 dressed in a type of costume out of about 25 admins) they want to gather for Christmas.  And, they say, we will play games at that one.  Now I love Christmas; and I will happily attend that party, even if I have to drive down there!  After lunch yesterday we loaded all the desserts on two carts and we went on about 5 different floors of the building and passed out candies and desserts.  It was nice to meet a lot of people I hadn't met before.... and you know what.... the high up executive admins are just like me.  I expected 'polished, every hair in place, knows what they are doing, etc.' people, but they were just people.  Rewarding. LOL

Today I'll miss about 3 hours of work, I'm figuring.  Then, as soon as work is over, I am heading to Chipolte's midway between me and another co-worker.  She has been asking for several months for us to meet up for dinner.... and tonight's the night.  It's interesting as I don't really know her that well, and she worked more outside the office whereas I worked in the office, but she was always leaving small gifts on my desk and always was so friendly.  So we are meeting up and it will be a fun time.  Which means for the first three days of this work week all I've done is EAT EAT EAT!!  I will have to actually cook tomorrow, perhaps.  

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV):  "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Our lives are but a race; and do you realize that those who have run this race before us, are watching us as we run?  Those whom we have loved and have gone before us are watching us, and cheering us on.  Sometimes that feels creepy, I'm sure, but for me, anyway, when I think about my mom or my dad watching me live my life, my grandparents, sometimes that makes me re-evaluate what I'm doing and weigh the value of it.  How do you feel about it when you think someone you loved may be watching over you and sees what you do?  Jesus is watching too, you know.  For many, He is just longing for time spent with Him as the focus.  

As I sat here trying to think of what to write, running the race is what came to mind.  Why in the world did I think that?  Because during the night last night my watch kept buzzing.  At first I thought it was JCPenney's or Kohls sending me texts about their sales.  I get those on my messages a lot.  And a couple other stores.  So I ignored the periodic buzzing.  After a few buzzes I began to think that perhaps someone was trying to get ahold of me, one of my siblings or children, perhaps, so I opened one eye and looked at my watch.  Didn't see anything from my kids so closed my mind to it and tried to go back to sleep.  Buzz, buzz, buzz... the watch kept doing it every few minutes.  I finally looked at it again.  Now it is about 2AM.  My watch is asking me the question.... "are you finished with your walking yet?"  In my befuddled and sleepy mind I couldn't grasp what had happened.... but as the watch kept buzzing, I saw what happened.  I don't know How it happened, but .... somehow during my sleep (dreaming I was doing this, perhaps?) I hit the 'walk' exercise and it appears that I had walked for several minutes and my watch was asking if I was finished.  I don't know... but I assure you I was not up and walking at 2AM! 

I figured out how to stop it and tried to sleep, but after that just kind of tossed and turned.  I even tried to go back to sleep in here, and didn't succeed.  But, I'm waking up now...and good thing... it's almost 7AM and I need to get up and get the work computer turned on.  Need to get done what I can, get cleaned up and put my make-up on (three days this week I've had to wear make-up!) and get ready to head down the road - ALONE.  :-)

How are you running YOUR race?  Each day is a race... and you have a great crowd of witnesses watching how you will accomplish it.  How are you doing with that?

Blessings!

It was a pretty good day after all....

 Yesterday wasn't as crazy as I feared it was.  I should always remember that once I put it in God's hands, He will take care of it... I need to quit 'taking it back' to stress over it.  Something to remember.

I did have lunch with my 'old' friend and we had a great time of talking and eating.  In fact, I talked so much I ended up bringing half my salad home!  We had a great visit.  Then at Bible study last night it went well.  And, oh my goodness, our hostess is a wonderful dessert maker.  Last night she had small bite-size cherry cream danish that she put on phyllo dough.  But my favorite?  She also made very small pecan pies.  I ate three.  Not intentionally.  I was going to only eat two, but the the host insisted I take another home with me (it didn't make it out of the driveway) because what is left over, he ends up eating himself. They were so good and are a favorite of mine.  So, yeah, Bible study was great. :-)

Today is the dreaded day I have to go to Corporate downtown but God has taken care of it.  Another admin lives far away south... so we are meeting about half way and we will ride together downtown.  I think she has been there before, and if not, we will learn together where to park, get the ticket validated, etc.  We were to order lunch yesterday and I ordered tamales.  Not that I like them a lot, but they are less messy than trying to eat tacos.  I have so much work to do I don't really have time to go and I know my friend doesn't either.  BUT, it's called work... I forget what it's called, but you get it.  Networking - that's the word!  Most of these admins I have never met in person; most I haven't even responded by email with.  But some I have so it will be nice to put a face to a name.

The support person I am driving to Mesa to take the basket to tomorrow emailed me yesterday to come for the luncheon they are having.  So - instead of doing an early trip down to Mesa, drop off the basket, and turn around and drive back, I'm going down late morning and will stay for lunch.  Might as well get 'paid' for the drive down!  I will get to see my other boss (as this is his department) as he will be there, and meet two of the new employees that I have been crazily working things out for.  I may learn something new... the last one hired worked for our company until last April when they were laid off.  He has asked for all his emails and folders from last April be made available to him.  I always thought when an employee left that all the records were wiped clean.  Gone.  Adios. But he seemed to think they were stored and IT can pull his 'old stuff' and give it back to him.  It would be great if they can as he said he has several emails and powerpoints that would be useful in this new position.  I did write an email to someone in IT that I know.... will see how she responds.

Ephesians 5:19-20 (NKJV) ".....speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,...."

Five phrases express the result of being filled with the Holy Spirit; speaking, singing, making melody, (with instruments), giving thanks, and submitting.  We don't usually talk to each other in psalms or hymns or sing to each other, but surely there are times that you feel a song in your heart to sing unto the Lord, or a chorus will come to your mind and you find yourself humming it.  How often do you find yourself thanking God for answered prayers?  Or even for prayers you didn't pray?  Some people depend on others to pray for them.... they have turned away from God for whatever reason.... usually because He didn't act in the timeframe they set on Him....  (we don't like rules, so why do we place rules on others?) ..... but do we stop and thank God for the answers .. even to prayers we didn't pray?  He only has our best interests in mind.  He only wants the best for us.

In my devotions this morning I read about a Stanley Tam, who was CEO of the United States Plastic Corporation.  I just looked it up ... just cause.  Stanley Tam wanted to be sure that God was the Center of that corporation, that over time he made God the biggest shareholder (51 %) of the corporation.  In fact, the story went on that he gave God all of the corporation to where Stanley Tam himself became a salaried employee.  I just looked at it on the internet and on the outside wall of the Corporation are the words "Christ is the answer".  The United States Plastic Corporation has given away millions of dollars over the years.... because God is the owner of this company.  Isn't that amazing?  Someone who started a company but gave it all to God, and managed it for Him, taking the profits and giving them away.  More companies should follow that example, right?

And perhaps we should as well.  When we make God our 'boss', our 'owner', and we submit to His authority when it comes to our lives and how we live, submit to His authority when it comes to our finances, submit to His authority on how we treat others.... when we give Him complete control, only then will we be successful.  Because when God is in control, it will be.  

No, I'm not there yet.  More and more I give up things for Him, but I know there are things I still hold on to.  Things like attitude (you know how I struggle with that at times!), anger, behavior, etc.  I've gotten much better over the years with our finances... well, my part of the finances, anyway.  In fact, I did a spiritual gifts test not long ago and I was extremely surprised that 'Giving' was my number one spiritual gift, according to that test.  I don't believe it is, but I believe in giving to God all that I have.  He will always provide what I need; I don't have to have all the other stuff.  It only breaks or wears out, or I decide I don't want it anymore.

I mean, like, how many 'things' for my kitchen did I think I needed?  I have far too many... some I have bought cause I 'had to have' and have only used once.  Some I haven't used at all.  Yet, I thought I 'had to have it'.  I need to do inventory and either start using things or get rid of them.  Some day, I tell myself, when I don't have to work all day, I can go through my cookbooks and start experimenting and using some of these things I have.  Wouldn't that be fun!

All that I have is a gift from the Giver of Life, God our Father.  What I do with it is my gift back to Him.  That applies to our lives too.  God breathed life into each one of us.... what a gift that is!..... and what we do with our life is our gift back to Him.  

Blessings!

A surprise evening brought a lot of joy!

 After church yesterday I checked my phone and found a text from our middle child inviting us to meet them for dinner.  That in itself is a reason for joy for we don't see them often.  But, after I responded that we would meet with them, he 'casually' mentioned his daughter and family would also be up.  Now THAT is something to get excited about!  We haven't seen them since last Christmas!  Yes, it has been that long.  No one's fault; just time and distance.  

Oh what fun we had!  The little munchkin is 5 now and at first was shy, but it wasn't long before she was being sociable with us and interacting with us.  She was such fun!  And I got to sit next to my granddaughter so we could catch up.  It was a wonderful evening and one that goes in my treasured memory.  What fun it was, and we are so happy we got to visit with them all.  Hubby and I had just talked in the afternoon about making a trip down to Tucson - how long have I been talking about it?  This time (before we went) He brought it up.  THAT is a definite positive!  But, with the holidays coming, it may prove difficult.  But, will see what will happen.  NOW I can plan that little retreat... LOL.... and get a day visit in too.  

Watching a couple sessions in season 2 of The Chosen yesterday afternoon, there were several things that gave one thought.  The last scene we watched before we started to get ready for dinner really hit both hubby and I.  The scene is Jesus and his disciples are in Samaria, I think, and people are lined up everywhere to see Jesus and to be healed.  All day long He healed people.  In the scene, his mother comes to visit and is sitting with the disciples as they are talking.  Jesus is separate from them, in a tent, healing.  Late at night, He walks straight to His own tent.  He speaks to them as He walks by them, and they - the disciples and Mary - are standing up, watching Him, exhausted from the day, walking.  He stops outside His tent and kind of leans His head against it.  Mary runs to him and kneels down, removes His sandals, and washes His feet, washes His hands, wipes His forehead.... neither saying a word.  He wraps His arms around her and tells her 'thank you, Immi'. before going in and lying down.  Mary closes the 'doors' of the tent.  The scene is silent, except for the words whispered by Jesus to His mother.  He is exhausted, worn out, and needed rest.

It was a very moving scene and Hubby and I talked about it afterwards.  Things we read about in our Bible but don't always consider...... how exhausted Jesus must have been after hours of healing people. And who stopped to minister to Him, but His mother.  

How many times do we watch our pastors preach, teach, visit, lead, ..... and we just continue to watch instead of being available to help them, to take some of that burden from them?   How many times do we even watch our spouses, or close friends, work at things intently, only to just stand there and watch?  Observe? and do nothing?  What are we doing?

Lord, please open our eyes and our hearts to see what we can do to help others, regardless of what the task is, regardless if it is menial, regardless if it costs us something.

The first few days of this week are going to be extremely busy.  Besides work.  Today I'm having lunch with a friend I've known for .... well, since 1968. Yep, met her years ago when I was pregnant with my first child.  Tonight is Bible study.  Tomorrow is when my anguish is I don't want to go ... the admins have been invited by the Corporate admins for a Halloween luncheon of sorts.  I don't want to go down town!  I wasn't going to go, but then someone asked me to pick up a basket won by one of my support leaders from the main Corporate office.... and take it down to my old office - which is 47 miles away one way.  Now if it was 50 miles I could claim mileage.  Sigh.  Oh well.  I don't want to do that either and feel they are taking advantage of me being their support person.   But, I need to suck it up and just do it.  It comes under the paragraph above, I guess.... help others even when it cost us something.  It's going to cost me gas and time away from all my work.  Usually that isn't a problem, but I don't want to do it.  I'm not going to Mesa until Wednesday...which means 3 days of work this week will be crazy.  Oh well.  I have an excuse, right?  

Luke 6:31 (NKJV):  "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."

Yeah, that verse popped into my mind.  If it was MY basket, I would want someone to pick it up for me and get it to me, right?  I mean, I won a basket too, and I had no problem driving all the way to Mesa to pick it up.  So it's like, "Suck it up, buttercup", right?  (My real issue is just having to drive downtown to the Corporate office, to which I have only been once or twice, and have no idea where to park as I never drove either time - and that was at least three years ago.)

I'm feeling really tired this morning...whether from thinking about all I need to do this week besides work or what, I don't know.  I'm just really tired and wish I could just hole up in my room today and shut out the world.  I don't want to play world today.  But, alas, it is something I must do.  Some day I may be able to hide out for days on end... but today is not one of them.  I glanced at my work emails last night and had about 20, I think.  I narrowed it down to about 15 before I quit looking.  I know today is going to be a busy day. And I have the lunch with my friend.  At least it is close by and I won't be gone long, and I am allowed an hour for lunch - which I don't always take.  I'm going to think positive that this is going to be an awesome day, that I am going to get things done that need to be done, that I will end this day still being positive and ready to tackle another day.  Sounds good, right? LOL

With that, I'm going to wish you a blessed day, one in which your eyes and ears will be open to others, that you will accomplish all that you desire to accomplish today, one that will be filled with love and joy and kindness.

Blessings!

He said my 'talk button' was pushed...

 Yesterday was a pretty good day.  We met our pastors (husband and wife) for lunch yesterday and had a great two hour visit.  Yes, I know I talked a lot.  I (we) wanted to know more about them, who they 'really' are, other than the one who stood at the pulpit on Sundays.  Loved our visit with them and we both felt such a great kinship with them.  It was good to know them better.  Afterwards, hubby made the comment to me....

"Your talk button sure was pushed; you didn't give me much chance to talk."  Ooops.  That wasn't my intent.  I just had a lot of questions and from the answers, had a lot of comments.   They are the only pastors at our church... they have some leaders that help, but no others.  Everyone seems to be at the Glendale church.  Granted this church is only about one and a half years 'old', being another church brought in under the Glendale church.  The book our pastor wrote about his life filled in the details of how that happened.  But I was so surprised that the church is 'supposed' to 'do what the Glendale church does' as far as studies, messages, etc.  It hasn't been happening that way and the Holy Spirit is moving in our church in a different way.  Our pastor may get up, like he did last Sunday, and said he had a message prepared on one thing, and then a day or two before Sunday, God will tell him no, there was something else.  Interesting, last week that happened, and someone we know confirmed that God had told him that Pastor Pat was to speak on rebuke, and if he didn't, this person was to confront the pastor and tell him he didn't do what God told him.   But he did, so all was good.  (did any of that make sense?) 

We did end our time with our pastors by telling them that however we can help, to please let us know.   We also let them know that November - March, when they don't see us, we are at the RV parks.  You should have seen their eyes widen, as we hadn't said anything about us.  It wasn't about who we are, it was wanting to know who they are 'for real'.  And I love them!  They are real people and not wanting to make impressions of who they aren't.   It was a good lunch and I feel I can truly say we are friends now.  We all had a good laugh for when I first invited them out to eat, they had no idea who we were until a week or so later we went up and introduced ourselves.

So, yes, my 'talk button' was pushed yesterday for that timeframe.  Get me talking about books (and we discussed several of them!) and authors and finding we had a lot of the same likes - was amazing.  I mentioned that during the pandemic we started watching Jentezen Frankin - and she said every Sunday morning while she is getting ready, she is watching him too!  We had several things that were 'common' between the two of us.

Later yesterday I gained a sinus headache and was feeling pretty bad with it.  We did finish up watching season one of The Chosen.  The first time we watched it, I didn't really care for it because it is a narrative of what 'could have happened' in the scriptures.  It didn't stick specific with the scriptures.  But this time I watched with an open mind and I enjoyed it.  Hoping to watch season two over the next few days.  I think what I don't like is the interruptions between the stories.  Once hubby gave me the remote, I could fast forward through those.  Of course he fell asleep through some of it.  He cannot get through a movie anymore without falling asleep.

Taking an Ibuprofen last night before I went to bed knocked me out and I slept sound nearly all night.  Could have slept even longer this morning, but I love my quiet time in the mornings so I did get up so that I could have some time with Jesus before church.  My headache is nearly gone so I will be going to church.  And, I probably would go anyway with the headache, providing it was not overwhelming.  Sometimes that is how the devil works, not to give him any credit.  Satan will let you feel overwhelmed with a headache and talk you out of worshipping the Lord because he doesn't want you worshipping.  'Oh the music will be so loud, it will make your head hurt worse' is what he will whisper into your ear. 'You really don't feel good, you need to take a day of rest.  It's ok, God won't mind."  Yeah, the devil is good at trying to keep you out of going to church.  But, I am going to church this morning.

Pastor Sharonda is speaking this morning (the pastor's wife).  She didn't tell us what she was speaking on yesterday but she is just as good as he is.  But oh my goodness - she talks sooooo fast!  LOL  Trying to take notes when she talks is difficult.  It's hard enough when Pastor Pat speaks as he also talks fast - but nothing like Pastor Sharonda.  You gotta really listen or you will miss the point.  But always a great message of God.

Nothing else is on the agenda for today that I can think of right now.  I just may plan on a nap this afternoon.  I do need to get started on the RV messages.  That time will be here before we know it and I have some one after another.  I need to get two-three completed so I am prepared.  It is difficult to pull these together; one needs to pray and read and listen to what God wants to say... and then take that and create a message from it is hard.  Sometimes I tell myself if the RV parks quit asking me to speak it will be ok.  It takes a lot of time to prepare.  But it is so worth being able to share Jesus with others.  My 'talk button' gets pushed.

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV):  "And let us no grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

Speak a word of truth always.  Don't let discouragement, pain, or discontent, take control of your mind; speak LIFE into your words.  Instead of believing what the enemy tells you, believe what God has said.  Speak the Word; don't grow weary and doubtful.  Increase your faith, and if you feel that your faith has been waning, ask for more faith.  Don't look at the chariots of the enemy all around you....

II Kings 6:15-17 (NKJV):  "And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?"

So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountains was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Do not fear, for greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.  Do not grow weary.  Believe.Trust. Have faith.  God is in control.

Blessings!

Yesterday...many tears

 I was in my quiet time yesterday and got a phone call that broke my heart.  My daughter was asking for prayer for our little great-granddaughter.  Guess she woke up and instead of running into mommy and daddy's room, she ran into the living room and (I'm guessing) startled their dog, Lotus.  Lotus bit her.  At that time we didn't know WHERE she was bit and the parents were rushing her to the ER.  After the phone call I fell on my knees and could not stop crying and crying out to God to let it not be serious; not be something that can't be fixed; praying for mercy for this little one. All morning long I could not stop crying and praying, even when I was trying to work.  

Finally I received a phone call that she had been bitten on the face.  They were still trying to determine if needed stitches.  Long story short..... she ended up getting one stitch in three places.  The scratches/stitches are just below her right eye, on the left side of her nose, and on her right cheek.  They did facetime with me yesterday afternoon so that I could see but she was still bandaged up.  She was happily eating gummy bears.  The tears finally dried up then as I knew God had answered my prayers and she was going to be ok.  

God does still answer prayers.  This is just proof that He does.  All we need to do is ask Him, seek His face, and He answers.

Matthew 7:7 (NKJV):  "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Yes, I take that scripture literally.  Our God wants to give us good things.  He wants to respond to us with the things we need - and even want.  But first, we have to Ask Him.  Seek His face (and not just His hand), and keep Knocking (asking) until we receive from Him what we are in need of.  He longs to give it to us.  We just need to ask for it!

We are meeting up with our pastors today for lunch and getting acquainted.  We know the pastor's wife fairly well now as she is in our Bible study group.  We know more about our pastor after reading his book "Goodbye 360" which is about him losing weight to get below 360.  He limps.  We thought it was because he was so heavy.  But no, from birth his right leg has been shorter than his left leg.  Little things that we 'assume' are a result of something else totally wrong.  Hubby and I are both looking forward to meeting up with them.

We didn't get to bed until after 10PM last night.  We decided to watch Chosen from the beginning on prime video.  It's probably on Netflik too.  It has a good story and we are enjoying it... but I don't like the breaks; to me they are annoying; but they are just 'intermissions' between stories.  Season 3 will be out soon and I hear it is amazing.  We decided to start with season one again and go on through season 2 and be ready for season 3 when it comes out.  It's all my little sister talks about and she pushes it on me all the time to watch.... which annoys me.  She even bought me the season one disc.  I now have season one and two discs which I can watch on my DVD player.  But, we are watching on TV now.  Have you seen it yet?  You ought to.  It brings the Bible to life, albeit that the narratives are not in the Bible, but they help you understand.  

I woke up at 4AM as usual, told myself it was Saturday... but got up and came in here anyway.  And tried to go back to sleep.  I had an 'ear open' to hear hubby and sure enough, it wasn't long before I heard him up and soon he was bringing in my coffee.  I still tried to sleep... and failed.  Did my quiet time and now I am writing this - and am about 45 minutes to an hour 'behind my usual schedule'. And that's ok.  It's Saturday.

My neighbor, Ms. Amy, has called me 6 times in the last three days to remind me her niece is coming in town today and will be picking her up and bringing her to her 'condo' (as she calls it) for a little while.  I needed to unlock the doors from the garage into the house.  I did it yesterday so it's done.  She has a garage door opener so can get in that way, but the next doors into the house needed to be unlocked as I locked them.  I assured her last night that the doors were already unlocked and that we would probably be gone when she came.   I know she's lonely and I try to keep in touch with her at least once a week.  I went last week for a visit as it was her birthday.  At least some family is coming in from California today to visit and then go back tomorrow.  It's a nice break for her.

It's a beautiful cool morning today.  And I need to get up and jump in the shower.  Hope that you have safe travels, make happy memories, and have an awesome day.  Remember to take time for God; He has provided this beauty for us.  Thank Him.

LOL  I got a text, read it, then flipped to facebook and saw my DIL had posted something.  I LOVE IT.  A manket.  Is this for real?  It cracks me up - but I can see it happening!  Made me smile anyway.  Not only keeping people warm, giving them company.  I like being kept warm, but my blanket is fine, thank you very much.

Have a blessed day!

The song running through my head....

 "When I move my body, when I move my feet, when I open my mouth, then the darkness flees'!  

Yep - as I got up this morning that song was running through my mind, and the picture that came to me was of our pastor's wife (and others) dancing before the Lord as we were singing.  She wasn't the only one (but it wasn't me!) and I often wonder what would happen if I allowed myself to be free to dance before the Lord.  David did, you know.

2 Samuel 6:14 (NKJV):  "Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod."

You want a story to grab you.... Read II Samuel 6!  That story has so much treasure in it!

I believe I shared another time or two over the years how a friend wrote out a prophecy over hubby and I.  I know I still have it, but since our move, I have no idea where it is.  I would like to get it right as I repeat it, but it said something about we needed to 'let go of what we know in the past (of religion) and embrace what is to come'.  Something like that.  And I have often thought about that as we have been exposed to music and dancing before the Lord.  The Holy Spirit hasn't grabbed us like that - YET - but oh wouldn't that be an awesome thing!

I know I have danced before the Lord in my own way many times.  I know I have shared those times with you in previous posts.  But I love it when I am free to worship in dance.  Usually it is when I am ALONE and either a song comes on or it starts running through my head.  Yes, I do 'get up and dance' !  I love dancing before the Lord for He delights in me.  He loves to see me dancing and worshipping and praising Him in all His glory.  I'm just too 'reserved' to do it in front of others.  

And that has been one of my prayers over the years - that I will be so consumed with the Holy Spirit that I am unaware of who is around me, and my entire focus is upon Him and worship Him with every ounce of my being.  Now THAT would be so awesome!

If we can get all excited at ball games; if we can clap and cheer at events and concerts; if we can jump up and down when we get excited about things.....then why in the world can we not get excited about worshipping Jesus who saved us by His blood and removed all our sins from us so that we can go to Heaven and be with Him?

Knowing Jesus IS excitement!  We should all be excited about sharing Him with others!  Jesus has done so much for each one of us - but to dance before Him where others can see us... well, that's a different thing, right?  Something to think about!  I'm just as guilty; not admonishing anyone.  We need to place our excitement on the One who saves us, not on a silly ball game or concert!  Definitely not on people!

Last night the Cardinals played.  Want to see how God answers prayers?  Seriously!  We went out for pizza with our friends last night and the Cardinals were playing.  When we walked in the score was 7-3 and it wasn't in the Cardinal's favor.  Based on previous games, there was grumbling this was going to be like the others.  There was this woman sitting in a booth watching the game and she was definitely a Cardinal's fan.  She was screaming LOUDLY every time they got the ball.  Well, when our pizza came, the lot was given to me to say the prayer over our pizza.  I prayed, and at the end I commented "and Lord, please let the Cardinals win tonight'.  I must admit I did it jokingly... I don't get into football that much.  I have my favorites - which are usually my kids favorites when they are playing.  But then, something happened after that prayer.  The Cardinals actually started playing!  And they actually won the game!  Go God!  Could I claim that God answered my prayer?  Yes I can!  (and probably not just my joking prayer, but those who were praying earnestly!)  Trust me, the Cardinals did NOT win this game on their own.  They needed help.  And God answered prayers.  Laugh if you want, that is MY story and it is true.  The prayer was given; God answered; Cardinals won.  End of story.

"When I move my body, when I move my feet. When I open my mouth, then the darkness flees!"

I want you try something some time today.  Seriously.  I know for some of us it is hard, but I want you to try this.

Get up and MOVE.  I know I feel like I'm sitting all the time.  I get up from lying down on my bed to sitting in my chair before the computer all day.  Then, when that is over, and dinner is done, I'm sitting on the couch all evening.  It's a long, b-o-r-i-n-g life.  BUT, what if, I got up and MOVED?  You know what I find?  The heaviness that hangs over every room is cast aside because of movement.  You don't believe me?  Do it!  Get up and do a little jig.  Do you not feel a twinge of expectancy in your body, in the air?  Don't tell me you don't!  

Try it!  Right now!  Get up out of your chair and jiggle your body.  Move your feet in a dance.  Flap your arms around.  Even better, grab your spouse and twirl them around.  You will truly feel a lightness come over you and the atmosphere in your room will feel so much lighter.  Seriously!

In fact, I am so serious about it, I am thinking I am going to put a note on my computer to 'Get up and Dance!' so that I am reminded not to just sit at the computer all day, but keep moving my body and let the darkness of this world flee!

"When I move my body, when I move my feet. When I open my mouth, then the darkness flees!"

Give a shout of praise unto the Lord!  Praise Him for His faithfulness and goodness to you.  You have a roof over your head.  Most of us have jobs.  We're healthy; we are able to provide for our families; we can love and be loved.  There is so much to be thankful for!

Lamentations 23:22-24 (NKJV):  "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!"

Have a blessed day!  

Move that body and praise the Lord!

Pizza and old friends.... and a big question

 That's what is on the agenda for this evening.  We are meeting up with a couple whom we have known probably at least 30 years - well, I worked with the wife many years ago.  Him we haven't known but maybe 20 of those years.  I know I've mentioned before of meeting friends for dinner - and it is usually this couple.  But tonight is going to have an added dimension.  A man I also worked with many, many years ago, who my friends have stayed in contact with all these years, is joining us.  So instead of meeting at a 'dinner place', we are meeting up at Brother's pizza.  I remember the last time we ate there; probably a couple years ago, with this same couple.  And this 'young man' was to meet us there but at the last minute wasn't able to.  It will be good to see him ... we were friends when we worked together, but didn't keep in touch after I left that company.  I worked with his brother too.  It would be fun if he came as well.  Regardless, it will be a fun time of catching up tonight.

Mark 10:46-52 (NKJV):  "Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, "Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you." And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. 

So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight."  Then Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road."

As I read the above scripture this morning, I was once again reminded of that big question that is being asked.

What do you want Me to do for you?

That could be a loaded question, do you think?  When you read that question, what is the first thing you thought of?   I took some time to write in my journal this morning that question and then I sat and pondered it.  I'm not going to share what I wrote down, but I gave them a lot of thought, and although I know there are many more things I could have written down, I think I wrote only 5-6 thoughts that came to mind.  I should be like Solomon when God asked him what He could give him, and Solomon asked for wisdom.  Unfortunately, that wasn't one of the things I listed.  Probably should be.

And I tried to keep it pretty much personal.  It's so easy to ask for healings of people.  To ask for the salvation of others. To ask for financial help.  Those things are easy and I imagine we all ask God at some point to intervene and 'do something'.  But I was determined to keep it about me because the question is.... What do you want Me to do for you?

It's not what do I want Jesus to do for my children, or other family members.  Yes, I do ask Him many times to do specific things that I desire to see happen.  But this time, I kept it about ME.  Personal things.  And perhaps one of them could be "Lord, I want to see."  Not that I'm blind in that respect, but to see Him in all His glory.  Alas, that wasn't one I thought of when I was writing.

I'm going to ask you that question, blind Bartimaeus....  if you were sitting by the road and you heard that Jesus was walking by, would you just sit there?  Would you start calling out "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"?  And when Jesus asked you to come to Him, and He asked you the question, "What do you want me to do for you?", how would you respond?   What things would you write down on your list?

I'm going to challenge you this morning.  Bring up Word on your computer to a blank sheet of paper. Or grab a tablet to write on so that you can keep it in front of you.  Write at the top of the page "What do you want Me to do for you?"

Make bullet points.  Start seriously thinking about it and write down what you would ask Jesus to do for you, as He asked you that question.  He is asking you, did you know that?  Jesus is ready and willing to do what you ask of Him, according to His will, but you first have to ask Him for it.

Is it for someone to be healed?  Is it for you to be a better father or mother?  Is it for financial help?  Is it for relationships?  Is it for ...... you can fill in the blank.

There are so many things we often 'ask' for in general to no one in particular.  We may just comment, "I wish we could do that."  or "I wish God would heal them."  or even perhaps "I wish we didn't fight so much."  "I wish I was a better spouse/parent/friend."

But did you ever stop and tell Jesus for what it is you are longing for?   Why not do it right now.  Well, after you make up your list....and give it some thought..... write down what you would say in response to "What do you want Me to do for you?"

Then as you sit there and read over your list, tell Jesus what you want Him to do for you.  Then date the paper.  Pin it to the wall and and every day tell Jesus what you want Him to do.  Put it in a prayer.  Just a simple one.

"Lord Jesus, in response to your question "What do you want me to do for you?", these are the things I am requesting. Here are my requests."  And then sit back and see what He will do for you, according to His will.  

You don't have because you don't ask.  But it must also align with His will.  What is His will?  Pick up your Bible and read it.  THEN you will know what His will is.

To know Him and make Him known.

Blessings!

It's starting to stir inside of me.....

 What?  What is starting to stir inside of me?  BAKING!!  You know how much I love to bake and make things.... and with cooler weather right now, and knowing in about 2 months is Christmas (my baking is for Christmas, not Thanksgiving).... I am starting to think ahead on what to do and when to actually start.  In fact, I'm hoping that this weekend I can start on my cranberry pumpkin nut bread.  I've discovered over the years there are not many in my family that actually like it...  but I will have some out for any that want to take it.  I've bought a couple new cookbooks that I am hoping to find healthy foods to bake so that those who need to be careful of their diet can still enjoy without being too 'bad'.  The best part of all the baking?  I give it all away.  It brings me much joy to bake and give away to whomever wants it.  

In fact, (I may have already shared this) a few weeks ago I was talking to our neighbor on the right and we got to talking about the upcoming holidays and how I love to bake and give things away.  She asked me if I would put her on my list of recipients.  Of course I will!  I love it even more when people ASK to be put on my list!  My boss, for example, will tell me explicitly that she wants salsa, bread and butter pickles (if I make them), cheeseball... and this year I plan to make her a chocolate cheesecake that I have learned how to make.  I want to make a big one to have for Thanksgiving and see how it goes over with my kids before I make smaller ones for Christmas if any want.  My neighbor across the street is an insulin dependent diabetic so I am hoping to find something that even she can enjoy.

And of course there is also getting the grandchildren and great-grandchildren over to bake.  Sigh.  That is a difficulty as the grandchildren have their own lives and can not always take the time to come over.  I will make a greater effort this year to have them, though.  My kitchen is smaller, maybe have to have two at a time.  I just love the time I get to spend with each one.  I love that my granddaughter brought my great-granddaughter up last year to bake cookies with Oma.  I can't wait to spend time with each one!  They bring my heart so much joy.  I don't even care if it is after Christmas - I just want to spend time with them.

I've been thinking more and more about getting away for a couple days.  I'm feeling really tired lately and thinking a couple days off work just might do the trick.  I get it that hubby is tired of being 'home' all day and while I'm working he feels 'alone'.  If I was in an office, he would truly be alone and would be a real mess.  He never has liked being alone.  But I'm thinking even if we stay in town, just to get a change of scenery for a couple days.  Maybe take a Thursday-Friday off - or a Monday-Tuesday and have the weekend on either end.  Will have to think about it.  With the holidays coming, if I'm going to do something, I need to do it soon!  

I Corinthians 13:8:  "Love never fails".  

That is what is on my card this morning that I chose to look at.  Love never fails.  That's an interesting statement, isn't it?  When things get tough, when tempers rage, when life isn't what we thought it would be.... Love always comes through.  There is just something about Love that stirs our hearts.  For some people Love is just Love.  But what is it about LOVE?  It's the caring and comfortable feeling you have with others who you enjoy being with.  Usually we associate love with girlfriends or boyfriends, or even spouses, but there is Someone who loves us so much more!

I Peter 3:8 (NKJV):  "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Having compassion on others isn't quite the same as loving them, but it is caring for what is going on with them.  Are they hungry? Are they weary? Are they in need?  Love and have compassion on them and help them, for when we do that, we are serving Jesus.

I love the backside of the card.... "The best way to spend my day is to spend it with you!"  Isn't this where we go "awwww"?  

Am I getting melancholy this morning with all my talking about baking and giving things away and love and compassion?  Could be!  There are so many hurting people in the world.  I admit, I am somewhat wary of those who always have their hand out.... unless I feel prompted by God to 'meet a need/want'.... I will usually not do it.  I give to charities.  I like helping do things for the homeless.  But some people just want the handout and not do the 'work' to get out of the hole they are in.  I have my own opinions on that.  And, yes, I probably should not look at it that way, but I would rather help someone in need who is really trying, than someone who has their hand out because they don't want to do the work on their own.  Ok - enough about that!  We see so much of it on our street corners that it is discouraging.  I just pray and ask the Holy Spirit to prompt me if I am to give something.  I'm not to judge on what they do with it; I am only to give freely.

And....with that... I'm going to hush and get my day started by taking a good hot shower and be refreshed to start my work day.

Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

 

What is your stronghold?

 I brought my son's blog up and it came up immediately.  I bring up mine... or try to... and it wouldn't come up.  I tried several times, then finally did a restart before I could get this to come up.  Sure do hope this isn't the way my day is going to go!  I was really busy until about 2PM and my mind and my 'want to get things done' shut down.  I just didn't feel like I had it in me anymore.  I think I really do need to schedule some time off and get away for a couple days.  Mentally, I'm fried.  I have had to learn a lot of new things lately, being told I have to do some things I haven't done before (ordering new equipment, setting up onboarding, etc. of new employees, etc.) and I know my 'don't want to do it' keeps rearing its ugly head.  I need to push those thoughts away for now.  Some day.....

Bible study went well last night.  We didn't get through the lesson - again - because the facilitator talks a lot and lets others talk a lot - although he states at the beginning to leave it at two minutes.  I didn't talk at all last night - mostly because I didn't have anything to share.  I avoided his eyes so that he didn't call on me.  BUT... at one point his wife looks at me and says "and what do you have to share?" and I looked right back at her and said "I didn't answer that one, why don't you share what you have?"  LOL  We all laughed.  She hadn't answered that question either.  The question pertained to something personal... I can't remember now what it was... but I couldn't pinpoint anything to write down.  I mean, I am not perfect, by any means.  I sin, I have my faults, just like most people.  But I don't want to 'dig' for an answer.  If I sit there and ask God to reveal to me what my answer should be, and He doesn't bring something to mind, I leave it alone.  Things I confess are in the past.  I don't need to pinpoint what WAS.  Does that make sense?

There was one section on strongholds.  Most of us have them.  They can be emotional, they can be mental, they can be physical. They can be anything.  When I first went through the entire 3 page list, I compared it to where I am now, and I really, honestly, could not see where I had any of those strongholds.  When I feel I am letting something take control of me, my process is once it is revealed, I confess it and let it go.  I 'get over it' and move on.  Several people felt like they had to share their faults.  I kept looking at the lists and finally I acknowledged in my mind there was one that stood out for me.  You may be surprised at it.

Inferiority.  The definition is:  of little, or lessor importance.  Of little value or merit.

I do sometimes have inferiority, especially when I am around people who DO know a lot more than I do about a lot of things.  I don't have a big desire to learn about work-related things.  I learn what I need to know and do what I have to do.  My argument with that?  I'm old enough to retire, I don't want to have to learn new things.  Which is probably why I struggle some days at work when I'm told to do some things and I have no clue.  My bosses are amazing in that when I tell them I don't know how, they will take the time to show me.  And I tell them, I don't need to know EVERYthing, just show me the steps you want me to do. Where do I get this and where do I put it.  That's all I need to know.

I think my inferiority stems from my growing up years when I was made to feel I had no value, that I was just a female and therefore only good for marriage and babies.  Work for a female in my time was manual labor of sorts.  Many went into the office, yes, but many went to assembly lines.  That's what my mother did (RCA assembly line) for awhile.  That's what was expected of me.  Marriage and babies, do what I had to do to help support.  Instead my older sister got me an office job.  I worked at Indiana Bell Telephone Company for less than a year... like from June to the first of December, when I quit to get married.  Then I worked there again for about 2 years before I quit to have my 2nd child.  I learned a lot those two years as I was 'secretary' to the sales/marketing director.  I felt so 'little' to be working in the secretary pool - there were 4 of us who sat side by side and we supported one person.  When we weren't needed to help them, we were typing policies and contracts.  I learned to type really, really fast during that time (96 words a minute!).  We also still used carbon paper (remember that?) and had to make about 10 copies because they had to go to the policy makers who had to read what we wrote to make sure we didn't make mistakes and worded everything as what we typed from.  

I've never had a lot of confidence in myself, and really, that is a good thing.  Why?  Because it has made me lean into Jesus and ask for His help very frequently.  Of course that didn't happen back then; I only had a head knowledge of who Jesus was.  But once I found out who Jesus IS, it made all the difference.  I am who I am because of Jesus and what He did for me.

I was told many years ago by my younger sister that I was not a good mother.  That has never left my mind and it definitely did not build my confidence in myself.  When someone compliments me on something, in the past I would deny it, saying 'oh I didn't do anything'... it wasn't so much being humble, I just didn't feel I was worthy of what they were saying.  It has taken years, but now I can just say 'thank you' and move on.

I know I need to give glory to God for a lot of things in my life, and when I preach at the RV parks, I always get a lot of comments on how what was said helped them, or they 'liked the sermon' (one should never 'like' a sermon; it's supposed to make you think how you are living your life) or some other compliment.  Sometimes I will say just 'thank you', and other times when they said that it touched them in a certain way, I will respond that it was all God; He knew they needed to hear it.  I don't want to take credit for their response.  Does that make sense?

I didn't get a chance to share my inferiority stronghold.  It was already past our time of sharing and I am very aware of the time since I sit across from the wall clock.  When I feel inferior, I just take a deep breath and remind myself that they put their pants on the same way I do.  They put their shoes on like I do. They eat their food like I do. They walk like I do. They are no better than me, I am made in the image of God and His breath was breathed into me as well as them.  There is no reason for me to feel 'less worthy' than they.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV):  "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Many times I feel we want to be like those around us, even though we may not want to, we will conform to what they are so that we fit in. They have a  coarse speech, so we think we need to make our speech rough.  They chug their drink, so we feel we need to chug ours too.  Sometimes it is hard not to think like others think.  Sometimes it is hard not to do what others do.  We should never lower our morals to be like other people.  Respect yourself; respect God.  He made you in His image.  He breathed His breath into you and gave you life.  Do not conform to what others are or what others think.

Not that everything they do is wrong, but it may be wrong for me.  And if I want to do something and although it may not be a sin to me.... if someone sees me and it is a problem for them.... then I shouldn't do it.  

For example.... I will confess I enjoy an occasional glass of wine.  It's been a few months since we've had any... but sometimes after a very hard day at work, I do enjoy a glass before bed.  Now I was raised it was a sin to drink. Period. And some pastors will preach that.  And some pastors will say it is ok in moderation.  Jesus made water into wine, in the argument.  Yes He did.  But in those days, the water was not always good to drink so they had the wine.  But it is also in the Bible to not be drunk with wine. And I'm sure that includes other alcoholic products.  Some people disagree with me, but when I go out to eat, I will not - as a rule - order a drink. (It just came to mind that one time at the first of the year I had a margarita at a mexican restaurant with other family members)  I choose not to drink in public because if there is someone who is an alcoholic or has a problem with alcohol sees me drinking a glass of wine, they will tell themselves it's ok.  But the problem is, they can't stop with one and enjoy it.  They have to have more.  Much more.  I don't want to influence them in any way.  A friend once shared that with me and it has really stuck.

A pastor friend was looking for a church/Bible study to join a couple years ago when they moved to this area.  He told of he and his wife joined this one Bible study which met in a bar or restaurant - not sure which.  To his very much surprise, the facilitator and several others ordered a beer.  He was dumbfounded.  They felt it was ok to have a drink during their Bible study.  He disagreed, and so do I.  We are not to conform to this world; we are not of this world. We are just passing through on our way to a heavenly place.

God has a purpose for you and a plan.  His Word says so.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV):  "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

When you have Jesus, you have a future and a hope.  You can break every stronghold, every chain, the enemy puts on you, when you choose Jesus.  Jesus is my strength, He is my confidence, my all in all.  Who is Jesus to you?

Blessings!

It's the cooler morning, right?

 I went to bed at my usual time last night, and I got up as my alarm buzzed this morning, not waking on my own.  And daggone - I cannot stay awake!  Actually, now that I have been 'up' for a couple hours I am starting to snap out of it.  All I can figure is it is cooler out this morning and I am loving it.  This is the kind of weather I love to bury myself under my blankets and sleep.  I sleep better when it is cool in the air.  But this morning I didn't want to sleep but my eyes kept shutting.  I still have gotten everything done, but it was difficult.  

It was a fairly good weekend.  As I mentioned yesterday, I didn't get everything done Saturday that I had thought about doing, but did some.  Yesterday was church and the message was really on fire!  It was on 'The Lord rebuke you!' and it was very much on point.  I took lots of notes and plan to review them some time this week.  I had started a book last week about receiving the mantle, I think I've already shared it.  Well, I sat down after lunch yesterday, after hubby watched the Cardinals lose their game, and finished the book just as we were going to bed.  It was a good book and I am asking God what mantle He has for me.  Do you wonder what mantle He has for you?  Ask Him!  It was a good book, informative and leaves a person wanting their own mantle.  I personally want Elijah's mantle - and a double portion just as Elisha got!

But one thing I need to ask for first - is Boldness!  There are times when I 'feel' bold, but many times I hold back on saying or doing something because of............. what??  Am I embarrassed?  No.  I guess I am more afraid that people will look at me like I'm nuts.  I don't know.  I need to shake that and if I say something over someone, then I need to believe that God will do it.  And if He doesn't - it is His decision.  I don't always know the whole story of things.

Ok - I'm going to bare myself here.  As I was putting oil on my hubby's shoulder last night, based on things we heard in the message yesterday, the thought came to me to 'speak' to the shoulder and tell it to heal and the pain to stop.  Now, was that MY thought, or was God telling me to do that?  I don't know.... but I guess I thought hubby would think I had gone over the edge, so I didn't say anything then... but waited until I was alone and said it.  Still effective?  Probably not.  Regardless of how I felt I would sound, I should have said it when I was putting the oil on his shoulder.   I am now praying for more boldness.  I believe that God will heal and I believe that God wants to do what we ask of Him, and I believe I have faith... but I haven't shaken some things that were said to me years ago that shook me to the core.  So now I am praying for boldness; I am praying for more faith; I am asking for the anointing to be about my Father's business.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV):  "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Regardless of whether or not I see any answers to any of my prayers, I must believe and have faith that God hears me and is acting in His time frame, and not mine.  Of course when I pray, I want immediate responses from Him.  I want migraines to immediately disappear.  I want healings from sickness to remove themselves immediately.  I want my sister's shingles to be gone when she awakens this mornings.  I pray these things.... but they are always in God's timeframes.  We have prayed over hubby's shoulder for a few years now that it has gotten so bad for him.  And it still hurts him and keeps him awake at night, no matter how many creams we put on it.  It's bone on bone.  Cortisone shots are not an option, his doctor says.  We keep praying... so why doesn't God answer?  I have no idea.  I know and I believe that He can.  And He may be answering and the answer is NO. But why?  I have no clue.  Maybe it is for hubby - or for me - to dive deeper into our faith and to know Him more.  All I know is that I believe that God can restore this shoulder just as he would straighten a lame leg.  

I believe God still heals, and I believe that God still brings back to life those things that have been declared dead.  Yes, dead things can be brought back to life, whether it is the breath of people that is gone, or relationships destroyed, or situations that happen.  God can bring healing.... but we have to ask Him for it.  And we have to have faith to believe.

Mark 9:14-29 (NKJV):  "And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. And He asked the scribes, "What are you discussing with them?"  Then one of the crowd answered and said, "Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not." 

He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me." Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."

Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"  

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!" Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, "he is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"

So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing by prayer and fasting.""

Have faith and believe that nothing is impossible for our God!  Ask in faith, believing that what you ask for will happen.

Blessings!