Yesterday was almost a 'do nothing' day. We went to church - which had an excellent message about doubting God. How many times have we asked God for something, but then doubted that He would answer our request? Now that is if we haven't asked amiss, for our own pleasure. For example, many people will 'pray' for God to increase or bless their finances. And they may really believe that because they are a Christian, that God is going to answer their request. But the reason they want their finances increased is so that they can spend it on frivolous things, or things of no value.
James 4:3 (NKJV): "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."
Doesn't that make you pause and reflect on the things that you have asked God for? Or perhaps you haven't spoken to Him for awhile. Is it because you doubt He will provide for you? Our Heavenly Father loves to give good gifts to us. When we ask, we should believe that He is more than able to provide; and although it may not be in OUR timeframe (like, right now, Lord!), but His timing and His ways are always better.
I can look back over the years and I can clearly see God's hand of provision in many different ways. He also allowed us to fall when we chose to things our own way, or if we were acting in total helplessness. We weren't depending on Him; no matter how much we prayed for something. And He allowed us to fail in what we were doing. I mark a lot of that time to be being naive and immature in the world. But it taught me many lessons on being frugal and seeking Him on how to complete things. Many, many years ago... I learned to cook from 'scratch' because we had no money for food. Looking back now, I realize how valuable that time was. I gained a love of cooking and making things that weren't from a box or premade.
But there have also been times that I/we have prayed for things that never came to pass... and you know what? It was a good thing that God said 'no'. Things have always worked out - sometimes we would just overreact.
Guess what just popped in to my mind. Remember when the year turned 2000 and people were told many, many lies that computers will shut down; banks will close, etc. because the 'big computer' could not move from 1999 to 2000. Many people purchased food packets and who knows what all; wanting to be prepared. And there is nothing wrong with being prepared. Did we do it? No. I believed that God would provide whatever we needed and we were to continue as if it was a regular year. And we did. Nothing happened anywhere. It was all a hoax put on by whomever. What a joke. And people fell for it. They doubted that God would provide.
God wants us to ask Him for things, for He loves to give to us. But we should ask according to His Word and not for our own pleasure. Extra money for groceries; I'm sure He will provide in some way. Spend way too much on credit card debt and ask God to pay it off? Probably not going to happen. Seek God first; and His righteousness.
Yesterday was a good day. After church we stopped at Noodles and Company for lunch. Hubby hadn't been there and it had been a few years since I had been. Hubby enjoyed it; got a shrimp and noodle something or other. I got a salad, but didn't notice they added a spicy yogurt dressing to it. Wasn't too impressed. They don't give you a lot for what you pay for. My salad was $11.25 and it fit a large cereal bowl; drinks were $3.00 each. I did get a diet coke because I don't buy sodas for home as a rule. BUT, this is why I also get water most of the time. Prices on drinks - even ice tea - are ridiculous! I used to carry tea bags with me and ask for a cup of hot water - and make my own tea! (and if you also asked for a glass of ice, you could make your own ice tea. Just saying).
After lunch I changed clothes and headed over to see Ms. Amy at the assisted living. I was to pick up a check from her to pay a tree guy who is to be coming today to trim back her trees. For $750 I sure hope he does a good job. LOL She also wrote me a check for a bill I paid to her landscaper who came out to trim back one of the trees last month. I didn't look at the check until I got home - I had to laugh. Now she has not been feeling well the past few days so that would explain it. On the envelope she spelled my name correctly, but on the check she wrote (first name) Noverest. I had to chuckle. I'll just sign it that way and then sign it correctly and deposit it this morning. Love that I can just take photos and it gets deposited.
After visiting with Ms. Amy for a couple hours I stopped at the grocery on the way home and picked up what I didn't get earlier. Then home to fix dinner and after the Suns game, hubby turned the TV off and I was able to read some. I love the quiet of the evening. Hubby doesn't so much. It drives me crazy he is on his phone all the time, but, that's his life. I choose not to make it mine.
Today is 'timecard Monday' but it doens't take me long to approve them now since all are salaried. I check to see if they took any time off (it's on their boss' calendar), and check the timecard. If it is good, I just go ahead and approve it. They can still approve it as well - and I'm done with it. Remember how crazy it used to be? I was new to approving timecards and was afraid I'd make a mistake. But - I got past all that and now it doesn't take long at all. I'm hoping for a 'quiet day' at work so that I can work on some of the training things I need to complete. Trying to do at least one a day. My frustration is that many of these trainings do not apply to me or my job, but it is plan wide and therefore everyone has to complete them. When it gets closer to time (we have until July 10 to complete) we are to finish, compliance starts sending out name lists of those who haven't completed them. I always check my name first; then I check for my boss' names. Then I really chuckle if I see our President's name on the list! It's nice to know we are all 'made' to complete these trainings and not just specific people :-)
I still have plants to get planted today in the pots (just realized that since only one of Ms. Vicky's pots were usable, I may have too many plants.) Oh well, will figure out a place to put them in the courtyard. I should get out there early this morning before it gets too hot. Will need to bring up the work computer and see what's on the agenda for today. Tomorrow I will be doing a drive down to Tempe to meet my boss for lunch, but today, it's just work.
My list will move to perhaps next weekend. Although, Saturday is hubby's birthday and I still need to find a gift for him; not sure what that will be. Maybe I'll take him out to an early dinner - not our usual haunts but maybe Longhorn Steakhouse. He does like to eat his steak and this place is quieter so that we can talk. There is one not far from here.
With that - guess I'm starting to ramble about 'things' so will hush up. Hope that your day is amazing and you accomplish all that you need to.
Blessings!
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