It FELT like Friday yesterday.... but it wasn't.

 Ever have one of those days that you just feel like it is Friday (or another day) and yet it isn't?  How many of those days have we felt like it was 'MONDAY' all over again due to all the chaos that comes with a Monday?  But yesterday felt like a Friday all day and I'm not sure why.  Maybe I was wishingit was Friday?  

I am looking forward to this day - which is really Friday - being over with, in a way.  My one boss is working until noon - then she and her hubby are flying to New York for three weeks.  Somewhere in a suburb her father-in-law has a house (he has since passed) that the family keeps liveable so that anyone who wants to vacation or get away - they can.  So my boss and her hubby go for about 3-4 weeks every year.  She takes some days as vacation days, but also works some of the days.  On those days I have to block her time off in early afternoon - usually I do 3PM but really need to block at 2PM - they are 3 hours ahead of us.  It gives her an opportunity to visit family back there and to rest and do nothing or - well, I guess whatever she wants. It would be nice to have a place like that - where the house is kept in the family and anyone who wants to get away can literally get away and not have to pay out for hotel bills or overstay a visit at a relative or friend's house.  I have been told any stay over four days you start to smell like a fish.  LOL

I'm really surprised my other boss isn't doing the same and heading to Utah to be with his family.  But he hasn't said anything and nothing is blocked on his calendar.  Why do I think that?  Because a couple weeks ago we got notice that Corporate employees are to take July 3rd (Monday) off as well as July 4th (Tuesday).  So with that - at 4PM today, I have Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday off work. A very rare 4 day weekend!  Too bad we have nothing planned.  But that's ok - maybe I can find time to work out in the garage and go through some more things - or get hubby to take things to Savers that has been stacking up in the garage.  And READ....  I'm hoping I can find some time in which I can just be alone some and be quiet.  I'm looking forward to extended time spent with God in the mornings with not having to watch the clock.

Psalm 84:11 (NKJV):  "For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly."

We often dispute that verse, don't we.  "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly."  We think of people who we believe are wise with their finances, or seem to have good health, or we believe have a good family life.... and yet, sometimes bad things happen.  How can that be considered good?  I don't have an answer for that.  I do know that the enemy will attack any way he can to bring us down and to distract us from worshipping the Lord of Lords.  How do I know that? Because it not only happened in the Bible, it happens now.  We all can think of people who seemingly walk with the Lord, only to have bad things happen.  Even theologians will write books on 'Why bad things happen to good people'.  I haven't read any of those... 

Remember Job?  Read Job's story in the the book of - Job!  God actually brought Job to the devil's attention, remember?  And remember all that Job went through - and he had no idea as to why?  But he held on to his faith.  But he and God had a chat at the end of the book.  And Job said...

Job 19:25-26 (NKJV):  "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last upon the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know; that in my flesh I shall see God."

Bad things do happen sometimes to good people.... and God will take that bad and use it for His good.  Many times it is to turn hearts to Him.  But many more times we just don't understand why things happen the way the do.  Some times they are our fault, but many times it is not.  

We are to continue trusting and loving God - no matter what.  We don't get what we want?  Maybe it just isn't the time for it.  The sting of my big sister not being healed still hurts.  I really believed that God would heal her.  But He knows best in that situation.  I don't think anyone has contact with her son anymore.  When he spent the last of the insurnace money, my brother told him he never wanted to see him again; that he had killed his mother.  The son has my number, but I haven't heard from him since right after my sister passed.  I feel bad ... but this son has done this to himself.  Whether he did poison my sister or not, I don't know.  I feel he did, because I can't see my sister doing that herself.  But, only he and God knows... and I don't know how much he knows of his own actions.  His addictions have taken hold of him.  I fear for him, and pray for him, but he is in God's hands.

And my mind has rambled off this morning.... I have a lot on my mind.  I'm missing my big sister because she is gone.  I miss my little sister because she is now estranged from me - her choice.  I refuse to be told I cannot be with certain family members because she is angry and/or jealous of them - or of me.  So now I get all these videos on 'are you sure you are ready when Christ comes?' or 'your life will be judged when you die'... etc... from her.  I don't bother to look at them.  Neither of us may be right in our thinking of this situation... or any situation... but don't point one finger at me and have three pointing back at yourself.  I love my little sister, don't get me wrong... but walking on eggshells is a thing of the past.  I don't follow her.... I follow Jesus.  We do send an occasional one or two sentence email.  The last one from her was 'no birthday gifts' - so I responded 'and no Christmas gifts'.   But, I will still do it.  Her birthday is after mine.  I have a couple books to send her for her birthday.  "It is what it is".

And with that.... I'm going to hush and prepare my mind for what I need to get done this morning.  Hubby has an old/new Bible study he is going to now on Friday mornings (and I love it!).  He was with this group about 5-6 years ago I think, then stopped.  But they have moved the group closer to us so he now goes and meets with them.  And I get a couple hours of quiet.  Win-win, right?

It will be a quiet day; only have a couple meetings to finish up.  Come to think of it, I have an 8AM 'direct report' meeting with my one boss.  I think that is the only meeting I have today.  The rest are not mine.  Just need to create some.

Do all you can to be a blessing to others.... you aren't here for your pleasure; you are here to love and help others.

Blessings!

Maybe ten minutes; that's all I got....

 Even with getting up at 3:30AM so that I have time to read my Bible, pray, and write in my journal, and type something in here, I find that because I have one eye on the clock... all thoughts of what I could write about are usually gone - or very brief, anyway.  I've got my workout at 5:30AM and I have yet to get dressed, brush my teeth and get out of here.  I need to go in 15 minutes early as he wants to do another 'inbody' thing... it measures everything in your body, which is weird... how much of my body is fat (a whole lot), how much is muscle, how much is ... whatever.. and interestingly, it tells which arm and leg is the stronger, and now that I've had one when I started, this will tell if I have gained any strength in either arm or leg.  I was thinking of texting my trainer last night and putting it off until Tuesday.... but didn't.  He ended up cancelling all his appointments yesterday (which included hubby) as he ate tacos that weren't too good the night before... and had food poisoning.  I figure if he shows up 15 minutes early as he asked me to, he remembered.  If he doesn't, then no biggie, will do it on Tuesday.  Yep, even though the 4th, the gym is open so we moved my time to 6AM and will still get my trining in.

We went to 'Refuel' last night which is our prayer group at church.  Neither of us really felt like going... but we both went and are glad we did.  We always come back blessed.  We sit there for an hour (or walk around) and pray for our families, for our church, for requests people have written out and placed on the altar.  Yeah, even I have a couple requests written there.  And I find, as I read those that are laid there, my situations and my family things aren't any different than others.

This one requests prayer for their son or daughter to be saved; that the prodigal child will come back to Jesus; or even would come back home.  For financial help.  For healing of sickness in those they love.  For restoration of relationships.  For forgiveness within their families.  For... well, think about what YOUR prayer requests would be.... and they are probably pretty much the same.  We are all people, all have the same problems or issues or 'things' ... pretty much.  

And that's why we run to God and pray.  That's why we ask for His hand to reach out and heal those we love, whether the healing is for physical or mental healing, whether the healing is for forgiveness, whether the healing is for restorations.... healing is more than just of the body.  It is restoring what the enemy takes away from us, when we give in to the devil.  He takes away and destroys us in body, in faith, in heart, in hope, in mind.  The devil doesn't want us to live; he wants us to be in misery forever. And that's what we fight against.  

God says in Joel 2:25 that 'He will restore the years the locusts have eaten' - which means He will restore what the enemy has stolen from you.  Your hope, your faith; these things God will restore as you turn to Him and let Him minister to you.  Will you let Him?

He will never force you to do anyting; but allows you to make your own decision.  It IS a matter of life and death.  What do you choose.

Blessings!

Sometimes life can be discouraging....

 Whether people mean for it to be - or not.  Things happen, things are said or done.... and I talk and share way too much.  Enough about my rambling thought this morning.

I love life.  I may grumble and gripe a lot... but I love to be active and I love to live life.  I love people and I love doing special things for them - or things I think they would like and enjoy.  Many times I guess I just overstep my boundary lines and well, things done aren't always received too well; at least not the way I hoped they would be.  But that is also life.

I cannot live life in fear of what what may happen; or what may come about; or what was... I can only face today and do my best to live it with a good attitude and pray for good.

I received my Southern Theasaurus the other day and have enjoyed going through it.  For Christmas the other year I bought the great granddaughters a few 'Southern' books.  I know they won't understand... but I love my southern heritage and being from the south.  I like to think we are special.  Of course every area of the world has their own dialect of saying things.... but I love the drawl of the south.  It's friendly.  Y'all know that, right?

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV):  "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

As fallen humans, it is our nature to become impatient if our expectations are not immediately fulfilled.  But the apparent delay in Christ's return is a gift of mercy, a sign of God's patience.  In His great love, He waits, granting people the opportunity to repent and be saved, not willing that any should perish.  This "grace period" until Jesus returns gives each of us more time to spread the good news of salvation and reach as many people as we can with the free salvation that is ours.  But we are already in the end times and Christ's return can happen anytime... are you ready?  

I received a video from someone yesterday and it was about praying for your children - to never give up.  It just intensified my desire to pray more over my children as I desire each one and their families to turn to Jesus and follow Him.  He doesn't demand perfection - only He is perfect - He only wants us to follow Him.  I cry out to Jesus for each of my children, my grandchildren, and my great grandchildren, by name, and future generations as well.  I pray generational curses be broken in the name of Jesus.  I pray that new life will come forth in each one.  I pray that each will turn to Jesus and will follow Him.  If I had to lay down my life for my children to be saved, I would in a heartbeat.  I want them with Jesus.

I encourage you to pray for your children.  This world with all the things in it have turned our children away from God.  Money, jobs, people, video games - so much has taken the minds of our children away from Jesus.  We no longer get and keep our children in church.  Oh many have the head knowledge of God; I did as I was growing up...... but it is the heart knowledge that will get them in to heaven.  As a parent, do you want your child going to hell because you didn't live for Jesus and you didn't choose to give them the example of following Jesus?  I'm not pointing fingers at anyone.  I failed; and therefore now I pray. And pray hard.  My heart's desire is that each of my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, will choose Jesus over the world.  It really isn't hard to follow Him.  It's just letting Him help you with living life.  Making the choices that are good for you and for others.  It's all about Jesus.

I had lunch yesterday with an old friend whose husband died last November.  Can you even imagine getting on a plane, sitting down, fastening your seatbelt and whoosh!  Your spouse dies.  Right in front of you. In a split second.  I can't imagine the horror of it all.  She has done well in coping and seeking grief therapy through Stephens Ministry programs.  She's not up to getting on a plane yet though, and I don't blame her.  But she is confident he was ready to meet Jesus.  Are we as confident in our spouses, our children, or even ourselves, that we are ready to meet Jesus.  One minute we are alive and breathing; the next, we are 'gone'.  Something to think about.

Yesterday was an extremely busy day at work and I imagine today will be as well.  I've been buried in finding times for meetings - some very critical to where I'm nearly begging other admins to move their boss's meeting so that I can put mine there.  And when I ask God to help me, He generally does.  Some will email me with a meeting request and call me a 'miracle worker'.  I quickly send them a note back that it isn't me being a 'miracle worker'.... it is God answering my prayers and finding a time I can fit the meeting in.  Yeah, I'm getting more bold in just putting God out there, even though we aren't supposed to.  Luckily my two big bosses are Christians.... I don't know the others well enough to know where they are at, so I have started to tell them when something comes together that it is all God, not me, pulling it together for them.  Some will comment they agree; others ignore my comments.  And that's fine.  God comes first in my life.  If the company wants to get rid of me because of it, God will always provide for us when I keep my eyes on Him and sharing who He is.

I need to run to the store this morning and get milk - started to fix a shake yesterday and a whiff of the milk we had didn't set well with me, so it went down the drain.  So I had oatmeal yesterday; with nuts and raisins; but no milk.  Just realized I didn't put honey or cinnamon in it either.  Oh well.  Need to get dressed and get the milk so hubby can have his shake when he returns from his workout.  

My trainer gave me a compliment yesterday.  He said that many women 'my age', and even those in their 50's, that he trains does not have the strength that I have.  Which surprised me, in a way.  I would be stronger if I had been allowed to clean the house (seriously!  Mopping floors and sweeping builds up the arms and back!).  I asked him what he meant and he just said that he had moved my weight up on the machines when I worked out - and I was able to do three complete sets.  Muscle memory he calls it.  I did have muscles many years ago.  Now if the muscles in my belly and butt would recall their memory of being much smaller.... just saying.  He even said that some men cannot lift as much as I have been.  That surprised me, but as we talked about it, I understood the reason why.  Many men have desk jobs.  They work hard every day, come home and sit all evening.  Just like a lot of us women.  By the time they get ready to retire they realize that 'maybe', just maybe they need to make their body more healthy so that they can live longer.  Or the doctor tells them they need to exercise and get the body moving.  So they go to the gym, hire a trainer, and expect miracles immediately.    I get it... I want miracles to happen to my body too.  Grateful that I have worked out many times in the past; but I'm still not as strong as I used to be.  I love getting some definition in my arms... still waiting on the legs to show something besides fat.  In time; I just have to be patient.

And... I need to get some things done this morning so will hush... hope that you have an amazing day.

Blessings!

It was a very busy day....

 I left the house at 7:30AM and headed over to Sam's Club to pick up cookies, snacks, and water for the meeting.  Then I headed over to Staples to get the labels my boss wanted.  (they opened at 8AM)  They only had two.  So I checked with my boss, bought those and headed on the road to the office.  He texts me.  He would stop and see if he could find them. Great!  Then he texts and says that Office Depot had closed so could I find another Staples on my way down and ... sigh.  We went back and forth a few times, then he asks me to pick up Sharpies in different colors - 4 sets.  So when I get to Mesa I'm stopping at a shopping area nearby and I went in to three different stores and one had any labels or more than two colors of the Sharpees.  So I go to the Dollar Tree and they had different colors of markers, not Sharpees, so I sent him a photo and asked if they would work - and they would.  So I bought those and high-tailed it to the office.  It was after 10AM when I arrived.  At least the meeting didn't start until 10:30AM.  I began to get things set up and put the snacks and water out.

I may have been just 'too good'.  One of the other leaders who does all these presentations liked my snack layout so well, and the food that I had ordered, he told me he was going to have me order for some meetings my other boss' group has coming up.  I nearly groaned inside.  I put these things on my credit card and then have to wait about two weeks to get reimbursed by the company.  The bigger the group, the more expensive it is.  I'll have to see if I can get some corporate accounts set up.  Or hit others up for their credit cards.   On the positive side, I earn points using my credit card and the one I use applies toward free hotel nights.  Win-win?  And I let the perishable food get taken by others, and bring home the snacks.  I make note of what I keep and how much is there as I will replenish it for another meeting if there is a lot.  Then again, it depends how long until another meeting; I have no place to store even the water; our garage is too hot, and I have no place to store things at the building.  Oh well.  It is what it is.  The chocolate goes into my candy dish, though.  It melts.

I have my hour long gym workout this morning so don't have much more time to write. I did get up earlier so that I would be able to do my Bible reading, some prayers, and write in here. When I get back, it's nearly right to the computer for work.  With being gone nearly all day yesterday, I have some meetings i need to work on this morning.

Matthew 16:25 (NKJV):  "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but he who loses his life for My sake will find it."

We try to live our lives the way we want to; ignoring all others who try to lead us along the way.  After all, we know best, right?  We can be sarcastic when we want; we can be mean when we want, we can say good things when we want, what does it matter?  It matters a lot.  Our lives do not belong to us.  In a nanosecond, our lives can be snatched from us and the life we have lived determines where we will live in eternity.  I've read books written by people who have died and gone to hell, or God gave them a vision during a dream..... some of them are downright scary!  It does give you a new prospect on life.  I remember one book distinctly as I really wished my son(s) would read it... it was of a man whose wife became a Christian and really wanted him to turn his life over to Jesus.  His children also prayed he would turn his life over to Jesus.  

But he steadfastly refused.  He ended up having severe stomach pains... I don't remember what the diagnosis was... but he suffered for quite some time... then the book told of darkness coming over the man and the man thought he finally felt peace..... until he was thrown in the pit of fire.  There was a lot more to the story, but I don't have time to share it.  Plus, not sure how much I remember as it has been a few years since I read it.  He absolutely refused to follow Jesus in defiance of his wife and children praying for him.  It was painful to read.

If we think we can save our life on our own.... we will lose it.  But if we give our life up to Jesus and follow Him, we will 'save' our life in that we will live with Jesus for eternity.   Reminds me of another book I read... by John Bevere.  Something Eternity.... I can't remember the first word.  Deep book and a story of people living life, and then then they go before Jesus to be judged.  Some were taken to hell kicking and screaming.... some just worshipped.  Think I will find that book again and reread it.  Sometimes even I need a reminder to keep my eyes on Jesus if I want to be with Him when I die.  And the older I get, I know I need to be ready.

Which reminds me; I got a compliment yesterday.  I was talking with security yesterday at the building, a woman named Roberta.  We were chatting and she was telling me her daughter was bringing her all kinds of cream to use on her face to keep her young and when she asked her why, the daughter replied 'after all you are 50 now'.  She said she hadn't even thought about how old she was.  I laughed and mentioned how old I am... and she couldn't believe it - she thought I was in my 50's!  Oh yeah.  

Gotta go - need to get dressed and ready - hope that you have an amazing day!

Blessings!

An earlier road trip than expected...

 I mentioned yesterday that I'll be doing a road trip to Mesa today.  I hadn't planned to get there until about 10:30 or so as I was only responsible for lunch and it wasn't to arrive until 11-11:30AM.  Well, about 7PM last night my male boss text'd me and 'sorry for bothering you..... but....' .  He didn't get all the things he needed for his meeting, so could I do a run to Staples on my way down and bring them.  Oh, and he didn't get the case of water either for those attending.  Oh sure, I replied... I can do that!  I now have to revise my schedule somewhat as people will be arriving between 9:30 and 10 for this meeting and I need to have the supplies he needs there.  Plus, I need to stop and pick up the cookies for dessert after lunch.  Thank goodness I didn't make arrangements to pick it up - but am instead having it delivered.   Oh yeah, I need to pick up snacks too, I'm sure.  Maybe I'll do a run to Sam's club this morning and get the water and cookies and snacks... then hopefully Staples will be open.  Google said they open at 8AM but hubby 'asked' Siri and she said 10AM.  So I'll stop here and if they open at 8AM and I'm good.  If they open at 10AM, I'll head down to Mesa and find where Staples is there - and he will just have to wait to use what he wants. Hopefully Staples won't be too far away.

So anyway, I will be getting on my work computer a little early today; it's 'timecard Monday' too and I need to do that before I head down.  I'm taking my work computer with me but want to make sure I don't forget to approve the timecards.  Need to take a shower yet; figure out what to wear down. Yes, I can wear jeans, but I feel better if I dress up some with this group of people.

Heard a tornado hit Greenwood last night and I checked in with relatives - and they are all ok.  We have friends who live in Franklin and I sent them a text but have not heard back.  Sure hope they got through it as well.  Not sure how close Franklin is to Greenwood.

Yesterday was a lazy quiet day after lunch.  I heard Michaels had yarn on sale, but talked myself out of going.  I have yarn here to keep me busy for some time.  And I have no specific projects in mind.  Why buy more?  Even if it is on sale, I'd spend money now I don't need to.  I really do need to learn how to make more things and do different stitches.  I think I get bored with the two stitches I know how to do. But I know them and they can be done mindlessly most days.  I did start a knitting project (among the two-three I started some time ago.... will see how long before I put it away with the others.  Anyway, we came home and we both took naps; then watched 4 hours continuously of NCIS.  Surprisingly, I didn't recall these we saw.  But then, I wasn't the one who always watched them. 

Leviticus 19:18 (NKJV):  "You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord."

It is interesting that I read that scripture today.  I have a grandson heading north for a court date that may very well determine his future.  Charges, I believe with all my heart, are false.  I have prayed and prayed, and have felt peace about it... but yesterday I began to have that fear start to gnaw at me at the 'what if' the judge doesn't believe the truth; that it doesn't get thrown out.  So once again I have had to run to God with that and ask Him to bring justice.  The devil likes to keep us in turmoil.  I've had peace for a few weeks about it, but now that the court is today.... I'm feeling anxious.   Then I remember the scripture that is one of my favorites....

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV):  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

"So I throw up my hands, and praise You again and again! All that I have is a Hallelujah, Hallelujah! And I know it's not much, but I've nothing else fit for a King, except for a heart singing Hallelujah, Hallelujah!"

Words to this song just popped in my mind.  I know I need not be anxious about this.... I have no control over what will - or won't happen.  I have prayed about it; I have put it in God's hands.  He will bring good out of the bad, but it is in His timing alone.  He can defeat the enemy easily.  But what lessons do I - or anyone eles - need to learn from this?  My job is to pray and lean into God with my request.  It is His job to answer (or not) however He chooses.   Sometimes that is hard, as you know.  Even for me.  But I am glad I have my Heavenly Father to run to with my requests and cry out to Him for situations.  He is our only Hope.  Mine - and yours.

Glory to God - no matter what.

Blessings!

God always makes a way...

 Anything is possible, right?  Who am I to deny what the Lord can do?  Anything is possible, when God is involved.  And He is involved in every part of our life.  He is there in every struggle, every solution, every sorrow, every joy.  God is involved in every part of every emotion. He is more than able to do anything He chooses to do.  Do you believe that?

So many times when things don't turn out the way we WANT them to, we tend to turn against God and blame Him for whatever we didn't get; whatever didn't turn out the way we wanted it to.  Blame God, we think; after all, we asked Him for something, and He didn't give it to us as we asked.

Are we spoiled children or what?  Remember how our children would come at our 'no' with "you don't love me!"  "You're mean!"  "I don't like you!"  "I don't love you anymore!'  Oh yeah, I think we all have heard our children speak those words to us - or at least implied them, when they were told no.

Oh the things that tear at a parent's heart when we hear things like that!  And the doors slam shut.  Oh the pain!

But that's what we do with God when He doesn't give us what we want.  We stick our nose up at Him and tell Him "we're done with You!"  And if any reason comes back to us after our anger and hurt have subsided, we remember He is God and we are not.  And that everything is in His hands..  And that whatever happens, He allows it for reasons we are not aware of.  Sometimes it is for our safety.  Sometimes it is to rescue us from what could happen.

And when we fight God and go ahead and do it our way, in spite of the challenges and blocks God has put up.... we soon find cause to regret it.  Sometimes it takes time to realize He was right.  The nudges we felt to leave ... and we stayed instead... and got in trouble for it.... the thing we did although we knew it was wrong... oh yeah... we all do that.  

But God forgives us when we come back to Him and confess our rebellion against Him.  He only wants the best for us.  Do you believe that?  What is keeping you from believing it?

"Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee. How great Thou art, How great Thou art!"

We watched the movie again last night "I am....Gabriel".  If you haven't seen it, you really need to!  

It's Sunday and we'll be heading to church in a couple hours.   I still prefer a 9AM service, but have gotten used to going at 10AM.  It gives me a bit more time in the mornings instead of rushing about to get ready.  In fact, when we get ready 'on time', we even have 10-15 minutes we can go sit outside and drink a cup of coffee and enjoy the cool mornings  -  before the heat waves really hit.  I love these quiet mornings.  At this time during M-F I need to get my work computer going and on the road.

Except tomorrow.  I have another road trip to Mesa... my boss is having a meeting and I've ordered lunch and am going down.  Will need to pick up cookies or something for dessert and take; sure hope the boss remembers to pick up a case a water.  I'll have to send him a text later today.  Surely he can do that.  Or, I could go early and take a case myself.  Which I might do; he is so overwhelmed with work, I'm not sure he would remember.  The good part is that I am on the road about an hour each way; I can literally see people that I haven't seen in ages.  Well, at least 3 years since we were sent home.  But what I like the best is that I get out of the house.  I've ordered lunch so need to be there by 11... but I'll go down about 9AM and make sure the room is set up the way we want it.  I take my work computer and set up there and work at the back of the room.  It's all good.  After I clean up lunch, I'll leave and take my time, heading back home.

Pastor Jentezen Franklin is talking about praise this morning.  He is talking about people who used to use profanity all the time, cussing people out - and now they are praising the Lord instead - and numerous men and women stood up in the congregation and started praising the Lord.   Instead of using profanity, say Praise the Lord!  

My heart's desire is to see my children and my grandchildren, and great grandchildren, praising the Lord and giving Him all the glory.  We can see God move when we praise Him!  When was the last time YOU praised God?  

Jeremiah 23:24 (NKJV):  "Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?" says the Lord; "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" says the Lord."

We cannot hide anywhere that God does not see us.  He sees us, right where we are.  

Start praising Him; He has redeemed you and your family from the darkness of the world - if you let Him.  He's done it; but you have to accept it.  Will you?  Will you show your family the way to worship?

Blessings!

Late....and it felt so good.....

 I was awake when I felt hubby getting up about 4:20AM this morning.  I remembered it was Saturday; not much on the agenda, so I decided to just enjoy the entire bed to myself (instead of the 18" - 24" of a king size bed I sleep in) and enjoy the quiet.  I'm sure I dozed some, but didn't arise until probably 5:45AM or so.  I just didn't want to get up.  And when I did, I still didn't.  Wasn't that I wanted to sleep.  I just felt like I had 'space'.  Does that make sense?  Hubby had shut the door when he got up.  I was alone. I had the quietness of the morning.  It was so peaceful.  

But, when I saw the clock was nearly 6AM, decided I needed to quit being lazy and get up.  It was just a few minutes in my chair and hubby was bringing me my morning coffee, pleased that I stayed in bed and rested.  I really did need to extra rest for I have been weary lately.  Very weary.  Some mentally, some physically.  

My body has also decided to 'react' to the things I've been putting it through and my butt and legs were hurting some last night!  Not a lot, but the muscles I've used in the exercises were starting to tell me 'stop it!'  But I've got news for them muscles, they have more in store, for I am determined to get my body moving and strong again.  At my age it does take a lot more effort, bt I know I will feel better when I get my body stronger.  And we're eating more healthy too.  Well, for the most part.

My trainer had told me to stay off the scales because "muscle weighs more than fat".  We all know that, right?  So I've stayed off the scales for two-three weeks.  Curious, I did get on the scales yesterday morning and about hyperventilated!  I had gained 3 pounds!  I'm at my highest ever!!  But then I told myself to take a deep breath... muscle weighs more than fat... and I'm happy to report that I can actually feel my muscles on various parts of my body now.  I'm holding on to that thought.  

Remember the pin my daughter in law gave me years ago?  "You are not what you weigh".  Exactly!

I plan to use my weights here at home this morning and do some of my workout, but then plan to go with hubby to the gym probably late morning or early afternoon, so he can work out and I'll use the treadmill.  My trainer hasn't given me a program yet to do on my own, other than dumbells that I can do here at home.  I know the machines there, but I'm not sure what order to use them in to be effective.  I do have enough books that I can probably figure it out on my own, right?   I do enjoy working out and feeling good (and sore) when I get done.  I am going to ask him to 'step it up' though.  He's very patient with me, being as I'm 'older' than most clients.  BUT, I want more.  I don't expect perfection overnight... but I want to see results and to get those I need to put forth the effort.  That's why I don't complain when I'm sore.  It means I'm doing something!

I started - and finished - a book yesterday by Craig Groeschel titled 'Divine Direction - 7 Decisions that will change your life".  He shares a lot of his life in it, but oh does he put challenges in it too.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book   I couldn't put it down and it was nearly 10PM before we went to bed because of it.  At one point he challenged (me) us to write down one thing, one decision, that we will focus on.  Not four or five, for then you get distracted.  Just one thing and work on that one decision.  For some it may be quitting smoking.  For others it may be to quit swearing.  For even others it may be making an effort to be kind.  For me - it was exercise.  I wrote it down.  I will do some sort of exercise every day - even it is just walking (purposefully) around the house a few times.  I want to quit being lazy and complacent.  I have this statement on my desk and dated it - "I will make exercise a priority in my life; I will do something in exercise daily."

So if you were to think about making a decision on how to better your life... what would that be?  Now I know you aren't perfect, regardless of what you may thing.... and I know I'm not by any means.  But what would you want to change in your life.  Take a moment, choose one thing (really, we ALL have more than one!  But just focus on one) that you would like to stop doing - and start doing.  Don't live with the regret that 'if I had stopped that years ago, I wouldn't have these health problems now' or 'I wish I had......... for life would be so much better now'  or... make the decision to 'I will save money each week instead of buying things I don't need at this moment'.  (but I always need books, right?)   Notice I didn't choose that one!  heh heh

Which reminds me... for some reason I have taken particular notice of... hubby asks me what book I am reading... he wants to read it after me.  I know there are some that I really like and I do hand it over to him (like Divine Direction because I got a lot from it and think he would too).  Now usually he reads books that are way over my head as far as what they are about, i.e., the Jonathon Cahn books - although those have sparked my interest lately and I'm going to find his first book (I'm sure we have most of them and the next one is already on preorder for September) and start reading.   I heard an author on the Lance Wallnau show a few weeks back and bought the book for hubby - Counter Culture.  Hubby has started reading it and he says it is about everything that is going on right now in the world... and it is deep... so deep (and scary about what this nation is coming to) that he cannot read it at night and go to bed; he can only read it in the afternoons and then get his mind off it.  I'm hesitant to read it now.  But I'm going to try the Jonathon Cahn books.  Check him out online - he's really cool.  We have several of his books, family, and I'm willing to share..... 

I'm still working on my testimony that I am to present on July 22nd at the Ladies Heart Crew - which is what the ladies group at church is called.  I've typed out some things, but I don't want to go in to a lot of details, and yet, I want to share how the enemy took me here.... but God... He brought me out of that.  This is what WAS... and this is what IS.   I'm forever so grateful to God for pulling me out of the past and bringing me to Him.  So very grateful.  Life isn't perfect, as I've often shared, but I've been praying and asking God to change my heart about some things, some people, and help me to be His light to my family.

I'm trusting I will be able to give my testimony on July 22nd.... when I changed the date on my colonoscopy last week from just before the wedding to the next opening, July 21st, I didn't take in to consideration that the next day I was to give my testimony.  I've had a colonoscopy before (twice) and was fine, so I'm going to believe all will be well with this one too.  My body belongs to Jesus so if anything is out of whack, He has allowed it, and He will bring me through it.  It's good to always trust in His hand FOR me, than to believe what the devil wants me to believe.

So where are you at today in life?  What is your 'divine direction'?  What is the one thing you would like to change in your life - that you are willing to write it down - just one thing - write it down and work towards its completion?   You can do it - go ahead, write it down.  And then put it where you can see it frequently.  Commit yourself to a new direction in your life.  Don't expect miracles overnight that you will always get it right.... but take it one step, one day, at a time.   Come on, you can do it!

Praying for you that you will make your divine decision one that you will quickly see results and be encouraged to continue to work towards your good.

Luke 1:37 (NKJV):  "For with God, nothing will be impossible."

Blessings!

Where we are... is where we are to be... in most cases...

 Have you ever thought about where you are - and whether or not you are to be there?  Granted, many times we go to places we should NOT go.... but if we are 'living in the Word', we are usually where God wants us to be.  But we have a free will, and God allows us to do whatever we want, and many times it is the wrong choice.  Make sense?

I was reading in my women's devotional this morning about Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Caesar Augustus had demanded that everyone go to their place of birth to pay taxes and be counted.  Mary, bethrothed to Joseph, went with him to... Bethlehem!  Where the prophets had foretold our Savior, the Messiah, would be born.  I wonder if she had thought about that as she and Joseph traveled along the road, some 80-90 miles, walking, fully pregnant, sometimes riding on a donkey.  Painful, just to think about it.  So uncomfortable.  But I wonder what her thoughts were.  Mine would probably be I was terrified I'd deliver out in the open.

But God had other plans for His child.  Jesus was born in a stable.  Lowly, perhaps, in some eyes, but still a King above all kings.  Remember, even wise men from afar came and bowed down and worshipped Him.  And we still do today.

What I'm getting at, is that Mary was 'There'.... right where God wanted her to be.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is an appointed time for everything; and there is a time for every event under heaven."

Proverbs 16:9 "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

Where is your 'there'?   Where are you at in your life that is currently your 'there'?  Are you where you 'think' you should be?  Have you given up your dreams of being where you want to be, and settling for where you are?

Do you feel life has let you down and you now go through each day as a routine?

Oh how many times do we let our choices in life drive us; our choices define us?   We are who God says we are - not who our spouse says we are, or who others say we are.  We belong to Him, and no one else.

You may think you have given up on God because He didn't answer your prayers when you wanted Him to - in YOUR timeframe.... but God has a reason for delaying some things.  When we get ahead of Him, we often have to deal with the consequences of being disobedient and doing things our way.

Lord knows I have found that out many times!  I often think 'Oh God wants me to do it this way, I'm sure...."  but often I am wrong.  I need to sit and wait for His appointed time to do what I am to do.

Such as, for example, retirement.  Sure, I'd love to retire, in spite of hubby demanding I keep working.  He likes the lifestyle to which he has become accustomed; I am 'stuck' working and he knows where I am, and yet, he can do whatever he wants to.  True facts.   But I have thought about it as well. Yes, I could go ahead and retire.... but the reality is.... if I did, I would lose all of my 'freedom' if I am not in the will of God.   I wouldn't be able for us to work out at a gym, and definitely not have personal trainers.  I wouldn't be able to go shopping whenever I wanted and buy whatever I wanted.  In fact, I'd probably be conserving gas!  All things that I consider enjoyable because of having my income, would probably cease.  And yes, I have thought about that and am willing to give it all up.  

I was raised with nothing; we were probably below poverty level.  Many times in the past 40 years we have had nothing.  Won't go in to the reasons.  But, my income supplies extra things.

I guess what I am rounding back to - is I am where God wants me to be for this moment in time.  As I lean in to Him, and trust Him, and listen for His voice..... He has me 'where' I am to be.  There is much to be said for my working - many pros and cons.   And it keeps my mind active and right now, my body moving.  

God is good.  I am where I am to be; for the most part, doing what I am to be doing.  My dreams of working in a church years ago has finally faded and I know now it must not have been in God's will for me to do so.   I don't know what my future holds, but I know Who holds my future, and I am confident His plan for my life is much better than the one I have!

And for you too.  If you aren't feeling you are where you are to be, doing what you should be doing, why not ask God what does He have for you?  You might be surprised.

Blessings!

Short and Sweet today...

 Today I start my hour of physical training and I need to get dressed yet to head out the door.  I have about ten minutes so will see what 'damage' I can do here. I'm glad I signed up for the extra time, but it sure crunches my time in the mornings.  But, less people at the gym, my trainer - and I  - am more focused on what I need to do.  I'm hoping with a few hour-long trainings that I will be able to do more on my own and not just go and jump on the treadmill, but use the weight machines as well.  I definitely need to build up my strength!  

It was kind of funny on Tuesday - my trainer worked my biceps, triceps and shoulders hard... well, what he could in 30 minutes.  Then he asked me to touch my ears.  I could barely raise my arms up.  LOL  He explained that it happens to him a lot too when he trains hard for himself.  You work your arms to exhaustion, then you can't raise them up.  It was funny.  I've already reminded him that today is leg day and he needs to remember I must walk out of the gym and drive home, so leave me something in my legs that I can feel them.  Today is leg day - and it's hour long training.  Looking forward to it - and yet - someone apprehensive about if I will be able to walk at all tomorrow.  LOL

Got my favorite thing to have done rescheduled yesterday... colonoscopy.  It has been 5 years.  UGH.  I'm hoping it will be my last one - ever.  I had scheduled it for July 11th, but in reading the instructions, if they remove a polyp and if something should happen, don't plan to go out of state for at least ten days.  Well, we have a wedding in CA that weekend, so I moved it to July 21st.  Oh joy.  I can hardly wait for that excitement.  I will live in the bathroom most of that night.  And drinking that stuff - yeck!   Aren't you glad I share these things with you?

My youngest child and his daughter are heading up north this morning and I've already been saying prayers that what the outcome of this will be in our favor.  It sounds like it will be, but one must never take anything for granted.... unless God says it.

I read a great devotional this morning and it was talking about what is our treasure.  What is it that we hold dear.  Briefly, I can think of things I've held on to for years - things that mean nothing to anyone else and only a memory to me.  I probably still have the majority of those things because if I bring them out, I am asked 'why did I keep it?' 'what does it mean to me?' 'who gave it to you? ... and those are some questions that are mine alone.  

I can't explain, for example, why I kept a check for years that an old boss gave to me.  It was a funny thing between us.   I remember walking in to his office and he was writing checks, paying his bills.  I started spelling my name, and without thinking, he wrote my first name on the check before he realied it.  Power of suggestion.  Anyway, he completed the check for $0.00 and payable to me, and signed it.  And when he did, he told me that he couldn't put a figure on the check because I was priceless.  We had a good laugh about it, but I hung on to that check for years.  I do believe I finally threw it away.  But I may still have it too, stuck in a box somewhere.  I really do need to clean out those boxes!

Well, my rambling must stop as I need to get dressed and out the door. I've got to figure out a new schedule.  Maybe write this later in the day?

Blessings!

A nice quiet evening......alone.

 The daughter had other things to do last night so we didn't meet up for 'girls night out'.  Hubby went ahead (thank goodness!) to his meeting with his friend.  So glad.  I popped a burger in the microwave and had it and fruit for dinner.  Once hubby left, I decided I wanted to watch movies..... alone.  So I did.  They were a couple we had seen before, and one was even a Christmas movie, but I enjoyed them.  Hubby came home right at the end of the 2nd one.  Then, of course, I had to explain what I had watched.  But I also worked on a crochet piece and so was able to do two things 'at once'.    I enjoyed the quiet evening.

Did I tell you my big brother sent me a surprise the other day?  He said he had one and it made him happy to sit back and watch it- and thought it would bring me enjoyment as well.  And it does.  He sent me a fountain.  I moved some things around and it is sitting on the table under the mirror by the door.  When I plug it in, it lights up and the water flows.  It's really comforting and peaceful... and yeah, it makes me happy.  It IS a little loud in the house, but unfortunately, we only have one plug outside and unless we are going to be sitting outside for awhile, no sense in letting it set out in the sun.  It's plastic, after all.  But it is nice and I do enjoy it.

I got another surprise this morning when I was reading an author friend's blog.  She often interviews other authors and then gives away a signed copy of their book.... and as I was reading - MY name was selected!  Whoo hoo!  I probably ought to go back and read more about this author from that blog, but I will be getting her book soon.  Nice!

I've worked it out with my trainer that I (and hubby) will be getting hour long training sessions for the next 3-4 weeks.  I will make a decision then if I want to continue them or go back to 30 minutes.  Once I get my routine down and know the equipment, I can do it on my own, but for now, I do enjoy someone showing me the ropes and pushing me to lift just a little bit more.  

I met with the doctor yesterday re my colonoscopy that I am due for.  Sigh.  I hate those things.  Yes, I used the 'h' word.  I am scheduled for July 21 @ 8:30AM and need to be there by 7:30AM... so more than likely, I will not be sharing anything that day.  Unless I do it later.  But, since I also know I will be 'up' all night.... I will probably come home and sleep.... and screw up my sleeping schedule for a few days.  Oh well.  I originally had it scheduled just before the wedding we have next month... but in reading some of hte paperwork, it said if polyps were removed, you were asked not to go out of town for 7-10 days in case something happened.... that shouldn't.... Now I've had them removed before without consequences... but this is a new doctor doing it... and although I don't believe anything will go wrong... with the wedding that weekend after, I decided to move it out to after the wedding.  Now I have that to look forward to for a longer time.  sigh.  Getting 'er done!

Psalm 91:1 (NKJV):  "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

I love Psalm 91 and have often prayed it over my family and even over myself.  I love being in the 'secret place' and spending time with my Heavenly Father.  My Abba.  When I am with Him, I am content.  

Do you remember being with someone who just made you feel 'safe' and 'secure'?  Perhaps when you were a child, you were in a place where you just felt comforted and at peace with the person you were with.  Perhaps it was your dad, or your mom, or maybe even a sibling who looked after you.  You knew that no matter what came against you, they would be there to protect you, to shield you.   Most of us wives feel we have a hubby who will protect us if something should happen.... but I do know of at least one who says that if someone broke in to her house, her hubby would go hide and she would be the one to rescue them.  One really doesn't know, does one, until that time happens.  LOL  I was just sitting here thinking about my hubby.  He is SO over-protective of me.... but if someone came against me, he would step in between us, I am confident of that.  But then I thought... he can't hear when he has his hearing aids out... and I've tried to awaken him at night and he would certainly alert whoever broke in with his "What?  What?  What's happening?" loudly spoken before it would sink in I needed him to check something.  I've learned that sometimes it is easier to just get up and investigate myself, say a prayer of protection, and then go back to bed when I see it's nothing.  Another reason I would like a small dog at some point.  They would alert to any thing happening.  I miss my Sheeba and my Marley.... big dogs.  Both very protective.  Some day I can have what I want.  God willing.

I find in my troubled times I can go in to my 'secret place' and just lay it all out before Him and then entrust my issues to the Lord.  He listens and He makes the decision on if and when to act.  Many times, way too many, I'm sure... I want Him to act NOW and do it MY way... but He has proven to me time and again that His way is always best.

I don't always get what I ask for.  And sometimes what I ask for, I do get... but it is in HIS timeframe, not mine.  Things that I asked for years ago... may come to fruitation this year.  It's all in His hands, and I choose to trust Him for His timing.  Some things I have asked for over the years are no longer valid.  And some things I keep praying for and waiting on His timing.

The past few days I have been missing my big sister.... I realized last night that it has now been a year since she passed away.  I still remember it all.  I truly believed God would hear my prayers for her and would restore and heal her.  But He didn't.  I think it was June 18th that she was 'officially' gone.  I'd have to go look at my calendar.  It does't matter.  She's gone.  And I miss her.  We did have some good laughs.  I'm so glad I called her the day before and we chatted.  So many things about the character of my siblings has been revealed this past year as well.  Both have been disappointing.  But.  I am not going to dwell on those things.  I'm just going to love them.  They are accountable for their own actions. I am accountable for mine.  So my little sister keeps reminding me... I just shake my head when I receive another video via messenger from her that is about "we all will give an account of the life we live'.  

Gonna go to Refuel tonight - which is our church's prayer meeting.  And that's all we do - we pray.  I still have difficulty when some of them pray - black people pray really, really loud.  On a microphone.  I just don't feel it is necessary.  But that is the way they pray.  I'm thinking He hears me when I whisper my prayers. No, I haven't prayed in front of the others with the microphone; they designate 4-5 people to pray... I have not 'thrown' my name in the hat.  I just pray at my seat for the church, for prayer requests, for my family.   We definitely are a praying church..... it's just hard for us to get past the 'screaming' of some.  It's a turn off, sometimes.   But everyone prays differntly.  I've just learned to pray like I'm having a conversation with my Heavenly Father.  I don't have to scream at Him to get His attention.  He hears me.  

And with that, I'm hushing for today.  It's Wednesday and it's going to be a blessed day!  Take some time to 'dwell in His secret place'.

Blessings!

What have I done?

 I went to the gym this morning and had a talk with my trainer.  I've been going twice a week for 30 minutes each time.  But, the problem is... I feel like we no sooner get a few exercises down, and it's over.  And even though I can't lift anything or walk out of the gym very well after the workout.... I want more.  Does that sound sadistic?  Is that even the word?  Anyway....  I talked to him about changing to one hour twice a week.  He asked if I would also come in a third day for another hour to work out on my own.   "Oh sure", I said.  What was I thinking?!  I will need to talk with the manager to see if the year schedule we created can be changed to 6 months with 1 hour twice a week.  

Then we started on my workout.  Today was 'upper body' - and again, we can only do so much in 30 minutes.  But we did two exercises for triceps; two exercises for biceps; and two exercises for shoulders.  I can barely move my arms.  It was kind of funny after the last workout.... he asked me if I could touch my ears..... and I could barely pull my arms up to do so.  He laughed - as I did.  I've used my muscles!  Thursday will be leg day.  I reminded him I would still need to walk out of the gym and drive home.  

Burt you know what - I enjoy working out.  I want my body to get strong and have definition.  I want to feel able to get down on the floor with the great grandchildren - and know that I can get back up all by myself.  That's important to me.  I want to live life; not move along just because I'm old.  Does that even make sense to you?  I want to live.

I Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV):  "But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.  For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."

Like physical fitness, godliness is not developed by being passive and does not just happen,.  It requires effort and work and is managed by daily exercise abnd discipline.  Godliness is more important, of course, and it requires spiritual discipline to achieve it.  Physical fitness, although important, is not as great as godliness.  

And yet, I want the physical fitness too.  I want to be godly.... but I want my body to be in shape and able to be active and do things.  I don't think either is wrong.  I will see if I can keep up with this trainer... I'll be hurting later, for sure.

In the meantime... I do need to get off here and get my work computer up and running, as it is also a work day.  

Hope that you have a successful day!

Blessings!

I had a good cry....

It was a good day yesterday, as far as I was concerned.  I think hubby would say so as well.  He received a card the day before, a text and a visit on Father's day from the other two.  We went to church and heard a really good message.  I did not cook breakfast nor lunch.... we had gone to Cracker Barrel the night before and I love that you can buy a takeout meal for $6, and I had bought two meatloaf/mac & cheese meals.  That's what we had for lunch.  I didn't cook dinner either... I wasn't hungry.... and hubby obviously wasn't going to cook... so fixed himself a sandwich and that was dinner.  

Hubby slept some in the afternoon while I finished detangleing the yarn (thank goodness, finally got that done!).  He then wanted to watch a movie.  The first one we watched was 'The Girl Who Believes in Miracles" on Prime Video.   You can watch it on Tubi too, I think.  Anyway, it was a great movie and really stirred my faith.  Keep the kleenex close; that's all I have to say about that.

My surprise gift came from my big brother close to the end of the movie so waited until it was over before opening it.  After I opened it and was trying to figure out what it was, the doorbell rang and it was the daughter and her hubby bringing a gift  After a short visit, I looked again at my gift and figured out what it was - there was no photo to identify it so I had to read the instructions to figure it out.  It is an electric birdbath fountain.  It looks really cool and I hope to put it together today and find a place to put it.  Problem is, we have pigeons.  Guess where they will be landing.  Sigh.  My daughter said put it on the porch - but I don't want birds on my porch!  I was thinking about the back patio which would be ok - but then we would be watering the coyotes when they came through the community yard.  But that may be where we put it... but I'd like to put it where I can enjoy it.  I'll have to work on it.

Hubby then wanted to watch another novie so as we flipped through some channels again I thought about another movie I had been wanting to see but hadn't been able to find it.  We found it on You Tube.  It is called 'I Am Gabriel'.  Wow.  Another great movie.  That one really stirred my heart.  

I highly recommend both to you to watch.  They both held our interest and kept us watching to see what would happen next.  Again, for the first one, be sure and keep kleenex handy.  You can't stop the tears from falling, trust me.  Even you, Mr. Tough Guy with the tender heart.  The end of the second one might do it too. 

Psalm 118:24 (NKJV):  "This is the day that the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it."

Simple enough verse, don't you think?  But how often do we do that?  Rejoice and be happy about the day we are in?  

I don't know about you, but I have to confess that many days I'm not 'rejoicing' the day has arrived and be glad in it.  Nope.  Grumpy me will often trudge my way to this desk and sit here trying to get my eyes open, turning on the light and letting it seep in to the eye sockets until I can keep them open.  I'm not always happy a new day is here... especially if I know I'm going to have to work!  But, each new day we get is a blessing.

I mean, after all, think about the alternative if you didn't have a new day to start with.

What about all the things that didn't work out the day before?  Trust me, I know I wouldn't want to continually live in a day which was full of strife and discontent!  From anyone!  I prefer starting a new day afresh; a 'do-over' if you will.

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life" -  a quote first started by a Charles Dederich, from what I find on Google this morning.  Huh. Looking him up, looks like he was the founder of a rehab facility called Synanon; looks like he quoted it in 1978.  

But how true that staetment is!  What you do today can affect you the rest of your life.  You can give your life to Jesus and start fresh in walking with Him.  You can start a new project.  You can .. well, you can just about do anything you want to do today... and what you do today will affect tomorrow.

You can be productive today and feel good about it starting tomorrow; or you can waste the day and let the day fade as if nothing, and feel guilty the day was 'lost' by doing nothing.

Every day, every hour, every minute, every second, every nano second - each has been assigned to us.  What are we doing wth them?  We only have so many, and every one is different.  This could be the last post I ever make on here... if God so chooses.

Does that frighten me?  No, because I am ready to be with Him.  I used to have great anguish over leaving my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.... and I still don't want to 'leave' them... but I also know that God has plans for each one and He has plans for me.  I am here to show them Jesus.  I have failed in many respects, but I hope that at some point in my life I have showed Jesus to them.  Death will come upon us all.  And when my time comes, I don't want my family to grieve, but to rejoice that I am with Jesus.  It is my life goal; my dream; my purpose of my life.  To be with Him forever.

Take a deep breath.. feel that air flow into your lungs?  God allowed that to happen.  From the moment we came from our mother's womb, God breathed life into us.  Reminds me of the song 'Every move I make".  I won't write out all the words, but basically they are...

"Every move I make, I make in You, You make me move, Jesus!  Every breath I take, I breathe in You.  Every step I take I take in You, You are my way, Jesus! Every breath I take I breathe in You. Waves of mercy, waves of grace.  Every where I look I see Your face! Your love has captured me, O my God, how can this be?"

What a loving heavenly Father we have, that He would look down on us and give us air to breathe; life to live.

What you are using your life to live for?  

Blessings!

It's not my day, but I'm getting a surprise!

 I play Words with Friends with my big brother and when I went to it yesterday I noticed he had sent a message.  We don't use that message area often, but sometimes we send a note, usually a 'hey! you took my spot!"  But I had a message yesterday that wasn't like that.  It just said "You have a package coming tomorrow. Have a happy day(s)."  

I sent a note back "Really?  It's not my birthday!"  He responded that "It's a happy day. One is it makes me happy to be able to send an occasional gift. It's a Happy Day for you, because you're getting something for no reason."

I feel loved.  But it's Sunday.... will whatever he sent really arrive today?  We shall see!  I have no clue what it could be.  He has on occasion sent me gifts and they always surprise me.  I love that about my big brother, for he makes me feel so special, so loved.  Sometimes the gift has been a puzzle he thinks I'll like.  Sometimes it's chocolate. LOL  One time he sent really, really good chocolate - I forget where it was from - but when summertime hits... don't send chocolate to where I live!  It went in to the freezer to firm up.  But it was so good.  It's the little things.

I did cook breakfast yesterday and then sat down and finished a book I was over half-way through.  YAY! Since I didn't cook breakfast until about 9-ish, skipped lunch and I headed over to see Ms. Diane early afternoon.  She is such a hoot and I love her so much!  She makes me laugh.  She was grumbling about everything - still - but I spent some good quality time with her before heading back home.  Hubby and I headed to cracker barrel for dinner and when we got home I wanted to read more... but, sigh... it was movie time.  So we watched 'Winter Wedding' on Prime Video and it was a really cute movie.  Then of course the channel went to  the baseball game.... at which hubby fell asleep.  LOL Which reminds me, when I came back from visiting Ms. Diane he was asleep in his chair.  I sat down and worked on detangling some yarn I have... he woke up and commented he had only slept 15 minutes.  No lie.  I had been home 20 minutes.  I didn't correct him; it wasn't worth the 'discussion'.

Today is Sunday and Father's Day.  I'll send out texts to my brothers and sons in a bit; I try not to wake them if they are still asleep.  Although last night I understand I woke my son when I responded to a text he had sent.  Oops.  I even let him have the 'last word'.  Two of my siblings have posted photos of our dad holding them as a baby.  I'm don't think I have one of those, but it doesn't matter.  I didn't post anything this year.  I'm trying to stay off social media... and sometimes I succeed.  It's hard to believe our dad has been gone 66 years.... and I find it so interesting that my siblings younger than me have more stories than I do of him.  Well, my little brother, anyway.  I was 7 when my dad passed away... that made him 4.  I guess we all can have our own stories, right?

The one I remember most, other than my dad being sick all the time... we had a hospital bed in the front room, on which my dad laid.  I remember I wasn't feeling good one evening and I was allowed to stay up past bedtime and sit next to my dad and watch TV with him on the little black and white TV that we had.  It's just a vague memory, grainy in my mind, but it is one in which I remember him.  Other than that, I remember him waving to us children on the street as he looked down from the hospital window (at that time the windows of the hospitals could be opened).  If I recall correctly, he passed away the next morning.  That was my last look at my dad.  I was so young my mother didn't take me and my two younger siblings to the funeral in Tennessee.  We did get to stay with an aunt and uncle for a couple weeks while Mother figured out what she had to do, which was get a job to support us children.  My dad was 39 years old.  Much too young to leave a wife and six children.

Ah... I need to change my thoughts this morning!  We all have a Heavenly Father who will never leave us nor forsake us.  He loves us more than we can ever imagine.  He provides for us all that we need.  With my past history, people wonder how I 'latched' on to God as my Heavenly Father so easily.  I think it is because I wanted a Father's love so badly, that it ws so easy to love Him and allow Him control of my life.  Hell, Fire and Brimstone messages from the pastor growing up did not teach me about Jesus and His love for me.  But I know that many times in my teenage years, I knew that He was with me.

Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV):  "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord."

The only negative command in this passage tells parents to avoid provoking their children by exaggerating their faults or discouraging them with unreasonable demands.  Small provocations can create major explosions (as we all know!).  I find it interesting that the Greek word for fathers is also found in Hebrews, where it is translated 'parents'.  Therefore, this scripture is not just for fathers, as we tend to think it is, but it applies to mothers as well as fathers.  Have I provoked my children to wrath?  I'm pretty sure I have.  Or at least to frustration with me. (sorry about that.  I definitely am not a perfect mom.  I made a lot of mistakes.)

I often have wished that I had been taught how to be a good mom.  I did not have a good example growing up, from anyone, and my lack of instruction did influence me as I grew up and learned on my own.  All I knew about finances was that mother paid the bills and we often didn't have any money.  We were at the poverty level, I'm sure.  I never saw love expressed within our family.  There was always yelling and fighting.  I used to say that the 'Friday night fights' my stepfather always watched wasn't always just on the TV.  We often had them in the house.  And yet, we were in church every time the doors were opened.  The model family - NOT.

I pray for each of my boys, and those in my family who are fathers.... that they will have a blessed day.  It takes more than fathering a child to make them a dad.... any male could do that.  It takes love to be a father.  

Fathers, love your children.  Be an example to them, as our Heavenly Father is to us.  Love them, care for them, be there for them.  Let their memories be of a dad who brought them love and joy, and taught them about life.

Blessings!

Got started...

 The 'testimony thing' has been on my mind and yesterday afternoon I was able to get some things down on paper.  One thing has troubled me, though, and I may ask about it.  I received a text from our pastor's wife who is over the women's ministries pretty much, and the text asked us to 'label' what was.... and she listed some labels - i.e., rejected, teen mom, suicidal, widow, divorced...  I don't want to have that label.  Yes, I've been divorced, but that has nothing to do with what I was or am now.  I want to use the positive word of 'REDEEMED'.  We need to have our 'word' so that they will put us in a certain order.  I just felt the negativity when I read the words.  She says it is just to get an understanding of what we will be sharing and to determine which order they will go in.  Still... so I have been pondering on that 'word' to describe my past.  I know I"m rambling here... bear with me, please... just trying to identify a word in my mind that would work.  The only word that I can come up with from the root of my life... is worthless.  Yet, even though that is what I felt at that time, is that true?  I don't know.  We have a zoom call on July 1 so just need to have a 'word' by then.  I'm still pondering.  

So if you had to choose a word to describe who you 'were', versus who you are now,  what would it be?  Maybe that is something you can think about.  Do you want that label of the past on you now?  Or do you prefer the 'label' of what you are now, or where you see your future being?

I know - deep stuff, huh?  But that is what has been on my mind.  I'll forget about it for a bit but I know it will come back to 'haunt' me to figure it out.

We were up after 10PM last night watching movies, so I slept in until 5AM this morning.  I probably could have slept more, but I could hear/feel hubby moving around as he was waking up.  So here I sit.  I've read my Bible, wrote my prayers, gone through emails, and here I am.  Once I get off here I will read a bit.  Already made myself a second cup of coffee.  Flavored too. :-) 

Nothing on the agenda that I can think of this morning for today.  I'd love just to be able to grab a book and spend the day reading.... but I know I'll need to cook breakfast to get our day going... then who knows what hubby will 'suggest' we do.  Just because he 'rests' all week and does the things he wants to do... he thinks that my weekends should be his time of us doing things together.  Sigh.  Thursday and Friday this week he started on it... lunch time... I sometimes just grab something and sit at my desk and eat... just like at the office... but he kept nagging 'don't you get an hour lunch? Come and sit at the table (with him) and eat lunch.... sigh... and finally Friday I gave in.  Of course I had to fix lunch (could that be why he pushes on it? He wants me to figure out lunch?) for us to eat.  There I go grumbling again, huh.

Romans 5:3-4 (ESV):  "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."

Have you ever thought how going through pain, or painful things, shapes us?  Or helps shape our future?  Think about this....  

* You have a disagrement with a friend, or your child, or even your spouse.  If we stop and process what the disagreement was about, before our anger and frustration took over, we perhaps may learn something of value.  What was the root of the issue?  Was it they didn't understand something and so didn't respond the way you wanted them to about a situation?  Was it they perhaps had a tough day and they were tired and mentally worn, and all they wanted was quiet and you wanted to talk - and they snapped at you?  Perhaps it was you who had a bad day and just wanted to be alone and process what had happened... or you couldn't really understand what you were feeling and just wanted to be left alone?

* You may have lost a loved one; a child, a spouse, a parent - or they have been seriously sick or hurt - It's always hard when it is someone close to you.  Do you have anguish over your lack of being able to prevent it?  To 'fix' the problem?  It is painful to see someone you love and care about suffer...and you feel helpless to help them.

* You wanted a child and yet you were left barren.... remember Hannah from the Bible?  Remember how her husband loved her and thought he ws enough, and yet the second wife taunted Hannah because she had children and Hannah was barren.  And Hannah sought God in desperation ... and He heard her prayer and her cry and gave her what she asked for.  A son.

* You may be going through difficult financial times... perhaps even through no fault of your own.  It's painful when you feel helpless and hopeless.  And yet... when Job lost his children, his finances, all he owned... he refused to curse God.  He basically said, "I came from the womb with nothing, and I shall leave with nothing."  But you know what?  He got to hear God's voice!  Yeah, God kind of got 'in his face' about Job's questions.... but if Job had not gone through all his suffering, he would not have had that discussion with God.  And then God blessed him twice as much as he had before... except for his children - ten children before; ten children after.  His poor wife! LOL

Our sufferings last only a little while.  But it is through those sufferings that if we lean into Jesus and seek Him... we will find our peace, our comfort, and yes, even joy.   As I have shared many times in here, I have gone through a lot of stuff in my life.  Some things I will never share with anyone, but I know that God knows.  Some 'secrets' are meant to remain that. It isn't that I want to protect myself... but sometimes I just want to protect others.  God knows, and that's all that matters.

My life was pretty bad, and I jumped from the frying pan into the fire (remember that saying?).  But God.  When I ran to Him, He held out His arms to me and welcomed me next to His heart.  My joy has been made complete.  Doesn't mean my life has been perfect since then.  Definitely not.  I still go through many struggles, much pain, much anguish of soul.  But this I know.  I have been saved, sanctified, and set free from my past, and in that, I can rejoice.

A favorite song of mine is 'Redeemer'.  I often have thought I want it played at my funeral.  Have you ever listened to the words?  It's a song by Nicole Mullens.  I really think the title should be 'I know my Redeemer lives'....  But Nicole C Mullens shared that she wrote the song after she read what Job said in the Bible.  "Job said, 'I know that my Redeemer lives and at the last day,  He will stand upon the earth.""

https://youtu.be/b1i0KxhfwyE

I know that my Redeemer lives, I know my Redeemer lives.  All of creation testifies, this life within me cries, I know, my Redeemer lives....

Take a; moment and check out that link... listen to the words.  They will bring you an experience that you may never have felt before.  Are you willing to listen?

Blessings!

I didn't want to get up this morning....

 I actually went to bed a little after 8PM last night cause I could, I guess.  It was too late to get involved in a book, although I had read for awhile last night.  I was tired, but not that tired.  I had a lot on my mind, which isn't always good when I go to bed, for then I lay there and think about it.  But, I didn't want to just sit and stare at the wall... so I went to bed.  Hubby stayed up to read, I'm guessing.  It did take a few minutes to fall asleep, and I didn't wake up until about 12:30AM... then after laying there for about half an hour, I fell back to sleep - and went in to a deep sleep.  I can't remember if I felt my watch alarm go off or not... I think I did... but I also fell back to sleep and didn't wake up until hubby got up about 4:25AM... and then I felt like I was jerked out of a deep sleep.  Yeah.. headache hit, but it was a deep sleep headache.  Caffeine helped that.  Sometimes I just don't want to get up.  

And that is when I start wishing for two things....  1) we sleep in different beds so that when he gets up he doesn't waken me, and 2) I wasn't working so that I could do my quiet time any time I wanted to...meaning, I could get up when I was ready to get up.  Now mind you, sometimes I do wake up early and am more than ready to get up and spend time with Jesus.  But some mornings I just want a little more sleep before I do.  

It isn't quantity of time with Jesus... it is quality.  And I recognize that.  I love spending time with Jesus and wish many times I could take all day to read my Bible, pray, and just sit with Him.  That is quality time.  But there are other times I have to drag myself out of bed... come in here... and it takes me awhile to get my head wrapped around what I'm reading and how to apply it to my life.  It's more of a struggle to have that quality of time when I'm either fighting to stay awake or just getting focused.

By the way... with getting up and coming into the back of the house, sitting at the desk, in a desk chair, has kept me awake.... for there are many mornings that I would have snuggled back in to the recliner and gone back to sleep; just because I could.  I can't do that here, which is a good thing.  I was getting way too used to taking that extra 30-60 minute  'nap' in the morning.  Then feel guilty, or feel bad, because I didn't take time to really pray other than a quick prayer for everyone.  Sometimes it is good to just linger in Jesus' presence and be still and just love on Him.

And, because I'm away from the enclosed bedroom/office and it being my home for 12 hours or more of the day.... this is much better that I have a separate location to spend my time with God.   It's open area.  Hubby can be distracting some times with his squirming in his desk chair a couple rooms over, but I'm sure I'm distracting to him as well (especially with my typing)... unless he doesn't put his hearing aids in - then, does he even hear me? :-)

I Peter 4:10 (CSB):  "As each one has received a special gift; employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

My devotional asked this question this morning.... "How has God been tugging on your heart to serve Him in a specific way? How can you actively respond?"

As I read that, I was reminded of something I said 'yes' to this week.  Actually, I don't have to 'do it' until July 22nd, when we have our next 'Ladies Crew' which is the women's group luncheon at our church.  I had sent our Pastor's wife a video of 'It's a Southern Thing' about Chick fil a being closed on Sunday - it was so funny - and our pastor loves Chick fil a and often comments about it being closed on Sunday.  It was perfect.  So I sent it to her to show to him, and then she says..... "I was going to send you a text today and ask you.... would you be willing to give a 3 minute testimony at our next Ladies Crew meeting on July 22nd?"  I hesitated, and wanted to say "I'll pray about it"... and then 'forget about it.'  I don't like to share how bad I was... but I do need to share how good Jesus is and how He changed my life.

So I immediately responded back, "Yes. I'll be happy to."  So since that time, my mind has been thinking of and disecting my testimony.  I had one written out and had given it in our Bible Study we had done months before... and our pastor's wife was in our group and heard it.  But now, I need to disect it and just share what I was before Jesus became my Lord... and Who He is and what He has done in my life since I surrendered my life to Him.  In three minutes.  She's limiting it as there will be 6 others who will also be sharing their testimony.  I think that is too many, but I don't run the show.    Now I am just praying that God will put the words together that will bring Him glory.

Stepping out in faith, that God will take my life and use it for His glory.  That has been my prayer.  Now He is giving me a chance to give Him glory, for He changed my life.  I know what I could have become. I know who I am.  I am who God says I am.  I think that is why I love Lauren Daigle's song so much ... "You Say"....

"I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough / Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up / Am I more than the sum of every high and every low / Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know / ooo-oo

You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing / You say I am strong when I think I am weak / And You say I am held when I am falling short / And when I don't belong Oh You say I am Yours / And I believe / Oh I believe / What You say of me / I believe

The only thing that matters now is what You think of me / In You I find my worth; in You I find my identity / ooh-oh

You say I am loved, when I can't feel a thing / You say I am strong, when I think I am weak / And You say I am held when I am falling short / And when I don't belong, Oh You say I am Yours / And I believe / Oh I believe /What You say of me / I believe

Taking all I have, and now I'm laying it at Your feet / You have every failure, God, You have every victory / Ooh oh

You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing / You say I am strong when I think I am weak / And You say I am held when I am falling short / And when I don't belong Oh You say I am Yours / And I believe / Oh I believe / Wha tYou say of me / I believe

Oh, I believe / Yes, I believe / What you say of me / I believe.

https://youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI

Above is the video link address.  I don't know how to post the videos but try that1  i love that song, and it is very meaningful to me. I hope you get something out of it too.

You are loved, you are valuable, you are forgiven, you are loved.

Blessings!

Effort is your responsibility

 Yep.  That's what it said.  Now, I've mentioned before that I am usually non-observant unless there is something I am wanting to see.  And today I saw something that I know has been there for awhile... but I just noticed it and it soaked in.  I went to the gym this morning for my 5:30AM training session.  As I was about 5 minutes early I kind of looked around and I saw this painted on the wall in very large letters....

EFFORT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Wow.  That hit home.  I thought about it as I waited for my time to start, and it is exactly right.  But it isn't just in exercise, although that is the purpose of it being on the wall.  I can go to the gym every day and do nothing.  Or I can go every day and just put in minimal effort.  Or I can go 2-3 times a week and work my butt off (hopefully literally).  Whatever effort I put in to working out - is my responsibility.  

But that comment can also apply with life, don't you think?  We want to read a book a week.... we have to apply the effort to pick up the book and read a little each day in order to complete it within the timeframe we want (or sit down and read all the way through - I like those times when I can do that!).  We say we want to eat right and get healthy.... but do we put in the effort to do it? (Ok, confession, here.  sigh.  I finished off the pint of southern butter pecan ice cream yesterday.  And yes, I snuck it in to my 'office' where I could enjoy it without hubby commenting.  But, it took me 3 days to get through the pint; so give me some grace, ok?).

Whatever we do takes an effort of some sort.  If you really want to focus on something; no one else can really do it for you; not even your mother, or your dad, or your spouse, or your child.  It is your responsibility to work; to play; to enjoy life to the fullest.  

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV):  "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Whatever we do - whether it is working out - with effort - so that the time spent in the gym or exercising at home isn't wasted.... or sitting with the family at a meal.... or working at a job....  give it your all, for whatever we do, we are doing it for Jesus.  You may think not, especially if you aren't following Him, but whatever we do.... is a reflection of who we are in Him.  Personally, I want to 'look good' if I'm a representation of Jesus!  So I will put in effort when I go to the gym.  And the rubber legs I have this morning that will turn to pain by this evening... will be well worth it all when I see results.

Hallelujah!

Decided to call the dermatologist this morning.  I had been thinking my medical doctor all week - about my left arm being swollen and pink on the inside of the arm - but this morning I realized I probably ought to see what my dermatologist says.  Will try to get in to see him soon.  My arm tends to ache frequently and the muscle still feels stretched in just the left arm... I can move it... but, it won't hurt to see what is going on with it.  That's on my 'to do' list for today.

And with that - I'm hushing for today.  Don't forget to put effort in all you do.  Afterall, what you do and say isn't only a reflection of who Jesus is in you, it is a reflection of what you think of yourself.  Do you have value?  Do you want to make your family proud?  Do you want your children to rise up and call you blessed?  Put forth the effort in all you do - or it isn't worth doing.

Blessings!

I asked; He answered....

 and it fit!  I am beyond excited, I think! What about?  My dress for the wedding coming up next month.  You know how I struggled with the dress I wore to my granddaughter's wedding last year.  It was a beautiful dress, but was very uncomfortable and I felt very fat in it due to the way it was made.  But the dress I ordered this time - on Amazon no less!! - arrived yesterday.  I waited until I went to my daughter's to try it on, for I wanted an honest opinion.  I was so happy.... it FIT!  Sizes are beyond description anymore and I had no clue if this would fit or not.  But it did.  I chose rightly the size.  The right color came.  And it fit.  I was so thrilled (thank you, Jesus, for answering my prayers!) that it fit.  Even the length - I am pretty sure I have the right height on my shoes that I won't even need to get it hemmed.  I am beyond excited.  And if I should get lucky to lose a few pounds in the next 5 weeks or so... it will still be ok.  Thank you, Jesus!  Yes, the photos I took in the mirror make me look fat - but I AM fat - so get over it! Right?

Don't know if hubby is going for his training or not this morning.  He was thinking of texting our trainer last night.  Seems that hubby bought 'medicine' off the computer for his 'problem'... and we are guessing it gave him a reaction... which is interesting as it is a lot like the reaction he had to the shot.  Diarrhea, nausea, itching all over his body.... so when he told me what he had done....yes, I 'chewed' him out!  Why would he buy something he knows nothing about and put in his body when he knows he already has an issue there; he may have rejected continuing the shots, but the drug is still in his system for awhile that he got just a few weeks ago.  Why would he take something like that?  

Oh I get it, I really do.  We have such high hopes that 'other medications' will help us.  How many diet pills and solutions have I taken over the years, not knowing what was in them?  Hey - just saying I'm just as guilty as he is... only his was for medicinal purposes.  I can't blame him for wanting his 'issue' resolved... but if the doctors can't do anything but have him resort to pills or shots... don't mess with things you don't know, right?  We all learn our lessons from these times.

This morning I was reading about Jonah.  Remember him?  He was the one that God told him to go to Nineveh.  Now. And Jonah refused and snuck off on a ship to sail away.... and ended up getting thrown off the ship and swallowed by a fish for three days, but the fish vomited him up on the beach.  Yeck.

Jonah 1:1-2 "The word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amitai saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.""

Nineveh was a horrible town that had a reputation for inflicting physical and psychological terror on its enemies, especially the Israelites.  That's why Jonah didn't want to go there - but God said, "Go".  As much as Jonah protested to God, he still was told "Go".  Didn't God care? Sure He did.  But He wanted the Word spoken against Nineveh... long story short... after getting vomited out on the beach by the great fish, Jonah did speak the Word against Nineveh and they fasted and repented (even the animals were made to fast!) and covered themselves with ashes and sackcloth.  And God relented on His judgement of them, for He saw they truly repented.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV):  "If my people, who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

What's your Nineveh?  Where's the place you never want to go? Or maybe your Nineveh is not a place at all. Maybe it's a person - someone that God's Spirit, speaking through His Word, is pressing you to forgive and show compassion toward - an ex-spouse, an abusive parent, a betraying friend.  The mere thought of being gracious and empathetic toward them is more than you can stomach.  Like Jonah, you can think of a million reasons to hang back or run away. And yet, 'the word of the Lord' has spoken to you, not unlike it came to Jonah.  It keeps popping up in your mind.  And that's God, plain and simple. You know it is, and His Spirit is pressing you to move in the direction He wants you to go.  Can you really say no?  To your Nineveh?   But can you say yes?

Yes, Yes you can.  That is the only answer that is certain of yielding a response that has God's blessing written all over it.  To say no is to invite the chronic distress and confusion that threw Jonah into the big fish's belly.  But to say yes is to embark toward what God has for you.  Turn your no into a yes and see what miracles God will do through you by your obedience.

What miracle are you in need of?  What are you seeking and asking God for?  Has He asked YOU to do something first - and you just don't want to do it so you are ignoring it?  So you delay your blessing because you aren't obedient?  Ah... perhaps the belly of the big fish is where we all need to be until we recognize that God is Lord of all things, big and small.  And submit to His authority, and do what He says, instead of what we want.

Something to think about....

Blessings!