It's one of those 'I shoulda feelings....'

 It hit me last night, and has again this morning, I should have paid more attention to hubby's upcoming dental surgery, which is this morning.  We are to be there at 9AM.  Surgery is around 9:30AM, I think.  The nurse called him yesterday morning and talked with him, going over everything.  He did ask about exercise next week (he is afraid he is going to 'lose' all his strength) and was told to skip it for next week.  Not a big deal to us, right?  After all, if we go somewhere for a week, he won't even care.  BUT, to be told he can't exercise for a week, the sky is falling.  Ok, maybe that is my interpretation.  Anyway.... I finished working all day; hubby took a nap and watched TV all afternoon.  I headed out to my gym appointment at 4:30PM.  Hubby was still watching TV.  He ate leftover soup for dinner.  

My trainer wasn't feeling well so we only did 30 minutes instead of the hour so I came back home and fixed myself a protein shake for my dinner.  Hubby was still watching TV.  I gathered my books and headed for prayer meeting at church.  I come home to find hubby sitting in his chair watching TV.  We talked a bit, and I casually mentioned his medications to take after the surgery.  

He never picked them up.   He said he forgot about them.  He said he wasn't notified to pick them up.  He said .... then he started scrolling through his messages..... OOPS.  There was a text from Walgreens his prescriptions were ready for pick up.  I wonder when it came through.  I heard his response to the question about his prescriptions when the nurse called... he didn't say he had gotten them, just ok, he'd have them.  Too late to go pick them up once he found the text, I will have to go pick them up after his surgery.  The only medication that concerns me a bit - and I don't know if they ordered it for him - I had one valium to take one hour prior to my surgery to keep me calm.  The others - an antibiotic and rinse, were for after surgery.  He only mentioned the antibiotic and rinse to me - so perhaps they thought, being a man, he didn't need the valium?  

But I have the feeling I shoulda quizzed him more; I shoulda got his papers and looked them over.  I knew what mine had said - I read them over many times, and I did see hubby looking at his again yesterday morning.  He has been more interested in my fixing him soft foods for a week .....  well, it's too late for me to get the medications before surgery.  I'll have to drive down after the surgery and pick them up.  I'll stop and get him a shake on the way; that will make him happy.   LORD HELP!!

Hubby did tell me yesterday afternoon that he is truly afraid of this surgery.  When I inquired as to why, he said he is afraid because he takes eliquis to thin his blood (although he wasn't to take any yesterday nor today)  he is afraid they will slip and cut his gum and it will start bleeding and they won't be able to stop the bleeding.  I tried to reassure him that I have had this specific doctor do two oral surgeries on me within the past two years - and did just fine.  I had no problems nor complications; I was back to 'normal' (whatever that is for me) in a very short time.  But hubby is terrified of this surgery.  It always just surprises me the things that he gets afraid of.   I know things will go fine.  I have confidence in this oral surgeon.  Hubby is concerned about pain.  Both times I only took one oxycodone.  He's concerned about having enough gauze afterwards to keep the hole plugged.  Oh my goodness.  You name it, and he's asked about it.  But I am confident all will go well and tomorrow I will tell you how well he did.

Work was crazy yesterday; I was busy.  Then work out.  Then church. When I went to bed about 9PM, I crashed and slept sound all night.  Didn't even wake up once.  Only woke up when my alarm went off.  And I'm still tired and sleepy this morning, but I'll get over it.  I'll start work this morning, then take off to get him to the oral surgeon, pick up his meds, and come back to work again.  At least nothing is planned for this evening.  I'll have to figure out 'soft food' for hubby, for I am pretty sure he will be hungry since he couldn't eat anything after midnight last night.  LOL  Like he eats anything after 6PM as a rule - but someone told him he couldn't - that makes the difference.  No coffee this morning for him. Only a sip of water to take a couple prescriptions.   At least his appointment is in the morning - mine was in the afternoon!!

Psalm 120:1 (NKJV):  "In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me."

You could say that is where my 'Lord HELP' comes from!  I always know that the Lord hears me when I cry out to Him.  He may not always answer, but I know He always hears me.  When I am struggling with work, and call out to Him, He gives me what I need.  In dealing with all the above, I still feel peace about hubby's surgery, because I have asked God to take care of it.  To give hubby peace.  To assure him that he will be ok.  I know that God is answering my prayers for hubby.  But unless one keeps their ear tuned to His voice, they won't hear.  And, I'm afraid that right now, hubby is listening to fear, not the Holy Spirit.  But he will.  Once we get to the office, I will pray for him again, and he will calm down.  

Sometimes we need to hear the prayers of others to calm us.  We need to know we matter.  We need to let go of the fear that holds us and live life.  Hubby, unfortunately, has a lot of fears.  He's afraid (always) that something will happen to me.  He's afraid of being alone.  He's afraid he will be alone and will die alone.  That's a lot of heaviness to carry around.  I choose to live - not in fear - but in faith that all will go well.  

God's got it all in the palm of His hand.  Why do I need to worry?  I trust God.  I have faith in Him.  If I pray and give it to Him, why should I worry.... once I give to Him, it's His responsibility, right?

And with that, I'm going to hush.  I hear hubby in the shower.  I probably should get on the computer early and get some work done I didn't complete yesterday, especially since I will be gone nearly 3 hours this morning.  Have an amazing day!  Updates later!

Blessings!

My calendar is going wacky!

 I went from one or two things on my calendar - to several things on my calendar - and I'm needing to weed things out and rearrange.  It really wouldn't be an issue so much if hubby isn't having his wisdom teeth pulled Thursday and will be on 'soft foods' for at least a week they say.  He is beginning to stress over it all - is there even enough soft foods to feed him?!!  Not a real question.  He's already asked that "should I go to Bible Study Friday morning?  If I do, what can I eat?"  And I told him that I thought he may be feeling ok enough to go, and as for eating, there is always scrambled eggs, or oatmeal.  Either way, he would have to be careful not to get anything in that empty socket.  

I remember after my surgery I wanted french fries! And hubby ignored me but stopped and got me a milkshake. I'm sure he will want his chocolate milk shake that he loves.  I don't remember what I ate specifically for the few days after the surgery.  Mashed potatoes and broccoli?  Drank protein shakes?  I honestly do not remember.  Food is food.  I just chewed on the opposite side of my mouth.  (Ain't no one going to tell me I can't eat food!!)  We have plenty of things - including protein shakes.  He isn't going to starve.  In fact, I remember, I did not even lose one pound after my surgery.  If he does, I'm going to be upset! But he's wanting me to play the 'mother' again and help him figure out how he is going to feel.  But I can't.  Each of us respond differently.  I'm confident, based on how I felt and how I came out of it - even though I don't remember much of it - that he will do just fine.  He just may need to bypass chewing of complex foods.  I think that scares him more than anything. LOL  Ok, I'm being sarcastic. We know that I love food.  And some know how much hubby loves food.  I don't live for food.  There is a difference.

So, his surgery is tomorrow morning, and he will sleep most of the day, I'm sure.  I'm only taking a few hours off in the morning and will be working the rest of the day.  He will have to decide about Friday morning, but I am assuming he will go.  But his surgery messes up - or makes uncertain - things for the weekend.  Our birthday grandson did text me yesterday and he 'guessed Saturday' would be a good day to meet up.  As I dealt with hubby and his fears, I text'd the grandson back and said I would let him know Saturday morning if we could meet up for lunch or dinner.   I also suggested we put it off another week so that hubby could enjoy being with him more.  He just said 'sounds good', I think.  I don't want anyone to feel they HAVE to go to dinner with us.  We just want to celebrate them.  If they don't want to - it's fine. But I will follow through once we have hubby figured out.  

My youngest son called, and we have postponed our 'Christmas celebration' until next weekend.  He has other things to do.  And, in reality, so did I.  I have Needles of Hope in the morning but was giving up part of that time as a great granddaughter is now in soccer and it is her first game.  Of course, Oma and Opa should be there - oh wait, Opa may not be, but I will be.  Maybe.  Will see how it plays out.  I may be sitting at home with hubby the rest of the day, depending on his mood.  Men respond differently to surgery than women do.  There, I said it.  And you know it is true.  (erase erase)  (no, it wasn't about hubby, but about people who complain they have so many issues (how is it they are still alive?) and yet are able to do so many things?)

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV):  "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Wow.  I think that says it all right there, doesn't it?  We aren't called to be afraid of life.  God has not given us the ability to be afraid of everything.   God is our Helper, our Nail in a Sure Place.  He does not give us fear to be afraid of things.  He gives us His power when we need it.  He gives us love to give to others. And He gives us a sound mind.  I think I need to leave that one alone, for many times I wonder about my own 'sound mind'.

God is good.  He is Light. He is Life. He is Everything.  We have no reason to fear things in life for He is our strength and our help.  I've told you many times that I cry out 'Lord, HELP!' when things are feeling out of focus for me.  And it doesn't matter what it is.  I can be angry with hubby and cry out 'LORD, HELP ME!!' and He does.  I can be driving and be confused as to where I'm going because I haven't been there before.... and cry out "LORD, HELP!" and He always gets me where I'm going.  And with work - well, you can be assured I cry out 'LORD HELP! frequently!!  Especially when I am overwhelmed.

The memory comes to mind of moving furniture - heavy furniture - all by myself while hubby was at a retreat years ago and even then, I was praying that God help me move the furniture.  And He did - and 'WE' moved the furniture.  When hubby came home, he was so sure I had called one of my boys over to help me.  He couldn't believe I moved it all 'by myself'.  But I assured him, I didn't.  God did the heavy lifting.  All I had to do was call out for His help - and He provided.  Actually, that is a special memory for me.  I should title it.... The Strength of God.... because it was by His strength that I was able to move a king size bed, triple dresser, two nightstands and a chest of drawers.... for trust me, even the nightstands are so heavy they are difficult to move.  

Today is a busy day at work; have things already on the agenda I need to complete.  I have my gym appointment at 5PM tonight - for an hour this time, to make up for a cancelled time last week.  I know my trainer is going to 'hurt me'.  He did enough in the 30 minutes last Monday!  Certain parts of my body are letting me know that I did something with them.  And on a couple of the machines he upped the weight 15 pounds!  He told me he did!  It was hard, but I pushed through.  You should have seen my biceps when I was done with that training!  I had biceps and I didn't even have to flex!  LOL   If only from the shoulders down would respond the way my biceps do.  Not grow, but shrink!

Refuel - or prayer meeting - is tonight and since the books for our new class should be arriving today, I will need to go and pass those out.  I'm really happy they chose to do the workbook, and I love this study.  I'm so looking forward to learning and growing more in Christ.  I need to find my Joy again, and I'm believing this will help.

And with that.... I need to get off here and get dressed and ready for the day.  Don't you just love all my ramblings?  Hope that your day is a....

Blessing!

I was wwwwrrrrroong......

 Yesterday I wrote about Pastor Michael's sermon and that I thought I heard him say Caleb was not a Jew. Yes, I was nice about it.  And he responded - and sent me two pages of an article that explained it.  I did not know this stuff.  Comes from not going to seminary, I guess, and not having reference books to go through like most pastors do.  But Caleb was NOT a Jew, although in Numbers it says that he is from the tribe of Judah.  See where I was confused?  Caleb was an Edomite who was 'adopted' into the tribe of Judah - probably as a young man.  He believed in and followed God, and lived with the Israelites in Goshen and left with them when God brought them out of Egypt.  It was a very interesting article and I'm glad I inquired as to what I heard.  I learned something - and that is always a good thing.

We actually had our first 'heart crew' class last night.  I fixed taco soup and chicken chili - and bought ice cream for dessert.  (butter pecan for me; chocolate chip mint for hubby) We had two people come to class, but we have decided, after some discussion, not to do Discipleship, but instead do a workbook (grateful for that!) titled 'Seeking Him'.  I love this study and have done it with a class and on my own.  I'm ready to do it again.  Last night we mainly just got acquainted and had dinner together.  It was a good time and we will start our class next week - maybe.  I'm thinking that since they won't get their books until Wednesday (I placed the order last night after they left), we may need to postpone it a week and give them time to read through and work on the first week.

Haven't heard back from our grandson as to when to take him to dinner.  It can get moved out if it fits his schedule.  Our time is kind of messed up for a week or so anyway.  I will try calling him tonight and hopefully he will answer his phone and we can discuss.  We can go tonight, if he wants.  I had suggested to him Thursday night, but I forgot hubby has his wisdom tooth pulled Thursday morning, so he isn't going to be any fun for a few days.   My oldest son called me as I got to the gym last night and offered us Saturday evening to take the grandson out as they would probably go on Sunday as a family.  Not sure what the grandson is doing nor if hubby will even feel like going out to eat.  Soft food diets don't leave much to the imagination when a steak is what you are wanting.  We'll figure it out with the grandson and see what he wants to do.

My youngest child had called earlier in the day to let me know that Saturday was MY day to receive my Christmas gift from him - time alone with him - and what did I want to do.  Earlier I had suggested pedicures and manicures, but he said no one was touching his feet.  LOL Men.  Hubby loves pedicures.  I suggested finding a cooking class somewhere.  But we'll go to lunch and figure it out.  I do have Needles of Hope Saturday morning but will figure out what I'm doing once my son and I decide what we are doing together.  I can do Needles of Hope for a couple hours then drive to his house, meet up with him for lunch and then do whatever we decide.  I don't know what to suggest.  It may just be lunch - and that's ok too.  

I John 3:18 (NKJV):  "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."

How many times have you heard some one tell you that the love you, respect you, care about you, but then treat you like dirt?  Yell at you?  (Yeah, I did have a couple people come to mind....)  Sometimes people don't respond as their words say they should.  Do you agree?  Even we, sometimes, have our moments that although we love some people - we can easily lose our temper and say or do things that are cruel and mean.

It should not be so.  When you love someone, you care about them, and you want to treat them with love and respect.  Even when they irritate you.  Even when they make you angry.  Even when you know they are wrong and know you are right. (or think they are wrong and they are right).  Sometimes we let ourselves get the best of us and push it through - even though we know we are wrong in doing it.  Make sense?

I lose my temper at times.  Yes, I know that is a shock.  I get irritated (seriously!).  You've read my 'feelings' and 'emotions' many times on here.  And I'm not always right.  Yes, I will admit it.  Sometimes, even though I say I love someone, my irritability at them will come out and boom!  And you know you do it too.

But we shouldn't do that.  If we say we love someone, we can calmly bring the issue to them and ask for understanding and clarity in to it.  Right?  But we don't.  We react.  But let's try something different.  Instead of being irritated at that child for not doing what you wanted them to do; instead of being irritated at that spouse because of whatever reason.... take a step back and ask yourself how important that entire issue is.  Is it enough to cause strife within the family?  If it is - then calmly bring to their attention what you feel and hear their side of it.  If it isn't - then just let it go.  Go into the back room and yell it out and get it out of your system.  Sometimes that is much better than causing pain through words spoken in anger or picking something up and throwing it across the room in anger.  Yeah, I can call myself out on a few things as well.  And I'm sure you can too.

Take some time to review this last week.... were there some times that you lost your temper or your attitude was out of whack and you took it out on those you say you love?  Perhaps it is time to apologize to them and say you were wwwwrrrooonnnngggg.  Remember Fonzie from Happy Days?  He always had a hard time getting the word out - and sometimes we do too.  But it really isn't that hard.  Try it.

Blessings! 

An app on my phone....

 called Hello Heart tells me I need to 1) take my heart medication (which I don't need to take) and take my blood pressure reading.  My company sent any one who wanted one a blood pressure machine - I am sure I've mentioned this before.  I gave hubby the one I had bought years ago and rarely used. Mainly because I would forget.  But, with my brothers having heart issues, and my sisters having high blood pressure, I knew I needed to at least track what mine is.  I think - if I recall correctly - that I had even shared what my blood pressure was at that time.  Now I'm prideful, I admit it.  I like my blood pressure being 'down'.  And I will do all I can to make it so.  I actually take my blood pressure once or twice a week because I get these reminders every morning.  The reading also goes on the app on my phone, so that when I go to the doctor, I can show them what the readings are.  I got the machine for free - and the app is free - so I use it.  Occasionally.  I've learned some things too in taking it.  Breathe deeply a few times to calm the body down.  Make sure you go pee before taking it. (who would have thought having to go pee would cause the BP to go up??) and sit in the chair with your feet on the ground.  Ok then!  You are ready to have your blood pressure taken.  I put the cuff on, hit the button - and it's 115/81 and heart rate is 51 this morning.  Not bad, huh!  I think it was in the 140's/80 something when I shared before.   I refuse to allow my blood pressure to be out of 'my control'.  LOL  I exercise, I (try) to eat (mostly) right, and I love watching it be in the low numbers.  Of course hubby's blood pressure stays in the 110/70 range - and mine would too if I didn't work!

After the nice long 'weekend' it is back to work Monday.  I saw I have over 140 emails to go through.  Again, they are not all for me to do something; I get calendar things for about 6 people now - or more - so many of those I just delete.  But in glancing at the emails on my phone, I do have come I need to work on.  Sigh.  One is a contract to input.  I tell you what, Brett is driving me crazy.  This time he gives me a name and an email of someone at another company that we are to contract with - and I'm the one to contact them to get the information and the W-9 needed so that I can create the contract.  He doesn't pay me enough to do this stuff!  But it does not mean I need to complain.  I am learning something new.  And whenever I do get to retire.... whenever that may be.... they will miss me. :-)  I guess I wouldn't be so frustrated with him if he would have walked me through the contracts and explained everything.  They aren't hard to do at all and it only takes minutes to complete - when you have all the information.  I think I will create a form and fill it out when I need to do a contract so that I know I have the information BEFORE I start inputting the contract and have to quit.  On some, I can't save what I've inputted and each time I have to start over.  I still say 'it's not my job' but it does fall under 'other duties as assigned'.

Today is a grandson's birthday and I need to reach out to him to see about taking him out to dinner to celebrate.  I've thought about it several times this past week, but I haven't picked up the phone to make contact.  I will sometime today send that text and we can possibly meet up sometime over this next week.  It's hard to believe this little blond cutie has turned 18 - could that be right? Surely it is only 17!  I gave up a long time ago keeping track of the year the grandchildren were born.  I even forget their ages, but knowing this one is a senior (already!) causes me to know he is either 17 or 18.  I was 17 when I graduated high school.

We may be starting to have 'class' on Monday evenings now.  I had gotten a name last week of someone who wanted to take Discipleship, and I've mentioned here that I have gotten out of that notion and have been thinking about a workbook instead.  I sent an email to this person earlier in the week but have not heard from her, so I called yesterday.  She said she didn't get my email - so I verified the email address I had and she said it was correct.  I wonder if it went into spam or junk mail.  Anyway, I told her to come about 6:30PM tonight and I will have soup and salad (guess who needs to run to the store! - maybe instead of salad I'll pick up lunchmeat for sandwiches) for dinner and we can get acquainted.  She has a roommate she said she would ask to come too.  I was delighted when she told me who it was!  There is an elderly gentleman (ok, he's 78, I think) who greets us every Sunday we go to church, and we just love him to pieces.  He is her roommate.  She rents a room to him since her husband passed a few years ago and he also is single.  I hope he will come as well.  She hadn't told him she had 'signed him up' as well.  If both come, and we decide to do a class on Monday evenings, her name is Francisca and his is Ben, cause you know I will be writing about them!  I'm somewhat excited about starting a class, even with one or two people.  I think I'm more excited that I get to refresh my memory from when I taught the classes before.  I am really hoping they will go with a workbook, but if Discipleship, will do it since that is what I offered.

We didn't go to church yesterday, but we did watch our church service online.  We also watched Free Chapel together, although I had watched it already in here.  The worship pastor spoke and he said a couple things that I immediately knew was not correct - and I plan to send him an email this morning and ask him if what I heard - or thought I heard - was what he said - and give him proof from my Bible that he was wrong.  One thing was he talked about the 10 spies and said Caleb was not a Jew.  What?  I pulled my Bible out - and he was from the tribe of Judah.  Did I actually hear him say that?  I'm going to call him out as we are told to do if something is said that isn't in the Bible.  I am going to ask if I heard him correctly.  

As for the rest of the day, after 'church' I cooked bacon, eggs, and toast for breakfast - and then we took a nap.  Hubby watched NCIS on Ion for a show or two and then turned the TV off (yay).  I got to finish another book - am 15 towards a goal of 50.  I have a few others I'm reading so hope to add to it soon.  My son is an avid reader and he is already 25% of his goal of 200!  Working does create a challenge when it comes to pleasure reading.  I did fix a tuna casserole for dinner - haven't made it in - truly! - years.  Tuna casserole and a small salad.  Hubby didn't complain.  I cooked dinner.  It wasn't bad.  And there are enough leftovers that we can have the same thing for lunch today.  Soup tonight so I will be making - I'm thinking - taco soup and maybe the crockpot chicken chili.  Both are so simple to make that anyone can make them.  Doesn't take a lot of time.  And I have a 5PM gym appointment so have that tonight as well.  

I John 4:9 (NKJV):  "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him."

Did you ever stop to think about how much God loves you?  God had one Son, and God chose to send His one Son to the world that He created.  And not only did God send His one and only Son, He sent this Son to live a sinless life, and then at age 33, be beaten, scourged, and crucified for you and for me.  God sent His one and only Son - to die.  For you.  For me.  Could you even imagine thinking of doing that to a son of your own?  Heck, we wouldn't even allow it to happen to any one!  But God chose His Son to be our sacrifice forever.  Good thing as I think cattle and sheep would be pretty scarce by now, don't you?  Could you even imagine all the blood everywhere from sheep and cattle being sacrificed.  Sin offerings, grain offerings, and many others.  Some of us would be standing in the line daily with a sin offering, I'm afraid.  

Grateful that Jesus came and was our sacrifice once and for all.   Once Jesus gave His life - willingly, I might add - as a sacrifice for our sins, no longer was it required to sacrifice a bull or cattle or sheep or pigeons or doves. Jesus paid the price for us.  For all time.

I read that Jesus was beaten so badly and scourged so painfully, that He could barely walk as He was so near death.  Remember, the Roman guards got Simon from Cyrene to carry the cross because Jesus was too weak and kept falling with that heavy thing on His shoulders.  I can see it in my mind now as I share the story.  They get to Golgotha and the cross is laid on the ground.  The guards turn to get Jesus and - instead of them dragging and forcing His body upon the cross..... they instead see Him crawling to lay His life down on the cross.  He lays His body down on that hard wood, and stretches out His arms to be nailed.  Why did He do that?  Why did He willingly crawl to the cross and put His body upon it?

Because if He had died before He got to the cross, His death would not have meant anything.  Jesus had to go to the cross; He had to be OUR sacrifice for all OUR sins, already done, and those sins we will do in the future.  He crawled to the cross to lay down His life because He was OUR sacrifice then....and He is our sacrifice now.  He willingly took the beatings, the scourging, the long road to the cross, and willingly laid His body upon the cross, so that you and I could have eternal life in heaven with Him and His Father.  He gave His all for us. Our eternal sacrifice.  

Thankful that we have a Father who loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us, once and for all.  No other sacrifice needed.  Jesus' blood covers us. He took our sins.  Nailed them to the cross. And set us free.

In Jesus, we are free indeed.  And through Him, we live.

Blessings!

Home again.... and marriage....

 We had asked for late checkout at the hotel for yesterday..... but after eating breakfast, coming back to the room, packing everything up... hubby looked at me and asked 'are you ready to go?' And I said 'yes', so we loaded up the car and were on the road by about 9AM.   We were home by 10:30AM - and after unpacking the car, we both took a nap!  We just didn't sleep well at the hotel.  But it was good to be home, as well.

After my nap, I decided I wanted to go to the Brass Armadillo, which is an antique place back in our old neighborhood.  My daughter called it an 'old people's yard sale' the first time I took her there.  Cracked me up.  And it's true!  Anyway, as I started to leave, my friend Melonie came to mind and I wondered if she would want to go with me.  So I called her as I sat in the driveway before heading out.  She did.  So I picked her up and we headed over there.

And we had a lot of fun.  She had never been there so it was a treat for her.  I enjoyed pointing out some dishes that I remember my mother having as I grew up.  I'm not sure what she bought, but I ended up buying a large yellow bowl (which, ironically, is the same type bowl I grew up with at home) - and yes, I needed it.  I threw away the large plastic bowl I have used for the past 40+ years just before Christmas as it was starting to chip and I didn't want the plastic getting in food.  So I threw it away.  This one is glass. Anyway, I got the bowl, and something for a granddaughter, and something for a daughter in law for Christmas.  I also got a little wire bunny to give to my friend to remind her of our afternoon together.  (she loved it).  It was a fun 3+ hours we spent there.  Stopped for a chocolate covered ice cream cone at DQ and then we headed back home.  My friend was still excited about the place and she plans to take her sister there.

And she told me about a place here on our side of town and how she donates there because they support Hospice of the Valley.  I like that.  And when they don't sale some things and need to move them out, they donate to the homeless.  I like that too.  She's going to take me there cause I am willing to give things away if they will benefit other people - not like Goodwill who is 100% for profit.  Savers gives to Big Brothers Big Sisters.  I'm sure there are other good places to donate to, but I love when I know people aren't making a profit from things I donate.  Does that make sense?

Hmmmm listening to Robert Morris speak at Free Chapel this morning, and he is speaking on marriage.  In fact, the last four weeks have been different pastors speaking on marriage.  I tell you what, last week with Greg Groeschel it was amazing.  If you get a chance, go listen to Free Chapel's February 18th service - it will have you laughing at so many things.  But this one, with Dr. Robert Morris, is really good.  Check it out.  

Contract - you identify your rights and responsibilities.

Covenant - you give up your rights and responsibilities.  

That is what marriage is.  It's NOT a contract.... it is a covenant.  

Ephesians 5:31 (NKJV):  "For this reason a man shall leave his mother and father and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

There are three cords in a marriage.  A man, a woman, and God.  With God, your cord is strong.  Without God, anything can come against you and will cause your marriage to ravel.  God has to be first in your marriage - not just by your wife, not just by your husband, but by you both as a couple.  I implore you to examine your life and determine to change your life to reflect Jesus.  I know I need to let go of some 'rights' that I feel I should have.... and if hubby listens to this message, I'm sure he will see some things in his life as well.  And, I think I will let him watch it.  Why?

Because I want our marriage to be Christ centered.  And, if that means I have to give up my personal rights, then so be it.  As you know, our cord of three has places in it where the cords are barely holding on together.  Not placing blame on me nor on hubby... but we are so centered on 'our' rights that we sometimes forget that God is the Center and He shows us in His Word - the Bible - how we are to live. It isn't about hubby, it isn't about me (although we both want it to be about us individually),  It's about who God is within us, and in our marriage.  And I am going to have to let go of some pride.  And I'm sure he is as well.  

There are still things, after 40+ years of marriage, that we need to work through.  I have fought to be 'me' all these years.  He has fought to control me.  We need to talk about it and we need to forgive.  I need to let go of the pain I've carried all these years.  I need to forgive and quit picking back up the issue and carrying it around with me.  I need to throw it in the furnace and slam the door shut.  Lord, help!  It won't be easy admitting my faults as I see them.  Hubby is good at identifying them in me as well.  Hopefully, we both will see our own faults and confess them and throw them in the furnace and slam that door shut.  I know what I / we need to do.... but I'm afraid.  Of what?  Of losing me.  Unless you know me (and most of you know my struggles and innermost thoughts) completely, you know what I am saying.  Lord, help me be like Jesus.  

What about you?  Are you still trying to be in control of your life?  Still trying to be the 'tough cord' in the three cords?  Why not step back and let God be the Cord that binds you together with your spouse in covenant?  Most of us repeated the vows of 'for better, for worse, in sickness, and in health, in richer, in poorer....." and I think many of us have gone through nearly all of those phases.  God, in His faithfulness and love, teaches us through each of those phases.  We've gone through them, some many times.  Sometimes it feels like 'worse' won't leave us.  

So let's step back and think what it is that is holding us back from being an equal cord.  Pride? Fear? Ego? Dependence?  Anger? Unforgiveness? Bitterness?  Whatever it is.... pause and ask God to remove that from you, and resolve today to be the man or woman that He created you to be, to be joined with your spouse in covenant, and give Him all the praise and all the glory.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.  The Lord turn His face toward you, and give you peace.

Blessings!

At least I have coffee.....

 I was pretty sure the clerk had told me when I checked us in that breakfast was 6AM both mornings.  Well, guess what. It isn't this morning (nor tomorrow, but we aren't here then).  We went down at 6AM for breakfast and the doors were shut.  So we grabbed a cup of coffee, the newspaper for hubby, and headed back up to our room, where we are sitting for another 40 minutes waiting for breakfast.  Not a big deal.  I.HAVE.COFFEE.  See, I'm spoiled.  I get up at 4AM, and when hubby wakes up, not too long after, he brings my coffee to me.  I've had to wait two hours for my first cup of coffee while up here!  No wonder I have a dull ache in the head!  Caffeine is a cruel thing sometimes.

Yesterday was a nice day.  I feel guilty somewhat as hubby is trying so hard to let me have the weekend/retreat I want.  It just ain't going to happen.  God did answer my prayers and we had such a beautiful warm day yesterday.  We sat out on the balcony frequently and just relished the warm sun on us. It wasn't so hot that we were hot, but were comfortable.  I loved it when I could go out by myself and talk with God, but hubby usually soon followed.  Can't deny him the beautiful weather to sit out in!  

We did go to the gym yesterday. I sensed that he was getting somewhat antsy (could it be because he was reading about General Patton instead of a Christian book? on a retreat?) so offered to go down to the gym.  It was really weird/interesting.  I can't explain it really.  I did the treadmill for nearly 15 minutes (it was in another room) while hubby went to the cable weights.  When I walked over there to do weights on my own routine, he was pulling those cables like they were nothing, and yet he was huffing and puffing.  I mean it looked like he didn't even have any weight on them, there was no 'straining' - does that make sense?  I'm sure he had it at the correct weight and he was doing what he does at the gym, but maybe it was because he was doing it so fast, rather than slower, like I know I have been shown how to do.  I was able to do about 3 sets of exercises (amidst comments about what weight I was using) before he was 'done' so we left.  We ate dinner about 4PM here at the hotel pub (they had a great tenderloin sandwich!) and headed back up to the room for the evening.  I wanted to do a walk outside, but hubby is unstable enough at times that he didn't want to take a chance he'd fall.  He didn't say that, but I know that is the reason.

Today we will be heading home, and I'm ready to.  Our definition of a spiritual retreat just aren't the same.  I like silence; walking in the beauty of the outdoors; reading my Bible and other Christian books; spending quality time in prayer...... drawing near to God.  Maybe he is a lot nearer to God than I am and doesn't need as much. I'm not putting him down for anything.... we are just at different levels of need and wanting more of God.  He has his Bible studies ... I have my books.  He can share with others and get their thoughts.  There aren't many people who I can share with - not even my little sister.  I guess I really do need to get in a small group and be able to go through a book together.  It's just finding the time that I'm willing to 'give up' ... does that make sense?  If I'm to do anything, God will make a way.

Psalm 136:1-2 (TPT):  "Let everyone thank God, for He is good, and He is easy to please! His tender love for us continues on forever!  Give thanks to God, our King over all gods! His tender love for us continues forever!"

My devotional today talked about having a grateful heart to God.  So many times we ask God for things, we pray for things, we just send out a 'Lord, help!' - and He answers.... or doesn't answer and it is still the right answer.... but we don't pause to give Him thanks for the answer - or non-answer - that came about.  I'm sure I do that at times, for I know that some times I don't think about my prayer being answered until long after the fact.  If it comes to mind, of course I thank Him.  But.... what about when it comes to mind right when the prayer is answered?  Like, us praying for travel mercies to arrive here safely.  We get so caught up in arriving, checking in, unpacking.... that normally we wouldn't pause to say 'thank you'.  (I did thank Him cause I was able to do some 'retreating' when we got here)  Sure, we pause and thank Him for our meals. That's easy, right?  Well, for most of us it is normal.  

When was the last time you thanked God?  There are so many things to thank Him for.  Here are some examples:  Your spouse.  Your job.  Your spouse's job. Your children. Your food.  Your home. Your vehicle.  Bills paid. Health (good or bad... God is still involved).   These are just a few examples, but how many times do we just stop and thank God for them.  

I'm sure hubby is thankful for my job... and for me... cause without me, he wouldn't be able to do the things he does.  Ok, that was a snide remark.  The fact he won't 'let me' retire still irritates me.  Not that I'm really ready to.  I mean, I am, I talk about it enough. But that has to do with my age.  We couldn't do anything if I did retire.  With him having a car payment right now... well, that would stretch us.  And my deal is Christmas.  I spend way too much every year, because I don't go out and choose things while on sale; if I think of something special to get for someone, regardless of the cost (within reason), I will buy it for them.  Why?  Because I want to bless them.  I do try - and am still trying - to cut back on gift buying.  I really am.  I'm trying to get back to buying for my kids and their spouses, and just a small gift for the grandchildren.  Afterall, the grandchildren get the nice gifts from their parents.  But parents are often left out.  I want to bless my children.  But I also know they don't need 'dust catchers'.   (so if any read this and there is something they want, they better speak up so that they don't get 'dust catchers'!!)

Take a few moments now, and just thank God for who He is, and for how He takes care of you and your family.  Even in the little things, He is there.  

Be grateful.

Blessings!

In my mind, it was the perfect time to retreat.....

 and it probably still is, but it just isn't going the way I wanted it to in my mind.  You know, the perfect quiet time, rest, comfortable surroundings, focused on God and just being in His Presence.... I guess I got too spoiled when we could do the hermitages alone.  It's just not the same.   I'm praying that God will redeem this time with Him.

We arrived about 4PM up here yesterday.  It's not too bad out - a little cool, but that's ok.  Hubby likes the coolness (of course he still wears a sweatshirt).  We put things in our room and 'decided' we should eat before staying in the room.  There is a 'pub' on the first floor that opened up a couple years ago that serves food.  I was not thinking and ordered appetizers and a small 10" pizza for us.  Too much, way too much.  Of course that means I also ate too much, right?  That fullness hung around the belly all evening.  Hubby kept falling asleep in the chair (which he adamantly denies) so we went to bed at our usual time of 8:30-ish.  We did get some reading done last night.  

Don't like the mattress, don't like the pillows... I couldn't sleep.  Hubby did just fine... but according to him, he didn't sleep much.  Tell his snoring that.  Of course too, he slept two hours before we left and again slept in the evening.  I know I slept some; but looked at my watch at 2:30AM; 3:00AM; 3:30AM; 4AM, and finally got up at 4:30AM.  Couldn't stand it anymore.  So now I'm really sleepy and tired.  We started on our 'quiet time' and then stopped about 5:45AM to get dressed to go down for breakfast, which was pretty good.  Sausage links, eggs, bagels, muffins, oatmeal, waffles, juice and coffee, bananas, yogurt... I'm sure I forgot something. We took our time and two cups of coffee later headed back up to the room with another cup of coffee.  I grabbed my computer and hubby has now moved from the desk to the chair to read. 

It just isn't going the way it did in my mind when I came up with the idea.  Maybe it will before the day is out.  Maybe it is because I am so tired.  Hubby told me to go ahead and take a nap - but I won't on a full stomach.  In a little bit I may try to sleep a little.  After all, one pastor told us years ago that when you are alone with God, taking a nap is resting with Him.  Or something like that.  It can be refreshing, for sure.

Uh oh.  Hubby always commented he thought I typed in a 'journal' in here every morning.  He just asked me if I write in my blog every morning.  Gasp.  I paused. How do I answer that?  I finally said 'most mornings'... which is true.  I'm sure I have missed a morning or two somewhere over the years.  And now I wait... if he comments on something I have written.... will I change my dynamics?  Will I stop totally?  What will I do?  I don't know.  It isn't that I'm so bad... is it?

Hubby reminded me he has a wisdom tooth pulled next Thursday and he needs soft food.  He asked if we had soft food for him.  I just looked at him and said that I have a week to figure it out; I will have soft food for him to eat next week.  sigh.

Psalm 37:23-24 (NKJV):  "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand."

Sometimes we run off to do things our way.  After all, aren't we wise enough to make our own decisions?  Granted, they are not always the right decisions, but we make them.  When we follow the Lord, it doesn't mean our lives will be perfect.  They won't.  Well, they might, if the entire family is in sync with following God, but if not, it probably won't.  There are godly men and women out there, I know there are.  And I wish I could be more like them.  Don't let things get to me; don't rush into 'feelings' versus using the brain to figure something out.  Yeah, you know me well. I do those things. I wish I could be gracious and kind, loving and forgiving ALL the time.  But I'm just like you, and I do stupid things and make stupid mistakes that I now better than to do.

It could be anything.  From spending money that I shouldn't; to eating things I shouldn't; to well, just about anything. You get the picture.  It's so easy to point fingers at people who do 'more' stupid things than we do... but when we point our finger, we have three fingers pointing back at us.  (Did you just see that picture in your mind where you have one finger pointing and three are pointing back at you?)  Ok, I did.  And I'm glad I do, for it helps me see my failures as well.

But when I bring those failures to Jesus and ask His forgiveness - no matter what it is - I know that He forgives me and helps me get my life straightened out - as much as I will let Him.  I wish I would give Him complete control of all of me.  Yes, I say He is my all in all, and He is... but ... I am human and I do stupid things.  And so do you.  And I am so grateful for His love and forgiveness for me.

You think you have gone too far down the path to be forgiven?  Trust me, you haven't.  It doesn't matter what it is that you have done..... if you ask Jesus to forgive you, He will.  And He will help you straighten out your life.  Trust me, there isn't anything better than that.  Sometimes we have to do it daily.  

Psalm 51:10-12 (NKJV):  "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit."

Go ahead, say it like you mean it.  You won't regret it.

Blessings!

It's finally here! Celebrating short time...

 and I still have that contract to figure out!  The one that got cancelled because a leader had not approved it in a timely manner.  So many of the questions I do not know.  So I did screen prints and sent to my boss and asked him to give me answers.  So what did I see in an email after 5PM?   "What is this for?"   What does he think it is for?  Sure do hope he will respond to my response this morning so that I can get it done before we leave today.  I am taking off early - whether the contract is completed or not.

Yes, this day is finally here!  And I heard that we are 'supposed' to have rain and cold up north.  Which isn't a big deal as we don't plan to go anywhere, being as it is a retreat.  BUT, I have prayed and asked for warmer weather and no rain.... so that we can open up the balcony doors and have fresh air come in.  And yes, I'm taking my 'blankie' with me; I am ALWAYS cold.  Taking my warm pajamas and robe too - and warm stockings I got for Christmas!  I don't do cold real well.

And the thought lingers in the back of my mind that nearly two years ago, the last time we were there at this hotel, and will probably be given the same room as we have the deluxe suite to have more room.... the thoughts of how sick I got... it has taken nearly two years for me to get past what it was.  I wish I had thought more clearly then.  The people before us apparently had a dog... and apparently left an odor in the room to which the cleaning people literally had to have dumped every cleaning product imaginable on to the carpet to get it out.  I am pretty sure that because it was so cold, and wet (it was April), that having to leave the balcony doors shut for long periods (opening only until I got so cold we had to shut them), I breathed in all those fumes.  I'm still surprised that hubby wasn't affected at all, or didn't seem to be.  But it sure knocked me on my butt.  Sleep and throw up was all I wanted to do - and sneeze.  All the time.  Anyway - that's in the past... but it still lingers in my thoughts.  THIS time, any odor will cause them to move us to another room!!  

I plan to take my computer and hopefully will be able to write in here.  But if not, we will be back home on Saturday and I'll be back on schedule Sunday morning.  Maybe.

Yesterday was interesting.  For me, personally, I mean.  I'm going to get personal here and share something.  Hope that you don't mind.  Hubby was gone most of the morning as he had his gym appointment, then was meeting a friend for breakfast, then going to Men's Warehouse to pick up some pants that he had ordered (he loves that he can be 'fitted').  While he was gone, I was working, but all of a sudden, I found myself bursting out with song, making up verses and just singing to the Lord as I worked. I have not done that in a long, long time.   But what is remarkable, besides my singing loudly (after all, no one was home but me), the heaviness that I have felt for so long.... lifted.  I can't explain it.  But while I was singing praises to God, whatever had been weighing me down mentally and physically, just lifted.  I felt more 'free' than I have in several months.  As if burdens had been removed from me.  

All because I was singing praises to Jesus my King.

Hubby came home during this time - and the heaviness didn't come back, I'm happy to report.  He had heard me singing when he opened the back door and commented on it.  He asked if he had heard me singing, and I said 'yes'.  And he dropped it. Glad he did, for no one likes to be called out and 'why were you singing, etc.".   

So hubby didn't want to go to church last night for prayer meeting, and I at first thought I'd stay home too, but then decided I needed to.  So I went, and I'm glad I did.  I sat in the back instead of the 3rd row as we usually do together.  There were maybe 75 people there.  When it was over, I decided to give our pastor's wife a hug so went over to her and gave her a hug.... and she hugged me back.  We had a short conversation, and I started my way to the door.  Our pastor was up front and talking with a few people and I paused and decided to give him a 'side hug' and head on out the door.  What happened next really surprised me.  Now he is huge (like 400 pounds huge) and as I put my arm on his shoulder, he stopped talking to the others and put his other arm around me and said "God bless you.  We love you guys so much, so much!  You need to know that!  We really love you guys!"  I just said "I know, and we love you too", and walked on out the door.  It really made me feel good - and loved.  But it did cause me to wonder what brought that up.  I wonder if he had heard 'we might be leaving'.  We aren't.... but it's interesting how rumors get started.

But all evening, and even this morning, I feel more alive than I have felt in a long time.  What is the difference?  I don't know.  Unless.... when I sung the praises of God to Him and told Him in song how much I loved Him, and thanked Him for all His goodness to us... to me... for answers to prayers spoken and unspoken.... and the heaviness lifted.  Yeah, I think I will keep that up, for I feel so much more alive now than I have felt in a long time.

I briefly prayed as we prepared for bed that hubby and I would both get a deep, restful sleep.  And God answered.  I slept the best I have slept in a long time.  My alarm went off at 4AM and I thought to myself "naw, I can sleep another hour."  And turned it off and I did sleep another 45 minutes before waking up.  I really wanted to go back to sleep again, it felt so good, but I got up and came in here.  Hubby got up a few minutes later and brought my coffee in. (Yes, I'm spoiled.  I could get my own coffee, but he likes to brag about the Bible book 'Hebrews' (He-brews for those that don't get it).  Anyway, tomorrow we will be able to sleep later if we want... a little.  I think breakfast starts at 6:30AM and hubby likes his breakfast early.  We will get dressed and head down for breakfast and then back to our room to read and pray.  Last time we were there, I think, we had biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon and sausage, waffles, bagels, yogurt, oatmeal... I can't remember it all.  But, we are usually not there on a weekday so am not sure what they will have Friday morning... but the weekends they generally expect more people and have more.  We'll get it Saturday morning before preparing to head back home that afternoon.   Hubby is still trying to get me to stay an extra night, but I say no.  And talking about biscuits and gravy sure has made me hungry - although I have never made biscuits and gravy... I buy it, but not make it.... but I am getting hungry....

I John 4:18 (NIV):  "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Now that is an interesting verse, you think?  When you love, and are loved, there is no fear.  Jesus gives us perfect love, His perfect love, and we have no fear of Him.  We are not punished; we are loved.  Our fear of punishment comes from our sins, not from Him.  Jesus loves us, in spite of our sins.  But we have to come to Him and ask forgiveness to receive the full gift of His salvation, in which we are truly set free.  Have you done that yet?

I John 1:9:  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Just like the song we learned years ago - 'What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  Oh, precious is the flow, that washes white as snow.  No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.'

Just ask Jesus to pour out His blood upon you, forgive you, and cleanse you of all your sins.  We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  But greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.  Accept His forgiveness, freely given, freely received.  You will experience true life. Freedom. Burdens lifted.  Fears removed. Healing begins in the mind, and in the body.  Do you believe?  Reach out and touch the hem of His garment.  Receive His healing flow in to you.  There is nothing like it.

Blessings!

Stay humble; you'll get it right at some point

 Well, I mentioned about getting the termination contracts finally done yesterday, discovering my mistake, and trying to fix them with other forms.... will it ever come to an end?  The admin for legal has been so kind to me when I have to go back to her and HELP!!  How do I fix this??  The latest?  I got a form response back from legal stating that they couldn't add the telephone number to the contracts I put in because the telephone number showing in system address book is different.  It is different because six years ago when I came to this company, they told us to put the admin telephone number in that location.  They were wanting to put MY telephone number on the contracts.  Uh no.  So, I had to go in to the service hub and request a change to all my bosses' address listing which shows my telephone number and put their telephone number.  First, I asked permission - but their delay in getting back to me caused me to just do it.  And it was ok, but it was stressful in that I was wanting to get it over with and off my plate and I was waiting on them.  Yes, they were in meetings, but I'm important too and if they get something from me, they need to answer!  Right?  Anyway - IT called me, and we discussed it - they made the correction (right, I hope) and it won't be reflected for a couple days.  Hopefully it will be in time for legal to correct the contracts.  Then there is the term date.  The boss had told me 3/20/2024 and I had put that on each one - and then he decided no, let's do 4/1/2024.  UGH.  Don't know how that is going to turn out.  And that was my frustrating day yesterday.  Oh, and the contract that someone else had inputted and it got cancelled because the 'owner' (our up the line leader) had not approved it within ten days? - well, I was searching to find it and writing service hub to locate it and send to me, checking with legal, etc.... only to find out this one boss was the one who had inputted it and had the contract information.  Sigh.  He sent it to me.  Why was he so insistent that service hub reinstate it and not just give to me to input I have no idea.  But I have it now and have that to input today as well.   See why I have times I really want to retire and get away from all this?

That and another person I support said she wanted a recurring weekly meeting changed to a different day/time when more could attend.  Sure, no problem.... only I had to go in to each week and find time where the most could attend.  I got from next week through the end of May done.  I still have June and July yet to do - and that was quitting work at 4:30PM instead of my usual 4:00PM.  Of course, hubby had to come in to ask, "Are you still working after 4PM?"  I finally just stopped and went to fix dinner.

It's Wednesday and one day closer to our running away for a few days.  I know it won't turn out like I want it to, but at least my scenery will change.  Hubby came in yesterday and asked why don't we stay an extra day.... but I told him no, and why I didn't want to.  He agreed it was a good reason, so we will be back Saturday afternoon as planned.  It's supposed to be cold and rainy up there - and when I mentioned it to hubby, his comment back was one I had given to him.... 'we aren't going anywhere up there anyway'.  

I bought one of those hydroponic gardens a few weeks back.  Instead of sending it back because I decided I wasn't going to do it, I gave it away as a gift.  Well, that didn't work, They didn't want it so I took it back.  Decided to go ahead and use it.  Unsure of what I was doing; the directions weren't real clear for someone like me, I dropped two-three seeds into each pod.  Guess what!  They are growing!!  One of them is about an inch tall!!  I'm so excited!  I still have no idea what I'm doing... but I put herbs in the pods and my cilantro is growing!  I forget what else I put in there, but whatever it is, it is growing too.  Yes, I decided to use it as a herb garden to start with.  Thought about getting another one, but decided I needed to figure this one out first.  I can grow different things... even lettuce!  Saves me buying it and throwing it away because we don't eat it.  Anyway, I'm having fun with it.

I Corinthians 13:13 (NIV):  "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love."

There was another scripture from Romans that I was going to insert, but, I am running out of time.  Again.  But, it also was about love.  Everything is about love.  How we treat people.  How we care for people. How we react to and around people.  It all comes down to love.  And, in many cases, it is how we love ourselves.

It sounds foolish, somewhat, doesn't it, to talk about loving oneself?  But if we don't love ourselves, we find ourselves being harder on people.  If we love who we are, we love ourselves, we are much kinder to others because ... well, just because.  Does that make any sense?  I'm just rambling here, yes, but there is truth in those statements.  I think of specific people and how they sometimes treat others.  Usually it is when they are feeling bad about themselves, they think they are too fat, or they think they are not smart enough, or they think other bad thoughts about themselves; they don't love themselves.... and they take that frustration at themselves and throw it on other people.  I'm sure I've done that at times as well.  And you know you have too.

We are called to love others as ourselves.  We are called to love.  How is that working for you?  Sometimes it is easy to love others, right?  When things are going well for us and for them.  That's easy.  But one thought that pulls us down, and all of a sudden, grumble grumble!  And that is what we need to watch.

Yeah... we need to watch not only our words, but our actions.  We are called to love always.  Not just when we feel like it.  Always.  And you can take that to heart.  Know that you are loved.  By Jesus, and by us.  Even when we don't feel like it.  Take that love and share it.

Blessings!

Gonna need another cup of coffee today!

 We went to bed at our usual time, but daggone it, I was awake at 2AM and could not go back to sleep!  Today is our 'We Pray All Day' for the state of Arizona, and I 'thought' I had signed up for 3AM slot to pray.  Yes, I signed to get up before I do my quiet time, for I have my own routine, and if I'm already up, it's (for me) not the same.  If I am sacrificing sleep to spend time with God, i.e., fasting sleep, I feel I am making more of an effort.  But, here I am awake at 2AM and tossing and turning until it is almost 3AM and finally I get up and come in here to spend my hour praying.  I had a great time with the Lord and it was after 4AM before I realized it!  I've gotten through my 'routine' I have of reading my devotionals, books, etc. and here I am.

God does answer prayers  In many ways.  Yesterday I was able to easily get through those termination contracts that I was dreading.  I did the first one, did a screen print and sent to my boss to review to make sure I had done everything correctly.  He said yes, so I hit submit.  Then I finished the remaining 5-6 that I had to do.  THEN he emails me I made a mistake.  And I had.  Sigh.  His area code is 330 and I had written it down 303 - and put it on each of the forms.  I had to go back and create a correction on each one as I had typed the same telephone number on each one.  OH well.  I made my apologies to Legal as I did it and made the corrections.  And I got them all done!  For that I am grateful and happy about.  Thank you, Lord!  

I went to the gym last night and did my trainer ever work my legs!  I feel stiffness this morning, but if it goes as it normally does, by this evening the pain will start.  But, if I can keep active and perhaps get some walking in today, and maybe some stretches, I can alleviate the pain.  It does work.  Sometimes I ask myself 'why do I put myself through this?'  'Why do I try to eat healthy (most of the time)?  And the answer is the same.  I want to live a long life so that my great-grandchildren will know me, and who knows, God may be gracious enough to me that I will live to see my great-great grandchildren.  Most families can get photos of 4 generations, but there are few that can get 5 generations or more.  I want to be one of those.  I want to be a living part of their lives.  

And that's why I do it.  That's why I do my doctor appointments, why I go to the dentist, why I go to the gym, why I do the things I do.  My children, and their children, and their children, and their children.  They are my priority.  Living my life for Jesus is #1, of course, but staying alive to be able to bless my family, that is priceless.

Until you have a child, a grandchild, or even a great grandchild, tell you that your example has made a difference in their life, you will not know the joy that it can bring.  The hope of more.

The song titled 'The Blessing' just came to mind.  It is based off of Numbers 6:24-26.  The song was written I think by Cody Carnes, and sung by Kari Jobe originally.  And I know that I have put it on here before.  How many times have you prayed that blessing over your family?  Over your children?  I must admit, I haven't done it enough - and yes, I have done it.  We are to bless our families.  I love this song and often find myself singing it.  So google it (humor me!) and listen to it.  

It's Tuesday and not much is planned for today for me - other than work.  Hubby has his Bible study, then going to lunch with a former pastor friend.  I get to work.  But I have some time alone with work.  (Still need to do minutes from the board meeting last week)  Tonight I plan to stay at home... and hubby has told me he is home tonight as well.  sigh.  His buddy is dealing with his mother moving down here from Flagstaff and getting her medical care in order as she had a stroke.  So we both may be home.

And, I need to get off here and start getting ready for work.  I had my 2023 yearly review with my boss yesterday morning.  She always makes me look good.  AND, she said she is marking me 'exceeds expectations' - which means I will get at least a 3% raise in March or April.  I think.  Haven't heard what the raises are this year.  With us losing the ALTCS contract, we may be pulling reins back on spending.

So - with this, I will leave you.....

May the Lord bless you and keep you, Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.

May His favor be upon you, for a thousand generations, and your children, and their children, and their children.

Amen. Amen. Amen.

Blessings!

Excited about a short week!

 We didn't go to the gym after church.  We had the soup for dinner (KFC for lunch).  Came home, took a nap, and I actually got to read a little.  After we ate soup, now mind you it was after 6PM... hubby says "I want to check the news."  So on the TV came.  I didn't say a word.  (Surprised?)  He watched two episodes of NCIS off of ION ... then he turned it off.  I managed to finish up a baby blanket I was working on during that time.  That was our day.  Hubby commented some time during the day that 'it is nice to have a quiet weekend (both Saturday and Sunday) and we don't have to do anything."  I never said a word.  Leave the TV off and we WILL have a quiet weekend every weekend.  I guess he was meaning more that he wasn't required to do anything.  

We did go to church yesterday, but didn't have to greet.  When I told hubby we were supposed to, he actually got grouchy!  I ignored him.  I have to, or he makes me angry.  It was interesting... before church started I greeted a couple we have met and asked how their small group was going.  They mentioned that they had attended the church affiliated with our church first, but it was too big and when ours started up a few years ago, they came there.  I asked them why they left the other church... and she explained she had difficulty in connecting.  Hmmm.  I commented that was what I was feeling here; I feel disconnected somewhat.  

So last night I get a text from the administrator that she had two and maybe three people who wanted to take Discipleship and she would be adding them to our 'group' last night.  I text'd her back that I had cancelled this week, but would contact them to make arrangements to meet them and give our address, etc.  They live in this area.  Oh - and then she says... "I know you are or may leave the church...."  Well, I had a feeling where that came from so I text'd her back - we never said we were leaving the church (but in honesty, I had been thinking about it), but I had had the conversation with this couple and said this.... and she admitted this woman had told her we were thinking of leaving the church.  Ok; rule #1, be careful how you say things!  Glad I hadn't told I was really thinking about it!  So the administrator then calls me and we chat - I told her what I had said, but that I had not said we were leaving.  I feel disconnected.  So she asked if we had introduced ourselves to people in that area (yes) and shared about our discipleship group (no).  So we talked about some other things and the call went on.  I haven't checked yet, but we have a couple people who are interested in Discipleship, only now I'm out of the mood to teach it.  I asked if I could offer a workbook instead, and the administrator said I could.  Our first 'meeting' will be a get acquainted time anyway, so I can show a couple of these other workbooks and maybe they will choose one of those for us to get acquainted more.  Will see.  At least I will be able to teach again, and that helps me to grow in Christ as well.  

Today it's back to work - timecard Monday - but I've already approved most of the timecards.  I still need to make that adjustment to one, just haven't yet.  Oh yeah, I have those termination contracts to do today.  Sigh.  Suck it up buttercup, and get it done!  It doesn't look that difficult - and I need to get over my resentment of it being dumped on me.  It's 'other duties as assigned', right?

Short work week - I quit work at 2PM on Thursday and am off on Friday.  We will be heading up north for our retreat getaway.  I'm so looking forward to it, and I hope what I am wanting to get out of it will not be much different from hubbys. My biggest problem will be it will be colder up there and it is just starting to warm up here.  I don't do cold very well.

I found a folder in my drawer the other day and pulled it out and put in my basket here to look through to see what was in it.  Yesterday I pulled out the first article and reread it.  It was on taking communion personally every day.  I've read the article a few times over the years and reread it again yesterday.  And yes, took communion.  There is just something about remembering that Christ suffered and died for me, for you, and in taking communion, one has to pause and acknowledge that.  This morning I pulled out the folder to see what else was in there.  Chapters I had copied from The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.  Great book that I have wanted to read again.  But these were just a few of the chapters that I had copied.  The Discipline of Prayer.  The Discipline of Fasting.  And I also had instructions for a personal retreat.  Perfect timing, right?  I love my times of personal retreat, as I have shared with you before.

Matthew 6:33:  "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well."

Yeah, I know, I used that scripture yesterday too, I think.  But it is true.  When we seek Jesus first.  When we seek doing His will first.... He will always meet us where we need Him.  The Bible doesn't lie, people!   I have had this proven to me time and again.  When I put Jesus first, things just seem to work out - and even better than what I could have imagined.  I may not get things exactly the way I want them, but they are usually better - or God saves me from what I thought I wanted in the first place!

For example.... for years I have prayed over our finances and the struggles we've had.  And yes, I blamed it on hubby because he refused to even get a part time job to help.  I've shared the stories before.  But since we sold the house, and moved here, God has provided for us abundantly time and again.  Not that we have a lot of money - definitely not!  But we no longer have to struggle to make ends meet; we don't get the disconnect notices; we have money to buy things if we want.  God answered my prayers and as we give back to Him our tithe from what He gives us, He continues to provide all that we need and want.  Yes, sometimes I rein myself in when shopping.  I have to.  There is so much 'buy me!' out there and we have no need of it.  I've been able to pay cash for what we need... and that is always a good feeling.  God always provides when we are serving Him, and giving back to Him what He has already given to us.

Seek Him first.... and that is what I plan to do when we get away.  Yes, I seek Him when I come in here each morning, and hubby in his 'office'.... we both spend time reading our Bibles, devotionals, and writing in journals and/or praying.  Start our day acknowledging it is the Lord's and ask for help in getting through each day and honoring Him in it.  Actually my best work days are when my boss or a friend will ask me some 'religious' question and I get to respond about how Jesus responded to specific things.  It always brings me great joy to share Jesus.

Uh oh - time has gotten away from me again!  See what happens when I start my rambling?  It's 6:58AM and I need to jump off here and get the work computer turned on - not that anyone cares whether it is 7AM or 7:05AM.  But as it is time.... I gotta 'run'.  Hope you have a wonderful day!  Seek Jesus first - He will help you through your day!

Blessings!

Love it when there is no reason....

 but I get a text or a phone call that just says "I love you, mom".  I got one of those yesterday.  They probably won't remember the call today....sigh.... but the call was made and said.  I need moments like those to confirm to me that I am not forgotten since they are living their own lives.  Those of you who are parents know exactly what I am talking about.  

Yesterday...well, we never did make it to the gym, but I did do a short workout with an app on my phone.  I forget what the excuse given was.... but we didn't go.  I ended up making broccoli cheese soup and another new recipe - Crockpot Chicken Chili... and oh my goodness, it was so good!  And yes, I did manage to get some over to Ms. Diane, and visited for about 45 minutes.  Then I took some of each over to Ms. Vicky and visited for about the same amount of time.  Came home and hubby and I ate soup, and then I put the rest away and cleaned the crockpots.  Guess what's for lunch today!  Well, if not lunch, it WILL be for dinner.

Church this morning and we are on the schedule to greet today.  Sadly, part of me just wants to stay home and worship God, but yet, I know we need to be in the fellowship of other believers.  And, with greeting, it will help us get to know other people.  That is how we started at one point at a former church.  We offered to help greet one Sunday a month, and we were able to put names with faces.

Free Chapel just came on for their first service.  If I recall correctly, Greg Groschel is speaking today and I can't wait to hear him.  I love his books - and his latest is The Power to Change - and it is so good.  In fact, I think I will pull it out to read again.  I always learn something new when I read a book for second or even a third time.  I just wish I had more time to read.  I can watch this until 8AM and then I have to get in the shower.  Jentezen Franklin frequently goes over the time, but will see how this guy does.  The next service is at 9AM today.  In March, when the times change, it will be 6AM and 8AM.  

Acts 2:42 (NIV):  "They devoted themselves to the Apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer."

Yes, there are Christians who refuse to set foot in a church for numerous reasons.  Many are from childhood, when they were 'forced' to attend church.  Once they turn 18 and move out, they feel they don't have to do it anymore.  No one can tell them to go.  There are Christians who go to church just whenever they feel like it, cause after all, going to church is not a requirement to be a Christian, right?  And then we have the C & E Christians.  You know who they are - Christmas and Easter Christians.  No, I'm not calling anyone out.  

But we are called to listen to the Word being taught, to learn more how to live for Jesus.  None of us know it all.  As many times as I have read the Bible, many times the Word I read is fresh and new to me.  I wonder how did I miss it before.  God's Word is a light unto our path; He lights the way in which we should live.  And each time we hear His Word, we read His Word, we learn more about Him and His many blessings He just wants to bestow upon us.  He is so great and so mighty.  He loves us with such a great love.  Oh come, Lord Jesus!  Be with us today and lead us in the right path!

We are also called to fellowship with other believers.  That is how we grow.  We come to know and love others and grow with them in love and knowledge.   Even with the times we don't want to go to church, we miss that fellowship that encourages us in life.  We need others in our life to help us to walk this life.

February 18, 2024.... the day that God gave me one single simple tool that changed my marriage.  That is what Greg Groeschel is sharing this morning.  Uh... do I really want to listen?  I'm all for improving my marriage...  I just don't like hubby TELLING me my faults and that I should do to bring him pleasure or joy.  Men, do NOT tell your wife what you think she should be doing to make you happy.  I think that was the beginning of the end of a lot of things for us.  We had gone away for a 'romantic weekend' several years ago now... and I had to sit and listen - because there was nothing to distract me - to being told what a failure I was in being a wife.  And I got to listen to what was needed, required, or demanded.  Guess what.... after that conversation, I mentally shut down.   Truth.

Greg Groeschel is talking about things we see on Facebook, social media, of things that we think we want... only the photo is not real.   You've seen the ones of men and women doing unique things, positions of lifting the other up - and 'real' people minicking the same things and failing.  It's not real.  We want life to be perfect.

God gives us one tool to make our marriages better.  

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Seek FIRST the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.  If we seek Him first, all the things we desire will come about.  We need to seek God FIRST....  then we will learn what love is.  We are called to love the Lord our God first and foremost.  Not our spouse. Not our children.  We are to love the Lord FIRST.

Because in a Christ centered marriage, Christ is the one cord, and the 2nd cord in a Christ centered marriage - it is your spouse.  Not your child(ren).  The 3rd cord - is you.

Yeah.... I know I have some things to ponder and think about, cause you know I have a fault in some of this.  You gotta listen to this message today.  He's funny, but the point is made.  

If you want a Christ-centered marriage in the future, live a Christ-centered life today.  

That is huge.  Especially for our single friends; our single children; our single grandchildren.  Become the type of person you're looking for is looking for.  If you are married, become the person your spouse can love completely.  Are we living our lives that our spouses can look to us for living the Christian life? Will our spouse help us have a Christ-centered marriage?  Is Christ first?

Pray together every day.  Even if it is just a sentence or two together seek God first. Ask Him to bless your marriage; ask Him to watch over your children, your grandchildren.  Keep it short.  Keep it consistent. Miss one day, but don't miss two.

What the devil wants to do is divide you; and he does it when you don't pray with your spouse every day.  Yeah.... we haven't done that for awhile, other than at meals.  You may have to work things out from an argument BEFORE you pray together, but you can do it, and you can pray together.  

Dare I ask hubby to watch this message?  It makes me uncomfortable... cause I know what he wants (demands) and I don't want to be submissive and obedient at all times..... 

But yet, Jesus .... I want to be His.  Completely.  Empty of self.  

Erasmus, a leading scholar of the 14th century who seemed to understand the core truth of all emptying prayers wrote this....

Sever me from myself that I may be grateful to you; may I perish to myself that I may be safe in you.  May I die to myself that I may live to you. May I wither to myself that I may blossom in you, May I be emptied of myself that I may abound in you; may I be nothing to myself, that I may be all to you.

Blessings!

It was a good thought....

Last night I had already been thinking about it, and when hubby asked, I said ok.  To what?  To going to the gym first thing this morning.  And we really meant to.  I woke up at 5AM but hubby was still asleep so I came in here.  Didn't even shut the door nor turn the light on, but sat here int he dark with my mind singing praises to God.  About 5:30-ish I hear hubby getting up so I turned the light on so he knew where I was.  He comes in and says..."Well, what do you want to do?"  I gave the question right back to him.  And I will admit that I was comfortable in my chair and I really didn't want to leave.... but I didn't tell him that.  We flipped the question back and forth, and I made him make the decision - we will go ahead and do our quiet time and then think about going to the gym.  (yay - it worked!)  And he went to get my coffee; I started my daily readings.  I ponder why it is so easy for us to decide to NOT go, when we had decided to go the night before.  And I think I know..... it's still dark out.  Who wants to go out in the dark?  Temperature is 46 so it isn't as cold as it has been.  

So here I sit in my pajamas and finishing up my coffee.  Writing in here.  Not wanting to move.  

But I will eventually.  I'll get dressed, and if he still wants to go, I will go.  I just don't like crowds and the gym seems to get crowded so quickly.  I think in my mind I could do my treadmill here.... and I could... but it's a change of scenery if I go to the gym.  And it makes us feel like we are accomplishing something.  And I know he likes me going with him.  And it gets him there.  Will see how today plays out.

I plan to make some broccoli cheese soup this afternoon and take over to Ms. Diane and Ms. Vicky.  Maybe I'll see if I can find something else to make too.  I like I can make it in the crock pot and just walk away from it.   Still need to type out that recipe so that I'll have it.  It is so good.

Nothing much else on the agenda today that I'm aware of.  I was able to get several chapters read (they are short chapters) in a book last night.  I told hubby ONE movie and then the TV goes off so I can read.  If I can have a couple hours, I may be able to finish another book today.  I don't know how my son can read so many books at one time, although I do have two-three that I'm reading in, I just don't read as fast as he does.  I think I used to - for I could read an inch and a half book in one day while in high school.  I took that book with me everywhere - to the bathroom; while I was washing dishes it would be propped up on the back of the sink.  I have always loved reading, and I have always enjoyed it.  It was always my escape from reality.

Romans 6:11-14 (NIV):  "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin to reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.  Do not offer any part of yourselves to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness.  For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."

I tell you what, I would be a real mess today if it wasn't for God's grace to me.  I've done a lot of stupid things in my life before I found Jesus.  How and why He saved me from where my life was heading, I may never know this side of heaven, but I am grateful for His intervention in my life.  I still sometimes do things, let my attitude get 'out there' or do some things I shouldn't as a follower of Jesus Christ, but when He reins me back and shows me what I did, I am heartbroken over something I've said or done.  And I will confess, we have one specific family member that is so narcissistic and self-centered and I find myself sticking my nose in and saying my piece.  God calls me out on it at times.  I cannot tell my children how to live their life any more than I want them telling me how to live mine.  I can remember my little sister trying to tell me how I've made a mess of my life and I need to do this or that.... and I listened... and went on the way it was.  Which is exactly what this family member does.  I try to be kind to this person.... but I see what they have done and I get frustrated.  And it is easy to tell someone else what to do.  But until people get tired of living their life the way they are, until they make the decision that they are going to improve their life and make it better, they will always waller where they are.  And we can't feel sorry for them, although we do try to help out when we can.  And that is an area in which I really try to keep my mouth shut.  Just giving an example.  Until one wants to do better or get better, they will live the life the prodigal son found himself in.

You remember that story, don't you?  Took his inheritance and squandered it all, finding himself in a pig pen looking at the corn husks to eat he was so hungry.  Then he thought about how his father's servants had better food than that, and decided to go home.  But his father was watching for him, and when he saw him, he ordered a fat lamb be prepared and put a ring on his finger and a robe upon his body.  The wayward child had come home.

And that's a picture of our heavenly Father.  He is watching for you and me to 'come home' and serve Him.  He's watching for us... he isn't occupied with other things... he is waiting, and watching.  Just like many of us did for our children when they were out at night.  At some point, they come home.  He is waiting for us to make that decision to 'come home' to Him.  And I can guarantee you, there is no greater place to be.  Safe in our Father's arms.

You may think life is grand now, you may think you have everything you need....but if you don't have Jesus, you are lost and without the best thing you could have.  Maybe you ought to give that some thought.

Blessings!

This time next week......

 I will probably be awake, although it is early, but at least we will have a change of scenery.  So looking forward to NOT working.  After getting about 8-10 contracts to terminate yesterday with no explanation on how to do it other than "you'll have to ask legal cause they are tricky"... I'm so over working.  I didn't even attempt them yesterday but put them off until today.  I 'hope' to attack them first thing this morning and get them out of the way.  Don't know if it was yesterday or the day before, but at least the two contracts I inputted were returned approved yesterday.  THAT made me feel good for as you know, I stumbled my way to get those done.

Last night was a fun evening with our friends for dinner.  They ended up not coming over to play games and have dessert (and I made banana pudding!!) so we were back home by 6:30PM.  And that was ok. They are here until the end of May (they have a grandson graduating high school in Scottsdale so are staying for that) so we will get together a time or two more before they leave.  Hubby had to watch TV when we got home... Texas Ranger... which is one of my favorite movies.... and sigh.... I rewatched it when I went to bed last night, which is why I prefer NOT to have the TV on.  I tried not to watch, but when Chuck Norris does his fighting scenes, you just have to watch!  LOL  Hubby did ask if I wanted to watch another one (ION TV), but I told him 'no', so he did turn it off.  Got to read for about 30-45 minutes before I went to bed.  I feel like I'm falling behind in my reading again now that the TV is getting turned on.  Sure did love my quiet evenings.

Hubby has left for his Bible study this morning so I have a few minutes alone.... but here I am typing in here and then will have to jump on the work computer.  So glad when the 2nd week of March rolls around; my male boss who is giving me all this work to do will be on 'spring break' with his kids.  Grateful for a short break - but he is sure making up for it leading up to his time off.   I'd like to get a short break before hubby comes back and do some exercises.... yeah... I really do want to exercise.  I enjoy exercising.  I jsut don't want to do it when he knows I'm doing it.  LOL  Unless we go to the gym.  Which I may ask him to do tonight...will see what mood I'm in then.   I may be over the urge to exercise and sit down.

I John 3:11 (NIV):  "For this is the message that you heard from the beginning: We should love one another."

So what exactly does 'one another' mean?  Does that mean my neighbor AND those I live with?  Does it mean the mail person?  Does that mean my teacher?  Does that mean the person at the grocery store?  I guess that can be summed up in one response.  "YES".  It means all those people we are called to love.  And yet, how many of us 'choose' who we love and who we don't?  Someone offends us, we 'dislike' them.  Someone cuts us off in traffic.... maybe I ought to leave that one alone.  LOL I can hear you now saying, "I love you, man!  Sorry I was in your way!"  (like THAT would happen!)  But yeah, we are called to love others.

Mark 12:31 (NIV):  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."

And then Jesus was asked 'who is my neighbor?'  Do you remember that?  And then he tells the story of the Good Samaritan.  How many of us fail to take care of others?  How many of us fail to even care about taking care of others?  Or we make all kinds of excuses.... me included.  

Hubby commented last night that I hadn't been over to see Ms. Diane or Ms. Vicky lately.  And that is true.  It has been 3-4 weeks since I've been over.  I reminded him that some times it is hard to even visit for an hour for me.  I need my space too.  Monday and Wednesdays I have the gym and then come home to fix dinner and then I've kind of settled in (most times) for the day.  Tuesdays is usually 'girls night out' and I'm at my daughter's.  Thursday evenings many times we go out to dinner with friends.  Friday I collapse from a week of work.  And you know how my weekends are.  But, I may try to go over and visit both of them this weekend.  I think a lot has to do with it gets dark (still) so early.  When the sun is out longer I feel like I have more 'day' left, more energy.  When it's dark so early I just want to chill and not do anything.

But we are called to love others as much as we do ourselves.  But what happens when we don't love ourselves like we should?  That does happen sometimes, especially when we are down on ourselves because we did something stupid and got busted for it, right?  (seems to happen to me all the time).  But, we are to love God, love our neighbors, and love ourselves.  How is that working for you?

I do love Ms. Diane and Ms. Vicky - don't get me wrong.  I enjoy visiting with them.  But after a busy day, I just want to stay home.  Hopefully, once we have more sunshine, (and the longer hubby has that stupid TV on) I will get back in to visiting every couple weeks or so.  I plan to make a pot of broccoli cheese soup this weekend and divide between the two of them.   

Ms. Amy's house still has not sold.  The first asking price was $396K I think.  Seriously.  A few months later it dropped to $383K or something like that - and I hear it is now down to $356K.  I wonder 'how low will they go!"  The 'girls' thought it would sell quickly; corner lot, 5 citrus trees.  Who cares?  When people get our age, they don't really care if there is even one citrus tree.  Although I do like picking some of the fruit.  I took a lot of oranges that I could reach.  I may go grab a couple grapefruit today.  And lemons.

Oh - there was something I wanted to share.... oh yes!  Remember when I mentioned the other day (I think) about what did I do with that bottle of simvastatin I have to take at night?  I have looked under the bed, under cabinets, etc. and could not find it.  But, in my mind, I could see it sitting next to the current bottle which was empty.  I was looking on my medical chart and glanced at the prescriptions and it wasn't there as being shipped!  So I called the pharmacy (I have my maintenance meds, as they call them, shipped to me from our Chandler facility.  I called and she checked - and they had never been shipped.  They usually send me a text to reply Y if I needed a shipment.  My guess is that it popped up and I said Y for my levothyroxine, and when I saw it pop up, I forgot to open it and just deleted it.  Anyway - They got it out the same day and I received it yesterday.  I told them no rush - at 10mg for cholesterol, I wasn't worried whether I took it or not - I don't even WANT to take it, but do.

Well, phooey!  My clock is chiming 7AM and guess who isn't signed in to the computer yet!  I need to get off here and stop my rambling and get to work.  Catch you all tomorow!

Blessings!