A new day has dawned....

 I woke early this morning and came in to my room with hopes I could fall back to sleep for a little while, as hubby was still asleep.  But instead, I found myself thinking about today, Easter Sunday, and what it means to me.  Today is the day that Christ arose from the grave.  He was dead on Friday.  But today.  It isn't about Easter eggs and family brunches; it is about our Risen Savior.  Hallelujah!

Yesterday was a good day.  We did go to the soccer game, and hubby offered to take me to breakfast, but I said no.  I had a couple meals I needed to cook yesterday.  I fixed an early lunch and it was good.  I made my deviled eggs for today, and a cheesecake pie for Ms. Diane and took over to her for Easter and visited a bit.  (finally)  And when I came home, we decided on the leftover taco soup for dinner.  Finished it off.

We watched two movies last night - and hubby actually stayed awake for both of them - I think.  I didn't hear him snoring anyway.  We had seen both before but he was laughing at a couple of the scenes, which often makes me wonder if he remembers them.  Don't remember him laughing before at it, perhaps he was asleep during that time before. :-)

I heard it start raining about 4:45AM this morning and it seems to have continued up until about now, unless it is a soft rain and I don't hear it.  It's been coming down pretty good.  We can use the rain, but ... it does sometimes flood some roads around here.  Ah.... it has started raining again, I hear it now.

Today we will be heading over to my daughter's about 9:30AM for our 10AM brunch.  It will just be them, our granddaughter and family, and us.  Always grateful to be included in things.  And, my daughter is doing the majority of the cooking, well, about all of it, really.  I was asked to bring deviled eggs and rolls. check.  I'll put the eggs together in a couple hours and we'll head over that way.  It feels odd not getting dressed to go to church, but we (the people) are the church.... not the building.  That's just where we gather.  We can have 'church' at my daughter's.

I started this really good book yesterday - it is really helping me think things through, thus far, anyway.  It's called Overwhelmed by Perry Noble.   He has shared about his childhood, depression, and how sometimes we let life overwhelm us.  Our dark night of the soul at times.  I've had those.  Been overwhelmed with life; with work; with family issues; with marriage issues.  And when those times of depression and being overwhelmed happen, what I do is I run to Jesus.  You may scoff at that statement, but I have found that Jesus loves me unconditionally and He is the only One whom I can run to, cry, and open my heart to, and share my innermost thoughts and feelings.... and He doesn't judge me.  He gathers me in to His arms, and loves me.  My spouse can't love me like Jesus does.  No one can.  Jesus is the only One who accepts me just as I am, faults and all, and loves me anyway.

Isaiah 53:5-6 (NET):  He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we are healed. All of us had wandered off like sheep; each of us had strayed off on his own path, but the Lord caused the sin of all of us to attack him.

Can you think of anyone else who would take all your addictions, all your anger, all your fighting, all your bitterness and hatred.... and have it placed on them so that you could have a better life?  I can not.  Jesus did it for you and for me.  How can one choose not to follow Him when He took all our sins and all our guilt.... and was nailed to the cross for it?  What does He ask of you?  All He asks is that you follow Him, to be His disciple.  The Bible alone is your guidebook on how to live.  It isn't always easy, that is for sure, but going to the cross for us wasn't either.  

His Righteousness has been placed on us when we accept Him as Lord.  You can think "I'm a good person; I give to the poor, I take care of the sick, I am kind to others" and it's going to get you in to heaven.... but I tell you, unless you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will not go to heaven when you die, but will be condemned to a firey hell.  I don't want that for my children so I pray for them daily to seek the Lord.  I don't want my grandchildren to burn forever, so I pray for them.  And I pray for my great-grandchildren, and the generations beyond.  Oh that they all will know Jesus and follow Him and will live eternal life in heaven!  As parents we are to teach our children about Jesus.  Sometimes we are the only Bible our children read.  

Blessings upon Blessings upon you today as you follow Him.  Glory in the cross that saves us.  Christ has risen!  He has risen indeed!  Hallelujah!  We serve a risen Savior!

Blessings!

A fun change in my day.....

 I did not have specific plans for yesterday afternoon so when a granddaughter text'd and asked about coming over with the great granddaughter to bake cookies, of course I said yes!  We met up for lunch first and then came back and the little one baked cookies and my granddaughter made a cranberry apple cobbler as I had apples left over from the night before.  It was a fun afternoon and I was blessed to have this special time with them.

Today is Saturday and we have a soccer game at 8:30AM to attend.  Wonder if hubby will ask if I want to go to breakfast since it will be over at 9AM.  I'll drink a protein shake before I go; perhaps he will as well. I can 'take it or leave it' about going out for breakfast.  As expensive as going out has become, I'm content to make do with what I have at home.  I have plenty of eggs and I have pancakes in the freezer.  In fact, I think I will let hubby know that's what we'll do.  Save about $40 by eating breakfast at home.

 I need to make deviled eggs today so that they will be ready for tomorrow's lunch at my daughter's.  My instructions were deviled eggs and rolls - and I've already delivered the rolls.  They are having a brunch so we are unable to go to church physically tomorrow, but we will be watch Jentezen online tomorrow morning as we will have time to before we leave.  And, in all honesty, we prefer Free Chapel's services to ours, and even the messages are better than ours.... but, we like our church.  Just have trouble feeling connected; partly because our fault, possibly, but I think it is more the culture of the church that we feel excluded at times.  Probably just our feelings.

Yes, there is the 'saying' of 'God first, family second, church last' - and that is what we are doing.  You know we always put God first by getting up early and reading our Bibles, writing in our journals, and spending time praying and reading.  So no problem there, even though it is Easter Sunday.  And because it is Easter Sunday and family is having a brunch at 10AM, the time our service usually starts, we are putting our family next, instead of church.  Lastly, we will make it to church next Sunday.  They won't even really miss us ... they know where we generally set and will miss us there, and a few people will notice we aren't there, but we have already been gone two weeks so a third one doesn't really matter.  We'll get there next week.   God, Family, Church.   Check.

Today is Saturday, the day before Easter.  All is quiet and solemn.  Jesus died yesterday afternoon on the cross, and He has been buried in the tomb that belonged to Joseph of Arimathea that had neve been used.  The huge rock has been rolled over the front of the tomb, and has now been sealed.  As if the seal could hold back what is going to happen soon.

John 19:38-42 (NET):  After this, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus (but secretly, because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus.  Pilate gave him permission, so he went and took the body away.  Nicodemus, the man who had previously come to Jesus at night, accompanied Joseph, carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about seventy-five pounds.  Then they took Jesus' body and wrapped it, with the aromatic spices, in strips of linen cloth according to the Jewish customs. Now at the place where Jesus was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden was a new tomb where no one had yet been buried.  And so, because it was the Jewish day of preparation and the tomb was nearby, they placed Jesus' body there.

The day before the 'big day' Jesus was covered in aromatic spices, wrapped in linen cloths, and laid in the tomb.  The large rock seals the door.  Can you just imagine what the scene is?  Think about it.  The stillness of the hour.  The quiet.  Hearts broken of those who loved Jesus.  Hopes and dreams seem dashed to pieces.  All seems lost.... but is it?

Friday was here..... and is now gone.... but Sunday's coming!

Blessings!

An experience to treasure

 Wow  That's about all I can say about last evening.  God showed up; that's all that needs to be said. It was an awesome experience.  So glad I listened to God's prompting to have a Maundy Thursday service at our house.

First of all, the food - the prepping took all afternoon and I was in '7th heaven' cause i got to cook for others!  I made taco soup, broccoli cheddar soup, and chicken chili soup.  I heated up rolls to have with it; had crackers out for anyone who wanted, and tortilla chips, sour cream, and cheese to put in soups.  We drank water.  Food was good. Even I say so.  OH!  and I even made the butter for the evening!  Yeah - I went way out on fixing dinner and loved every minute of it!   Oh - dessert?  I made cranberry apple cobbler (topped with vanilla ice cream) and mock fried ice cream.  There was plenty to eat, for sure!

We visited for awhile first, then ate, and then settled in for the foot washing.  I explained the process; we decided to wash our spouse's feet.  (meaning, I washed hubby's and he washed mine)  It was a real experience and sad, in ways, for me.  The other two couples huddled together and whispered to each other.  Hubby sat in his recliner, me in the other recliner.   After reading scripture and we got the water in the basin, I washed hubby's feet but of course had to talk 'loud' so that he could hear me.  Then, because he can not get down on his knees, rather than getting a chair, I just stood and put my foot in the basin so that he could put water on it.  He proceeded to tell me that he loved me, and was willing to do anything in the world for me.  Sadly, the thought that popped in to my mind was 'except tell me I can retire'.  Sigh.

From the washing of the feet we moved to communion.  I brought in a tray of crackers and small glasses of juice.  Hubby read the scripture and I told them to take communion whenever they wanted it.  What was really cool was the men got up and brought a cracker and the communion cup to the women (hubby too after he saw what they were doing).  I was sitting in the other recliner; hubby in his.  The couple on the couch were huddled together, praying together and whispering.  The couple in the two table chairs were also huddled together, taking communion together, and whispering.  When I opened my eyes and saw what was happening, I got up and sat on the floor next to hubby (don't know why I didn't think to grab a table chair) and we were together then.  

But what stood out to me was the vast difference between these two couples and us.  There was such a closeness with these two couples, yet, for us, it was like there was nothing.  Just vast space.  Does that make sense.  And it breaks my heart.  How I have prayed and longed for a marriage that was full of love and kindness - mutually.  What is God teaching me through this?

Hubby bragged on me during the evening as he shared that I did the entire thing; all the cooking, all the scriptures; all the preparations.  He had been gone most of the day - which is probably why I was able to get things completed.  And, after we had anointed and prayed for one of the men who will be having a heart valve replacement on Wednesday, they left.  Hubby tells me thank you for coming to sit beside him when the other couples were huddled together taking communion.  That's the way life should be.  Shared together.  My heart breaks that isn't what my marriage is.  Long story of reasons.  I'm probably guilty of the majority.  But God.

We really felt God's Presence throughout the evening.  In fact, I got a text early this morning from one of the couples sharing again that although the food was delicious, the foot washing and communion was precious to them.  Grateful for their friendship.

And here we are on Good Friday.  The morning was spent being beaten.  By noon, Jesus was nailed to the cross.  Put this in your mind.  The Roman soldiers did not drag Jesus to the cross.  He literally crawled to the cross to die for you and for me.  Why?  Because his death from the beatings would have meant nothing.  It would have had no meaning.  Jesus literally crawled to the cross and laid His beaten and broken body upon it, so that His life had meaning, and He took all your sins and all of mine, and bore them upon the cross.  I hate to think about how heavy my sins made His shoulders, but He did it.  And He forgave me, just as He forgives you.  What a wonderful Savior and Lord.  No one else would lay down their life on the cross, and go through what Jesus did, for you or me.  But Jesus.  He took it all so that the curse of sin was broken and we had direct access to our Heavenly Father, and to Him.  Hallelujah!  Because He lives, we can face tomorrow.  Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know Who holds the future, my life is worth the living, just because He lives.

Matthew 27:46, 50 (NIV):  About the ninth hour (3PM) Jesus cried out in a loud voice . . . "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" . . . and when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit."

God had turned His face away because He cannot look upon sin, and Jesus was covered in our sins.  Can you even imagine your parent turning their face away from you because you had sinned?  It is a hard thing to think about, isn't it?  Once Jesus died, He was restored to His Father.  Jesus gave us His Righteousness, so that we would become righteous. Praise God.  Praise Him.  All blessings flow from Him.

After cleaning up and putting things away (gave away a lot of the soup) and leaving a couple things to soak, we just chilled for a little while before heading to bed.  I got in over 12K steps yesterday - I was all over the place!  LOL  Even though I was tired, I had a 7AM gym training appointment this morning and I made it.  He did give me grace as it was to be leg day.... because I had gotten in over 12K steps and my legs knew it, we did arms and now my shoulders are tired.  But, we did an inbody and it showed I had lost 4 pounds of fat, and gained two pounds of muscle.  That's a good thing!  Made me feel good!

Came home, toasted me a bagel, fixed another cup of coffee and came in here.  And now I need to get some other things done.  My granddaughter called this morning and is meeting us for lunch today, and then I get to back cookies with her little one.  Love having the grandchildren around.  Need to pick up a combo box this morning.  Might pick up a case of strawberries.  Last year I made key lime pie for my neighbors for Easter.  Maybe I'll make this strawberry pies this year.  Need to figure out what else I'll need.

Guess I need to get up and get moving - need to put dishes away and get my body moving and get things done.  Hubby will be home soon from his Bible study and I think he was going to the gym after.  I don't remember what he said.  But I need to get things done today - lots to do.

Have an awesome day!

Blessings!

Preparing for tonight - some thoughts

 I met up with my boss yesterday, as I had mentioned.  The traffic was horrible going over and it took me an hour to get there.  She also commented, as she arrived about ten minutes after me, that she had the same traffic issues coming from the east as I did coming from the west.  Where are all these people going that early in the morning?  So glad I work remote and don't have to be in that mess every morning! 

After we went our own ways I called my little sister and talked with her.  I was going to go to the car wash, for my car is getting really dirty, but decided, since we were still talking, to just go on home.  Looking at the clock, I knew that I'd no sooner get home that I would have to turn around and leave again to pick up the equipment from the employee who is resigning.  So I drove to Big Lots instead.  Afterall, I did want to buy a new tablecloth.  I ended up not only getting a tablecloth, but also new pillows for the couch!  Spring colors!  From there I went to Wienerschnitzel where I was meeting the employee and ordered hot dogs for hubby and I.....and a root beer float for me.  I love their root beer floats and they can't be resisted.  After the equipment was put in my car I headed back home and got back on the computer to 64 messages. Not all for me, of course, but still.......

I had several meetings I needed to get scheduled; a couple fires to put out; and finally was able to get off the computer about 5:30PM.  Yeah, an hour and a half later than I normally do!  But it was a very busy afternoon.  I'm on 'vacation' today but I have a full agenda of things I want to get done to prepare for tonight.  I am so excited about doing this with our friends and I am praying that all falls in to place, the food will be good, and God will show Himself.  I love it when I feel His Presence all around us, and I am expecting Him to show up tonight.  It is, after all, all about Him!

I've worked on a few things this morning and something clicked.  As I was preparing an agenda of sorts so that we know what we are doing, I realized that the foot washing was done BEFORE communion.  I had it the other way around.  For some reason; perhaps because we usually did communion and then separated in to two groups (men / women) for the foot washing, or at least I think we did..... that I, even though I have read it, was thinking of doing it 'that way'.  Communion, then foot washing. But, it is the other way.  And, I have discovered that it is only in the book of John that the foot washing is described at all!  It is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible except in John.  And yet, Jesus says we are to do it for each other.  I think the symbolism of being a servant to others is what is given in the other gospels, but still.....  I am very happy to be doing it and sharing it with others.  

I was going to have us separate men/women for the foot washing, but I found a 'how to' on google and in reading it, it says that the pastor does the foot washing of all, for Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, and no one washed His.  I'm not sure we will do it that way, but I am processing the thinking process of perhaps having spouse wash spouse's feet.  Will discuss with hubby when he returns from his doctor's appointment this morning.  One thing we don't often think about either, is that their feet were clean, for a servant had already washed their feet when they arrived for dinner.  That was 'tradition'.  A lowly servant - the lowest on the totem pole as we would say - was given the responsibility of washing the feet of the people who came to dinner.  So their feet were clean.  

But Jesus.  He washed their feet to show that they need to be a servant to others, regardless whether they were an apostle (or pastor) or a disciple.  We are all called to be servants; no one is greater than his master, but we are to be servants to all.

John 13:1-17 (NET):  Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that his time had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world he now loved them to the very end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, that he should betray Jesus. Because Jesus knew that the Father had handed all things over to him, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, he got up from the meal, removed his outer clothes, took a towel and tied it around himself. He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel he had wrapped around himself. 

Then he came to Simon Peter. Peter said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not understand what I am doing now, but you will understand after these things." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet!" Jesus replied, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!" Jesus replied, "The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely lean. And you disciples are clean, but not every one of you." (For Jesus knew the one who was going to betray him. For this reason he said, "Not every one of you is clean."

So when Jesus had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table again and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and do so correctly, for that is what I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example - you should do just as I have done for you. I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

What if, you who are reading this, took a moment this weekend to grab a basin (or a pan; it's ok, wash it afterwards and put it back away) and kneel down and wash your spouse's feet?  I know that sounds strange, but it is an honor, actually, to wash some one else's feet.  We don't have to have someone doing for us all the time.  What if we washed each other's feet?  For us tonight, I'm not sure how we will do this... but well, maybe I will share tomorrow.  I always cry when I wash other's feet.  I remember washing a friend's feet one time at church and I could hardly tell her what a blessing she was to me, for I was having tears fall and a runny nose to boot!  It is a very meaningful, insightful, humbling and worshipful experience.  You will never forget doing it. You will never regret it.  

And with that, I'm going to hush for I have lots to get done today.  I've printed off the scripture, printed my menu out, and now I need to start cleaning the house.  While hubby is gone I will sweep and mop the kitchen floor like I like having it cleaned - on my hands and knees.  I don't care what anyone says - a mop only gives it a 'lick and a promise'!  I want it deep cleaned, even it if is tile.  And then I will have to watch it while I'm fixing the meal for I usually drop something!  Need to get things in order so I'm off here!

Blessings!

Busy day for the short week

 I have an early breakfast to start my day today with my boss.  I love these times of our 'admim meetings' (which is how it is listed on our calendars) and we sit and catch up on our personal lives as well as share things going on at work.  I 'opps'd' yesterday - I went to the grocery store on my 'lunch break' and..... forgot we had a direct report meeting.... which is which all who report direct to my boss get caught up on things going on, announcements, etc.  Actually, I DID get back in time to make the meeting, but our new neighbor was at the house and although they don't sign the papers until tomorrow to actually make it theirs, she wanted me to know what was going on.  She's like me...she probably shared too much.  LOL  They are having the entire house (just about) remodeled so are staying at a rental for two months while the work is being completed.  Probably don't want to move in this weekend - it's supposed to be severe thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday!  Anyway - I missed the direct report meeting so when I got back on the computer, I apologized to my boss that I missed... she laughed and said that she thought I was 'dissing' her.  She knows better.  And she will update me this morning on what is going on.  She knows I like 'being in the know'.

Today will be a busy day with driving to meet my boss, visiting with her an hour or more, then I'm going to figure out what to do for a bit - or just drive on back home, and then back out again to meet a soon-to-be former employee to pick up her computer equipment.  I will get online shortly and ask for her telephone number and see if we can possibly meet a bit earlier..... or later.  It's the drive home and back to where I'll meet her - about 20 minutes at least - and hmmm I don't know.  I'll figure it out as the day goes by.  Then I'll have to focus and get caught up on my work as I am taking the next two days off.  

I plan to be busy tomorrow with things I want to get done and complete the 'agenda' for the evening.  I'm so looking forward to it, the service, and I'm also looking forward to the cooking!  You know I love to cook and I'm fixing soup and dessert and I will be busy most of the afternoon pulling it together.  Praying it will all taste good!

Wednesday of Passion Week.....

Matthew 26:14-16 (ESV):  Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Judas has been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry; he had seen all the miracles and all the power of Jesus.  Judas was considered a 'close friend' of Jesus, he was trusted.... and then, for just a few month's wages, Judas became the perfect snitch.

For years people have often called the Wednesday of Passion Week - 'Spy Wednesday' because Judas started walking the steps of stabbing Jesus, his Savior, in the back.  People still can not believe that Judas would intentionally betray Jesus; perhaps he was just trying to force a showdown between the rulers of the Empire, and Jesus.  Thinking there could be any other motive is at times unthinkable, isn't it?  It would be like your best friend wanting to push you into action, would tattle on you and push you to where you could be arrested, tried, and crucified.  Surely Judas would not just give up our Lord for thirty pieces of silver!  But he did.

And, we do it when we deny Jesus is Lord.  Think about it.  Did Judas believe that Jesus was the Son of God?  Did he not witness all the miracles that Jesus did?  Did he not listen to all the messages Jesus spoke?  And yet, he betrayed him.  And we betray Jesus when we declare He is not Lord to us.  When we sin, we nail Him upon the cross, and drive the nails in.  That is a hard picture to see in our minds, isn't it?  I don't often think about it, I admit, but when I do something and realize (either before or after) that I shouldn't have done it, sometimes that thought does come to my mind.  And it breaks my heart.  And it is often when I forget to put on the armor of God to protect me from the enemy, for the enemy only wants to kill, destroy and steal what is God's.  Satan is of the world, Jesus is not of this world, but He came to save it.  Adam and Eve gave the world to the devil when they ate of the forbidden fruit.  Jesus came to claim the world for His Father.  It is through Jesus alone we are saved.

Jesus' death defeated Satan.... and Satan knows where he will be going when the end comes.... do you?  As we are going through this Passion week, what thoughts come to your mind?  Is it your conscience over your wants?  Oh that each of us will pause and reflect on our lives and how Christ has rescued us so many times.  Knowing what will happen to Him, He still kept His face toward what was ahead.  Could we do that?

 "I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you, praised for you, or criticized for you. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service. And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, You are mine, and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it also be made in heaven. In Christ's name, amen.  (Wesley's Covenant Prayer)

Blessings!

The 'more' of the story.....

 Last week I shared that my nephew had had another heart attack (his 2nd one that I'm aware of) and my older brother and his wife had gone to Michigan to visit him.  My brother finally got around to sharing the 'more' of the story in a text yesterday.

My nephew has a 2-story house and my sister-in-law got up at 4AM to go to the bathroom downstairs...... and fell.... breaking an ankle in three places and detaching it from the femur.  Just thinking about it causes me to say ouch!  She got it reset twice in Michigan; they came home, and she was taken to yet another hospital in Indiana on Friday for a CT scan, but because it 'was late', she had to be scheduled for Monday (yesterday).  She got the CT scan done, and they scheduled her for surgery today at 10AM until 2PM to have surgeons pin the ankle back together.  My brother asked for prayers for her.  The doctors have said that she may never be able to walk on it again; nevertheless, for 3 months she has to be non-weight-bearing.  So they got her a wheelchair and have built a ramp at the house so that she can get in and out.  Luckily, they sleep on the first floor of their home, and it's roomy so she will be able to get through the doorways with the wheelchair.

So, I am praying and declaring she WILL walk again, and I am praying that God will show His glory through all of this, for minimal pain, for success in the surgery, even for the surgeons doing the surgery!  I am also praying for my big brother, that he will have the strength and endurance to help her - although she is pretty much independent, right now she needs him.  And he plans to take care of her.  It will be a long three months, but I am confident that God will show up and bring healing and wholeness once again.  All glory belongs to Him, who was, who is, and who is to come.

On Tuesday of Passion Week, it is shared in wonderful detail of what Jesus did.  But this one verse that He shared that day in a parable, says it all:

Matthew 21:38 (NIV):  But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, "This is the heir.  Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance."

Mark 11:20 informs us that it was on Tuesday that Jesus explained the cursing of the fig tree that occurred on Monday.  Remember, it had lots of leaves but no figs.  Monday, He had 'cleansed' the courts of the temple, and Tuesday He spent most of the day there.  He taught a parable concerning the lack of repentance among the leaders of Israel, and then a second parable of their desire to rid themselves of the heir - Christ.

Jesus gave a third parable of a banquet, illustrating the rejection of Christ's invitation and His provision for others.  He was 'attacked' by a lot of questions by the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees - so Jesus finally asked them questions like, "What do you think about the Messiah?  Whose son is He?  Then Jesus gave a series of Woe Oracles that were given to the leaders. (see Matthew 23:1-19)

Jesus called attention to the widow's gift of the two small copper coins and then finally, to His disciples, He predicted the destruction of the temple and the end of the world in his well-known Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-25:46).  And He did all this on Tuesday of Passion Week!  And throughout this day, Jesus was speaking of Friday - the literal day when their lack of repentance, their rejection of His person, their hypocrisy and arrogance, their ignoring of the banquet invitation, their desire to kill the heir, and the effects that this would have, would all come true.

Why not take some time and read in Matthew what happened that Tuesday; read the parables and reflect upon how you respond to Jesus.  Are you like the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees?  Or are you like the disciples?

We are in Tuesday of Passion Week.  What happens on Wednesday?  Stay tuned.... if I don't forget to share.

Blessings!

He did it....again....

 I had put the message I was to speak on yesterday before God yesterday morning, as I often do, and asked Him to take that message and use it for His glory.  And, once again, He did.  It was received very well and as the worship leader stood up to lead us in the final song, he turned to look at me and said "..... Thank you for such a spiritual message!"   And all I can do is offer up praise to God, for He is the One who used me to share His Word.  

It was interesting, as well, as I was walking towards the front to go sit down, a man on the side table asked me to sign his Bible.  Puzzled, I asked why, and he said that he was having certain pastors - and there were about 11 or so signatures on that page in his Bible... sign it ... so I did.  That could give me a lot of thoughts - are these pastors who he liked?  Are these pastors who helped shape his life?  I don't know, but it was something that hadn't happened before.  

Now that my speaking engagements are done for this season, I can focus on class tonight and then also on the 'agenda' for Thursday's Maundy Thursday service.  Both couples were at church yesterday and told hubby and I that they were so looking forward to coming over and having this service with us.  It doesn't have to be perfect, but I do want to have an idea of what we are doing and how it should flow.  But after reviewing for tonight's lesson, I will be able to focus on that agenda.  I'm real excited about doing the service and hope to make it a yearly tradition.  

Back to work today, being Monday, but it will be a 'short' week for me.  Wednesday, I meet my favorite boss for our 'admin meeting'.  Then I need to meet the co-worker who is resigning and pick up all her computer equipment.  That may pretty much take up most of Wednesday.  I am taking Thursday off to clean and prepare for the Maundy Thursday service - and then I decided to take Friday off as well.  It's Good Friday, after all.  Not sure what I was thinking I'd do with taking Friday off, so may end up cancelling it and saving my PTO for that day.  Will see how this week goes.  Oh - by the way, I did get the minutes completed for the board meeting (finally) and posted them in the Teams site.  So I may be working - actually working - a little over two days this week.  Hubby won't know what to do with me since I won't be sitting back in this room most of the week.  Ha Ha

Matthew 21:12 (NKJV):  Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

John 2:15 (NKJV):   When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers money and overturned the tables.

That is what happened on Monday of Passion Week.  After Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey colt, remember he went in to the temple and just looked around.  But on Monday, the next day, He went in and really upset the money changers and those who sold doves, sheep and oxen for the sacrifices!  They weren't happy with Him at all for doing that - that was their way of defiling the Gentile court and making people pay for the sacrifice.   But what did Jesus tell them?

Matthew 21:13 (NKJV):    And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of thieves.'"

It is interesting how often that thought comes to mind when people sell their books or other items in the narthex of the church.  You know, that area that you walk into as you enter the church.  Some people call it a lobby.  I can remember at the church we went to for years - when the women of the church had a bake sale (Aunt Mae and Odetta both made the best Lemon Meringue and Coconut Cream pie that you have ever tasted - both from scratch, including the crust!), the sale would be outside of the narthex.  Not inside.  Nowadays, people do whatever they want; some churches have coffee bars inside the church narthex.  They think it is a 'draw' to get people to come to church.  Grab a cup of mocha and go sit down.  Maybe it worked, I don't know.  We never did partake of doing that, although we have been at a few churches who had it.  

But, back to Passion Week, of which this is, we read that Jesus went in the Gentile court where all nations and tribes were allowed to worship God and He really got angry and made a whip of cords and drove out all the animals, flipped over tables, and sent money flying everywhere.  What if that happened today?  How would people react?  They'd call the police and have them arrested!  And that is the start of Passion Week and the Pharisees buckle down on their desire to get rid of Jesus. 

You know my love of books, so yes, I have bought books when they have been sold in the narthex/lobby.  But every time, I'm always taken back in my mind of that scripture.  "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves."  What if we honored God in the lobby/narthex as well as in the sanctuary?  We are all called to share about Jesus.  Do we overlook the 'other' - or do we say 'no, our focus is prayer'?  

I actually find myself longing for the 'old days' of the prayer meetings I went to growing up.  We gathered on Wednesday nights and the pastor would share things we needed to pray about, and then we all (those who were able) would get down on our knees at our seats and pray silently for the most part, but occasionally someone would lead out in prayer - no microphone - just a clear voice, calling out to God to hear us and turn to us and answer.  I really do miss those quiet times of prayer.  We don't need loud music; we don't need loud prayers.  It should be an atmosphere of peace and quietness before God.  I'm just not into performances on the church stage, and sometimes that is what it feels like.  Ok - going off track again, so will hush.

(went off track again! - erase erase!)  

Wishing you times of solitude to sit back and reflect on what this week will lead up to.  What is God saying to you during these times?  Sit quietly, quiet your mind, and think about what Jesus is preparing to do.  

Blessings!

This may be a somewhat busy week.....

 Today is Palm Sunday and we will be heading over to the RV park in a few hours for me give the message.  In years past, as I was growing up, it was the Sunday that we as children were given palm branches, either real or hand made out of green construction paper, and we would get to walk in to 'big church' and wave the branches, celebrating Palm Sunday.  We would yell out "Hosanna!  Hosanna to the King of Kings!" and not understand a bit of it.   Sadly, many people today would still not understand what Palm Sunday is.  How many would pick up their Bibles to read about what it meant, what it was all about?  Not many, if any, I'm afraid.  It's just another Sunday.  You know, the Sunday before Easter.   

Our pastors in that timeframe would preach on the story of Jesus riding the colt, the foal of a donkey, in to Jerusalem. The disciples and His followers looked at His coming into Jerusalem as the time when the Roman government would be overthrown, and they would be released from all its taxation.  They believed that Jesus was going to restore David's kingdom.  Were they in for a surprise!  It didn't happen that way, did it.?  Not the way the followers had planned.  Instead....  well, I'll let you read it in the Gospels.  Go ahead - choose one and read what it says.  Jesus rode the colt into Jerusalem.... and then what?

This week is called 'Passion Week' because of all that goes on this week.  Perhaps I will elaborate a bit more as the week goes on.  I am short on time this morning as I need to jump in the shower in a very few minutes to get ready.  

I didn't get much done yesterday - we did go to the soccer game.  We had a great lunch with my oldest son and daughter-in-love... always a blessing to spend time with them.  By the time we got home, I decided I needed a nap (remember, in my defense, I didn't sleep much the night before) - so we both took naps and slept almost two hours!  Then I didn't want to do anything!  I did crochet some.  But hubby watched something on TV while I cut up strawberries to be our 'dinner' as neither of us was hungry after a big lunch, and then we watched a movie.  Interestingly, we had seen this movie before (yes, another chick flick) and I remembered it.... but hubby did not.  He commented afterwards that he really enjoyed the movie, and he didn't remember it.  Some things I just let go.

I really need to get some things done today - although I always say Sunday is a day of rest.  Technically, it should be Saturday is the day of rest as it is the Sabbath, but we always make Saturday the day to get things done and Sunday the day of rest.  Hmmm wonder who would be right on that one.  Regardless, I need to clean off this bed and get things straightened up on my desk.  It is really looking bad.  I did clean out one drawer yesterday and ...sigh.... hubby started his questions of what was I doing and why.... and as I threw some papers away, I told him "and this is why I do not go through anything when you are home. You are always watching what I do and asking me questions. These are my things, I can throw them away, I can keep them, I can do whatever I want with them."  (well maybe not all in those exact words, but I thought most of them and said fewer) And I walked away.  And didn't do anything else.  Not sure what I will get done today - most Sundays after lunch we come home and take a nap and then do nothing the rest of the day.  Can I break that habit today?  

Matthew 11:11 (NKJV):  And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Have you ever read that scripture and wondered what it was about?  Jesus had just ridden the colt into Jerusalem, and he goes into the temple, and just looks at everything, and then leaves.  The only reason given is that it was late.  What was it too late for?  Why did he go into the temple to look around - and do nothing?  He didn't even teach!  He just looked.

Just a thought.  What if Jesus came to your church today, walked in, and just looked around, and then left?  If you saw him do that, as people surely did back then as they wrote about it, what would you think?  What would you do?  Nothing, like they did?  I wonder what was going through Jesus' mind when he looked around.

We find out some the next day.  Remember what happened?  On his way back to Jerusalem he was a bit hungry, so he stopped at a fig tree that had lots of green leaves on it.  This could be a mystery, and I don't have time to research it to give you an answer this morning.  But, even though the tree was full of leaves, it was not the time for figs to be upon it.  It's like our citrus trees.  They get beautiful and green in the spring.... but it is not the time for the fruit to be upon it.  Not yet.  So what did Jesus do?  He basically cursed the tree and it died.  Not that moment, but on their return trip, it was dead and the disciples remembered what He had said to the tree.  Ever wonder why?  Read Matthew 11 and leave me a note on what you think it was all about.

Maybe I'll continue this thought tomorrow, when I will (hopefully) find more time to read about it and write.  For right now - I must stop and get in the shower and get started on preparing for church.  The RV park churches start at 9AM so we need to be there by around 8:30-ish.  Love these people at the RV churches and enjoy visiting with them before church. 

My prayer for you today is that you will pause and perhaps grab your Bible and start with Matthew 11, and begin to read what Passion week is all about.  Think about how much Jesus loves you.  He sees you, right where you are.  No matter what you have done, you are not too far from Him.  He's still waiting for you.  He sees you, He loves you, He calls you His own.  You don't have to be perfect.  None of us are, least of all me.  But Jesus can make all the difference.  Believe in Him.  He did this week for you. And for me.

Blessings!

Saturday rest

 I didn't sleep well last night.  I finally got up about 3:30AM and came in here and dozed a little before hubby got up.  He noticed I had the light off so I heard him come back down the hall and check a bit later and he saw my light was on - and brought me my coffee.  And, because he noticed I had been in here with the light off, asked if he was what kept me awake last night.  I wanted to say yes, but then he feels so bad that he did, so I just said I didn't sleep well.  He was part of the reason but not entirely the reason I didn't sleep well.  Not a big deal.  All of us have these restless nights when our minds just won't shut off.

This morning our great-granddaughter has a soccer game at 10:30AM so no need to be rushing about this morning.  Maybe I'll fix us egg sandwiches to tie us over until lunch.  Lunch will be a fun time today - meeting up with my oldest son.  We haven't been to this restaurant in several months.  We used to go frequently, but then they raised their prices on my favorite salmon meal and it irritated me.  They raised prices on other things as well, but I noticed it on my favorite meal.  Besides, for lunch, a salad and/or a sandwich is more than enough, since I rarely eat lunch during the week. Hubby is happy to be included.  The game should be over a little after 11AM as these little ones play for about 10 minutes and then they are 'tired' and don't want to play anymore.  LOL  The first game was nearly an hour long - now it is 25-30 minutes as that is about how long they can keep them coming on to the field to play. It's a hoot watching them.  And, since we will be wearing our 'team shirts', we can show my son what his daughter made for the team.  She did an awesome job on them.

I was so thrilled I got over 10,000 steps in yesterday!  I have not done that in a long time.  What did I do differently?  I would go jump on my trampoline (not high, just moving the feet, walking) a few times through out the day for about 5-10 minutes, plus I remember once while here at my desk I stood up and 'walked' at my desk for a few minutes.  I used to get 10,000 steps a day - I'd push myself to get them before I went to bed.  Do you remember me writing about those times?  Well, it's been months - and maybe even years since I have done that.  And, since we are in a 'contest' at work, and I created a team called the 'Jailbreak Walkers', I need to do my part.  Right now I am in last out of the 8 on my team.  Most are 10K steps ahead of me as they purposefully go walking every day.  My boss 'hikes' the hill behind her house every day at least once.  Me, I can't even walk around our block without hubby being afraid some one could kidnap me.  Yeah... it is what it is.  I gave away my treadmill last week and it opened up the back room.  I have my floor mat there now and I can get down and do some stretches and exercises.  And I have used it.  But I've used the trampoline more.  Got to drop some of this weight (so glad all the cookies are now gone - I 'saved' the last two for hubby) so I can move around more easily.  Which makes me think.... I wonder if my son will return his plate today, since I mentioned something about getting them back.... LOL

Starting tomorrow this is called 'Passion Week'.  What is Passion Week?  Tomorrow is 'Palm Sunday', when we believe that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey colt.  According to scripture in the Old Testament, that is how our Messiah will arrive.  It is in Zechariah and also in the Gospels (see Matthew 21 for one of them)

Zechariah 9:9 (NKJV):  Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey. A colt, the foal of a donkey.

Things that were prophesied about the Messiah in the Old Testament came true in the New Testament.  Isaiah prophesied about the birth of Jesus.  Zechariah prophesied how He would come in to Jerusalem.  Did you know that even King David spoke of the Messiah in the Psalms - and Jesus quoted from Psalm 22.

Psalm 22:1 (NKJV):  My God, My God! Why have you forsaken me? Why are You so far from helping me? And from the words of my groaning?

Mark 15:34 (NKJV):  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" Which is translated, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?"

God, Jesus' Father, our Heavenly Father, turned His back on His beloved Son, Jesus, because Jesus had taken all the sins we have committed, all the sins we will commit in the future, and bore our sins upon the cross.  He was weighted down with sorrow, with our sins, and God could not look upon Him because of our sins.  

But Jesus.  He cried out to His Father because He felt so alone on that cross.  So cold. So beaten. So much in pain. So human.  And He died. For my sins, and for yours.  

But the good news is that Jesus may have died, but He rose again three days later!  He came back to life to show us that we too, can come back to life when He is in us, and we abide in Him.  When we seek His face and ask forgiveness of our sins, He restores us and offers us eternal life with Him.  Our body may die and decay, but our souls will be with Him forever.  

I much prefer to walk on golden streets in heaven than burn in the pits of hell forever.  People laugh and make jokes about 'burning in hell', but it really is no joke.  Think about how much it hurts when you burn your hand cooking.  That's nothing compared to your entire body burning day and night forever because of pride and because one thinks they have plenty of time to accept Jesus as Lord.  Guess what! None of us know when our days will end.  I could get up out of this chair and fall dead.  And so could you.

Some of us have relatives that have passed and we know that they rejected Christ when they were alive.  It grieves the heart.  We still have a choice to accept Jesus as Lord.  You don't have to be perfect.  You don't have to have your life all together.  You will still make mistakes.  But Jesus says to you, "Follow me".  

Please do not delay any longer, but make this Passion Week YOUR Passion Week, the week you find Jesus and follow Him.  Jesus sees you, right where you are, and regardless of what you have done, He still says to you, "Follow me".

Blessings!

Quiet....kind of too quiet....

Well, I just erased what I had written.  Not that it was bad... but it was whiney.  So lucky you, I re-read it and deleted it.   I'd rather whine about I'm tired. My eyes hurt. My head hurts.  But on a positive note I will get all better once I start moving around this morning.  

Not a whole lot on the agenda for today - just like I like it.  I may even go to the gym with hubby today, for it will be quiet enough I can get away for an hour.  With my male boss still out of town, and my favorite boss with very few meetings today (she also will be taking a walk during the day), we will talk early this morning and wish each other a great weekend - and then we are done pretty much for the day.  I just might get some things done here at home today.  Or not.

I was pretty worn out by last night.  Not sure what is causing my extreme tiredness.  Yes I am older, but I don't know if that is the reason.  I do work out, and I 'try' to eat healthy (and will eat more healthy once these cookies are out of the cookie jar!  Only a few left!).  But I have noticed the past couple of weeks that come Thursday evening, I'm pooped!  Can barely stay awake.  And I sleep pretty much all night.  And I wake up still sleepy.  Why is that?  I've probably been eating way too much sugary things, for part of it.  Cookies are my downfall.  They fit right in to my hand; and in to my mouth.  And they taste so good. Especially when I make them.  Yeah, think I'll have another snickerdoodle for breakfast. :)

I got a text from my older brother yesterday that his oldest son had another heart attack.  My brother had been up in Michigan for a few days to check on him.  He was pretty tired last night and kept saying 'there is more to tell....." so I finally told him (as it was after 11PM his time) to just wait and fill me in this morning on what is going on.  In the meantime, I would be praying for his son.  Haven't told my kids yet (although my son will read it here).... and will let all know once I hear from my brother what is going on. 

Which is another reason I want my boys especially to see a cardiologist.  Heart disease runs in the male side of my family.  All of my brothers have had heart issues; my oldest brother passing from heart failure/heart attack.  My other two brothers have both had heart caths and stents done; one pro-active, the other as it happens.   I had an uncle I was close to have a heart attack as he was mowing his grass.... one week after he retired at 65.  My boys need to be checked out, but only they can take that step.  LOL  They both just got past having a colonoscopy so I guess that they will get an EKG and EEG done when they feel like it.  I just hope they don't wait too long to have it monitored.  I don't know that I could bear it.  Losing a brother is hard; losing a son would be more than I could handle.  I don't know how my mother did it; she lost her oldest and her youngest before she passed.

I guess I am really running late this morning in writing in here - it's 7AM already and I haven't written much at all!  Lucky you!    Stopped to check work emails and there was one wanting availability on my favorite boss so I let them know it's available for them.  See how nice I am?  I moved a meeting so that they could meet.  That's why everyone likes me. LOL  Rarely do I tell them absolutely not, that I can't move a meeting.

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV)  Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Some days I think I 'forget' to put on the whole armor of God cause I do get in a lot of trouble!  Either by my mouth or by my actions - or non actions!  When we put on the armor of God, we can stand up against the things of this world that come against us.  Against the words spoken that are not true against us, against the actions of others who try to hurt us.  We are better WITH God, then we are WITHOUT Him!!  When I put on my armor each morning, the words spoken at me don't cause me alarm; the actions taken by others doesn't beat me up; they fall off the armor.  Why?  Because when I am wearing His armor, He protects me.  God fights my battles for me.  He can knock someone off their high horse just be glancing at them.  

And yeah, I probably have been knocked off mine a few times when I am the one saying or doing things - albeit they aren't 'evil'.... but things I should keep OUT of my mind and not let come out of my mouth!  Especially when a negative thought comes to mind about someone and I just have to say it.. I shouldn't.  UGH.  Life is hard, isn't it?  Doesn't everyone need to know what I think about people?  True, I'm not perfect either, a long ways from it.  So, with that, I guess I need to just keep that mouth of mine shut, huh!

And....since it is after 7AM I need to get off here and get on the computer.  Probably wouldn't hurt if I got out of my pajamas and got dressed too.  I'm usually dressed by now.  Hmmm wonder what distracted me so much that I'm running behind.  Oh ... I went through the message for Sunday - that threw my schedule off.  Now I know.  

We're one day closer to the weekend!  Whoo Hoo!  Hope you will have a great day.

Blessings!

I/We are going to do it...

 It has been in my heart for some time that I want to do a Maundy Thursday service.  You know, the service on service before Easter in which Jesus sat at what we call 'The Last Supper' with His disciples and shared a meal.  Jesus led them in communion, albeit they didn't realize that was what it was at the time.  The breaking of the bread, which is His body, and the drinking of the wine (or juice), which symbolizes His blood.  Of course His blood had not been shed for us when He had the last supper with his disciples, but soon after.  After the meal, the breaking of the bread and the drinking of wine, Jesus got up and washed His disciples' feet.  And we have been instructed to follow His example.  

Our current church does not do it.  A couple other churches we have attended in the past did not do it.  But I was raised in a church that did it, and we did it at the church we went to for years out here.  The church we went to before we moved out here also does it.  I found it interesting that our pastor's wife said she had never participated in it, when I had mentioned it to her.  I really would like to invite them here for it, but, we have decided to invite only two couples from the RV park I will be speaking at on Sunday.  They are good friends and we are going to ask them.  

I finally got Sunday's message typed out and now need to go through it and make my changes and corrections.  Once I do that, I can focus on what I want the 'service' to look like for Maundy Thursday.  I have an idea, and ran that by hubby last night, and he thought it was good.  

I 'visited' my trainer last night and he shared he had taken another job.  I hopefully asked 'here?' but he said no - in Illinois. He had sent me a link to write a recommendation for him - and I did it - and then he got offered the job.  I told him that if I had realized it was in Illinois, I would have written a bad review!  But he knows better.  I love this young man like one of my grandsons - after all, he just turned 21 last year.  And he looks like Tom Selleck with his mustache and dark hair.  But he was 'mean' to me last night.  He was going to have me do 'walking lunges' but I tried them here at home and couldn't keep my balance, and it made my knees hurt.  So I told him I really didn't want to do them for that reason.  So what did he make me do?  Push the 'sled' back and forth two or three times!  It had 100 pounds of weight on it - not counting the sled itself!  It got my heart rate up to 124!!  I know my legs will be hurting later tonight.  Unless I keep moving today and keep the muscles relaxed.  Yeah, last night was 'legs'.  Glad I only had 30 minutes with him.  I brought him some snickerdoodles (which he said was his favorite) and he kept sneaking a cookie.  I told him that was a bribe for him to be 'nice' to me - but obviously that didn't work!

Had a nice text last night from my oldest son; he is taking us to lunch on Saturday after our great-granddaughter's soccer game.  Looking forward to spending some time with him and his wife.  Love to hang out with my kids, even over a meal.  I have a turkey in my freezer I want to cook up some time soon and invite them over - I know it is my son's favorite meal - or I think it is - complete with cornbread dressing and giblet gravy and mashed potatoes.  Then I send all the leftovers home with him for his wife to make her turkey enchiladas for him.  I hear that is another one of his favorite dishes.

This year is flying by and here it is already Thursday this week.  It should be a fairly quiet day, but I haven't checked emails yet and my male boss is still catching up from being off all last week - even though now he is at a conference in California.  He probably worked late last night sending me emails for meetings.  I really hope he lets this person become his executive assistant and although I like him, he is hard to work for.  Where my favorite boss keeps me updated on what is going on in her departments and what she is doing, he rarely shares much of anything.  And you know I like 'being in the know'.  He puts his vacation blocks on his calendar - and that is how I find out he is going to be gone.  I look ahead and see the dates blocked out.  It annoys me.  Not that I need to know everything, but still, I do manage - somewhat - his calendar. My favorite boss has already let me know she is going on a cruise in June and will be out a week or so.  I know to work around that.  Yes, I have favorites in bosses.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NKJV):  Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Have you ever sat by the river's edge and seen the trees that line the shore?  At least, the good ones have trees all around.  And, many times, you can see actual roots protruding out from the ground and in to the river's edge.  It always has water within its reach to grow.  It's leaves are always a deep shade of green for it receives all the water it needs to survive.  When it's extremely hot, it has no concern; it's 'feet' are in the water.

I can remember how good it feels when one is hot - either from body temperature or outside temperatures, and putting one's feet in a basin of water - how good it feels.  Actually, although my thought was at first of a basin of cool water...... my thoughts jumped to a pedicure and I love sitting in the chair with the 'basin' full of very warm water to soak my feet in before they start working on them. Oh how good it feels!  For me, they never leave my feet in the water long enough.  It is relaxing and refreshing for me.  I could care less what they do to my feet.  I want to soak my feet and just relax!

I'm like that tree.  When I have my 'roots' (feet) in the water, I don't have a care in the world.  Don't talk to me.  Let me close my eyes and just relax and let the water do its work.

When we trust in God and in Him alone to meet our needs He is like that water that relaxes, refreshes and restores us.  He causes our 'leaves' to stay green and grow.  He nourishes our body with good things.  He takes care of us.  He planted us from a seed and caused us to grow.  How could we not trust Him to refresh us, renew us, restore us?

Life is hard sometimes.  Perhaps it is time for you to put your feet in a basin of water and just allow God to refresh and restore you.  Or maybe go for a pedicure.  Surprise your spouse and both of you go for one!  You will notice the difference, not just in your feet, but in your body language.  You are relaxed. Refreshed. Restored.

Blessings!

Could it be me?

 Hubby came in this morning, bringing my coffee, and asked me a question.  Instead of directly answering it (which I should have known better), I responded that he asks the same question nearly every month.  He raised his voice and said I haven't taken this stuff for over a year so no, I haven't asked that question!  I just shut up.  I know that same question was asked about three weeks ago.... and I also know that we talked about this just the other day and he said he didn't need to take it, he was fine.  So, am I imagining he asked those questions?  Am I just thinking I tell him these things and all of it is in my mind?  I learned a long time ago to choose my battles.  This is one of them.  If he disputes; just shut up.

I had a craving for cookies yesterday.  I started out making crockpot chicken chili (and immediately had a bowl and it was so good!!) and then I made a batch of Snickerdoodles, and after that, a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies.  Yeah, I ate way too many of them.  With a glass (or two) of milk.  Warm cookies and milk, yeah, it hit the spot.  But, I shouldn't have eaten so many of them.  It was like a craving that wouldn't go away.  But I had to try the cookies to make sure they were tasting good, right?  The soup was delicious; the cookies ... oh yum.  I even put some in a cookie jar... will see how long they last.  Gave away some last night.  I can't keep those here; I know I will eat them!  Or hubby will.  It's not on the weight-loss plan, for sure.

Yesterday was not too bad, but got some 'impossible to schedule' meeting requests.... finally found places to put the and even though not everyone could attend, not my problem, right?  My male boss leaves today around noon to go to a conference in California for the rest of the week.  Hopefully I can get everything done that he has given me to do.  And, sigh, the coworker I am covering for in May and June informed me yesterday I have to 'attend' one of her board meetings to take minutes towards the end of May.  I don't know ANY of her doctors.  NOT looking forward to that.  I didn't bother to respond to her.  But I need to.  My 'don't want to' is rearing its ugly head.

Proverbs 20:24 (NLT):  The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

My devotion on the above scripture today really spoke to me.  I hope it does to you as well.

"I want you to come to a place where you no longer fear the unknowns of life. I want you merely trusting and resting in My will.  If you will draw near to me at all times, you can be confident that I will not allow you to stray from the path I've chosen for you. I have amazing plans for you, but I need you to learn to trust Me completely with each step of faith you take. 

I want you to let go of trying to control your life and surrender to My plans and My power to bring them about. I simply want you to surrender and allow me to work in and through you. I don't want you to struggle to understand my ways; I simply want you to trust in them. My ways are perfect.

Accept what you cannot change and trust Me to do what seems impossible, for there is nothing too difficult for Me. And know that everything will not fall apart if you simply let it go into My hands. When your life is falling to pieces, it's really just falling into place; I promise to strengthen you, to uphold you.  I only ask that you seek my will, let go of your fears, and walk the path I've chosen for you by faith."

I feel I can honestly say that until now, the future has never really worried me.  I haven't been afraid of what the future might bring.  Until now?  It's the uncertainty of what is going on with hubby that has me a bit anxious.  There, I said it.  He's getting more clingy. He's getting more defensive. I don't know how to put it.  He now realizes that it's just me and him.... but he doesn't realize I told him several times over the years that this is what would happen because of his words, behavior, and actions.  But he is always right, you know.  And then I wonder..... is it me, and not him?  Am I being too critical?  Am I the one who is making life 'different and difficult'?   I just want to be me.  I sat on the floor in my bathroom last night before going to bed, curled up next to the shower, and just asked God "what do I need to do?"  I guess I just need to be patient and wait for the answer.  Waiting is the hard part, though.

Perhaps that is why the above devotion spoke somewhat to me.  "Accept what you cannot change and trust Me to do what seems impossible, for there is nothing too difficult for Me."  "I only ask that you seek my will let go of your fears and walk the path I've chosen for you by faith."

And sometimes that is so very hard to do.  Letting go of fears of the unknown.  What is life going to be like a year from now?  As I've aged, these questions become more real.  When we are young.... this stage of our lives is only a passing thought.  And yet, now here we are in that stage of our lives and what is left?  

As you are younger than I today..... I encourage you to pause and think about what you want your life to look like 30-40 years (or more) down the road.  Is your life now a prelude to what it will become?  Do you need to make some changes?  Maybe it is something to think about.

Blessings!

He gave me a heads up....

 Oh.my.goodness.  Early yesterday morning my male boss sent me an IM and asked if he could call me real quick.  I said sure.  This was his first day back from vacation; what could he be wanting to talk about? Well, our company has several divisions.  But three specifically that we, in our area, deal with.  He tells me to 'keep it close to my chest for now, but.,,,, he has become 'President' of all three boards and is wanting to get an executive assistant to only manage all three boards, to do everything involving all three boards.... yeah, including minutes.  He wanted me to know before word got out that he wasn't wanting to replace me, just wanted me to know what was going on.  I gently and quickly told him...... "I am not interested."  He chuckled and said he figured that.  I explained that if we were in the office as we were five years ago and we had the board members come in and I knew them by name, it would be different.  It's this telephonic stuff that I don't like.  I have not met any of the board members; I hear their voices once every three months; I don't know them, and that makes taking minutes not fun.  (no, I did not get the minutes typed yesterday either, just in case you are wondering) So we discussed also that the main director in Colorado is retiring in May.... and guess who is taking on several of the responsibilities for that position. And that board. No, not me, my boss.  

I tell him all the time he is already on overload, and he needs to say 'no' sometimes.  But as we discussed some of the people there, he mentioned one that will be reporting to him, and that she offered to be the executive assistant for the boards.  I jumped on that one.  I've worked with her before, and she is quite knowledgeable - AND she managed the board there in Colorado when she was the director's executive assistant before she changed jobs within the company.  I told my boss that he needed to bring her on as his executive assistant - and reminded him I have two others I support, and there are some other people that do need support but there is no one to do it - and I could help with them.  I think I convinced him.  For me, it can't happen soon enough.  And I told him that I really liked him, and I 'enjoy' (maybe I stretched that a bit) working with him, but he really does need his own executive assistant.   Whew.  Now if I can just get through to the end of May (and one more board meeting) and he brings her on.  It sure would make my job a lot easier.

Especially since for the months of April and May I will be covering also for an executive assistant who will be out two months after back surgery..... and she supports six doctors.  Yeah, I will be busy, for sure!  

I got my car back yesterday and the receipt for the brake pads, and the old ones, was left in the car.  Can you believe this?  The dealership wanted to charge me $356 to replace the rear brake pads.  I got it done for $100.  How much were the brake pads?  $23.99.  Geez!  I don't mind paying the $100 at all.   

I had a training last night and our trainer shared what he is doing for hubby.  He has asked him - actually made him 'promise' he would go in at least 3 days a week and ride the bike, in addition to the workouts and coming in with me and riding the bike while I work out.  He explained to me that what he is doing is building up hubby's strength in his legs and core so that he won't fall.  He is also getting after him about his eating.  Should I be jealous he doesn't do that for me?  Uh, no.  He knows I work and I do what I can.  Yes, I could go to the gym more than I do (just for training).  But, I also do some workouts here at home.  And hubby and I discussed my reluctance to workout when he is here, and it is something I need to get over.  That's on me.  I've got a new workout program downloaded on my phone and I can do these exercises and increase my own strength, lose the flab on my body, and get a lot stronger.  If I'm strong, less change of my falling and hurting myself.  And the best part?  I might be able to fit in to the clothes that are still hanging in my closet from 5+ years ago when I was sent home.  If I cleaned out my closet on what I could wear now.... I'd lose 90% of my wardrobe.  So - lose weight and I gained a new wardrobe, right?  Oh, and on hubby going to the gym every day?  It will give him something to do and he won't be falling asleep in his chair every afternoon from boredom. 

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV):  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law. 

When we follow Jesus, these things are evident in our lives.  Some more so than others, at times.  That 'longsuffering' is patience.  I learned years ago not to pray for patience.  You know why?  Because once you do, all kinds of things start happening that TRY your patience!  But it is in those struggles that try your patience, that you learn how to have patience.  Does that make sense?  And we are all called to love others, and when we do, we find our joy.  We find our peace in the things we do.  We are kind.  We do good.  We show faithfulness to our God on what we are called to do.  We are gentle with others.  And, we have self-control in that we don't 'lose control'.  Some of you will know exactly what that means.  Sometimes we DO lose control... I know I have and it is something I work on.  And the last part 'against such there is no law' basically means no one is going to tell you not to do those things!  Everyone should be kind and loving and gentle and patient with each other - and so much more!  The Holy Spirit helps us stay focused on what we need to do to be more like Jesus.  When we are around those we love, most of the time it is so easy.  But there are times!

Yesterday was busy for the most part with my male boss back from vacation and he will be picking up steam today, I'm sure.  The good part for this week?  He leaves around noon tomorrow and will be gone Thursday and Friday for a conference he is speaking at.  That will allow me to catch up on all he will give me before he leaves, so it may be a busy day today.

So what are your plans for today?  Going to get some exercise?  Bake some cookies? Do something productive?  Whatever you do, do it joyfully, as unto the Lord.  He created you for great things.  Don't let the day go by without doing good and great things.  

Blessings!

I knew the answer on that one!

 I knew as soon as I got the email that my oldest son had read my blog.  And, he responded he liked the idea of returning the plate for refills.  And in reality, it doesn't have to be limited to Christmas, does it?  I do love to bake.  In fact, I baked two batches yesterday of my cranberry pumpkin nut bread, but I baked the second batch in cake pans, because it is so good as a cake with cream cheese frosting on it.  YUM.  They are now in the freezer.

Drove my car down to my daughter's once they returned from the festival and left it with them.  SIL is taking it to a friend of his who works on cars.  When I had my car in the other week for the oil change, etc., they said my back brakes were down to 4% and needed to be changed fairly soon.  They wanted $356 to do that.  I'm getting it done for $100.  Big difference.  Every time I go to the dealership, they always get me for 'this really needs to be done' and I spend up to $500 to take care of it.  I think I'm done with that.  I've reached the point that I don't know if I'll take it back even for oil changes.  There are too many other places around here that do it for much less, plus in the past, I NEVER had to take my cars in for anything other than oil changes and minor repairs.  When it got major, I traded it in.  

I tried to go visit Ms. Diane before I started baking yesterday but she said her son and wife was coming over and bringing lunch.  She was to call me afterwards, but I was busy baking and even when I saw they were gone, I didn't call again.  I could have gone to Ms. Vicky's, but figured if I went there first and Ms. Diane called, it would be awkward so didn't do that either. Baking was much more fun.

Hubby was having a 'pity party' yesterday.  You know I have them occasionally, and I'm sure you do too.  Don't tell me you don't.  Sometimes we all feel alone and feel left out of things.  But it is up to us to change that, right?  At least that is the way I feel about it.  Hubby had brought this subject of feeling alone a week or so ago.  I tried to explain I understood what he was saying, and I even gave him a couple examples of when my kids went off to do their own thing with their family (which is absolutely ok, don't get me wrong), and it may have been something I'd like to have done as well.  I probably am not explaining this well.  I think it is more he is jealous the families do things together (and he doesn't know the half of it!!) and he isn't included.  Of course he says 'we', but I don't get bummed about it.  For example, daughter and some of her family went to the festival.  Perfectly fine.  Hubby, in the past, never wanted to go.  So why would he go now, when he can't walk far?  He never would have lasted the day.  We went to the zoo with them one time and after about two hours of walking around, we left, and the rest of the family stayed and had a great time and took great photos.... only we aren't included because we left.  

We had a chat about his 'aloneness' and I finally - basically - told him to 'get over it'.  Maybe I shouldn't have.  And I told him that when the grandchildren have activities we are usually invited, but for some, he chooses to keep to his own plans rather than change them.  If it is possible, I do try to attend things, but it isn't always possible.  But I will change my plans to be part of my grandchildren's lives.  Now that they are older, I don't see any of them very often.  Seriously.  But I can pick up the phone and text any of them, and most will generally respond.  I just need to continue to reach out.  I need the connection, and I need to let them know that they are loved and thought about.  I don't get upset they don't respond - LOL  - it's their loss!   No, I'm not going to do the guilt trip and I don't want any one else too.  I smile inside when I hear the longing in my son's blog of wanting to see his children more.... because I know exactly what he is saying.  Ok - enough on that subject and I' erasing a lot too.  It is what it is - no guilt trips.  I think it has more to do with his children disowning him than him not being included in things. I did tell him he needed to make friends with other me.  I can think of only a handful that he has lunch with.... shoot - he goes out to eat a lot more than I do!

Today is back to work and timecard Monday.  Which is a good thing for it means that I get a paycheck on Thursday.  I've got to quit spending so much on a whim and start saving more.  Between hearing aids for hubby and oral surgeries for us both this year, my savings account has shrunk quite a bit.  I need to build it back up.  It is nice to be able to pay for things rather than make payments.  I don't foresee anything big in the near future so hopefully can start building my savings back up.  After all, Christmas will be here soon enough and you know, even though I try not to, I spend way too much.  But in reality, I think it is more that I buy for so many people, because I really do not spend that much on each one.  Well, last year I did for the gifts I bought were a bit more expensive....but they did get less of them. :-)  After all, I'm spending my kids' inheritance (what little there would be) so I may as well spend it the way I want to, right? 

Psalm 23:1 (NLT):  The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.

Yeah, that scripture comes to mind again.  Many of us learned the words from the KJV or the NKJV or the NIV version - but here it is in the NLT.   Because Jesus is our Shepherd, there is nothing I need.  How does that work?  When I follow Him, and OBEY Him (yeah, that's the tough part), I have everything I need.  

What do I mean by that?  The Lord will supply all that I NEED.  Think about it.  I go out and buy things that I think 'I have to have' for whatever reason..... and in reality, I bring it home and put it wherever I think it is going to go (in the cabinets or on the bed or under the bed)... and then I generally forget about it.  That is why I have cabinets out in the garage full of stuff.  Stuff I need to stop thinking about WHO gave it to me, and just get rid of it if I have not used it, am not using it, and it is just gathering dust.  I imagine most of us have a lot of things like that sitting around.  

I have a box in my closet that as I come across things that I know I don't need, I try to put in that box or bag.  When it is full, it goes to Savers.  I have brand new things that I have purchased and never used.  Just because I thought at that time that 'I could use that'... or 'someone could use that'.... and it remained in the box.  For example....last year sometime one of our admins shared she had purchased a portable monitor that when she goes on a trip she can just plug it in to her laptop and have two screen.  I thought that was a cool thing.  After all, I sometimes have taken my work computer as well as my personal computer on trips because I needed to do something while off work and trying to work from a small laptop screen is difficult. I love working from two screens as I have done it for so many years now.  So I bought me a portable monitor.  I haven't even taken it out of the box.  And I won't even go in to my book collection.  Or that I just got 4 copies of a book that I forgot I had ordered three from Thriftbooks (at least they were cheaper) and saw it in my save folder on Amazon and went ahead and ordered it.  They all arrived the same day.  At least I can give three away to others.  That's the plan, anyway.

And I'm starting to ramble and it's about time to get the work computer turned on.  I really do need to work on those (stupid) minutes and get them off my list of to do things.  I keep 'forgetting' to do them because I hate doing minutes.  But, I need to get them done as I have to do them anyway.  So with that - I'm off here.

Blessings!

Getting it done....

 Going to be a busy morning today as we need to do a drive up north for church this morning.  Yeah, I'm speaking at the RV Park this morning so hubby is saying we need to leave by 8AM due to construction going on up there and we don't know what traffic will be like.  There's snow up north and you would be surprised at the number of people who go up north to play in the snow.  Then again, the Renaissance Festival going on right now and I know my daughter and some of her family are going to it today.  I never have been, although I hear it is a fun place to go.

 I heard a song recently that I love - actually, there are two of them.  Interestingly one has part of the other song in it.  The first one is Access by Calvin Newell.  The other is Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin.  I encourage you to listen to both - they are so good.  Both songs touch my heart in many ways.  I can sit and listen to them and just feel so full of worship.   So you don't worship?  I get that - but still, would you listen to these songs?

Due to the time change, Jentezen Franklin is on at 6AM and 8AM.  I'm listening as I type this - then I need to go jump into the shower and start getting ready.  That's the tough part about speaking at RV parks - church starts at 9AM.  Although, we did enjoy our church starting at 9AM when it did, for we were standing at the restaurant doors at 11AM when they opened.  LOL  Now at noon they are already full in most cases.

Hubby enjoyed the attention he got at the nail place yesterday.  He left it up to me on what level of pedicure he got...and trust me, after looking at his toenails, he got the deluxe. Yeah, they were that ugly.  LOL  He loved the special attention.  They worked a long time on his feet, and his fingernails.  He was happy.  Me - I just got the acrylic nails put on (and I'm having difficulty typing with them this morning; I'm not used to them.  I was going to get a coral sparkle polish, but ended up with just the French Tip.  You needed to know that, right?  Thoughts for his birthday or Christmas?  Gift cards to put towards his future pedicures.  LOL  

Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV):  The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

I don't know about you, but I love having someone lead me to where I need to go.  I get confused easily (even more so as I have aged) and I love that I don't need to worry where I am going because my Shepherd will lead me wherever I need to go.  When I push too hard and get myself worn out, He will cause me to lie down and rest.  When I feel weary and worn, He pours into me His spirit and restores what the enemy takes away from me in the busyness of my life.   Sometimes I get too busy and too distracted by life.  I allow the craziness of this world to disturb my peace.  But I know I can run to my Shepherd, who will cover me, will embrace me, will give me relief and rest.  And all I need to do is run to Him.  And that's all you need to do.  Sit back, take a deep breath, and allow God to give you the rest you so deeply desire.  You will never be the same.  Too busy to take a moment for yourself to be refreshed?  Then you are too busy.  You can't keep going at that pace.  Sit back, right now as you read this, and take a deep breath.  Inhale.  Exhale.  Do it again.  Inhale. Exhale.  Turn your thoughts to the One who loves you and cares for you more than you could ever imagine.  Feel the difference?  Inhale. Exhale.

Once home from church this morning I need to work on the message for next week, which is my last one for this season.  Every summer I think I'll do messages and get them ready so I won't be working on them the week before.... but I always put it off, and never get it done.  But I also get my Sunday nap in and then I really do want to do some baking today.  I'm really wanting to bake cookies, but I know I will eat them.  And I need to go visit Ms. Diane and Ms. Vicky - yipes - it's been nearly 6 weeks I think, since I've visited.  Can I spare two hours today to do that?  Probably won't get baking done if I do. Which could be a good thing cause I'm craving cookies and if I bake them, I'll eat them.  

I thought about this the other day.... I told my kids to keep the plates I gave each one with cookies on it last year for Christmas.  I'm thinking I ought to take them back so that I could start a new tradition of baking something for them each Christmas and give to them.  What do you think?  Should I get the plates back?  All three kids have them.  LOL  I know my oldest son reads this blog.... the others don't.  Will see who gets cookies.  HAH!

Ok - I need to get off here and in the shower.  Hope that you have a blessed day!

Blessings!

Loving my quiet morning....

 Yeah, it's Saturday, and I was up at 3:30AM!  Not that I stayed up.... I came in here and curled up in my chair and went back to sleep.  Didn't sleep long, but long enough. I watched two of my 'chick flicks' on Up Faith and Family last night.  I say 'I' because hubby slept through the second one.  It was the better of the two, I think.  Although, both were good.  It's nice to go to bed with a romantic movie on our mind and when I replay it as I go to sleep, it's full of love and peace.  THAT'S why I can't watch action movies before going to bed - I rewind the movies and my mind is fighting against itself.  

We actually have some things to do this morning.  Our great-granddaughter has a soccer game at 9:30AM and we plan to go over there. They barely last an hour so that is good.  And, I had a weak moment and booked hubby and I at the spa.  Well, hubby will get a pedicure and manicure, but I have decided to get my acrylic nails put back on.  I've tried to let my nails grow out from a year ago of having them, but they keep chipping and breaking and splitting... and although I like them off.... I keep getting hangnails and catching my nails on everything.  So I gave in.  Yes, I know I got a manicure last weekend with my youngest son - but because I got regular polish, trying to save him money, it was chipping off by Tuesday.  I painted over it on Wednesday, but by Thursday was peeling it all off as it had started chipping as well.  At least with the acrylic nails I don't need to worry about anything except going back about every 3 weeks to get the growth gap filled in.  Interestingly enough, my nails don't grow that fast without the acrylic nails, so it seems, because I'm always breaking them.  But with the acrylic nails they seem to grow rapidly.  Will see how long I allow myself to keep them.  I usually give up and cry out how expensive it is to maintain and take them off after a few months.  But it is mainly my laziness in going to get the fill in. And I have to go back to where I get them put on for if I go to another place, they take the nails off and put on a whole new set (and charge for a new set) stating they are loose or some other excuse.  Every.single.time.  So if I get them here, I want to keep going here.  

I have the photos in dropbox of when I had acrylic nails before.....before my granddaughter was married.... and she painted the Disney princesses on each of my nails.  I loved it so much.  I'm happy to take the polish off and let her decorate as she is so talented.  But, she lives out of town now and is busy with her little family.  But, her painting my nails is a very special memory.

Hubby was very happy when I mentioned yesterday I had made reservations for us to get nails and toes (for him) done today.  He went on about how badly he needed it.  It IS hard to cut your toenails - even I have trouble with it.  I make a mess of them, for sure.  I like to keep them short as I do wear nylons with dresses and skirts still.  Most don't nowadays and never have worn panty hose.  LOL  Just happened to think.... my generation was probably the last one that wore girdles/garter belts with the single leg hose.  Granted it was in my teens.... and then panty hose came out.  Wow.  Hadn't thought of that before.

I haven't talked with hubby yet about doing a Maundy Thursday service here at our house on March 28th.  I'm still mulling over in my mind who to invite.... we can only invite six people and although we have several we could invite... I'm still pondering 'who'.  Then I'll ask hubby if he's ok with them, of course.  He may have someone else he would want invited.  I want to invite people it would have meaning for.  And, I still need to pull together what it should look like.  We separate the men from the women so I'm thinking Tom can go into his 'office', and I'll take the front room.  Unfortunately, no door in between, but at least we are separate.  Perhaps we can chat about it sometime today.  If I get my butt moving this morning and cook breakfast, that may be a good time to share my thoughts about it.  I did go ahead and order some plastic basins and I did get some towels to tie around the waist.  I'm getting prepared, for I really want to do this.

Will need to go over the message I have for tomorrow for the RV Park up north.  It's titled 'Hope has a Name'.  I did this one at the RV Park here in town last month and it seemed to go over well.  That's the advantage of doing two RV Parks... I can use the same one here and up there.  BUT, I do speak at the one here in town on the 24th so I need to find another one for that....and I'm working on it.  The title of that one will be 'Jesus Sees You'.  Got a ways to go on it, but have made a good start.  Hopefully will get it finished this afternoon before we go get the nails done.

2 Chronicles 7:3 (NKJV):  When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying: "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever."

I can imagine for some of you it is hard to even thinking about bowing your faces to the ground in worship to the Lord.  For some, it is humbling to bow even your head for anything!   But our God, He alone is worthy of all praise and all glory and all of the honor we can give.  We got up this morning; praise Him!  We are breathing, glorify His name!  We live and move and breathe - all glory belongs to Him alone.  He is our Creator.  He gives us the ability to make our own decisions and our own mistakes - and He waits patiently for us to stop and just tell Him 'Thank you, Lord'.  You have a family, you are loved.... isn't that enough to bow your head and thank Him for those you have around you?  I think it is.  I thank God for my children, and their children, and their children.....and years down the road, the many children that will follow.  It reminds me of the song....

May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you, be gracious to you.  The Lord turn His face toward you, and give you peace.  May His favor be upon you, upon your children and their children, and their children and their children.... and on and on.....  I love that song and often sing it when I'm in the shower (yes, I sing in the shower!) because I thank Him for my family.  Each have gone their own way, but I pray daily that their hearts and minds will be turned back to Him, that they will fall in love with the One who created them, the One who loves them even more than I do.  Life isn't worth living, unless you have Jesus in your heart.  Trust me on this one. Mama really does know best.

Blessings!