I left some stuff to do

 this morning.  Why?  Because I was so stinking busy yesterday, and I didn't get three meetings completed that came in between 3:30-4PM.  I really do not like those late meeting requests!  If they are easy, no problem; it's the ones that include senior leadership - whose calendars are always packed.  UGH.  I have three meetings staring me in the face this morning to get completed.  And I plan to take off work by 2:15PM as I am going to go get my hair styled.  Not cut short, much to hubby's dismay.  And yes, I was there not too long ago for a trim, but I'm not 'feeling' it.  Whatever that means.  I want a softer cut, try for partial bangs again, and maybe go layered. I had found a cute 'do' on Pinterest last week and scheduled this - but now I have decided it would take too much to manage it - and if you know me, you know I don't do much to my hair except on Sunday mornings.  Other than that it is a ponytail or pulled back and clipped.  I want to keep the ponytail as I don't like my hair in my face.  But I need/want something different.  I wish I knew what I wanted.

I got a text yesterday from Pastor Don, who is 'in charge' of the ministry outreach at Inspira, the independent living facility. I am to speak there on Sunday.  Interesting... he asked me how it was going, and I told him 'good.  I have the message, still working on tweaking it, and gathering an idea of what songs I'd want to use.'  Long conversation short, he said they planned to be there Sunday (checking up on me? LOL) and if I wanted music to the songs I choose, let him know for he can download songs and we'll have music.  Sounds better than me trying to lead them with just my voice, right?  It's all interesting... I think I shared with you that after awhile he wouldn't let me speak at his church up north anymore.... and I heard it was because a man had said he didn't think women should be preachers.  He would never tell me the reason why, but that is what I heard.  And he will be there Sunday.  Guess I better make sure I have all my ducks in a row, huh!

I should have worked on the message last night, but I didn't.  I was so tired when I got off work and I wasn't planning on cooking.  Tuesday night, after all, right?  Well, I wasn't meeting my daughter so I had planned on a quiet evening alone.  Then hubby says his study friend needed to stay home, so he would be home too.  I just looked at him and said "pizza".  So we didn't go to our favorite Sardellas but went to Streets of New York and got the New York Combo pizza, thin crust - and it hit the spot.  Coming home I made the mistake of curling up with my kindle and a good book.  Started reading The Joseph Blessing by Jordan Rubin, and I am finding it very interesting. But after a short while, my oldest son surprised me with another phone call and he had me laughing - a lot.  So much so that after I hung up, hubby commented that he hadn't heard me laugh in a very long time.  And that is a true statement.  I'm usually close to being a downer most of the time.  But my son made me laugh and we had a great conversation.  We may go out to breakfast next Saturday for my birthday - but he will let me know. I always look forward to time with him.

I'm thinking about taking my birthday off work.  I usually don't do that because I like all the attention I get on my birthday... but who am I kidding.... I LOVE having all the attention.  But, other than a lot of emails, that will be about it.  I'm meeting my favorite boss the day before for lunch and she has gifts for me.  She is so good to me, and that is another reason we are friends for over 30 years.  So other than emails, not much will happen on my birthday.  So maybe I will take it off.  I have a couple ideas of what to do.  Stay tuned!  Ohhhhh maybe I'll do a SPA day!  I need to check around a couple places and see what they offer!  I remember my daughter gave me a spa day for my birthday over 20 years ago - and I got my first massage - and it was amazing.  Yeah, I think I will check out some places.  A massage, facial, a mani/pedi - I should be pampered, right?  And since I'll be 75 - what better wat to start the last quarter of my life?

John 1:12-13 (NKJV):  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

To 'lay hold of His name' means to believe everything he represents and put into practice what He taught in the power of His name.  We are not children of God because we were born of earthly parents, we are born of God because we CHOOSE to believe in Him.  Does that make sense?  God has given each one of us a choice.  We can follow Him, or we can follow the world.  I choose to follow Jesus because He is the only way to God.  I want to go to heaven when I die, and the only way to God is through Jesus, who is His Son.  So I choose Jesus!  Yeah, I fail a lot in trying to be obedient in all areas. I often joke that I hope that when God calls me home it is on a 'good day' when I'm obeying Him.  Sigh, but I should be obeying Him every day all the time!

My son's upcoming trip out of state made me remember something I got in the habit of doing when I did take a flight somewhere.  I was always somewhat nervous as we are flying, after all, we are dependent upon that plan to get us where we are going safely.  (not to put fear into anyone, but it is a fact)  As we settled in and the plane would rev up its engines and start moving down the runway, I always prayed for forgiveness .... and that God would get us safely to where we were going.  And He always did.  Is that called a 'last minute prayer' or a 'just in case prayer'?  Maybe.  But I want to be with Jesus so I sincerely say it whenever we travel - whether by plane or car!  When I was working and driving several miles every day, I would always start praying on my way out of the driveway that God would be my shield and protector as I drove to work and back.  Yeah, I depend upon Him that much.  I trust Him with my very life.  After all, He created me in His image.  He has loved me all my life.  He is .... ALL.

So what about you?  Do you ever stop to send a quick prayer to help you get to where you are going?  I can imagine some people praying as they come out of a place where they stayed a bit too long asking God to help them to see clearly and get them home.  And if they didn't, I'm sure their spouse - or their mother - has.  And in some cases, the children do as well.  Some people just don't realize how much what they do affects others.  Sadly, some just don't care.  We may laugh, but deep inside, we are crying. The world screams at us.... God whispers.  

I got up at my usual 4AM today a bit unwillingly, but came in here and just sat in the dark for nearly an hour.  God and I had some conversation.  I want to be so in tune to Him that all I do is for His glory - whether it is work or pleasure.  There is still a lot of 'me' in me, and a lot I still need to surrender.  God lets me do it in my timing... but sometimes I just need to own up and let it go.  What about you? What are you holding on to that is keeping you from surrendering to Jesus?  

Hope your day is amazing!

Blessings!

It wasn't that difficult....

 My colleague set up a meeting yesterday with me and we met so that she could show me how to adjust the pay codes in the time cards as needed.  It was relatively simple, and even I (thank you, Lord!) was able to understand how to do it.  Granted, I'm hoping I did it correctly, but I did complete all the ones I was supposed to do.  YAY!  I imagine I will need to show one of the Associate Directors today how to do her people's timecards.  She tried to push it off on me, but I told her that I wasn't her delegate (if she thought about it, all she had to do was go into the payroll delegation and add my name... but I'm not telling her!) so she would have to do it. 

It was a very busy day until about 3PM and then it was like everything came to a standstill.  No meeting requests, no emails.  Grateful, I made sure I was caught up on the meetings I needed to complete. Still have a couple hanging wanting information, but I'll get to them this morning.  One company sent me an email and asked when I was going to send them dates for this meeting.  I reminded them that their last email said that they would send me dates and times to check for our people, and that was what we were waiting on.  LOL  He sent back a note of apology and said "you are right again".  Music to my ears, right? LOL  His is one I need to finish up on this morning and send him dates and times for a meeting. 

Worked some yesterday on a message for the Independent Living facility I will be speaking at on Sunday afternoon.  Since they haven't heard any of my messages, I don't have to create one, but can take one of the ones I have done at the RV parks and change it somewhat to reflect where they are and use it.  Makes it much easier.  The harder part is finding hymns for them to sing with me. :-)  I don't take a cd or soundboard, as I mentioned before.  We just sing with our voices.  Which reminds me, I need to charge up my amplifier so that all can hear me since we don't have microphones.  I need to get the message completely updated, need to type out the words to the songs, and figure out the 'agenda' for the service. We also will be having communion since it is the first Sunday of the month next week.

And it will be my BIRTHDAY MONTH!  LOL  I can't celebrate as I have in the past with working remotely, but it will still be fun.  I'm meeting my favorite boss for lunch (instead of breakfast) at another one of our favorite locations (Culinary Dropout) the day before my birthday.  From there it is all celebrations. LOL When we were in the office, I was able to celebrate all month - my cubicle was complete with balloons and signs and lots of stuff.  I miss those days.  But I do like working from home.  If I had a choice, and the office was close by, I'm not sure which I'd choose.  I think that if the office was close by, I'd be in the office 2-3 days a week already, and work from home the other days.  I really do miss the social interaction. I sit on my butt nearly all day in front of this computer; I've got to start moving.  From 7AM-4PM yesterday I only had 784 steps - not enough to keep this body active.  Too hot to walk outside; thinking about getting another treadmill; Ms. Vicky wants to sell hers.  It could be a win-win.  I want to see what hers looks like first.  I imagine it is newer than mine was (which was at least 15 years old) and it was sold not long ago.  Next time I go to Vicky's I'll have to take a peek at it and ask how much she is willing to let it go for.  I'll probably get flack from hubby; I didn't use the other much, but I had my reasons, plus it was getting loud.  I do want to get to walking more.  Inches will fall when I do, plus I will feel more limber and able to do things.

I got a nice surprise last night.  My oldest son gave me a phone call.  He said he didn't know why, but he had an urge to call me.  We had a nice chat, and I was grateful to hear about his plans for their upcoming trip so that I'd have an idea of where they'd be.  And of course, my mother's heart was stirred with the question of 'why did he get the urge to call me?' 'Is something going to happen?' and I laid awake for quite a while last night, praying for their safety on their flights and on their driving.  Praying for the car and the space around them. Praying any anxiousness about the trip will go away and that there will be total peace over everything falling in to place.  I am confident that my God will watch over them and keep them safe and return them home safely.  But wow - hadn't thought about their strip starting THIS WEEK!!  Time is really flying by.  I will continue to keep them in prayer as the week goes by.

Hubby woke me this morning shuffling down the hall to see if I was up yet.  Yeah, he arose before I did. I don't know when I finally fell asleep but it was after midnight.  When he brought my coffee in, he asked if he had been snoring.  I told him I didn't know. He said that I poked him three times!  LOL I don't remember that at all. He got up around 3AM I guess and went in the front room and sat in his recliner and tried to go back to sleep - and couldn't - so he said he sat there and prayed.  Maybe it was God poking him to get up and pray?  God does that, you know.   This morning, though, I wanted to sleep since I didn't get much sleep last night.  A nap might be in order around my lunch time. I can take my hour lunch; I just don't do it when I am really busy.

Psalm 22.  I am not going to write out the entire psalm, but I encourage you to read it.  It was when David was in one of his lowest points of his life, and yet, here it is centuries before Jesus came, David cried out what was happening.  Psalm 22 tells of Christ's crucifixion, and then His resurrection.  But yet, David is talking about his own body, is he not?  As I read through the notes at the end of my Bible about this scripture, where it talks about a worm being crushed.... Psalm 22:6..But I am like a worm, crushed and bleeding crimson, treated as less than human.   The Hebrew word for 'worm' is tola, which is also the word for 'crimson' or 'scarlet.'  Tola was a certain worm in the ancient Near East that, when crushed, bled a crimson color so strong it was used as a dye for garments. Jesus was not saying He was a despised worm, but that He will bleed as He is crushed for our sins. 

And our sins, which are many, when we confess them and surrender our lives to the only One who can save us, Jesus Christ, they are all washed away. We are wrapped in His robes of righteousness. Tho our sins made us scarlet, His forgiveness washes us white as snow.  He loves us so much, He died for us. Hallelujah!  To Jesus be the glory!

Blessings!

Why does the weekend go by so fast?

 I know, I know - there are 24 hours in each day and each and every day is the same 24 hours - it's what we do in those 24 hours that make it what it is.  Sigh.  It just seems at times that the weekends go by soooo fast! This is one of them.  We did go to church yesterday.  Pastor Michael spoke.  Loudly. Hubby turned his hearing aids down to -1.  Message was good, but all over the place.  We went to Mimi's for lunch; it was ok.  Hubby got a salad and I got 1/2 sandwich and soup and french fries.  Came home and all of a sudden I felt exhausted - and we both took a nap.  I never did get around to baking like I wanted to. BUT, I did go through a cookbook and found some things I'd like to try. And probably shouldn't.  Baking isn't always healthy.  We finished the evening off with reading and I finished The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning that I was reading.  Unlike any other book I have ever read, but it held my interest enough that I finished it.  It was interesting.  He has a history.  Former priest. Left the priesthood and got married (and excommunicated), was an alcoholic, at the time of the book still was attending AA, has written several books, very well read in that he has read numerous books and quoted many.  Basic I got out of the book?  God's grace for each one of us, and we are to love each other.  Regardless. Just like Jesus loves us.  I'm sure there was more, but those two things stood out to me.  What intrigued me to keep reading it was the two men who wrote introductions to it.  One said he listened to it on audio and had to pull off the side of the road because he was crying hard and couldn't see to drive.  The other said he read it all in one setting.  What is the Ragamuffin Gospel?  Jesus hung around regular people, people who were sick mentally and physically; He ate with sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors.....people who were called - are you ready for this? - Ragamuffins.  People of no value.  That is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not people who are prominent and are always putting themselves in the limelight by what they do, but those who sit by the side of the road, hoping someone would give them something to eat.  I did enjoy the book and am glad that I plugged through the difficult parts to get to the end.  Sometimes you just have to cause you know that you will miss a jewel or two if you don't.  

And here it is Monday again and I still need to adjust the timecards for what happened last weekend.  Yay. I'll have someone show me today how to do it and get it done either today or tomorrow.  I'm better mentally now (not so tired from all the chaos of last week), and hopefully not as cranky.  I am going to try to do better this week.  But I'm already tired.   Don't understand why I am not sleeping well.  I sleep, but just not well.  Then I ask myself is it that I'm just getting 'old' and mu age is catching up with me... but I refute that; I don't feel our age defines us.  People at 50 sometimes act like 80!  So I refuse to act my age. But I think with hubby being 12 years older than I and acting his age does have an effect on me. And it isn't a good one.  I must simply force myself to go against the grain and get up and do something. I think that is one reason I love to get in the kitchen and bake - it gets me up off the couch; I can be creative; and it is MY domain.  And it usually is soooo good!  The rest of the no bake cookies will be going to my trainer tonight. LOL Yes, she will take cookies; she says she is my #1 taster.  I don't think no bake cookies was what she was thinking about but 6 is all that is left so I don't think it will matter.  I need to make real food.

I was talking with a friend at church yesterday morning who is big in to supplements.  Ironically, we have another friend who makes this in liquid form (Raw Power) and we drink it - except we are now out. I need to get our order in.  Our first friend had been in an accident earlier this year and just couldn't get past it - and I asked him how he was feeling yesterday.  He said he did research and ordered some turmeric and black pepper (which is in the Raw Power) capsules and started taking those - and within just a couple weeks he has felt so much better; his joints don't hurt and he feels more alive and alert.  I get it; when I take the Raw Power, I feel better as well, but with both hubby and I drinking the liquid, it is gone within two weeks.  Our friend makes it very cheap for us, but I know it is work to fix it.  So yes, I did go online last night and have a bottle in my cart to be ordered for me.  I told hubby he shouldn't drink the liquid until he cleared it with his doctor, but he ignores me and is doing it anyway. Why? Because I don't know if it can affect the medications he is already on.  For one, he takes a blood thinner and turmeric (I have been told) also thins the blood.  Could explain what when he bumps his arm or knuckle, the thin skin splits and he can't stop the bleeding for several minutes. But, all I can do is tell him.  Heaven forbid I should get something for just me.

Psalm 119:93 (NIV):  I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.

What is a precept?  A precept, in the term I am using it, is God's command for how we are to live.  Have you ever stopped to think about it?  His commands are not hard, they really aren't.  They are only 'hard' when we make them that way; when we want to do things OUR way, and not HIS way.  Think about it. 

The first commandment is "You shall have no other gods before Me."   And yet, we do it all the time, don't we?  We put activities before God when we would rather do recreation before church on Sunday mornings.  We put people in place of God when we idolize them or put them on pedestal.  We put money before God when we think we need more and more of it and not consider all we will get from Him if we but trust Him to meet our needs.

The fourth commandment is "Keep the Sabbath day holy."  And yet, instead of spending that day and resting and just being with God, we fill it with things of no value just to entertain us.  Reminds me of when I was first married.  My awesome in-laws taught me so much.  At that time they would not even consider going out for a meal on a Sunday.  Sunday was a day of rest, although mom would always have lunch in the oven while we were at church and it would be ready to eat when we got back home. She could make the best pot roast.  But after the eating was done, it was rest and reading. Or playing games.  Which is a form of resting.  Keep the Sabbath day holy, and don't fill it with things of no value. Reflect on God and all that He has done for you.

The fifth commandment is one we often spoke to our children - "Honor your father and your mother so that it will go well with you" (my paraphrase).  This is the first commandment with a promise.  If you honor your father and mother, it will go well with you. I think that speaks for itself.

There are 7 other commandments, but I don't have time to elaborate on them this morning.  Just my comments anyway, right?

Anyway - never forget the Law of God, because even though you may think you don't agree with them all, God gave them to us to protect us.  When we put Him first, honor Him, Love Him, Obey His laws, He will bless us abundantly in so many ways.   Think about it: don't take His name in vain (would you take your mother or father's name in vain?  Your spouse's name, or your child's name?  Why take the God who created you, His name in vain?).  Don't steal. Don't lie (yes, not even the white lies we all find ourselves telling_.  A pastor once said that when we don't tell the whole truth when asked a question, we are still lying for we aren't telling the entire truth.  Let that soak in.  Don't commit murder.  That's an easy one, but do you know that when you hate in your heart and mind, you have actually committed murder?  Do not commit adultery.  Sometimes it takes real effort not to admire another's body that is not your spouse. But you have no right; lusting after that body (window shopping is STILL lusting) because you are committing adultery with your eyes.  Oh that we all would follow God's commands, His precepts, for our lives would be so much better!

When we follow what God says for us to do, He preserves our life.  Doesn't say it will be easy or that things go our way.  It says He preserves our life.  Trust me, it is by the grace of God that I am here today. Some of my past I will never share; I don't want to, nor need to.  When I asked Jesus to forgive me, He forgave, and forgot my sins.  The devil will bring them to mind occasionally to tell me I'm a bad mother, or I'm a bad person, who do I think I am.... and I just turn to him and let him know that I am a child of God, that's who I am!  I belong to Him and nothing that the devil throws at me about my past doesn't matter; I am forgiven, and my sins are remembered no more.  Yeah I still slip up at times, but when I ask forgiveness, I know I am forgiven.

Tired of being reminded of your past?  Think about giving your past to God and seek His forgiveness. He's waiting for you just to ask Him. And He will do it willingly and readily.  Don't delay.  He will fight your battles for you.  And it's great to be able to tell the devil to go back to where he belongs!

Blessings~

It was a good road trip!

 We went to Coco's for breakfast and I bought a dutch apple pie to take down with us.  I drove.  It was an easy trip and highway nearly all the way.  We walked in and I think the women remembered me - or they are overly friendly to all who walk in. LOL Yeah, that's probably it.  Anyway, we first asked for th restroom key cause hubby needed to use it in a hurry.  Sent him on his way.  When they were finished with customers, I put the pie on the counter (along with some of the no-bake cookies) and told who I was and I was there to pick up my glasses.  As a 'thank you', I brought the pie and cookies.  Of course, both of the women said I didn't need to do that, but they appreciated it.  We decided that instead of turning around and leaving right away, we'd walk around for a bit since we had been sitting for over an hour in the car.  We did walk around.  And when I suggested we leave, hubby suggested we go through a couple more rows. He liked this place.  He ended up getting a t-shirt and hat he liked.... and I picked up a few things - some strawberry rhubarb jam (for hubby) and pure maple syrup (for some recipes I want to make), a couple small vases, and you won't believe what I found!  I have seen these before but had forgotten about them. It is a small one, but it will work.  It is a nut breaker.  It's a small jar with a metal lid, and on top of the lid is a gadget with sharp pieces of metal (I can't think how to explain it), that you drop the nuts inside that metal container and turn the handle and the nuts are broken up.  Long way to explain it, but you get the gist, right?  I usually take a long sharp knife and a cutting board to cut the nuts on - will see how this works when I need to.  After walking around for over an hour, we headed back home and got home in fairly good time.  

I did go see Ms. Vicky yesterday and she was happy. Said she had been lonely. She had also fallen yesterday morning and was still in some bruised pain.  She had fallen in the shower and luckily her roommate eventually heard her yelling for help and helped her get up.  I probably need to try to go see Ms. Diane today sometime.

But first, I need to get moving soon and get in the shower and ready for church. I will be honest to admit that I had been hoping that hubby would say he didn't want to go today.  He kept me awake most of the night with his tossing and turning. And, after all, he didn't go last week as I wasn't home, and he said he had a slight headache and queasy tummy last week. And he may have. I just think he didn't want to go without me. He did drive over there and drop off the school supplies I had bought, but then turned around and left.  We really do need to find a place that we can call 'home' and hear from God.  I've been struggling this morning and asking God is this telling us we need to leave?  It took us two years to leave from a former church; I used every excuse I could come up with to stay, but it came to the point that God made sure we would leave; we did.  It feels like we have been searching ever since.  Where does God want us to go?  I don't know, but I long for a place where we feel His Presence and learn about Him and can feel like we are 'home'. 

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV):  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I think of this verse often for it feels like how I feel a lot of times.  I haven't 'made it' yet.  I'm not totally 'on my way' yet, but sometimes we need to let go of the things we hold on to and look to what is ahead of us, because there is a goal set for us in Christ Jesus.

I think of it in church terms because that is the troubling I feel.  We don't want to be 'church hoppers'.  We want to find a church that preaches Jesus and the Bible; and truly worships each week and doesn't put on a performance.  Ten times through the same chorus is too much!  45 minutes to sing three or four songs is too much.  I feel I just 'shut down' when that happens.  I may be caught up in worship in the beginning, but by the time we repeat and repeat and repeat.... I can't do it. I shut down.  Why is that?  A place where when the pastor preaches the people of that culture doesn't yell and scream during the message. (oh yes, it happens, and I think the preaching is punctuated as such to get that response. Is it a builder-upper?). 

I remember when we were going up north and the pastor would be preaching and occasionally would throw in a 'yahoo!' - it would irritate me because the point he was making was good, but when he made the 'yahoo', I lost the entire message in my mind.  Am I just being weird?  Am I just too set in my ways from 30 years at the same church and growing and learning all that time?  I'm really struggling and I keep asking God if He is trying to make it plain to us by our uncomfortable feeling that we need to leave?  And if so, where does He want us to go?  Oh it is a struggle.  Yes, I think I could just stay home and watch Dr. David Jeremiah or Jentezen Frankling, or even Ashley Woodard on the computer on Sundays and get a lot of out of the messages.  But we would not be in community or in fellowship.  

I will be so glad when November comes and the RV preaching starts.  I will be very busy this year and we won't be going to our church much as some months I speak 2-3 times a month!  Would they even miss us?  In a couple churches past, they would ask for the dates we would be gone so that they could pray for us if we were speaking.  I miss the connection and the love that was shown.  Yes, they know I speak of the RV parks over the winter months, but it's like 'they are small and are of no real value, it's not a real church, so what a blessing you are to preach to them'... it is attitude, I think. Not that I am anyone special, for I am definitely not.  But we love the people at the RV parks; especially the one here in town that I speak at the most, and they include us and love us and want to share life with us when we are together.

So what I do, (and should/must do) is let go of what is behind me, and look to what God has for us in the future.  Being patient is not one of my virtues and it is hard. But I keep asking God, "where do You want us to go; what do You want us to do?"  I want to be putty in His hands.  I'm getting older, yes, and soon will be ending yet another year.  But I know that God isn't through with me and I know that He has plans for me.  But what and where and how and when....He just hasn't revealed yet.  Whether we haven't seen it yet, or refuse to look for it.... I pray that He will reveal His plans and purposes for us soon. It is painful to be in this waiting period.  And it's definitely not fun.

And enough of my ramblings this morning.... need to jump in the shower soon. Hope that your day is amazing!

Blessings!

So much for making plans....

 or 'sorta plans' for this morning.  Yesterday I got a phone call from an unknown number.  I debated, but decided to answer it - and it was the mall in Apache Junction where I lost my glasses.  The glasses have been found.  We are sure they are mine for she took three photos - front, side, and from the top - so that I could make sure they were mine.  And they are.  Ironically, I haven't missed them at all this week.  What does that tell me?  Anyway, we are going to do a road trip down to Apache Junction today to the mall to pick up the glasses.  We went back and forth on who was driving - and I've reached the point I just don't care. If it is my time to 'go', it is my time to go, it doesn't matter where I am or who is driving.  I had thoughts of crocheting on the trip.  But, I am the one with the direction screen and I have a full tank of gas, so I am doing the driving today.  It won't be bad, just a little over an hour away.  Surprisingly, less than Tucson!  And I'd much rather go to Tucson!  So that is the plan about 9 or 10AM this morning.  I told hubby that we can drive down and grab lunch there and head back, but I think instead we will eat breakfast here, then head over.  Maybe grab a shake or a drink and then head back after I pick up my glasses.  I had made no-bake cookies last night to take down, but they didn't quite harden enough and they taste full of sugar.  It's been awhile since I have made or eaten any - forgot how much sugar is in them. Not sure if I'll take them down or not.  May pick up something elsewhere as a thank you.  Maybe Coco's for breakfast and pick up a pie.  Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

I survived another work day yesterday and all it's issues.  At one point I got a good laugh.  The president of our division included me on an email to two other outside people and said he wanted a meeting and was including me because I supported two other people he wanted in on the meeting.  I do not support these people - not even him! - and yet he singled me out.  LOL  I've known him for about 6 years and he is a good man and I know he just pulled my name out of a hat because he knows me.  He knew I'd get the job done, and he was right.  I did contact the people and got the meeting scheduled.  Luckily I can see the calendars of the two people from our company he wanted added.  I guess that goes along with my boss's comment that others pass on work to me because I'm competent and they know they can depend on me to get it done. :-)  Is that a good thing?

Hubby and I are having a debate about churches again.  I know, it comes up ever so often.  And yes, the women's thing is today and I'm not going.  No one has even inquired if I was - or wasn't.  I'm invisible, I guess. I'm not in the clique.  I've tried to get involved.  Enough of that.  Anyway, the debate about churches came up because the bible study hubby goes to on Friday mornings, he says he feel 'out of the loop' sometimes because all of them (about 5-6 others) attend our former church.  We've known these men and their families forever, it seems, as we attended that church about 30 years.  They talk about things going on in the church and he feels left out.  But, it is quite a distance to drive now, even if we wanted to go back there.  I like close.  In fact, hubby 'found' a church nearby he wants to try... until I reminded him that the neighbor across the way goes there and he can't stand her.  He thinks she is a busybody and although she is on the board, she is always asking they change the meetings for her benefit and talk about nosey!  I am nosey, I admit it, but I do not walk around people's courtyards or go in to their garages.  (when we were having trouble with our garage door, it had come open and she told me she went in to our garage and walked around, looking for the down switch.  Now think about it - it wouldn't have worked for her as by the time she headed out the door it would go back up)  It made me uncomfortable that she even came in to our garage.  But this week she reported she went into a neighbor's courtyard because she knew they were still out of town and wanted to see if everything was ok.  Ok - there was a leak in the courtyard, but still.  Every morning she is walking around every house in our hoa and making notes on who has weeds that need to be pulled that are their responsibility and other things.  She is annoying.  He is rethinking that thought of going to the same church. LOL

I went to lunch one time with her right after she moved in.  I think I wrote about it. Remember the retreat I had to do in Tucson a year or so ago and I was stressing about it?  My fault, I had mentioned it to her as we talked - and she had started telling me what to do.  I shut down on that. Haven't asked her to lunch since. I don't like people telling me what to do.  Friends are to listen and offer advice if asked.  Not offer to take it over!  Offer suggestions; don't tell how to do it!  Anyway, we wave and chat, but have not become good friends like I would have wanted. 

Haven't seen much of our new neighbors.  I'm glad they are moved in, and we have met them and have chatted with them, and they are very friendly when we see them outside. But I'm also glad they aren't running over here and being overly friendly.  I like my space.  A lot. In fact, I need to get back in to seeing Ms. Diane and Ms. Vicky more.  They both comment when I do get over to see them that it has been forever.  Ms. Vicky will text or call me to see if I'm ok, and come over when I want to.  Guilt trips? Somewhat, but some times I just don't want to. And that's ok. Maybe I can get over to see both this weekend. I'm trying to remember to mark it on my calendar so I know how long it's been. I do need to go more often than every six weeks or so.  Ms. Diane I used to go see every week and I have gotten so lazy.  It's been two weeks I think already since I visited her.  

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV):  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the of throne of God.

Have you ever thought about who those witnesses of our life are, while we 'run' this race of life on a daily basis?  It's not only the people around us who are observing if we are who we say we are (Christian versus non-Christian; let's use that).  We are being witnessed by those who have gone before us.  My dad and mom, because I want to believe they are in heaven, are watching me.  My friends who have passed, because I want to believe they 'ran the race well' and are in heaven, they are watching me. My spouse is watching me. My friends are watching me. My children, my grandchildren, and now even my great-grandchildren, all watch how I respond to different things.  And your people watch you. It's kind of scary at times, isn't it?  You know how often I fall on my face and fail .... I share that.  But do you also know that we have a forgiving heavenly Father who loves us so much, that when we come to Him and ask forgiveness, He willingly extends forgiveness to us?

Yeah, we have to ask for it.  And can you picture the devil trying to get in God's face telling Him how bad we are.... and Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, steps in and says "hold up, Satan!  I went to the cross for this person and I am their Advocate before My Father.  They have asked for forgiveness, and it has been extended to them.  You lose again, Satan!"  Don't you just love to tell Satan to go back from where he came?!  We are forgiven, because of what Jesus did for us in our place.

Jesus went to the cross and suffered and died, for you and for me.  I doubt if any of our 'friends' would do that.  Because of Jesus's suffering, His death, His resurrection, we can live forever with Him who sits on the throne.  Hallelujah!  I don't know about you, but I am grateful there is One who loves me so much that He died for me.   He rose again on the third day, and sits now at the right hand of our Heavenly Father.  This I know, for the Bible tells me so.  And if God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!

Blessings!

Just a bunch of ramblings....

 I'm short on time today - not going in to why - but still wanted to get a few lines off before I need to get o the work computer.  I have about 20 minutes - how fast can I type - and think of something?  I have no clue - thus, I stated 'ramblings'.

Ms. Vicky's roof replacement surprised us immensely!  They started about 5:30AM - there were nine men at one time on the roof - and all the shingles came off, the air conditioner was taken off and put back up after all the new shingles were added, and they were all gone by 2PM and everything was cleaned up.  Now THAT was amazing!  Ms. Vicky was able to get her house insurance to pay for it, but it still cost the insurance company $20K to replace half of a duplex roof.  I can't even imagine!  The cost of things nowadays.  I remember at our 'pink house' when the insurance replaced the roof, I think it was around $10K and at the most $15K.  And that was a 2000 square foot house!  I want to say it is greedy people - at the start of the line, know what I mean?  The person who gathers the material (using the roof as an example), they decide how much it is worth for them to make a nice profit, then the production people decide how they want a nice profit, then the ... well, you get the picture.  By the time it gets to the person buying it and having it installed, it is beyond outrageous.  And that is just roofing.  Ms. Vicky still had to come up with the deductible - but because they allowed them to put a sign in her yard about their company, they only charged her a $250 deductible.  She needed a new roof, out of pocket $250, yeah, let the insurance company pay for it - that's what we have them for, right?

This has been a troublesome week at work and I've had to do a lot of erasing sarcastic comments to people and a lot of praying to get through it.  Grateful today is Friday.  I found out yesterday that my frustration at my male boss's people being too lazy to do their jobs and pushing it off on me, has not gone unnoticed.  I was chatting with our disaster recovery person yesterday and he mentioned he knew of a couple in this group who have been the most complaining, most annoyed people in this global disaster of computer world and we both agreed we would not name names, nor would we discuss it further.  So we dropped it.  It actually made me feel better that someone knew what I was having to deal with concerning this group of people, although I still have to do their job.  And I let my favorite boss know cause she is the one who determines our raises - and she has always been very kind to me.  When I get a compliment, she files it and she uses them in her justifications for my raises.  Trust me, all this will be justified!  LOL  I have actually had two unexpected notes lately on which she was copied that said I was amazing and how appreciative they were I completed specific tasks for them.  Not from this one group, of course, but from other departments that are not even under my support umbrella!  Those were unexpected and surprising - and I was glad she got a copy of them.  Very nice to receive as well.  Sometimes it makes me feel that I'm doing something right.  One person yesterday sent me an email and said that the reason everyone outside my area come to me was that I was competent and always got the job done quickly.  Well, when given a task, what are we to do?  Say no, you aren't in my area?  HAH!  Like that would fly!

I had my second workout last night and all we did was biceps and triceps - now we are done for this week.  Monday will be legs again.  I'm grateful I don't get sore anymore, but I can usually tell I worked out.  Love that I'm building strength; just wish I could lose the fat that is covering those muscles.  I bought some workout shirts but even though I bought a large, they fit too tight for me; my trainer tells me that my muscles are growing, which is why things are fitting tight.  Well, stop the muscles and get rid of this fat!  Oh, guess I need to quit eating junk food, huh, and eat more healthy.  Thinking about getting another treadmill..... I get on the trampoline, but I need to watch my balance on it.  I like walking - but then I ask myself - will I use it?  I may talk to Ms. Vicky.  She has one she is thinking of getting rid of.  I know it will be nice cause it is a 'one owner'.  It's in her bedroom and she doesn't use it anymore because one day she was using it, reading her kindle, and lost her balance and fell.... she said it wasn't pretty.  She hasn't been on it since.  But do I want to rearrange my back room again - and even more so, do I want to listen to hubby complain about it.  Mine was getting noisy when we got rid of it. It needed oil on the motor (after all, it was nearly 15 years old I think), but it has been sold now so it's gone.  I feel if I get more cardio I can drop this fat... but, oh well, I'm complained enough before so am just dropping it here.

And, it's time for me to get on the work computer.  My apology for rambling on.  Plans for the weekend?  Not really.  I should go to a women's thing tomorrow at church, but I don't want to.  Potluck and play games.  I'm not much into playing games with 6-8 people I don't know.  So, I think instead I will tell hubby I will have a one person retreat and stay in this room until noon.  I can pray, and read, and pray some more, and just spend my morning with God.  I used to do that frequently, but it has been far too long since I have spent quality time and quanity time with my Lord.  I think that is a good idea.  Now to convince hubby to not interrupt me tomorrow and just leave me alone until noon.   Will see if I can do it.  He's off to his Bible study this morning, and I think he said he was coming back home, then going to the gym, then to get a haircut at noon.  Ok... nice he lets me know where he will be.  Still hesitant on putting life 360 back on his phone.  He literally will sit and track me if I'm out somewhere, and then will question me.  But, I do need to keep track on him when I notice he is gone for a lengthy amount of time. I don't always remember where he is supposed to be, and since he doesn't always remember where he is going, sometimes it is good I track.  Still thinking about it.

Got to go - work calls!  Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

It's going to be a noisy day!

 At 5AM this morning I hear a vehicle motor going by real slow.  I keep listening, finally going to look out my window and see two pick up trucks that are nearly in front of our house.  Then I remember.  Ms. Vicky is having a new roof put on her house this morning.  Yesterday the shingles were delivered and put on top of the house.  This morning I have heard various movement out there that they are preparing to make some noise!  Actually, the noise I hear at the moment is the landscapers out there trimming hedges and mowing the grass.  Such grass that there is.  It's almost like why bother to mow it - our front yards are nearly all dirt.  Another gripe of mine.  Anyway, the landscapers are making their noise and before long we will hear scaping off of shingles next door and then the consistent pounding of the nails into new shingles.  Oh joy. Will I need an excedrin by the time they get done?

Got to straighten up the house this morning as our house cleaners will be coming around noon.  Yeah, we run around and empty trash cans and pick up our things off the floor so that they can clean.  Except my closet.  Sigh.  I really do need to get in there and clean it out.  I just shut the door now.  Third month in a row.  I must make the effort to get in and let go of t-shirts I don't wear anymore and things I don't need to hold on to.  I've been lazy in that respect, and I need to get it done.  Right?

My board meeting scheduled on August 14th has to be moved so as soon as I get it moved, I am taking the day off.  I already have the 15th and 16th off.  It's our 43rd anniversary - can you even imagine that?!  I was going to take off immediately after the board meeting, but now that I have to move it, I can just take the entire day off.  But first, still working on when to move it.  Hope to get that resolved today.  Yesterday was a nightmare for working on meetings and I really got irritated when one of the directors and their associate directors were telling me to do what they should be doing.  Yeah, they think I should get the dirty work and I really don't have a choice in the matter, but I was irritated they dumped it on me.  And I have no clue how to do it - and told the director so! But, I will have to find out and do it anyway.  All the other departments I support take care of their own departments - but this one - and yes, it is the male boss's lineage - they dump even the littlest things.  I was annoyed, to say the least.  Suck it up buttercup; you gotta do it anyway.

I read some more in my book last night and although it is similar to some books I have read, it is different.  Hard to explain.  Anyway, last night I was reading about solitude.  You know how I love my alone time with God.  But it was also talking about taking the time alone to just 'be'.  You know, not keep the mind reflecting on so many tasks that you have before you, or all the troubles that beset you, but to just be still.

Psalm 46:10 :  Be still and know that I am God.

Yeah, you know, THAT verse.  Be still and know.  Sometimes when I can 'be still' I will sit with my eyes closed and allow the quietness to surround me.  Other times, especially if I am outside, I enjoy leaving my eyes open and just looking around me and seeing the beauty that God has created.  The key here in all this is just to 'Be Still and Know'.  And it is better to even to continue with the 'that I am God'.  He created you in His image.  He created all your children in His image.  Do you not think that we should pause and think of Him and thank Him for all His goodness to us?

I really got hung up on the chapter about solitude and may go back and read it again.  Hubby had the game on when I was reading that chapter so had to reread several sentences.  And he was making his comments often enough I finally asked him to stop as I was trying to read.  I don't care 'strike him out!!' or 'come on, we need a home run!' if I'm not reading - but come on!  If someone is reading and you want to watch TV - fine - but be quiet!  Right?  It's bad enough the tv was on!  Anyway, I have purchased a couple books about solitude and I think that I will dig those out and read after I finish this book.  I haven't gotten to them yet, I don't think.  

I felt towards the end of last year that I needed to create a women's retreat and invite a few women to go on at least an overnight or two day retreat.  I need to create an agenda for it, of course, but a large portion of the time would be spent in solitude and prayer.  I really had a burden to do that earlier this year, but life happens and things happen and it got put on the back burner.  I still want to create a small women's retreat - go to a hotel for a couple nights and make it one in which the women could get closer to God, and help them find their way when they struggle.  Find whom they can run to when their heart is broken and hurting.  Lord knows that my heart has been broken and beaten up many, many times over the years.  Sometimes the pain is so great from the breakage I don't know if I can make it - and yet, He draws me close to His heart and brings hope and healing.

Do you ever feel that your heart hurts so bad that nothing can bring healing?  There is something, actually, there is some One who can bring healing.  He wants you to bring the broken pieces of your heart to Him, and He will put them back together for you.  Perhaps not in the way you want Him to - but it will be better.  I promise.  He has taken the broken pieces of my heart, my life, and put them back together in ways I would never have thought possible.  Even now, when I hurt so bad I don't know what to do, I surrender my heart to Him, for I have no place else to turn.  He is always waiting to hold me close and He is waiting for you to surrender your problems to Him and your broken heart to Him as well.  Will you let them go?  He can put things back together faster and better than you could ever do on your own.  "let it go" as the movie Frozen says.

Blessings!

But is it my fault?

 Hubby made an 'offhand' comment this morning when he brought my coffee to me.  Sigh.  What about?  My snoring.  I can't help it.  I have no control over it.  Yes, he has worn ear plugs for years.  When I am really tired, or if I take a tylenol or ibuprofen before I go to bed and then go in to a deep sleep.... yeah, it could probably be just as bad.  And I took a tylenol last night because I had a headache brewing (probably due to our wonderful weather conditions).  I have already made a mental note to discuss it with my doctor when I go see her in September for my well-being physical.  Want to talk to her about a couple other things too, such as getting a base chest x-ray and EKG.  I haven't any either of those in over 5 years, since I changed from my 'old' doctor on down.  I still have fits of coughing in the mornings - which I still say is from the trip up north and sleeping in a room that had strong disinfectant smell.  My lungs haven't been the same since. Not going into that one now.

But it annoys me when hubby has to make his snide comments about my snoring.  He snores too - and sometimes loudly.  I don't bother to say anything.  Some day he will MISS my snoring - right?  Is my snoring MY fault?

Years ago I did ask one doctor about my snoring.... he told me to lose weight.  So I've added about another 30 pounds.  Got even with him, didn't I!  Actually, I didn't add weight intentionally..... I love food.... what can I say? I make it, I eat it!  Besides, it isn't all my fault!  Hubby came home from Walgreens the other day with a large package of double-stuff Oreos he bought for me.  AND a small box of Cheezits!!   BUT - the Oreos aren't doing anything for me... he bought gluten-free and they have no taste.  NONE. And I heard that because they took the gluten out, they have other things in there that make you fat.  Yes, I'm eating them, but not like I would if they were the 'real thing'.  But I have been in the Cheezits.  I love them. He said he bought them for himself.... but I opened the box yesterday and got into them.  Teach him to give me something gluten free.  I don't think he even noticed what it was; just saw Oreos.  Sometimes he just doesn't 'read' what he's getting or understand what it means.

I stayed home alone last night and thoroughly enjoyed my quiet time.  I did watch a movie - 'Love at the Lodge' - which was sweet, then turned the TV off and got to read for about an hour before hubby came home.  Loved having me some quiet reading time.  Hubby had some 'attitude' when I didn't put my book down to let him tell me what they did.  When I finished the chapter I put the book down and let him talk. 

With taking a tylenol last night I didn't wake up until hubby jumped up nearly 5AM so I'm running behind this morning on my usual routine.  And you know what?  That's ok.  I needed the extra rest.  Work is stressful and a little extra sleep helps me get through it - right?

I knew I should have brought my book in here I was reading last night!  There was something in the book that stood out and I thought when I read it that I wanted to share it with it.  I'm not getting up now to get it; I probably couldn't find it.  But it is talking about being in a desert place.

Desert Place.  You know what that is.  When everything seems impossible; nothing is working; life is a struggle; and you feel so alone in all the troubles.  That's one way of looking at it.  But a desert place for people can be something different thing for each one.  I feel like I go through desert places fairly frequently anymore.  I have lost my identity, I feel.  It's hard to explain what that means, but I don't feel I am who I should be, or want to be.  I feel in 'left field'.  And I blame it mainly on working remotely and not being around people like I have been for years.  I love people and I love being around them, being a part of their lives, and them a part of mine.  And now, more often than not, I am basically 'alone'.  And being alone isn't always a good thing.

Sometimes it is, for you know I love my alone time, but that is because I feel I have an attachment at times.  I can't do things I want to do. And I've gotten to lazy to do some of the things I can.  Oh if I want to work out, it's a good thing!  But go for a walk?  That's totally different.  So I have grown lazy and it is my fault.  I need to just do it and make myself do things.'

My granddaughter was going to make bread yesterday or today, I think.  Her mama and I are splitting a loaf and I can't wait.  Her sourdough bread is amazing.  Yes, it's bread and I eat too much of it, but it is what it is.  I'm not turning down bread.  I would love to try my hand at it again.  The last time I made bread?  Probably back in the 70's.  Believe it or not, the economy was such that I was given $5 for groceries each week, and I was able to get potatoes, and one or two packages of meat.  We ate lamb and pork chops a lot.  Oh, and hamburger.  I fried up pork steaks frequently. Yeah, drenched in grease. LOL Because we didn't have a lot of money, I learned how to cook a lot of things from scratch.  It was then I started making homemade noodles.  They do taste better than just storebought noodles, don't you agree?

Hmmm maybe I'll check in to an attachment for my mixer and find a pasta one - I could make my own noodles - wouldn't that be fun!  I still make some things from scratch, but not as often.  I enjoy creating new things and giving them away.  I made this great frozen dessert a couple weeks ago with strawberries.  So easy to make.  I do want to make more and give it away.  I think we have one piece left in the freezer.  Hubby was eating it while I was gone.  

Why don't I make more things from scratch anymore?  I don't know, really.  I mean, cookies and cakes from 'scratch' isn't the same as creating a dish from scratch, is it?  I have a lot of cookbooks and oftentimes I think I want to grab one and just start going through it, making things.  But then, who would eat it all?  My children live too far away to be running it out to them all the time.  And maybe they wouldn't want it.  My neighbors will take it, but then they feel obligated to me... and I don't like that.  I want them to enjoy it without feeling they have to reciprocate.  

And my thoughts are rambling this morning over making things from scratch and I think I'll just hush.  

Remember Elijah in the Bible?  After God defeated all the idol priests and Elijah killed them all (wasn't it about 900 of them?), Jezebel threatened Elijah's life and he ran away.  Leaving his servant in a small town, he ran out in to the desert.  Exhausted and depressed, he asked God to just let him die.  He felt he was nothing; had nothing, and deserved nothing but death.  He fell asleep, and was awakened by an angel who told him to eat and drink, and Elijah saw bread being baked on a rock near his head. So he ate and drank, and fell back to sleep.  The angel woke him again and told him to eat and drink for the journey was long.  So Elijah again ate fresh bread and drank the water....  and then journeyed 40 days and 40 nights without food and water to Mount Horeb, God's mountain.  He went up to meet with God. And God spoke to him.  You really need to read this!!  There is so much written in this scripture that gives you pause and you think how much better your life would be if you would listen when God speaks to you. He does it in so many ways!!  

Seriously - read 1 Kings starting with chapter 17.   Elijah is introduced in chapter 17 I believe, and then read through to 2 Kings 2  It tells of all Elijah did.  I often have prayed that like Elisha, who followed after Elijah, that I would receive a double mantle of Elijah.... and when I do, my life gets turned upside down. But that's another topic for another day.

Read about Elijah - and Elisha, for that matter.  They both are my favorite prophets in the Bible.  I want to be like Elijah and Elisha - fearlessly proclaiming the Word of the Lord and standing firm on His promises.  

God is good, and He is faithful at all times.  Even when we are going through our desert place, He is still there, waiting for us to listen.  Sometimes we need to shut out the world, all the noise, and just wait. And when you wait, you will hear His voice.  Listen.  

Blessings!

I survived the first day back to work

 although I'm not sure how!  It was an extremely busy day, for sure, but I finally got through all the emails and got a list of the meetings that I needed to schedule.  Got some scheduled, got emails sent to other admins to check availability for their people, still waiting on responses. I may be busy this morning if they have responded.  

Hubby took me out to dinner last night (he said because I was so busy yesterday he thought for sure I'd be exhausted) and we ended up at Panera's.  Wow, we haven't eaten there for awhile and we may as well have gone to a restaurant - it was over $40!  Ok - so I got two half-priced pastries (which was stupid on my part, but $2 each, why not? Hubby was buying!) and then I got the 'pick 2' - hubby got a salad.  And we got two drinks.  Over $40 is too much.  But we had a good meal.  Didn't get much done afterwards; I crochet'd and finished a baby blanket; hubby watched the Diamondbacks lose the ballgame.

Hubby is meeting a friend for coffee this morning.  It's funny at times in that he will come ask me if it's ok he meets Bill for breakfast.  Well, yeah, I have to work, so yeah, it is ok you meet him for breakfast.  He has figured out he was spending nearly $100 a week on his breakfasts and lunches and I am amused now when he comes home with the receipt and complains about the cost of everything and how he chooses certain things because he thought it would be cheaper (although it usually isn't).  I don't care.  If we were finally strapped as we have been nearly all our married life, it would be different. But, since we moved and lowered our expenses, it isn't so bad.  After all, if I want to have lunch with one of my friends, I will have lunch with them! :-)  Few and far between because of work, but, if I want to meet for lunch... LOL .. although my dear friend and I have taken to meeting at Jack in the Box for lunch because we were spending nearly $20 for a salad and drinking water at some restaurants.  We both agreed we still want to meet for lunch, but we definitely don't need to spend $20 every time!  We can get a sandwich and a drink at Jack in the Box for less than $10 and that works for both of us!  And no tipping like we do at a restaurant!

My company, and many others, had computer issues Friday and over the weekend.  Fortunately, I had my computer turned off and it did not affect me.  Now I'm being asked to submit mileage for people for the company had to send those with computer issues (I guess they ended up with a blue screen that wouldn't go away) to some place to fix it - and those that had to go there, get mileage for their travel.  Still grateful it didn't affect me.  Can you even imagine the mess I would have had yesterday if I had to get my computer fixed before I could get on it to respond to those over 200 emails?  I need to get in the habit of turning my work computer off every night... but many times I have a meeting pending and I have it ready to go once I hear back from someone and I don't want to redo it.  But maybe I should.  You never know when this can happen again.  The hospitals had to cancel all inpatient surgeries and a lot of other things as their computers were also affected.  Still, creating a meeting is a lot easier if I don't have conflicts.

Matthew 19:14 (NIV):  Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

How many times do adults tend to 'dismiss' children because they don't want to be bothered with them?  I can think of a couple people who do that on occasion.  Me, I love children, and I love being around them.  When my grandchildren were younger, and I got to see them more often, I often said that my grandchildren are what keeps me young.  I can tell I'm not seeing 'young children' as much as I need to - I am feeling like I'm getting pretty old!  (I blame that on hubby; he IS old!) LOL  Seriously, I know I can't do some things like I used to, but to not even be able to try has just dropped me down to a new level of life.  I have probably shared too much over the years.... but I need to push through and fight against the 'can't' and the 'unable' and the 'won't' thoughts and comments... and as Nike says, 'Just do it'!  I see these articles of women who are in their 80's, 90's, and even 100 and over - running in marathons!! How I wish I had people in my life who would encourage me to live like that.  Yeah, I'm working out, but 2 30 minute sessions a week doesn't do a whole lot - altho it does help me keep moving.  I gave up my treadmill several months ago.... but I'm thinking I need to get another one so that I can 'make' myself walk / run and keep moving.  Sitting at my desk all day doesn't do much for the body.  I need to move it. I see posts of my friends hiking mountains, going on trips, and doing amazing things.... and it makes me happy for them, but disappointed that I am unable to be alive like that. Ok - I'll hush. No feeling sorry for myself. We all have our issues, right?

My grandchildren did keep me young, and I love spending time with the great-grandchildren, although that is time far between, and hubby can't deal with long-term so it's just as well.  

And, I'm not thinking this morning and don't have anything to share.... maybe tomorrow I will be more alert in the mind.  Think I'll hit the shower and clear the head.

Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

Getting back in to routine mode

 Well, hubby didn't go to church yesterday, other than dropping off the school supplies that I had purchased for us to donate for teachers.  When questioned, he said he had a headache and his stomach felt queasy.  He didn't remember how to get to our granddaughters so I ended up at the daughter's house for him to come pick me up.  He missed my text so I ended up having to call him.  He wanted to stop and grab lunch somewhere, but I said no, for us to go on home (I really wasn't hungry; we had McDonald's around 10AM and it was only 1PM).  "Fine, I'll fix something at home." he responded.  (he didn't).  Reaching home, and unpacking the car, he had the baseball game on.  I started unpacking some things and opening some Amazon packages that came while I was gone.  He had to stand and watch, of course.  Then back to the ballgame, then he switched it over to NCIS.  Around 4PM he says if I'll decide where to go, he will buy dinner, as he was getting hungry.  I got up and threw some meat in a bowl of cold water to defrost.  I didn't really feel like going out - and if we did, I'd want fast food just to get it done - and I know we'd fight about it.  He loves sit-down dinners.  About 5PM he mentioned food again so I went into the kitchen and put the meat in the air fryer and started heating up veggies.  He hung around in the kitchen, trying to see what I was fixing, but didn't ask.  LOL  When I went into the other room, I heard the air fryer beep from where he opened it up to see what I was fixing.  Then he sat back down; I guess it met his approval.  We ate and then it was 'want to watch a movie or read?' question I always get.  I told him I don't care - whatever he wants.  So it was a movie.  After that one, it was 7:30PM and he was asking again if I wanted to watch another movie.  "No" was my answer.  Turn the TV off.  So we had silence as we went through our phones for the last hour or so before heading to bed.  A usual dull evening at our place.  I really wanted to read, but I was so sleepy I knew I couldn't get in to the book so didn't bother.

No training at the gym for me tonight; my trainer took a weekend trip and has moved my training to Wednesday and Thursday this week.  After working core last Wednesday I really expected my 'core' to be really hurting this weekend - but it did not.  Not that I want my body to hurt, but it just seems that lately I'm not getting as sore as I did in the beginning.  Muscle recall and I'm not hurting?  I don't know.

With the systems crashing last Friday around the world, including my company, with Microsoft all screwy, I don't know what I'll be facing this morning. Last I checked on my phone I had 203 emails, but only a few are mine to work on.  I notice my male boss has a couple difficult tasks for me to do - one he even IM'd me so that I'd be sure to get it.  Skimming his message - no, I don't want to do it. But, alas, I have no choice. It's 'suck it up, buttercup'!  

I also need to start focusing on a message and songs for the independent nursing facility that I have been asked to speak at the first Sunday in August.  At least I have messages that I've done at the RV parks I can use, but I need to shorten them a little bit.  Not as much as I did the first time - lol - we were done with the entire service in 40 minutes!  (Maybe that is why they wanted me to come back?)  I need to find songs as well for we will do those acapella because I don't have a sound bar; and I don't have songs downloaded on my phone.  Nor do I plan to.  I just look for songs I think they know, and then type out the verses we are to sing.  It worked last time and many participated.  I should have pursued learning how to use the guitar I had.  I even have a keyboard now, but I don't know how to play it other than right hand on a couple songs.  Maybe I should take piano/keyboard lessons instead. 

Learning new things shouldn't weigh me down.  But it does.  There are so many things that I want to do - but before I sign up, or before I do them, I talk myself out of it.  I think it is depression that tells me to just go sit and not do anything, for what if I get started and someone nags at me about not being available .... I guess I've gone through too much of this in the past that I just shut down.  There are many courses that I can take for free at some Christian colleges, and I did start one time, but I always retreat and don't complete.  Then I beat myself up. Tell myself I don't have time.  And yet, I think back twenty years ago when I was teaching two classes and was so active in church and learning new things all the time.  It's like my life has shut down, especially since I have been working from home since 2019 - or was it 2020?  I don't remember.  Working from home has it advantages, believe me, but I miss the social interaction.  I also feel that if I could be face to face with my bosses, then I could understand more of what they (he) wants and be able to complete my tasks much easier.  Words over a computer just doesn't do it.  My mind has grown dull and I have as well.  Will I ever come to life again?

I can't remember what it felt like to feel 'alive'.  I used to claim small mountains!  I used to run; to walk long distances.  I see about these 80-100+ old women who are weight lifting heavy weights; they are running marathons, and my heart longs to live and be alive again.  You may not understand what I am feeling, but I never imagined my life to be as dull and unproductive as it is.  

But, I got to quit wallowing and get my head on straight for I know it is 'timecard Monday' and my favorite boss is on PTO today - I sent her a note before I left asking if I needed to approve her people's timecards.  I need to see if she answered me.  I usually go ahead and work on days I approve timecards, but I could easily take the day off and jump on long enough to approve and then sign back off.  I should do that instead of working around the timecards.  Especially if I am staying home.

I love what I read in The Passion Translation this morning.

Psalm 5:1-3 (TPT):  Listen, Yahweh, to my passionate prayer! Can't you hear my groaning? Don't you hear how I'm crying out to you? My King and my God, consider my every word, for I am calling out to you. At each and every sunrise you will hear my voice as I prepare my sacrifice of prayer to you. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on the altar and wait for your file to fall upon my heart.

And that is what we are to do.  Come to Him and lay out the pieces of our heart, and then wait for Him to share with us what we are to do.  So many times I seem to think that my way is better, for to wait for something is at times too much to ask. Ever have that happen to you?  You want your answer NOW, and if you don't get it NOW, you think that you know the best way to go?  Sometimes the best answer is to just WAIT and allow God to do His work in us as He prepares us for the answer.  

Every time I have received what I felt was a closed door, I told myself that I was in a waiting period, and that I needed to study and learn and use that 'waiting' time to gather useful information for my heart's desire to teach others about Jesus.  But circumstances happen.  I have lost my waiting years and now I am the one who is lost.  Oh that I might hear what Yahweh says to me in this time of my life! That my ears will be open to His voice; that I will pause my life long enough to take the time to truly wait upon Him.  Oh how I wish I could shut myself up in my room for days at a time, and just sit and wait upon Him! 

When was the last time that you took time to sit and wait upon Yahweh?  He is our only King and our only God.  He deserves all the honor, all the praise, all the glory.  All that we have is not by our hands; it is by His.  Remember what Job said?  I came into this world naked, and I will leave naked... blessed is the name of the Lord. (Paraphrased, of course).  

I have a few minutes before I need to get on the work computer so I think I will lay out my requests to my King and my Yahweh this morning and wait.  Yeah, have to keep an eye on the clock, but I can still wait.  What about you?

How about stopping your scrolling through your computer and just sit and tell God what is going on in your life and ask Him what does He want you to do?  

Blessings!

Last Day and Heading Home

 I did something that I haven't done in a long, long while.  I slept in until 5:45AM!  I went to bed later than usual as well.  I didn't take the time to read my other books this morning, but after reading my Bible decided I wanted a quick shower while the others were still asleep.  I love this shower; love the flow of the water.  A nice leisurely shower this morning felt so good.  I came out and found the little one up.  She was sitting patiently for someone to get up and turn the TV on.  I couldn't figure out how to get to the children's programs, so mommy came out and turned it on Storybooks.  I sent mom back to bed as I was going to be up.  Well, after drinking some water, I headed back down the hall for just a moment! and I hear a door slam.  That little one followed me down the hall and by the time I got out of the bathroom I hear a "Mommy, I want you to play with me!"  Mommy got up even though I was telling her to go back to bed.

The steamboat ride last night was fun.  We sat near where 'Captain Jeff' was steering the boat.  He offered to let the little one steer the boat, but she played shy for awhile.  Our dinner was delicious!  I forget the actual names they used for it - but it was a chicken breast in a cream sauce and two slices of a beef dish; like steak.  Very tender.  A scoop of mashed potatoes, green beans and a salad rounded it all out.  Followed up with a slice of cheesecake.  It was all good and we enjoyed it.  So much food I couldn't eat it all!  We were seated on the lower level where we could see out, but we had the air conditioning.  There was an upper deck without air conditioning.  We also had an area where we could stand outside at the front of the steamboat.  It was very warm though, so we didn't stay long.  Captain Jeff offered to take photos where there was a background called the 'four peaks' - where there were four mountains seen through a break in the landscape.  We got together and he took our photo and it really turned out good.  It was hot, humid, and muggy on the lake so you can imagine how flat my hair was, but you know what, it isn't about me. It's about the memory I got to make with everyone.  I'm always critical of my photos, but it's who I'm with and the memory we made, not what I looked like.  The little one eventually got over her fear of steering the boat and got to steer the boat for a few minutes, even wearing the captain's hat!  Yes, of course we got photos.  It was a good trip and we all enjoyed the dinner cruise on the Dolly Steamboat.  (maybe a little trip another grandparent could plan to take their little one on!)

I realize we may have 'made a mistake' in the idea of not letting me cook while on Jailbreak.  At least get breakfast food to get us started.  Now we will need to go out for breakfast fairly soon for we do not have any 'food' other than fruit.  That's not enough for a little one.  Hot chocolate is taking care of thinking about food for the moment.  And for me, COFFEE.  I'm not used to getting my own coffee so I couldn't figure out what I had a bit of a headache this morning.  Oh yeah, I haven't had my coffee yet.  So glad I brought my Sumatra coffee k-cups with me - they just have medium, and it wouldn't have satisfied my taste buds, for sure.  Nor the headache.  But, with my cup nearly gone, my head feels much better.  

All that is on the agenda today is packing up, putting the towels and sheets in the laundry room, dishes in the dishwasher and make sure everything is back in place - and then head out the door.  Hopefully we don't forget anything.  The little one has toys scattered everywhere so hopefully we can find everything. I think we need to check out by 11AM and then we will head back home.  Sometime between now and 11AM we need to either pack up and lock up and head out for breakfast - or go for a quickie breakfast at McDonalds or someplace and then come back to make sure we have everything.  We may do that; it may be the easiest.  I'm not so worried about food, but my daughter is a diabetic and needs to get food in her soon.  Plus the little one needs to eat.

It's been a great few days away from home and this is a great place to stay.  We spent a lot of time in the game room yesterday afternoon.  I was sitting in the house while the others were out in the game room and it dawned on me.... if I don't participate, then I'm not part of the memories.  Does that make sense?  Me sitting on the couch crocheting and others are away playing together isn't making memories to leave them with.  So I got up off my butt and went to the game room and played some games with them.  It was good for me and we had fun.

Today, as I mentioned above, we head back home soon.  It will be good to get back into my daily routine, especially with my quiet time.  I've stayed up later than usual so I've tried to sleep later, and then when I hear others up, I want to get up and come out here too.  Just taking time to read in my Bible for the most part.  Haven't done much else.  Just not into structure here.  

Ok - looks like we need to get moving this morning.  Obviously, my thoughts are all over the place since I'm at the kitchen table and talking with everyone while typing this.  But hey - at least I'm typing something, right?  Told my daughter of my idea of getting McDonald's for breakfast so she is busy getting ready.  Once everyone else is dressed and ready, we'll grab breakfast and then back here to pack and clean up.  So with all my ramblings, I'll hush and get my computer packed away and make sure I get my things together. 

I'll be texting hubby once we are back so that he can come pick me up.  Then we'll probably go to lunch since he will be hungry - and I possibly will be as well by then.  Maybe I can get him to just 'quick food' like Jack in the Box and then head home.  But I got to get off the junk food and back to eating right.  I've enjoyed my time with my girls and am grateful they still want to do a jailbreak every year.  We keep saying we need to play something special next year since it will be year 10.  

Well, that was weird.  I just noticed that hubby had called about 30 minutes ago but didn't leave a message.  I called him to see what was wrong - and he says "I hit it by accident".  My first thought - and the first words out of my mouth were "you hit my car by accident?"  LOL  He is always so close to my car when he backs out of the garage, so that was my first thought.  But no, he said he hit my phone number by accident.  (whew)  Then he tells me that he will go to church and drop off the school supplies that I bought to donate, then he was coming back home to wait for me to call; he wasn't going to church.  I asked him why, as we won't be back until at least 12:30 I'm thinking.  So he said he'd think about it; church doesn't start for two hours yet. You think he is anxious for me to get back?  He can not stand to be alone and I think being alone these three days has scared him.  He's so afraid something will happen, i.e. he will fall and hurt himself and no one will be there to help him.  

Well, I need to get busy - so I'm off here.  Have a great day!

Blessings!

Lazy Day

 Yesterday was a lazy day.  We ate breakfast of turnovers and coffee and about 10AM headed out to shop - first at Hobby Lobby and then on to JoAnn Fabrics.  Yes, we have those from 'where we are from', but hey, they are here.  Granddaughter bought a lot of material scraps that were on sale and she was very happy about her ideas of making things for the little one.  Daughter bought for the granddaughter - of course. LOL Me - I bought whatever I wanted.  Seriously, I think I bought about 3 skeins of yarn at either place - and they were on sale.  Maybe a little something or other as well.  Went for lunch after those two shopping sprees and we had no mishaps there.  After lunch back to the house and we just chilled for the rest of the day; ordering Dominos for dinner.  I ate a hamburger at lunch and a few fries, but I sure wasn't hungry the rest of the day, but 'forced' myself to eat two pieces of pizza.  Shows how well my girls know me.  Ha Ha.  They know I like jalapenos on my pizza (or at least red peppers) - and obviously they have not been with me when I've ordered pizza (cause I order 'the works' or 'everything').  They got two pizzas - one with what they wanted to share, and for the little one, cheese on one half and for me pepperoni and jalapenos. No worry, I ate two pieces. :-)  We have a lot of leftovers we haven't touched yet.

Today is our last full day here and we don't have anything planned for during the day - but mid-afternoon we will head to the lake where we will board the steamboat for our dinner cruise.  It will be 2 hours long and then we will head back here for the night.  We head back 'home' tomorrow late morning.  For a change, the daughter has to be back by 1PM for something - and not me needing to be back early.  I know hubby will be glad to 'see' me, although I have talked with him every day at least once.  

We have discussed and have decided that June through August we will NOT go on Jailbreak - it is way too hot to be out doing anything.  Seriously.  We couldn't go earlier this year because I was covering for a co-worker through the end of June.  We definitely need to go before June or after August - making it the latter part of September so that we can be outdoors and do things.  It is just too hot now.  I brought my calendar for next year and we've been discussing where (thinking Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon).  We'll figure it out soon and start saving for it again.  So glad we do these - and this is #9 - for we have memories that will last beyond my lifetime. I've made them promise if I am not here to go with them, they must continue to do them.  Keep the 'tradition' going.

The sun is bright coming in the sliding doors this morning (I'm sitting at the kitchen table) and it will prove to be another hot day.  Hopefully, once we are out on the lake, we will have a cool breeze as it comes across the water.  But that is still several hours away.  I don't think we have anything else planned for today.  Maybe we will go to a thrift store or goodwill - as though we need anything. LOL

We watched this movie yesterday afternoon - I really didn't want to, I admit it.  It was a 'child's movie, as far as I was concerned.  But I found myself watching it and I could see some positives in it.  What was the movie?  I think it was called 'Elemental' or 'The Elements' or something like that.  It's a story of water and fire falling in love.  Water was the male and he comes in through a pipe leak in a shop that is run by 'fire'.  Well, the daughter 'fire' is to inherit the 'fireplace shoppe' after the dad retires, but that is not where her heart is, she wants to create things out of heat and sand (aka glass). Long story short, water and fire end up leaving together.  With both parents' blessing.  That part caused me to tear up.  

When father Fire left his homeland to come to the new land and create the 'Fireplace Shoppe', his family was against his leaving.  He told of when he was leaving, he bowed low in respect to his father, and his father would not give his blessing.  (How sad is that?)  So when 'Ember Fire' (the girl) parts from her parents to go with water (I forget his name), she remembered, and she bowed low before her father, and then he bowed low to her, giving his blessing on her new adventure.  How we all long for the blessing of our parents!

I read a book many years ago that I have thought about reading again.  It's by Mark Batterson and it is called Double Blessing I think.  It talks about how important (if I recall correctly) it is to give a blessing to our children.

Do you remember the blessings that Jacob (aka Israel) gave to each of his twelve children and two of his grandchildren from Joseph, who became the twelve tribes of Israel.  Read Genesis 49 for how the blessings played out.  Remember that Reuben was the oldest, and the oldest is supposed to inherit everything - but because of something that Reuben did (I'm not going to tell you, you have to go back in to Genesis and find it and read it!!), he was demoted from favor as being the firstborn.  Blessings are important.  

I want my children to always know that I pray blessings over them, even if I haven't spoken the blessings to them.  Our times now are nothing like they were then and blessings are not the same, that is for sure.  I don't plan to leave my children lots of money (nor my bills) - which is why, I'm guessing, I buy things impulsively at times.  I can't take the money with me.  We only need what we need to survive.  If I could leave only one thing, one blessing, with each child, it would be that they would each turn their hearts to Jesus and trust in Him, so that they will live eternally with Him.  Blessings of heaven is what I can give.  But will they accept... that is their choice.  I haven't been perfect in my walk. I fall flat on my face many times, as you know.  But one thing I do know, I want to be with Jesus when I die.  I hope that is your choice too.

And, my thoughts are starting to ramble about blessings.... my parents did not give me a blessing.  I have that regret in my life, that I feel I wasn't loved enough to deserve a blessing.  But one thing I do want each of my children and grandchildren, and even the great-grandchildren and the generations to come, I have prayed, and continue to pray, blessings upon each one by name, and for those yet to come. 

Take some time today to bless your child; bless your spouse.  You could not love them any more.

Blessings!

It was a fun day!

 Our first day on Jailbreak was a lot of fun.  Well, sorta.  Somewhat.  Well, it WAS fun.  And we all enjoyed it.  Even though I lost my glasses somewhere.  (ssshhhh haven't told hubby yet)  Not a big deal, really.  What happened?  

Well, We get down here and decide to drive by the house we are 'borrowing' (term we are using to explain why we're here to the little one).  Nice house.  So then we go to eat.  We choose a local cafe and everyone ordered breakfast - except me.  I chose a BLT and french fries.  After all, I AM on vacation. And it's 11AM.  Two have hot syrup in little open containers (you know where I'm going with this, don't you?)  for pancakes and french toast.  Well, the little one is sitting on my side in the booth, then had to go sit with grandma, so mommy came to sit next to me. (Thank goodness)  :-)  The little one is sitting on grandma's lap and decides she's going to tease and drink the syrup from the little glass cup.... and I guess it may have been a little too warm for her.... and dropped it like a hot potato!  Spilling syrup all over grandma, the floor, herself, the table... oh what a mess from a little syrup pitcher!!  Luckily we still had the suitcases in the car so grandma and the little one got to wash up in the restroom and then change clothes.  Oh, my glasses, they were sitting next to the wall of the booth during this time.  I (thought) grabbed them and off we went.

After we unloaded the suitcases we headed out to explore.  Decided to go to Ross nearby, but they had a Peddler's Mall next to it so we thought we'd try that.  Reminded me of an antique place I sometimes go to by home.  They went one direction, and I went the other.  After awhile we decided to leave.... and I realized I didn't have my glasses.  In my mind, I had had them on but took them off when I got inside the 'mall'.  Back up and down the aisles we went - nope.  Daughter called the restaurant.  They said none had been turned in. We have looked everywhere and nope, no glasses.  I'm not worried as I can see distance now; and I can carry (and usually do) my reading glasses.  I can see close up; I just can't read anything.  We might check again at the restaurant, just in case I left them on the table, but I did leave my name and number at the antique mall. After a run to goodwill, we headed back to the house.

The house is beautiful and most would love the back yard!  It has green turf and ok - let's see.  On my right as we go out the door is a jacuzzi.  There is a table and 4 chairs on the other side of the patio.  Off to the left of that is a gazebo with another set of chairs around it with a nice firepit in the middle.  Going away from that is a 6 ft round 'bed' that is half covered with a shade, and has pillows in it (I'm thinking for laying out and looking at the stars).  Further back is a very nice bbq pit.  Oh, I forgot.  Just before the bbq pit there is a 9 hole putt putt.  There is also a building that looks like a garage.  It is the 'game room'.  You go inside it and there is a poker table with chips and cards. There is a pool table and a shuffle something or other.  There is also a pac man machine!!  My daughter and I had to sit down and play a quick game - wow - it has been a long time and she slaughtered me!  I love that game!  Used to be pretty good at it.  AND, there is a one person sauna in the corner.  

After unpacking we headed over to a restaurant for dinner and brought leftovers home.  Did a run to the grocery store so we'd have snacks and turnovers for breakfast.  Settled in for the evening.  I had a funny incident with the little one last night, but I'll share it another time, if I remember.  I really do need to write it down for it was funny.  She is sneaky.

So here we are this morning.  I woke up at my usual 4AM ... but after waking up I told myself that I didn't HAVE to get up early; everyone was still asleep so I could too!  And I snuggled down and dozed until slam!  The little one was up!  LOL  She climbed in bed with me for about 15 seconds and she was off again.  We've had COFFEE and apple turnovers for breakfast.  Yeah, we're being 'bad' - afterall, we are on vacation!

We're all at the kitchen table and making decisions about what we will do today.  Eating cold grapes.  Drinking my coffee.  Glad I brought MY coffee from home; all they have is medium coffee, and in the mornings I need much more.  So - I think I'll close this off as we are talking and it is hard to focus (imagine that).  Hope you have an amazing day!  (I am so loving NOT working today)

Blessings!

Today' is finally here....

 I took off work at 2PM yesterday and it felt like a load of bricks had been taken off my shoulders.  Many of you will understand what that feels like.  You know all the stress and issues I go through on a daily basis.  Ironically, I didn't have anything major to do yesterday before I signed off.  But when I did, it felt so good.  So freeing, even if only for a couple days.  I'm really looking forward to our Jailbreak Getaway, even though I was unable to get a list of things to do from my boss.  I'm sure we will find things to do.  Even if we don't - the fact we are 'away' and chilling from responsibilities (well, at least I will be, not so sure about the others), will feel good.  I'm just so very tired.

I did go to my last workout training for this week and she 'killed' me.  It was core night.  Today it isn't too bad, but I can hardly wait for the pain tomorrow.  NOT.  It takes about two days for the muscles to start screaming.  I realized in the middle of my exercises that I hadn't eaten since breakfast yesterday and that was only one egg and one small 5" pancake.  I just hadn't been hungry so didn't think about it.  And, I just didn't have much strength last night as a result.  She had me do 3 sets of 5 core exercises - and they were so hard I was ready to start crying!  I told her I was going to sit in my car and cry. LOL  No, I didn't, but by the time I left I had such a pounding headache!  It took about 20 minutes for the headache to subside - it was really bad.  Guess I need to make sure I eat a little bit before going for my training.  Lesson learned.  I hope.  The one that 'killed' me the most - and you try it and see how it feels!!  Ready? 

Get in push-up position (toes, not knees).  I can't do pushups anyway, and yet....  In push up position, tap with your hands the barbell in front of you (one at a time, silly).  Then go to a plank position.  Remember those?  On your toes but on your forearms.  Then raise back up to a push up position and tap, tap, back to plank, back up to push-up.... I thought I was going to die.  

Oh - then there was the one where your feet are on 'sliders' (like what you use for moving furniture) and you are in 'push up' position, and you quickly slide your feet up towards your waist (throwing your butt up in the air).  Do you realize how hard it is to throw your butt up in the air when it is as big as mine is?  I could only go about 6 inches; couldn't get it moving.  Ok - enough about working out. Just wanted to share what my trainer puts me through.  And I pay her for doing this!

I stopped at Sonic on the way home to get fatty food for dinner.  (I deserved the fatty food after that workout, right?  Of course the fatty food is the reason WHY I have to work out). Tried their dill pickle fries; not bad, but I wouldn't order again.  $3.99 for a medium and maybe 18-20 very thin sliced spears dipped in a breaded covering and deep fried is a bit pricey.  But I wanted to try them.  And I'm on vacation.  We do stupid and expensive things on vacation, right?

I finally started packing just before we headed off to bed.  I had things laid out, but not in the suitcase. I'm probably still taking too many clothes; will go through them again this morning and pull some out.  Geez, I'm only gone today, tomorrow and Saturday, returning on Sunday - I don't need 6-8 outfits - right?  Extra underwear, yes, but not clothes.  Will sort through those soon.  After I finish this, I want to hit the shower and then revamp my suitcase.  Will leave about 8:30AM to head down to my daughter's (hubby dropping me off), and then she and I will pick up the granddaughter and great-granddaughter and head on out shortly thereafter.  I wonder where we will stop for brunch.  We usually find a restaurant versus fast food, just cause.  We may drive all the way to the general area before eating; depends on how everyone feels. We can pick up a few groceries.   My daughter had me laughing the other night.  She said that we were going to have donuts for breakfast, and we were eating out other meals because she didn't want me cooking all the time.  Yes, I generally pick up things at the grocery and do the cooking.  You know that is what I love to do.  Eating out is fine for one meal a day - but we can get by otherwise with me cooking a meal or two.  Will see.  I don't like spending money we don't have to just because we are on vacation.  Sometimes, yes, but not all.

Amazon Prime has done me in again.  Well, not really 'again'.  Last couple times I didn't even go online and look.  But I did this time.  We like the Amino Lean drinks and they were on sale, like about $5 less so I ordered a couple more cases.  Hubby liked that when they arrived yesterday.  He drinks the majority anyway.  To the point I get annoyed sometimes as he will drink the diet green tea, the gatorade, the amino drinks (sometimes one of each a day I think!!) and not drink water.  That's when I get upset.  I do drink a lot of water, but I also like to occasionally have an amino drink; especially if I am on my way to the gym to work out.  He just drinks it. The drinks are supposed to give you energy.  It doesn't work for him; he sits in his recliner and goes to sleep.  Although he did recently get a Tom Clancy book that he hadn't read yet and has commented several times that he is so engrossed in it that he doesn't want to put it down - and he just started reading it yesterday!  I have bought a couple Christmas gifts too. I do definitely need to start writing down what I've bought so that I don't get in predicaments like I usually am in - buying too much.  Some laugh at me... I realize I have bought too much so I start giving the items away 'just because'.  Oh well, it's only money and I can't take it with me, right?  I've decided that I'm not saving money for my kids; I'm going to spend it on them now. :-)

I Thessalonians 5:17:  Pray without ceasing.

You do know you don't have to pray with your eyes closed all the time, right?  We have conditioned ourselves to close our eyes and pray; we are taught that when we pray at meals growing up.  Why is that?  Is it to keep up from selecting what foods we want to eat before the others do?  Anyway - one can pray all day and never shut their eyes.  I do find myself frequently closing my eyes to pray; in here I nearly always do - except when I have the shutters open and I'm sitting on the floor looking up at the sky.  At church we generally shut our eyes to keep us from distractions.  But we can pray without shutting our eyes- we can pray 'wide awake'.  So when you want to whisper a prayer to God in your mind, and you are driving - go for it!  Thank Him for that parking spot!  Praise Him for finding an opening in traffic for you! Glorify Him when you missed being in an accident.  Turn your thoughts to Him and just say 'Thank you, Lord'.  Acknowledge Him for who He is.  He loves you so much, and He loves it when you call on Him to help you.  (You should have heard me last night verbally calling on Him to give me strength to get through those exercises!!)  Jesus, Help ME!!

He hears every word you say; He knows every thought.  Praise His holy name.

Blessings!