He's staying home today....

 Hubby is starting to move about more and complaining of the 'butt cramps' or 'cheek cramps' the doctor told him he would get on occasion - especially after walking about. Granted, he hasn't done much walking, but he complained two-three times yesterday of his 'butt cheek' cramping.  Don't know how that and the artery surgery are connected, but ....  He's doing ok; it's like having another child (still) around.  I still cook him breakfast, and fix him lunch, and of course, dinner.  He gets frustrated when I tell him I can't sit at the table, especially after I had to run to the drugstore to pick up a prescription for something he doesn't have.  Yeah, we haven't figured that one out yet.  When the pharmacist handed it to me and told me what it was, I asked him what was it for.  He looked at me odd, and told me it was for acid reflux.  I told him, hubby does not have acid reflux.  He stuttered around and said there could be another reason the doctor prescribed it.  So hubby called the doctor's office after I told him that story but hasn't heard back from the doctor's office as to why did he get this prescription - and who is the doctor's name as the ordering doctor.  He isn't taking it until we find out why - at least the cost was zero.

My daughter came over yesterday and helped set up my meter for my glucose and ketone testing for Virta.  We tested my glucose, and it came up 72 - and she actually glared at me!  LOL  I guess hers is much higher.  I was telling my older brother about it last night and he said his goal is to get to 90.  He is on an insulin pump the past couple of years and he says it is working for him.  He's been a diabetic for 43 years. But he also has taken care of himself.  I tell him he is my inspiration to be proactive in taking care of my health.  I find it funny that I avoid shots if at all possible - and here I am needing to prick my finger twice a day - once for glucose in the morning, and once for ketones 2 hours before my evening meal.  Reminds me, I need to weigh first thing this morning as well.  Not that I expect any astounding results right off the bat - but I imagine I will start seeing ounces at least drop as the week goes by.

Work was overwhelmingly busy yesterday.  My boss, Sue, called me yesterday morning; I couldn't believe hubby came in and sat down and listened to our conversation.  Of course we didn't touch much on anything personal, but it did annoy me somewhat.  I needed to help him put on his tennis shoes and tie them for him cause he can't bend over yet.  But yesterday was busy - I had so many meetings that had built up the two days I was off.  No, I didn't get them all done, so today will be busy as well.  I spend a couple hours getting my male boss' hotel reservations made for the conferences he is going to. I was in a panic for awhile - out of twenty hotels listed in Houston that had blocks of rooms for this conference, only one had availability.  I confirmed with him to go ahead and get it for it was running nearly $400 a night and going on his credit card.  By the time I got confirmation and submitted the reservation - in all about 15 minutes - the room was gone.  None of the hotels had availability.  I went out of email with the link, talked to mail boss and told him I could find him Mon-Thurs but not Sun-Thurs which is what he needed.  He said to go ahead and reserve what I could -  so I went back in - and God answered my heart cry - there was ONE hotel who must have opened up a block of rooms or had some cancellations for it popped up as available - and half the cost of the one I tried for - and I was able to make his reservations.  I'm going to check today to confirm I got the right dates on there, but at least that is done.  I told my boss that he was lucky - God answered prayers of getting it! 

The comforter I had ordered for the bed in this room was cancelled; for some reason it got lost in shipment.  I need to go online and find another one - I still have the Christmas quilt and shams on the bed.  Tomorrow is February 1 - I think it's time I put it away.

I'm hoping for better weather this weekend - I need to pull my car out of the garage and get the Christmas stuff packed in the cabinets again.  I also want to move my weight bench back into the 'exercise room' - and yet, I used it so seldom (don't like to use it when hubby's home cause I don't want his comments - it's a 'me' thing) I wonder if I ought to sell it.  But then I tell myself that sometime I will quit the training at the gym - surely I would want to continue working out here at home.  But will I?  I need to set myself a schedule for the treadmill and the weights - and just 'do something'.  I enjoy working out; I just don't like hubby offering his advise on how and what I should do.  Not that he always does - he knows how I feel about it; I just don't want the nagging to do it. 

Psalm 86:5 (NIV):  You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

I am so grateful we have a Lord who will forgive us when we call out to Him; no matter when it is, no matter what it is.  Sometimes I just call out to Him to "HELP, LORD!"   Yep - I do that nearly every day!  But I also have called out to Him to forgive me for other things - like a sharp tongue, a wrong thought, laziness, watching TV or scrolling Facebook instead of working on a project or reading my Bible.  I know He doesn't expect me to read my Bible all the time (but it would be nice if I did), but when I let mindless things like social media take over my time, well, I get upset with myself.  I've managed NOT to have tik tok on my phone; I also don't have snapchat.  I do have Instagram, but I rarely look at it anymore (did break that one habit!) but Facebook - if I don't start, I can not look at it all evening.  But if I look once, I find myself grabbing my phone and scrolling through it.  When I 'come to my senses' and realize what I'm doing - I shut it down.  I don't want to waste my life looking through social media at memes and other things people do. I want to live life on my own.  Actually, once I see if my kids post something, I should jsut get off.  I do post on occasion, but not often.  At least I don't think it is often.  Happy birthday to some at times.

But I am so grateful to God for His forgiveness and His faithfulness to each one of us.  He walks with us - even when we don't feel Him near - and will see us to the end of the journey.  I was praying this morning that I would feel His Presence more - I have heard Him call my name, and I long to hear Him call my name again.  There is nothing like it.  When you hear Jesus call your name, you will feel such a joy and a peace flood over you.  It's a feeling that can't be explained, but the joy that bubbles up inside of you - it is unimaginable.  Ask Him to call your name.  

I don't have much to say this morning - so will cut my ramblings short.  I may have said it earlier; hubby isn't going to his Bible study this morning.... the doctor said he could drive as of today (although my daughter and I asked him to tell hubby he can't drive ever again.  LOL  He said that would be another conversation altogether (other than surgery report).  I am surprised that he isn't going, but he apparently feels like he needs to stay home yet this week.  He has been home all week (other than the two days of hospital and I was at the hospital so almost the same thing) - so I've been with him nearly 24x7....or so it feels.... and I'm tired.  I need a break - am grateful I have Needles of Hope in the morning and yes, I'm going to it!  

And with that - I'm off here.  Hope that you have a great day - make someone's day better today.  Pray for them; do something kind and unexpected for them.  You will find joy in the doing.

Blessings!

Back to my routine

 Hubby came home yesterday afternoon so I'm back in my routine here in the mornings.  He is doing well, although we were cautioned to keep an eye on the 'puncture' wound in his abdomen, that if we should see blood on the bandage, for him to lie down and call 911.  Why?  Because the surgery was in an artery and if something should come lose, he could bleed out.  I'm confident that all will go well; this isn't like a surgery that has never been done before.  But, if one knows hubby, one knows that he is a 'worry wart' and fear is his biggest thing.   He apparently did not sleep much last night as he asked as he brought in my coffee "did I keep you awake last night?".  Oftentimes when he asks that question, I want to return the question with "No, why? Did you try to?"  But I don't.  I know it is just his way of telling me he didn't sleep well.  And then he relies on his Fitbit to tell him 'how bad' he slept. Which drives me crazy.  I tell him all the time the Fitbit may give him an idea if he slept bad - but when the numbers stay in the same area - it's possible that is your 'sleep number', even if it is less than 70.  He bases his sleep too much on that number.  I rarely look at my 'sleep number'.  If I wake up tired and sleepy, I obviously didn't rest well.  If I wake up rested, I slept good.  For example, the other night, when I was alone, I didn't go to bed until around 10PM.  I slept sound until 4AM when my alarm went off, and after I shut it off, I slept more until 5:30AM.  I feel I slept well.  Last night I woke up once - but then I drank a lot of water in the evening, so I had to get up.  My alarm went off at 4AM; I noticed hubby had already gotten up (since he obviously wasn't sleeping), so I stayed in bed another 15 minutes or so just because I wanted to and didn't want to get up.  Oh well.  Bottom line, hubby is home, and all is well.

I'm back at work today.  Reluctantly, I might add.  I did get online yesterday morning before going to the hospital and cleared out messages, saw I had several meetings to create when back online this morning.  I have several more messages that came through after I cleared out the others.  Oh well.  Part of the job, and I can do only what I can do.   I'm at the point where I'd like to be laid off with a severance package.  Sigh. Like that would happen.  Not that I have anything to do here at home.... but I would like to take a less stressful part-time job and be able to do some things.  Although I really don't see hubby letting me do what all I want to do.  He does not like being left alone, he has this fear of dying and being alone.  I get it; at his age, it can happen if he should fall or whatever.

Pretty much stuck to my Virta eating plan yesterday.  Actually, I think I did stick to it.  Bacon and eggs for breakfast.  I didn't eat lunch as was at the hospital yesterday from 10AM until about 2PM before hubby got discharged.  I didn't fix dinner until about 6PM as I had a workout at the gym at 5PM and didn't want to eat before I went.  Air-fried chicken breast and cooked broccoli.  I could have added another vegetable, but just wanted to get dinner over with.  We usually eat between 4-5PM just because I 'want to get it over with' after working all day.  If we go out with friends, it's usually 5:30-6:30PM that we meet them - and that's ok too.  I just have to watch my carbs (and hubby, of course, says he is doing this with me, although I can't let him use my monitor nor scale as they are linked into the app for my coach to see) when I plan a meal or go out to eat.  I am going to make this Plan work.  I need to set an example for my children and eat right.  

But, I love potato chips and the salt they provide. :-)  I still eat a lot of dark chocolate (or I used to), and I can have a small piece of the very dark chocolate in those moments of 'stress' or 'desire' and it not affect the Plan.  I love bread.  Sigh. I still haven't made any... but I want to and will have to give it away.  I found a couple recipes to make 'bread' for low-carb diets and may try it.  One, believe it or not - is (I think) 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1 egg, and something else, can't remember.  Anyway, you put it in a Dash waffle maker and cook until crispy.  The book said to make several and put in the freezer - when going to a restaurant, order a burger without the bun, then use two of these as your 'bread'.  Might be interesting to try.  I don't often eat a lot of cheese, but I love dropping a tablespoon of cheese on the griddle and letting it melt and when it is 'done', it is crispy and oh so good.  

The hardest part of all this Plan?  Well, besides giving up my potato chips and bread, is allowing myself to eat some fats.  Like using butter on things that I normally left off (or used sparingly) because of the fat content.  I've been using real butter for years, even though it is more expensive than margarine.  I sometimes use margarine for some cookies as the recipe requires vegetable oil, which is in margarine.  Kerrygold is expensive, but overall, it is the best butter.  I don't use it for baking but will use it for adding for flavor.

Since I should be limiting myself to 30 carbs a day, I have to watch how I use my Shakeology shakes - they contain 17 carbs in one scoop.  But I can drink the Premier Protein shakes - which are actually very good - because they only have 3-4 carbs in them.  They are great for a replacement meal or as a snack for they aren't large, but give you a sense of fullness.  I'm determined I'm going to do this 'right'.  

Ephesians 4:2 (NIV):  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

I know few people who I could see that verse in, and it is something I can strive for.  Not that I feel I am a proud person, but I certainly know some people who are!  And I'm sure you do as well.  How can you tell a person is 'proud'?  I'm not sure if this would be a definition, but I feel it is a lot about their attitude.  If you offer the least amount of criticism about something they are involved in - oh my! - I know a couple people who really get angry and will either cut you off or ignore you for awhile.  They think they are being 'righteous' in their anger, but it is really stupidity, in my opinion.  No one is better than another person.  We were all born the same way. We were all created the same - in the image of God.  Therefore, we should be humble and kind, gentle, with each other.  We never know what that one person may be going through - whether they think they are going through something or not.

Changing the subject, I got a text from my little sister last night asking if I missed her bugging me every day (she is now in Florida for a couple months).  For one, we don't talk every day nor text every day all the time.  We sometimes go a week or more without chatting.  Especially when she is angry with me - it could be six months!  So I honestly replied that no, I hadn't missed anything as I had been busy with hubby.  Mentioned his surgery.  She knew about it, but had forgotten, and since it was done and over with and he was ok, it was on to how much she was enjoying the sunshine and 77 degrees in Florida.  They are staying with a cousin of her husband's until February 1 when they will get their own place for two months.  Glad she is enjoying her 'vacation'.  And no, I'm not jealous.

I want to jump in the shower yet this morning so will close this off.  Hope that you have a fun-filled and amazing day.

Blessings!

Was it missed?

 I didn't have time to write in here yesterday morning as we were 'rushing about' getting ready to leave by 5AM to head to the hospital.  We made it with 15 minutes to spare.  The hospital is really nice; clean, and the employees are very nice and helpful.  My daughter came to sit with me and we both crochet'd for a few hours.  Surgery was scheduled at 8AM but we don't know when he went in as they took him back shortly after we checked him in at 6AM.  Once he was 'prepped', they allowed us both to come back for a short while to talk with him. The doctor did come and talk with us after the surgery.   A bit after 11AM they came and got me and said I had five minutes with hubby as they had just put him in recovery.  We were also told there were no beds so he could be there for awhile (and we couldn't see him).  Daughter and I went downstairs to the very very small cafeteria and made salads from the salad bar for lunch.  Back to the first floor to sit in the waiting area.... and we waited. And crochet'd.  I forget what time it was but the daughter had to leave.  I think about 2:10PM - and we were still waiting to hear if hubby had a room.  They came and got me about 10 minutes later and I went up to where hubby was in his room.   I know I'm rambling, but bear with me while I sort out the day.  Hubby came through the surgery fine; the aneurysm had grown to 25% of what it should be - or something like that.   The doctor had explained they blocked the internal flow and extended the external flow of this blood vessel - whatever all that means.  Bottom line, hubby is doing well; the surgery was successful, and he should be coming home today.

I had an uneventful evening - I did fix a hamburger (without the bread as I started on the 'Plan' yesterday) for my dinner, then sat down and crochet'd and watched movies on TV.  Yep, I did that thing.  I was tired; I really didn't want to get started on a project - although I could easily have done so since I had no supervision.  In fact, I think I fell asleep for a few minutes during one movie.  I didn't have to talk to anyone; I didn't have to do anything; I was just still.  And it felt good.  There were so many things I had wanted to do when I got home - but I didn't.  Oh - I DID turn the dishwasher on - does that count for doing something?

I stayed up way past my bedtime as I was watching a movie... and didn't go to bed until around 10PM. And you know what - once I got to sleep (after listening to all the creeps and snaps of the house for a bit), I slept sound throughout the night.  My alarm went off at 4AM and I told myself 'not today' - and fell back to sleep and slept until 5:30AM!  I could have slept more, but know I need to do SOME things before I head back to the hospital.  I was thinking of getting there around 10AM but may push it to 11AM.  Just cause I slept in and am getting a late start this morning.  And I had to get my own coffee first thing this morning - unheard of in this household!  Other than back pain from sleeping 'wrong', I feel rested for the first time in a long time.

So that was my yesterday - and with rushing about yesterday morning to get out of here within the hour after getting up, I didn't even try to do my Bible reading nor typing anything in here.  So, did you miss reading my ramblings?  Probably not. LOL

Mark 9:35 (NIV):  Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'

Just in reading that verse I am sure that someone popped up in your mind who is always pushing to be 'first' in everything.  By that I mean 'first in line' or 'first to be recognized', and things like that.  Running a race and being first is something entirely different.    Reminds me of a scene in 'The Wedding Planner' starring Jennifer Lopez.  There is a wedding, and as the wedding planner looks through the camera screen, she sees a woman with a very large hairdo sitting close to the camera and blocking the view of where the wedding party would be standing.  She was near the back of the church.  So, the assistant went to the 'dark tower' as I think they called her and told the lady she was sitting in the wrong seat and moved her up closer to the front where she would not be blocking the view of the camera.  Ok, so that might be a lame example, but Jesus tells us to not push our way to the best seats; not to insist we sit close to the host - but hang back, and wait for the host, or whoever is in charge, to ask us to come up closer.  Does that make sense?

Hmmm.  Let me put it this way.  I love Sue, my favorite boss of all time.  We have been together for many years and she is a very loveable and friendly person to everyone.  So much so that everyone loves to be near her wherever she is.  They seek her out.  She is an amazing woman, and I sometimes claim her as my 'best friend' although I know that I am not HER best friend.  I know her best friend, and it isn't me.  But we are close friends.  She will circulate the room at a gathering, and if I'm there, guess who she will come and sit with.  Me. Not that I am anyone, but because she enjoys my company and wants to be with me.  I don't have to follow her about the room to ensure she doesn't forget me or leave me by myself.  She will find me and sit with me.  It's just something that happens.  It's like going to the Christmas Idea House each December.  She buys the tickets for us to attend and have brunch - and for the past several years has taken me.  And each year she always tells me she loves hanging out with me.  Probably not as much as I love hanging out with her - but you get the picture, right?

When we don't push ourselves in to people's lives, they make us feel valued when they are with us.  Does that make sense?  In Jesus' time it was who was going to sit next to the host; that brought them value and recognition.  But Jesus says, sit down at the far end of the table, and wait for the host to invite you to come up closer.  And it is the same in our every day lives.  One who pushes to be 'first' will often find themselves asked to step back and allow someone else be in front of them.  

Guess that I will jump off here and try to get some things done this morning before I need to head to the hospital.  I have so many projects and tasks that I want to accomplish - who knows if I will actually do any of them.  Sigh.  I'm like a kid in a toy shop with a $100 bill.  What do I do first?  What should be accomplished first?  I'm off work today too - and I want to play all day - but what do I do?  LOL  Guess I will stop and figure it out.  Shower, breakfast, then I'll decide, right?  Will see!

Blessings!

Twill be an interesting week

 Today I'm back at work and have a lot to get done today.  My favorite boss is in Napa, CA for a conference for two days.  My male boss is still here.  And he has plenty for me to do.  Sigh. But, I'm throwing a wrench in his plans for this week for me.  Whether he realizes it or not.  I am taking Tuesday and Wednesday off this week, and may even be taking Thursday, if needed.  Why?  Hubby goes in the hospital tomorrow to have his aneurysm surgery - the doctor is putting coils inside of the aneurysm to help the blood flow.  I think I've mentioned this before, the doctor told him he wouldn't operate until they reached 4 centimeters or was it for millimeters.... I don't remember now.  But regardless, when he had the cat scans done in December or the first part of January, it had grown large enough (from like a 1) to however big it is now.  It is big enough that the doctor insisted on doing the surgery right away.  So what does that mean?  How big is it?  I don't know how big it is, but he told him not to do anything strenuous as he could cause it to burst open.  Makes one wonder.

Anyway - we have to be at the hospital - clear on the 'street side' of the city and southeast of us - by 6AM for him to register.  We know he will have at least a one night stay at the hospital.  That's what he had before when they did two other aneurysms.  We've already discussed he does not want me in that neighborhood late at night so plans to send me home mid-afternoon.  Will see how it goes.  Surgery, I think, is scheduled at 8AM.  I'm taking tomorrow off to take him to the hospital and stay with him - then he should get discharged on Wednesday and I will go to pick him up.  I know it is serious surgery and I don't mean to imply it isn't, but there is obviously nothing I can do while he is in the hospital except pray, which I will do.  My daughter has said that she will come down some time tomorrow to sit with me, but she doesn't need to.  I did this before by myself, and I can again.  I told her I'm a 'big girl' and can deal with it.  

A friend of mine has had a couple heart ablations at this hospital and she has already told me to take my own snacks as the only food there is the vending machines for visitors.  I'll figure out some things tonight to take and have them ready to grab.  One thing for sure; I can't take my girl scout cookies since I start on Virta tomorrow.  I made up for it by eating a lot of girl scout cookies this weekend.  I need to give what I have left away, for I know I'll be so tempted to sneak one or two as if it wouldn't offset my new food plan.  

Hubby was bemoaning the fact that I will be 'home alone' while he is in the hospital.  He is so terrified that something will happen to me.  So I took that opportunity to mention that I'd like to get another dog.  (no, not one as big as Sheba, but not a tiny one either)  Oh my goodness!  You'd think that I'd said I wanted a cat!  LOL  (wouldn't he really have a fit if he knew I have entertained that thought for down the road!)  When he asked me why, I told him that I'd like a dog so that those times that I am alone, I would have someone to alert me if someone broke in or if something wasn't right.  He didn't say anymore about it, nor will I.  He was the one who insisted on getting Sheba, and I loved her dearly and miss her a lot.  She is with a friend who takes good care of her and I see photos on occasion.  I'd love a dog like our Marley; she was a black Labrador.  Oh well.... it isn't on the immediate agenda so no sense in pushing it.  Hubby had to grumble I'd have to walk it, pick up after it, etc.... who does he think did all that when we had the other dogs?  It wasn't him except on a rare occasion.

I Thessalonians 5:28 (NIV):  give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I get it.  Sometimes it is hard to give thanks when things are not going the way you want them to.  As I have thought about the painful situation my youngest is going through, I can also see God's hand.  True, it isn't the circumstances we would have preferred, but it is still a good circumstance, in a way.  True, the babies are with their mother, but the new mother-in-law is responsible for anything that happens to them.  And the father-in-law is a pastor - I think perhaps a worship leader - at a church in that town. That doesn't make them perfect by any means, but it does mean the children will be in church each Sunday and will be learning about Jesus.  That is a good thing, yes?  Instead of screaming 'foul' - I am praying that my youngest will seek instead opportunities to have visitation.  After all, the MIL has foster custody.... not the mother.  Even though they live in the same house.  I'm hoping we will be allowed visitation as well at times.  I would rather go at it from that angle so that the great-grands can get to know us, versus being left out completely because we don't agree with what the case worker has arranged.  It's that middle child of the three that the youngest didn't want.... and the case worker wants all three children together.  If he had agreed to keep all three, even the one that is not a relative to us, he may still have the children.  Just some random thoughts going through my mind.  Sometimes we need to give thanks for what the circumstances turn out to be.

I hear hubby moving around and getting ready to head over to the gym this morning for his morning workout.  He groans about having to go at 7AM, but at least it gets him moving first thing in the morning.  Same for when I go that early - which has only been one or two times.  I would rather go mid-morning, but with working, it doesn't prevent that from happening, so my workouts are generally 4:30 or 5PM.  Tonight it is at 5PM.  I left my workout scheduled on Wednesday at 5PM as well because I expect to be back home by then.  I may let her know I could go in the morning for I don't plan to go see hubby until around 11AM or so - unless he gets discharged before that.  Hanging around a hospital room just isn't my thing.  I need to remember tomorrow to take my water bottle so that I have that.  

And.... I'm out of things to write about.  I still didn't get new tennis shoes yesterday, but I did go to Michael's and JoAnn's - and both places had lots of empty shelves.  I did not buy any new yarn.  I don't need any until I use up more of what I have.   I know JoAnn's has filed bankruptcy again a few weeks ago so they may be on their way out.  I wonder about Michael's, for this isn't the first time shelves have been empty.  Disappointing, although I don't shop at either place very often.  I only bought a couple sewing supplies (thread, needles, etc.) at Michaels - nothing at JoAnn's - and then I just came home.  I kept telling myself that there is nothing I need.... and there isn't.  

Guess I'll close this off and jump in the shower.  Won't have time to get it done in the morning for we will be leaving here about 5AM to make sure we are there on time.  It won't take us long to get there, but finding our way to where we need to be may take a little longer.  I wish it was at the hospital nearby as it was last time, but it isn't.  Oh well.  I heard they have a great surgery department.  

Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

Time for another cup of coffee

 The coffee has helped my headache this morning, from a night of not sleeping well, I am going to assume, but my sinuses are driving me crazy.  I'm guessing that from the atmospheric pressure that is in the air?  Or whatever it is.  I feel plugged and exhausted.  Part of that, as mentioned, is that I didn't sleep well.  I was calling on the name of Jesus frequently throughout the night. That's all I knew to do for what was going on through my mind. 

What is this thing that one needs to take their levothyroxine by itself and then four hours later take the rest of their pills?  I have taken Levothyroxine for probably 40 years at least, and I don't recall being told that, nor have I done it.  I usually take it along with all my other vitamins early in the morning. Always have.  But in reading my Virta stuff, it says I should take it 4 hours before anything else.  What's up with that?  Is this something new?  I don't think I've even read that in the papers we get when we get the prescription.  Since I'm due for a refill, I'm going to read the papers with it (again) just to see what it says.  I don't' have time to take one pill at this time, another pill at another time - good grief! Let me take them and get it over with!  They are lucky I take them at all!  

I feel like watching church online this morning.  My head and sinus isn't cooperating real well this morning to be around people.  I'm hoping hubby will take pity on me and tell me to stay at home.  No, I don't have a valid reason other than my head and sinus hurt, but I want to stay home. Is that so bad?  We watch Jentezen Franklin at 9AM and then we can watch the Salvation Army service at 10:45AM.  So we are 'in' two church services.  Just online.  But, we will probably go with to the Salvation Army church and meet our friends there.  And then go to lunch after.  

I didn't get new shoes yesterday, but I did go to the grocery store.  And, believe it or not, I actually pretty much stuck with my list of things I needed to get in order to eat according to Virta.  No chips; no ice cream.  And you know what?  Not a big deal as I didn't buy them every week anyway.  Didn't buy much meat, no canned goods, and definitely no baking items, but did get some vegetables and other things I needed to get.  Hubby is happy we are allowed cheese.  And bacon.  I bought peppered bacon.  And because I'm a good wife, I bought hubby his crab salad.  Not for me, for him.  Maybe I will make some eggs ole' this morning - half a batch, anyway.  Sounds good, only I don't have any salsa to put on it.  Should I make some?  I usually put brown sugar in it - but I wonder how the taste would be affected if I left it off?  Did you know that tomatoes have carbs in them?  Things that make you go hmmm.

I also made a few jars of my cranberry-strawberry jam.  I think I only ate of it one time out of the last batch. I gave away all but one jar.  Now I have six jars in the cupboard and a partial for hubby in the refrigerator.  He wants to be on this plan with me (of course), but I've also told him that although he will be eating what I do, he can still eat his breads (he insists he has to have his raisin bread on Friday mornings).  Then again, what I will be fixing will be more fat that we normally eat, just a lot less carbs.  Will it cause him to gain weight?  Something to think about.  I made fajitas last night and yes, we did have small flour tortillas with it.  I will have to cut those out.  Sigh. I did buy some small 0 net carb tortillas.  Will see if they are worth eating.

James 4:10 (NIV):  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor.

How many of us know people who are 'proud' and boast about themselves?  I am sure we all know people like that.  But we are told in the Word to be humble before the Lord.  Let go of everything before Him, for He is the One from whom we receive all things.  There is also a scripture - and I am not going to pause and look it up - that says if one is going to boast, boast only in the Lord.  He is the only One in whom we should boast, definitely not about ourselves or about our abilities - of which He has blessed us with.  All that we do and say are to bring glory to the name of the Lord, not to ourselves.  How are you doing with that?

My late father-in-law had a saying that I have hung on to all these years....."God said it, I believe it, that settles it".  That just came to me as I am watching Jentezen Frankin's first service, and the song says "I'll take You at Your Word.  If You said it, I believe it,  I've seen how good it works, if You start it, You will complete it, I'll take You at Your Word".  

I believe every word in the Bible.  If God said it, I believe it.  And if I believe, it, then I will live it. Sometimes I fail, I will admit, for I am not perfect by any means.  But our God is a God of grace and mercy and when we run back to Him, He opens His arms to welcome us in and gives us His love, His grace, His mercy.  Hallelujah!

Hubby just came and told me to stay home, that he would go to church without me.  That's ok.  I don't know I could sit through a service and then go out to lunch with friends.  I reminded him the one of our friends is preaching today and may not get to the SA church if he runs late. The other couple, she is still battling shingles; last week she said it was spreading to her back so I don't know how she is.  I neglected to check in with her this week. I think he has decided he will stay home with me and we'll watch it online together.  The SA church is nice, don't get me wrong, and the Major is a great teacher of the Word.  But he isn't a preacher.  I still long to be at a church in which we can become a part of the family and be involved.  Such as the RV park, we consider a lot of them 'family' and if we chose to go there every Sunday, we would be welcomed.  But, it's only for the winter months.  They don't do church in the summer, but I suppose they could if they wanted to.  That would be 'free' I'm sure; the winter folks pay us when we speak.  I think today's offering goes to the Salvation Army for the fire relief, if I recall correctly.

Think I'll close this off and listen to the message.  Hope that you have a wonderful Sunday and devote it to God, and to your family.

Blessings!

I love Saturday mornings...

 when I have nothing to rush about and get ready for.  I love laying in bed until 5AM or so, taking my time to get up and make my way in here.  I love hubby has started making pots of coffee on weekends and I can take a break and go get a 2nd cup without using the k-cup (they can get expensive!).  I love being able to come back to my room and shut the door for another hour or two and just be alone.  I love Saturday mornings.  Once I leave this room, busyness sometimes starts.  And I have a long list for today!

Yeah, first I will need to cook breakfast.  Then, being filled with food, I will talk myself out of the things I want to accomplish today and sit down and crochet or sew.  Or read.  I should just sit down and catch up on my New Testament reading.  I'm reading for I Timothy this morning; about 3 days behind schedule.  But at least I am continuing to read.

God is so good.  You probably don't remember but a few years back I had a woman at work that had turned on me.  I may have mentioned this before a couple times, but hear me out.  She avoided me over something I had confronted her about.  This went on for a few months, then she took a year's medical leave for heart issues.  When she came back to work, I left her alone; I did welcome her back, but that was it.  She started speaking to me again.  Then COVID hit and we were sent home.  After a bit, she started sending me emails and asking me questions about church, the Bible, and God.  I responded to her and we began to chat on occasion, especially since we both covered for each other when the other was off work.  She has said this a few times and I've not let it give me a 'big head' or anything, still haven't.  But it just amazes me how God takes things and changes them for good.  

Yesterday I got a message and she asked if she could call me.  I said 'yes', and she did call me via the Teams on the work computer.  She even had the camera on and she didn't have any make-up on!  LOL  I usually keep my camera off if I don't have makeup on.  Anyway - she asked how my hubby was doing as she is covering for me next week when I take a couple days off work for his surgery.  Then she tells me about an issue she is having with one of the women who occasionally attends the women's group in her home.  We talked about it, and my mind is praying as I talk "Lord, help me give her wise advice!".  As we talked, she said this.... "Some of the women ask if I have a mentor and I tell them yes.  I talk about you all the time.  You have mentored me and helped me learn more about God; you bought me a Bible; you give me help when I need it....."   Wow.  No, I didn't let her words go to my head.  I'm actually humbled that she would think I would be her mentor; I was just trying to be a friend who loves God and help her when she contacts me.  God took a difficult situation of her being angry with me before she was a Christian, and helping her to become a Christian, to where now she is leading a group of about 20 women in her home each week. It made me feel humbled that she would think that I would be her mentor.  I just want to help her follow Jesus.

I don't tell you that to build myself up.  I'm just sharing that God can take impossible situations and turn them around for His good.  He gets all the glory, all the honor, all the praise.  And it takes OUR patience for it to happen.

I told hubby last night that I have decided what I want to do with my gift cards from Christmas.  I am going to go to Big 5 and get new gym shoes to work out in.  When I went to Brooks Running (besides them being so expensive) and had my feet measured, the clerk determined I needed wide shoes.  Now, granted, narrow ones I can't wear as my feet has spread over the years of walking in heels.  I loved that I had plenty of room when wearing the shoes.  BUT.  There's that word. BUT.  When working out and trying to do lunges and walk with weights and lunging, my feet 'slide' within the shoe.  Does that make sense?  I don't run, and right now I don't see running in my future unless it is on a treadmill, which is also doubtful.  One may need 'wide' shoes then.  I want to go to Big 5 and pick up a regular pair (or two) of tennis shoes and have one for the gym and one for regular wear.  I do have to buy inserts for my arch is high, but I can use my gift cards for something I need.  And then I may go buy some more yarn.  

That could be one of my organizing tasks today as well (providing I get to it).  I have so much yarn - truly! - but most I have only one or two of a specific weight and color.  Usually I can make a blanket using those two colors - and I do.  But I need to get it out and in order.  Groan. I even have yarn in the garage in a box.  LOL  I only have so much time to crochet when I am still working.  And I'm wanting to read more.  Haven't been doing much of reading except my Bible this year.  I have a long ways to go to meet my 50 goal.   I need to figure some things out.  I moved my cookbooks to the top two shelves of the bookcase in the 'craft/exercise' room so I have lots of yarn in bags too.  I need to find another place for my cookbooks so I can have more room to put my yarn.  I'm getting excited to rearrange things again.  But I still may need to buy a couple baskets to put yarn in and place strategically around the room. LOL  I can do one baby blanket - by crocheting every evening - within about 3 evenings, I think.  But I have other things I want to do too in the evenings.  Like read.  Or sew.  Yes, I still have the two baby quilts I need to finish.  Maybe I need to make that my first project.  After I get my yarn off the floor and put in baskets or shelves.  So many ideas of what to do.  Got to press on!

Philippians 4:8 (NIV):  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your eyes on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

How easy it is for us to watch things or look at things that are not true and honorable, and right and pure, and lovely and admirable.  Reminds me of a video I saw last night on Facebook.  Yes, I was wasting time before bed doing the Facebook scroll.

If a pastor on Sunday morning is preaching, and then takes God's name in vain, continues preaching, and then takes God's name in vain, preaches some more, and then takes God's name in vain again.... would you keep going to that church? Would you not take notice?

On Saturday night do you go to a show or watch a movie that the actors/actresses take God's name in vain and you don't think anything of it?  Do you keep watching?

What if, on Saturday night, you continue to watch this movie and a male and female start kissing, then touching, and then start tearing the clothes off each other.... do you keep watching? 

And what if, on Sunday morning, a couple comes up on the stage and starts kissing, touching and taking their clothes off - would you not protest and leave or try to stop it?  What if it was your daughter?

Do you have double standards for loving and obeying God?  Do you protest when someone uses God's name in vain..... and yet will watch it in movies?  Will you criticize how women dress in church with high skirts and low necks to show their cleavage.... and yet will go watch a movie or program where the women are wearing even less?

I heard a woman speak one time about this issue.... and it kind of stuck with me.  Women of God are called to be modest, not 'women of the world'.  Our boobs should be viewed by our spouses only; not by the world.  Our body should not be put on public display for the world to see; it should be for our spouses only.  Do you agree?  Do you disagree?   I don't care how good you think you look in a low top and a barely covering your butt skirt... save it for your husband in private.

Don't come against me for saying that - I used to wear the low tops and short skirts many years ago.   I wore the hot pants.  I liked the looks I got; I looked 'hot'.  But God impressed on me that I shouldn't dress that way when I became His; my body was not to be put on public display, but only for my husband.  What are your standards for yourself?  Are you watching movies that are full of taking God's name in vain and sexuality?  What do you think God thinks about that?

Something to think about....

And with that.... I think I'm going to get off here and begin my day.  I have a list of things I want to get done today - and know I won't even make a dent; yeah, my list is that big.  But - at least I can get started.  Breakfast first. 

Have a great day!

Blessings!

Heart breaks come

 and not necessarily of our own choosing.  Long story short without going into details.... 'it appears' that a state agency in a small city is 'protecting its own'.  I won't share it all, but I have heart break for my youngest as his heart is broken.  I saw a couple texts he posted this morning when I got up and quickly sent him a text to do not do that; to stop posting.  I know he's hurting.  My heart hurts too.  But we have to trust God that He is still God and He is still in control.  Things that were done in darkness will be brought to light in time.  We have to trust God in this circumstance, just as we would trust in Him when things are great.  Things are not always what they seem, and when you are hurting, your mind imagines all kinds of things.  I know this because I have been awake most of the night, unable to sleep, and my mind was creating things involving this situation, imagining things.  And when I realized it, I rebuked it and told the devil to get out of my mind.  I am close to this situation, yes.  But my input is of no value.  I do what I only know to do.  I pray for the safety and care of those involved.  Sometimes that is all we can do.  And I have to pray that my youngest doesn't do something stupid. Naming names doesn't help.  He doesn't have to prove anything, and I'm afraid that is what he is going to try to do - prove how much he loves.  Unfortunately, his better choice would not be to 'act', but to pray, and he says he does, but as I mentioned somewhat yesterday, when God doesn't answer the way we want Him to, and in the time frame we want Him to, we take matters into our own hands and usually shut the door in His face, making things even worse than they need to be.  Please pray with me that what was done in darkness will be brought to light, and that justice from God will reign. Thank you.

I got the sweetest picture of our new great-granddaughter last night and it made me smile.  She is so beautiful.  Of course my granddaughter and this little one's older sister are too, so she would have to be, right?  With dino pajamas!  So cute.  They are truly a 'dino family'.  I need to be watching for a special gift for this family for Christmas.  Of course I'll probably forget as the year goes on.

After my workout last night, in which Morgan killed my legs with numerous squats, we met up with friends for dinner.  Talk about being slow!  We went to Applebees - got seated at 5:30PM.  We didn't get even our salads until after 6:15PM and we had to ask for them.  Three of us ordered steaks - and when we got them, they were hard, cold, and dry.  The waitress was apologetic and took them back.  The manager herself cooked our steaks - or two of them, she said.  Medium-raw and Medium isn't cold and dry.  The apology included there was a shift change after the steaks were put on - and they were forgotten about.  They replaced our steaks and they were good, but by this time I wasn't that hungry.  It was after 7:15PM before we finished and got our bill.  We didn't blame the waitress; and we didn't cut back on the tip - it wasn't her fault.  She could have been more open with us and check on us more instead of avoiding us because she knew our food hadn't come up.  Glad I had also ordered appetizers for us to share and we at least had something to eat before we finally got our salads.  I would have been ok if they had just given us credit for one meal.  It was good to be with friends though.

Today is Friday and I'm glad.  Hubby has his Bible study and will be gone a few hours.  I have a dentist appointment at 10AM for a cleaning so I will be scrubbing my teeth and flossing this morning real good before I go.  LOL Isn't that what we always do?  I need to schedule a vision appointment; with my vision insurance through work, I get a new pair of glasses every year.  It always helps to have extra pairs.  I don't think anything is planned for this evening and eating out for the past two evenings we probably will stay home tonight - which means I will be cooking.  What I don't know.  I don't think anything is planned for this weekend other than church.  I need to work on the next message I need in a couple weeks for the RV park.  Want to finish the quilt for our new little one.  I've gotten lazy lately.  I've gotten behind in my Bible reading for the fast.  Even though I stopped my fasting this week, I was trying to keep up on the Bible reading (reading all the NT in 21 days) but I have gotten a couple books behind.  Hubby is already in Revelations - and it dawned on me this morning what he MAY have done.  I am going to have to ask him.  LOL  On the list of what to read for that day it has Day 17 Ephesians - 2 Thessalonians.  Did hubby just read Ephesians AND 2 Thessalonians - and not the books in between?  I'm curious. There is a dash there, not an and. I finished Philippians and half of Ephesians this morning. I'm way behind since Revelations would be Today and tomorrow, I believe.  The fast is over tomorrow night.  

Galatians 6:1 (NIV):  Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back on the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

I guess I kind of referred to this in the beginning, how my mind started imagining things (falling into the temptation of condemnation) that may never happen in the situation I referred to.  My 'sin self' wants to go to this little city and confront some people, demand things be corrected.  I cannot do that. When I realized what my mind was doing (these thoughts of sin do start in the mind as a temptation - do not bring them to fruition) I had to rebuke my thoughts and ask God to clear my mind of the thoughts I had.  I was awake at midnight and finally got to sleep after 1AM, then awake again at 3AM and finally got up.  I think I did doze some here in my chair before I started reading, but my thoughts still are on the situation. And all I can do is give it to God and trust Him no matter what happens.

I was right!  Hubby just came in to tell me bye and I asked him about how he was reading on the fast.  I explained my thought - was he reading 'just' Ephesians and 2 Thessalonians or did he read the books in between (Colossians and 1 Thessalonians) as well.  OOOPS.  He said he just read the books it had listed - not the ones in between.  I feel relieved. I thought I was being a very slow reader and couldn't keep up! I'm reading at my own pace because I want to learn as I read, not just skim through the chapters and not gain any knowledge.  I love the New Testament for it shows me how Jesus lived and how I am to live.  But I also love reading the Old Testament and once I finish this 'challenge' of which I will go over the 21 days in reading, I will go back to where I was at in the Old Testament before we started.  

And with all that rambling.... I am going to close. Need to take a shower and get dressed.  Need to get some work done this morning as well.  Grateful my bosses generally do not give me a lot to do on Fridays because they are trying to catch up on things as well.  I'm still so far behind I should put some time in over the weekend - but I refuse to - that is MY time.  

Morgan says she wants to have another baby and they are 'trying'..... I was teasing her as I was doing my squats last night that I was going to pray for twins for her.  Then I told her I'd pray for triplets because of what she was making me do.  She was going no triplets!  I told her I'd retire and take care of the triplets, if that is what she had.  She said 'would you really'?  And I said yes.  So God, if you are listening, and give Morgan triplets, then it is Your permission to me that I can retire and babysit them!  Wouldn't that be a hoot! Do I expect God to give her triplets?  No, I THINK I'm safe.  But with God, be careful what you ask for!  He may answer!

Blessings!

I did survive the meeting

 Remember by groaning yesterday about the slide deck and all?  Well, I did what I could figure out - attached it to an email and sent it to my boss and just told him I didn't know how to do what he was requesting.  That was early yesterday morning. He never responded.  Our meeting was at 3PM and at 2:45PM I sent him a message on Teams that I hoped he had seen what I had emailed him earlier because it wasn't where he wanted it to be.  He just responded "sorry, been busy".  Well, we had the meeting and he uploaded the slides I had sent him that I could figure out, and he brought up another agenda to work on. This is where I can't figure things out.  How does he cut and paste the agenda on a word document then type in it?  When I cut and paste, it won't let me - and I can't figure it out.  I'm going to do some 'googling' today to see if I can learn how to do that.  That was my biggest hangup in all of this.  Today I will work on updating the slides as I can.  We have 3 weeks until the meeting so I do have time.  The others have to complete their own slides and attach them where they belong.  Then all I have to do at the meeting is present the slides as they are discussing them.  If I was in the office I know I could get someone to show me how to do what I need to do, but I'm not.  

We had a nice dinner with the daughter and her family last night at Valle Luna.  So.much.food.  I got the pollo fundido as I usually do at a Mexican restaurant.  For some reason, it wasn't as good as I expected. Its' been a few years since we have eaten there.  I think Garcia's had the best fundido.  I don't think they are 'here' anymore, probably thanks to COVID.  I ate one of the two fundidos and some of the rice and beans - that's all I could handle.  Sent the rest home with the granddaughter.  It was nice getting together with family and having dinner.  Tonight, it is dinner at Applebees with friends.  Food won't be as heavy-laden with calories as last nights was.  Hey - I start my new eating plan on next Tuesday - eating foods I love (including girl scout cookies) while I can.  LOL  I have taco soup I thawed out and we need to eat some of that for lunch today.

I received an email from Virta Health of a talk they are having on January 29th on Instagram to explain how the program works, I think.  Dr. Mark Hyman, co-author of The Daniel Diet, I think that is what it is called, is one of the keynote speakers.  I am going to plan to watch it so that I can understand more of what it is.  I need to look and see what time.  Then again, I hope they post it as well afterwards.  Hubby has his surgery on the 28th and the 29th I will need to go pick him up upon discharge.  At least I get two days off work.  Thought about taking that Monday off as well, but there is no reason and I want to save some of my PTO days.   I want hubby and I to start getting away for a couple days perhaps every other month.  I need to get away and not allow myself to get so burned out as I was last December.  With all the time I had to use of PTO and sick time when I was off, I still ended up with 60+ hours at the end of the year. And it rolls over.  I've already got 77 hours, I think.  And today was payday so more has been added.  

Then again, Jailbreak is at the end of April and we are heading north. I sure hope the weather warms up.  For Christmas my daughter gave me a 'spa day' while we are on Jailbreak - just she and I - so that will be so fun.  A massage, facial, maybe even mani and pedi.  I just want to relax. Sounds good even now.  We dropped our monthly massages a couple years ago.  Haven't had one since and I bet one would feel really good about now.  

My sister and her hubby head to Florida for two months this morning.  They have snow where they are - and I hear snow appeared in Florida, as well as Arkansas and Louisiana, but they are not going through there.  She's hoping for sunshine and the beach.  I remember the one year I was able to take a 4 day vacation to Florida when they still had property there.  It was 4 days of great fun, days on the beach and even getting into the WARM ocean water.  This side of the US the ocean is so cold.  That side the ocean is lukewarm and wonderful.

James 1:5 (NIV):  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking.

I don't know about you, but I'm grateful I can go to God with all my questions and know that He will not rebuke me, embarrass me, or humiliate me because I don't know the answer.  Many times that happens - makes me think; I wonder if that is why I am so reluctant at times (as others are) about asking questions about things.  Are we all afraid of being humiliated and embarrassed about not knowing the answer?  I think we are.  We don't want to appear 'stupid'.  When actually, there is no 'stupid' question, right?  If you don't know the answer - ASK - because that is how you find out the answer.  And, yes, it was humiliating and embarrassing for me to admit to the leaders I didn't know how to do that slide deck thing yesterday.  It really was, for there are many EAs and Admins who do know all about these things.  But I have never had to do it.  Yes, I've taken a PPT class - probably 20+ years ago - but if you don't use it, you lose it, right?  I've also taken Excel and other classes.  But again, I don't ever have to use it, and I don't remember.  So, I have told my boss that I will schedule time with him before the next board meeting in May for him to show me how to 'stack the deck' and get it ready to upload.  That is the only way I am going to learn.  Unless I ask one of the admins and I know she will willingly show me.  The President's EA has to do this all the time.  I do it once a quarter - or rather, will be doing it once a quarter.  I still don't want to do it - and I truly entertained the thought of retiring yesterday.  I was that stressed about it.  I even started writing down what expenses I paid for and how could I rein those in.  I was so tired and weary after struggling with it over two hours before I finally gave up and sent to him.

But our God is a gracious God and He will help us when we have questions for Him.  Sometimes His answer isn't forthcoming as quickly as we want it - and yet, other times the answer will come to us just as we need it.  He is always willing and ready to give the answer to what we are asking.  When was the last time you asked God for something?  Something that He can provide; not for your own personal profit.  Think about it.  How many times (me, it's frequently) do you cry out "Lord, HELP!" and you find that you can get through whatever it is?  

Hubby will be home all day today - no breakfasts or lunches today.  It may be a l-o-n-g day for both of us! LOL  I don't want to wish my life away, but I'm ready for the weekend when I can 'chill'.  But I've decided that I'm going to start decluttering this weekend, if at all possible.  I am starting in this room, since I am in here all the time.  I think that is what gets me most days; I'm stuck in the chair in front of the computer and my desk is a mess.  I need to pull the stacked receipts off and sort out on the bed for taxes anyway - that will really help.  Plus I need to throw things away that I don't need!  How often do we look at a piece of mail and think to ourselves that we will take care of it later - only later never comes.  One stacks upon the other.  Yep - I'm sure I have some of those in that stack as well.  I need to make a conscious effort to let go. Stay tuned on that one.  

And, gotta go - it's nearly time to get that work computer going again this morning.  I hear the wind blowing hard this morning and the wind chimes are banging up against the house.  Maybe I will take the covering off the clanger and let it 'play' for awhile this morning.  LOL  I don't know that I have really heard it before since I put the cover on it as soon as I hung it up! Anyway - gotta go!  Have a great day!

Blessings!

My evening alone

 My evening alone was nice.  I wasn't really hungry so had a couple beef sticks for dinner.  I didn't want to cook anything.  Why was I alone?  Hubby had his study with a friend; my daughter went on her Christmas gift from her hubby - a ride in a hot air balloon.  He paid for them to do 'solo' - meaning no other people except the owner and them.  They sent a couple photos and videos of the process and I think they both enjoyed it a lot.  Happy they were able to go up after all the winds yesterday morning.  We are going to meet them tonight for dinner, along with their daughter and family, to continue celebrating.  I believe in celebrating birthdays for as long as you want!

I watched a couple movies last night and crochet'd.  Yes, I could have worked on the diamond art project; I could have read; I could have sewed - I could have.  But I chose instead to curl up on the couch and watch a couple favorite movies and crochet dish cloths.  Finished two last night.  I enjoyed the not doing anything and relaxing.  And I think I needed it.

My male boss is giving me more and more work to do and I am struggling with it all.  The last email I read from him was to put the slide deck into the Teams folder for the board meeting.  WHAT slide deck?  I know he is referring to the powerpoint slide deck - but how do you put one together and upload it?  I know how to upload things, but I am frustrated that since his one employee resigned he is passing the work on to me - and I don't want to do it!  I don't want to learn to do it!  But, alas, I may have to.  I just responded to him "unfortunately, I do not know how to do that and will have to ask another admin how to pull it together.  Have a good evening; I'm off the clock." and shut the computer completely off.  Sigh. I see this morning I have 50 emails!!  Granted, the majority are not for me and perhaps only 4-5 are for me, but I am dreading turning on the computer this morning.  I am dropping big hints to get him his own executive assistant and leave me alone.  My favorite boss gave me a project to do as well - and I can not start on it because he is keeping me busy with his things.  Lord, help!!

My arms are sore this morning.  Monday evening Morgan had me doing a lot of exercises with my arms - and wow - they haven't hurt like this in a long time!  I enjoy building the biceps and triceps but wow - it's the muscles around my elbows that are hurting today.  I thought I had training tonight, but it is tomorrow night - and then we go to dinner with some friends.  I need to go visit some neighbors this weekend; it's been since Christmas or rather before, that I saw them last. I have become a hermit and I don't have a problem with it at all.  But I do need to get out and visit Ms. Vicky and Ms. Diane.  

Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV):  "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.  Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Many people comment on that verse and think that whatever they ask of God, He will give to them. And because they ask of it, they expect it. And if it is not in God's plan for them and they don't receive, they get angry and reject Him.  One might say people tend to take it out of context at times. Do you agree?  How many times have you asked God for something, and perhaps even asked numerous times, and still didn't get it?  You asked. You sought. You knocked.  And got nothing but closed doors. You get angry and disillusioned and walk away from God because He didn't answer your prayer in your time frame, in your way. After all, you DID ask, right?  And doesn't God want to give us everything we ask for?

That is where many of us mess up.  Our God is not a genie who we can rub whenever we want something to come true.  Our God loves us so much that He longs to give us our heart's desires - but He knows it is not always in our best interests to receive it.  Or perhaps the timing is off.  I don't know what God delays His answers to us.  I don't know why he doesn't hear a child's prayer and answer immediately.  But I do know that the devil will do all he can to turn anyone away from God by telling them that God is not listening to them. God doesn't care about them. They can talk to Him as long as they want, but He isn't going to answer to them.  And, unfortunately, they listen.  And they have become hard-hearted and cruel with their words at times.  All because they listened to the devil and turned their faces to him and did not keep faith in God and in His own timing.  

I know people who have walked away from God and have become so hard-hearted towards Him that they have alienated people who love them and want to share the goodness of God with them.  It breaks my heart for they have turned from God in their stubbornness of not getting their own way.  I fear for them; I fear for their families, for the devil doesn't care about them.  I pray their eyes will be opened and they will turn back to God, will forgive those who they feel got in the way of their plans, and will live for Jesus.  They were beautiful people when they loved Jesus.  I pray they return to Him.

Yes, even with following Jesus I don't get all I ask for.  Trust me, I have prayed a lot.  I have pounded on heaven's doors for things, and I didn't get them.  Or if they did get answered, it wasn't in my time frame.  It was in God's timeframe.  It may not have been how I wanted it done, but how He wanted it done.  I only see what is in front of me.  Our God sees it all and sees what will happen.  He is the greater One in that He knows all, sees all, and provides all.  

Bad things do happen to good people.  Sometimes it is a test of our faith.  Will we keep believing in God if He doesn't answer?  Or will we walk away from Him?  I can tell you that when I have become discouraged and depressed over my own situations, and I prayed and nothing happened.... I would hear the devil whisper things to me to get me to walk away from God.  And I have to tell him where to go - back to hell where he belongs!  God is the only One I will serve!  It doesn't matter if hell comes against me; if I lose everything; if I lose my health; if I lose my family - if I hang on to my God, I have everything.  It's like in the movie 'Facing the Giants' - "will you still love Jesus if you never have a child?"  Surrender, that is what we are called to do.  And my answer is, "Yes, I will love Jesus if I lose everything.  I will still have Jesus.  This body is but a vessel for Him to use.  I belong to Him alone."

As Paul said in Galatians 2:20 - "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.  So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

O that I could convince you to turn to Jesus and give your lives to Him!  Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the Life.  He only wants good for you.  He loves you more than you will ever know.  His love is immeasurable.  Oh that you would pause and confess your sins to Him and ask for His forgiveness, and ask for His help in living for Him.  Do you not realize all that He will do for you?  You may think life is grand right now and you and your family have all that you need - but there is so much more that God will provide for you!  

There is no one like Jesus.  We must go through Jesus to get to the Father.  Ask Him today; Seek Him honestly and earnestly. Knock on the door of heaven until you receive your answer.  It may be no, it may be yes, it may be not yet.  Lean into Jesus and seek Him.  He is your very life.  Praying for you, that you will find peace in the One who gives peace.

Blessings! 

I made the decision to stop

 Last night I made the decision to stop my fast for now.  We have two weeks into our three week fast.  It was late; I needed to fix something for dinner.  Yes, I could have just opened up a can of beans and veggies, but I felt I needed more.  A hamburger with protein.  I had given up beef, as had hubby.  When I got home about 7PM I told him I was stopping my fast and would continue another week by mid-year.  I told him I would be willing to fix him whatever he wanted.  He quickly thought about it and said he would go off the fast as well, which I expected, and would resume when I did in a few months.  So I fixed a hamburger with bread (both of which I had given up) .... and took out the cookies that our neighbor had brought to us recently.  We both ate. 

All those carbs I put in my body last night - I'm sure that is what it is - caused me to wake up with a really bad headache this morning.  Not the usual morning headache, but a pounding headache.  Or I slept too deep for I didn't wake at all during the night.  Of course the overload of carbs was the bread and cookies for me.  It's really not that I eat so bad on a regular basis, I just eat too much junk food and that is why I am going on Virta.  They will monitor everything and will help me on this new journey.  I was talking to  Morgan, my trainer, about it last night and she is going to check in to it for her dad, as he is a diabetic and could use someone keep him accountable.  There may be good coming from this.  I wish my son and daughter would check in to it, but well, I don't even know if they can, but I don't know why not.  They would just have to pay for it.  I've had my coffee and the headache has subsided somewhat.

I wish I had taken yesterday off work for I would have loved to have watched more of the inauguration.  I worked, and then would run in and watch a bit and then go back to work.  I cancelled a 10AM meeting with my male boss because that was when the swearing in was.  But, on the other hand, if I had taken the day off and stayed glued to the TV watching it all, as historic and interesting as it was, I would have lost a day of doing nothing.  Of course I could have crochet'd while watching it, but still....  you know how I hate 'losing time' - it's like losing a part of my life that I could have controlled and done something productive.

Today is my oldest child, my daughter's 56th birthday.  It's hard to believe my children have gotten 'so old'.  She was born when her daddy was in Viet Nam.  He never saw her, other than photos, until she was a year old.  Grateful he came home safe, although he had taken a bullet grazing his side at one time while there.  Memories are running through my mind.  But one makes me smile.  The first time she met him, and we were sitting at the table and she was running around..... she bit him on the ankle, if I recall correctly.  She didn't like someone taking mom's attention, perhaps.  I could be losing my mind thinking about that - but it seems like it did happen.  So many years ago.  I will have to ask if I have told her that before, for if I have, then it did happen.  So many memories of a lot of things.

The wind has been blowing fiercely since I got up this morning.  I knew it was blowing pretty hard last night, but being next to the window this morning, I hear it more.  Who knows what it has blown off.  I hear my chimes banging.  I had crochet'd a covering for the 'clanger' when I hung it up - it is loud.  So it hits the chimes but it is a 'clunk' instead of a ding or dong.  I hear someone else's wind chines singing in the wind.  Did our neighbors put one up?  I will have to check.

Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV):  Don't be misled - you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature.  But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

I saw a video that was posted on Facebook the other day in which a person was mocking God and tearing pages out of the Bible and was saying words against God..... and she fell down dead.  I don't remember who or what it was, just a reel on Facebook.  You cannot mock God and expect to live life peacefully.  When you allow Satan to take over your life, to be a part of your life, you reap the consequences of following Satan instead of God.  You will never have peace.

Satan is sneaky.  Who was that entertainer that would always say 'the devil made me do it' - was it Flip Wilson?   But that thought just popped into my mind that oftentimes we do things that we shouldn't and we laugh it off by saying 'the devil made me do it'.  No, the devil didn't make you do it.  The devil doesn't make you drink too much.  Or tell someone off.  Or rob a bank.  Or do things you know you shouldn't do.  The devil puts the idea in your head, yes, but you do it on your own accord.  All the devil can do is suggest it. If you let your mind dwell on it, you will believe what the devil tells you and act on it.  That is why it is so important to have a relationship with Jesus.  

The devil can suggest things to you all the time.  Remember how he tempted Eve in the garden?  "Did God really say you would die if you ate that fruit?"  Eve didn't have to eat it; she could have walked away.  But she allowed Satan to tempt her and she gave in.  Just like we are tempted with foods and drinks that are not good for our bodies and we eat and drink them anyway because they make us 'feel good'.  They help us forget our pain for the moment, so we think. erase erase.

I didn't get much done yesterday and when I stopped at 4PM, I was frustrated with my male boss. Again.  He tells me to create an agreement for this doctor for a stipend for attending board meetings. He doesn't tell me which one. He doesn't tell me how much. He doesn't give me any information but the name. He didn't even tell me when it starts or finishes.  I have never done these contracts before. I had to go to someone in legal to find out which contract to use to create it. I didn't finish it because I don't have his address, nor the NPI number or anything else I'd need. That will be on my agenda to get finished today.  Things like that make me want to retire NOW.

Did I tell you that hubby grumbled the other day and told me to retire whenever I wanted to; guess my complaining has gotten to him.  He also said, "but you won't be able to do the things you like to do if you don't have the money coming in."  And he's right about that.  I would have to drop the gym, and so would he, so if I quit work, it doesn't affect just me.  Shopping is no big deal; I can quit shopping.  But I do like working out and having a trainer.  I do like being able to go on Jailbreak with the girls.  sigh. It's a win-lose situation I think.  I will die still working.  At least someone will get my insurance I have paid in all these years.  Once I quit work, that life insurance is gone.

And with all that rambling, I'm going to get off here.  I need some 'alone' time with God this morning. My heart is breaking over some things and He and I need to chat.  Have an amazing day.

Blessings!

It went well....

The service went well yesterday but I got a big surprise when I arrived at the RV park!  People started coming up to me and saying, "I hear you are going to be singing with us in the choir."  I'm going 'what?' Then the worship leader came up and started telling me where to stand. LOL I'm going 'whoa, wait a minute!'  Jim, our awesome worship leader, had it all figured out. I come down from the stage to sing with the choir and then go back up to do the message.  And you know what, that's what I did.   I had fun doing it and I love to sing the old hymns, which is all they sing there.  Several commented they were glad to see me in the choir as well as 'enjoying' the message.  I was surprised before the service how many commented to me as I made my rounds, that God has gifted me to speak and how much they enjoy the Word given to them.  Wow.  I didn't expect that. One couple must be new for I don't recall them being there but one time before.  I felt blessed by the people and one guy asked when I'd be back the next time so that he could make sure he was there.  It's not me, for sure, but God working through His Word to reach the people.  Hallelujah!  I'm but an instrument I've given Him permission to use.

Hubby isn't too happy this morning; he has a 7AM gym appointment and it is still dark and it's cold out. I don't go until this afternoon after work.  His tummy settled down yesterday after I found the 'drugs' I had purchased before for him and he took some.  We ended up not going to the SA church but coming home and on the way home, we stopped and picked up sugar-free butterfinger protein shakes from One Nutrition and that was our lunch. They are so good and taste just like a butterfinger. We're 'hooked' on them.  They are not low in calories though; I have seen the glob of peanut butter they put in the shakes!  But soooo good!  I did fix a good dinner last night; salmon, rice pilaf, tater tots (ok, so the tater tots aren't that good for us, but I'm using up things in the freezer), and sliced orange slices.  

I was also surprised to receive my Virta box yesterday.  Inside this box was a scale that will connect to the app and record my weight. No, I haven't gotten on it yet.  A food scale (I have two I think, but don't use them. Guess I'll use this one). Magnesium tablets. Glucose meter, lancelets (I'm at a loss on this one; will wait before using them) alcohol preps, and another bottle of something and I don't remember what all.  I put the scale next to my vanity and the other stuff back in the bag it came in.  I will look at it again today sometime. I have gone in and read several things about Virta.  It's really for diabetics, but since my Alc was 5.7, I guess it wouldn't hurt to bring it down. And yes, that may mean I won't get to eat my Girl Scout cookies and that breaks my heart.   But I have also been a rule-breaker, so you know what might happen.

I don't 'meet' via zoom my Virta coach until Thursday; that's when I scheduled it, I think.  They want me to start tomorrow on this new plan, and some of the recipes in the recipe book they sent look really good.  I have a dash waffle maker (the little waffles) and they said to use this one recipe to make 'chaffles' and freeze them, using them for bread for sandwiches.  And did you know - because I didn't - there is cornbread flavoring?  I had no idea!!  And yes, I ordered it from Amazon, plus another one they recommended.  I'm going to make 'chaffles'!  This looks like a keto diet in a way, but it is monitored and coaching is provided to keep on track.  I do know that cutting out carbs is a big thing with this new way of eating.  As I was going through the list, I was surprised how many foods had lots of carbs in them!  Even good food!  Beef, 4 oz, has no carbs so they want you to eat it.  On the other hand, even 1/2 cup of onions has carbs.  I think they 'allow' 30 carbs a day, at least to start. And no bread is allowed.  

And not eating bread is going to be hard for me, and yet, it isn't.  I love bread.  But I also don't really eat much of it, if I really stop to think about it.  Potatoes have a lot of carbs, so potatoes are used sparingly.  And never fried.  (sigh, no french fries)  But I really feel that if I follow the guidelines and do this as much as I can, I can lose the extra 30+ pounds I'm carrying around and you won't have to listen to me groan about how fat I am.  Or that I feel.  And the best part? I can get back in the clothes I have hanging in my closet that I refuse to get rid of because I don't want to buy bigger sizes.  

Why am I doing this? Why do I want to lose weight and be healthy?  Besides the fact eating this way will keep me from becoming a diabetic, my head will lose the fog it feels at times; I won't get these headaches so much like I do; I will have more energy, and I will think much more clearer.  I will feel like getting down on the floor and know I can get back up after playing with the great grandchildren.  I have read of many people getting off their insulin, getting to throw away their diabetic meds, and blood pressure becoming normal because of following this way of eating.  I refuse to call it dieting. It is a life change way of eating.  I can still have carbs.  I can still 'cheat' on occasion.  But I need to get control of what I eat and eat to live, and not eat to fill my belly.  Does that make sense to you?

I would love to share this program with my sons and daughter - two are diabetics and on medications, and both often comment about the complications they feel with taking the medications.  I was 'forced' to go on simvastatin for my 'high cholesterol' of 199.  It's only 10mcg, the lowest dose, but I have read so much how statins destroy other parts of your body and causes complications.  It's like take a statin to take care of your cholesterol, but one of the side effects could cause your blood pressure to rise, so you have a pill to take for that, which pill causes you to .... you get the picture.  I'm against pharm nightmare of pushing pills all the time.  Hubby takes so many pills that I don't even know what he takes for what anymore.  And I honestly believe they work against each other.  He takes numerous vitamins too, which are unnecessary, I feel.  Since he will be eating what I fix, he should be able to drop some of his drugs too.  I feel he is on way too many meds - and what is going on in his body is caused by these drugs.  Just my opinion!!  I take three prescriptions very reluctantly.  And that is way too many in my opinion.  Once I get on this new way of eating and start losing, I will drop the statin, whether my doctor agrees or not.  I can't change or improve my thyroid.  I need to increase my bone density so that I can quit taking that weekly pill.  I want to be healthy and strong.  I just have to do it.

James 1:2-3 (NLT):  Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

Sometimes I wonder when I will learn from the troubles that seem to continuously come into our family. I pray and pray and pray.... I don't always hear the results so I keep praying until I feel released from praying or I'm given the results.  Granted, sometimes family members bring the troubles upon themselves, but since it is my family, that is irrelevant.  I love each one and will pray for each one, regardless of what the circumstances are.  I even pray for their favorite football teams to win!  Granted, God doesn't always answer those requests! LOL Silly, huh.  But that's ok.  Prayer is always good.  I don't like it when troubles come our way, and they even frequently come into my life in various ways.  Troubles when my sister decides she is mad at me.  Although now that her second 'best friend' has passed, it seems I am now her 'best friend' as well as sister.  And that is ok.  I don't love her any more or any less.  She is my sister.  

I've 'lost' best friends (in a sense) because of working from home and being isolated.  I'm not around people anymore and that does affect relationships, as you know.  My boss was one I was closest to when working in the office, although I knew she had a 'best friend' from years ago.  That was ok.  But she is still the one I can confide in and trust to help me go through struggles.  I have several 'close' friends, but not to the point where I can confide in them, you know what I mean?  I tell my little sister a lot of things, but not everything. My faith has really been tested with this one!  LOL  You know my past experiences.  Oh well, onward we go.

When troubles come your way, what do you do?  I know I complain a lot at times, but I also pray.  I should pray first and leave my troubles there.  That is what we all should do.  Not 'share' on social media for sure!  I've managed to 'drop' a couple social media things, but find I still get on facebook for a little bit and then when I realize I'm on it, I get off.  I only care to see what my family is doing and most rarely post, and those that do, well, I will leave it there.  I should just delete the app.  I don't think I'd miss it.  I was on tik tok several months ago and realized it was just something else taking up my time and did delete that app. Never have regretted that move.  Facebook may be next.  Yeah, why not.  My friends rarely post on it anymore.  Everything I look at on the computer ends up being advertised on facebook and it drives me crazy cause all I see are advertisements.  I'm getting 'over it' for sure.

Need to go - about time to start work and it's another busy day.  Hope your day is amazing!

Blessings!

First day of the week

 It's Sunday and I'm speaking at the RV Park here in town.  What's the topic?  Walking with God.  How hard is it?  It really isn't that hard, regardless of what you have heard, or what you may think.  Sure, we feel we get a lot of 'don't' or 'cannot' when we follow God - but really, they aren't RULES - they are GUIDELINES.  What kind of 'guidelines' do you give to your children as they are growing up.  Yeah, we may call them rules, but in reality, aren't they just guidelines, that if they follow what we ask of them, all will go well?  That's the way it is with God.  If we avoid the things He tells us not to do (lie, steal, kill, and maybe a few other things), won't we have a better life?  Something to think about.

I've spent all morning going over the message, realized it was too long, and started cutting out some things.  Just like I did yesterday afternoon when I was going through it.  I try to only speak 20-25 minutes, closer to 20 if possible.  Since I'm a fast reader, I guess I put a lot more words in then I thought, for as I started reading it out loud and timing myself, well, when I got to 20 minutes and still had a few pages to go (even at 14 font), I decided to go back through it this morning.  After trying to read through it three times and eliminating some each time, I think I finally have it down to about 20 minutes.  I eliminated three stories and a couple other paragraphs.  I know, I'm wordy, so I just keep talking.  I haven't gone over it since I just spent the last hour and a half adding/subtracting and just printed it again - but it is what it is.  I'm not going to go over it again until I'm on the way to the RV park and I'll skim it as hubby drives.  If he goes.  He woke up with his tummy not doing well.  It wasn't 'well' yesterday either (but that didn't stop him from eating whatever I fixed).  I'll check with him in a little bit to see if he feels he needs to stay home.  I did tell him we didn't have to go to the SA church if he didn't feel like it.

If hubby doesn't go to church, not sure what the rest of the day will be like.  Our friends want us to go to lunch with them after the SA church and we said we would.  We may just come home and chill.  I've started reading a new book by Craig Groschel - I'll give you the name of it later; I can't remember the exact name and it's on the couch.  I started reading it yesterday afternoon and it is really good.  I see my sister in a lot of it - so yes, I ordered her a copy and it will be delivered to her today by Amazon.  She NEEDS to read it.  The title is something about Winning the War in the Mind.  I could look it up but am running short on time this morning.  Got to stop in a few and start getting ready for church.  More on the book later; but you might look it up.

I just realized we are three weeks in the month of January and I haven't completed that first book yet!  I've gotten started on a couple books, but I don't think I have finished any.  I need to look around my chair and see if I did. Got to get it recorded for sure!  I am one of those who read here, there, and everywhere.  I have my Kindle I read from, and I have real books.  Between activities and crocheting and taking care of hubby, I don't have much time to just chill.  But I did get an hour yesterday afternoon and put the crochet down and picked up the book the read.  Hubby and I watched a movie and part of the Washington/Lions game last night - especially the last five minutes.  What a play by Washington and intercepting that ball - and winning!  Of course they had already won the game based on the score; I don't know why the Lions even bothered in the last minute to do anything; there was no way they could score enough to win.  It was a good game though and I imagine my oldest son was watching it.

I haven't slept well the past two nights - the night before I had one of my granddaughters on my mind and praying for her (and God answered!!) and last night - well, when you watch a football game like we watched last night, my mind was awake and not sleepy when we went to bed, although it was past our bedtime.  I don't feel I slept well at all.  Didn't want to get up this morning, but hubby got up early so I followed.  Like I said, I spent time on the message and retyped it so most of my time is gone to read this morning.  

Matthew 7:12 (NLT):  Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

We can apply that a lot in our lives, don't you think?  How do you treat others?  Do you look with distain upon them?  Do you lie about them?  Do you treat them as an enemy (even if they are)?  Why not change the way you look at them, change what you say about them (like build them up instead of putting them down), and pray for them and treat them as a friend, as you would want to be treated.  Sometimes we don't know what that person is going through and when they are really grumpy, it's because they are hurting inside over something and it just comes out in anger or rough talk.  Think about yourself.  When you have a headache, or don't feel good, do you find yourself snapping at people when they don't do what you want them to?  Isn't it when we may be irritated about something and someone out of the blue will say something that will set us off and we let off with things we know we shouldn't say, don't need to say, and end us wishing we didn't (no matter how much we stand up for our right to say it).....  Hurting people hurt people.  Angry people hurt people.  What's your attitude?

Above all else - hold the tongue, and be kind.  Be kind as you would want them to be kind to you, or to anyone that you love.  Be kind.  You don't know what they are going through.  They don't know what you are going through.  So just be kind.

Blessings!

This weekend is pray pray pray....

 This has already started out being a crazy weekend.  My heart aches and the tears fall, and then my heart rejoices and praises God for His love.  Will I be a mess this weekend?  Could very well be.  I'm a broken vessel at this point.  But my heart rejoices in Him, who is my Savior.  I know, none of that makes any sense.

Got a text last night from a granddaughter who ended up going into the hospital to deliver.  I have tossed and turned all night, praying for her, praying for the baby, praying all will go well.  I've been praying this morning as well, awaiting news.  I await news and time I can call my granddaughter and hear the news from her.  Sometimes being a great-grandparent is very hard.  I long to be a part of it all, and yet, it is not my place to be there.  Sometimes just being a grandparent is hard. Your heart longs to be a part of the joys of the families of your children, and yet, you feel excluded.  Does that make sense?  I wait my turn.

I am going to call my dermatologist on Monday.  My medical doctor's office refused to schedule me an appointment for her to look at the bug bites (from October 12th) that are still bothering me.  They told me to go back to my dermatologist.  I haven't yet for that reason, but I will call on Monday.  They were bothering me last night (general hurting) and this morning I have a gnawing pain in my left leg, specifically the left side, where I felt it the night I got bit.  I think the two doctors should collaborate on what is going on.  Bug bites should not still be hurting, raising up and forming scabs, 3 months after being bitten!  Right?  I don't know if it was scorpions; I don't know if it was bedbugs.  But something bit me numerous times on the inside of my leg and it still is causing me pain and discomfort.  Something is not right.

Hubby made our coffee in a coffeepot this morning and I've already finished my second cup because of that.  I had 'suggested' to him earlier in the week to make a pot of coffee on the weekends, especially on Saturdays, as we can stay in our areas longer and sometimes I would like a second cup of coffee.  He must have listened to me.  At least this week.

Hubby went to his medical doctor yesterday to have spots frozen off his body.... the doctor ended up working on two spots on his face.  One between the eyes, and the other next to his nose.  They are black and ugly.  The one next to his nose started bleeding and running down his face so had to put Vaseline on it and a Band-Aid.  He had others done on his body.  But, he said he tried to talk to the doctor about what I had told him, and the doctor (which they do, I know) told him that he couldn't answer any questions because on specific Fridays he only does the freezing; that's all the time is allowed for.  I get it.  I'm not sure when he goes back for a regular visit.  He has his surgery on the aneurysm on the 28th. 

Today I don't think anything is planned.  I will be going over the message I have for tomorrow this afternoon.  This morning I will probably cook breakfast, therefore we will skip lunch for it is nearly 9AM already.  (We didn't get up until around 5:30AM I think)  I may have to go shopping... or not. You know how much I enjoy that.  Cough cough.  NOT.  But I do want to look at a new bedspread/quilt for the bed in here. I don't like what I had on it, and Christmas is over so I need to take this one off and put it away for next year.  I had ordered one via Amazon, but it has gotten lost in transit and they issued me a refund.  They don't even know where it is.  Maybe I ought to just make myself one - ya think?  I would rather make quilts for others and give to them, rather than for myself.

In our reading plan for today we are to read the entire chapter of Romans.  Interestingly, I stopped at after chapter 8 this morning when I went to get my second cup of coffee. I read the schedule after.  Hubby turned around when I walked through his office and asked if I was reading Romans.  When I said yes, he asked if I was struggling with reading it.  Again I said yes.  I don't know what it is, but this morning I am having difficulty understanding some and I'm going back and re-reading what it says frequently.  I see where we are to read the entire chapter of Romans so I will need to finish - there are not but a couple more chapters to go.  

I'm drawing a blank on scripture to share this morning.... lol.... I've gotten several txts while I've been writing this - with good news - and my head still hurts; my leg is hurting.... so I'm cutting this short. I need to go fix breakfast for hubby anyway.  

Have an amazing weekend!

Blessings!