Huh. The youngest shaved ....

his beard is gone and his hair is as well.  He buzzed it.  I am going to assume that his middle child has passed all the waivers and all to join the U S Army.  The youngest plans to dress in his captain uniform and swear him in.  I hope it will be a time that I can go and watch (and probably choke up).  

The landscapers are already here this morning and it is 6:12AM.  I hear them either doing the blowing leaves thing or cutting hedges. Who knows with them.  Sigh. Yes, I still want to move.  I'd rather take care of my own yard.

Yesterday morning was busy with work, but the afternoon wasn't too bad.  Good thing I conserved my energy - ha ha - Morgan took me through a 'HIIT' last night.  And it was tough!  Swinging kettlebells, slamming balls, dragging a 30 lb weight on all fours (I hate this one!) and jumping on and off a step.  It sounds simple, but trust me, she had me sweating!  And gasping for air!  LOL  It's all good for me and although I feel somewhat 'stiff' this morning, I'm not sore.  Yet.

Still no news has come out from Corporate.  I think the excitement my male boss has - and I'm pretty sure what I think it is - is correct.... usually those types of messages are sent out on Fridays, and usually after hours.  He jumped the gun on an 'announcement' without sharing what the announcement was.  Duh. It's got to be about him, right?

I also heard there was going to be a realignment of admins/executive assistants.  From the person who told me, I told her they better not take me away from my favorite one.  I've mentioned many, many times, that they can take my male boss and his entire crew with them.  He drives me crazy.  That would remove 3 people from me that I support (out of 5+) so I wonder who they would give me in their place.  He's ok, he really is, it's just that he annoys me a lot and makes impossible requests for meetings that are stressful because he doesn't give me enough information and he STILL has not answered my email from last week about my taking on both of the boards.  He ignores my questions and that annoys me.  If they remove him from my support, then whoever gets him, will get the board meetings.  I'm hoping for that!  But don't touch my favorite boss!  I would survive, but very unhappily.  I know when she retires I will not have her, but don't take her until then.

We are in the 'mid-year ARC' process.  I forget what ARC stands for, but we are to go in and do a self-evaluation of ourselves on our job and submit through HR. It will go to our boss that we report to (my favorite) and then we meet to discuss any goals and projects completed.  I'm an EA - what in the world could I possibly want to do at age 76 (well, almost)?!  Most people my age are retired!  My boss and I used to laugh that 1) we will die in our chairs in front of our computers or 2) we will win the lottery (which neither of us plays) and can retire comfortably.  Well, she has set the date for her retirement - August 1, 2026.  She will be 66.  She's 10 years younger than me.  Anyway - I had to complete my self-evaluation and thought and thought about what I could put.  I don't WANT to learn anything new.  I don't WANT to choose another job.  Leave me alone.  But, I had to, so I chose that I would learn PowerPoint better.  Right now I actually know nothing more than bringing up the slide decks for the board meetings and click to the next one. That's all I want to know.  But, because I had to put something that I was willing to learn, I put down that in the next month I will learn more about PowerPoint.  I have a Microsoft book that I bought back in 2022 and it should be good enough to take me through the basics, right?  I've made PowerPoint slides in the past but I have to play with it.  Now I've committed myself to learn it.  And in doing so, my boss will give me an 'exceeds expectations' on my ARC review and I will get a nice raise again. :-)  

My coffee is gone this morning and I am thinking I need a second cup.  Instead of a second cup yesterday, I decided I needed to start drinking my green tea again.  Did that ever throw hubby off!  He couldn't understand why I wanted a cup of green tea instead of drinking another cup of coffee.  Does it even matter?  I did have my cup of green tea and yes, it was good.  Maybe I'll do that again today.  I have bookoo amounts of tea on top of my oven; need to use them up!  I really should plan that tea party I have wanted to do for years and just haven't done.  It's in my heart and mind to do... some day, perhaps.

I have several verses running through my mind this morning from things I have read, but can't decide which one to give you.  Therefore I will just share this one....

Hosea 10:12 (NKJV):  Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, Til He comes and rains righteousness on you.

Break up your fallow ground..... what does that mean?  Break up the hardness of your heart.  It is time to seek the Lord and with a hard heart, you cannot do that.  Seek Him and He will be found by you.  Break up the hardness you are holding within you, the unforgiveness, the hatred, the .... whatever it is.  Seek the Lord with a softened heart, and you will find Him, waiting and listening to you.  Let Him guide and direct your path.  You will never regret it.

Blessings!

I gave in....sorta...

 Well, I guess I did.  Hubby again pursued about getting away on vacation.  I took a deep breath, a deep sigh, and went online to check a hotel we have stayed at in Payson a couple times in the past.  They now have a luxury king with a fireplace (and one with an indoor jacuzzi if one is interested) for a reasonable price and it was available the week we were thinking of 'going on vacation'.  I went ahead and made the reservations - 8/18-8/21.  Hubby is happy.  Isn't that what counts?  He has the best of both worlds - and I'll leave that right there.

My male boss sent a Teams message to his direct reports and included me yesterday about 12:42PM.  In this message he said there was an announcement coming out but it wouldn't affect the team or the way things are done.  His direct reports all responded thanks.  Now I do not report to him direct, but I support him.  So I jumped on our separate Teams link and asked him what was going on.  He wouldn't tell me. But I think I have figured it out.  Remember a week or so ago he actually called me and shared some confidential things with me?  Yeah, I think it is happening.  I could be wrong.  The email hasn't come out yet (yes, I've already checked) but I think I know what it is.  He will become VP of another department - which means he is president or vp of three different areas of our division.  I don't have much to do with that area, but if it is going to increase my workload, I'm going to request he and his entire teams be removed from my support!  See how that plays out.  I don't want more work.  But that division does have their own Project Manager who supports the two leaders.  This is going to be interesting, for sure.  I called my favorite boss (who I do report to) and asked her last night if she knew anything, and she did not.  I'm pretty sure I know... but I was asked to keep it confidential so I can't tell even her.  But I suspect that is what it is.  At least I have proved I can keep confidential things that are to be kept confidential. 

The youngest hadn't called me for a couple days and update me on things so I called him yesterday.  He did give me an update, but, I don't know, something seemed off and he was in a hurry to get off the phone. From his mother!  Well, he can't say I don't call and check on him and his family.  The middle child can say that for I know he doesn't like to talk on the phone - but he does fill me in at times via his blog.  I don't like to bug any of my children and have made that my lifetime goal since they all moved out.  I don't butt in where I'm not wanted.  Yes, I have lots of regrets for I don't feel close to some, but it is what it is.

It's hump day and I already have three meetings in my emails to set up.  I can hardly wait. Cough cough. 

I'm going through a phase, I think.  Last night I felt like something heavy was upon me. Haven't figured out what that was all about, but I hope it doesn't weigh me down today.  I even left my daughter's early last night - I just wanted to come home, hoping for some time alone, but alas, hubby got home about 5 minutes before I did.  For some reason, he was early last night.  I think that is what I'm needing - time by myself.  But what do I do with it when I get it?  I need a week (at least) alone, where I can watch movies and crochet, read, or just sit and talk with God.  Throw some baking in there, I'm sure, as well.  I am feeling overwhelmed with this prison I am in and I've got to break out.  Perhaps a week off work and going on vacation in three weeks will help.  O riot.  I won't be alone, but at least I won't be cooped up in these four walls.  Breathe, breathe....

Matthew 5:14, 16 (NKJV):  You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Interesting I should have that scripture this morning.  In my prayer this morning I was asking God to let me, my life, be an example to others.  Not perfect, sometimes failing, but always seeking God and having His grace and forgiveness.  I want to be remembered as someone who loves Jesus more than anything else. I often pause and wonder what I put in front of Jesus.... many times my thoughts come to this blog.  Because I stop my quiet time to type this, am I putting it in front of having more time with Jesus?  Well, yes I am, but I do (as a rule) do my reading and prayers before I get on here.  This is usually my last thing before I get on the work computer. So I could say that work is coming before spending more time with Him as well, right?  Is that rationalizing?  When we go on vacation, and we pause our reading to do something - is that making that 'thing' an idol.  I know, I'm stretching it here.  I'm struggling emotionally right now; lots of things going on within me and I am in the 'curl up in the corner and close my eyes to the world' mode.  So excuse my whining.

But, per the scripture, we are to be the light that shines the love of Jesus to others.  Many times we are Jesus to other people, for they don't know Him.  Many in the generation after me do not even know who He is.  They didn't go to church. And many in the generation after have started coming back to Him and learning of Him.  It's a precious sight to see!  How I pray for and wish my grandchildren would turn from their own ways and seek Him with all of their hearts!  Their lives would be so enriched if they would believe in the One who saves them and loves them more than they can ever remember.  I pray for my children and grandchildren to turn their hearts to Him.  It's more than believing in Him, it is more than saying 'I love Him'.  It's in the obeying and following Him that is the key to living for Jesus.  My heart breaks over each one.  

And your heart should be breaking for your children and grandchildren who have chosen the world to follow.  It doesn't matter what example they had growing up.  I failed in so many ways, I admit.  But I chose Jesus during that time and I've never looked back. It doesn't mean I was perfect. I struggled then with life, and I struggle even now.  Just because the children are on their own doesn't mean life is perfect, for it is not.  

I so much miss little ones coming over to bake cookies.  And the big ones too.  That is how I show my love, I guess.... I want to make memories with them.  I know some day I will not be here... will they remember the special things I hold dear. 

What memories are you making with your family?  Do you need to start making some that will last?  You are that light in the world to them; the city set on a hill. 

Blessings!

Last night thinking....

 We went to bed at our usual time last night, although I wasn't really feeling tired nor sleepy.  But knew that if I could fall asleep, I needed to.  Can't sleep late during the work week!  Not that I even get to on weekends past 5:30AM or so.  Anyway, I did fall asleep eventually, but awakened around 11:30PM to walk down the hall.  Yeah, I was drinking my water yesterday too late.  Got to stop around 7-ish to avoid during the night walks.  Anyway, from then on, my night was 'different'.  My body went to sleep (I think), but my mind sure didn't!  All night long I was praying about one thing or one person or another thing or person.  Don't know what was going on, not sure I want to know if there was, but I finally gave up trying to mentally sleep and got up at 4:30AM.  I'm sure I slept some mentally even, during that time, but it sure didn't feel like it when I finally got up.  Tried to sleep in here, but the mental alertness continued.  I have no idea what that's about!  

Perhaps it is because when hubby said yesterday he was going to take a 'power nap' early afternoon, I decided I needed a 'lunch break' and curled up in my chair and took a ten minute nap myself!  Hubby, in the meantime, slept about 1-1/2 or 2 hours. Great power nap, huh!  

I did have my training last night and hubby went with me.  Biceps and Triceps - and Morgan worked me hard!  I had given hubby the cookies to give Morgan yesterday morning and I had thought she said that she loved snickerdoodles the most. That's why I always made them for her.  But no, she corrected me last night.  She never liked snickerdoodles until she tasted mine - and she liked them.  Her favorite?  Oatmeal raisin.  Seriously.  And I sent a box yesterday to my little sister as a thank you for her birthday gifts.  Oh well.  Now I know.

Tonight hubby has his bible study with his friend Steve and I usually have 'girls night out'.  We've skipped some, and may skip tonight.  Will see what the daughter has planned, if anything.  If she has work to do, I tell her to go ahead and do it. I'm content to stay at home and read or watch a movie and crochet.  If she doesn't have anything planned, I'll probably go to her house.  And we eat and sit and crochet and chat and catch up.

Hubby is again asking me about planning something for our anniversary this year.  If we stay home, we do nothing. He always wants to be with me, but I enjoy being alone as well.  I told him I'd check out some places. He's wanting to go to Payson - or at least where it is cooler.  Will see.  We won't go the week of our anniversary but the week after, because Morgan is off the week after and that way we won't miss two weeks of training; just one. She'll make it up with extra workouts when she returns.  I don't want to spend the money, but will, to keep hubby happy.  Not to say I won't enjoy being away and in cooler weather where we can sit outside and just relax.  And if we go to a hotel, I don't have to cook meals.  But then we spend even more money. I'm content with lunchmeat sandwiches, but he wouldn't be. Afterall, it's vacation, right?  For whom?

Psalm 119:93 (NKJV):  I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life.

Precepts:  A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.

You could also look at a 'precept' as a commandment - think '10 Commandments'.  God gives us these rules to help us live life to the fullest!  Did you ever think about that?

Just like we as parents sometimes tell our children (or grandchildren or great-grandchildren) 'no' - because we want to protect them. We want them to enjoy their life to the fullest.  I think you would agree that sticking pins into outlets is not a good thing.  Especially if they are active.  Would you not tell that child 'NO!'?  Just an example, for sure, but we also need to caution our children (and others) about things that we are aware of that can harm them.  We tell them to 'look both ways before crossing the street' because we don't want them to walk into traffic and be harmed.  We tell them 'take your medicine' because we want them to be well.  "Hold my hand" is another line we give our children; all these things because we want to protect them and take care of them.

And that is why God gave us His 10 commandments.  He loves us so much that He wants only the best for us.  If you really look at the commandments, they are not hard words to follow.  They are words that would keep us healthy and whole and well.  So why don't we follow them?  Because we don't want anyone telling us what to do.  Right?  I'm guilty too - you know how often I rebel when hubby 'tells me what he thinks I should do'!  

God loves you, and me, so much that He not only gave us the ten commandments to follow, He gave us His one and only Son, Jesus, to be our sacrifice for the sins of not following Him.  Trust me, I've been on both sides of the fence over the years.  The difference between head knowledge of God and heart knowledge is great.  Once you know God and have a heart knowledge of Him and how much He loves you and cares for you and wants only the best for you.... you realize that there is nothing greater than choosing to follow Him.  

So you don't cheat, steal or lie.  Good for you!  But do you still feel that you are missing something?  That something is Jesus.  Trust me, Jesus does make the difference.  In accepting Jesus as Lord (He never forces Himself upon you), the hole within you is complete.  The pain you carry around in your heart, is calmer. The joy of knowing Jesus is so great that you don't have to say a word and people will know you are 'different' than you were the day before.  It's in how you carry yourself. You are confident. You know you are forgiven. You know you are loved. And you know you will eventually be with Jesus forever.  Life doesn't get any better than that.  

Peace, sweet peace. Peace that calms the soul, no matter what the devil throws at you.  The devil will attack you and cause all sorts of evil to come against you - but Jesus is your Mainstay, He is your Strength, He is your Healer.  When was the last time you asked Him to bring peace to your heart?  Sometimes all we need to do is ask, and wait in faith, and the peace will flow.  Trust Him. Love Him. Follow Him.  You will never regret it.

Blessings!

Another Monday

 Could it be Monday already?  We had a quiet weekend.  The message from church was powerful.  It was based on the scripture Luke 5.  If I remember, I'll elaborate on it later this week - but for now, you take time to read it.  Then you will perhaps understand.... mean, aren't I?   I will give you a clue - mend your nets.  And there you have it.

'We' went to the grocery yesterday.  Yes, hubby wanted to go with me.  He's been especially clingy lately.  I told you the other day that after registering to go to a men's night at the church Friday night, he stayed home.  With me.  His reason?  He enjoys being with me more than being with a group of men.  Now don't throw up; it IS kind of sweet, isn't it?  It is getting to where he goes just about everywhere with me. Not that it is a bad thing, but this 24x7 gets to me at times, if you know what I mean.  Can I come up for air?  I'm only alone most times when he meets someone for breakfast/lunch or has his bible study or a doctor appointment.  People say that some day I will wish it to be like this.... but I don't think so.... 

I guess I will text my male boss when I start work this morning.  He wanted a meeting with some finance people before our next prep for one of the board meetings - and that prep is 8AM this morning.  When I saw his email over the weekend I sent him an email back that we had an 8AM prep - did he want to schedule a 7:30 although he may not get the others.... depends when they get online. He hasn't responded, which tells me he didn't get on the computer this weekend either.  He has never responded to my email to give me both board meetings.... and, the one I had, he had me cancel it (scheduled for 8/13) on Friday as we were not going to have a quorum.  That next board meeting is in November.  The one I don't want to really do is next Thursday morning at 6AM (our time) and is every other month.  I have convinced him to move it to once a quarter for 2026.

And since the year is over half past, I need to start extending meetings into 2026.  Can you believe it is approaching this fast?  If I start now, I can get times that I need.  It doesn't take long for the calendars to fill up.  I actually have done some like I'm not supposed to. We aren't supposed to leave the meeting end dates open ended - and I do - so that I don't have to worry about extending meetings - they are there forever and ever.  We're supposed to end-date them as of the end of the year.  Then we have to redo all the meetings to start in January.  Ok, so I'm lazy.  I'm actually thinking I'm pro-active.  Right?  IT doesn't want 'open ended' because they say it slows the systems down.  I do it anyway, and I have not been reprimanded. 

I was reading in a book this morning by John Bevere - The Awe of God, as I have the last several mornings (one chapter a day) and today it was about justification and sanctification.  He started out with a quote by R. C. Sproul.  "If you don't delight in the fact that your Father is holy, holy, holy, then you are spiritually dead. You may be in a church. You may go to a Christian school. But if there is no delight in your soul for the holiness of God, you don't know God. You don't love God. You're out of touch with God. You're asleep to his character."

Psalm 19:9 (NKJV):  The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.

The primary definition of holiness is "separation unto God', and this certainly includes purity. When we repented and received Jesus Christ as our Lord, our sins were forgiven, and we were washed completely clean. God buried our sins in the sea of forgetfulness. He doesn't remember them! This work is complete, perfect, and cannot be improved upon. We did nothing to merit this amazing reality; it was a gift from God - this is the work of justification.

Holiness is a work of God's grace, but we must cooperation with the power He gives both to will and to do what He desires of us.  And God's grace is something none of us want to do without.  And it is so easy - just turn your thoughts to Him and ask Him.  Then choose to follow Him as best as you know how.  Don't get legalistic about following Jesus!  Following Jesus is easy.  Just love like Jesus loves, live like Jesus lived.  Look to Jesus as your example, and no one else. And if you aren't sure, ask Him!  He will show you the way in which you are to walk; you just need to ask Him.

Welp! Time is getting away from me - again - and I want to jump in the shower and wash my hair. So with that - I'm jumping off.

A new week; a new day.  What will you do with what is given to you?  Your choice.  Delight in God, and thank Him for being your loving heavenly Father.  There is no one like Him.

Blessings!

I got a package...

 from my little sister yesterday.  I don't know where her mind is.  My birthday isn't until next month - and she sent me my birthday package.  When we had talked earlier in the week, and she told me she had sent my birthday package - I reminded her it wasn't even the month yet.  My birthday is before hers (which is a week later) and it was just weird how things went regarding this package.  She said she took the package in a large parcel post box (from the USPS) and the clerk told her she needed to put it in a larger box.  Huh?  Well, she undid that box and put it in the box that the clerk told her to use.  It ended up costing her $66.06 versus $29.90 that the first box would have cost!  When it arrived, the box was all bent up so I called and told her it was here.  The agreement was that I would not open it until my birthday. For me, that is no big deal.  I can wait.  But when I told her it was all bent up, she insisted I open it as she had some breakable things in it.  The box was heavy too.  

So I opened it.  My sister sometimes does not think things through.  A lot of things were inside, and I appreciate each one, don't get me wrong.  I got a glass dish with Bradenton Beach sand (yes, I said sand and it probably weighed 5 pounds at least!) with a little beach chair and umbrella, etc. for me to remember our beach vacation several years ago.  Cookies. Chocolate covered almonds. Other chocolate candy. a huge heavy cookbook on baking (which I already have made cookies out of!), pajamas, body cream and spray, facial stuff, and several other things.  Between the sand and the cookbook, no wonder it probably weighed 25 pounds!  (Remember when she sent me the vase with the rocks in it?)  I love it all, don't get me wrong, but sometimes one needs to pause and think about what is being sent - right?  

So what I'm going to do, because she told me that was the last of the sand she had brought home from their last trip to Florida, I divided up the sand, made the little dish probably nothing like she would (I'm just not the put together type), and I'm going to buy a smaller dish and send it back to her!  Need to buy the little beach things like she sent me.  Could probably find some at the dollar store, ya think?  I have almost a month before I need to worry about it so have plenty of time.  I've enjoyed time going through the baking cookbook and made the snickerdoodles recipe that is in it.  They really tasted good (I ate way too many cookies last night!) so I compared my usual recipe with this one.  The difference?  Butter versus margarine.  Seriously.  That was the only difference in the cookies - and it does affect the taste!  I never realized that!  Interesting, don't you think?  I think I like these better...but maybe I need to make a batch of the other recipe and compare.  Ya think?  LOL  I also made a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies and because it is my sister's favorite, I plan to send her a batch as a 'thank you' for all my gifts.  

Which reminds me - I have only received one plate back from my kids for their Christmas cookies.  They still have time to send it back to me.  I think they need to start putting on there the type of cookies they want instead of making me remember what kind it is that they like. Hint Hint

It hasn't been too bad in the mornings lately; yes, it is like 81 degrees right now, but in the shade it is cool.  Yesterday hubby and I sat out on our patio furniture and I put the shade up.  I forgot to take it back down last night.  But it's ok this morning and that entire area is shaded and I bet if we go out and take off the covers (I keep the furniture covered to protect it from sun, rain, and bombing birds) we can enjoy some time outside.

Hmmm.  My glucose yesterday was 98... this morning it is 114.  Think it might be all the cookies - and the bag of potato chips (a small bag!!) that I ate last night?  Virta is great for those who follow it.  I admit, I do like to check and see where I'm at as it keeps me conscious of what I'm eating.  BUT, I'm thinking that after 6 months ... it's time to drop it.  I do enjoy doing this those.  Maybe enjoy isn't the right word.  I'm about due to order more strips and lancets and alcohol pads - I've got a couple weeks yet so will make a decision soon.  I did lose ten pounds cause I watched it in the beginning.  Unfortunately, cookies and potato chips and bread are not on the menu.  Cutting out carbs is really hard.  It's similar to keto, but more strict in some cases, and not so strict in others.  I was reading in the community comments the other day... some of these people have been on this for a few years - some for many months - but they all seem to have weighed over 300 pounds when they started.  Some said they were able to get off their diabetic meds just by cutting back the carbs and losing weight.  To be clear, Virta does not give you glp shots or pills or anything like that.  The only 'medication' they sent was magnesium chloride.  Anyway - I have discovered that with all the water I drink, I need more salt in my diet.  LMNT packets work as do some other electrolyte products.  I found the LMNT packets work the fastest if I have a cramp.  Yesterday my arm was cramping and it reminded me to get some salt in me - fixed a packet with water and voila - the cramp went away.  I'm flushing salt out when I drink so much water.  And then the body cramps start.

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV):  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us....

Have you every thought about 'who' (or 'Whom') is watching you all the time?  Sure, you may be alone, but have you ever paused to think who may be watching you live life?  Yes, people around us - our spouse, our children, our friends, people we know - many watch you to determine 'who' you are.  Are you who you say you are?  Do you live by what you say you believe in?  These are serious questions.  In the news lately there have been numerous reports of pastors or leaders who have fallen into sexual immorality.  They were not who they say they were.  I'm not going to go into politicians.  Yeah, let's leave that one alone.  You probably even know someone who seemed devoted to their spouse, only 'out of the blue' that couple gets divorced because of infidelity.  It is a sin that easily entangles us.  Not just sexually, but the sin of thoughts, the sins of revenge, the sins of indifference, the sins of behavior.... they all entangle us.  Me included at times.  And I really hate to admit that. But even I get caught up in the world at times.

And then I read this verse and I am reminded that a great cloud of witnesses are watching me.  Not only family and friends, even hubby, but people who have passed on before me.  I always think of the 'great cloud of witnesses' of being my mom and my dad, (and I like to think) my siblings who have passed away before me.  Jesus.  God the Father.  Is everyone up in heaven watching me and approving or disapproving of my life?  I think the one that gets me the most is my dad.  I didn't know him well.  But I remember him.  And that memory I treasure in my heart.  And although I often fail, I often feel that I have disappointed him.  I've disappointed Jesus. And I've disappointed others.  I've made a lot of mistakes in my life.  I've done things wrong intentionally.  But there is One who always draws me back.

Jesus.  Once you know Jesus, there is no turning back.  He is always with you.  He tweaks your conscience when you fall below your personal expectations of who you should be and how you should live.  Jesus loves me, and Jesus loves you, more than we will ever know or remember.  (Reminded of that by my precious granddaughter)  When I fail, I literally run back to Jesus and seek His forgiveness, His grace and mercy, although I definitely do not deserve it.  He offers me life, instead of guilt. 

Jesus offers that to you as well.  One other thing that I have learned more about recently, and am intrigued to learn more, is the Fear of the Lord.  Not to be afraid of Him, but to Fear Him in a way that draws me closer to Him.  I don't want to disappoint Him.  I don't want Jesus to turn His face from me because He cannot look upon sin.  So when I realize what I have done is wrong, I run to Him and seek His face.  I repent. I confess. I seek forgiveness. I ask for His help in getting my life straightened out. I'm still a mess, and I'm a work in progress.  God isn't finished with me yet.

Nor is He finished with you.  Fall in love with Jesus again.  If you have lost that 'fear' of the Lord, seek Him, search for Him and He will be found.  He isn't far away.  He's just waiting on you to come to Him. Will you?  Do you long for peace in your mind, your body, your relationships?  There is only One who can supply it.  And that is Jesus.  Run to Jesus.  He is your only refuge you will ever need.  You rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Blessings!

The numbers climbed!

 Wow. As I brought up this blog and started a 'new post' I glanced at the number of viewers - which is usually around 5 - of which I know of one for sure.... but today it says 44 people read my blog for yesterday.  Wonder where that number came from!  I certainly don't write anything interesting to anyone but family - if at that.   

Yesterday was a good day as I wasn't pressed for a lot of meetings yesterday.  Still, I kept busy with work. I also noticed that for some reason my 'work time' is showing 6AM-6PM - and trust me, that is not true!  7AM - 4PM is it - unless I get hit with something late and I continue working (if I can) until I get it completed.  I have worked until 6PM before... oh wait, I wonder if they changed it because I have a 6AM meeting every other month (a board meeting, of course) - but then - that shouldn't change anything either timewise.  I don't know... and yes, I'm rambling.

I woke up a bit after 4AM again this morning and came in here and tried to go back to sleep with no luck.  Hubby got up around 5-ish I think.  When he brought my coffee in, I went out and fixed my 'Morning Kick' (think Chuck Norris) and fixed a piece of toast with my strawberry/cranberry jam on it.  So good.  And now, my morning kick is gone, my coffee is gone, and I think I've gone through all my emails and here I am.  I still have some reading I want to do, but it's nearly 9AM so may not.  I have read in my Bible and some other books.  I love mornings I don't have to work.

I can't think of anything off the top of my head that we have planned for today.  I had thought I would have a couple hours to myself last night as hubby had signed up to attend a men's group at church - but then he chose not to go.  We watched movies last night.

Hubby got a very good report from the doctor yesterday.  All his tests have come back as have the reports from the other doctors to his primary doctor.  Dr. Mark told him yesterday that his heart and lungs and blood pressure are perfect; his health is perfect.  Even his prostate cancer seems to be gone.  Hubby came home ecstatic (as I would be if I could get a report like that!) and praising God for the good report.  And I did too.  I'm grateful he is in good health.  Now that his worries are off his body, I'm hoping he will work on enriching his mind.  Some of you will know what I mean by that.  I need to enrich mine as well!  It is very good news and he had been very concerned.

I think we all want healthy bodies, but we don't always work at getting them that way.  Part of the 'weight problem' is my fault, I admit.  I'm a southern gal (and proud of it) who likes to cook like my mama did.  But over the years I've learned to cut way back on shortening (at least I don't use bacon fat as mama used to - not that it is bad... it gave everything great flavor) and be more careful not only in preparation, but what I am preparing.  Which reminds me, I have asparagus in the refrigerator I need to fix this weekend.  I want to make more pumpkin scones this weekend too.  

And, I need to visit Ms. Diane this weekend.  I tried on Monday but she wasn't feeling well.  I've gotten really bad at visiting my neighbors.  I need to work on that. Ms. Vicky loves me visiting as does Ms. Diane - and it's not me finding time... many times I'm just sitting on the couch crocheting... I just don't want to talk.  And I'm a talker! LOL

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV):  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Now what do you think about that statement?  Basically, it describes faith as believing in things without seeing it happen.  Right?  You believe the grocery store has the right cereal for you and you go to get it, believing that you can pick it up off the shelf.  Ok, that's a lame example, but it is one that popped in my mind, and it is still an example.

How about .... believing in Jesus Christ, although you don't 'know' Him, being in awe of Who He is, and longing to be with Him...... That believing is having faith in Him.  You certainly can't 'see' Him every day - not personally, but you can see Jesus through the lives of other people.  Which causes you to believe - although you choose not to follow Him.  Does any of that make sense?

I believe In Jesus Christ. I believe He is the Son of the Living God.  I believe He was born of a virgin, here on earth, and died for all my sins on a crude cross, was buried for three days, and on the third day was raised again to life - and now reigns with our Heavenly Father in Heaven until He returns again.

My choice is whether - not only do I believe that - but what will I do with that.  I can live life the way I want to live it - doing my own thing..... or I can choose to follow Jesus and the example He gave us to live.

Be kind to others. Love one another. Care for each other. Do good to each other. Take care of each other. Do for others as you would want them to do for you.  That one hits home, doesn't it.  

I admit, I 'm not perfect.  I fall on my face frequently in following Jesus.  But following Him and Jesus living in me is my greatest joy.  I don't always make the right choices, but by His grace, His mercy - of which I deserve neither one, He takes my repentance and gives me His grace and mercy and restores me to a right relationship with Him.  We all are sinners, saved by grace.  

Some people think that once they fall away from Christ they are done. That He won't take them back; they think their sin is far too great for forgiveness.  That is wrong thinking.  Jesus loves you, and He is waiting with open arms to receive you back to Him, when you choose to turn back to Him.  He is waiting on you to make that choice, to give up the world to follow Him.  This world has nothing to offer us.  But heaven does.  Jesus does.  And our Heavenly Father does.

What do you want your future to hold?  A burning hell waiting for you?  Or life forever in worship and praise to a Holy God in Heaven.  I've made my choice.  I'm not perfect, and I'm sure I'll fall on my face time and again, but when I repent (there is something to be said about 'rapid repentance' - could be a topic for another day - but repenting isn't hard.  It's just saying "Jesus, I'm sorry.....".  Saying that changes you.

Something to think about.  We are all saved by grace, from the one who may have sinned only one time to the one who has sinned repeatedly.  Jesus death covered us all.  Raising to life, He gives us life in Him.  Thank You, Jesus!

Blessings!

Finished and delivered

 I'm sure I mentioned in here I was working on a crochet project for my youngest son. He wanted something made for a Navajo friend of his.  What started as a rectangle lap blanket because too long for a short person (I don't know how tall they are, but it if is for his friend's grandmother, I'm going to assume not too tall) - so I made a second blanket, using the same Navajo colors I did in the first one, and created a square one.  I think it turned out the best.  I like the way the colors flow through it.  Anyway - I finished 'tying in the ends' yesterday and after dinner with our friends, we dropped it off to the son.  He seemed to like them both.  I hope his friend will.  It was fun making them.  Now I'm back to baby blankets again for awhile.  Until I find something else I want to do.

Dinner with these friends are always good.  I splurged and got the chicken parmesan.  Yes, I shouldn't have the breaded chicken.  And I'm sure the marinara sauce had sugar in it and the pasta has a lot of carbs... but I ate about 1/3 of it, I'd guess.  They gave a lot!  Plus, I ate the one slice of garlic bread. Couldn't help it.  Bread with flavor on it?  Of course I'm going to eat it!  Took it in at my son's and offered it to the grandson who is there.  Our friends are leaving on an Alaskan cruise in 30 days but we are going to try to meet up one more time before they go.

Oh - for the one who may want to know that status, during the medical testing yesterday he had one waiver and that should be taken care of today or early next week.  Once it is done, the grandson will be signing the contract to join the Army.  There will/can be another time when he will officially be sworn in and I'm hoping that hubby and I can attend and watch.  If not, I'm just happy he was able/is able to get in and join.  I understand he will get PT one day a week (I think) while he waits to 'ship out' in January, I think it is.  That should be interesting. I don't think this child has done a minute of exercise in years.  I laugh, for I know he will be in pain from that intense training.  Been there, done that.

Which makes me think - and it has nothing to do with my training, but I woke up with intense pain from my hip bone down to my ankle bone this morning.  It just reminded me it has been hurting for a couple hours now.  Same leg that had the scorpion bites last October.  Same pain I complained about to my medical doctor and was refused an appointment by her office.  Ironically, not to put it all on her office, when I wrote her in my portal, telling her about the pain and why I wanted to see her, her comment to me was "I don't know what I can do about that pain."  Probably a good reason to change doctors, huh?  I must remember to write it down so that I can tell Dr. Mark about it whenever I get an appointment. I checked the insurance website yesterday and he is listed as my doctor now.  I told them no rush, but I should get a call this next week, I'd think, to get something scheduled.  I can't wait to get a real physical.  Not that I'm sick or anything - but sometimes things are hidden and aren't revealed except in combining tests and looking at specific things.  I want to live to 103 but I need to stay healthy as well.  I don't want to live that long if I am sick and unable to live life.

What about you? Have you thought about that?  What are you doing to ensure you will not be a burden on your spouse, your children? Are you doing your best to stay healthy so that you can take care of yourself as you age?  My prayer is that when God calls me home that He will take me in my sleep with no suffering.  And take me quickly, for I don't want to burden anyone with having to take care of me, figure out where to put me, who will check on me, etc.  I don't want to be a burden.  That's why we will live separately from the family.  I will take care of myself as best as I can.  

 It's a 2 cup of hot coffee this morning.  It will be somewhat a busy day for work. My favorite boss is off today.  She will be flying back home from New York tomorrow.  We meet up next Saturday for brunch. My other boss has a full calendar this morning - but afternoon is open.  I am still working on one meeting and I see I have several responses back, and the -sigh- board meeting that is scheduled for the 13th - I'm getting responses back and there won't be a quorum. Which can go either way - cancel - or find another hour and a half somewhere on the calendars to reschedule.  Will see what my boss says when I let him know later today. 

Hmmm interesting.  My glucose is 99 this morning.  And I had spaghetti and breaded chicken last night - and I will confess - I made myself an ice cream cone with hubby's ice cream last night.  I'm not going to complain. I like it when it's low.  I'm learning that NET CARBS are lies on the labels of food.  The manufacturers try to tell you that they put in other things that bring the carb count down, but they are lying. There is no such thing as 'net carbs'.  There are carbs and there are carbs.  For example, on some tortillas it will say 'no net carbs' or '2 net carbs' - but if you go by the ingredients they put in - using corn as part of their ingredients, for example - it is starch!  And starchy foods are inflammatory.  Did you know that?  

We wonder why we get aches and pains with no reason - and many times the aches and pains come from the food we eat!  We put inflammation into our bodies by eating foods that cause inflammation.  Do your research.  I'm sure you/I can cheat occasionally with no issues - but good grief!  Watch what you eat and get rid of your inflammation!  I don't like to hurt (thinking about my leg this morning - even if I do think it is still from the scorpion bites - and if I can remove headaches and aches and pains with changing the way I eat and the food I eat - you can believe I want to research it and learn why. I've bought those 2 net carb tortillas and keto breads, etc.  Look at the ingredients and see what causes your pain in them!  I'm a slow learner at times; guess I need to work on that.

And, speaking of work, I'm late getting on my work computer so need to 'get to work'.  So glad I can work in my jammies for awhile!  Oh - and my 2nd cup of coffee is still in the kitchen so need to go get it too. And get my water to drink.  It's tough being so perfect, ya know?

Have an amazing day - perhaps tomorrow, when I can write longer - I will have words that will inspire you and build you up.  Some days I just ramble. And here I am.

And here I'm gone - have an amazing day.  (I know, I've already said that, but I want you to have a REALLY amazing day!)

Blessings!

Today is today....

 How many times do we put things off to do tomorrow?  Well, 'tomorrow is today' - or otherwise put, 'today is today'.  What a way to start this off, right?  Mainly because I don't have much to share today and I'm already short on time. Just going to be some rambling this morning so if you want to go on with your reading - hop to it!  

Yesterday wasn't too busy at work.  Male boss got me hunting for a big meeting with lots of leaders - and I stalled most of the day, finally sending out a time request to about 8 other admins just before 4PM.  I have those emails to look at this morning and work on.  I sure hope I can get this meeting scheduled and be done with it.  Other than that big one, I only had a few meetings to schedule. Most were people that were inquiring if my people were available.  Uh oh - just remembered I had one guy call on my cell phone (my cell phone is listed on emails) from one company, trying to get a meeting with my male boss.  I didn't answer the call, but read his voicemail, then contacted my male boss and asked if he wanted a meeting.  He doesn't.  At least not now.  So I need to diplomatically tell the guy to just wait and if we want to chat further with him, we will contact him.  In the meantime, don't bother me.  Yeah right. How can I say that diplomatically?  LOL  I threw something out at my male boss and he said it was fine.  Only I forgot to do it. So I do need to send the email this morning or he may be calling me again.  I have his name attached to the number so I know when it is him.  

Hubby must have an early training appointment this morning - I hear him moving around and getting ready.  Probably at 7:30, I'm thinking.   I've already gotten my schedule for next week - 5PM on Monday, 5:30PM on Wednesday.  The 'bad' part of going at 5 or 5:30PM is that we eat later, for we don't eat before we go.  Last night I made hubby a bit upset with me.  It was tempting, to say the least, but I said no. And he wasn't really happy with my 'no'.  He wanted to go to Sardella's pizza after my workout, which is on the way home.  I told him 'no'.  Yes, I would love to eat pizza, but I am really trying hard to get my eating back on track so that I can get some inches off me!  I don't worry about the scale for I build muscle and muscle weighs more than fat does.  I want the inches to disappear.  So I told him 'no', and we came home and I fixed chicken bites and broccoli.  

Hubby asked a bit later if I wanted ice cream. I had bought his favorite the other day - Tin Roof.  Vanilla with chocolate covered peanuts in it.  And fudge swirls, I think.  I did eat a cone of it the other day, I will admit.  However, I told him no. So he got himself a big dish of it.  I think he has eaten ice cream every night that he has found I bought ice cream.  I've got to resist; I've got to resist.  LOL

Dust is in the air.  Sigh.  The landscapers are here and they very quickly (fast) run the lawnmower over the ground, of which there is very little grass so the dirt blows up.  Then here comes the guy with the blower and he is stirring up all the dirt as well.  He just came into our courtyard and 'blew' invisible leaves off the ground - but managed to stir up dust.  And there goes the lawnmower guy flying down the middle of the street, I guess he is heading to  - oh there he is - going into the lawn down the road and across the street.  It takes them less than two hours to do our landscaping.  That is how (cough-cough) thorough they are.  I want to fire them, but I don't have a say.

Got to straighten up the house this morning - our house cleaners come today. They really do a good job.  I've had to mop the kitchen floor a few times, but that's our fault.  Hubby seems to drop things and then forget he dropped them, if you know what I mean.  Sigh.  I know he can't lean down or squat, but still....  Anyway - need to pick up my yarn and put in one place (and not spread all over the couch and table) and empty my waste baskets.  The house always smells so nice when they finish.  They even clean the ceiling fans and shutters!

We're meeting friends for dinner tonight.  We cancelled last week because of hubby's 'issue'.... hopefully he will be ok today.  Good food, good friends, good time.

Today is my big brother's birthday.  I can't believe he is turning 80 this year.  I wish I could have gone back and surprised him, but there really isn't a need to.  I've been 'playing' with him all week, sending him numerous Blue Mountain e-cards and I've even mailed a few.  He got his package yesterday from us - just a few 'things'.  I may have mentioned before, but he said once that when someone visits, if they stay longer than three days, they start to smell like fish'.  LOL  I found a sign that said "Welcome-ish.  Depends on who you are and how long you stay".  I thought it was funny.

Dang it - busted.  Hubby just came in as I was typing and pointedly asked if I was typing in my blog.  I was honest and said Yes. Sigh.

I need to get off here and on the work computer - running behind today.  Hope you have an amazing day!

Blessings!

And in all things, do good.

Hump day it is!

 As I sat here this morning and was doing my reading, I remembered that today is also 'recycle day'.  I am pretty sure that hubby did not remember and I have not reminded him.  I debated on getting up and going to tell him when the thought entered my mind - but it really isn't a big deal.  I could get dressed and 'sneak' out to and through the garage to take it out.  He would hear me, of course, as he sits out in the open.  I decided to just wait until I'm done in here - and if the truck comes before - and it hasn't been taken out - oh well.  It isn't the end of the world.  I know we have two full boxes, but it's no big deal to leave for another couple of weeks - recycle comes the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.  

Isn't that a stupid way to start a post?  It's all about the thinking of recycling. Shows how much I have to share with you today.  Want to recycle my post? Go for it!

I had a nice evening 'home alone' last night.  Daughter had something to do so I opted not to bug her and go over.  I stayed home.  Grabbed my crochet and kicked on a movie.  Then a second one.  Hubby came home close to the end of the 2nd one (yes, rewatching favorites) and yes, he would like to watch the entire movie - so we watched it again!  It was close to 10PM before we went to bed.  Amazingly, hubby stayed awake throughout the entire movie!  As did I.  I sure didn't want to get up this morning.  If you get a chance - it's a cute movie - I think it's on Pluto - Finding Normal.  Oh go on and watch it.  It's a nice change from the movies you generally watch, more than likely.

I wonder what work will be like today.  The last couple of days have been extremely quiet with only one or two contacts with my bosses.  I did schedule a few meetings, but nothing real time-consuming.  I like days like that for on the days when I am so overwhelmed, I remember 'this too shall pass'.  Mama always said 'this too shall pass' and it usually does.

Yesterday I did the 'happy dance'.  I got a call from Dr. Mark's office that he would take me as a new patient.  Thrilled, because other than bone density, mammograms and labwork, my wellness checks have been non-existent.  Granted, if I'm well, how many tests do we need, right?  But with my family history of heart disease and who knows what, I want thorough testing (not every year, but at least every few years) to get baselines of what should my body be like.  I wonder if they still have the 30 years of records his dad had of me.  Probably not.  So, starting as a new patient - and that is ok.  It's further to drive to his new office, but to have piece of mind that if I have a medical issue I can call the office and know I will get worked in within a few days, versus being told I can't get in for 4-5 months! Or more!  

I chatted with my insurance company online yesterday to change my PCP to Dr. Mark.  Then I typed a letter to my current PCP that as of yesterday, I was no longer her patient, and cancelled my September appointment for a wellness check.  Haven't seen her since last September, although I have tried twice to get in for medical issues and her office refused me.  Ok, they didn't 'refuse' me.  The first time was around Thanksgiving and it would be several weeks as she was swamped.  The second time was in January and it would be April before I could get an appointment with her - for a medical issue!  Yeah, that's my gripe.  Plus the lack of testing.  She even put in her notes on my chart that although I had asked for an EKG, it was 'too late' for her to order it last year so had to wait until this year.  Seriously?  Yeah.  I wrote her a letter and thanked her for taking care of me these past three years (three visits total) and that I was switching to Dr. Mark and asked her to send him anything she needed to and gave his address and fax number.  Once the change has made it all through the system (24-48 hrs) then Dr. Mark's office will call me and schedule the appointment.  I know I'm going to have to pay more, but the confidence I have in someone being thorough with my health is worth it.  For example, wouldn't you rather pay $100 to know your body is performing as it should versus $5 and not know what you could do to increase your life span?

I read in one of my books this morning something interesting.  Yeah, we all have heard it before, but it kind of stuck with me.  Stop and think about it.  No one 'retired' in the Bible.  Everyone continued to work until they couldn't - or died.  Well, I guess they couldn't then either, huh.  You know my struggles with wanting to retire.  In thinking about it, I feel it is more I just want to do my own thing (which I wouldn't be able to do anyway) so why do I struggle with it?  I think it is because hubby decided to retire without discussing with me, and he just quit working. Am I jealous? Perhaps.  But, I have always been his 'sugar mama' and 'security blanket' and I need to change that mind-set.  

God has enabled me to be healthy, to have good jobs and be successful in my work.  It's been all God, trust me!  He has provided for us over the years.  Yes, I am 'jealous' hubby gets to do things, but if I wasn't working, he would have to rein that in.  And be home ALL the time.  LOL  My life wouldn't change that much - it would just mean I could not do the things I enjoy doing for others.  Travel has never been our thing.  I always knew we didn't have any extra money so traveling wasn't something I planned on. Long comment/story short.... I think I will work until I'm 80 - or beyond.  As long as I'm working I'm using my mind to think.  I pray that God keeps me alert and focused while working, for when I start sliding there, I will need to retire from work - but not from life.

There are many things I'd want to do if I ever retired. I could not sit at home day after day and crochet. Or bake. Or whatever.  I want to live life so I would have to be involved in something. But what?  I have no idea.  Maybe I could occasionally watch my great-grandchildren.  Now that would be a joy - and I would have great-grandma time and make special memories with them.  Oh I miss those days when the grandchildren would come over and we'd bake!  Circumstances prevented it happening more often, but some day..... 

And with that - I'm closing this off.  My thoughts are running around amok and although it is still somewhat 'early', I want to get the recycle stuff out and take a quick shower before time for work. I have my chiropractor this morning and seems like something else.  I'll have to bring up my computer and check!  Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

A new day has dawned....

 Fortunately - or unfortunately - it is also another work day.  Yesterday was not bad at all.  My favorite boss was on PTO again.  My male boss only sent me one email.  All day long.  He still hasn't answered my email about me taking on both boards.  I get frustrated at him the most because he may - or may not - read my email - but he doesn't answer the critical questions I ask him.  He skims my emails and then may - or may not - respond.  On this last one - he has not responded. And that not only frustrates me, but irritates me.  He did call me last week to update me on some things; told me to keep it confidential, but he wants to take on more work at another level.  I cautioned him - not that I didn't think he could do the work as I'm sure he can, but his workload (which I get the majority of the meetings) is horrible and I reminded him that he needed to keep a work/life balance and needs to put the needs of his family first, not climbing the ladder.  Yes, I can be blunt at times.  He agreed with me, and as expected, did say he does put his family first because when he goes on PTO he unplugs.  Yet, I may get one or two emails that week he is off, so he doesn't totally unplug.  He knows I know it too.  Anyway - on to another topic.

I had training last night and then stopped at Fry's to pick up a small cake for Ms. Vicky for her birthday. I had thought I'd pick up Fry's fried chicken for dinner.... but as I looked at the chicken, it didn't seem fresh so I asked the man at the counter "how long ago was this chicken cooked?"  It was a young man (teen) and he looked around and then lowered his voice to say "honestly, it's been a couple hours."  I thanked him and passed on the fried chicken.  The baked chicken looked like it had a baked shell on, which was another reason it caused me to question the timeline.   So hubby and I had TV dinners last night, then I called Ms. Vicky and she wanted me to come over and visit.  I only stayed about 30 minutes but at least I got her cake to her so she knew I hadn't forgotten (although I did text her that morning).  I do need to check on Ms. Diane - two of her children's cars were there yesterday morning - and it is unusual for a weekday morning check-in.  I need to get over there, but life gets in the way. That and my laziness.

We didn't get the rain here that was predicted for about 4AM this morning.  Or if it did, it has already dried up.  Just saw a coyote walking down the street.  Saw on Next Door that someone in another neighborhood let their two small dogs out - and both were killed by a coyote.  You know there are coyotes out here. Why would you let your dogs out (very small dogs) out without supervision?    We have several people in this area who walk their little tiny dogs.  Keep on a leash and keep close if you want to keep them, right?

I had a question for Morgan, my trainer, last night.  "Why is it that in the mornings I can get up and put on shorts and a top and think all my workouts have finally paid off and I'm looking fairly decent, and my fat seems to have gone down..... and by mid-morning I'm thinking I need to put on longer pants and a baggy t-shirt because all my fat has decided to take a deep breath and hold it?  She understood exactly what I was saying and said she felt the same way most days!  Except she is pregnant right now so not sure how that applies. LOL  She killed my legs last night with squats and lunges.    

Uh oh - a man walking a small dog just started down the road where I saw the coyote pass.  I'm waiting for them to come back.  Ah - there he is.  He's coming back this way.  Good move.

Matthew 16:15-16 (NKJV):  He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"  Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."

Have you ever thought how you would answer that question?  If someone asked you "Who is Jesus?" - what would you respond?  Do you know who He is?  Do you know Him?

I'm sitting here pondering my own question and wonder how I would respond if asked. I think I would say that Jesus is the Son of God, which is the correct answer.  But, there is one word I don't think we often think about - Living.  Peter answered Jesus' question with "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."  Do we know Jesus as the Son of the Living God?

Do we mentally think that God is dead and no longer living?  Far from it!  God, our Heavenly Father, is very much alive and living.  He is all around us in all that we see.  God is in the very air we breathe, for He created it.  Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, whom we are told to go through to get to our Father.

I saw a joke on a reel last night that I found funny - but true.  Two people are talking and one says "I'm Christian."  The other says "I'm Catholic."  And the Christian said, well, I thought we were the same - and the conversation goes on that we as Christians can go to Jesus direct and tell Him all our problems, all our joys, all our concerns.  Catholics are taught to go to their priest, and he will intercede for them - or they can choose a saint for whatever their issue is and pray to that saint - starting with their guardian angel.  The reel was comical, but true.  They even have Mary, the mother of Jesus, to whom they can pray.  Michael, the Archangel to fight their battles.  We Christians can just go to Jesus and ask Him to fight them.  I think I like being a Christian much better.  Being a Christian gives you better access to Jesus, don't you think?  Plus the fact He is always with us, wherever we are.  Jesus never leaves us alone, even when we feel alone.  He is there with us, just waiting for us to call out to Him.

And that's what I love about Jesus.  No matter what I'm going through; no matter the struggle I feel that is smothering me, I know that I know - that Jesus is near, and that He sees me, and He knows me, and He loves me no matter what.  And He loves you too.  He loves you even when you sin.  Jesus can't look at your sin, but He waits for you to turn to Him.  His forgiveness is so great!  So freeing! So loving! So kind.

Uh oh - it's already 7AM so I need to jump off here and get on the work computer!  Lucky you, for I had started on another topic already - oh well, for another day!

Make today count.  Do something special for someone.  Reach out and touch someone (you know what I mean!) and make a difference in their life.  Encourage someone.  Build someone up.  Love someone.  Let them know they matter.  

Blessings!

Please let it rain.... (and a new update reading)

 It was cloudy yesterday and I had hopes of rain, but it didn't arrive. At least not here.  As I open the shutters this morning, I see it is still cloudy. I wonder if it will remain cloudy, rain, or the sun will come out.  I'm not 'one of those people' who have to check the weather forecast every day.  When I lived in Indiana - I know I won't get it right - but we would say something like "If you don't like our weather, just wait a few minutes, it'll change."  I wonder if I google it - if the saying would be there.  Let me check.

Oh my!  It looks like no one can determine who actually said it, and many contribute it to their city/state - i.e., Kansas, Chicago, New England.... I didn't see Indiana in there, but I know we said it.  Funny, isn't it, how sayings of the past can sometimes come back to mind?  What thought just popped into your head about a saying you heard while growing up?

Yesterday was a fairly good day.  I did something I rarely - very rarely - do.  I went to TJ Maxx.  I remembered I had a gift card from my male boss from back in April.... and I could go to TJ Maxx, Home Goods, or a couple other places.  I haven't been to a TJ Maxx in years so decided to pop in there and spend my gift card.  It didn't take long. LOL  I got a new shower curtain and liner for my bathroom. Bought some hair ties. Got a travel cup. Got roasted pumpkin seeds (thought I might make some more pumpkin scones and put on top - wouldn't that be cool?  Or even inside!) Tissue paper. Hmm can't remember what else I bought.  But yes, I did go over the gift card and that was ok.  I spent the gift card. :-)  I probably won't go back to TJ Maxx.... it was so busy (people) and I really didn't see anything that I couldn't live without.  I should have gone thrifting. LOL  Hubby asked me what that meant when I mentioned it the other day.  I did explain.  I love looking at pretty dishes.  And books. :)

Came home and dumped everything on the bed back here (which is what I seem to do with everything) and sat down to crochet.  Hubby took me out for breakfast yesterday.  I bet my oldest son would like this place, but it is a ways for him to drive.  This time I (and hubby) got the Arizona All Meat Skillet - only they served it on a plate, and not in a skillet.  I found out why, but it's no big deal.  But, I told hubby that I will go back to the Arizona All Meat Omelet.  The skillet is with two eggs (which is ok; I couldn't eat it all anyway.  The omelet is with 3 eggs and when I ate it - I ate the entire thing it was so good! Don't know what the difference is - spread out on a plate or rolled up in eggs - but I prefer the omelet.  I have leftovers and will see if hubby wants them this morning.  If not, I may pick at it.  

So with eating a big breakfast, we didn't do lunch.  We did watch our service yesterday and it was good.  I went shopping.  It was Ms. Vicky's birthday and I did text her happy birthday - and she said her daughter was taking her out for lunch.  I didn't check back later; I probably should have gone over - but I did not. I stayed home last night and we watched reruns of NCIS.  I had hubby shut the TV off at 9PM and I read for a bit while he went through his phone before going to bed.  

Hmm - haven't seen this lady for awhile - she's out walking with her walking sticks.  I have a set, sent to me last year for my birthday from my big brother.  I got hubby a pair some time - he has used one of the sticks one time.  I haven't taken mine out of the bag - haven't been anywhere that I'd need them.  Maybe I should start walking and use them?  Especially since we are seeing coyotes in this area.  Yesterday one was laying in Ms. Diane's yard across the street.  Mangy, dirty and very thin.  They come in our area from the golf course.  I think this is the third one I've seen in recent months.

Back to work today and it is timecard Monday.  Yep - gotta approve timecards for Thursday's payroll.  I used to jump online to get it done right away - but people are lazy and they usually wait to get reminded to approve their timecard before I do.  I used to just go ahead and approve it - but we have received notice from payroll that we are not to do that.  So - I keep sending emails to them to approve it until it's the timeline - and I just go ahead and approve. Salaried would get paid anyway, thank goodness I don't have to approve hourly people, they are a pain.  Nothing pressing going on today so I'll take my time in the approvals.  I approved mine on Friday so I'm good. :-)

I think my glucometer is out of whack.  I've noticed lately that when I've taken my glucose it has been higher than usual.  Last week it was 'high', then it dropped down the next 3-4 days.  Yesterday it was high again, somewhat, and this morning, before coffee, and after taking my meds - it was 125.  High for me.  So I've waited about half hour.  I've had nothing but some of my coffee (which hubby puts collagen in) - and you won't believe it - it just jumped to 138!!  Now mind you, I have not eaten anything!  I try to watch what I eat before I go to bed, but I did have a half cup of Mediterranean lentel soup and 2 Oreo mint cookies for dinner.  Surely that did not throw it up high!  It usually ranges like 100-105 so I've never been concerned. But 125 and now 138 without me even eating anything?  I think something is wrong with the machine!  I hate that glucose monitoring is not from sugar so much but from carbs.  I kid you not - I can skip dinner and it will still be in the 105 range.   Maybe it's in my vitamins? Maybe I should take it before my vitamins?  I am sure my son has some wise advice, but I'll do what I want, just as he does. :-)  Love you, son.  I'm not worrying about it.  The only thing that counts is when I go get lab work done.... and I'll make sure I'm real careful before I go get that done!  LOL  I'm one of these stubborn people who likes 'good reports' and will do all I can to get '100' on the score.  You know what I mean.  We strive to get A's, don't we!  But, sometimes our bodies tell us no.  Every morning I tell myself I'm going to do better.  And most days I do.  I haven't been in the Oreo cookies in several days. And last night I ate two.  Sigh.  I still don't think that's bad.   ADDENDUM - ok - I just took it again at 7:45AM - and it's down to 107.  I've eaten nothing and I've only had one cup of coffee.  Weird, huh!

Psalm 119:148-149 (NKJV):  My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I might meditate upon Your word.  Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.

As I was reading through some of Psalm 119 this morning, I wonder at the thoughts of David as he penned it.  I remember the nights that I am awakened 'around the first watch of the day' and how I have laid there and asked God why was I awake.  Was it to pray? Was there something specific? I will admit I have gotten lazy.  In the past I would slide out of bed, get on my knees beside the bed and whisper prayers for whatever God brought to my mind.  Now, I just lay there and pray.  Does God still hear me/ Yes. I don't doubt that.  But, I do recognize that I always feel much closer to God when I get on my knees to pray than I do lying in bed.  It's a 'me' thing.  It's like when I journal and write out my prayers, some days I don't feel as close to Him as I do when I verbally speak my prayers.  Does that make sense? I know He still hears me, I never doubt that.  But when I long for His closeness, it is to my knees I go.  I know He hears my voice when I cry out.  God has answered so many of my prayers, I cannot help but praise Him and exalt Him for all He has done for me.

When was the last time you even whispered a few words to God?  Have you ever thought that perhaps He is the One waking you when you really want to sleep?  Have you ever thought that perhaps you ought to just say, like Samuel did, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."  And then wait.  He might reveal something to you that you have been needing an answer for.

And now - since it's Monday - you know I need to get on the work computer.  I'll get it up and going, get myself dressed in real clothes - and I need to water my plants this morning.  Need to get my butt moving.  Hope your day is amazing!

Blessings!

It is well....

 A song - one of my favorite hymns - is on my mind this morning.  It actually came to me while I was sitting here, thinking of what I should write about today.  As I pondered... the words came to mind....

It is well - with my soul.   It is well - with my soul.  It is well, it is well - with my soul.

When peace like a river attendeth my way.  When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, He has taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.

Yes - that is the song written by Horatio Spafford.  He had put his wife and four daughters on a ship  Let me back up.  He was a successful man, had 4 daughters and 1 son and lots of real estate.  Then, he and his wife lost their one son.  The great Chicago fire burned his real estate properties.  He decided to send his daughters and his wife to Europe for a much needed getaway. He planned to join later.  But during a storm on the sea, the ship sank.  He received a telegram from his wife that said simply "saved alone."  And he knew he had also lost his four daughters.  Much, much heartbreak.

He took a ship over to Europe to join his wife and as the ship passed the spot where the girls had perished, he penned the words to It is well with my soul.  

How could someone who had lost so much, still say 'It is well with my soul'?  I cannot imagine the anguish in heart he felt!  Nor do I want to.  I often say I do not know how my mother buried her first born and her last born.  Ironically, so did my in-laws.  I don't know how they survived.  My heart would be broken in a million pieces to lose any of my children.  Yet, I feel I too could rise and say, "It is well with my soul".  Why?

Because I belong to Jesus and I know that if my children follow Jesus I will see them again in heaven.  If they don't.... well, I will just continue to pray for them, that their eyes would be opened and their heart and mind turned to Jesus.  Could you bear losing one of your children?  I would say no.  But could you say, if you did, that it was well with your soul?  That's a tough one, isn't it.

I've often said, and probably should write it down somewhere, that I want that song played at my funeral.  If I forget to do so - you who read this, please remember that is my desire.  I also want My Redeemer Lives by Nicole Mullins.  

Yesterday was a good day.  We had a wonderful lunch with my son and daughter-in-law.  It really meant a lot of us to be asked and included.  And I had such a good salad.  And yes, my son got his bottomless salad.  I was so full afterwards - I ate the whole thing!  I should learn that just because it is salad doesn't mean I have to inhale the entire salad.  I can not put dressing on part of it and take some home.  But it was so good I couldn't quit eating it.  And my son told me about Denny's 'Mom's fried chicken salad' that I haven't tried yet.  I just might do that this week. :-)  If I get it to go, then hubby and I can share it with a meal.  Or not.

We relaxed after we got home and hubby watched the ballgame while I worked on the crochet project.  I'm basically finished with it, just tucking the ends in, but I think it is too long for a lap blanket.  Thinking about doing something else with the remaining yarn, using the same colors.  The youngest can take both to his friend's grandmother; I don't care.  It keeps me busy and I love doing things for others. When it was time, I made my way over to Ulta to get my hair roots colored.  Yeah, they had started turning white.  Saw some photos of when we were in New Mexico - and yeah, should have colored them back then.  Sigh.  It was so windy for the family photos that my bangs blew back and the white shows.  Oh well.  It's who I am and I can't change the photo, right?  Photos don't lie, although some people probably wish they did!

We are going to watch church on You Tube again this morning at 10:30AM, the service they broadcast. Our pastors will be back next week or the week after, not real sure.  We do need to start going in person, but hubby asked if we could stay home today since they weren't back yet.  I'm ok with that; I can stay here in my room longer.  In fact, I would not have time to write in here until later had we planned on going for I would need to be in the shower about ten minutes ago.  Lucky you, huh.  Yeah, I got up a little later and I didn't want to get up then.  I think I need another cup of hot coffee.

Today there isn't much on the agenda.  I will work on the blankets.  I will probably do some reading. I will need to call my little sister and talk with her since we haven't talked for a couple days.  I want to bake, but am not sure what I'm in the mood to bake.  And, It's Ms. Vicky's birthday today so I need to pop in over there - but what to take for her?  Maybe I'll run to Fry's and pick up a small pie (individual) and some flowers.  I wonder if her daughter will come take her out.  She has one daughter here, another in Nebraska.  I know she gets lonely and I need to pop in more often.  I tried to visit Ms. Diane a few nights ago but she said she didn't feel good.  Sigh. I haven't followed up and I need to.  I may end up visiting both this afternoon.  Will see.  Am I losing my day with 'things to do'?

Philippians 2:13  It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Do you realize how much God wants a love relationship with you?  Not just 'do you know God' relationship, but a love relationship.  How do we get that?  The essence of sin is a shift from a God-centered life to a self-centered life.  Many of us know people who are entirely self-centered, don't we!  The essence of salvation is a denial of self.  We must come to a denial of self and return to God-centeredness so that God can accomplish through us the purposes He has for us.  So what are some God-centered living thoughts compared to Self-centered living?  Let me list just a few.

God-Centered Living is identified by - * confidence in God, * life focused on God, * humbleness before God, * denying self, * seeking God's perspective in every circumstance.

Self-Centered Living is identified by - * life focused on self, * pride in self and self's accomplishments, * depending on self and self's own abilities, * seeking to be accepted to the world and its ways, * selfish and ordinary living.

As you read through those I am sure you thought of other people immediately.  I sure did.  And did you also identified yourself in either of those lists?  Yeah, when you see it in print, it kind of stands out there, doesn't it.  The two biggies though, I think, is 'denying self'  and 'selfish and ordinary living'.  I think at different times we all deal with our own selfishness, don't you think too?

But, to follow Jesus means to let go of this world and live for Him alone.  How are you doing with that?  I admit, some days it is a struggle. Self gets in the way all the time.  I have my rights! Why can't we do it MY way? Why do I have to do it their way all the time?  We all go through those thoughts.  

What if Jesus decided He didn't want to go to the cross - the very reason He came to earth was to be our sacrifice, our atonement to God.  What if He decided 'no, they are worth it?'  Scary thought, isn't it?  Those 'what ifs'.  I don't know about you, I'm so very grateful Jesus loved us so much that He was willing to lay down His life for us, and be the sacrifice for all our sins.  Not just one or two, but all of them.  Sins we did in the past, sins we do now, and sins we will probably do in the future.  That doesn't mean we can keep sinning so that He can forgive us.  No, His grace knows no bounds, but think about it. What if you haven't confessed that sin and you die?  Then what?  

I don't know about you, but I want to go to Heaven.  It's a much nicer place.  You think Arizona gets hot in the summer time?  You haven't felt 'hot' yet if you go to hell!  I don't do cold, but I certainly don't want that kind of heat!  I choose to fear God and be in awe of Him and follow Him.  What about you?

Blessings!

The body awaketh...

 way too early again on a Saturday morning.  We went to bed later as we watched a couple of movies.  For some reason, lately, Sleepless in Seattle has been on my mind.  I love that movie. 1993 I think it was.  But I love it.  And when hubby asked if I wanted to watch a movie, I asked if we could go to Prime Video and watch that one.  He agreed, although it is not one of his favorites.  We watched another movie afterwards that was also a 'chick flick' that he chose, but went to bed afterwards. My mind was still somewhat awake, which isn't always a good thing.  I finally fell asleep, but at 4AM the body was awake as was the mind.  I tried to tell them it was Saturday, but my mind would not listen to me.  I finally got up and came in here. I tried to go back to sleep, but it would not.  Hubby got up about 6AM and brought in my coffee.  I got up and fixed a slice of toast as I was getting hungry.  And I'm back here in my room, finishing up my reading, writing in here, doing 'my thing' in slow motion since I don't have to turn on the work computer. 

We actually have 'plans' today!  My oldest son invited us out to lunch today.  Hubby is happy to be included.  I see a really good salad in my future.  My son likes the bottomless salads, but I really think I get more in my one salad than he does in four!  I love a good salad.  Can't wait to see he and his lovely wife.  I have some apples I want to give him that we won't be eating, and cut up some watermelon too.  I have something else for him, and I will suggest he open it when he is alone.  Now I have you curious, don't I?  Something I found and I expanded on it.  I wonder if expanded is the right word.  Oh well, I love to surprise my children occasionally with something they don't expect.

Work was very slow yesterday.  In fact, my favorite boss, who is in NY for another week, signed off about 2PM.  My male boss had no appointments all afternoon so I figured he was doing 'catch up'.  When I hadn't gotten anything from him by 3PM, I told hubby "Let's go to Denny's for dinner" and off we went. I checked messages and got none when we returned home so I shut it down.  Not going to look at it all weekend; Monday will be here soon enough!

Remember my frustration with my male boss who took away 'my' board meeting and gave to someone else and gave me the one she had been covering?  He seems to forget I don't cover that one anymore and keeps sending me emails to schedule things with the board.  I finally sent him an email on Thursday - which he has not answered yet - to just give me both board meetings because either I do them both, or he needs to send the other admin the information to schedule his meetings with the board members and not me.  It's either all or just give me one, right?  I'll give him a few more days to respond before I hit him up on it again.  It's really confusing at times.  Even the board members contact me instead of the other admin.  I know it is a lot of extra work, but if I'm doing the job anyway, give me credit for it. Anyone can process slides during a meeting (so I 've discovered; even I can do it) and that is all she does.

I have so many things that I WANT to do, and many things that I NEED to do... that I end up doing none of it.  Are you that way?  My material is still sitting here on the bed.  I did get the birthday box put together for my older brother which I will mail out on Monday or Tuesday.  He will turn 80 this year.  He and I have always been close, even during my growing up years.  Oh he tormented me then.  I wonder if he remembers breaking eggs in my hair. I will have to ask him sometime.  I wish I could fly back and surprise him.   And then my little sister turns 70 this year, which would mean an additional trip back.... so I'm not doing either.  I could go back for my sister's and my brother would be ok with it, but the other way around, my sister would have a hissy fit since they are not reconciled.  And yes, I prayed again for their reconciliation this morning.  Life is too short to hold grudges and unforgiveness.  Regardless of who is the one doing it.  Just because you don't like their behavior doesn't mean you cut them out of your life.  You just step away and leave them be.  Jesus says we are to love others just as we love ourselves.  But we can do it from a distance, I believe.

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV):  Fear not, for I am with you: be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Do you recall a time when you had something going on and it was troubling you greatly?  Do you remember how you got through that time?  Do you remember, perhaps only in a brief moment, of whispering for help?  I know I whisper and sometimes bellow it out, "Lord, HELP!!"  I seem to do it a lot when I'm going through struggles - whether at work, here at home, or at the gym.  Definitely at the gym!  Seriously, do you ever stop to think that God is all-knowing and that He is everywhere?  Do you realize how much He loves you and wants to take care of your every need?  Nothing is kept secret from him.  Not when we tell that little white lie. Not when we cheat on our taxes. Not when we shun someone we don't care for.  Not when.... you can fill in the blank.  Our Heavenly Father sees and knows all - usually before we even know we are going to do it!  We have a choice.  Do something we are not supposed to do - or ask God to help you get past that temptation.  He will always help you, but you need to do your part - and ask.  And, although we may ask Him to help us, to forgive us..... we do still have to suffer the consequences of our actions.

Yell at your spouse - and you will find ice cubes in the air for awhile, right?  You may apologize and seek forgiveness, and it may be given, but the ice may melt slowly.  Life is very hard and I just don't get how people think they can do some of the things they do and not suffer consequences.  They always seem to look for the easy way out of things and not put forth effort to right the choices they made that were 'wrong' - or maybe they were right and the consequences just happened.  I cannot judge.  I've done a lot of really stupid things and yes, I have suffered the consequences of such.  

But God has been gracious to me and loving and kind to me.  He is my strength when I am weak.  Reminds me of a song I heard years ago by.... ok, mind blank.  The song is 'My All in All' and it is by....Dennis Jernigan.  Yes, I had to look it up.  Drawing a blank.  But listen to these words....

You are my strength when I am weak / You are the treasure that I seek / You are my all in all. / Seeking You as a precious jewel / Lord, to give up I'd be a fool / You are my all in all.

Jesus, Lamb of God / Worthy is Your Name / Jesus, Lamb of God / Worthy is Your Name.

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame / Rising up again I bless Your Name / You are my all in all. / When I fall down You pick me up / When I am dry You feel my cup / You are my all in all.

Jesus, Lamb of God / Worthy is Your Name / Jesus, Lamb of God / Worthy is Your Name.

Jesus, Lamb of God / Worthy is Your Name / Jesus, Lamb of God / Worthy is Your Name.

Worthy is Your Name.

Worthy is Your Name.

He is our strength when we are weak.  All that we have comes from His hand.  Worthy is His Name. Think on that today.  Only He is worthy.  Worthy is His Name.

Blessings!

The Friday Dance

 and here it is Friday and although each Friday brings the end of the year much closer (and me much older), I like Fridays.  Why?  Because Saturday and Sunday is next and I don't have to work!  

So what are the plans for the weekend?  I go get my hair done tomorrow at 5PM.  Church on Sunday morning.  I can't think of anything else that is on the calendar.  Hubby keeps his calendar and mine is in here - and out in the kitchen so hubby knows when my trainings are.

Ugh. Speaking of trainings.  Last night in my opinion, was a real fail.  My trainer didn't think so, but I did. I actually woke up yesterday morning feeling very good!  I felt energetic and strong and well.  (Remember those days?  They come few and far between!)  I mean, I really felt good!  But by the time I got to the gym for my HIIT training, I was wearing down.  Real fast.  Morgan laid out my exercises.  One of them is hold the Bosu ball against me, then do a 'jump' and push the Bosu ball out.  Do several of those.  (I hate jumping jacks.  Yes, I used the 'hate' word.)  Then on to another ball that I would slam onto the ground (about a ten pounder, I think) and then squat to pick it back up to slam again.  Several of those.  Then a 20 pound ball and over to the high board for which I was to squat and throw it at the board and catch it.  I started with "I can't..." and Morgan made me correct it to "I will/can..."  Sigh.  If I squat to come up with leg strength to throw the ball against the board, I can't see the board!  I'm a short person - what can I say??  From there it was the kettle bell (at least 20#) and swinging it back and forth.  Then on to a smaller twenty pound ball that I rolled off the back on both sides of my shoulders.  Oh - I forgot to mention that the ball I slammed to the ground?  I then had to do a 'burpee' and get back up to slam it again.  My legs were shaking and I only got through two sets and I usually do four!

I was frustrated; Morgan was encouraging.  She said I did great. I disagreed.  Couldn't figure out why I was having so much difficulty when I had felt so good in the morning.  Then I realized that this week I had increased my water intake (a lot - a couple days I did get down an entire gallon of water!!), and really cut back on my carbs yesterday.  Sure made my numbers look good for Virta, but geez... it messed me up physically for working out!  So what did I do?  I totally blew it.  I stopped at Sonic and bought hubby and I each a cheeseburger and we shared a large tater tot and a diet cherry limeade.  And yes, I felt way too full after eating it, but I told myself my body needed the carbs.  My scale jumped a pound this morning.  Sigh.  My glucose jumped 15 points.  Guess that is telling me something, right?  I'll give up the cheeseburger and eat the tater tots. LOL

I'm already on my second cup of coffee this morning.  Hubby has gone to his bible study.  He isn't doing real well, I don't think. He goes back to the doctor next week, I think it is, for more blood work.  He developed this cough once we got back from New Mexico and even with Robitussin DM it seems to have gotten worse; a deep cough.  He wakes during the night with it as well.  Yesterday - out of the blue - I hear him running down the hall - literally!  I wasn't sure if he was throwing up (he was coughing) or what.  Nope, he got hit with diarrhea as he sat there and watched TV.  TMI?  Probably.  We had dinner plans with friends after my workout but we moved it out to next Thursday.  Hence the Sonic cheeseburgers last night.  My legs still felt weak and I decided I wasn't cooking!

I'm not sure how I'm feeling this morning.  My legs feel stiff but not sore.  I think too, that part of it is that I have been getting on my rebounder for a few minutes here and there - perhaps I'm using my legs more than I think I am?  I figure if I can get up and jump on it for a few minutes - or even a minute ever so often, I'm not sitting in front of my desk continuously.

I may hear back from Dr. Mark's office today if he will take me as a patient.  I mailed my information to him Tuesday night as I headed to my daughter's and figure it should be there at least by today.  Part of me wants to change; part of me just says stick with non-physicals.... but I am getting older and I need someone who is proactive about my health.  I have never felt like I've had a good physical since I left Dr. Hollis.  I have been spoiled with one on one and thorough treatment.

Psalm 119:7 (NIV):  I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgements.

The more we learn about Jesus, the more we want to be like Him.  I've started over reading in Matthew recently and sometimes, as many times as I have read it, words will pop out at me.  Do you find that as well?  I love reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), but I also love reading Acts, when the church came to be, and then the other writings from Paul and the disciples.  I learn more things every time I read through them.  And of course, my books that I read also open my eyes to some things.

For example, in one book that talks about being on social media... I realized how easy it is to not only spend the time scrolling, but also to get caught up in looking at things I should avoid.  Like what?  There is one couple that I think is hilarious.  Most of his videos (and his wife is always in the videos) show him sharing something and making his wife laugh.  But I know there are some times - not often - that he will say something that I really shouldn't be listening to.  So I've tried to stop watching their posts.  Then there is another guy - he does have a body, but I'm not looking at that.  What I love watching is how he does movements to music.  Some women have done it as well, and I have watched them.  But lately, people have made crude comments about the firmness of his body (obviously all muscle with those six packs!) and he commented one time that for the first time, some woman had asked for his underwear!  Gross!  That kind of tainted my watching it.  Lust is a horrible thing and God says don't do it!  I wasn't lusting, I loved watching the movements to the beat of the song.  So now I avoid watching him.  So why even get on social media at all?  That is a question for all of us, I think.

And another book I am reading talked about gossip.  Ouch. That one struck home.  Yes, I have gossiped.  Unless it is true, uplifting, encouraging, one needs to keep their mouth shut when sharing things, right?  I need to quit commenting to others about what I've read on social media.  And recently the married (to others) couple (the CEO and HR lead) who got busted in their sin at the Coldplay concert - I actually prayed for their families this morning.  The shame, the embarrassment, the brokenhearted feelings that will come from this.  Not for the couple!  But for their families.  Of course the CEO is blaming Coldplay for exposing them in a 'kiss cam' moment. Will he sue?  See how easy that was?  Voicing my comments and opinions!  UGH - Lord, help me stop doing that!!

And with that - I am out of time and need to get off here.  Righteous judgements - all of God's laws are good and we learn from them.  We praise Him for His goodness, His faithfulness, His righteousness.  When was the last time you thanked God for His commandments?  Right now would be a good time.  They help us to live good and righteous lives.

Blessings!