I took Ms. Vicky out to dinner last night. I kept encouraging her to order whatever she wanted, and I'm sure that she couldn't see most of the menu as she has really bad vision, so she ordered what I did. I don't normally order this, but at Black Bear Diner it is pretty good - so I ordered it. Chicken Fried Steak with white gravy on it. She ordered what I did. Won't order it again there. It had no taste whatsoever. I ordered french fries; she ordered mashed potatoes and gravy. We both got the green beans (which were really mushy and I couldn't eat). I thought I ate fast.... but she beat me!! LOL Just an observation. I wish I had gotten something else though, but that is how we learn whether we like a specific item at a specific place. What is it that food isn't seasoned anymore and has no taste? It used to be that you didn't have to add salt and pepper cause it tasted perfect. (The only perfect food I'm discovering is French Fries). Now you look for red pepper flakes or anything else just to give it flavor. Not complaining, just stating a fact. And it must have just been my taste buds for Ms. Vicky raved about it and ate it all. It got kind of embarrassing after awhile; she kept thanking me for bringing her out - how much she enjoys going out, how she hopes that we do this again, etc. Full of compliments and praises, I was uncomfortable.
But I get it. She basically lives alone. She does have a roommate who stays in her room and doesn't talk to her. If Ms. Vicky just inquires after she goes on a trip 'How was your trip?' she gets "You aren't my mother and I don't have to answer you!" So Ms. Vicky has quit asking. But she pays the rent on time and that helps Ms. Vicky. And I get it - Ms. Vicky gets lonely, especially with her eyesight being so bad - not sure if it is macular degeneration or what - but she has to get shots in her eyes - and that would do me in!
Today is going to be a crazy day. I have training with Morgan at 9a, then will have to take off work at 1p to take hubby to his doctor's appointment. This is to get the results of his physical and blood work. We've already looked at his blood work, and although there are a couple in the red, we know why, and so are not alarmed. But, I will 'lose' about 3 hours of work with having to go with him. It does keep me 'in the know' though of what is going on. Plus I can throw bits and pieces in when Dr. Mark asks him questions. I have noticed that it isn't only his mind that seems to wane occasionally, it is also his vision. Yet, he wears his glasses and our eye specialist says his eyes are fine - so to me, that reflects back to the brain on what does his eyes see and tells the brain. How can one fix that? Not going to give examples, but I have noticed things. Sigh. I'm sorry he is getting older... but he has to let go of his pride. And I will when my time comes as well.
I just added my latest book to Goodreads and see that I'm 2 books ahead of my goal for this time. That's the way it usually runs for awhile, and then I get way behind because I don't take time to read. But I did grab an old devotional I've gone through a couple times already to read in the mornings. Plus, glancing at Amazon, I see there is another one so have already ordered it and it will be here in a week. No rush on it. I like reading things that are short and keep me focused in the mornings.... plus sometimes it will give me something to share in here.
Reminds me, when I worked at Centene, I had to send out a report every single morning to about 150 or so employees. I thought it was 'boring' to just send the report out with nothing but 'good morning', so I grabbed a John Maxwell leadership book, of which I was reading at that time, and I would start sharing information from each chapter. It got to where people would comment how much that helped them in their daily work. Yes, I had 'that one' who would jump on me every time I would mention 'God' - which I was very careful to work around it - after all, it was a business and we aren't to mix business and religion.... and he and I would go at it for awhile. When Sue was let go (because Centene lost the state contract that year) as the job went with the contract, (Banner immediately called her the same day and offered her the position with more $! She took it...then I followed). Sorry, got off track. Anyway - I had a new boss once Sue was let go - and she immediately STOPPED my little notes in with each daily email. On my last one, I told everyone that I was told I could no longer send anything out, but if they wanted something, to let me know and I'd send separately (and some did). Sometimes it is good to start the day with a good read that will encourage you, give you information that is useful, and give you something to think about.
My Bible does that too. I haven't always read a devotional in the morning, but have for the past few years. I don't know why I started. But I always get good stuff, even if it doesn't pertain to what I need to hear for that day. Might be something to think about. I have my favorite devotionals and Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge has been my favorite since 2001 - my sister gave it to me as a gift. And it isn't really a devotional! But I read a chapter a day - and figure I read it at least twice a year - and it is 2026... yeah, I've read it a few times. And I still give it as gifts and actually, I'm on my second book and have started marking it up. I have two-three copies in the bookcase for when I can give as a gift. I should have started years ago writing down who I gave what books to - I've given so many books to friends and family, I don't remember what I've given! Or to whom!! I wouldn't be offended if someone tells me "you have already given me this one" for I'm sure I have another to give them!
Exodus 16:21 The gathered it morning by morning, every man as much as he should eat; but when the sun grew hot, it would melt.
Do you remember that story in the Bible? What did they gather? The manna that God provided for the Israelites each morning while they were on their journey to the Promised Land. And, if you think about it like this, the manna is like us with our Bible reading. How so?
We dive into our Bibles first thing in the mornings and gather it to our hearts and minds as we study and read and let it soak in. But then, the day is dawning and the sun comes out. (well, for most of us) Worries, stresses, some so overwhelming they cause us to melt in our tracks; the strength and resolve of our hearts weaken and we forget all that we read that morning.
The Israelites emerged from their tents each morning to gather the manna, enough for that day only (except on the one day God told them to gather enough for two days, because of the Sabbath). They knew that once the sun came up, all the manna would disappear and they would be left with nothing for the day. They knew after one time of 'sleeping in' that they wouldn't have food once the sun was up! That was God's provision for them, for that day.
Are we any different? We pick up our devotional, pick up our Bible, hoping to glean something from our reading to feed us throughout the day. And when we do, our day seems to be going much better, cause we are putting God first, and spending time with Him. That doesn't mean you can't sit and read His Word at night, or whenever it is that you do read your Bibles. My sister and I go back and forth on this at times. I get up early to have a couple hours with God in the mornings. It is my choice. She chooses to read her Bible in the evening, before she goes to bed. Well, I don't normally read in bed, and I'm afraid I'd get too comfortable and snuggle down and fall asleep, as she says she does occasionally. We are opposites in this; I need God to get me through the day. She reads at night to reflect as she sleeps and starts her day later (later than me, for sure!). Either way is good; as long as we put God in our lives. Right?
Uh OH - out of time already - and I'm starting to get to the rambling part... need to get off here and start my day - training @ 9a!! Hope you have an amazing day and feel blessed to be alive!
Blessings!
