Sunday morning thoughts....

 My right leg bone woke me up about my usual 'get up time.  I still didn't want to get up, but I was definitely awake.  For some reason, I'm thinking of my older sister, Jackie, this morning, and the rheumatoid arthritis she had through out her body and how she would complain about the pain in her legs especially.... I still say it was the bug bites/scorpion bites, or whatever it was that had a meal on the inside of my left a few years back.  I never had any pain in hip nor legs until I got bit.  The dermatologist wouldn't listen to me, the urgent care doctor wouldn't listen to me, and I couldn't get in to see the PCP I had a that time.  So... here I am, occasionally being awakened by severe hip and leg bone pains infrequently.  I will discuss with Dr. Mark when I have my physical in September or October; whenever it gets scheduled. I will insist he send me to a specialist - either testing for RA or ... well, we will wait it out and see.  It's never any fun to be awakened in sharp and severe pain.  My legs are still 'on fire', but not painful, if you know what I mean.  I'm debating on if I want to dress up to go to church this morning, or watch on TV at 10:30a.  Yeah, it's that distracting at this moment, anyway.

Yesterday was a very quiet day for us.  We didn't leave the house.  I made eggs ole for breakfast (without cottage cheese cause we were out again.  Still real good.)  Since it was about 10-10:30a then, we moved right on past lunch.  About 4p I fried (yes, I used my electric skillet) up some pork chops, steamed some red potatoes, opened a can of green beans and heated them up with onions, and sliced a tomato.  That was dinner.  Wasn't fancy, but still good.  Left over eggs ole today, I'm thinking.  At least for breakfast.  

Anyway, off the topic of food and back to the day yesterday..... TV stayed off until about 4p (hallelujah!).  It was quiet.  We read some; I took a short nap.  I worked on some diamond art coasters I had gotten a couple years ago for Christmas. One down, three to go.  Hubby turned on the TV and started watching the 250 celebration and the news... when I was finished with the diamond art, he offered to find a movie. I said no, that was fine (I wasn't watching it anyway).  So he asked if he could switch to the Diamondbacks game; again, I wasn't watching so I didn't care.  He watched the game; I scrolled facebook (I know better; I lose all track of time!!) and then when the game was over, I read some in my Bible before we headed off to bed.  That was our exciting July 4th!  A granddaughter was sending me photos of their little ones, so that made my day complete.

Today is church, if we end up going.  Nothing is planned but hubby will probably have the TV on for something... and of course around 4p NCIS starts their reruns on ION.  I heard Gibbs is coming back for Season 24.  He certainly made the show.  Sad that Director Vance got killed... heard that McGee made Director.  I don't know... don't really follow it, but love the show.  It does keep my interest.  I really need to do some visiting... but sometimes I just don't wanna, ya know?

I do want to do a quick trip to Michael's (since Hobby Lobby isn't open on Sundays) as I need to pick up an embroidery hoop.  I found some Christmas material that I used to make my Christmas quilts out of... kind of makes me want to take a break from crochet and get back to my sewing.  I do have one crib size already put together and ready to stitch... I gave away my hoops as I wasn't using them and didn't know that I would.  I need to check one more place; if I don't have, that is something I need. :-)  Of course I need it.  Right?  But, it still isn't a requirement.... or a real necessity.  I think I have two-three rows yet to do on this one baby blanket I'm working on.  Crochet, that is.  Maybe I will finish it today. But then what?  I have to keep busy!  

My devotionals both spoke to me today.  Sometimes it is other people's thoughts that break through my thinking and cause me to look at things differently.  Well, more differently than I was, I guess.  Isn't my way the best?  I guess it isn't always.  I'm not as smart as I think I am, I'm reckoning.

One devotional was talking about envy.  Now, I don't think I envy anyone.  But I am sure that I compare myself, or what we have, to others at times. You know you do it too.  I don't think I struggle in this area, but I know I get wistful when I go to someone's house and it is decorated so nicely and has minimal 'stuff' all around... and I begin to wish I could get rid of things.... you know I do that - I share so many times I need to 'declutter'!  The author began to say to herself that "I am not equipped to handle what they have, both good and bad."  Sometimes we don't know how good we have it, right?  This author was saying she was envious of another girl's legs.  This was at a Children's Theater in her hometown and both were budding child actors cast in a Christmas play..  The author is 'chunky'; the other girl had long, lean legs and could do all the moves easily.  She was so envious of those legs.  She kept comparing herself to this girl.  Then one day, this girl had left leg pain that turned into a doctor's appointment, that turned into a battery of tests that turned into a hospital stay that turned into a cancer diagnosis that turned into surgery to remove a tumor that turned into amputation, that turned into a complete life change.   In a moment's time, a life was turned around completely.  "I am not equipped to handle what they have, both good and bad." 

The other book I'm reading shared about their love for food, and wanting to break that addiction to food. Now you know how much I love food.  I love making food. I love eating food. I.Love.Food.  Is it an addiction?  Maybe. Maybe not.  Am I addicted to chocolate?  I LIKE chocolate, but as much as I act like it could be an addiction, I think I could say no, it isn't.  Now cookies.  That is a hard one.  Hubby was hungry after dinner still so got a peach of out of the refrigerator.  So what did I do?  I knew there were a few Trefoils left in the freezer.  The very last of the girl scout cookies.  And I got them and I ate all five of them!  Yes!  I did.  And I enjoyed every bite. There were five bites, cause they are small enough I can fit the entire cookie in my mouth at one time and devour them.  I think it is the carbs that draw me to cookies.  Sigh.  But you see what I mean?  Actually, it is any kind of food, not even only junk food.  Except lettuce.  I won't go to the refrigerator and get a piece of lettuce to munch on. Although that would be much better for me, would it not?  Cookies... or lettuce.  Which would you choose?  Sigh. I think my addiction IS food.  I love to cook it, and I love to eat it.  Even when I determine I won't eat certain foods, and even when I think I can do without food for a certain time... without even thinking about it, I can devour something. Whether in the kitchen alone, or sneaking it into the bathroom so that I can enjoy it without sharing it or being watched.   Am I really so bad?

So how do we break these addictions?  Or let me rephrase.... what was suggested to break any addiction?  Memorize scriptures that pertain to what your addiction is.  For me it is food. And I should have memorized these years ago... but although I knew the scriptures, I did not. And I probably won't now, because I am in denial that I have a food addiction.  I just love food.  Is that so bad?  What triggers do I have that cause me to do things I shouldn't do? That I know better than do? That I 'just do it' without even thinking about it?

"Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."

"You say, "I am allowed to do anything" - but not everything is good for you. And even though "I am allowed to do anything, I must not become a slave to anything."

"They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior."

I need to change my mindset to 'I can't, but God can, so I give this area of my life to His will.'

So is there something you need to let go of?  We always hear the 'Let go and Let God' saying.  It's easy for some people, but for others it isn't that easy.  I think in changing my mindset to 'I can't, but God can, so I give this area of my life to His will' is a better thought, don't you?

Oh great. Just noticed I chipped my thumbnail. Now how did I do that?  I've been sitting here in my chair for the past three hours - and it wasn't chipped before I started typing!  See how distracting things come to me?  I don't have to even look for them, they just pop up in front of me!

So with that - I'm going to wish you a blessed Sunday, have a wonderful, amazing day in the Lord. Pray blessings over others, you don't know what they are going through. Be grateful for what God has given you, both good and bad, for He has equipped you for such a task.  He will strengthen you; He will encourage you; He will walk with you through that journey. Trust Him.

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!  That song just popped into my mind....

1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
   Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
   Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
   Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
   • Refrain:
     This is my story, this is my song,
     Praising my Savior all the day long;
     This is my story, this is my song,
     Praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,
   Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
   Angels, descending, bring from above
   Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest,
   I in my Savior am happy and blest,
   Watching and waiting, looking above,
   Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

May you find your day full of His blessed assurance....

Blessings!

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I left some stuff to do

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope your day is amazing!

Blessings!

Lazy Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings!

I survived my tizzy...

 and things got resolved.  Grateful it was without much conflict.  How it happened no one knows - had to have been a facebook glitch of some sort.  Unsettling at best.  I was beside myself.  I was in a tizzy.  But it's all better now.  

I'm feeling somewhat sad this morning in that we all can't be together today for Thanksgiving.  But I understand the reasons why; not counting going other places.  I don't like anyone left out of things... but it is not my house nor my place to invite.... and personalities and behavior definitely do not get along.  It will still be a good day.

I 'get to' bake the turkey, dressing, and giblet gravy, as mentioned before.  I have a pumpkin pie in the freezer that I need to get out and bake first this morning.  That will be my contribution to the lunch today. There will be too much food, and too much food eaten (by me), I'm sure.  I'm making a huge batch of cornbread dressing so that I can share with my boys if they want.... hopefully will have extra giblet gravy as well, but that is doubtful.  Can only get so much out of one turkey as far as giblets and broth.  I am thinking of defrosting my small turkey in the freezer and cooking it in a few days.  Need to cook it anyways.  I love to cook so that isn't the problem at all.  Carting it all everywhere may be, though.

Turkey Trot just not really going to happen today.  The daughter needs surgery so can't walk very far and I really do need the time to finish up everything for a 1PM lunch.  So I will bake the pie, get the turkey in the pan and cooking, done all I can do for the dressing until I get some turkey broth, and giblet gravy can't be made until the giblets are cooked - so during that timeframe, I will take a walk around the block and at least get some 'turkey trot' in, albeit alone, although hubby might walk with me but he hasn't walked around the full block yet.... sigh.  My life in a nutshell; it always feels incomplete.

Started reading a new book last night - and hopefully I can learn from it. Well, not only learn, but act on it.  It is called 'The Best of You' and is especially for women, I think, written by a woman psychologist. How many times do we give up our dreams to fulfill someone else's?  How many times do we do what is 'expected' d of a female and bury what we really feel?  I only got through the first chapter last night and I think it will be interesting.  Not necessarily with things I can or will do, but help me understand why I feel the way I do about some things?  I don't know.  I also had a copy sent to my little sister.  She always lets her family walk all over her - and never stands up for herself.  At least I can get vocal at times... then go back to business as usual.  sigh.

Yesterday was a quiet day as far as work.  I 'shut down' about 2PM as no one was working.  I left the computer on so will do a last check this morning before shutting it down.  I do need to jump on tomorrow as I expect invoices to come through and need to process them.  Double check I approved all the timecards that will need to be done on Monday - hey - if everyone is off today and tomorrow - just 'get 'er done' - right?

When I 'quit' work yesterday, I decided I was going to get this bedroom done.  And I did.  I got the bed cleaned off and a new Christmas quilt and shams put on it to decorate it.  I wrapped several gifts that have come in and they are under the tree.  And happily, I marked several 'done' as I listed what I had purchased.  I told you I was cutting way back this year.  I know I'm spending just as much as some of the items are more than what I usually buy, but that's ok.  It's all paid for at this point.  I'm paying as I go, even if I do put on the credit card -  as soon as I receive the goods, I go in and pay the bill.  Done and done.  And I have a lot of things still coming in.  But I got most wrapped and under the tree yesterday and although I have 'stuff' on the bed, the first of the week those are going out in the mail - even if it is early.  Get it out before the Christmas mailing rush and I don't care if they open right away or not - that's all they get.  Mid December I will ship my brothers a big loaf of my cranberry pumpkin nut bread, they seem to like it and it's an inexpensive gift to send to let them know I'm thinking of them.  

Found out yesterday my remaining older brother will be having possibly bypass surgery in January. They were looking at angioplasty but may go the bypass route.  He takes care of himself and eats good, exercises, but has been a diabetic for nearly 40 years and that has taken a toll on his body.  My younger brother had a bypass several years ago.  Heart disease runs in the male side of my family.  Although I've often wondered about mine - nothing has ever showed up.  My heart is grieved at the thought of the possibility of losing another sibling.  It's too soon to lose another.  I miss my big sister a lot as she was the 'last one' to go and it was so sudden and unexpected. Still seems unreal.  Thankful for the ones I still have.

Colossians 3:14-16 (NKJV): "But above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

It's Thanksgiving.  What are you thankful for?

I'm thankful God gave me a daughter and two sons whom I love with my life.  And from them the generations will come and have come - 11 grandchildren, and now 7 great grandchildren.  I'm thankful for health.  I'm thankful ... well, I'm thankful.  My heart grieves over situations, but I'm thankful that I can trust God to be in control of each situation.  The pain in my heart is my love for each one, wanting their lives to be full of Jesus and love.  Oh that I could help them to find Him so that they could truly live!  Those I thought would always love Jesus and serve Him have turned away in anger at not getting their way... and it breaks my heart.  I pray they realize that sometimes 'wait' is better than getting what you want when you want it to happen.  Jesus IS the only way.  Oh that my joy would be complete that all my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren would know Him as Lord before it is too late.  That the children would teach their children, and they would teach their children.... life is better with Jesus, than it is without Him.  Trust me.  I know.  

Be thankful today - not just for being with those you love and having great food, but be thankful to the One who rescues you from yourself, and gave His life for you.

Blessings!

I'm feeling lazy...

 It's cooler out and I wanted to sleep in this morning!  In fact, I did go back to sleep - intentionally - this morning for awhile - and of course now I'm rushing to get this done - at least a few lines - before turning on my work computer and getting started on my day.  Hubby has had his shower and is getting ready for doctor visit early this morning - some kind of test - not sure what exactly - but I think it is the one where they do an ultrasound of the abdomen... not sure, but am guessing because he had to fast 12 hours and make sure no coffee, nothing carbonated, etc.  Guess I will find out how it went when he returns.  Then he has to fast again tonight for another test tomorrow; I forget what that one is too.  See what happens when one prefers sleep to thinking?  I can't remember anything.

I've learned I need to stay off facebook.  Christmas is 66 days away (didn't you want to hear that?) and I have started seeing things - and ordering - things that I think would be perfect for 'someone'.  And some things are starting to arrive so I've had to get started on my list so that I STOP early.  I have told everyone I am really cutting back this year and I'm really trying hard to do that.  I did order myself a small tool set (hope it comes when hubby isn't home) cause every time I get in to his tool box for something I get in trouble.  He fusses at me.  So, I have hinted for some time that I could use my own... so now I bought myself my own tool set.  Unless I decide to give to someone for Christmas..... I mean, how often would I use it, anyway?  sigh.  But I'm starting to write things down on my list and now will need to start 'bugging' my children and grandchildren for some ideas for them - or who knows what they might get!  Hmmm I wonder if the two boys who have their own place could use some more kitchen stuff.... 

The estate lady was next door yesterday and the mover arrived and loaded up the truck as well.  I haven't seen nor talked with Maria since Sunday.  I do need to touch base with her today for they leave tomorrow.  She had said I could have the keyboard and stand Ms. Amy had....  will need to touch base and see if she remembers.  If not, no big deal.  I want a big trunk she had there too, and told her so, willing to pay for it - but she may have taken it with her.  Much of the furniture, as I've mentioned before, was made by her grandfather or great or great great grandfather.  Lots of antiques.  And I'm not willing to pay antique prices either; don't need nor want that bad!   At last, with everything being turned over to a real estate agent, I no longer need to have anything to do with next door.  The car will be shipped soon to the brother in Noblesville.  He talked with Maria yesterday and was to get it arranged.  Once that is done - I no longer need a key, for upkeep and all is not my problem.  

Psalm 37:4 (NKJV):  "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."

That scriptures sounds like the Lord will give us everything we desire, doesn't it?  As long as we 'delight ourselves in Him'.  Nope, it don't happen that way.  Why?  Because sometimes are desires are not healthy; sometimes our desires are wrong; sometimes are our desires are just stupid.

For example, my heart desires the keyboard next door.  Do I want it?  Perhaps.  Do I need it?  Absolutely not.  What will I do with it?  I have no idea; I don't know how to play it.  But is it my desire to have it?  Of course it is!   Will I get it?  Who knows!

Ok - bad example.  Sometimes, even when we delight ourselves in the Lord we don't always get what we desire for it isn't the BEST.  And God wants us to have the BEST of everything.  Why should we, as God's children, 'settle' for whatever?  And that is what we do, many times.  We get the cheaper item instead of waiting - and getting the best item.

Say that you have a desire for a specific car and you are saving your money for it.  You have a vehicle to drive right now, but you really, really, want a certain car.  So you start saving, and you get a certain amount and you decide you have enough money so you go looking, only you find a cheap model of what you want, without all the gadgets you want.  You have that much money.  Do you want to settle for THAT car, when if you continued saving, you could get the one car you have been dreaming about? Sometimes we 'settle' in our impatience.

But God wants to give us all that we desire - but He wants us to desire Him, to delight in Him, first and foremost.  Then be patient; God isn't finished with what He wants to do IN us, and FOR us.  Wait on His blessings - they are coming!

Blessings!

I may not want to get up....

 but I love rising early to have my time with Jesus each morning.  I awoke at 11PM last night and struggled to get back to sleep. But did, and finally arose just before 5AM.  I chalk that wakeup to taking a late nap yesterday afternoon.  Plus being absolutely, totally, lazy yesterday - other than going to Sam's Club and buying way too much - I pretty much sat on the couch all day.  We did read last night - and I'm currently reading two books (actually more than that, but only two by my chair.).. Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn and Rekindled Fire by Steve Fry.  

At first, in reading Return of the Gods it was hard to get in to - I'm not used to those type of books.  but I read several pages yesterday and wow - what he is describing are things that happened in my day!  I remember when Madalyn O'Hara did the court thing that took prayer out of schools.  I remember when the big bull was placed in New York City.  But I never made the connection to the idols of old.  

Remember Baal? His body was the bull.  America has brought Baal into America - and just as the Israelites of old fell away from God and worshipped idols, Baal, Asterarth, Isthar, and others.... America is doing it as well.  And God ain't happy, I'm telling you!  When we turn away from God, as America has done, God's punishment will be severe.  His commandments - remember when the Supreme Court ruled they had to be removed from public places?  Removed from schools?  The Ten Commandments that teach us how to live justly?

Oh that God will have mercy on us as we approach the time of Jesus' return.  He will have no mercy for those who turned others away from Him, and He will have no mercy for those who follow Baal or any of the other idols of old.  They have penetrated America, they have penetrated our homes, they have penetrated our lives - if we have let them.  We must constantly be on our guard and do not be lovers of money (Wall Strett), lovers of sexuality (Asterath), and the other idols.  This could be a book that my son may be interested in reading.  Actually, we have several of Jonathan Cahn (who is a Messanic Jew) has written.  His latest is the Josiah Manifesto which hubby is reading now.  I think you would be surprised at things you read - things we just took in stride as we didn't think they really affected us.  But they do.  

I Kings 9:6-7 (NKJV):  "But if you or your sons at all turn from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land which I have given them; and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight. Israel will be a proverb and a byword among all peoples."

And this also applies to America.  Woe is us for we have turned from God and have / are worshipping idols of money, of possessions, of politics, of people, of things!  Do you not see it?  The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Do not think for one moment that God will bypass you or your family if you seek after other things instead of Him.  Our God is a jealous God and there is to be no one or any thing in His place.

Wow - heavy stuff from me on a Sunday morning, isn't it!  I don't know about you, but I often have to ask God to forgive me for my pride - and yet, I have never thought of myself as a prideful person.  But when we insist on our own way of doing things - right or wrong - when we push our own agends, when we like to do showy things, like bragging about how we helped so and so or donated such and such... we are being prideful.  I have caught myself being prideful over the silliest things.... which I won't go in to - but it was a wake up call for me.

Now it is ok to be happy, full of pride, over something you have created or over your child.... but don't worship them.  I am proud of my children.  I am proud of my grandchildren.  I am proud of my great-grandchildren.  But I cannot hold them up equal to God and worship them.  I am proud of the work I do for 'my' company.  But I can't worship the work nor the company.  I am happy that I can give to God each week, but I can't be prideful that I can give this or that much.  It is to God that I'm giving it; it is my worship to Him.  Doesn't matter if it is $1 or $100 - it is my worship, my obedience to Him. Does any of this make sense?

Worship God.  Period. Nothing else.  He is Sovereign, Holy, Almighty, and alone is worthy to be praised with every ounce of our being.  Hallejujah!

Church this morning for us, and hopefully will get up off our lazy butts and head to the gym.  We have to do more than workout twice a week and expect miracles to happen.  Lord, help!  I have more strength, for which I am grateful.  My core is getting stronger.  I'm still waiting for the excess to fall off. Maybe soon.  My trainer told me to watch my carbs and eat more protein.  I'm not a big meat eater so need to work on that.  At least I will later today!

My big brother sent me a surprise package the other day.  Remember I mentioned it, but I don't recall if I shared what he sent.  He sent us a large tomahawk steak and a dessert of chocolate mousse.  I kid you not!  Since hubby doesn't grill, he said to put in the oven at 140 degrees for two and a half hours.  I'm going to cook it this afternoon.  It's big enough that we will be eating the meat for at least two days.  Of course hubby is a big meat eater so maybe not. LOL   I love how my big brother blesses me unexpectedly at times.  I had no idea what he was sending. 

Who can you bless today unexpectedly?  Maybe cook a meal for your family - if it is something you don't normally do.  Maybe it is just to pick up after yourself.  Trust me, they will notice!  Maybe it is just doing something nice for them that they don't expect.  Be a blessing to someone today.

Blessings!

Yesterday was a good day

 As you know, yesterday morning early I was having some alone time with hubby at the men's breakfast. I enjoyed my extra sleeping, extra quiet, the just being still and mediatating and thinking about how good God is.  I finally got up and got dressed; walked on the treadmill for two miles.  Yep, I actually got on the treadmill and walked.  Made the bed.  Fixed a protein shake for breakfast....and hubby came home.   I got to hear all about the men's breakfast (no, I don't ask, but he always thinks he has to share it all with me).  He decided then to start on his own quiet time since he slept in and missed doing it.... and I started reading in a new book.  And then I got a great surprise.

My oldest son cam by and brought me a beautifulc ard and a bag of dark chocolate Dove candy.  Oh yeah.  It's candy that is  GOOD for me!  Dark Chocolate increases iron in the blood, and as long as I donate blood, I need to keep my iron levels up.  Actually, if our iron levels aren't 'normal', we become extremely tired... my sister never has found out what causes her iron to drop - but when it does, she sleeps all the time until she can get a transfusion to get her iron level back up.  She says she takes iron..... but I dunno.  Anyway ... off track here...  I (we) enjoyed my son's visit and the surprise gift. 

A bit later the youngest son came by with his wife and step son with a nice card (he even commented he didn't get a funny one this year) and a gift card.  We chatted for awhile and got updates on his family.  After a bit they left and I suggested to hubby we go to Olive Garden for an early dinner (it was about 3:45PM).  

Oh my goodness... I still don't know what set him off... but hubby was really grumpy and accused me of not telling him everything about our prodigal granddaughter.  I don't know what I haven't told him, but my son updated both of us on what was going on.  I may not have told him everything... but... what's to tell?  The facts haven't changed.  I understand his love and concern for each one; I love each one too, but we can not change what is happening.  But I was getting the brunt of his anger and frustration.  We did go to Olive Garden and had words there as well.... he ruined the dinner and we ate pretty much in silence.  When we got back home I got the "I don't want to read; if you insist on reading, I'll wear my headset so I can watch TV."  Long story short, I didn't read; we watched a couple movies.  And he apologized with a "I don't know why I acted that way and I shouldn't have taken it out on you." 

So I am still going to say that seeing my boys made my day a good day, regardless of how it ended.

I couldn't believe I awoke about 3:40AM this morning and mentally told myself I had 20 more minutes (thinking this was a workday).  A little after 4AM I went ahead and got up as I was still awake; came in here and realized it was Sunday and I could have slept a little later.  So I tried to go back to sleep, but was unable to.  That's ok.  Getting some reading/writing, etc. completed and I need to jump in the shower anyway.  Hubby got up around 5AM and brought my coffee.  Will go to church this morning and I've already told hubby we are NOT going out to eat today.  I did bring my leftovers home, but not sure if I'll eat them; usually I let hubby eat my leftovers.  If anything, we will 'fast food' it... today restaurants will be packed with those who take their moms out to lunch and dinner.  But come to think about it; I'd have to buy since hubby doesn't have a new debit card yet.  Oh yeah... after writing it all yesteday, I erased it....  he created havoc with our bank account and we have had to close it and open a new one.  Long story short.  Glad I don't use that account except for my payroll check and I have submitted the change in the company system so hopefully it will go through ok.

Psalm 139:13-14 (NKJV):  "For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."

Have you ever stopped to think about how fearfully and wonderfully you are made... that God took part of your dad, part of your mom, and He created you.  He made every part of you, from your tinest toe, to the hair on your head.  He put a beating heart inside your chest.  He placed a brain in your head to know all things of Him.  Oh that your thoughts would turn to how awesome our God is today!  Take a moment and thank Him for your life, how He created you...... and then think about the children He has given you.  He took a part of you, a part of your spouse, and made each child in His image, just like you are made in His image.  Doesn't matter if you are male or female, you are made in His image.  Our God loves you so much, He created you within your mother's womb. Take a moment and thank Him for your life, for your spouse's life, for each of your children.  They are God's gift to you, just as you were a gift for your parents.

I can remember when we dedicated each child to the Lord.  I must admit that I really didn't totally understand what it was all about when we did so.  I know more about dedications and what it means now, and I wish I knew then.  I wish their dad and I were more careful to raise each child in the admonition of the Lord.  I cannot change the past, but I can continue to pray for their future.

May the hand and the blessing of our Heavenly Father be upon each one of you reading this today.  You are a child of someone.  Today, dedicate your life to Him, and commit to raising your children to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind and body, and honor Him in all they do.  In doing this, they will honor you for showing them how to live.   I failed in many ways... but I have been forgiven by my Heavenly Father, and I will continue to pray daily that each of my children will find a relationship with the One who loves them more than I do.

Have an awesome day.

Blessings!

It was a compliment for sure!

 I walked in to our Bible study last night and - believe it or not! - two of the young men (20 years old no less!) immediately said "I love your hair cut!!"  Cracked me up.  Geez, was it so bad before?  Could have been, for I did not curl it for Bible study.  After all, we were meeting in a home, it wasn't like we were at church.  But I did get several compliments on it last night, but the fact that the two 20 year old young men were the first to notice as I walked in to the room made me laugh.

I had 75 messages yesterday morning when I signed on to the computer, but quickly got through them. And I even got started on pulling together the board retreat.  I was told I didn't have to attend (YAY!) so that is a good thing.  But it means I need to make sure the hotel - if that will be the final meeting place - comes through on everything.  I've asked for quotes - which should be interesting.  I looked online and rooms right now are nearly $500 a day - plus they charge $35/day resort fee.  I'm hoping I can keep everything there for they would take care of the meals and meeting rooms, whereas, if my boss thinks he needs to save money, will have me reserve a conference room at the Tucson office and then I would have to have food catered there and someone watch to receive it, etc.  It would be a lot more of a hassle.  Oh well, I can only do what I'm told to do.

I did manage to get online for a bit yesterday and ordered some things for Christmas gifts.  I'm trying to write everything down that I've already purchased, and write down what I've ordered.  I think I'm done with a few of the grandchildren.  Very few.  I realized yesterday that I bought a pair of pants for one - he wears a 30x32 and I bought 32x30.... grabbed the wrong one.  I don't think I have any grandsons that size so will have to take them back this weekend.  Now I need to start my wrapping and get that done - after all, I have to do it all - the shopping, paying for it, and wrapping.  That's ok, I have a better idea of what is what cause I do have to do it.  But I am really at a loss for some and they will have to 'take what they get'.  I buy everything in love and with thoughtful consideration; it isn't just picking something up to have a gift to give.  My problem usually is I want to give everything.  

Matthew 10:8 (NKJV):  "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.  Freely you have received, freely give."

Actually, the words that came to mind first were the 'Freely you have received, freely give'.  I was thinking this morning how grateful I am for God's blessings that we can buy gifts for others, even those we don't know.  I can remember when we had so little to give, that it actually hurt that we couldn't do more.  But we gave what we could.  Yesterday I was able to go online and purchase a few things for the children at CRS.  We had gotten an email from one of my (work) case managers with a 'wish list' for these kids.  I sent him an email and asked what are most needed of this wish list.  He told me that the older kids are the ones that usually don't get much as people love buying for the little ones.  So I focused on the items for the older children on the wish list.  Now I'm not sharing this for pats on the back - I don't want that.  I'm just thinking how grateful I am that God has blessed us at this time that we can purchase a few items and donate to others.  God has been so good to us.  

And now that we have gotten older, we need less, and can give more to others.  I'm truly grateful for that for it does my heart good.  Some day my children will understand it is better to give than to receive.  Right now some of them blow off the 'receive' part.... and I get it.  I'm always grateful, but sometimes feel so humbled that someone would give me a gift.  Just like last Sunday when the gentleman gave me the necklace.  It wasn't anything expensive; it was the thought that he wanted to give me a gift of appreciation.  That humbled me, but blessed me as well.  No way was I going to refuse his blessing me and take away his own blessing!

Reminds me of a time - and I'm sure I have shared it in years past - when I was at a very small gym and was riding one of the exercise bikes.  There was another woman on a bike in front of me.  The gym had glass windows on three sides.  As I rode the bike, I observed an elderly man with a shopping cart full of 'stuff' walking from the right.  I watched as he walked past the doors, then stopped, pulled out a couple things wrapped in tissue paper and came in to the gym.  He first walked up to the woman in front of me and she was totally rude.  He was offering her a tissue wrapped gift and she refused him and told him to go away.  He looked so forlorn.  He then turned and came to me and smiling, offered me his gift.  I took it.  I remember looking into his eyes and he tells me, "God bless you".  I thanked him for the gift and he turned and walked back outside, and started walking on around the building....and I kid you not - he disappeared!!  I opened the tissue - which was new tissue, you know, not the wrinkled up kind when we reuse it - and it was a ceramic bear.  I still have it, and I keep it as a reminder to always be kind to others.  I still believe it was Jesus who came to visit that day.  

It makes me think how we are in this world.  We get so caught up in ourselves and what we are doing that we shut others out.  The lady in front of me wanted nothing to do with this homeless man nor the gift he was offering her.  She was truly rude and told him to go away.  I chose to accept his gift, and I was blessed and filled with joy at it.

Jesus came to earth to give us the gift of redemption.  He gave everything He had for us.  Many refuse His gift and tell Him to 'go away'.  They want no part of what He has to offer.  But there are some of us who eagerly accept what He has for us, and we are the truly blessed ones.  Riches will fade; but what we gain from following Jesus will last eternally.  Will you accept His gift, freely to receive, freely given?  I'm glad I did.

Blessings!

I love it wihen my prayers get answered.

 I won't go into details about all the prayers that God has answered lately, but He is about doing His good work - and in his timing.  His timing.  In fact, my daughter and I were talking about that last night.  She sees in her own life how God, in His own time, has brought things about.  It was fun to be able to share  how God takes the circumstances of our past and uses them for His glory.  How when we put our dependence on Him, He will provide.  Not always when we think we need it or want it, but when He knows it is needed.  He is definitely a good, good, Father.

I was happily surprised yesterday when we received an email from the church we have decided to 'join'.  It was from the person we met with on Sunday, and she was following up.  Wow.  Two days later and we hear from someone!  She shared about the small groups, and even suggested one that would possibly be a fit for us.  And, it meets on Monday evenings so it doesn't interfere with anything else we might want to do.  I think the classes break for the summer, so will see if we will start now or just wait.  It was so nice to have a very short, but informative note.  I responded back a couple times and she immediately answered my questions.  It felt very welcoming.  Right now I am feeling we have made the right choice on which church to attend.  I just want to feel welcomed and that I belong.  In time, I would like to be involved in some way, but for now, I'm content to be fed God's Word and lean into Him and not be busy doing.

Proverbs 3:6:  "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

That is definitely a true proverb.  How many times do we do things OUR way, and how WE want them done - only to find out that we have failed?  I am sure I can't count the times I've done that.  And you probably can't either.  But, when I ask God to direct my path, to help me choose rightly, I may still choose the wrong thing, but He helps me to see what is right and good and right where He wants me.  And He will do that for you, too, if you will but seek His face and ask Him.

Money and success isn't all that it is cut out to be.  Yes, we need money in this world to survive - but how much does one need?  My trust in God to provide for us is greater than my job supplying money to give us those things.  I frequently - especially lately - think about how we can 'survive' without my income - and you know what?  We can.  We would just need to tighten the belt.  Don't go out to eat as much.  Make it more a treat versus being too lazy to cook.  And my freezer is full so there isn't an excuse of no food.  As much as I love to cook, some nights I just don't wanna!  In fact, I ought to pull something out of the freezer to thaw now so that we can have it for dinner tonight.  Or even better, put it in the crockpot and let it be cooking all day.  I think I have a recipe that I can use for that too.  And I know about where it is.  Or rather, where it should be!  

The joy in money and success is fleeting.  But when we put Jesus first, He will provide all that we need.  I firmly believe that.  The more I tithe and the more I help others, He supplies more in return.  It may not always be financially returns, but there is so much more.

I'm so looking forward to this three day weekend - and really, for no special reason.  We'll go to my daughter's after church Sunday for a cookout, bur Monday will be a lazy day, just as Saturday usually is.  Now if I can just kick my butt in gear and get some things done that I want to.  I get these great and crazy ideas of cleaning out my bookcases and straightening them up, or cleaning out my closet, or doing something productive..... and it gets shot down most of the time.  I want to do things by myself, I don't need someone telling me how to do something or what to do.  I did buy a small puzzle - 500 pieces - recently.  Perhaps I'll just work on it.  But then, my 'want to complete' list is starting to grow.  Oh what to do!

I've heard this 'saying' recently - or rather, the words - something about what is Good, what is Better, and what is Best.  Basically, from what I understand, we can do something good, but what could we do that would be better than good.  And if we want to do better than good, what would be the best?  I know I butchered that up... and don't know where that came from, other than thinking of what I'd like to do - so straightening things up would be good, but if I put in alphabetical order, would that be better?  Or if I wrote down every book by name and authored I have, would that be best?  Yipes - like any of that will happen!  I'll do good if I straighten!

And now I'm rambling so will hush.  My mind is going different directions this morning.  Another two cup coffee morning, perhaps.

Count your blessings, name them one by one.  Count your blessings, see what God has done.  Count your blessings, name them one by one.  Count your blessings and see what God has done.

Sometimes we are so disappointed or distraught with life that we miss seeing the blessings that God gives us.  I hear birds chirping outside my window this morning.  I can hear; it is a blessing.  I have coffee; it is a blessing.  I have a home, I have a bed. I have a job.  Each one is a blessing.

Count your blessings and see what God has done.

Take a moment and just think of all that God has provided for you.  You could lose it all in a wink of an eye.  Thank Him for all that you have - for it is a blessing.

Blessings!

Day one of vacation... I'm so ready!

I awoke at 3;30AM this morning - not because of excitement of finishing up to leave for vacation, but because I woke up.  So rather than tossing and turning, trying to go back to sleep, I went ahead and got up - and tried to go back to sleep in my chair.  That didn't seem to happen.  So about 4:30AM I started my reading... and of course got so sleepy.  Hubby brought in my coffee, and even that didn't entice me to stay awake.  So ok, I'm thinking, I'll try to sleep agin.  Well, I may have, but my end result is that I now have a headache.  Did I sleep?  Did I sleep deep?  Heck if I know!  Finally, I decided I needed to continue on with my usual morning things and finish up.  Took an ibuprofen so hopefully the headache will go away.  NOT the way to start day one of vacation!

Yesterday was so frustrating... and I ended up telling my boss - the male one - that he FAILED the girlfriend test.  I can't remember how much I had shared about the May 20-June 3 meeting fiasco and the email being on the president's calendar versus a meeting notice on here, but it is finally resolved by 4:30PM yesterday that it will remain on June 3rd.  And you are welcome.  I had 3-4 more paragraphs of what had happened and my anger and frustration at the lack of responsibility of others to respond to emails and READ them before responding.  I erased them.  Oh, my boss failing the Girlfriend test?  I had reached out to him to vent - and he was more concerned with sharing his frustration over a meeting.  Big fail.  LOL  

My suitcase is nearly packed and ready to go.  We're going to get 4th generation photos done this morning before heading out so I need to make sure my hair is fixed and makeup on.  LOL  Not that it changes me in any way.  I do hope the photos turn out well.  I need to quit being so self-conscious about how I look and just be me in photos.  I saw something recently that has made me rethink about digital photos.  I know I have lost a lot of photos (and I know I have a lot of photos on thumb drives) over the years.  I also have let my children go through numerous photos and take what photos they want.  I am happy to let them have whatever they want.  But, I have tons of loose photos in a couple boxes, and I have several on my phone.  I'm going to buy some more albums and have some of these printed.  Some I'll throw away (scenery, backs of heads, etc), but I am going to make it a project to print my photos and put in albums.  Why?  

Because that is how the memory keeps going.  As my phone fills up with photos, I have started deleting some.  My dropbox keeps telling me it's full.  Last time I think I had over 7K photos, it told me.  Now that also includes recipes and documents, etc.  But still.  And I can never find the one photo I want to find in a quick manner.  No, I don't know how to do the folders and I don't want to learn.  So I've decided the next time Walgreens has 50% off photo printing, I'm going to do a couple hundred at a time and print and then eventually put in albums.  Nothing creative and fancy.  But so that when I'm gone, people can SEE the photos and take them if they want.  I lose my phone - the photos are gone unless they are backed up - and I don't mess with that either.  I'm a simple girl, and I like it that way.  I miss grabbing a photo album and just skimming through photos that brought me joy.  Perhaps I need to look into Shutterfly.  My granddaughter surprised us with a book of her wedding photos she had printed shortly after she married a few years ago and it is a treasure for me.  I can pick it up and look at it any time I want.  Perhaps I ought to look at that.  Just select the ones of a certain time and have that printed.  I'm done getting three copies for my kids so all have.  They don't want 'my' memories.  So I will make one copy and then they can decide who gets it.  And life goes on.  What if a great-grandchild would want an old photo of me - as we all age and move on, things are not as important and things get thrown away and deleted - what if there are none to be found?  What if YOUR grandchild wanted YOUR photo years from now.... would they be able to find one?  That one printed copy may be all they can find.  

I know.  My thoughts are all over the place this morning.  My heart is in a longing mode this morning.  So many things I want to do to leave a legacy for my children and their children and their children... how can I do that....

I can bless them.  Just like the Blessing... even now I can bless them for generations to come.

"May the Lord bless you and protect you.  May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace." (NLT)  Numbers 6:24-26

Life is fleeting.  All that lasts is the legacy you leave behind.  Make memories.  Ones that can be passed on and treasured.

Got to get busy this morning - I'm on vacation!

Blessings!

I'm trying to, but you keep saying 'NO'!

A couple years ago I was in my quiet time praying intensely.  Our finances were a bit on the tight side since Tom had decided to 'retire' and all we had to supplement my income was his social security. I had been praying for some time for God to bless us, to help us get through this tough time.

About the same time our associate chief medical officer (ACMO) took the chief medical officer (CMO) position - and wanted me to transfer to work for her.  I didn't really want to leave my boss even though it would be a promotion for me.  I enjoyed my job and the freedom it allowed me to volunteer and to do other things.  I turned it down several times.

But this one morning as I was praying and asking God to bless our finances, I distinctly heard Him say, "I'm trying to, but you keep saying NO!"

That sat me back on my heels!  Instantly the offered position came to mind, and I told God that if that was where He wanted me to go, then I would.  The next day I went in and talked to my boss about it and she agreed - I needed to let God bless me.   I went to the CMO and commented, 'Make me an offer I can't refuse."  She literally got up out of her chair and danced!

Long story short, I did take the executive assistant position, working for the CMO and our CFO (chief financial officer).  I have learned so much in this position.  My co-worker, Jill, is so knowledgeable about the workings of an executive office and has taught me so many things.  I will always be grateful to her for her friendship and patience with all my questions.

In thinking back on the time when I was praying and God spoke to me, I am wondering how many times have I (or we) asked for His intervention, His help, and we said 'no'.  We didn't want to do that.  And the blessing fell by the wayside.  How many times have we asked for His wisdom to guide us - only for us to forge on ahead without weighing all the consequences.

How many times have we NOT stopped to ask God what we should do about a certain situation, how we should proceed, should we do it at all?  Do we forge on ahead thinking that God is going to bless our efforts and we haven't even asked Him for help? 

What in the world is wrong with us?   We want everything 'our way' when God wants to give us abundantly more than we could ever ask for.   What's holding you back from asking Him?  Sin in your life?  Confess it!  Need to spend more time with God?  Find the time!  Long to hear His voice?  LISTEN and WAIT.

It's not hard.  God has made it very easy for us to talk with Him, to abide in Him, to walk with Him.  How are you doing with all that?  Take some time for God today.  Tell Him how much you love Him, tell Him all about your troubles, tell Him you need His help.  Then wait upon Him - before you make any changes, do anything different, wait.  and listen for His voice.

Blessings!