So glad it's Friday!

 I was worn out from the day yesterday and went to bed at 8PM.  I was awake off and on during the night; and have slept in here off and on since I came in here at 4AM.  And I could still go back to sleep - but time is now getting away from me.  Hubby has left for his bible study and I will get this done and get on the work computer.  I have a dentist appointment at 9AM so other than work, that's all I have to get done today.  Well, there IS wrapping still.  After work I visited my daughter in the rehab center, and when I came home, I fixed hubby a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and called it dinner.  Sat on the couch for a little bit until I decided I just needed to go to bed.  Quit looking at the time; my body was telling me it needed rest.  So I did.

My core training went well yesterday and now our trainer is off for six weeks.  She is to be induced in the morning, if she doesn't go into labor today.  Now for six weeks, hubby and I will have to go to the gym and work out on our own.  At least I can do my core work here at home.  I'm still self-conscious at the gym, although no one really pays any attention to me.  I will definitely miss Morgan.  But this will also give me a chance to prove to myself I can do it on my own.  I have some weights here at home, a treadmill, a trampoline, a ball, a weighted ball.... yeah, I need to put them to use.

Tis the weekend before Christmas, can you believe it?  This bed never did get cleaned off and my Christmas bedspread put on.  At this point, why bother.  I just want to get it cleaned off.

Oh I have something funny to share.  The white elephant gift exchange at work - Sue and I decided to participate, although in the past I have not.  Well, I took a gift last year to participate - but some guy grabbed my gift before I did. I figured he wanted to play and didn't bring anything. No biggie.  Anyway, what Sue and I heard when the announcement to play the white elephant game was "grab a gift and come get in the circle".  I grabbed what I took; Sue grabbed someone else's gift.  No biggie, right?  After we were seated, one of the leaders came over and told Sue she had not picked up her gift; she had someone else's gift, and that it was ok.  Weird conversation, and Sue and I both could not figure out what the big deal was.  Here is where it gets funny.  We start playing the 'Right Family' game - you know where every time the word RIGHT is used, the gift is moved right, where LEFT is used, it is moved to the left.  Well, we got through the story - and whatever gift you have, is the gift you get.   I 'received' a two-piece plastic container for snacks (or something like that; I haven't really looked at it yet.  Sue received her own gift!!  The very gift that she didn't start with, but brought for the white elephant exchange, she got as her gift!  She told me, of course, because we brought the same thing.  She just opened it up and acted like it was something new - and of course people were wanting to see what she ended up with because she is very respected and popular.  She and I both got a good laugh about it.

I did get to see my close friends; one got her gingersnaps and was very happy.  The other and I exchanged our gifts; she gave me a nice candle and some homemade biscotti and a beautiful card with a very special note in it.  My other boss, Brett, was there as well along with a few other co-workers.  It was fun to see everyone in person.  Many I had not seen for at least 5 years came this year.  My two friends and I got our photo taken together.  I never like my photos, but I'm glad I have some of my friends with me.  It does make me realize I am twenty years old or more than they are, when I look at my wrinkles!  Got to get rid of this muffin top though!  

My table and chairs for the great grandchildren arrived the other day.  Hubby asked me what it was; I just said "Christmas"!  My thought is that all of us can't always fit around our 8 person table since we have additions to families.  So, I bought a child size table and chairs that maybe I can sit with the great-grands and enjoy being with them.  Of course only one or two are old enough to sit there by themselves, but still, next year they may be able to.  Planning ahead, right?  I had a car seat delivered yesterday - I remember when I drove the grandchildren to church on Wednesday nights in my suburban....and I had a car seat for the littlest one.  David was the last one to use it.  That was many years ago.  I may never use this one, but if by some chance I have a great-grandchild (or another small child) that I need to take somewhere, I'm prepared, right?  Wishful on my part, perhaps.  I have always said my grandchildren kept me young.  I'm hoping the great-grandchildren do the same.  I don't mind getting older in age.... I want to be young in body to where I can get down (and back up!) to play with them on the floor.  And that, my friend, is the reason I torture my body in these workouts.  Not to look good (although that is a great side-effect), but to be able to play with my great-grandchildren.  I don't know how many years I have left, but I want them to remember my getting down to their level and playing with them.

Which reminds me, we need to look at getting a new table and chair set for the adults.  Obviously, although it was expensive, this table was cheaply made.  It's perhaps about ten years old now and the table is wobbly some, the chair seats are coming off, chairs are losing screws.  And people rarely sit in them.  I need more like the chair we keep for special people. Strong, sturdy, and heavy. 

And - since I've been rambling so much this morning, I need to get off here and get dressed for the dentist (and for work).  I'm hoping it will be a light work day so that I can get a few things done.  I think I'm 'done' with baking, except I need to fix things for my boss as we are meeting on Tuesday to exchange gifts, and then figure out something for my neighbors.  I work Monday, but I am off Tuesday (meeting Sue), Wednesday, (finishing up things), Thursday, Christmas day, and Friday I'm working.  A two-day work week.   Daughter and family and us need to figure out when we can do Christmas together since she won't be discharged until Christmas Day.  We both figure she needs to do nothing when she gets discharged; work on getting home and moving around.  They were coming Christmas Eve.  Will figure it out eventually.  Maybe Sunday evening, depending on how she is doing.  

And with that - I'm off here.  Hope that you have an amazing, safe, happy, day.

Blessings!

The choices we make

 will often make us as well.  Do you agree with that statement?  Sometimes we make great choices and all is well - but what about the times we make stupid - or dumb - choices just because we want to have the say in our life?  Sometimes they aren't so good.  No, I don't think I have made any dumb choices lately - but I have frequently made dumb choices, I will admit.  That's what the topic is about in the message I'm sharing today at the RV Park.  What are the choices we make when we let people influence us in our choices, and when we think we 'know it all' and can make the right choice, when we don't pay attention to our choices, and when we don't allow Jesus to guide and direct our path.  Why not sit back and think about that for a second.  What are some dumb choices you have made already this new year?  

Yesterday was a productive/non-productive day for me.  I went to Needles of Hope only to be dismayed at hearing a dear friend is at the end of her life with stage 4 cancer.  She had moved to another state a few years ago but I had no clue of the seriousness of what she was going through. She chose not to share and told her doctor he could not tell anyone - not even her family.  But she had told a mutual friend, who passed it on to us yesterday.  I was broken-hearted.  Maybe I'm still a bit sensitive about going to the funeral the other day for a friend's husband.  Found out what happened to him as well.  He went to the doctor on a Friday with a cough he couldn't get rid of. Dr. said bronchitis.  Sunday he went to ER because he was worse.  Tests and scans showed he had a blood clot in lung.  They admitted him.  Tests also showed he had acute leukemia.  Running more tests, he had a stroke for the blood clot broke loose.  He died within a few days of being admitted.  I guess we need to question our doctor's diagnosis at times?  And I'm the stubborn one on going to a doctor.  Sorry - it has still affected me somewhat.

I went to the grocery after Needles to pick up jars - and a few other things.  Want to make more jam, but didn't get it done yesterday.  Talked with hubby for awhile about what I had heard.  Did some crocheting (hubby watching a game); took a nap (which I shouldn't have as I couldn't sleep last night), fixed dinner, crochet'd some more - and we went to bed after watching War Room again.  I sure do love that movie and it helps strengthen me to tell the devil where to go when I get lazy.

Today we have the RV Park first, but not sure if we will have time to get to the Salvation Army Church before it starts.  We have communion at the RV Park and it takes a bit more time.  I glanced at emails before I got on here and one of our dear friends there was taken to the hospital yesterday with chest pain.  I'm disappointed they didn't send a text or call us to let us know.  They probably didn't think about it - but still, I'm disappointed to not know until this morning.  Glad I found out before we head to the RV Park.  I can't be upset about it; I don't know that I would think to let them know if it was hubby or I.

Nothing else on the agenda today that I know of - unless it is me taking a nap.  After sleeping late yesterday morning, (til 6AM!) and then taking a nap yesterday afternoon - I was awake for quite a while before finally falling to sleep.  I refused to look at the clock during the night, but I know I tossed and turned a lot.  Huh.  I just checked my tracker and it shows bouncing back and forth from awake to core sleep until about 3AM - which would seem about right.  I finally got up a little after 5AM.  Got to shake off the tiredness and get ready soon for the day.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV):  This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.  Now choose life, so that you and your children shall live and you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.

Choose life.  Choose to make the right choices.  Choose to walk the right path.  How do we do that?  By pausing to ask God which way He would have us walk.  We all make stupid choices at times and we generally regret them, right?  Read a story about a Russian who found an anti-tank missile laying on the ground in the Ukraine, and since he collected items like this, he picked it up and loaded it in his SUV and took it home - about 30 miles outside of Moscow.  He picked up a friend to help him carry it into his house.  Only, when they got there, as they got out of the car, they slammed the car door shut - and the bomb exploded inside the SUV.  Now what part of a loaded anti-tank missile in the back of your SUV made sense?  Google it - you will roll your eyes!

And with that - I need to get off here and start getting ready for church this morning.  Maybe I will do something today that I can share in the morning.  Then again, it may just be a nap.  Oh yeah, hubby talked me out of taking down the tree yesterday and to take a nap instead.  Now that was a dumb choice because I still need to take the tree down.  Got to do it today.  Before I take a nap!

Blessings!

It was earlier than I wanted this morning.

 I awoke around 3AM and told myself "Nope!  Go back to sleep!"  And I did, until around 4-ish when hubby reached over and touched my shoulder and shook it, making me instantly awake.  I reluctantly looked at the clock and resisted the urge to tell him it's only 4AM, it's Sunday, leave me alone!  But instead, I got up and made my way into this room.  I always love spending my time with Jesus every morning, and even though I had planned a little later because of it being Sunday, it's ok.  Hubby also got up and started making the coffee.  When he brought my coffee he asked me, "Did you hear something crashed just before you work up?"  Uh, no, I woke up because you touched my shoulder and shook me.  He said he walked through the house and couldn't find anything amiss.  I'll do a walk-through next door this afternoon to make sure that after the storm we had yesterday there are no leaks or anything wrong there.

Well, I didn't get the boxes done yesterday.  I thought about it.  I even went out in the garage and looked at them.  But I didn't do anything with them.  I DID get the freezer cleaned out and defrosted some (didn't get all the ice out) and the food put back in.  I like have the similar foods on the same shelf so I know about what I have and what is needed.  At least I could mark one thing off my want to do list.  I had wanted to pull my car out of the garage and work on the boxes (more room) but with the storms, didn't want to.  Before the first storm hit, I did go across the street to visit my neighbor and sat with her through the first storm.  

Today is Sunday and we'll be getting ready for church soon.  I wonder what our pastor will preach on today.  Last Sunday it was on Serving.  Hubby and I discussed the message again last night - where did we think we could serve in our church.  For now, all I could think of was greeting.  We did that at the last two churches we attended as well.  It's a great way to meet people and get facial recognition if not also their names.  Not every Sunday, of course, and with our upcoming hit and miss schedule of attending church, that would be about the only thing.  I'd love to teach Discipleship - the one that taught me - and I will mention it to the pastor when we meet them next Saturday for lunch.  But, I don't want to do it on a Sunday.  I would consider taking the Monday night we go to Bible study and create a study group here in our home, but then we wouldn't be with the friends we have made in the current class.  Not sure if I want to give up another evening.  And hubby and I discussed it; neither of us want to give up our Tuesday evenings.  Guess I'll do the best thing I can - pray about it and see what God wants us / me to do.  He may want us to wait for something else; or He may want us to just help wherever help is needed.  

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV):  "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them."

Wherever and whatever God leads us to accomplish, we will do.  Only then will it be successful.  It's not about us... it is about God using us for His glory alone.  Perhaps, since it is time for us to start doing the preaching at the RV parks we are to sit back another season.  Will see what God has planned!  He has prepared something for us to do.... we just have to wait on His timing, and not ours.

One thing I have learned over the years is that I do not always get what I ask God for.  I may not always see His hand is what I do get.  He removes people and things from my life at times, and I may wonder why.  And He brings new people in to my life (and again, I may wonder why!).  

For example, remember my talking about a new friend I met in Bible study and she and I had lunch, we got along great, we enjoyed each other's company?  Well, I am a bit confused right now and I just have to trust God for whatever comes of it.  She had written me an email (we had been emailing every few days and talking about different things) and had commented about her relationship with God.... she had had a difficult relationship with her father and how that affected her relationship with God, as it often does.....  well, I skimmed the email, nothing came to me to respond  and I really didn't feel what she said in that paragraph needed a response.....  so when a couple weeks later I had a chance to email her, I did.  Her response was that I had let her down by NOT responding; she felt she had opened her heart to me and I ignored her.  She ended with basically 'the holidays are coming and families will get together and I don't have one so will talk to you after the holidays because I know you are busy.'  Okay..... I emailed her right back, of course, and apologized about not immediately responding... got no response.  A few days later I again sent an email and apologized and tried to make arrangements to meet up for lunch one day... and have not heard from her.

I thought we had become good friends.  I can understand she may have felt hurt that she 'opened herself up to me' and I didn't respond right away.  When I reread her email, that I had not responded to, I really didn't see anything for me TO respond to.  I'm sorry I hurt her feelings, yes, but if she is going to hold it against me I didn't respond to an email, I need to step back.  God will work in this situation and if we are to be 'close' friends, then God will make it happen.  I like this person and I enjoy our talks.  She does make me squirm sometimes because her questions are so deep.  But, she has chosen to back away and I will not force friendship upon anyone.  I will keep in touch by an occasional email, whether or not she responds... and after a few of no response, I will leave her alone.  I understand she is busy too - going back for her PhD (and her 3rd master's degree!) and working a new job.  Even being single, it is busy stuff!  I'm lazy/busy at times too. :-)   Sometimes one just needs to step back and let God handle things.

And so that is what I'm doing with this friendship.  Some friendships last; some do not.  Some are silver, some are gold. :-)  Choose friends wisely and let God help them grow.

Blessings!

Partially done, and it's ok.

 After hubby left yesterday I did come back into this room and surveyed what I was thinking.  I was sure it would work.  I mentally made a few other changes I wanted to do.  And I rolled up my sleeves and began to work.  I pulled the recliner out of the room.  Then I moved the bookcase that was on my left, and moved it to the wall next to the window.  Next, I went in the back room and started moving the desk into this room.  Sigh.

That's where I ran into a problem.  I measured the length of the desk to make sure it could fit in this area, but I did not measure the width.  And the width was larger than the door.  I tried every which way and it just was about an inch too wide for the door.  I could not lift it, the desk is too heavy.  After asking God for His help, and knew it wasn't going to be by my strength, I returned the desk back to its former location, and brought the recliner back into the room, moved my little table to the left side (versus the right side) of the chair and wow - it actually opened up this corner.

I had become such a packrat in that corner.  I had books stacked everywhere behind the chair.  Old prescription bottles too.  Why am I keeping SOME of those?  Because when I separate out my change, I drop them into one of the bottles.  Or rather, that is my thought.  I do use one for my quarters.  I think it is one bottle holds $10 of quarters.  Makes it easier to roll and have the right amount.  (that would be another home alone task.)  It felt good to clear out the books and put some back on the bookcase in the other room (which is getting bad and I need to spend a day working on that.  It felt good to clean up the mess behind my chair.  Now to see how long I can keep it this way!  Yes, I still have a stack of books here that I've put on the floor next to the bookcase.  Many are different versions of the Bible; but most are books I want to read or reread and just haven't yet.  And yes I still prefer book in hand versus on the Kindle.  But that is nice when we are out and about and I don't want to carry books with me.  With my Kindle, I have perhaps a hundred books with me, but never as many as my son does on his!  He reads much faster and more often than I do.  I wish I did have more time....and some time I shall.  

Anyway, back to my moving things around, I completed what I could last night and I was exhausted.  I mean, really exhausted.  I realize how weak I have gotten without working out with my weights.  I haven't walked in a long time so my legs aren't as strong.  I know, I've said many times I'm going to start, and sometimes I do, but haven't stuck with it  Feeling the way I did, and seeing how little strength I have from just sitting at the computer all day and working, yeah, I need to do something.  It didn't help that I had gone to donate blood yesterday and probably shouldn't have been moving heavy things... that was a whole 'nother feeling.  I laid on the floor at one point just to get refocused.  But, over all, I did what I wanted - mostly - and I did it "all by myself" (and with God helping).  And I was happy.

Hubby's comment this morning when he walked in to bring my coffee?  "I like what you did with the room, it really opened up that corner."  I was not expecting THAT.  I was expecting questions of 'who, what, when, where' and getting chewed out for doing it on my own.  But he didn't. (thank you, Lord).  He just said he liked it.  And that is all he needed to say. 

I have started buying for Christmas and several things are sitting under my window.  Hoping I can work on them this weekend and write down what I've bought for whom.  It isn't a whole lot, but some, and I want to be careful on how much I buy this year.  I want to give my kids more.... after all, they give to their families and they don't get as much.  But, one of my boys.... and he is the hardest to buy for....

Do you have a special friend that you love to stay in contact with?  Looking at my cards for today I have pulled the one out that says:  "God has blessed me with a great friend, and for that I am thankful!"  Do you have that special friend that brings special memories to your mind?  I do.  Even though she only lives about six miles from me now, we've known each other for over 50 years.  Can you even imagine that?  I met her when I was pregnant with my oldest, and my husband was overseas.  Her husband was too, but she wasn't pregnant.  We hit it off for some reason.  We had lunch a few weeks ago and had many giggles about the times we would - in the late evening hours - crave a Texas Stromboli.  Oh my goodness, this place in Goshen made the best.  We would count pennies to get enough money together to buy one and split it.  I haven't found any place that makes it as good as they did.  I wonder if I could try to make it myself.... doubtful.  There is another friend that I have treasured... I met her in the early 70's and we became fast friends..... her children were friends (and still are) with my children.  This friend walked with me through many journeys.  God took her on many journeys after we both moved from the little town to other states.  I often think of her, and miss her greatly.  But I know that one day I will see her again.  I come across cards occasionally that I kept from her and remember the fun times we had.  LOL  We would roam the streets at night in our little town, talking to truckers on our CBs.  Her handle was 'Purple Pony."  Mine was "Temptation".  Wow.  That was a different life.  I miss her so much.  God had better plans for her and took her home to be with Him.  I will see her again.

Proverbs 8:24 (NKJV):  "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

We have an even greater Friend in Jesus.  Our other friends may move away; they may die.  But Jesus is always with us, always near us, and always waiting for us to chat with Him.  He truly is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. We are never alone, when Jesus is with us.

Blessings!

So glad for friends...

 We met up last night for dinner with a couple that I have known for - wow - probably 30 years.  I worked with Linda at one of the companies I was at for a long time.  She was /is my Avon lady.  Since we lived on the same side of town, she and her husband, and hubby and I, would meet up every couple months for dinner.  We hadn't met up since November, I think, due to the holidays.  We finally got back together last night and had so much catching up to do.  These are true friends; friends that love us unconditionally, and we them.  It is a good thing for us to have those kinds of friends.  My friend and I have shared many journeys with our children and spouses over the years.  Many ups, and many downs.

Of course my one boss is my friend as well.  I've talked about her often.  With not seeing each other daiily as not going into the office, we do email back and forth M-F.  We both have shared stories over the years and I have followed her to two different companies.  She is an amazing woman and I love being part of her life.  In fact, I have 'married' all three of her children!  Yeah, we are that close.  Yesterday she asked me if we had anything on the calendar to meet ... and thinking she meant 1:1 meetings, I said yeah, but I wasn't sure when.  She goes, "no, I mean when we can MEET".  LOL  We've met 3-4 times since before Christmas in person.  Usually with someone els  e.  One time we both took a vacation day and she drove to my house and picked me up, and we went up to Prescott for the day- to meet up with another friend and have lunch.  We've met up with a couple other friends different times.  So I got to looking at the calendar (she did say we need to meet up every 4-6 weeks!) and blocked out next Wednesday for us to meet up for breakfast at around the half-way point for us - it's 31 miles there from her house; 24 for me.  And that's ok.  We're both willing to drive it.  Then I have us scheduled the first of every month, I think, for us to meet up and have brunch.  We will have to move them around because of her meeting schedules, but it will be fun to plan ahead to spend time together.  Making memories as we do so.  She is such an encouragement and such a blessing to me.

I have other friends too, in fact, this Saturday I will meet up with several friends that I meet with once a month to crochet or knit.  I know when we met in December I wasn't 'feeling it' too much - but I had a lot on my mind and a lot going on.  I'm ready to meet up with my friends this month.  It's about the only time I see them, now.  Some I have known for years. 

It's always good to have friends.  Some friends are long-standing friends that you know will be there for you through thick and thin.  Others are casual friends, you enjoy being with them, but you aren't knit together in heart.  And that's ok.  Everyone doesn't need to be your 'best friend'.  

But even more important, are we the kind of friend that everyone needs - and wants?  Are we there for them when they need to talk?  Do we show empathy when they are distracted?  Do we listen to their hearts when they share things, even though they make light of it?  Are we the type of friend that we would want them to be for us?  Are there changes in how we think about them that we need to make? 

Every one, every person, is loved by God.  Even you.  It doesn't matter what you have done, God still loves you.  And He still loves them.  We may need to step back from a relationship with them, but we can still be friends.  I have some people like that in my life, I must admit.  And it could be they think that of me as well.  We can be nice, we can be with them, but to pick up the phone and say 'let's get together'.... naw, that probably won't happen.  

I know hubby has a friend that he is constantly on me to have him and his wife over for a visit.  I like hubby's friend, but I"m not close to his spouse and I must admit, I am dragging my feet to invite them over.  Perhaps when it warms up and we can sit outside for a bit, I will give in.  Hubby is on me about it nearly constantly, so I know I will have to give in at some point.  I know we need to invite people over, but I want people I enjoy being with and don't feel out of sorts with.  Didn't I just talk about this the other day?  About having people over?  Oops - my bad!  I guess I need to start with ME.  

Hubby meets with some of his friends every week, and now that he has joined a Bible study at a church nearby, he is making more friends.  Part of me is jealous.... I have to work while he gets to have fun and learn and study and be with people.  I'm sitting in the bedroom of the house aned chained to a computer from 7AM - 4PM most days.  

BUT - the HOA had a 'meet and greet' yesterday afternoon from 3-5PM in our community yard behind the house.  Hubby went out at 3PM, and believe it or not, I went out after I signed out of work and met some of our neighbors.  They seem nice enough.  Even the neighbor behind us who turned us in for planting flowers behind our house and we had to pull them out of the ground.  LOL  Remember that story?  See, he just didn't know how nice we were when he did that.  He even took photos of it!  Oh well, not going to hold grudges.  Oh, and of course I am the only one still working of the entire group.

So I have made new 'friends'.... I probably have a lot more friends that I give myself credit for.  Just because I don't see them frequently, doesn't mean they aren't friends.  When I can focus on it, I make friends easily.  I love people and I love being around people.  If I ever get to quit this job, I will have to find at least a part-time job to get out in the public so I can be with people.  I just couldn't sit at home day in and day out and do nothing.  I'd have to volunteer somewhere or work somewhere.  That's just me.

I watched my mother quit living as she got older.  Oh she had her ceramics for awhile, but when she quit it, she quit being involved with people, except when they traveled to Florida.  I don't want to be like that.  I want to live until I die.  That is my goal, my heart-dream.  My older sister has medical issues, but she has become our mother in that she stays in her apartment and doesn't go out.  She says most of her friends have died, so she is just waiting to die.  And eventually she will.  Without living.  I don't want to be like that.

What about you?  Who are the people you consider friends?  Do you have people in your life that you can call on when you just need to talk?  Are you the type of person someone could reach out to - to just listen to their heart when they need to share?  Can you share your joys and concerns with others?  Or do you just hold them in?  Perhaps you, too, need to re-evaluate who you are in reality, and who do you have around you.... 

I need to reach out to others and be their friend, as much as I need them to be mine.  It doesn't mean we have to be 'close' friends, but someone who can be there when needed.   Yeah, I can say Jesus is always there for us - and He is.... but sometimes He will give us other people to be near us when we need them.  He's still there, but when we don't keep our heart focused on Him, He waits in the background.

Be that friend today - reach out to someone you haven't talked to in awhile.  Let them know you are thinking of them.  Who needs that phone call, that letter, today?

Blessings!

Another quiet day at the office....

 My favorite boss is on PTO today- flying back east for a 3 week vacation.  She will be working off and on, and tomorrow will be back on the computer working, but I think it is next week she is taking the entire week off.  I think she comes back a few days before we leave on our vacation.  We will keep in touch - we do that - we are friends.  It should be a light workday unless my new boss keeps me busy - he did yesterday!  We talked first thing yesterday morning on Teams until he got a text to attend a meeting.  Yesterday was his birthday.  I'm thinking he is in his late twenties but it might be early thirties too.  Some day I will ask - not that it matters.  

I can remember working for bosses older than me.... but as the years have gone by, I can remember also when it began to change and I was older than my bosses.  At first it wasn't that noticeable... but as they years go by, I notice it more and more.  I am 10 years and about a month older than my favorite boss.  I love how she tells me that I inspire her - the more active I am and the more I do - it helps her to realize that as she is getting older that she doesn't need to quit living.  Right now she has been much more active than I, but she has a hubby who isn't afraid for her to walk alone in their neighborhood at 5AM, and he also likes to walk so he will occasionally walk with her - at her pace - early in the mornings before it gets too warm.  I tell her that her marriage is an inspiration to me... yes we have shared much over the years - I think we have known each other for nearly 30 years now, and we have been friends for as long.  Even the time we didn't work together, we would meet once a month and go walking together to catch up.  I treasure this friend and the memories we have together.

My youngest son called yesterday and we talked nearly an hour.  He wanted to upadate me on an incident that happened on Sunday.  The prayers I have prayed for this child... and his children... I still believe that one day God will answer... and yet, I know He has... but when we make our own choices - good or bad - we receive the consequences of such choices.  I want him to be happy.  I want him to be loved.  I just don't understand his choices right now.... he feels sorry for some people; they can't make it on their own... so he allows them to use and abuse him.  Not that he is perfect by any means... but he has a great life ahead of him if only he would believe in himself.  So I continue to pray that he will find Jesus in the midst of all these troubles.  

My middle child turns 50 in less than a week.  A milestone.  I received an invite to a gathering to celebrate with him.... but due to location, will probably not be able to go.  We didn't go to my youngest's retirement party at a similar location.... not that it would make a lot of difference because I don't have to drink to attend... but I struggle for I want to be a part of my children's celebration, and because we don't know his friends... we probably won't go.  I do appreciate the invite though.  I have something for him and will meet up with him soon to hand off.  There for awhile I was giving $20 to my children for their birthdays, but the last few years had stopped that... and even for the grandchildren, I've told some of them that once they graduate and have a job, they don't need $ from us.  I do remember to tell them happy birthday.  But I want to do something this year and have bought .......  :-)  

Since I've mentioend the two boys, I guess I can add on about my daughter.  I get to meet with her tonight for our 'girls night out'.  I'm trying to decide what crochet project to take to work on tonight.  It's fun eating dinner together - whether it's pizza or fried chicken from Church's - and then sitting down to catch up on life.  I treasure this time with her and there will come a time that these times will be but a memory.  She is always willing to help out family - and friends - however she can.  I know people sometimes think she is overbearing, but it is because she cares.  She - and her hubby - feel that God blesses them so that they can bless others.  And they really do try to.  Most things are done behind the scenes and are not even acknowledged.  They have always opened up their home to others.  They extend their hand to help anyone - until that person crosses the line.  

I try hard to let my children lead their own lives and not insert my own opinions. My heart often grieves for each one when they are struggling and I wish I could help, but I know that the only One who can solve their problems is Jesus.  So I do what I can - I pray.  I never wanted to be the meddling mother-in-law so have tried to not push my way into my boys' families.  You know the saying...

"a son is a son until he takes a wife; a daughter is a daughter all of her life".  

That is a true statement.  A daughter has no problem with 'running to mama' with their struggles and pains and sharing them.  A son feels like he must tough it out and does what his wife says.  Whether he agrees or not, to keep peace in his own family.  But even though they may do that, they are always deeply loved by their mama.

Think about your own children and how that has played out.   

Well, memories are flooding back on different things and I think I just want to ponder them for a few minutes before I need to start my day.  I miss my mama.  We weren't always close... various reasons.  But we did get close. Close enough I could share my pain and sadness and know that I was loved.  I miss those phone calls where I would share my day and my life.  I listened to her love and encouragement to hang in there.  Many times I would call her sobbing and she would comfort me, even long distance.  From my mama I got the saying.. "well, pray for .......  because they are going through a tough time and they need it".   I guess that is because when one is hurting, they will strike out at anyone, and many times I have bore the brunt of that hurt.

But there is One who bears everything for us - Jesus.  He took all our sins, all our cares, all the hurts and unforgiveness, all the pain... He took it all and died for each one of us.  I know I can't get through any day without His help.  Even in my failures, He is there to get me to the other side of it. When I am weak, He is strong.  When I am hurting, He is my Comforter.  When I am sick, He is my Healer. No matter what I go through, I will get to the other side, because I lean into Jesus for His help.

He's there for you too.  Rather than be alone, reach out your hand and hold on to Jesus.  You will never regret holding on.  He will get you to the other side of whatever is before you.  Hang on... cause sometimes life is hard.

Blessings.

Beth Moore and Roosters

Hmm, I wonder what Beth would say with putting the title in her name and Roosters.  I bet she would have been a great Rooster!   What am I talking about?

Went to North Hills Church yesterday to watch a Beth Moore 'Living Proof' simulcast.  What an awesome time of worship and hearing the Word!   As I was immersed in worship, I realized how much I have missed getting 'lost' in worship.  If you haven't ever been 'lost' in worshipping God, then you don't have a clue what I am referring to, but if you have, then you do know.   I love to lose myself in total abandonment in worship.  Where time stands still and nothing exists but God.   It felt good to lose myself for a time.  I needed that time of refreshment.

Beth Moore was awesome in speaking the Word on Luke and Acts.  So many things I hadn't thought of  before - and I took lots of notes!  God has truly blessed Beth Moore with the ability to speak the Word in such a way it is understandable - and some of us need it real clear!  I understand one person accepted Christ as Lord and Savior at the session - and if I have heard correctly, she is from the church I attend.  What an awesome decision to make - to follow Jesus!

After the simulcast, 4 other friends and I - the original 'Roosters' - went to dinner together for a wonderful time of sharing and catching up.  It has been at least seven years since we have all been together at one time.  I don't think any of us have changed much, and it was so good to hear from each one and to see them again.  I do hope we don't wait as long for our next 'Rooster Reunion'.

What is a 'Rooster'?  What seems like a long time ago, we were asked to be an accountability group for one of our pastors at that time.   The 'Rooster' name came from when the rooster crowed after Peter denied Jesus for the 3rd time.  As an accountability group, we prayed for this pastor and held her accountable - and ourselves as well.  We formed a great bond and friendship that has lasted many years.   The pastor has moved on to other things and some of us 'Roosters' still pray for her, although we do not meet like we did when she was  here.  But the bond created during that time has remained strong.

So that was my day yesterday - and the reason for my title.   I am truly blessed to be able to freely worship, hear the Word, and join friends to share what is going on in our lives.   I don't know if I could determine what was the best part of yesterday.... but losing myself in worship is right up there with spending time with the Roosters.

How was your day?  Did you 'lose yourself' in something?  Did you meet up with close friends and share a meal?   Did you do something that has created a memory within?  Think about it.... how was your day?

Blessings!

Old Friends are the best....

I met up with an 'old' friend today.  One of my women's ministry leadership team leaders had set up the opportunity to get massages - and I got to visit with Tracy, a dear friend from North  Hills Church.  I hadn't seen nor talked to her for awhile.  She does give great massages, by the way.   Not only was I able to visit with friends from Stetson Hills Community Church, where we now attend, but also with friends from other churches.

Sitting here at home now, the phone rings - and it is another dear friend.  We have not seen this friend probably in about 13 years I'm guessing, but we have always kept in touch.  He recently retired and moved to Winter Haven, FL and wanted to give us their current information, address, telephone, email, etc.  It was so good to hear from him and to catch up.  He has always had a special place in our hearts.  Gary is like a big ole' teddy bear.  I believe he is 6'3" and the last time I saw him, I think about 300 pounds.  But with the most gentle heart.  He has been a great friend to Tom probably for 40 years or so.

Thinking of 'old' friends, I am reminded of one who was my best friend.  Roberta, or Bertie as we called her, died a few years ago of MS, and I'm not sure what other complications she had but seems like cancer of the brain was one of them.   I had known Bertie since I was pregnant with Stuart - and he will be 37 this year.  As she lived in Michigan and I live in Arizona, I hadn't seen her in years.  I regret so much I didn't do more to keep in touch.  Not for her benefit as much for mine.  Bertie walked many journeys with me over the years.  She loved each of my children as if they were her own.  And I loved her boys as mine too.  I have memories of us doing silly things together.  She stood by me and supported me with her prayers and love many, many times.  One of her sons is still close, I believe, with a couple of my children.

Do you have an 'old' friend you haven't spoken to for awhile?   Why don't you pick up the phone and give them a call, just to say hello?  Or pick up a card and send that just says 'I'm thinking of you'.   I'm missing my dear Bertie right now and wishing I had done that more often than I did.   Don't wait until you wish you had.

Blessings!