Made it through the meeting

 Yes I generally get some anxiety - more so this month - about the board meeting that was yesterday.  It was moreso this month, as you know, because my boss 'dumped' on me to create the deck and several other little details.  The meeting was yesterday afternoon and it went very well - in fact, it was over 30 minutes early!  It really seemed it went very fast and some of the slides were entirely skipped over.  What's up with that?  But, I have no control over that - and that's ok.  I don't want it.  It would be more organized if I did it.  Yeah, right, huh!  So until the end of April I won't be bellyaching about the board meeting - our next one is in May and in April I will need to 'set up the deck' again.  But at least this time I will know how to do it and what I am doing.  I hope.

Today will be a personal busy day.  I have an 8:30AM with the chiropractor; 12:45PM with LabCorp for a blood draw; and 4:30PM I have another half hour of training.  Legs tonight.  Oh joy.  Last night we did upper back.  Monday it was core.  It's all good for me, and I'm grateful, for as long as I can keep my body strong, I can walk on my own, right?  Strengthening my core will keep me from falling as I age.  Working my legs ensures I can walk; and working my arms and upper body - I can carry my own groceries in, right? LOL  I thought about just taking the day off so that I won't have to deal with work - and I still could - but why waste a day of play when I can just take off and do what I need to do?  There are times I work through lunch, and times I start early, and times I work late.  They get their money's worth out of me and my boss knows it - and she doesn't care if I need to take off.  I'm always where I need to be when I'm needed.  And I always let her know when I'll be away for a bit.  Which is really rare, overall.

I slept good last night - first time in a few nights that I felt like I slept deep.  Woke up at 11:30PM cause I drank a lot of water last night after working out.  Fell right back to sleep - and what wakes me up this morning?  At 3AM my Apple watch is going off telling me that the battery is down to 8%.  I tried to go back to sleep and probably did some, but not as deep, until 4AM when I got up.  Really wanted to go back to sleep in here, and I think if I hadn't had my watch go off at 3AM I could have slept much later.  No dreams, just a deep sleep.  Or so I think.  That's what I don't like about the Apple watch.  It has to be charged every single day.  And if it is used by a program, i.e., I turn on the exercise app when I work out so that I can get credit on my company website, where my watch is hooked in to, for the exercise - and to watch my heart rate to see how high it goes.  My resting heart rate is about 57-59.  Daily activities I would guess it goes up to 70; haven't really checked.  But when Morgan is working me out - whether it is core or other exercises, my heart rate can go from 105 up to 125.  Seems like at one time she had it up to 130.  I think that was pushing the big sled back and forth - it is hard!  Even hubby doesn't like that one.  But we do it 'because Morgan says so'.   I really do feel that I am gaining some of my life back, for I 'feel' like doing things more with working out.  I don't just sit all day in front of the computer, and sit all evening on the couch.  Well, I do, but I'm also up and doing things.  And that's a good thing for me - mentally and physically.  

Started going through receipts yesterday to sort out for taxes.  We have an appointment in March with the financial guru so need to get everything pulled together.  And every year I tell myself I will keep better records, write things down, keep all in one place..... and like you, I'm sure.... every year that thought falls by the wayside and come February I am digging through stacks of receipts and then going through my bank records to see what medical and other bills I paid that I can claim.  And don't forget the mileage to and from the drugstore and the doctor/specialists offices - that can be claimed too.  And, we figure how much money I made from preaching (yes, they do pay me to do that!!) and I claim the mileage for that as well.  It all goes in specific fields and we total it up.  I love that we pull everything together and complete the form our financial guru sends us, and then when we go see him, all he needs to do is key in the totals in the computer, verify a few things, and poof!  Fifteen minutes later the form is completed, we have signed electronically, and he sends it off for us.  Except when we have to pay.  That's one reason we are glad Trump got elected.  It won't be until next year - but no taxes on social security.  That is the reason we always have to pay taxes - although we have already been taxed on our social security when we paid in to it, and when we receive it back, we have to pay tax on it again.  Just not right.  I've also started drawing my 401K and although I have paid the federal tax on it before I get it, I'm sure I will have to pay the state tax on it.  Better now while I'm working than when I'm not.  Taxes - we all have to pay them, and they are such a pain to pull together and deal with!  

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT):  Those who love money will never have enough.  How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

Hebrews 13:5 (NLT):  Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said: "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.

Yes, I know some people who love money and like to throw it away like they have plenty.  I know others who are such penny pinchers that although they have a lot of money, they choose wisely on what they purchase and on what they give away.  I can't really call them penny pinchers.  Those are really selfish people, and the couple I am thinking of are definitely NOT selfish.  They have money, yes, but they give as they choose.  They hear of a family member in need, and they give of themselves and of their finances.  But, unlike some of us, they don't fall for the whiney bunch who blow their money and then expect you to help them out.    Does that make sense?  I've learned over the years to spend way too freely, and to save, as well.  We don't have much, but we get by.  And if someone is in need, and I know it isn't their fault, I like to help them out without them asking.  Sometimes it is providing a meal.  Sometimes it is providing my time.  Sometimes it is just a gift card.  Most times those people just need to know they matter, even though going through a difficult time.  

I know we have been on the receiving end a few times.  Times that have been so hard that I have cried out to God (literally!) because I didn't know what to do. Yes, it was our fault we got in that predicament (hubby quitting or losing a job; credit cards run up (don't get me going on that one!!) and just needing enough to pay the bills).  I remember my oldest brother one time send me a check for $25.  That's it.  Just $25.  Although I hadn't said anything to him, he said he knew we were going through a rough time and just wanted to help a little.  Another time a dear friend, as we were walking out of church, slipped a $50 bill into hubby's hand and didn't explain as to why, but just told us to pass it on.  And we have, many times since then.  Friends help friends; family helps family.  It is what is ingrained in us.  I think most of us want to help others, but we want to be sure they won't 'do it again' and get themselves in that predicament or that it is really needed.  Some people know how to play the system and they get help through other means, but then still complain they don't have to keep the sympathy going.  Unfortunately, many people now fall in that scope.  Don't you think?

I saw a post on facebook a week or so ago of someone that I don't know, posting through a church post, that they were willing to do anything to earn money.  They would clean, babysit, run errands, pull weeds - anything.  I get why they were doing it, they obviously needed money.  But for some reason I didn't feel compelled to help.  Ever feel that way?  It's not that I love money and want to hoard it. But something just didn't grab my heart about the request.  A couple days later I noticed someone asked them if they had gotten any response.  They replied "no".  I still didn't feel compelled to help.  So I didn't.  Trust me, God sometimes has me do more than I really think/want to do when he lays it on my heart to help someone.  Ironically, the last time I helped someone in the previous church who had surgery and needed help with meals, etc., I was the only one.  Why is that?   Have we all become so self-centered that we focus on what our needs are only?  

I know, I'm thinking too much this morning, right?  We have to be careful we are not enabling people (and I do enable one, I am aware of that) to live life like they have money and things and then supply what they 'need' because of their spending.  I'm learning to step back and not offer.  And when asked, I have to weigh the reason why.  You know when the bills are due.  You know what needs to be paid.  Don't go shopping for things when you know the money won't be there to cover it all.  Right?  

Ah, my mind is rambling all over the place this morning, isn't it?  Results of getting a decent night's sleep?  I don't know, but sometimes what I write is also a reminder to myself to watch my own business, if you know what I mean.  So how are you doing with that?  I will still give whatever I can as God directs me.  My money is His money, and He can do with it whatever He pleases.  He will always supply what we NEED.  Not necessarily what we WANT.  There is a big difference.  We have way more than we need in material things, trust me.  

I can remember frying up pork steaks or lamb chops for dinner because they were very cheap at that time.  I remember making my own bread because I couldn't buy bread.  I remember using a washboard to wash clothes and hanging out on a line outdoors, because we did not have money to have a washer and dryer and even then, laundromats were too expensive.  I remember it being so cold in one house that I opened the refrigerator and inside the refrigerator was warmer than the kitchen on the outside of it.  But God always provided for our needs.  And we were happy and content.  Or so I thought. 

Until you go through the tough times, you don't realize how much that God does love you and provides for you and those you love.  I would rather sit with someone and have a peanut butter sandwich, just to be with them, than not being with them because they feel they can't afford to feed us steak.  Steak isn't what it is made out to be anyway.  I fixed a t-bone steak last night and it wasn't that good.  Even grilled it, and it was dry and chewy.  Even what is known as a good steak can be 'boring'.  Right?

And with that rambling, I'm going to jump off here and get in the shower.  Have a busy day ahead and hope that some of this rambling speaks to you.  Love Jesus. Love Others, Love Yourself.  That is where you find JOY.

Blessings!

Asking and receiving - two different things

 Yesterday was almost a 'do nothing' day.  We went to church - which had an excellent message about doubting God.   How many times have we asked God for something, but then doubted that He would answer our request?  Now that is if we haven't asked amiss, for our own pleasure.  For example, many people will 'pray' for God to increase or bless their finances.  And they may really believe that because they are a Christian, that God is going to answer their request.  But the reason they want their finances increased is so that they can spend it on frivolous things, or things of no value.  

James 4:3 (NKJV):  "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."

Doesn't that make you pause and reflect on the things that you have asked God for?  Or perhaps you haven't spoken to Him for awhile.  Is it because you doubt He will provide for you?  Our Heavenly Father loves to give good gifts to us.  When we ask, we should believe that He is more than able to provide; and although it may not be in OUR timeframe (like, right now, Lord!), but His timing and His ways are always better.

I can look back over the years and I can clearly see God's hand of provision in many different ways.  He also allowed us to fall when we chose to things our own way, or if we were acting in total helplessness.  We weren't depending on Him; no matter how much we prayed for something.  And He allowed us to fail in what we were doing.  I mark a lot of that time to be being naive and immature in the world.  But it taught me many lessons on being frugal and seeking Him on how to complete things.  Many, many years ago... I learned to cook from 'scratch' because we had no money for food.  Looking back now, I realize how valuable that time was.  I gained a love of cooking and making things that weren't from a box or premade.  

But there have also been times that I/we have prayed for things that never came to pass... and you know what?  It was a good thing that God said 'no'.  Things have always worked out - sometimes we would just overreact.

Guess what just popped in to my mind.  Remember when the year turned 2000 and people were told many, many lies that computers will shut down; banks will close, etc. because the 'big computer' could not move from 1999 to 2000.  Many people purchased food packets and who knows what all; wanting to be prepared.  And there is nothing wrong with being prepared.  Did we do it?  No. I believed that God would provide whatever we needed and we were to continue as if it was a regular year.  And we did.  Nothing happened anywhere.  It was all a hoax put on by whomever.  What a joke.  And people fell for it.  They doubted that God would provide.

God wants us to ask Him for things, for He loves to give to us.  But we should ask according to His Word and not for our own pleasure.  Extra money for groceries; I'm sure He will provide in some way.  Spend way too much on credit card debt and ask God to pay it off?  Probably not going to happen.  Seek God first; and His righteousness.

Yesterday was a good day.  After church we stopped at Noodles and Company for lunch.  Hubby hadn't been there and it had been a few years since I had been.  Hubby enjoyed it; got a shrimp and noodle something or other.  I got a salad, but didn't notice they added a spicy yogurt dressing to it.  Wasn't too impressed.  They don't give you a lot for what you pay for.  My salad was $11.25 and it fit a large cereal bowl; drinks were $3.00 each.  I did get a diet coke because I don't buy sodas for home as a rule.  BUT, this is why I also get water most of the time.  Prices on drinks - even ice tea - are ridiculous!  I used to carry tea bags with me and ask for a cup of hot water - and make my own tea!  (and if you also asked for a glass of ice, you could make your own ice tea. Just saying).

After lunch I changed clothes and headed over to see Ms. Amy at the assisted living.  I was to pick up a check from her to pay a tree guy who is to be coming today to trim back her trees.  For $750 I sure hope he does a good job.  LOL  She also wrote me a check for a bill I paid to her landscaper who came out to trim back one of the trees last month.  I didn't look at the check until I got home - I had to laugh.  Now she has not been feeling well the past few days so that would explain it.  On the envelope she spelled my name correctly, but on the check she wrote (first name) Noverest.  I had to chuckle.  I'll just sign it that way and then sign it correctly and deposit it this morning.  Love that I can just take photos and it gets deposited.

After visiting with Ms. Amy for a couple hours I stopped at the grocery on the way home and picked up what I didn't get earlier.  Then home to fix dinner and after the Suns game, hubby turned the TV off and I was able to read some.  I love the quiet of the evening.  Hubby doesn't so much.  It drives me crazy he is on his phone all the time, but, that's his life.  I choose not to make it mine.

Today is 'timecard Monday' but it doens't take me long to approve them now since all are salaried.  I check to see if they took any time off (it's on their boss' calendar), and check the timecard.  If it is good, I just go ahead and approve it.  They can still approve it as well - and I'm done with it.  Remember how crazy it used to be?  I was new to approving timecards and was afraid I'd make a mistake.  But - I got past all that and now it doesn't take long at all.   I'm hoping for a 'quiet day' at work so that I can work on some of the training things I need to complete.  Trying to do at least one a day.  My frustration is that many of these trainings do not apply to me or my job, but it is plan wide and therefore everyone has to complete them.  When it gets closer to time (we have until July 10 to complete) we are to finish, compliance starts sending out name lists of those who haven't completed them.  I always check my name first; then I check for my boss' names.  Then I really chuckle if I see our President's name on the list!  It's nice to know we are all 'made' to complete these trainings and not just specific people :-)

I still have plants to get planted today in the pots (just realized that since only one of Ms. Vicky's pots were usable, I may have too many plants.)  Oh well, will figure out a place to put them in the courtyard. I should get out there early this morning before it gets too hot.  Will need to bring up the work computer and see what's on the agenda for today.  Tomorrow  I will be doing a drive down to Tempe to meet my boss for lunch, but today, it's just work.

My list will move to perhaps next weekend.  Although, Saturday is hubby's birthday and I still need to  find a gift for him; not sure what that will be.  Maybe I'll take him out to an early dinner - not our usual haunts but maybe Longhorn Steakhouse.  He does like to eat his steak and this place is quieter so that we can talk.  There is one not far from here.

With that - guess I'm starting to ramble about 'things' so will hush up.  Hope that your day is amazing and you accomplish all that you need to.

Blessings!

It's going home day - and I'm ready....

actually, I think we both are.  Hubby mentioned yesterday afternoon that he felt like it was time to go home.  And, yes, it is.  I will need to remind him of this next year, if we go anywhere.  Five days and four nights is plenty.... unless you are busy doing things.  And we have only read.  He doesn't like to walk long distances, he doesn't like to hike... sightseeing hasn't really been our thing so much..... he doesn't like to shop.... but then, staying here and reading has been good.  We both take breaks and go outside on the porch and enjoy the breeze and just be quiet.  A good storm moved in yesterday and we sat outside and watched it until the lightening felt it was close, then we came inside, turned the recliners around to sit in and look outside the window and watch it.  It was really cool.

Soon we will start to pack up everything and load up the car.  Our friends came up last night to their trailer they have here, and we will be meeting at  a grill they like about five miles from here for lunch, then we will head on down the mountain.  It has been a nice week, I will admit, but it's not the same as being home and resting.  Of course there he would have had the TV on and we would have also been watching movies every night.  I think he is actually in TV withdrawal, which is why he is ready to go home. :)  Just kidding.  Sitting around and doing nothing is enough to drive either of us nuts.  I think back to last year when I got a lot of crocheting done; this year, very little.  I have spent my time reading - four books! - and one of them I read twice!  

I've been drinking my tart cherry juice while here.  I started it a week or so ago.  I had read it before, but I'm trying to get my mindset to eating more healthy and doing things that are good for my body.  The tart cherry juice helps rid the body of inflammation, which means less joint pain.  I figure it can be good for my bones too.  I'm really wanting to change our eating habits once we are home.  We haven't been too bad while here, but did eat a lot of carbs (chips, chocolate, etc.).  But bad enough.  Sure haven't gotten my gallon of water down daily like I try at home - but have been drinking at least half a gallon.  What has been different is that in making a pot of coffee versus a a cup at a time, and having the time to relax and sit outside and not have to jump on the computer to work, we both have been finishing off the pot each morning - nearly 3 cups a piece!  I haven't had the opportunity to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee in a long, long time, but this week it has been nice.

I sit here and look out the big window at the mountains and I am reminded once again of a verse I memorized many, many years ago.  We have always struggled financially since I married hubby.  When we moved to the city we live in, things did not change; they actually got worse.  We were having to pay over $1K a month support to his ex-wife... and that left us nearly nothing to live on.  Going to Burger King was a treat at that time.  It was a very difficult time financially.  There was a scripture I always ran to in my struggles and pain.

Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV):  "I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

Many, many times over the years I have quoted this verse in my prayers.  In the first house we bought, one of the rooms had long windows that was inches from the floor and from the ceiling.  That was my prayer room, where I would go to pray at night.  I often took a candle and lit it, setting it on the window seal (it was about 8 inches wide), and spending a length of time there, praying and seeking God for our situation.  I always arose knowing that God was in control, that He heard my prayers, and that He would provide for us.  And He always did.    Those times in front of that window praying, are some of my favorite memories.  

So this morning, as I sit here looking at the 'hills' through the large window, I am reminded once again of God's faithfulness in taking care of us.  He always takes care of us, but when I ask Him specifically and He answers, I feel in my heart His love and joy in giving me an answer.  Great is His Name.  Holy is He.  He provides all that we need.

Why hasn't He answered my prayers to tenderize hubby's heart to let me retire?  Because He can see the big picture and the 'extra' finances are needed.  I don't know what is ahead of us, but God does, and even though I know we can get by now, it would be tight.  I feel He is wanting to bless us - and in turn, allow us to bless others (which has been nice to be able to do when I hear of a need).  Maybe I will be working until the end.  I don't know.  But I do know that there is No One Else I would rather guide me and help me through life, than the One whom I call Lord.  He has provided all that we need, whether it be food, clothes, or even a job.  We are fools without His guidance over our lives.  I trust Him with my very life, how can I not trust Him to provide for it all.  He will release me from my job when it's time.  I just need to be patient in my waiting.

Blessings!