Sometimes we just need to be quiet

 We've all heard the saying 'everyone has an opinion.....' right?  Right or wrong, we all form our own opinions about issues, about things, about good stuff, and about bad stuff.  We form our own opinions about people, about locations, about even vehicles.  Sometimes our opinions are ridiculous, right? And most times, who cares what your opinion is?  Unless asked, of course.  But even then, what is being asked is really for your opinion to match theirs so that they can be right.  Is that correct?  

I voice my opinions way too often, as does hubby.  And usually without being asked.  And most times, I need to be put a muzzle on my mouth to keep it shut and not have an opinion spoken.  Right?  I think we all do it.  We say what's on our mind.  Some people just complicate things with 'it's my opinion and I'm allowed to say what I think!'  Most people think that just because they are 'young', their opinion deserves to be heard as well.... and... most people who are 'older' (me included) feel that our opinion on things should be considered as well.

Where does all that come from?  I have no idea.  No one has asked for my opinion recently that I am aware of.... nor of hubby.... so I'm not pointing fingers.  I'm just trying to think of something to write about that will cause you to pause for a moment and reflect on how your present your own opinions on things.

And many times we find that our opinions are based on our thinking process.  Or what we are worried about. Or what is going on in our finances.  Or what is going on in relationships. Or what is going on... wherever.  Whatever.  We all form our own opinions - right or wrong - and unfortunately, most would defend those opinions to the death.

Today is Tuesday and I'm back to work today.  I had hoped to have lunch with my oldest son yesterday at one of his favorite places near us, but he wasn't available.  And that is ok.  I know hubby has asked me if he called him and asked to go to breakfast or lunch - would he?  And I was thinking that if we went together, it would somehow buffer that time and he would be happy.  Hubby, that is.  He longs for a relationship with the boys, but everyone has their own life responsibilities and likes and dislikes - and well, we aren't always much fun because we don't have a life.

I truly believe that hubby is really feeling his age right now.  I think it has slam-dunked him that he was unable to keep up with the 'young folks' this past weekend.  After all, we are continuously around older people out here - his friends and his Bible Study groups are all older men.  Well, the church group had a variety of ages, I think.  But, he wants so much to matter, and many times he feels isolated and lonely.  He has caught a cold from the weekend trip, I think.  Taking his olive leaf and black elderberry to help get through it.  Depression may be part of it as well.  He had another school friend pass away recently and it brings the reality of life as well.

Which makes me think about the story of 'The Dash'.  You know, your birth to your death.  What is in the 'dash' - did you live life?  Did you make a difference in someone's life?  Did you pour your life into success or into people?  And of course the question - 'when you are remembered, how would you be remembered once you are gone?'

Oh my - my thoughts ae really wandering this morning, aren't they!  

My plants are not the 'worse for wear' while being gone.  Some have died a bit more, but overall, they look about the same.  This one rose bush that was here when we moved in is about gone, I think.  Never did like it anyway.  I suppose if I fed it and watered it and talked to it, perhaps it would grow and turn green again and produce beautiful flowers.  Just like us - do you think?  If people 'watered' us, if people talked to us, if people would value us.... many times you - and I - and others - would begin to grow and blossom as well.

Sometimes we just need to have a heart and care about others more than ourselves.  Isn't that what Jesus told us?  Love others as you love yourself?   The way some people are treated makes one wonder if they really hate themselves, right?  

Let's do this right.  Let's start today.  Let's love like Jesus loves.  Let's overlook everyone's faults and opinions and love them anyway.  Let us be the one who gives someone value just by speaking to them. Sometimes, they just need a word.  Something to think about.

Blessings!

Doing the Friday dance...

 and am grateful today has finally arrived.  No big deal, other than it means that the work week is almost over.  I still have one big meeting to complete and am waiting on a response from an admin at another company to give me the availability of their people.  Once I get it, I can schedule that meeting - and then I can start focusing on extending meetings into 2025.  Yeah, have to do that soon because otherwise the dates/times fill up and then I have to figure it all out again.  Series meetings are easy, but they are also a pain in the behind at times.

My trainer had me doing core again last night - I tried to tell her it was time for chest or back as we did biceps last Wednesday, but it appears she wants to do core every other week.  So of course we did core. I love Morgan; she doesn't do the same exercise each time, but comes up with new core exercises.  And they hurt too!  I was talkative last night - too much, in fact (imagine that).  She had me do 5 (yes, FIVE) core exercises and I only got through them totally twice, and about 1/2 way through the third set.  I feel a twinge ever so often, but tomorrow will determine how much 'core work' is going to affect the body.  I love how these aren't machine workouts but using a weighted ball, or a big round ball, or bands and sliders.  I can do these at home.  Not that I would do that.  Ha Ha.  I should.  I need to get my core tightened up - and you know what - it just might pull some of this fat off my belly as well.  I can hope, right?

My trainer said she liked my hair when I got there last night - and I bemoaned the fact I don't think I like it. I think it is too blunt cut.  And he cut about 2" more off than I really meant for him too.  You know I am right when hubby tells me yesterday that he liked the length of my hair.  sigh.  I was talking with my little sister yesterday and she asked me if I had washed it after I came home. (no, he washed it so why would I?) She said that I need to wash it anyway because then I can blow it dry the way I want it, and I will find it will fall in to place like I want it - and not specifically the way he styled it.  So this morning I will jump in the shower and wash my hair.  I just took a shower yesterday as I don't wash my hair every day.  Maybe I need to?

James 1:33 (NKJV):  Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves, Do what it says.

How many times do we listen to a message while thinking about other things?  What are we having for lunch or dinner. Who is coming over. What do I need to pick up at the store.  Oh look at what that woman is wearing. I need to....  We all do it, I think.  My mind wanders at times while I'm sitting in church.  (Not always, mind you, I'm hoping to grab ahold of some truth to think about!)  How many times do we read our Bibles or a good book and then close it, and go on throughout the day without even thinking about that scripture again.  I'm guilty, just as you are.  Sometimes, if we are reading the 'right' book(s), something will stand out that will make you think "Yeah, I need to surrender that, or memorize that, or think about that" and yet, we continue the day as if we had never paused to read anything.  Yeah, I'm guilty of that too.

I really want to turn my spiritual life inside out.  What do I mean by that?  I'm a mess, and I know it. I have allowed the devil a foothold through my emotions, through my words, even my thoughts and actions concerning other people - and myself.  Me bemoaning my hair?  Trust me, that's not of God.  He created me in His image and I am beautiful - even if I don't have any hair!  I need to get my eyes off ME, and on HIM.  And so do you.

I will admit that I struggle at times in my walk.  People slander and people hurt and it makes me angry.  Angry people are really just hurting people.  We respond in anger when someone hurts us. It's our defensive mode.  But what if we gave it to Jesus and asked Him to take that anger and give us peace in the situation?  I've done it many times, and I will probably do it many more times.  There is always at least one person in our life that irritates us with their words, attitudes, and well, we just need to stay away from them.  I know that says 'cut them out of our lives', but we can do more being IN their lives by our witness that it is Jesus living in us, and not the devil.  In spite of people claiming to be Christians, and by their behavior and actions and words we feel they are not, we are not to judge. Each of us do what we think is right.  Some people have mental issues and even they use it as an excuse to do the things they do.  Right or wrong, we are called to love them, right where they are.  By our actions, perhaps they will truly come to know Jesus.

As I read my bible daily, as I let go of the things that hurt and bother me, as I spend time with Jesus in prayer..... I will receive the strength I need to prevail and live for Him.  That is my heart's desire, that I live for Jesus only and allow Him to live in me and through me.  God is always up to something, and He will use us in ways we don't understand.  We just need to let go of the reins and let God be God.  Right?

Needles of Hope in the morning and we're meeting at Panera again as the office has a skylight that heats up the area we sit in.  It's a drive for me, but it's ok.  Last time I got scones.  Maybe I'll get a breakfast sandwich with my coffee.  Makes me think - we met friends at McAllister's Deli last night for dinner and there were 4-5 women sitting in the corner crocheting and knitting.  They were there when we arrived, and didn't leave until just before we did.  Long enough for this one woman to have 3 - yes 3 - large 32 ounce sodas.  Where does she put it?  I can't get through one!  But I did drink water last night instead of soda. :-)  Loved the Rueben sandwich I had. yum.

Hubby is getting ready to go to his bible study and I think I'll hit the shower.  Hopefully I can do something with my hair that I will come to like it.  Praying still for my boy and his wife in another state. The wedding they are going to is today and then they are heading to Indy to visit an uncle, then his half sister and stepmom.  Praying for safe travels.  Can't wait for them to get back home where I know they are ok.  You parents know exactly what I mean.

My youngest son called yesterday that he has registered for another bachelor's degree - this time in criminal justice.  I think it will hold his interest - it would mine.  I'm proud of him that he is continuing to learn rather than just sit in his retirement.  Of course with two little ones (grandchildren) running around he will have to carve out time to study.  Praying he stays focused.

Need to get off and get busy. Hope you have an amazing day!  Until tomorrow...

Blessings!

All you need is ..... Love...

 I love reading books, as you know, and I love reading books to help me change, to help me look at my life from a different perspective.  I love books - and seemingly can't get enough of them.  I love the physical books more than the kindle books, but I have several of those as well.  I think I have shared one that of the few that I am currently reading and last night I read a chapter in this one that really opened my eyes to something.  You may find it surprising, or you may say to yourself 'I knew that about her'.  Sometimes we don't want to know it for it grieves us inside to hear it.  So if you know it, keep it to yourself, please.  God already knows and He has already revealed me  - to me.

I don't (always) love everyone.  I want to, don't get me wrong.  I forgive and move on after someone has hurt me.  I (try not to) don't hold it against them, but move on in life.  Life is too short to hold on to things that I cannot change.  Life is too short to not love everyone.

Talking about love seems appropriate, doesn't it, with Valentine's Day just a few days away.  But it's this book that spoke to me.  But it wasn't just about us loving others, but God's love for us.

Did you realize that God can do so much more through you - and for you - when you love everyone?  You know there have been things on my heart for years that I have longed to do FOR God, but have been kept from it - for various reasons I will not go into.  Why?  Part of it has been that I am a woman and some men don't feel a woman has no place in serving where men are to serve.  Yeah - that has been a big controversy for years, hasn't it.   Some of this has grieved me deeply, and I must admit, has caused me to step back when man has said I have to do it their way, or I can't do it at all - when it comes to serving God.  When I know that God has told me what He wanted me to do.  Sometimes those times are difficult to forget about, even though I feel I have forgiven them, although not requested.  They cannot see what they said or did was wrong.  I really believe it was wrong what they did  

But, I know that God has used me in the past, and I know that He hasn't forgotten me because I have not been able to do some things.  I must admit I have lost some of the passion and zeal I used to have.... it has been sucked out of me over the years, but I have been asking God to fill me again with passion for Him, and for His Word.  To open my mind and my heart to not only read His Word, but to understand and believe His Word, and to live His Word.  That part is the hardest sometimes, especially where I am right now.

I'm being far more open than I should be, I think, but this is an outlet for me to share ... please close this page if you don't want to read further.   Life is hard sometimes, and I am grateful I have God in my life to run to in times like these.  I don't see the big picture and I don't understand - from my perspective - why my life is painful now, when in my older years I should be enjoying it.  Sorrow has overwhelmed me at times and all I can do is hold it in and run to Jesus and tell Him how I feel.  There are some things that I just can't share.  Anywhere. With anyone.  But with Jesus.

I will admit that life sometimes is the result of things I've said or done - known and unknown things.  Sometimes I feel like I have been chewed up and spit out and I have nothing left.  Yet, I know that God loves me and He is always for me.  He always sits with me when I am down-heartened.  He wraps me in His loving arms when I need a hug; when I need to be comforted; when I am afraid; when I feel so alone.  He loves me.  Just as I am.  Faults and all.  Sins and all.  Pain and all.  Anger and all.  Loved and unloved.   He loves me and wants me.  Just like He loves and wants you.  Right where you are.

In this book it shared about how we need to love everyone, even those we don't know, as well as those who hurt us.  We are to share God's love with everyone, and we do this by our hugs, our eye contact, our smiles, our words, our actions.  I can think of some people that I say I 'care for', but I haven't said that I love them.  Is there a difference?  Apparently God thinks so.  I must love them, and let God love them through me when I don't have it in me to love them.  When I'm hurting, sometimes I don't see the pain others may be going through.  All I can think about is my hurt, my pain.  There is a time to deal with my stuff.  I am still to love others.

And it needs to be a sincere love.  Some people give me a hug at times and I may wonder if it is sincere or not.  And I need to stop that thought.  That's the enemy putting things in my head.  And besides, it doesn't matter how people feel about me.  God loves me, and that is all I need.  

But I need to take God's love and use it to love others.  Completely.  Without reservation.  I need to put myself out there with people who I don't know, and love them, just as I want God to love me.  It isn't going to be easy.  I have become very introverted over the years because of things happening in my life.  I have stepped back because someone made a comment about me - to me.  It only takes one comment and it can destroy a person.  I know.  I've been on the receiving end - not just once, but many times, from different people.  Even those close to me who think they know me best.  And they don't even realize how their words cut me to the quick.  And chipped away at who I once was.

I allowed it.  I can't blame it on anyone.  I allowed the enemy to infiltrate my mind and tell me I was of no value.  I allowed words spoken - even in supposed kindness - to make me feel less than whatI knew God wanted of me.  And it must stop.  I speak - and tell the enemy he has to flee, for I am a child of God and He is my refuge in any storm.  He is the love of my life.  All I am, I want to be His.  Life is hard, but with His help, I can get through it.

2 Samuel 22:3 (NKJV)  "The God of my strength, in whom I trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, you save me from violence.  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies."

Lord, show me how to love others, even when I don't know them.  You know them, and You love them, and that is all that matters.  Even if they may rub me the wrong way, I am to love them, with Your love when I can't find it inside of me.  Take me, just as I am, and use me to love others and to show them Your love.  Use me, however You choose.  I've read that how we treat others is what we think of ourselves.  We don't love ourselves so we find it difficult to love others.  Make me more like You, Jesus. You welcom everyone into Your heart.  You love each one of us so much You chose to die for us.  Give me, give us each one, a greater love for You, and a greater love for those around us.  Let us be You to them.  Loving them as You love us.  Amen.