A no title post

 mainly because I can't think of one at this very moment.  Oh yes, I could come up with something as thoughts come to me this morning, but.... here I am, with no title.  And you are here, wondering what in the world is she writing about today!

We had a hail storm come through parts of our county yesterday.  I guess the oldest son got hit pretty 'bad' - in that they had three windows get busted from the hail.  Other than that, I bet they also got chips on the cars - but since one is white, it won't show up much.  Last time I drove through hail on our way to Heber Overgaard, I did get some small chips in my car paint.  But the hail that came down at my son's house - wow - he sent a video and they were pretty big!  And, I saw this morning that Heber Overgaard got hit with a tornado yesterday and did some damage up there as well.  Weird storm came through our county and north and northeast of us for sure!  We got a little rain in the morning, but nothing after that, other than some sprinkles in the afternoon.

Yesterday was our youngest' great-granddaughter's first birthday.  No party was held, so we drove over last night to give her a small gift.  And, sadly, because I'm not around her very much, she didn't really 'know' me, and wouldn't have anything to do with me.  Broke my heart.  You know how much I love all my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and for one to not want me to hold them and love on them... ouch. It's bad enough when they get older and don't want it!  I don't leave lipstick stains!  LOL  They don't live that far away, but with my working, and her mama working odd hours... well, I just haven't put forth the effort I guess to get to know them better.  Some situations can't be changed.... for now.... and I'll leave that there.

The words 'that there'.  When I was in high school, it seems that Mrs. Kirkham, my English teacher, would tell us never to use 'that there' in a sentence.  Only use one or the other.  Hmmm. Interesting that thought just came to mind as I typed the words out the in the last paragraph.

I don't have anything on my calendar for today - other than it is a former best friend's birthday.  Melonie. I say former because I haven't seen her all year.  We were best friends back in 1968-69, lost contact after our men came home from the service (hers was in Korea, I think; mine was in VietNam).  Her husband 'found' me about 10 years ago and we have seen each other, had lunch together a few times, but we just haven't connected much this past couple of years.  We've done lunches a time or two, just not this year. Not sure why.  As she has a hearing problem, I seem to be the only one calling and you know me and calling people - it just doesn't happen often.  I do need to make contact today and perhaps I can take her for breakfast on Saturday as hubby has the men's breakfast at church. Yeah, that's a good plan, right?

I was very pleased to find my blood pressure had dropped back into the 'normal' range this morning.  It hasn't been 'normal' for several months - I'm talking 112/76.  It's been in the 130's and 140's over 80's for the past couple of months.  I blame it on living with hubby.  So what has dropped it down - it's gone down little by little the past 3-4 days.  No, I'm not taking it again in case it's wrong.  I like thinking I'm finally back in the 'normal' range.  I should have waited about signing up for Virta if I have done it on my own!  I'm signed up, had my initial call with the clinical person, but haven't heard from my 'coach' yet.  Maybe I need to really do it so that I have someone I can be accountable to - especially with the holidays coming up.  

I had asked my now former boss what she wanted for Christmas of all the goodies I've given her over the years.  She sent me a text yesterday and said 'cheese ball, B&B pickles, all my breads, and I forget if anything else.  I laughed and asked 'is that all?'  It certainly isn't very much!  But I want to do some new things this year and I do need to start going through my cookbooks and see what looks like fun to make. I do love to make things and give away; one of my very favorite things to do.  Maybe I should ask my kids of they want anything.  I laugh because my grandchildren usually say 'a jar of your salsa'.  I love it and I try to oblige them.  They have no clue how much it means to me to give them something I can make that they will like.  If I had the time, I'd be all over the place making things and giving away.  It's just what I love to do.

I started reading in Habakkuk this morning.  I like reading the summary before each book in my bible as I start to read.  I've read this before, but this morning, based on things going on within the family, a paragraph really stood out.  Habakkuk is a prophet asking God about judging Judah because of its sins against God, and God tells Habakkuk that He is going to send Babylon to punish Judah. So Habakkuk asks why send a heathen nation, worse than Judah, to punish it.  And God tells him that Babylon will be punished after it punishes Judah.  But this is what spoke to me.  

The question is.... Will I trust Him.... no matter what?  That's a hard one, isn't it?  No matter what happens in situations, will I still trust God?  Will I continue to trust Him to heal my son - no matter what? Will I continue to believe that God will answer my prayers for a great-granddaughter?  Will I believe that God will hear me and answer my prayers for whomever and whatever?  Will I trust Him?

"Habakkuk did not like the way his world was shaping up. Events in Judah deeply troubled his heart, while rumors and faceless threats rumbled just over the horizon. In the end, he had to come to terms with this question: Will I trust in the wisdom and goodness of God no matter what happens around me?  We must all grapple wit this question. Although the process was not easy, in the end Habakkuk took shelter in God Himself, deciding to be thankful and joyful.  Faith grows stronger when we deliberately release our anxieties, remembering that "God, the Lord, is our strength and that His plans are best, no matter how unreliable life may feel at the moment. Our past, present, and future all belong to the Lord. Our times - our very lives - are in His hands.  Trust Him."

So I ask myself today, as I often do, am I still trusting God no matter what happens?  His plans are best; whether I understand them or not.  Life hurts sometimes, doesn't it?  But do we trust God through the hurt?  I am going to answer for myself only, but I am saying 'YES', I will (and do) trust God no matter what the future holds.  If I lose everything, I will trust Him.   He is my very life, and my life is in His hands, no matter what happens.  And so is those I love dearly and entrust to the One who can save and heal them.  If I can't trust God - what is left?  Nothing.  Doctors can only do what doctors believe they can do.  Our God can do anything and everything.  He knows all.  He even knows the thoughts we are thinking as we read (or write) this.  He knows our thoughts before we even think them!  That is how awesome our God is!

Our God is worthy to be praised, worshipped, and adored and loved - no matter what our life endures or contains.  Hallelujah!  I'm glad I'm not in control for I tend to make a mess of things! 

Trust God.  Surrender it all to Him.  Give Him thanks, and give Him the glory.  All things - including us - are in His hands. Thank You, Jesus!  

Blessings!

Feeling that special feeling....

 Yesterday was a good day.  (Today will be a very good day, just wait and see!!)  I met my boss for lunch and we had a lot to catch up on.  She brought gifts - and they were personalized!  The cup has on it (something like) "Chance made us colleagues, but time and sharing made us friends.  Sue & Nova"  The cup is in the kitchen so I am not getting up to get the exact words.  Also got a dishtowel that has Nova's Kitchen - Baking the world a better place - or something like that. Memory is not always a thing for me. You get the gist, though, right?  Oh - and a box of tea bags.  She and I would often drink tea together at the office.  I need to drink more tea.

I also got the gift from a co-worker - a wooden cutting board with scriptures on it and a small glass tray that has one of my favorite scriptures on it. My little sister's package also arrived yesterday - the box was smashed on one end!  It looked like someone stepped on it!  Luckily there wasn't anything breakable in it.  Got so many items from her - I think some things were just to fill the box up - lol - she didn't bother to wrap.  Things I got (that I can remember), a beautiful necklace that has Bible verses inside of it (this confuses me... who can see them?), a jewelry travel bag with an ankle bracelet, another bracelet and a ring in it, pajamas - which I wore last night and love - a t-shirt with 'Normal isn't coming back - Jesus is' - a bible study book by Max Lucado, a password book, a bucket list book, lipstick, CHOCOLATE, and I'm drawing a blank.  So many gifts already received - and I love each one.  Today is about me, right?  

Hubby came in this morning with my coffee and a very nice card.  He also gave me a vanilla visa card. And told me it has to be sent on ME and no one else.  I wonder if spending it on yarn counts? :-)  I get to start my day with having breakfast with my oldest son and I am looking forward to it.  I DID pray that his work would come through for him, not that I didn't want to meet with him, but wanted him to have work. But I'm glad God didn't answer that prayer today so that I can have time with him.  My big brother has text'd me already this morning and wished me a happy birthday and a package would be arriving from him today.  It's fun getting gifts, but at my age, what does one give?  

If I sat and thought about it - I could do half full cup or half empty cup.  I could say 'I have lived life and now I'm at the end.'  OR I could say 'I have lived 75 years and have more to do life in - living it to the fullest!'  I think I will choose the latter.  I don't want 'life' to be over at 75.  I may be 'old' to some people, but I don't feel 'old'.  I want to live life and enjoy life and love life.  Never let your age define who you are and what you feel.  

Psalm 46:5 (NIV):  God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

This scripture is what is on the small tray I received from my friend.  It is also one of my 'stand on' scriptures.  I do not have to fear life ahead of me, for I know that my God is always within me to help me keep from falling.  He is always waiting for me each morning as I come here into the room (or wherever I end up sitting to have my time with Him).  He gets me up each morning early so that I can snuggle with Him, and just be with Him in His Presence.  He is my true friend; never giving up on me, always loving me, even when I am struggling or am unlovable.  Do you have a friend like that?  Can I introduce you to mine if you don't?  

I am never alone, even when I am alone physically, for He is always with me.  When people take advantage or slander me, He is there.  When I struggle in life, He encourages me to keep on doing right, for He is the great Rewarder of all things.  He rescues me in my darkest moments to pick me up, turn me around, and set my feet on His solid ground.  He is always my biggest Fan, my greatest Friend.

At the break of day, who is there for you?  Do you find your heart longing for someone to just 'be' there for you?  Let me introduce you to my Jesus.  My God. My Savior.  My Friend.  There is no one like Him.  Just sit and be still; you'll know He is with you, waiting on you.  Talk with Him. He is always ready to listen.

Happy birthday to me!  I took the day off work, but got hit with an 'time sensitive' meeting to schedule about 4:30PM last night as I was shutting down for the day - ended up working until after 5PM. I had to send off a couple emails and will need to get back on some today and get this meeting scheduled. It's ok. It's on my time-table.  Afterall, it IS my day off, right?  But, I don't mind handling these critical meetings; they trust me to get them done. But I did admonish them that they were very lucky I had gotten back on the computer for a minute; I was usually off at 4PM and then I wouldn't have seen that time-sensitive email request until Monday morning.  But this guy is the one who took the bag of chocolate I ended up having to get last Christmas (remember that deal?) and I was able to get back the cast iron baking dish that I was wanting.  It was because of him, that I got my dish. So, yeah, I'll jump on and help him get this meeting.  Some paybacks are good, right?

And - with that - I'm off here to get ready for breakfast. Even more than the food, and the attention, I get to spend time with my oldest son.  These are things I treasure.

Blessings!

It's going to be a fun Saturday!

 I am actually DOING something today - and it is not about me at all!  Today is my daughter's 54th birthday (when did she get so old?)!  My granddaughter asked me the other night if I'd like to join them - she's treating her mother to a manicure and pedicure, and lunch today. I get to tag along. YAY!  I am going to tag along for sure!  So looking forward to a fun day.  Have I ever shared this day 54 years ago?  I believe I have on both the boys... but my daughter?  Not so sure.  So perhaps, for history sake, I will share it now.  After all, the mind goes a bit as I age.

I lived with my mother-in-law and father-in-law as my husband was in the Army.  He had gotten drafted 5 months after we were married....and before I found out I was pregnant.  He left in May, and I found out in June we were to have a  baby.  It was the 'gift' he left me.  But, on to that morning.....

This child was due on December 29th..... and in spite of the castor oil and orange juice I drank that weekend (cause my brother in law was home from college and wanted me to have the baby then) (took me years before I could drink orange juice again without the feeling of oil going down my throat) (oh - it didn't work for the baby, but I did get the runs), the time went by until it was the morning of January 21st.

About 4AM that morning I awoke with a bad back ache.  Never having a child before, I had no clue what to expect.  I mean, I was really naive.  REALLY naive.   I finally got up around 6AM and headed to the kitchen where my mother-in-law was.  She asked why I was up early, and I told her I had a bad backache. SHE suspected what was going on, but I still did not connect the dots.  Like I said, REALLY naive.  Mom and I sat down and started playing Uno, a card game we frequently played.  Lots of pressure started happening in my belly and I shared that with mom, who was asking me questions.  About 8:30AM I was starting to feel zaps of pain.  She suggested we call the doctor, which I did.  Since I was 3 weeks late, he told me to go on to the hospital and he would meet me there.  Now mind you, whenever I had begged him to help me have the baby earlier, he would always say...."When the apple is ready, it will fall."

I made it to the hospital and they put me in a bed.  This is where it gets somewhat vague.  They put an IV in my hand and just checked on me periodically.  But the thing is..... the IV put me to sleep.  The nurses would wake me up periodically, and ask "are you feeling any pain?" and I would (probably) go 'yeah yeah' and go back to sleep.  I do not remember much of anything during that time as I was knocked out most of the time.  I remember at one point the nurses saying the baby was coming so they wheeled me into the delivery room.  They knocked me totally out! Mom couldn't come in with me so watched from the window.  I woke up later in my room.  Back then the babies were kept in a nursery and the nurses would bring them to you.

Things I found out later....  the doctor had given instructions to sedate me when I was in labor.  Why?  Because (before ultrasounds) he didn't know if it was one or two babies (I had gained 50 pounds!) and because my husband was in the Army and at that time in VietNam, if something was wrong with the baby, they didn't want me to know until after they knew.  They thought what they were doing was protecting me. I'm still confused about that as I didn't have any problems with my pregnancy - other than gaining 50 pounds!  

But, I eventually saw my baby girl.  I had gotten to the hospital about 9:30AM and she was born at 1:37PM I think.... and she weighed 8 pounds and 10 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long.  I remember that she had wide open eyes and seemed so alert.  The doctor said it was because she was nearly a 10 month baby she was more alert than a normal newborn.  At that period of time, women were kept in the hospital a long time after giving birth.  I went in on a Tuesday... and I had to beg to go home on Sunday so that my brother-in-law, who came home from college to see her, could hold her before he went back.  So there you have it.  My husband received a telegram (I think) announcing the birth.  He still never saw her for the first time until January, 1970, just before her first birthday.  He had spent 14 months in VietNam so that he could get out a little early.

Memories come and go - but today I will celebrate with my daughter the anniversary of her birth.  Where does the time go?  

Psalm 139:13-18 (NIV): "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand - when I awake, I am still with you."

Each day, each year, is a celebration of life - whether it is for my daughter, my boys, hubby, or even for myself.  (and that includes the grands and greats too!)  Take a moment and celebrate today...  it may be just another day to you - but I urge you, Celebrate today, because you are celebrating being alive.  Celebrate those you love.  Take your spouse out for a meal.  Go for a walk together.  

Deuteronomy 30:19 (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 may live."

So many times life comes against us, it feels.  Spouses get angry at us.  We do something really stupid and we don't see our way out of it.  Life gets hard, we put ourselves in places we shouldn't be, whether physical or emotional or financial.  Life.Is.Hard.

There is only One who can help us through those times, and that is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  Yes, They are the great Three in One.  I urge you today, choose LIFE, that you and your children may live.  Choose the only ONE who can give you what you need, when you need it.  Answers your prayers and sometimes even your thoughts and wishes.  You are never alone when Jesus is with you.  

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

Blessings!

A special day.... celebrating ME....

 Today is my 73rd birthday - way back when, I probably never thought I'd ever get to be this old.  But God has been good to me, and gracious and kind, and has blessed me with all these years.  I get to 'celebrate me' today.

Oh, I'm still working today - after all, I will get all these emails with birthday wishes.  If we were in the office, we'd be having a potluck and little work and a lot of play.  Maybe it's a good thing I work from home!  I have not a lot to do today, but some things.  I've already started receiving some gifts and it's been humbling to receive them, for sure.  I never want a gift out of obligation, and it has been nice to receive what I have.   Some of the gifts I have already received have been quite the surprise; definitely not expected.

It may prove to be a long day - one in which I may need to take a nap at some point.  Even a ten minute one would help.  Hubby started flip-flopping all over the bed a little after 2AM and it woke me up. I laid there until about 3:15AM, hoping I could sleep more, but by then I gave up and came in here to try and sleep.  I'm sure I did sleep some, but had such a headache from 1) being awakened so quickly, and 2) the atmosphere outside was letting me know rain was a-coming.  It rained quite a bit while I was sitting here.  I don't hear it now, and my headache, though still there, has subsided some.  But I'm sleepy.  But, no time to sleep this morning.  Things to do, meetings to schedule.   Today may require a second cup of coffee.  I think I need one of Dutch Brothers 911 coffee.  I can't remember what all is in it - something like 2-3 shots of expresso, chocolate, regular coffee.... I don't know what all is in it - but it is strong enough to slap you.  Or it was the one or two times I've had it.  I'm too cheap to go to Dutch Brothers or Starbucks.  Well, I take that back, I do get a venti unsweetened green tea at Starbucks when they are in a store I go to.  Rarely do I get anything else.  The long lines at Dutch Brothers turn me off.  No coffee is worth that wait!

I have through the New Testament and I have started Revelations again this morning.  I'm sure I've mentioned it when I did the study on it earlier this year - and read it through then.  I debated on reading it again, but decided to do so.  Then I will start again on the Old Testament and read through the Bible again.

Revelations 1:3 (NKJV):  "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, ad keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."

The time is near... that is more true than it was even then.  Although we do not know when Jesus will return, or when the saints will be taken to heaven, it could be today.  It could be tomorrow.  It could be next week.  No one knows, although I know of people who have tried to figure it out.  Guess what, they were wrong.  So many things are to happen before the end of time, and much of it has already occurred.  For one, 'wars and rumors of war'.... and look at the shape our world is in today.  

Our part in all this is to be ready for Jesus' return.  Are you ready?  Is your family ready for Jesus to return?  The Bible says that the man of the house is the spiritual leader of the home.  Some men have ignored that responsibility.  Some men have taken it to extremes.  Yes, I have had to remind hubby at times over the years that I am not designated as the spiritual leader of our home, he is.  (in other words, get your act together!)  There is so much to learn of Jesus, and the Bible gives us Life, and tells us how to live that life so that we can be with Jesus at the end of the age.  As parents, we are responsible for our children's walk with Jesus; by that I mean we are to be sure they know about Jesus and give them an example to follow.  Will they grow up following Jesus, or following the world?  Are we ensuring our children will go to heaven?  

For those of us whose children are grown and out on their own, we need to spend a lot of time in prayer for those who are walking with the world.  Ultimately, they make their own decisions, but sometimes our prayers can hit the mark and they will turn their hearts to Jesus, some for the first time!  Oh that my children's eyes will be opened to theTruth in Jesus and will choose to follow Him all the days of their life!

Psalm 23:6  (NKJV):  "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

I prayed a special prayer this morning.... and no, I'm not going to share what it was.  But I know if it is God's will, and I'm sure it is, then He will answer.  

When was the last time you asked God for something?  Perhaps you did and it wasn't in His will to answer it the way you wanted it answered.  Did you get angry with Him and walk away?  I know some who did, and it breaks my heart.  Our God loves to shower us with His blessings and give us everything we desire.  But it is all in His timing.

Is it in His will to answer my prayer?  I don't know.  I want to believe it is, and that I am praying in His will.  I need to believe that He will answer in His time, in His way.  His blessings are all mine.

Wow - that was weird.... my coffee cup, which is empty, was sitting on a flat surface, and it just fell over.  Reminds me of the complete psalm above that I just quoted...

Psalm 23:1-6 (NKJV):  "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.  

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

My cup runs over.  Nothing was in my cup, don't know why that psalm came to mind.  But I know that the blessings I receive from God truly does cause my cup to runneth over.  I am truly blessed.

Today, my wish for you, is that your eyes will be opened to the Truth of the Word and that you will acknowledge Jesus as Lord of all.

Blessings!