My mouth hurts!

 No, no one hit me in the mouth.  Didn't see the dentist and have anything done.  BUT, I did go to the orthodontist yesterday.  If I had known ... would I have started this 'thing' that I am doing with the invisalign?  Those of you who have had braces probably know all about this stuff, and the pain involved, but me, I had no clue.  I go yesterday, thinking just getting some new liners.... but no.  Now my liners had places on them, not sure how to explain it, and I wondered about it, but they have like, for lack of knowledge, 'bubbles' on the 'teeth' outline in different places.  Well, yesterday they filled in four of those 'bubbles' with a hard solution, like glue, right on my teeth.  NOW I get to tug and pull even more to get these liners on and off.  And I tell you what - it hurts!  When they are off, the filler on the bottom front teeth cut into the inside of my lower lip.  When they are on, it's not a problem.  Except getting them on and off and going over that glued on bump.  I tell you what, I will be losing weight over this.  How? Because I am NOT going to take them off to snack!  In fact, I debated on giving up my coffee in the mornings so that I don't have to take them off (I am not to drink anything but water with them in; it could discolor the liners).  But I did get them off this morning and had my coffee.  And I will leave them off until I decide about breakfast, brush my teeth, and make sure I've had my tea BEFORE putting them back on.  Once the liners are on, it's no problem.  It's the putting on, taking off, and while off, dealing with the glued parts scraping on the inside of my lip.  Ok, enough complaining. I knew you needed to know all that - even if how I put it doesn't make sense. However, I'm sure that those who have worn braces can somewhat sympathize with me.

We made it down to the dental lab in record time yesterday - went in, sat down, and hubby was called back.  Nice place too.  Five minutes later he came back out.  His appointment was at 11a; he was done at 11:08a.  Coming back I decided I was hungry so we swung by Mr. Goodcents.  I love their sandwiches - usually get the #5 Ultimate.  Yesterday I got the 8" instead of the 6" cause I was hungry!  Hubby, of course, got the same thing.  I meant to get and bring home, but hubby makes himself at home at a table. I tried to explain I am still working.... sigh.... but gave up and we ate there before heading back home.  Filled up at the Chevron by there @ $4.59/gallon.  We got good mileage coming back from Heber... and although I hadn't filled up until now, when I checked the mileage, it was down to 29.3 mpg.  Still not bad. Street driving I usually get 23.

Hubby has headed to his bible study, stopping to get gas on the way.  He will be going to visit his friend Chuck.  Joyce, Chuck's wife, told him that he isn't doing well.  This will be a tough one for hubby, when the time comes.  We've known them for over 40 years.  

I reached out to two couples in our life group last night. I've tried to touch base periodically just to keep in touch.  Our life group broke up for the summer.  It will be interesting if it continues after a month or so this fall as I know the lead couple have a trip to Europe planned in December, I think it is.  They travel all the time.  Anyway, the two couples I checked with have a lot of issues going on in their families, and even themselves.  I'm hoping to connect with one wife over dessert this next week.  When one is going through struggles, many times they just need an outsider to sit with them.  I can't fix anything; but I can pray.  I can be a listening ear.  I will wait for her to reach out; but will check back on the health of the family later next week too.  I reached out to them as a friend, not as a member of the life group. Does that make sense?  I didn't do it on our group chat, although I have in the past, and then everyone chimes in with comments.  Sometimes we need to share in private. Does that make sense? 

Hubby tells me last night that he can drive to Dr. Mark's by himself to get a blood draw next week.  And you know what?  I'm going to let him.  It's not a doctor visit.  I am concerned about the driving, but until something happens, or we can convince him to quit driving, he isn't going to quit. It takes a minimum of 1.5 hours away from work... and that's just driving time.  Sue doesn't give me any problems about being out, but when they hire a new boss, will they be as kind?  I usually do not mind driving him, but when I have work to do, it does make me a bit anxious, although I do manage to get things done.  

Romans 6:1-2 (ESV):  What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace can abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Have you ever noticed all the rules and commands listed in the bible?  Some seem demanding, some difficult, some even guilt-producing.  These laws are God's perfect standard of holiness for us, and they show us how far we miss miss that standard.  The law was added so that the sin, and our awareness of it might increase.  And where sin is increased, grace increased even more.   In other words, the more we are aware of our sinfulness, the more we will be aware of God's grace for us.  

Some people may think they don't sin much, therefore they are 'good'.   They don't have the appreciation for the forgiveness and kindness of God.  But those of us who are very much aware of the dark parts of our hearts, and lives, we are very thankful for God's grace.  

Paul asked the question in Romans 6:1-2.  But he continued in verse 3 to say "By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer!"    Paul's comment is very similar to Jesus's statement when the woman caught in adultery was brought before Him.  When we are gripped with the grace of God, we won't take forgiveness, and His grace, for granted.  As Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, "go and leave your life of sin."  Or, in other words, "Go, and sin no more." (depends on what version you are reading.

No matter what you have done... and I truly believe this with all my heart.... God's grace is greater.  No matter how big or how bad your sin may be, God's grace provides forgiveness, hope, and restoration.  His grace is unlimited.  And for that, I am very grateful.  

Reminds me of a book by Kyle Idleman.  If you have not read 'not a fan', you need to.  It's funny, but a great book to help you find your way.  But Kyle Idleman also wrote a book titled 'Grace is Greater'.  It's interesting that this last book came out in 2012, I think it was, right when my sister went into one of her meltdowns against me.  I read the book, and when she decided to 'forgive me'... for whatever it was... I was able to respond to her 'God's Grace is Greater'.  Interestingly, that became her motto.  I never understood all that happened, but God took care of it so that I didn't have to.  I was made stronger in standing up for myself.  But, that's in another lifetime ago.  Anyway, I love Kyle Idleman's books and we have several of them.  Think I may reread Grace is Greater.   

And with that ...  I need to jump off here and get the work computer turned on.  What is a fun thing you plan to do today; tomorrow?  Take sometime to thank God for His grace towards you.  Never become ungrateful.... His grace is unforgetable.  You never want to let it go.

Have an amazing day!  Be kind to others; you don't know what they are going through.

Blessings!

Going through the motions

 Some days it is like that, isn't it?  You just keep doing what you know you need to do - and just do it automatically.  That's about what yesterday's work was like.  I was busy all day - and still had work to do when I signed off.  My male boss had sent several meeting requests while I was off on Friday and I was having to get those done yesterday.  But, even in that busyness, I managed to get a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies made for Morgan.  I pulled together enough 'food stuff' that I knew would make her happy, sent hubby to pick up a Kohls gift card (he couldn't find one; said Walgreens didn't carry Kohls cards) and he brought back a Visa card for her.  With her baby due any time now, I wanted to be sure I got her Christmas gifts to her before she wasn't there.  She was disappointed, I think, for she mentioned she didn't get the pumpkin raisin cookies I made a few weeks back.  I had forgotten all about those - and that is what she had specifically asked for!  I'm going to try to make those today and when I go tomorrow for my workout, providing she is still 'there', will take her some.  At least I got her big bag of goodies to her.

Now I need to focus on Thursday - I will be driving to Mesa for the Network department party.  I will 'lose' nearly a full day of work, but since he is the one who gives me the majority of work, it's ok. LOL I bought a hotdog toaster for the white elephant gift.  Had no idea what else to bring.  It used to be - in my day - a white elephant gift was something that you had around the house that you didn't want anymore.  It didn't go with your decor.  Now people bring about anything. Last year someone actually brought a bottle of scotch!  I was shocked! Even more so when my male boss was the one who chose that 'white elephant' gift and opened it - and he's Mormon!  It got quickly taken by the next person.  The funniest one last year was that one guy had a sweatshirt made with my male boss' face on it.  The laziest one I think was the batch of dish towels and pot holders someone wrapped up.  I took remote candles that many people like - but the woman who chose that gift didn't seem to care for them.  Interesting.  Last year I got the Victorian Swiss knife to use in the kitchen.  I will have to see what my friend brings this year.  Year before last I got the cast iron 9x13 pan.  Love it.

I haven't really cooked in about two weeks - not meals, anyway.  I do have hamburger in the refrigerator so maybe I'll throw together a meatloaf - oh wait - this is Tuesday night and hubby has his bible study and he eats at IHOP.  After dropping him off I will go on to the hospital to visit my daughter.  Yes, she is still there, but has been moved to another room now.  They are searching for a rehab center that will take her insurance, unless she can roll over to AHCCCS, which would be very helpful for her and she could cancel the insurance she has - it is outrageous because of her leukemia and needing prolia shots (which are about $750 without insurance, I think).  Anyway, she will be moved soon to a rehab center.  She's like to go to where my DIL works, but doubt if they take her insurance.  If she can get on AHCCCS it would be easier to place her.  Maybe I'll make chili with the hamburger... or put in the freezer for another time.

I got to visit my daughter last night after my workout.  I was very surprised hubby did not (he really wouldn't dare, I think!) try to convince me to go during the day - instead of after it was dark.  But I'm a big girl now and I did go to the hospital alone and I did stay for about an hour before heading back home so that she could get a nap before her hubby came to stay overnight with her.  Her pain is much more manageable now, and she is able to move one leg.  She's working on trying to get the other to move.  I asked specifically about the break - fracture - or what it was. She said it was a fracture that splintered a bit.  Which is probably why it is more painful than some?  I'm not 'that type' of medical person; I lean on my DIL for that information!  Or my boss, Sue, or my doctor friends.  In fact, this Saturday I am having brunch with my boss, Sue, and my favorite doctor. (which is another bag I need to get put together).  And a former CFO is coming too.  We try to meet up a couple times a year.  I sit and listen a lot.  They love me, and I love them, but their talks about travels to foreign countries and other things are usually things that I haven't done.  I love to listen, though. They always ask about me and my family.  Boy, do I have a lot to fill them in on this year! LOL

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV):  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This verse has always meant a lot to me and has rescued me from the pits of despair many, many times.  Through it, I have learned not to get 'anxious' about things when they don't go the way I think they should.  When health issues in my children are things I cannot 'fix', when all I know to do is cry out to God for relief, for healing, for supplications.  My God, Our God, is more than able to hear our prayers and requests.  And He will answer.  We may not always like the answer He gives us, but I know that He hears us when we cry out to Him.

Sometimes things are allowed to happy because God wants our attention.  He wants you and I to talk with Him.  He wants us to ask Him for things.  He isn't a 'take for granted' God.  He isn't Santa Claus, ready and willing to hand you whatever you put on your list.  

Our God is Faithful and True, and He created you in His image.  He knit every bone, every cell, every organ within your body.  And He can heal what has been broken.  Many times I feel we depend on others to pray - and think that will do it.  And sometimes, it may.  But we are also to pray for ourselves. We are to surrender ourselves to the Lordship of Christ - although He often doesn't 'require' that of us.  He wants us to come to Him freely, without holding hands out, but He also fills those hands when we do come to Him.  Keep praying for a 'yes' answer... and rejoice that we have One who is willing and able to take what our problem is and bring good from it.

For example, hubby has not been giving me a lot of grief about driving.  Yes, I have to let him drive to the gym as he goes during the day and does not like going in the early morning or evenings like I have to do.  Still working that schedule out in my mind how we can do that.  He did ask me Sunday morning if I wanted him to drive to the RV park so that I could review my notes for the message.  I told him 'no' - I had already gone over the message a few times and God can deliver it the way He wants to.  He didn't resist me.  I drove him last Tuesday to his Bible study, and I will this week as well.  It works out that their Tuesday nights will be stopped after tonight until after the holidays.   Friday mornings is another issue, but he did drive last week as I went to Mesa.  I just realized he drove to Walgreens yesterday for the gift card.  Hadn't thought about it as I'm so used to him driving.  He offered to go get the gift card - and I wanted him to get two.  One for Morgan from Kohls, and one for his brother and SIL - but he didn't want to buy both, just the one.  So he got Morgan a Visa card.  Did you know they are now charging $8.95 to activate the Visa card?  Don't do that!  Buy Amazon cards! There is no extra charge!  Ridiculous!  Or buy a restaurant card!  Geez $8.95 to activate a VISA card.  Nope, I'm done with VISA cards.  They screwed me out of a gift card because the barcode was only half on the card - it didn't get activated because of it, and whoever gave it to me paid for it.  I fought with Vanilla Visa for several months and they would not relent.  I didn't know the $ amount on the card (assumed it was $25), but because the bar code was only half on - they wouldn't honor it.  So - word to the wise - if you are giving Visa gift cards - make sure you put the activation paper ON the card so it can be proved you were charged and it was activated - and make sure the bar code is complete.  

Anyway - I see my mind is going all over the place again this morning.  Still no gifts wrapped the past few days.  Work is busy; I need to bake; and I need to wrap.  Lord, help me sort this out!  I may need to take another day off just to catch up on things.  But first, I have at least 4 gifts to pull together by Saturday of baked goods.  Definitely need to bake today or tomorrow for that.  And you know what? I know I'll get it all done, and although I may not be satisfied with all I give to others, I know that they will be happy with whatever I give them.  

And, I need to get off here and get my work computer turned on.  Waiting to read what my son will write in his blog today, to update me on what is going on with him. I knew he had a specialist appointment yesterday, and my DIL did update me, but I didn't want to bother him when I am sure he is processing whatever he was told.  It wasn't that I didn't care, I do, more than he knows.  But I want to give him space to process.  Plus he has his life too, and it doesn't revolve around me.  Plus it was his wife's birthday and I hope he honored her yesterday.  I need to run her birthday package up to her today since she took yesterday off.  Guess I need to get dressed to do that too.

So with that - I'm off here.  Hope you have a good day today.  Be thankful, even in the difficult stuff.  Praise God, and thank Him for whatever you are going through.  Some things happen for a reason - and if that only reason is to draw near to Him, so be it.  Praise God in the struggles.  Only in Him do we have Hope.

Blessings!