That was close!

 I'm sitting here in my 'office' this morning and I hear hubby's phone ring.  Unknown caller.  He doesn't answer.  They call again, again Unknown caller.  He answered.  I'm listening to his responses.  No. No. Ok, what do I need to do?  I walk in to 'his' office to listen better.  He's on the computer, bringing up something. They tell him to type in 'quick'; he does.  I'm watching.  Something comes up that says 'quick access'..... I tell him to hang up.  I tell him to shut his computer down. Surprisingly, without any argument, he does.  I asked him what that was about.  He said it was Wells Fargo and they were saying our account got hacked.  First of all, Wells Fargo is not open before 9AM (this was around 8am, I think).  Second, they would not be calling him to ask him to do things on the computer. They would ask him to come in to the office to discuss.  Soooo close.  See why I have to listen in on his phone calls?  I've told him before; never bring up any accounts on the computer or give anyone access to his computer. That is what this call was trying to do - the question was on the screen "will you give access ....".  Absolutely NOT!

On a positive note, we did reserve an Airbnb up in Heber Overgaard for our anniversary getaway this year. I had found a few places and we looked at them last night.  I only had a couple 'requirements' and hubby agreed.  I wanted a covered porch on which we could sit outside and breathe fresh air and just enjoy the cooler weather.  I wanted (as I mentioned before), lots of sofa space in the living room so I can spread out 'my stuff'.  And we need a king bed.  We get all three here.  We spend most of the time reading (and me crocheting as a rule), so it will be nice to sit outside and just relax.  Hubby can't walk far so hiking is out; he will do a little shopping, but not much to do in that area.  I'll need to figure out meals (TV dinners will possibly be part of our meals) while we are there.  I don't get a vacation from cooking, so want to make it as simple as possible.

In 13 days I leave for Jailbreak Getaway - so ready!  My daughter will fly in on the 22nd. Her daughter is picking her up at the airport, but on the Tuesday she will be returning home, she wants me to take her to the airport and drop her off.  THAT I am not looking forward to.  I did manage to find my way back home after dropping the daughter and SIL off a month or so ago, but I haven't been in that area in years.  And it's crazy during the morning and evening hours.  But, guess I will 'suck it up' and do it.  I think I need to have her there around 5:30-ish AM ...  will cross that bridge when we get to it, I guess.

Got word yesterday that we will be able to get our great-granddaughter back into our family later this month!  Answers to prayers, for sure.  And, our grandson will be sworn into the Army Rangers (he hadn't asked for that!) on Friday. Wish we could go watch, but it is downtown and I refuse to drive downtown anymore. I don't have the patience for it.  People are crazy drivers downtown.  My youngest son will be up north visiting the granddaughter for the first time in almost 18 months - so is planning on doing a ceremony at the VFW soon to swear in his son so that we can be in attendance.  So we really have some good things going on within that family right now.  

The doctor visit yesterday for hubby went well.  His cholesterol is way out of whack so that was addressed.  Since I am getting better, Dr. Mark suggested I 'share' my remaining medication with hubby as that is not what he was there to see Dr. Mark about.  I get it.  We should have changed the appt for a medical visit versus review blood work.  So I passed on my Breo this morning; it is an inhaler, and I seem to be breathing much better now.  Already have him on Allegra.  Yeah, I am thinking Dr. Mark thinks a lot of what I had was allergies - but I don't have allergies - but maybe I do and don't know it?  I guess the symptoms are pretty close to the same.  At least my blood work was good; thyroid hormone is back where it should be.  He wants to do another blood workup in June with a visit in July to discuss.  I will have my actual physical in September as usual, when I will get the bone density test, mammogram, EKG, air flow, and whatever else needed.  That's why I like Dr. Mark.... I feel that I am being taken care of.  My other doctors - the last 4-5 - only checked my blood work once a year; only had one visit once a year for the well-check-up.  Dr. Mark checks blood work at least every 4-6 months - things change. That's how he discovered my thyroid medication was too high. He adjusted it; this blood work shows it is where it should be, but let's test it another 3 months to make sure.  

I put in for my vacation in August plus PTO for the holidays up to November (Memorial Day, July 3rd, Labor Day) and Sue has already approved them all.  I told her I'd wait on November..... still trying to make a decision.  I want to - really bad - but I still need to sit down and financially figure it all out.  For one, I need to quit spending like I have.  I had plans to save and do this and that.... and then.... I decided I wanted new bedspreads, new sheets.... and then I need to get another doll for the great granddaughters for when two are here, and I have only one doll, that could be a problem.  So I ordered another. I think I will check Savers or Goodwill and see if I can find a baby bed or cradle for the 2nd doll, rather than order one, although they aren't much.  I may need to let go of my exercise equipment (that I seem to rarely use anymore) to make it into an official playroom for the great-grandchildren.  I can always go to the gym to workout.... I don't need my own equipment.  That I rarely use. Sigh.

I read something today that really 'beat' me up.... I know it; you know it; and yet.... what are we doing about it?  What is it?

Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you want to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it."  Luke 9:23-24.

If we really listen to His words, we cannot call someone a Christian who regularly views pornography, tells off-color jokes, lies, gossips, refuses to forgive, lives sexually immorally, is greedy, lives for pleasure, is self-promoting, self-seeking, or any other behavior that is commonly practiced by unbelievers.

I'm sure that immediately many people came to your mind as you read that last paragraph.  Some came to my mind as well.  Unfortunately, I think I can also see some description of myself in some of it .... and know that I need to change.  Change is never easy, but many times it is beneficial.  If you read the paragraph after the scripture, what do you see that you need to change in yourself - in order to take up the cross of Christ and follow Him?  

I think I will end here... for I know that I have much work I need to do in myself.  I can not point fingers at others; that is not my 'job'.... my 'job'... is to keep my eyes on Jesus and Him alone.... and pick up my own cross and follow Him.  

Blessings!

Last night thinking....

 We went to bed at our usual time last night, although I wasn't really feeling tired nor sleepy.  But knew that if I could fall asleep, I needed to.  Can't sleep late during the work week!  Not that I even get to on weekends past 5:30AM or so.  Anyway, I did fall asleep eventually, but awakened around 11:30PM to walk down the hall.  Yeah, I was drinking my water yesterday too late.  Got to stop around 7-ish to avoid during the night walks.  Anyway, from then on, my night was 'different'.  My body went to sleep (I think), but my mind sure didn't!  All night long I was praying about one thing or one person or another thing or person.  Don't know what was going on, not sure I want to know if there was, but I finally gave up trying to mentally sleep and got up at 4:30AM.  I'm sure I slept some mentally even, during that time, but it sure didn't feel like it when I finally got up.  Tried to sleep in here, but the mental alertness continued.  I have no idea what that's about!  

Perhaps it is because when hubby said yesterday he was going to take a 'power nap' early afternoon, I decided I needed a 'lunch break' and curled up in my chair and took a ten minute nap myself!  Hubby, in the meantime, slept about 1-1/2 or 2 hours. Great power nap, huh!  

I did have my training last night and hubby went with me.  Biceps and Triceps - and Morgan worked me hard!  I had given hubby the cookies to give Morgan yesterday morning and I had thought she said that she loved snickerdoodles the most. That's why I always made them for her.  But no, she corrected me last night.  She never liked snickerdoodles until she tasted mine - and she liked them.  Her favorite?  Oatmeal raisin.  Seriously.  And I sent a box yesterday to my little sister as a thank you for her birthday gifts.  Oh well.  Now I know.

Tonight hubby has his bible study with his friend Steve and I usually have 'girls night out'.  We've skipped some, and may skip tonight.  Will see what the daughter has planned, if anything.  If she has work to do, I tell her to go ahead and do it. I'm content to stay at home and read or watch a movie and crochet.  If she doesn't have anything planned, I'll probably go to her house.  And we eat and sit and crochet and chat and catch up.

Hubby is again asking me about planning something for our anniversary this year.  If we stay home, we do nothing. He always wants to be with me, but I enjoy being alone as well.  I told him I'd check out some places. He's wanting to go to Payson - or at least where it is cooler.  Will see.  We won't go the week of our anniversary but the week after, because Morgan is off the week after and that way we won't miss two weeks of training; just one. She'll make it up with extra workouts when she returns.  I don't want to spend the money, but will, to keep hubby happy.  Not to say I won't enjoy being away and in cooler weather where we can sit outside and just relax.  And if we go to a hotel, I don't have to cook meals.  But then we spend even more money. I'm content with lunchmeat sandwiches, but he wouldn't be. Afterall, it's vacation, right?  For whom?

Psalm 119:93 (NKJV):  I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life.

Precepts:  A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.

You could also look at a 'precept' as a commandment - think '10 Commandments'.  God gives us these rules to help us live life to the fullest!  Did you ever think about that?

Just like we as parents sometimes tell our children (or grandchildren or great-grandchildren) 'no' - because we want to protect them. We want them to enjoy their life to the fullest.  I think you would agree that sticking pins into outlets is not a good thing.  Especially if they are active.  Would you not tell that child 'NO!'?  Just an example, for sure, but we also need to caution our children (and others) about things that we are aware of that can harm them.  We tell them to 'look both ways before crossing the street' because we don't want them to walk into traffic and be harmed.  We tell them 'take your medicine' because we want them to be well.  "Hold my hand" is another line we give our children; all these things because we want to protect them and take care of them.

And that is why God gave us His 10 commandments.  He loves us so much that He wants only the best for us.  If you really look at the commandments, they are not hard words to follow.  They are words that would keep us healthy and whole and well.  So why don't we follow them?  Because we don't want anyone telling us what to do.  Right?  I'm guilty too - you know how often I rebel when hubby 'tells me what he thinks I should do'!  

God loves you, and me, so much that He not only gave us the ten commandments to follow, He gave us His one and only Son, Jesus, to be our sacrifice for the sins of not following Him.  Trust me, I've been on both sides of the fence over the years.  The difference between head knowledge of God and heart knowledge is great.  Once you know God and have a heart knowledge of Him and how much He loves you and cares for you and wants only the best for you.... you realize that there is nothing greater than choosing to follow Him.  

So you don't cheat, steal or lie.  Good for you!  But do you still feel that you are missing something?  That something is Jesus.  Trust me, Jesus does make the difference.  In accepting Jesus as Lord (He never forces Himself upon you), the hole within you is complete.  The pain you carry around in your heart, is calmer. The joy of knowing Jesus is so great that you don't have to say a word and people will know you are 'different' than you were the day before.  It's in how you carry yourself. You are confident. You know you are forgiven. You know you are loved. And you know you will eventually be with Jesus forever.  Life doesn't get any better than that.  

Peace, sweet peace. Peace that calms the soul, no matter what the devil throws at you.  The devil will attack you and cause all sorts of evil to come against you - but Jesus is your Mainstay, He is your Strength, He is your Healer.  When was the last time you asked Him to bring peace to your heart?  Sometimes all we need to do is ask, and wait in faith, and the peace will flow.  Trust Him. Love Him. Follow Him.  You will never regret it.

Blessings!

It's finally here! Celebrating short time...

 and I still have that contract to figure out!  The one that got cancelled because a leader had not approved it in a timely manner.  So many of the questions I do not know.  So I did screen prints and sent to my boss and asked him to give me answers.  So what did I see in an email after 5PM?   "What is this for?"   What does he think it is for?  Sure do hope he will respond to my response this morning so that I can get it done before we leave today.  I am taking off early - whether the contract is completed or not.

Yes, this day is finally here!  And I heard that we are 'supposed' to have rain and cold up north.  Which isn't a big deal as we don't plan to go anywhere, being as it is a retreat.  BUT, I have prayed and asked for warmer weather and no rain.... so that we can open up the balcony doors and have fresh air come in.  And yes, I'm taking my 'blankie' with me; I am ALWAYS cold.  Taking my warm pajamas and robe too - and warm stockings I got for Christmas!  I don't do cold real well.

And the thought lingers in the back of my mind that nearly two years ago, the last time we were there at this hotel, and will probably be given the same room as we have the deluxe suite to have more room.... the thoughts of how sick I got... it has taken nearly two years for me to get past what it was.  I wish I had thought more clearly then.  The people before us apparently had a dog... and apparently left an odor in the room to which the cleaning people literally had to have dumped every cleaning product imaginable on to the carpet to get it out.  I am pretty sure that because it was so cold, and wet (it was April), that having to leave the balcony doors shut for long periods (opening only until I got so cold we had to shut them), I breathed in all those fumes.  I'm still surprised that hubby wasn't affected at all, or didn't seem to be.  But it sure knocked me on my butt.  Sleep and throw up was all I wanted to do - and sneeze.  All the time.  Anyway - that's in the past... but it still lingers in my thoughts.  THIS time, any odor will cause them to move us to another room!!  

I plan to take my computer and hopefully will be able to write in here.  But if not, we will be back home on Saturday and I'll be back on schedule Sunday morning.  Maybe.

Yesterday was interesting.  For me, personally, I mean.  I'm going to get personal here and share something.  Hope that you don't mind.  Hubby was gone most of the morning as he had his gym appointment, then was meeting a friend for breakfast, then going to Men's Warehouse to pick up some pants that he had ordered (he loves that he can be 'fitted').  While he was gone, I was working, but all of a sudden, I found myself bursting out with song, making up verses and just singing to the Lord as I worked. I have not done that in a long, long time.   But what is remarkable, besides my singing loudly (after all, no one was home but me), the heaviness that I have felt for so long.... lifted.  I can't explain it.  But while I was singing praises to God, whatever had been weighing me down mentally and physically, just lifted.  I felt more 'free' than I have in several months.  As if burdens had been removed from me.  

All because I was singing praises to Jesus my King.

Hubby came home during this time - and the heaviness didn't come back, I'm happy to report.  He had heard me singing when he opened the back door and commented on it.  He asked if he had heard me singing, and I said 'yes'.  And he dropped it. Glad he did, for no one likes to be called out and 'why were you singing, etc.".   

So hubby didn't want to go to church last night for prayer meeting, and I at first thought I'd stay home too, but then decided I needed to.  So I went, and I'm glad I did.  I sat in the back instead of the 3rd row as we usually do together.  There were maybe 75 people there.  When it was over, I decided to give our pastor's wife a hug so went over to her and gave her a hug.... and she hugged me back.  We had a short conversation, and I started my way to the door.  Our pastor was up front and talking with a few people and I paused and decided to give him a 'side hug' and head on out the door.  What happened next really surprised me.  Now he is huge (like 400 pounds huge) and as I put my arm on his shoulder, he stopped talking to the others and put his other arm around me and said "God bless you.  We love you guys so much, so much!  You need to know that!  We really love you guys!"  I just said "I know, and we love you too", and walked on out the door.  It really made me feel good - and loved.  But it did cause me to wonder what brought that up.  I wonder if he had heard 'we might be leaving'.  We aren't.... but it's interesting how rumors get started.

But all evening, and even this morning, I feel more alive than I have felt in a long time.  What is the difference?  I don't know.  Unless.... when I sung the praises of God to Him and told Him in song how much I loved Him, and thanked Him for all His goodness to us... to me... for answers to prayers spoken and unspoken.... and the heaviness lifted.  Yeah, I think I will keep that up, for I feel so much more alive now than I have felt in a long time.

I briefly prayed as we prepared for bed that hubby and I would both get a deep, restful sleep.  And God answered.  I slept the best I have slept in a long time.  My alarm went off at 4AM and I thought to myself "naw, I can sleep another hour."  And turned it off and I did sleep another 45 minutes before waking up.  I really wanted to go back to sleep again, it felt so good, but I got up and came in here.  Hubby got up a few minutes later and brought my coffee in. (Yes, I'm spoiled.  I could get my own coffee, but he likes to brag about the Bible book 'Hebrews' (He-brews for those that don't get it).  Anyway, tomorrow we will be able to sleep later if we want... a little.  I think breakfast starts at 6:30AM and hubby likes his breakfast early.  We will get dressed and head down for breakfast and then back to our room to read and pray.  Last time we were there, I think, we had biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon and sausage, waffles, bagels, yogurt, oatmeal... I can't remember it all.  But, we are usually not there on a weekday so am not sure what they will have Friday morning... but the weekends they generally expect more people and have more.  We'll get it Saturday morning before preparing to head back home that afternoon.   Hubby is still trying to get me to stay an extra night, but I say no.  And talking about biscuits and gravy sure has made me hungry - although I have never made biscuits and gravy... I buy it, but not make it.... but I am getting hungry....

I John 4:18 (NIV):  "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Now that is an interesting verse, you think?  When you love, and are loved, there is no fear.  Jesus gives us perfect love, His perfect love, and we have no fear of Him.  We are not punished; we are loved.  Our fear of punishment comes from our sins, not from Him.  Jesus loves us, in spite of our sins.  But we have to come to Him and ask forgiveness to receive the full gift of His salvation, in which we are truly set free.  Have you done that yet?

I John 1:9:  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Just like the song we learned years ago - 'What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  Oh, precious is the flow, that washes white as snow.  No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.'

Just ask Jesus to pour out His blood upon you, forgive you, and cleanse you of all your sins.  We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  But greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.  Accept His forgiveness, freely given, freely received.  You will experience true life. Freedom. Burdens lifted.  Fears removed. Healing begins in the mind, and in the body.  Do you believe?  Reach out and touch the hem of His garment.  Receive His healing flow in to you.  There is nothing like it.

Blessings!

It's starting to stir inside of me.....

 What?  What is starting to stir inside of me?  BAKING!!  You know how much I love to bake and make things.... and with cooler weather right now, and knowing in about 2 months is Christmas (my baking is for Christmas, not Thanksgiving).... I am starting to think ahead on what to do and when to actually start.  In fact, I'm hoping that this weekend I can start on my cranberry pumpkin nut bread.  I've discovered over the years there are not many in my family that actually like it...  but I will have some out for any that want to take it.  I've bought a couple new cookbooks that I am hoping to find healthy foods to bake so that those who need to be careful of their diet can still enjoy without being too 'bad'.  The best part of all the baking?  I give it all away.  It brings me much joy to bake and give away to whomever wants it.  

In fact, (I may have already shared this) a few weeks ago I was talking to our neighbor on the right and we got to talking about the upcoming holidays and how I love to bake and give things away.  She asked me if I would put her on my list of recipients.  Of course I will!  I love it even more when people ASK to be put on my list!  My boss, for example, will tell me explicitly that she wants salsa, bread and butter pickles (if I make them), cheeseball... and this year I plan to make her a chocolate cheesecake that I have learned how to make.  I want to make a big one to have for Thanksgiving and see how it goes over with my kids before I make smaller ones for Christmas if any want.  My neighbor across the street is an insulin dependent diabetic so I am hoping to find something that even she can enjoy.

And of course there is also getting the grandchildren and great-grandchildren over to bake.  Sigh.  That is a difficulty as the grandchildren have their own lives and can not always take the time to come over.  I will make a greater effort this year to have them, though.  My kitchen is smaller, maybe have to have two at a time.  I just love the time I get to spend with each one.  I love that my granddaughter brought my great-granddaughter up last year to bake cookies with Oma.  I can't wait to spend time with each one!  They bring my heart so much joy.  I don't even care if it is after Christmas - I just want to spend time with them.

I've been thinking more and more about getting away for a couple days.  I'm feeling really tired lately and thinking a couple days off work just might do the trick.  I get it that hubby is tired of being 'home' all day and while I'm working he feels 'alone'.  If I was in an office, he would truly be alone and would be a real mess.  He never has liked being alone.  But I'm thinking even if we stay in town, just to get a change of scenery for a couple days.  Maybe take a Thursday-Friday off - or a Monday-Tuesday and have the weekend on either end.  Will have to think about it.  With the holidays coming, if I'm going to do something, I need to do it soon!  

I Corinthians 13:8:  "Love never fails".  

That is what is on my card this morning that I chose to look at.  Love never fails.  That's an interesting statement, isn't it?  When things get tough, when tempers rage, when life isn't what we thought it would be.... Love always comes through.  There is just something about Love that stirs our hearts.  For some people Love is just Love.  But what is it about LOVE?  It's the caring and comfortable feeling you have with others who you enjoy being with.  Usually we associate love with girlfriends or boyfriends, or even spouses, but there is Someone who loves us so much more!

I Peter 3:8 (NKJV):  "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Having compassion on others isn't quite the same as loving them, but it is caring for what is going on with them.  Are they hungry? Are they weary? Are they in need?  Love and have compassion on them and help them, for when we do that, we are serving Jesus.

I love the backside of the card.... "The best way to spend my day is to spend it with you!"  Isn't this where we go "awwww"?  

Am I getting melancholy this morning with all my talking about baking and giving things away and love and compassion?  Could be!  There are so many hurting people in the world.  I admit, I am somewhat wary of those who always have their hand out.... unless I feel prompted by God to 'meet a need/want'.... I will usually not do it.  I give to charities.  I like helping do things for the homeless.  But some people just want the handout and not do the 'work' to get out of the hole they are in.  I have my own opinions on that.  And, yes, I probably should not look at it that way, but I would rather help someone in need who is really trying, than someone who has their hand out because they don't want to do the work on their own.  Ok - enough about that!  We see so much of it on our street corners that it is discouraging.  I just pray and ask the Holy Spirit to prompt me if I am to give something.  I'm not to judge on what they do with it; I am only to give freely.

And....with that... I'm going to hush and get my day started by taking a good hot shower and be refreshed to start my work day.

Have an amazing day!

Blessings!

 

It's good to get away....

 Yesterday, hubby's birthday, started and ended well, I think.  We stopped at - gasp! - McDonald's - for breakfast before heading over to the nail place.  We both got pedicures, manicures, and our brows waxed. Yeah, he enjoys the pampering as well.  No polish for him, but I did get polish on my nails.  After that we came home and finished packing our suitcases, loaded the car, and headed north.  As we were coming into town, we could see the haze from the Crook Fire and the Tunnel Fire that is going on.  Smell it too - really bad in some areas.  Where the hotel is, we don't smell it, but I understand we are on the cusp of the fire.   Praying for safety for the firemen and God's favor of rain upon that area.  It did rain a few sprinkles on us as we went out to the car to get our suitcases out.

We arrived at the hotel about 2:15PM and our room was not ready.  By 3PM it was - and I'm so glad I chose to upgrade to the executive suite!  There is a partial wall separating the bed from the rest of the room.  We even have a fireplace in the bedroom!  We have a table and four chairs on the other side of the wall, then a leather couch and chiar, a coffee table, a desk/chair, a dresser and TV.  And I love we have a balcony and hope to utilize it some today.  We love going out on the balcony and drinking a good cup of coffee in the mornings.  Haven't gotten that good cup of coffee yet.  The coffee they leave in the room is nothing more than hot water with a 'touch of coffee'.  I went ahead and drank mine; hubby couldn't.  Still another half hour or so before breakfast will be ready downstairs and we can get some decent coffee.  I - on a whim (as if we NEED them), bought two 'hot' cups from Starbucks cause my plan is to use them for coffee this morning when we go downstairs and can bring it back up with us.  It's twice thesize of the cups they give us to use.  I need my coffee... think that is why my sinus' is all over the place this morning - sneezing and blowing my nose - coffee generally wakes it up and puts it back to normal. LOL  It's probably being out in the wind some yesterday as it is blowing pretty good up here.

Didn't sleep too well last night - bed was ok, but I didn't like the pillow.  The longer you lay on it, the flatter it gets so I was flipping it last night every time I woke up - which is another reason for the headache and sinus stuff going on.  Plus I was warm... I brought my 'winter' jammies cause hubby kept telling me it was to be cold up here.  Like I would be going outside much.  I do have sweatshirt and pants to wear today.  Will get him to turn the thermostat down tonight  Lots of covers on that bed.  But it is a very nice roomy moom and I'm glad we got it.

Starting my new Bible study tomorrow - may even start reading it today.  My little sister is supposed to do it with me .... I can't always depend on her... but I want to do this study over.  It was in 2013 when I completed it - and taught it - the first time.  This has been updated so hope I can get a lot out of it.  We all need to be learning every day.  (but when it's work, I don't always want to).

For the first time in all the years we have come to this hotel, they finally have a restaurant of sorts here.  It's called "Coopers Pub" and I tell you what - they have great tenderloin sandwiches - and Tom enjoyed his cheeseburger last night.  Fried green beans too!  We didn't want to go out (and I want to keep hubby from driving at night in an area we aren't familiar with) so ate 'in'.  Food was really good.  They told us they are having live music tonight from 8-12PM I think it was... but we are usually in bed by 8:30PM so probably will not go.  And that's ok.  Or we may go down for 1/2 hour or so just to listen - it is supposed to be 'country folk music' - not sure what that means.  I'm hoping it is 'just country'.  If nothing else, we get free popcorn!  (hubby didn't eat any though!)

Nothing much planned for today; going to get dressed and head downstairs for breakfast.  Then back up here to probably read for awhile.  Perhaps we will locate a bookstore and go browse.  That is always fun for me.  May go walk Hobby Lobby.  May go walk the mall.  Nothing on the agenda and nothing planned. 

For now, I'm going to change to clothes from my jammies and get some real coffee.  Hope you have a great day!

Blessings!

Well, I'm scheduled....

 I am scheduled to have an extraction, bone graft, and an implant completed on March 3.  Yes, I'm taking the day off work, as well as March 4th, - which is a Friday.  The first they could get me in was February 14th - a Monday (and Valentine's Day) but I said no.  I didn't want a Monday.  I wanted a Thursday so that I could also take Friday off and have Saturday and Sunday to 'do nothing' but sleep - if that is what I wanted to do.  I was told that if they got a cancellation for a Thursday prior to that, they would let me know.  I've opted to do the entire shabang and get it over with.  I had a dental cleaning appointment this morning and discussed it there.... implant versus a 3 tooth bridge.  I was told that if something happened to one of the 3 teeth involved, it would require doing it all over again... and seeing $$$ again, decided to just do the implant - it's $$$$ now, but it's only one tooth.  

Hubby mentioned he wanted to go somewhere this weekend.  I'm willing to go to a hotel for the weekend and just getaway - but then do what?  We don't really have the same interests; I'm content to sit back and read or crochet.  He's more into doing stuff, but he doesn't like to do a lot of walking, he just wants to be entertained.  And he wants me with him.  Sometimes I like to do things but if it's chilly out and windy out this weekend, not so much.  I even looked up costs for hotel for a couple days.  It wasn't too bad and I was willing to do it... but then I tell myself, we have an 'empty' house... why do we have to go to a hotel?  It's just a change of scenery.  

Interesting.... this past week hubby told me he would take me to San Diego if I wanted to go.  That is interesting because I have begged to go for years.  And for years he would promise we would go.  Yes, promise.  Then he always had an excuse.  If we could go with another couple, I would consider it.  But, if he and I would go alone, we don't know where to go or what to do anymore.  We just don't go anywhere.  And, besides, his driving scares me so I generally choose NOT to go anywhere any long distance.  Just driving up north or even south for a short trip makes me nervous!  

We are still tentatively planning on going to the Smoky Mountains this summer for a few days for our anniversary.  I need to contact my nephew's girlfriend and have her get us a cabin.  My plan is to fly there and stay a few days and return home.  Maybe I can get hubby to hike a little.  I would have more fun if another couple went with us, but don't know who would want to.  The cabins are small enough for two or big enough for a very large family.  I think that one has a pool inside the porch.  I'm just more comfortable when someone else is with us; perhaps it is in case something happens.  I don't know.  But I do need to get us a place reserved.  One of my brothers said he'd meet us there if I let him know when.  But, he can't hike either... oh well, at least we could see him.   Not sure what we'll do.  Dollywood isn't too far from there and I hear it is a lot of fun.

I was reading in Luke 8 this morning about the healing of the woman with the 12 year issue of blood.  She had spent a lot of money trying to be healed, and all the doctors did was take her money.  Sounds like some of the doctors we have now, doesn't it?  They keep charging, but we don't always seem to get better.  I've read of some of the things those 'doctors' would have had this woman do to get well - and it is humilating and embarrassing.  And it wouldn't have worked anyway.  Only Jesus could heal her.  Just like sometimes only Jesus can heal us now.

Do you remember the story?  This woman, unnamed and yet her story is important enough to be included in every Bible you read, 'came from behind and touched the border of His garment.  And immediately her flow of blood stopped.'  And Jesus said, "Who touched me?"  

When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, "Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, "Who touched me?""  But Jesus said, "Somebody touched me, for I perceived power going out from Me."  Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him ad how she was healed immediately.

And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer, your faith has made you well.  Go in peace."

I can remember times when I've had a headache so bad, or I felt so sick, that I would fall on my knees and cry out to Jesus to allow me to touch the hem of His garment, so that I could be healed.  And you know what?  He always did.  Sometimes it would happen immediately, sometimes it would happen later in the day.  But He always touched and healed me.

He even heals my broken heart - many times.  I struggle daily with some things, some issues, and daily I have to give them once again to Him and ask Him to take care of situations and bring healing and wholeness.  He may never answer them in my lifetime, but I am confident, I have the faith, that He will answer my requests.

Have you ever gone to Jesus with a request and didn't get an answer?  Did you ever stop to think that the non-answer to your request, was actually an answer?  Everyone has an excuse as to why they turned away from God.  Sometimes the reasons are selfish.  Sometimes they don't understand.  Sometimes we just can't see the big picture and God has His reasons why our prayers are not answered.  Some of us become bitter and rebellious against God because our prayers weren't answered the way we wanted them to.  Some of us trust God to be God and let Him make the decisions.  All we are to do is bring our requests to Him and lay them at the foot of the cross.  Let Jesus bring healing and hope.

How is your faith holding up this morning?  Are you reaching for that border of Jesus' robe to bring healing to your heart and to your body?  It isn't only healing of physical things, Jesus also will heal that which hurts inside of you.  What is on your heart and mind today?

Why not reach your hand out, and ask Jesus to bring healing and wholeness to that which troubles you today?  He is waiting.

Touch the hem....