Home safe and sound....

 although there was a bit of a mishap when we were driving down the freeway.  As we were already on the freeway, we noticed a 'string' of police cars and other vehicles off to the side of the road.  Suddenly, to the right of us, there was a car, driven by an elderly woman, who wasn't watching where the car was going - but was watching the police cars on the side of the road.... and she started into our lane - which was the far left lane! She did 'tap' the car as my daughter (who was driving) laid on the horn and then she took off. We followed her and finally got her to pull over so the 'damage' could be assessed.  There wasn't much damage on either car, but they exchanged insurance cards and the son in law will be taking care of that this morning.  First words out of her mouth was 'I didn't see you as I was watching the police cars on the side of the road'.  And the SIL has her 'confession' on audio on his phone.  Again, not much damage to the car and we are all ok.

We seemed to make a couple more stops on the way back than going - and that's ok.  When you hear 'Mom, I need to pee' - well, it only happened once, but we threw in an extra stop. I was grateful too cause I went every time as well!  

It was good to get back home. It was great to see everyone, don't get me wrong there! But home is home and one can 'do their own thing' when at home.  You know me and my 'alone' time.  I had to 'share' my space with hubby when doing my 'quiet time' the past few days. And honestly, didn't get much 'real' time in. But here I am back home.  I got up about 5:20AM I think.  Hubby got up about ... 6:30?  I can't remember.  When I heard him up I was able to get dressed and go out and water my poor plants.  They aren't in bad shape because we were gone a few days, but they look as bad as they did when we left. Oh well.  A green thumb I have not.

I am taking today off work and 'may' try to get some things done.  The youngest txt'd last night that he wants to take me to get the yarn to work on his project for me.  I let him know that I picked up yarn before we left and have started already and sent him a photo. (And I have the receipt for him to pay for the yarn!) We may meet up for lunch today; he has some things going on and will get back with me.  One thing is taking his youngest son to sign up for the US Army. Will see how that goes.  

I did get online this morning to approve timecards and most were ready to be approved. There are a few stragglers that haven't put in the PTO for July 4th so I have had to email them (again!!) to get that done so that I can approve their timecard.  I'm waiting now until about 8:30AM to check to see if they have it done.  That's all I'm going to do work wise today - I see I have some meeting requests - but too bad.  My favorite boss is taking today off as well.  The rest can just wait until tomorrow.

I do have a training at 5PM tonight.  When I get compliments unexpectedly, it helps me see it is all worthwhile.  I had on my leggings while gone and my daughter is looking at me, and then she says, "Mom, your thighs look thinner, and so does your butt!"  See, if they say THAT, then I feel like I am accomplishing something. LOL 

This is short this morning, although I do have plenty of time to write.  I want to catch up on some reading I didn't get done while gone.  Need to figure out a grocery list and make a trip there as well this morning.  I wonder how much of today will be 'mine' and how much I will have to sit at home.

Which reminds me.... hubby asked me yesterday morning, nearly in tears, if he embarrasses me.  I was somewhat puzzled at the question. He remarked that when we walked to the place for the family photos, he could barely walk it. He had to pause to catch his breath, although we were not walking fast.  It was maybe 1/4 mile?  At the most.  However many steps that is.  Anyway - I reminded him that at 88 he is going to lose a lot of his ability to do things. And I reminded him that I have gotten after him for the past several years of sitting in his recliner all day long (have I shared this already? The song popped in my mind again and it seems like I have)... and long story short cause I think I have already shared... he has a doctor's appointment on Thursday and I suggested he talk to Dr. Mark about it and see what he says. Ironically, hubby does ride 3-5 miles on the stationary bike most evenings that I am doing my training at the gym.  His legs should be strong.

Ok - I'm off here.  Perhaps tomorrow I will get back in sync somewhat. At least I was able to keep up on this while I was away.  Addicting, isn't it? All my nonsense makes 'entertaining' (at times) reading.

Have a good day!

Blessings!

Home again.... and marriage....

 We had asked for late checkout at the hotel for yesterday..... but after eating breakfast, coming back to the room, packing everything up... hubby looked at me and asked 'are you ready to go?' And I said 'yes', so we loaded up the car and were on the road by about 9AM.   We were home by 10:30AM - and after unpacking the car, we both took a nap!  We just didn't sleep well at the hotel.  But it was good to be home, as well.

After my nap, I decided I wanted to go to the Brass Armadillo, which is an antique place back in our old neighborhood.  My daughter called it an 'old people's yard sale' the first time I took her there.  Cracked me up.  And it's true!  Anyway, as I started to leave, my friend Melonie came to mind and I wondered if she would want to go with me.  So I called her as I sat in the driveway before heading out.  She did.  So I picked her up and we headed over there.

And we had a lot of fun.  She had never been there so it was a treat for her.  I enjoyed pointing out some dishes that I remember my mother having as I grew up.  I'm not sure what she bought, but I ended up buying a large yellow bowl (which, ironically, is the same type bowl I grew up with at home) - and yes, I needed it.  I threw away the large plastic bowl I have used for the past 40+ years just before Christmas as it was starting to chip and I didn't want the plastic getting in food.  So I threw it away.  This one is glass. Anyway, I got the bowl, and something for a granddaughter, and something for a daughter in law for Christmas.  I also got a little wire bunny to give to my friend to remind her of our afternoon together.  (she loved it).  It was a fun 3+ hours we spent there.  Stopped for a chocolate covered ice cream cone at DQ and then we headed back home.  My friend was still excited about the place and she plans to take her sister there.

And she told me about a place here on our side of town and how she donates there because they support Hospice of the Valley.  I like that.  And when they don't sale some things and need to move them out, they donate to the homeless.  I like that too.  She's going to take me there cause I am willing to give things away if they will benefit other people - not like Goodwill who is 100% for profit.  Savers gives to Big Brothers Big Sisters.  I'm sure there are other good places to donate to, but I love when I know people aren't making a profit from things I donate.  Does that make sense?

Hmmmm listening to Robert Morris speak at Free Chapel this morning, and he is speaking on marriage.  In fact, the last four weeks have been different pastors speaking on marriage.  I tell you what, last week with Greg Groeschel it was amazing.  If you get a chance, go listen to Free Chapel's February 18th service - it will have you laughing at so many things.  But this one, with Dr. Robert Morris, is really good.  Check it out.  

Contract - you identify your rights and responsibilities.

Covenant - you give up your rights and responsibilities.  

That is what marriage is.  It's NOT a contract.... it is a covenant.  

Ephesians 5:31 (NKJV):  "For this reason a man shall leave his mother and father and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

There are three cords in a marriage.  A man, a woman, and God.  With God, your cord is strong.  Without God, anything can come against you and will cause your marriage to ravel.  God has to be first in your marriage - not just by your wife, not just by your husband, but by you both as a couple.  I implore you to examine your life and determine to change your life to reflect Jesus.  I know I need to let go of some 'rights' that I feel I should have.... and if hubby listens to this message, I'm sure he will see some things in his life as well.  And, I think I will let him watch it.  Why?

Because I want our marriage to be Christ centered.  And, if that means I have to give up my personal rights, then so be it.  As you know, our cord of three has places in it where the cords are barely holding on together.  Not placing blame on me nor on hubby... but we are so centered on 'our' rights that we sometimes forget that God is the Center and He shows us in His Word - the Bible - how we are to live. It isn't about hubby, it isn't about me (although we both want it to be about us individually),  It's about who God is within us, and in our marriage.  And I am going to have to let go of some pride.  And I'm sure he is as well.  

There are still things, after 40+ years of marriage, that we need to work through.  I have fought to be 'me' all these years.  He has fought to control me.  We need to talk about it and we need to forgive.  I need to let go of the pain I've carried all these years.  I need to forgive and quit picking back up the issue and carrying it around with me.  I need to throw it in the furnace and slam the door shut.  Lord, help!  It won't be easy admitting my faults as I see them.  Hubby is good at identifying them in me as well.  Hopefully, we both will see our own faults and confess them and throw them in the furnace and slam that door shut.  I know what I / we need to do.... but I'm afraid.  Of what?  Of losing me.  Unless you know me (and most of you know my struggles and innermost thoughts) completely, you know what I am saying.  Lord, help me be like Jesus.  

What about you?  Are you still trying to be in control of your life?  Still trying to be the 'tough cord' in the three cords?  Why not step back and let God be the Cord that binds you together with your spouse in covenant?  Most of us repeated the vows of 'for better, for worse, in sickness, and in health, in richer, in poorer....." and I think many of us have gone through nearly all of those phases.  God, in His faithfulness and love, teaches us through each of those phases.  We've gone through them, some many times.  Sometimes it feels like 'worse' won't leave us.  

So let's step back and think what it is that is holding us back from being an equal cord.  Pride? Fear? Ego? Dependence?  Anger? Unforgiveness? Bitterness?  Whatever it is.... pause and ask God to remove that from you, and resolve today to be the man or woman that He created you to be, to be joined with your spouse in covenant, and give Him all the praise and all the glory.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.  The Lord turn His face toward you, and give you peace.

Blessings!