A busy day; a nice evening

 I told hubby yesterday I really wanted to be productive and start cleaning out drawers and eventually getting my closet.  BUT, first, I wanted to bake a couple batches of my cranberry pumpkin nut bread.  I like having it on hand so that I can give it away.  Unfortunately, after I took the last out of the oven, it cooled, and I got all the dishes done (4 hours later), I went in and sat on the couch and told hubby I needed a short nap.  (I baked 3 big loaves, 2 small loaves,  12 as 'donuts' using my donut pan, and 6 large muffins and a dozen small muffins.)  'We' ended up sleeping 45-60 minutes (I would wake up ever ten minutes and look over at hubby still asleep and figured I could sleep more - and did).

Decided it was too late to start on drawers.  Hubby had gone in to his closet and started cleaning it out (see, I told you before, whatever I start, he has to do it too).  He pulled out about 2 dozen (no, I don't think I am exaggerating) pairs of slacks/jeans that he tried on and said he couldn't wear anymore.   I'm not as likely to let go of as much for myself.  I read recently that some nursing homes have people who have no one visiting them, and they may only have two-three changes of clothes.  So I thought I'd check around and see where these can be used the most effectively.  I thought about donating to the Salvation Army, but my friend Melonie was telling me about a thrift store that hospice gets support from.  I may need that at some time so that's a thought.  Goodwill, as I've mentioned before, is a for-profit company.  We donate a lot to Savers which goes to Big Brothers and Big Sisters.  Anyway, He has so many pants to donate that I need to find a place to take them soon.

After my nap I fixed dinner and after that, decided to head over to visit Ms. Diane.  I took leftover soup and some deviled eggs and some of the big muffins for her.  We sat and watched HSN where Chef Curtis Stone was showing off his large electric skillet.  It's 14" across, and he showed how he could put 4 ribeye steaks in it to cook and when they were done (very quicky, I might add), just took a paper towel and wiped it out.  My pans I have are like that.  I will wash them after I use and put away.  Hubby hates to do pans and will not listen to how easy they are to clean - and will leave them 'soaking' overnight which irritates me.  So I wash all the pots and pans I use as I finish with them and put away.   But, back to this skillet... yeah, I bought myself one.  I actually did try to cancel it this morning for I honestly do not NEED it, but I loved that it was so useful for different things.  In my thinking, I could make an entire dinner in one skillet by cooking two different items in the same skilled.  I also bought the steamer attachment for we do like steamed vegetables and I could do a bunch in it.  I was told that if I really wanted to return it, I could use the return label inside the box and they even marked my account not to be charged the shipping charges.  Now to decide if I want to return it or keep it.  I do love to cook... but I need more people to cook for!

Anyway, after I came home from Ms. Diane's, I mentioned to hubby how nice it was outside so we went outside and sat for probably another hour or more.  It was comfortable out and it was just pleasant to sit outside in the fresh air.  When we came in, hubby asked about watching a movie (no), so he turned the TV on to the ballgame.  So I decided to watch a movie on my kindle fire - started watching The Lake House - love that movie.  He can't understand it so doesn't like it.  I got about halfway through it.  Yes, I'm worth the $3.49 rental to watch it.  So I crochet'd and watched part of the movie. Will probably watch the rest of it today sometime.  Although I do need to go over and see Ms. Vicky; it's been a couple weeks. Take her some muffins too.  I have the rest of the bread in the freezer.

Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV):  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

I memorized Philippians 2:5-11 many, many years ago.  I could probably stumble through most of it now, but I memorized it also in the NIV version.  I found it interesting that the newer 'revised' NIV versions have changed the wording somewhat.  Yes, I used the NKJV version above, and it reminded me how words change how it can be perceived.  I think I like the version I memorized it in much better. 

But regardless how it is said, the verses tell us that we should remember how Jesus, who is part of the Trinity (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit) humbled himself in appearance to be a man, to come to earth to live as we live, to live a sinless life, and then gave up His very life, to be scourged and beaten, to die on the cross, and taking all our sins, and having them placed upon Him and being nailed to the cross.  I cannot get over that Jesus loves me so much, that He would die for me. And He died for you as well.

It takes more than just being 'good' and 'doing good' to go to heaven.  I cannot say that enough.  It takes more than just going to church, or teaching classes.  It takes surrendering one's will to the Lordship of Jesus, and asking Him to take over your life, to guide and direct your path.  It's the simple prayer.... "Jesus, I'm sorry for my sins, please forgive me.  I ask that you take over my life and help me to live for You.  Help me to choose the right path to walk and seek You to guide me in all my life.  Thank You for forgiving me and help me to live the rest of my life, for You. Amen."  Then follow it up with attending a church and being baptized in water - following Jesus' example.  The going under the water symbolizes your past being buried, and rising out of the water symbolizes being raised to life again.  It's something I have never regretted doing.  I can not even imagine - nor do I want to - not following Jesus.

We will be going to church this morning - it's really odd how we both felt we should stay home last week and just spend additional time with Jesus, but I'm glad we did.  Today I'm ready to go to church. How about you?  If you can't physically go, there is always online church and plenty to choose from. Of course my favorite is FreeChapel.org.  Dr David Jeremiah is also a great preacher and one that you can relate to.  Then there is always Pastor Steve at Shartel Church.  He will always be my favorite pastor.  Why not choose one and listen to a message today; it may answer many questions you may have. 

Starting your day with Jesus is the best way to get the day going.

Blessings!

Shut up Alexa.... sometimes you just want to say it!

 I took some time to go over the message that I will be sharing the next two Sundays at the two RV parks - and as I'm reading, I said the word 'money'.  No, I did not say 'Alexa', but she seemed to think I did.  All of a sudden Alexa says, "The currency in the United States is the dollar."  I looked over at 'her' and just shook my head.  After her statement, she was quiet.  Sometimes I think she listens a little too much.  She usually 'turns on' at 6AM; I hear her little 'ping'.  She doesn't say anything.  She just 'listens'.  Yeah, I know they have people listening in... I have turned her off for a time ... but I do like for her to play music on occasion.

Yesterday was a 'different' day.  We had three town halls, of which people only needed to attend one.  Except I needed to attend all three as I was a back-up should something go wrong with the powerpoint. Now mind you, I haven't done this before, but I'm learning as I go on how to do sharing screens, etc.  No, I still don't like it as I'm still nervous about doing it wrong - but it is what it is.  Gratefully, God answered my prayers, and I didn't have to share my screen.  I really have no idea what was said - as they talked I tried to clear off the bed in here, wrap some gifts, work on my list, etc. while keeping an eye on the computer screen and listening to make sure I wasn't needed.  I did get some things done.  I even jumped on Amazon and ordered a couple more things as I realized I forgot a couple people.  I have spent way too much money this year.  I haven't been too successful in the 'cutting back' area either.  Except on some.  I am going to 're-evaluate' where I am this weekend, going through everything, and see where I can eliminate or take back some things.   It's not a biggie... it's all paid for... but I like to keep things equal.  

I still haven't figured out how I did this - I bought a Christmas sweater.  I ordered a large.  It is a BIG large.  So I'm trying to figure out who I can give it to - and ordered a medium.  I thought it was just one.  But somehow, when things were delivered yesterday, I received two of them, medium, and I go to my order and it does say I marked it two.  Now what am I going to do?  I'm starting a 'stack' of returns.  I decided to take a day off work (the 18th) to finish up Christmas.  I am going to return some things that I ordered and don't need.  Including one of these sweaters.  Maybe even the large one, if I don't think of someone to give it to.  I am going to have my list together with who else I need to get for and finish up on that day.  Hopefully, it will not be a day others are taking off to finish their shopping.  Grateful that something is too big.... but still..... it's now a pain to deal with.

I'm hoping to finish up my brothers' boxes today and even the granddaughter's who lives in Nebraska - and get them in the mail today.  Or I may wait until Monday - but then, the longer I wait to mail at the post office, the longer that line is.  When I mailed my sister's packages last Monday, there were only 3 in line ahead of me.  I've gone in the past when the line was all the way down the hallway.  So, yeah, want to get these in the mail fairly soon.  If I send out today, they should get on Monday or Tuesday, and that's fine.

Work has been really busy with scheduling meetings this week.  I have a couple to work on already this morning.  The house cleaners are also to come this afternoon.  Last month I had them skip this room - and I just may have him run the sweeper on half of the floor in here and let it go.  I have things everywhere.  They do a great job though.  Next month he can do a deep dive in here.  

Hubby had a minor check-up yesterday.  He will actually go for his physical in March, I think he said.  His doctor does a review of his medications, checks his blood work, etc. two or three times throughout the year and this was one of them.  His Hemoglobin A1c had jumped from 5.7 to 6.0 so the doctor told him to cut out his breads, pasta, rice, and potatoes.  In other words, anything made with flour and potatoes.  He came home sad because he does love his sandwiches.  And potatoes.  He was already moaning about having to have breakfast without 'home fries'.  I told him that he could have a few - just don't eat them all!  The doctor wasn't specifically saying to cut all immediately out of his diet, but cut back - which is a different terminology.  Instead of eating two cups of 'home fries', eat 1/2 cup.  Instead of two slices of toast, have one or even half of one.  Unless it is critical to stop completely, do it in moderation is my determination.  Right?  Other than that, he is healthy and will live to 100.  Or over.  

The doctor also told him that he was glad he was working out - but he needs more cardio.  The first 20 minutes of exercise just gets you going; I forget what he said it does.  But after 20 minutes, exercise starts to work on the fat.  So if I workout more than 30 minutes a week, and do at least 30 minutes a couple more days a week, I should be able to reduce some of my fat, right?  But, my life is not my own, and it is going to get busier after the first of the year when I start teaching as well.  I used to work in an office, go to college, teach two classes - and still get things done!  Now I'm in bed about 8:30PM and don't get anything done.   I've not only gotten older, I've gotten lazier, I think.  And that's sad.  And I have the same excuses you have.

Colossians 3:23 (NKJV):  "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to man."

Everything we do should be a blessing, an offering, unto the Lord.  Whether it is creating something, completing a task, writing something - doing an errand - whatever it is, do it as if we are doing it for Jesus.  Want to bake a meal?  What if you were preparing it for Jesus?  Running an errand?  What if you were running that errand for Jesus.  Think about what you do and do it for Jesus.  You won't regret it.  Life is all about Jesus. Everything you do is about Jesus.  Whether you honor Him by serving Him, or just take Him for granted, everything is still all about Jesus.

Blessings!

Don't settle for crumbs on the floor...

 This morning as I've sat here reading my Bible, a devotional, and just reflecting on various things I read from my emails, one has really stuck in my mind.  It was an email from Thomas Griffin.  I have no idea who he is, but on a whim a few months back I bought some cds he was offering titled 'Secrets of the Secret Place'.  Now that book, by the same name and written by Bob Sorge, is my very favorite devotional and I can't tell you how many times I have read it.  In fact, I know the book 'Secrets of the Secret Place' so well, just starting each reading, I already know it.  But I keep reading it.  Why?  Because it still speaks to me.  This morning I found a devotional from Thomas Griffin in my emails and I paused to read it.

In this devotional, he talked about his very young son, Judah, who was raiding the pantry one night in hopes of finding a late night snack.  Thomas went to the kitchen because it had gotten very quiet - and as we all know, a quiet young child who is awake can be frightening.  So he went to investigate.  Judah was standing by the pantry holding an empty box of crackers.  Someone had put it back in the pantry empty. (Since he said he had six boys, I'm sure it was one of them!)  So Thomas said he reached inside the pantry for a box of pretzels and got a bowl to put some in for Judan.  As he did so, a few fell on the floor and Judah started grabbing and eating those, although they were broken and in crumbs.  He told his son to stop, to look up and see the bowl he had prepared for him. But Judah kept eating the ones that had fallen on the floor.

And it made me think of how often we satisfy our hunger for things, even for God, by keeping our eyes down, looking at and eating the crumbs that fall on the floor.  We are so hungry, and yet, what falls on the floor, we go after it.... when all we have to do is 'look up!' God has filled our bowls so full they are overflowing and all we have to do is look up - look to Him - and allow Him to give us all we want.  But we settle, so many times, for the crumbs.

Are you one of those people, who settle for the crumbs of life and don't look up to God and see what all He has for you?  How many times have we refused something - for whatever reason - but often think "oh, this is good enough.  This will get me by.  I don't need anything better."  I know I have said it, and I have thought it.  A lot of my upbringing was based on I wasn't good enough, and what I had was enough. It met my need.  The crumbs I picked up could satisfy that hunger.  Oh how wrong I was!

When I dive in to a Bible study, or even in reading my Bible or a book that will help me grow, I am looking up into the bowl of all that God has for me.  I'm not looking at the crumbs on the floor to just get by with what I know right now.  I.want.more.  I want the whole thing; not just the crumbs.

I often pray that God will increase my hunger for Him, to know Him .... and the courage to make Him known to others.  And sometimes it happens unexpectedly.  And it changes lives - mine included. Let me tell you a story - a true story at that.

There was a lady I worked with at another company and when we had an opening where I am now, knowing she wanted another job, I shared it with her and even recommended her for the job.  She got it.  About six months in, for an unknown reason, she started spreading lies about me.  Others told me things she had said and I had no idea why.  Another friend whom I had been close to suddenly stopped speaking to me. I had no idea what had happened or what was going on.  Others noticed the attitudes around me.  If they asked me, I just said 'I don't know'.  For I didn't.  I went out of my way to be kind to this person who said these things.  I didn't bring up what she had said to others.  I just reached out in ways as a friend.

Her husband got really sick at work and had to be taken to the hospital.  Then she got seriously ill with her heart and ended up taking a year off work on short term disability.  When she came back to work, I welcomed her back with open arms.  Nothing was ever said about what had happened.  

I finally figured out what I thought it was.  As we sat together at lunch one day - before all the trauma in her family - she mentioned she had Budda statues all over her house, hanging on her walls, etc.  I was shocked as she professed to be a Christian.  And, because I was so shocked I said what came to my mind - "but those are idols! You shouldn't have those in your houes!"  And she responded that she thought they were just 'cute fat babies'.  From then on, she would have nothing to do with me.

Fast forward back to about a year ago... she was back at work and started asking me via email questions about Jesus.  I responded to her questions, even sent her a couple of my favorite devotionals to read.  As she asked questions and I responded, a friendship developed again.  And now, time and again, she will email me that she is reading her Bible, doing studies, and is now leading a women's class.   I don't know if the things are still in her home, and I'm sure if they are, someone will say something to her in her class.  I think this week is the first week in her home; it's been at her church they have met for the past six weeks.  But what I'm sharing is that she has actually called me her mentor and says that she can't thank me enough for helping her understand who Jesus is.

But it wasn't me at all.  It was the Holy Spirit drawing her unto Jesus.  All I had to do was let Him use me in this circumstance.  I had to continue to be kind when I really wanted to give her 'what for' on how she had treated me and lied about me.  But I held my tongue and now we are good friends.  She often shares how God is working in her life.  She is witnessing to her husband and family.  Her grown children now go to church with her occasioally.  And she makes sure they pray over their meals and she has carved out several hours of her day to read her Bible and study.  To God be all the glory.

I'm not telling you this story to get accolades... but when we let Jesus have the crumbs of our life, He can take those and feed others.  He can take all our mistakes and wipe them clean, and use them for our good.  He loves us so much that He died for us.  A horrible, tortureous death.  

Oh how I wish words I write in this blog will cause your heart to yearn for the love of God!  True, much of what I write is just my daily stuff, which I'm sure bores you.  But Jesus will never bore you.  Pick up your Bible and start reading in it.  You will find rich gold in the words.  I'm starting Ephesians tomorrow morning - would you read through it with me tomorrow?  Just a couple chapters a day - and in a couple days you will be finished.  If you don't have a Bible, please let me know in comments and give me a way to contact you; I will send you a Bible.

You can't learn about Jesus without reading the Bible.  You can't learn of God's love, of His commandments that will help us live the life He craves for us without reading His Word.  Don't delay any longer.  Start with the book of John, and you will learn of how much Jesus loves you.  The old testament about Numbers and Leviticus can bore you at times because it is all about numbers (duh) and laws of the priests.  But "read the red" as some people say, in the New Testament.  Those are the words of Jesus.  Read them, reread them, and read them again.

Larry Lea wrote a book years ago called Could you not tarry one hour?  That book spoke to me when I read it 'way back when' in my early walking with Jesus.  He talks in this book of when he first became a Christian and he 'read the red' so that he would know Jesus.

And that is - or should be - our goal.  To know Jesus, and to make Him known.  Glory to His Name.

Don't settle for crumbs.... look up....  go for Jesus and all that He has for you on His table.

Blessings!

Sometimes life can be discouraging....

 Whether people mean for it to be - or not.  Things happen, things are said or done.... and I talk and share way too much.  Enough about my rambling thought this morning.

I love life.  I may grumble and gripe a lot... but I love to be active and I love to live life.  I love people and I love doing special things for them - or things I think they would like and enjoy.  Many times I guess I just overstep my boundary lines and well, things done aren't always received too well; at least not the way I hoped they would be.  But that is also life.

I cannot live life in fear of what what may happen; or what may come about; or what was... I can only face today and do my best to live it with a good attitude and pray for good.

I received my Southern Theasaurus the other day and have enjoyed going through it.  For Christmas the other year I bought the great granddaughters a few 'Southern' books.  I know they won't understand... but I love my southern heritage and being from the south.  I like to think we are special.  Of course every area of the world has their own dialect of saying things.... but I love the drawl of the south.  It's friendly.  Y'all know that, right?

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV):  "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

As fallen humans, it is our nature to become impatient if our expectations are not immediately fulfilled.  But the apparent delay in Christ's return is a gift of mercy, a sign of God's patience.  In His great love, He waits, granting people the opportunity to repent and be saved, not willing that any should perish.  This "grace period" until Jesus returns gives each of us more time to spread the good news of salvation and reach as many people as we can with the free salvation that is ours.  But we are already in the end times and Christ's return can happen anytime... are you ready?  

I received a video from someone yesterday and it was about praying for your children - to never give up.  It just intensified my desire to pray more over my children as I desire each one and their families to turn to Jesus and follow Him.  He doesn't demand perfection - only He is perfect - He only wants us to follow Him.  I cry out to Jesus for each of my children, my grandchildren, and my great grandchildren, by name, and future generations as well.  I pray generational curses be broken in the name of Jesus.  I pray that new life will come forth in each one.  I pray that each will turn to Jesus and will follow Him.  If I had to lay down my life for my children to be saved, I would in a heartbeat.  I want them with Jesus.

I encourage you to pray for your children.  This world with all the things in it have turned our children away from God.  Money, jobs, people, video games - so much has taken the minds of our children away from Jesus.  We no longer get and keep our children in church.  Oh many have the head knowledge of God; I did as I was growing up...... but it is the heart knowledge that will get them in to heaven.  As a parent, do you want your child going to hell because you didn't live for Jesus and you didn't choose to give them the example of following Jesus?  I'm not pointing fingers at anyone.  I failed; and therefore now I pray. And pray hard.  My heart's desire is that each of my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, will choose Jesus over the world.  It really isn't hard to follow Him.  It's just letting Him help you with living life.  Making the choices that are good for you and for others.  It's all about Jesus.

I had lunch yesterday with an old friend whose husband died last November.  Can you even imagine getting on a plane, sitting down, fastening your seatbelt and whoosh!  Your spouse dies.  Right in front of you. In a split second.  I can't imagine the horror of it all.  She has done well in coping and seeking grief therapy through Stephens Ministry programs.  She's not up to getting on a plane yet though, and I don't blame her.  But she is confident he was ready to meet Jesus.  Are we as confident in our spouses, our children, or even ourselves, that we are ready to meet Jesus.  One minute we are alive and breathing; the next, we are 'gone'.  Something to think about.

Yesterday was an extremely busy day at work and I imagine today will be as well.  I've been buried in finding times for meetings - some very critical to where I'm nearly begging other admins to move their boss's meeting so that I can put mine there.  And when I ask God to help me, He generally does.  Some will email me with a meeting request and call me a 'miracle worker'.  I quickly send them a note back that it isn't me being a 'miracle worker'.... it is God answering my prayers and finding a time I can fit the meeting in.  Yeah, I'm getting more bold in just putting God out there, even though we aren't supposed to.  Luckily my two big bosses are Christians.... I don't know the others well enough to know where they are at, so I have started to tell them when something comes together that it is all God, not me, pulling it together for them.  Some will comment they agree; others ignore my comments.  And that's fine.  God comes first in my life.  If the company wants to get rid of me because of it, God will always provide for us when I keep my eyes on Him and sharing who He is.

I need to run to the store this morning and get milk - started to fix a shake yesterday and a whiff of the milk we had didn't set well with me, so it went down the drain.  So I had oatmeal yesterday; with nuts and raisins; but no milk.  Just realized I didn't put honey or cinnamon in it either.  Oh well.  Need to get dressed and get the milk so hubby can have his shake when he returns from his workout.  

My trainer gave me a compliment yesterday.  He said that many women 'my age', and even those in their 50's, that he trains does not have the strength that I have.  Which surprised me, in a way.  I would be stronger if I had been allowed to clean the house (seriously!  Mopping floors and sweeping builds up the arms and back!).  I asked him what he meant and he just said that he had moved my weight up on the machines when I worked out - and I was able to do three complete sets.  Muscle memory he calls it.  I did have muscles many years ago.  Now if the muscles in my belly and butt would recall their memory of being much smaller.... just saying.  He even said that some men cannot lift as much as I have been.  That surprised me, but as we talked about it, I understood the reason why.  Many men have desk jobs.  They work hard every day, come home and sit all evening.  Just like a lot of us women.  By the time they get ready to retire they realize that 'maybe', just maybe they need to make their body more healthy so that they can live longer.  Or the doctor tells them they need to exercise and get the body moving.  So they go to the gym, hire a trainer, and expect miracles immediately.    I get it... I want miracles to happen to my body too.  Grateful that I have worked out many times in the past; but I'm still not as strong as I used to be.  I love getting some definition in my arms... still waiting on the legs to show something besides fat.  In time; I just have to be patient.

And... I need to get some things done this morning so will hush... hope that you have an amazing day.

Blessings!

First day of the new year - 2023

 We did make it to bed around 10:15PM or so last night.  Hubby was weird, in a sense.  He wasn't real thrilled that I wanted the TV off - and I chose to read one of my new books last night (and got 3/4 of the way through it! Didn't want to finish it last night - lol - can I still count it as one for this year finished although I started it last year?)  Hubby fussed with his phone last night (he really does need a life.)  When he whined about being bored, I told him he needed to read and do something productive, not read through all the political things on his phone.  That didn't go over well.  Anyway, I was ready to go to bed around 9PM... he turned the TV on to watch the new year celebrations.  I could care less.  He whined... we didn't have our usual cheese and crackers and a glass a wine to celebrate the new year!  I paused... I don't remember doing that 'every' year.... but to appease him, I pulled it together for him to make him happy.  So it ended up we were up until after 10PM.  a new year doesn't change anything.... it's just a new day with one year ending and another beginning.

Today won't be much different than other Sundays other than I am speaking at the RV park today.  After that we will probably 'have' to stop and get brunch somewhere since we don't eat breakfast before we leave, and you know how hubby is about skipping meals.  Sometime today I need to check on my daughter and granddaughter's cats - they are in New Mexico until tomorrow so I am to check on their food and water.  I literally forgot (confession) to go yesterday to my daughter's to check on Chloe and Lily... I love her cats and they come to me and give me kisses (well, Lily does) when I go over.  Chloe will let me pet her.  I had checked the night before and their dishes were still full and they had plenty of water.  Forgetting to go yesterday isn't a big deal... but I do need to go today and check on them.  They all will be heading back tomorrow.  I asked Siri to remind me by noon that I need to go over there; don't want to forget again. It's not something I usually do.

Nothing is on the agenda for today other than church and feeding the cats.  I wonder if there is a football game; if not, hubby will be wanting to watch a movie since we didn't watch any last night.  Who am I kidding.  He always wants the TV on and a game or movies or a show on.  I enjoy the peace and quiet - and a good book.  Wonder if I will be able to finish this one today so I can mark one finished for 2023.  

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.  We've all heard that saying before.  And, technically, it is the first day of the new year.  We always set our goals or resolutions or whatever to begin on the first.  It could be the first day of the year.  It could be a Sunday or Monday, whichever you consider the first day of the week.  So today is all firsts - 

Sunday - first day of week

January 1 - first day of month

January 1, 2023 - first day of new year

Wouldn't it be awesome to make a goal today, that you would follow for the rest of your life?  How may times will this happen to have all firsts line up like today?

If today is truly the first day of the rest of your life - what does that look like for you?  

I'm starting a couple things today.... the Forty/Forty - I think I told you about that already.  One mile a day for forty days, starting today.  I'll get my mile in later, although I think I need to ask Siri to remind me to do it.  Glad I have a treadmill.  Or maybe I will 'bite the bullet and see if the gym is open - but then, it IS a holiday, although most of us get tomorrow off (YAY ME).  So looking forward to tomorrow off.  If the tree doesn't come down today, it will come down tomorrow for sure.

Started reading in Genesis in my Bible.  Starting is the first part to get through the Bible in one year. (goal)

Starting another book 'Dear Abba', that I've started a few times over the years and never finished.  It isn't a 'read through' book; it requires you to respond to questions.  I get started but because it does take time to write things out and think about them... I end up running out of time then get discouraged.  I could make that a goal to finish it this year.  

The first day of the rest of my life.  What would I want to change to make this year what I want it to be? 

I feel I need to do MY part and make my own changes within, so that I can accomplish whatever goals I set for myself.  I need to MAKE time to read more, if that is the change I want to make.  I need to WATCH what I eat if I want to lose weight (and not just every bite, but what the food is).  I need to CONTACT/TRAVEL to visit my granddaughter and great-grandchild if I want to develop a closer relationship with them.  I need to MAKE BETTER CHOICES of things that I do.  I need to CHOOSE words carefully when speaking with others.  I need to be BETTER PREPARED to give a good word when it is needed.  Yeah, I have some things I need to work on.

What about you?  What would you like different about yourself?  Sometimes changes in others starts with changes in ourselves.  Give that some thought.

Ok - need to jump in the shower - after all, it IS Sunday.  Just kidding.  Yes, I do need a shower, but not just because it is Sunday.  I DO take showers most days.  I do like to smell decent.

Hope that 2022 ended with things the way you want them - and if not, I pray that 2023 brings you one step closer to building relationships that bless you, goals that build you up, and that in 2023 you will commit yourself to the ONE who can help you achieve all things.  It's all about Jesus.  Life begins and ends with Him.  Won't you make today, the first day of the week, first day of the new year, the first day of the new month.... the first day of the rest of your life... a commitment to follow Jesus and seek His face?  It is one goal, one decision, that you will never regret.

Blessings!

Yesterday started out good with my coffee....

 but I was pretty much a mess by last night.  Let me explain.  My work day went well, but it wasn't long in the day when I remembered what the day was... what memory it brought back to mind.  I became overwhelmingly broken.  My tears kept coming unbidden, and I'm not sure why.  It's been 36 years since Amy, Kara, and Little Buddy were burned in the home fire.  Why was it breaking my heart yesterday?  Is it still part of the 'break my heart, Lord, for what breaks yours' request I asked last week?  I'm sure God was brokenhearted at the death of the three children, although He could have prevented it - and did not.  Why?  I have no idea.  I only know it really messed some of us up.  I haven't been affected like this in years and don't understand the why of it now.  What is God preparing me for?

My comfort is knowing that these three small children are in heaven with Jesus.  Perhaps they were 'saved' from something much worse.  Maybe their death was for us.  I know my little brother never got over the loss of his children.  Years later he would sit at a fast food restaurant with his children's photos laying out on the table, sobbing greatly over his loss.  I remember being told one time his blood pressure shot up so high from his anguish that an ambulance was called and he was taken to the hospital.  I cannot imagine the loss of one of my children, my grandchildren, or even now my little great-grandchildren.  I don't even want to think about that - and I continuously ask God to watch over and protect them.

Perhaps it was missing my siblings who have already passed away.  I miss my big brother a lot.  I miss my big sister and I miss my little brother.  Yesterday my little sister and I even chatted about our loss of siblings and I found it interesting that she claimed she would be the last one of us left.  Because she is the youngest I guess.  But none of us know who will be the 'last one standing'.  

Perhaps that is what started the tears yesterday.  We went to Bible study last night and at one point, for some unknown reason, I ended up sharing about my little brother and the loss of his children.  I guess it is because of the grief I carried in my heart over the loss of those I love.  My anguish.  I don't know.  I didn't mean to share.  Hubby said he was surprised I did.  But I felt so overwhelmed at the loss.  When we went to bed last night, I found myself crying myself to sleep.  What is going on with me?  Why were the tears falling into my pillow?  

I have no answers to what I was going through last night.  Is God preparing me for something?  I don't know.  I've already spent time with Him this morning, asking Him questions and seeking His face.  I plan to take some time later today to just sit with Jesus and let Him minister to my heart.  Hubby said he wasn't going to the Bible study this morning, because he has a doctor's appointment late morning, and then a haircut, and then his study tonight.  He will be gone most of the afternoon.  Although I don't always take a lunch hour, my thought is to take that hour while he is gone, and the house is quiet, to get away from my work computer for 'lunch', and just sit with Jesus.  

I'm sure what I've written is pretty deep for some.  I don't even understand why it was/is affecting me the way it has.  Why did I even share it? It was 36 years ago!  But it felt like yesterday.  The anguish was so great.  Was I to share it because someone needed to hear they can get through loss and grief?  It will be hard, but there is someone who is our Comforter in times like that.

John 14:16 (KJV) "And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever."

In other translations He is called the Helper, the Advocate, and other definitions.  But it is the Holy Spirit whom was sent to abide in us and to help us in whatever we go through.  Do I believe the Holy Spirit was with me even with my sorrow and tears yesterday?  Yes, I do.  I don't have any answers as to why I was in such anguish of soul.  My faith has not wavered; I know that even when I don't know the why of things that happened, God has it all in the palm of His hand; nothing misses Him.  Nothing catches Him by surprise.  He knew what my yesterday was going to be like even 36 years ago.

And He knows what your days are like.  In spite of our sorrows, in spite of our anguish of soul, Jesus is always there for us.  He never lets us down.  Even when we don't sense His Presence, even when we don't believe He cares for us, that He has forgiven us, that He has set us free ..... even when we don't believe it, He Is.

Remember when Jesus walked on the water and His disciples thought He was a ghost when He walked on the water to them?  They asked who it was... and He responded "It is I."

Mark 6:49-51 (NKJV):  "And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid." Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled."

Jesus still walks on water; He still is with us.  We are not to be afraid, but to trust, in faith, in Whom He is.  Holy Spirit, come.

Blessings!