Ms. Diane and I had a 'tiff' last night. Usually I can 'blow off' her comments and let them go. But I had to leave last night. I had taken her a frozen strawberry dessert that I had made for her, as she had mentioned on my last visit how much she had enjoyed it. She had the 'convention' on. I commented that I didn't watch the one a week or so ago, and I was definitely not going to watch this one, so I probably would not stay long. And she started in on the candidates for presidency. Now I knew where she stood, as her children had told me long ago. I knew we would not agree, but I have always said I could agree for us to disagree. But last night, she wouldn't let up. I made the comment about we need to look at biblical mandates as well as the policies that these people stood for. And, if we do not vote God's way, what the Bible says (regardless of which candidate one favors), we could go to hell. Maybe that is a bit out of line or farfetched, but when she responded "I will go to hell before I vote for that person!" I lost it. She has proclaimed to be a Christian (although her children say she is not) when we have talked about God and believing in Jesus. After she said that, I told her that I believe I need to leave; it is her home, and she can watch whatever she wants, she can say whatever she wants, but I can choose to leave. I told her that I loved her, but I could not sit there and listen to the words she was saying. And I got up to leave. She followed me to the door and I again told her that I loved her, but I probably would not be back to visit for awhile. She said she loved me too, shut the door and locked it. And I came home. It is her home. She can do or say whatever she wants to. It was my choice to not sit there and listen to the convention and the comments made. So I came home and prayed for her. I care about her, I love her. But politics should not be part of our conversation; especially not the way she was spewing the words out. I had a choice; stay and listen and get angry and say things I probably should not say.... or leave. I feel I made the better choice.
And, on to another subject..... I contacted Vanilla Gift Card yesterday. Called them and got a woman who I had to ask to repeat her comments numerous times. I finally got an email and a case number to where I could send my request to have my gift card replaced. I completed that task and sent the info off to the email provided. This morning I had a response. They want the original packaging (since this was a Christmas gift, it has long been thrown away), they want the original receipt and where it was purchased and when (of which I have none). I don't think they will honor my request. I responded to them that it was a Christmas gift, the packaging had been destroyed a long time ago, and the receipt was never given, and I'm not sure who gave it to me. I got the impression that without their 'rules' being followed, I will not get a replacement card.
So with that - I would ask that Amazon or other gift cards be given - with the receipt - although in this case I would have thrown the receipt away with the packaging, not knowing the barcode was partway missing. I don't even know how much the card was worth as it wasn't written on it, but based on the other gift card I received, I imagine it was about $50. At least $25. Doesn't matter about the amount, I sent photos with my email and vanilla gift should just apologize for the error and check the balance and send the giftcard. Or maybe they can't check the balance without a full barcode; I couldn't check it because of that. So what are the numbers on the front of the card for if they go by the numbers on the barcode? It makes no sense to me. Oh well, enough rambling about that. Maybe I will get a response later today and will have more to share on it.
Dealing with a headache this morning - is that what is making me so grouchy?
My little sister sent me some 'bling' to put on my watch. She had sent one before my birthday, but it was too small, so I returned it to her; so she reordered it and I received it yesterday. So now I have bling!
My trainer came back from vacation yesterday so we are meeting up tonight for training. I do enjoy the training, believe it or not. Tonight will be legs again and since I didn't work on legs last week, I will probably walk very wobbly out to the car afterwards. I could have done squats while she was gone and I didn't have any training. But I didn't. I could have gone to the gym or rec center and worked out. Didn't do that either. I did go to the fitness center at the hotel, but I just wasn't 'in the mood' to do a real workout so only did a few things - and didn't complete the sets. I'm feeling tired right now. I know once I get moving around I'll feel better. Right?
Psalm 16:8 (NKJV): I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Grateful that the Lord is always before me, beside me, and with me. I don't think people have the sensitivity for Him that generations before had. I grew up in church and I had a head knowledge of God, but I didn't know Him, even though I went to the altar many times and prayed and asked forgiveness, I was baptized. I didn't personally know Him because my parents never showed me that side of Him. When we started going to church out here, I found Jesus - or He found me. He drew me ever so close to Him and I got to experience His love, His grace, His forgiveness. I have never regretted my decision to allow Jesus to be Lord of my life. He is the reason I am alive, He is the reason I am here today. You have no idea of what I have been through in my life; and most you will never know. But I will tell you that if it wasn't for Jesus, I would not be here; I would not be the person I am today.
So you don't care about Jesus? That's your choice. I love Jesus and I choose to always put Him and His Will before mine. Sure, I fall sometimes and do stupid things that I know disappoints Him, but when I return and ask forgiveness, He always extends His grace to me. And He will do that for you as well, if you return with a sincere repentant heart. I have nothing to fear from Him. Sure, I have to suffer the consequences of my actions, but Jesus will always walk through those circumstances with me, growing me, helping me, loving me. He has never stopped loving me. And He has never stopped loving you, no matter how many times you have turned your back on Him.
My heart and my flesh cry out for Him, to know Him more. There is no greater friend than Jesus. He will never leave you; He will never leave you fatherless. He is God in the flesh. I remember crying in a hotel room when I was about 14 years old, for my father who died when I was 7. I don't know what triggered it, I don't know why I was inconsolable. I remember at one point I felt a warmth encircle me, and my heart was calmed; my tears stopped. My heavenly Father loved me. He knew my pain; He felt my loss. And He comforted me as only He could. I haven't thought of that in years. Even when I didn't heart-know Him, He knew me. And He knows you.
I will set the Lord always before me, because He is always at my right hand so that I will not be moved.
Blessings!
