In His time, He answers....

 Yesterday was a good day.  No, I did not get ANY cleaning done.  Lazy in that respect.  But, after I came out of here, I fixed egg sandwiches for us for 'brunch', and not long after that, hubby turned on the TV to watch the Notre Dame game.  I remembered my son's gift, and I also wanted to go look at storage stuff at Michael's, so told hubby that was what I was going to do.  He didn't care. He had the ND game on.  So I decided to go to my son's first and it was good to see him and my beloved DIL and a special grandson. (well, ALL my grandsons (and granddaughters are special) who still lives at home.  After visiting for a few moments, it was so stinking hot standing in the sun so I soon left and headed back towards home and Michaels.  

I didn't find the storage containers I was thinking about, but I did find some artificial flowers on sale for fall.  I have once again become 'my mother' in that I 'plant' artificial flowers.  In this heat, I get really tired of spending $100-$200 on real plants, only for them all to be dead within a month.  As mentioned, they had artificial fall flowers on sale (normally $11.99 each bunch) - and with my discount coupons - I ended up paying about $3.76 for each bunch - and I got about 14 bunches, I think.  But I've got to tell you something hilarious!!

After I got home (went to Fry's after Michaels to pick up a few things) and brought the groceries in, I noticed a reflection of someone in our courtyard.  I go and stand at the window facing the porch to see who it was.  It was our 'roofmate'!  This is what is so funny!  She was looking at my plants - and I still had the artificial 'summer' flowers in three of the pots in the courtyard plus one on the outside of the gate.  She was walking around the courtyard and feeling the flowers to determine if they were real or not!  I stood and watched her, wanting to open the door and say "can I help you?", but I didn't.  I just watched.  She discovered the three plants on the covered porch are real.  The sun doesn't burn them up.  But the others - LOL - I have the drip hose (whatever it is called) in each one because I want to keep the soil soft, in case I do go to a potted real plant in the future.  So I know she thinks I'm nuts because I'm 'watering' artificial plants!  Apparently she had been in her courtyard (noticed their grill is back in the front courtyard and they were grilling a steak) and had wondered why my plants were still alive and hers had died.  LOL  So what did I do after she went back home and inside their house?  I quickly gathered the fall artificial flowers I had just purchased, pulled all the spring flowers out of the pots and put the fall ones in.  LOL  The next time she comes out in to their courtyard, she will see NEW flowers in my pots - still being 'watered'.  LOL  Just for the record, two of the pots do have real plants in them too; they are just now growing from the seeds I planted a few months ago.  But isn't that funny?  She never did ring the doorbell or knock. She just walked around and looked at my pillows on the bench and the plants, and then left and went back home.  Hilarious!  I stood at the window, watched, and laughed!

Back to my title.... In His time, He answers.... well, you know how I want to be back teaching a Bible study again.  I have truly missed the group studies and discussions.  And, I love to teach - not that I am any great scholar or anything, but I love to share about Jesus with others.  I've prayed about it and asked God to lead me.  You know how I struggled at our previous church, trying to get a class together.  I've given previous book studies to one of the pastors here and haven't heard anything, but Pastor Josh did ask hubby a month or so ago about us leading a life group.  I wanted to do it, but left it up to hubby - as we are already in a life group.  We've bonded with the people and are happy with the group - except that our leaders cancelled for the summer, which is ok (all of us had travels coming up in July and August).  Here it is mid-September and we all were wondering when we were going to start up again.  Well, yesterday we got a text that after much prayer, they have decided to dissolve our life group as they will be doing an exceptional amount of travel through the end of the year (going to Europe in December!) and won't be available to lead it.  So now I'm thinking.... is this God's answer to my prayers to have a bible study?  

Back to Pastor Josh, hubby decided he wanted to stay in our current life group.  Well, now it's leaderless, so I asked hubby about taking it on.  He seems reluctant for some reason; then said he would just rather we get together on occasion with the other couples.  That's not what a 'life group' is... he is just wanting to go to dinner occasionally with them.  I'm wanting to dig deeper int he bible.  Does that make sense? I get what he is wanting.... I know this is stemming from my suggestion to him a couple weeks ago that why didn't he call Pete (who is about 80-ish I believe, but still very active) and ask to meet for breakfast and talk to him about starting to meet up occasionally and study a book together.  I'm wanting to keep the group we have bonded with together and teach a book.  I don't want to immediately 'jump' into taking the lead.  So I am praying about what to do.  Do the others WANT to stay together.  I know Pete & Carol were somewhat frustrated, as we were, about not meeting.  I want to stay at our house and lead it; hubby wants to go to their houses too - alternate.  Who is the social butterfly here?  LOL  I don't know how it is going to end up, but I'm sure hubby will be cornering Pete at church this morning to talk with him about breakfast - and maybe the group.  I wonder if Pastor Josh has been told that our leaders don't want to do it anymore.  Will he say anything to us this morning?  I don't want to bring it up first; but if I see Pete & Carol, I may just ask what they want to do.  Stay in our group or find another one. That may be my answer as well.  Whatever the answer is - I'm leaning into God to lead me where, and when, and what He wants me to do.  

All three of us 'other couples' have a medical issue going on within our family.  Pete & Carol's grandson has brain cancer (just discovered); Bob & Claudia's daughter has an immune system disorder and recently discovered cancer.  We have our son needing a liver transplant.  I think we are a great group to get together and just pray together for the health of our families.  I just feel it; but will wait on God's timing.  And figure out WHAT to teach on.....

I know my preaching schedule comes up starting in November and I will have that to 'keep me busy', but other than preaching, we don't do much but an occasional dinner with two of the couples there.  I have to be patient... and have been in this case.... and now our leaders have resigned the group.  I'm waiting on God for the next steps.   Is this God's answer to my prayers about teaching?  Stay tuned.

Today is the 9th anniversary of the start-up of our church and they are having a big cookout after the 3rd service.  They did it last year, but because we were then going to the first service, we didn't return.  But now we go to the 3rd service so we are already there and will stay.  It will be interesting how they set it up; there isn't a lot of room inside, unless they bring out tables and move the chairs around them in the sanctuary.  It should be fun and there will be lots of people - and it will be very hot outside...... and there will be food that I don't have to pay for nor cook.  Just saying.  

In the 'a call to die' book by David Nasser I read something this morning that although I have read it before, became a paragraph I wrote in my 'want to remember' book.  He had shared a story about God telling someone to do something - and when they did, they got an opportunity to share Jesus with someone who had been watching.  But here is what he wrote..... 

"We are not always promised that God will show us the 'big picture'. It's not obedience if we only obey when we know the great things that will come out of it or when it is convenient for us. God wants our availability and obedience to Him simply because He asks. If anyone has the right to ask for this kind of obedience, it would be the sovereign, Holy God."

When you feel that nudge to 'do something', 'say something' to someone, it may be God nudging you to step out in faith and in obedience to speak to someone.  It may not necessarily be about Him; it may be only to show kindness to someone.  How can we be 'Jesus' to others?  By being available to be His hands and His feet when He calls us to obedience.

I think of the story of a pastor who dressed in ragged clothes, went unshaven a few days, didn't bathe, and just looked homeless..... and one Sunday morning he laid himself over some the steps in front of the church, just to see what would happen.  And what did happen?  People went around him; commented he ought to leave and go somewhere else to 'sleep it off'.  No one paused to ask if he was hungry, did he need medical care, how could they help.  When it was time for the service to start, everyone was shocked with the pastor walked into the church, dressed as a homeless man, and began to preach.  He didn't shame them, but shared how they missed being the hands and feet of Jesus.  That's a story for all of us.  Especially when we see people sitting outside restaurants on the curb; sitting beside the door of a grocery store.  We should look at people with the eyes of Jesus, and be His hands and feet.

Reminds me also of an old book I have.  I read it the first time when I was much younger.  It is still in print as a paperback, but I have a copy of it hardback.  I've read it several times, and I have been thinking about reading it again lately.  It's called In His Steps by Charles Sheldon.  My former mother and father in-law had this book also.  I'm not sure if I read it there the first time, or from my mother.  But the story within this book is about a man who walks inside a church and asks the pastor a question that the pastor ponders and then acts on.  Other in the church also take on this challenge.  I have put myself in this challenge many times.  And it may be time that I do it again, by reading this book and becoming familiar with it once again.  If you were walking with Jesus, walking in His steps, how would you treat others; how would you be living?  Great book to read and highly recommended - by me!

And with that, I will leave you with this....

I Peter 3:8 (ESV):  Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Wishing you a day full of abundant blessings and favor of God.

Blessings!

My mouth hurts!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings!