and am grateful today has finally arrived. No big deal, other than it means that the work week is almost over. I still have one big meeting to complete and am waiting on a response from an admin at another company to give me the availability of their people. Once I get it, I can schedule that meeting - and then I can start focusing on extending meetings into 2025. Yeah, have to do that soon because otherwise the dates/times fill up and then I have to figure it all out again. Series meetings are easy, but they are also a pain in the behind at times.
My trainer had me doing core again last night - I tried to tell her it was time for chest or back as we did biceps last Wednesday, but it appears she wants to do core every other week. So of course we did core. I love Morgan; she doesn't do the same exercise each time, but comes up with new core exercises. And they hurt too! I was talkative last night - too much, in fact (imagine that). She had me do 5 (yes, FIVE) core exercises and I only got through them totally twice, and about 1/2 way through the third set. I feel a twinge ever so often, but tomorrow will determine how much 'core work' is going to affect the body. I love how these aren't machine workouts but using a weighted ball, or a big round ball, or bands and sliders. I can do these at home. Not that I would do that. Ha Ha. I should. I need to get my core tightened up - and you know what - it just might pull some of this fat off my belly as well. I can hope, right?
My trainer said she liked my hair when I got there last night - and I bemoaned the fact I don't think I like it. I think it is too blunt cut. And he cut about 2" more off than I really meant for him too. You know I am right when hubby tells me yesterday that he liked the length of my hair. sigh. I was talking with my little sister yesterday and she asked me if I had washed it after I came home. (no, he washed it so why would I?) She said that I need to wash it anyway because then I can blow it dry the way I want it, and I will find it will fall in to place like I want it - and not specifically the way he styled it. So this morning I will jump in the shower and wash my hair. I just took a shower yesterday as I don't wash my hair every day. Maybe I need to?
James 1:33 (NKJV): Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves, Do what it says.
How many times do we listen to a message while thinking about other things? What are we having for lunch or dinner. Who is coming over. What do I need to pick up at the store. Oh look at what that woman is wearing. I need to.... We all do it, I think. My mind wanders at times while I'm sitting in church. (Not always, mind you, I'm hoping to grab ahold of some truth to think about!) How many times do we read our Bibles or a good book and then close it, and go on throughout the day without even thinking about that scripture again. I'm guilty, just as you are. Sometimes, if we are reading the 'right' book(s), something will stand out that will make you think "Yeah, I need to surrender that, or memorize that, or think about that" and yet, we continue the day as if we had never paused to read anything. Yeah, I'm guilty of that too.
I really want to turn my spiritual life inside out. What do I mean by that? I'm a mess, and I know it. I have allowed the devil a foothold through my emotions, through my words, even my thoughts and actions concerning other people - and myself. Me bemoaning my hair? Trust me, that's not of God. He created me in His image and I am beautiful - even if I don't have any hair! I need to get my eyes off ME, and on HIM. And so do you.
I will admit that I struggle at times in my walk. People slander and people hurt and it makes me angry. Angry people are really just hurting people. We respond in anger when someone hurts us. It's our defensive mode. But what if we gave it to Jesus and asked Him to take that anger and give us peace in the situation? I've done it many times, and I will probably do it many more times. There is always at least one person in our life that irritates us with their words, attitudes, and well, we just need to stay away from them. I know that says 'cut them out of our lives', but we can do more being IN their lives by our witness that it is Jesus living in us, and not the devil. In spite of people claiming to be Christians, and by their behavior and actions and words we feel they are not, we are not to judge. Each of us do what we think is right. Some people have mental issues and even they use it as an excuse to do the things they do. Right or wrong, we are called to love them, right where they are. By our actions, perhaps they will truly come to know Jesus.
As I read my bible daily, as I let go of the things that hurt and bother me, as I spend time with Jesus in prayer..... I will receive the strength I need to prevail and live for Him. That is my heart's desire, that I live for Jesus only and allow Him to live in me and through me. God is always up to something, and He will use us in ways we don't understand. We just need to let go of the reins and let God be God. Right?
Needles of Hope in the morning and we're meeting at Panera again as the office has a skylight that heats up the area we sit in. It's a drive for me, but it's ok. Last time I got scones. Maybe I'll get a breakfast sandwich with my coffee. Makes me think - we met friends at McAllister's Deli last night for dinner and there were 4-5 women sitting in the corner crocheting and knitting. They were there when we arrived, and didn't leave until just before we did. Long enough for this one woman to have 3 - yes 3 - large 32 ounce sodas. Where does she put it? I can't get through one! But I did drink water last night instead of soda. :-) Loved the Rueben sandwich I had. yum.
Hubby is getting ready to go to his bible study and I think I'll hit the shower. Hopefully I can do something with my hair that I will come to like it. Praying still for my boy and his wife in another state. The wedding they are going to is today and then they are heading to Indy to visit an uncle, then his half sister and stepmom. Praying for safe travels. Can't wait for them to get back home where I know they are ok. You parents know exactly what I mean.
My youngest son called yesterday that he has registered for another bachelor's degree - this time in criminal justice. I think it will hold his interest - it would mine. I'm proud of him that he is continuing to learn rather than just sit in his retirement. Of course with two little ones (grandchildren) running around he will have to carve out time to study. Praying he stays focused.
Need to get off and get busy. Hope you have an amazing day! Until tomorrow...
Blessings!
