My youngest son and his wife have already hit the road this morning for their l-o-n-g roadtrip. I think they plan to be back like around October 2 or 3. Home for a couple days and then head out again. "Must be nice", huh. Not envious - well, maybe I am, in a way. I've never been a traveler - or even wanting to travel much - unless it is to visit family or to visit a granddaughter 'south'. Just going to a state to say I've been to that state, even if it is to see something there, is not my thing. Why? Probably because when I was growing up, the only place we went was Tennessee. Once I left home my parents and those still at home would head to Florida for a getaway. I was never included. My traveling has always consisted of visiting family. I'm ok with that. With hubby and I, in the first 40 years of marriage, we never had any money to travel. Yes, we made a few trips back to Indy - but very few, and usually it was because we had to go to court, or a funeral. Hubby has pushed for us getting away on our anniversary for the past several years. I told him that this year was the last year. I refuse to let him drive, and there is no reason for me to drive us somewhere away from family and everyone else - and then just stay in the room pretty much. I'm not a sight-see-r. Just never have been. Seen it once - you've seen it. I may travel again at some point, but for now, I'll save my money and vacation at home. Now if someone wanted to take us somewhere with them.... I'd seriously consider it!
We watched the entire Charlie Kirk memorial yesterday on TV. I did ok (with a little grumbling about some of the speeches) until Erika Kirk spoke. Her grief just broke my heart. Yes, I cried - not cry cry - but I did have to wipe tears away. Personally, there were too many speakers, but it was good that many of them shared the gospel and encouraged everyone to turn to Jesus. Some people may have heard it for the very first time. I still just can not get over the hate. The indifference toward it all is to be expected. People were not involved in this ministry and probably had heard of Charlie Kirk, but had not followed him. And indifference is ok. But the hatred and the words spoken by those who did not even know him, is unreal. I haven't heard of the actual funeral... don't know if they have already had it - or if it will be this week. Regardless, it will be very painful for that last goodbye, and I my heart breaks for Erika and the family.
Not sure what my workday is going to be like today. I keep feeling like I should take tomorrow off work. I do have my follow up appointment with Dr. Mark, but why do I feel like I need to take a vacation day? I need to make that decision today and put in for it, making sure I have back up. Now that we know hubby's lab tests are in, I'm hoping they will schedule him for tomorrow to come in to talk with Dr. Mark - or they may not even need to have him come in. I know Wednesday morning I plan to meet my favorite boss for breakfast - and hubby has a simon med appointment for an ultrasound - which he does not need me to attend with him. Maybe I just need to take the day off tomorrow. For me. I want to bake some strawberry bread for my boss; I've told her about it and she wants to try it. I need to get started on my other baking too. Need to hit the grocery store. Yeah, maybe I will. A day for me. :-)
I talked with Ms. Diane the other day. I still have not gone to visit her at this facility. She said they haven't gotten her up for rehab in over a week. So now her children are moving her to a group home and are packing things up to put her house up for sale. One of the houses up for sale sold the other day - only 1200 sq ft so it was a small one. But we have one with the sign still up, one that may still be 'on the market' without a sign, and one that will be going up soon. I wish ours was Yes, I want a house. With a back yard. A place that we can call our own without other people managing it. Hubby refuses to leave.... but prayer changes things. He also refused to leave our last house - which now is 'dead' if you drive by it. Trees and grass and flowers are all dead. So sad; we used to have the best lawn in the entire area as we had a landscaper come every other week to take care of it. He was cheap too. $25 for the entire front yard. $50/month - grass cut, trimmed, weeds pulled, trees trimmed - it was well worth it. I loved that house; I loved the space I had. I loved the cabinet space I had! I need to either get rid of things here or quit buying! (or get a bigger place, which would be nice!)
It's cloudy out this morning, and cool, - 79 degrees according to my computer. Would love to take the time and go sit outside this morning. But, work does call and I will need to get on the work computer soon. Someone must have hired someone to do work - I keep hearing a buzz of a power tool but don't see it in the immediate area, so wonder who is doing what.
Romans 15:7 (NIV): Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Sometimes it is hard to accept other people, isn't it? They aren't like us; they don't have the same values we have. Some are narcistic and want all the attention on themselves. Some are drama queens. Some think it is all about them. Some are God-filled; some are evil filled. There are all kinds of people out there and many are hard to accept.
But God. He says we are to accept one another. Look at what a mess I am, and Jesus has accepted me as one of His own. How can I not lay down my thoughts, my feelings, my intuitions, my anger, etc... about certain people.... when He has accepted me - just as I am? I'm a mess, which you already know. I don't even have to go into detail and you know what a mess I am. I am called to love others, just as Christ loves me. That's hard. Sometimes it is really hard.
But it is also a choice. It takes choice; it takes prayer. I would love to tell some people off and set them on their path I think they should be heading.... but that is not my position. I am not to 'tell them where to go'... but to show them how to find Jesus. And then it's their choice - regardless of what they 'say', to follow Him. I mean really follow Him. I'm not talking about going to church occasionally or watching a service online. I'm talking about FOLLOWING JESUS. He went to the synagogue every week. He lived what He said. Shouldn't we if we are Christ-followers?
And yes, as you know, I fail many times. I am so grateful for a loving and kind Father who will forgive me for ALL my past, when I ask for forgiveness and confess it to Him. He helps me to let go of the pain, the guilt, the shame. Yeah, the devil tries to stir it up many times, but I am learning to ignore him. I know hubby is working on areas of his life as well. In fact, as many of you may know, we have one family 'member' who hates our family and usually tolerates any being around - which is rare. We all tend to shut down around them. Hubby used to be one of the outspoken ones, but even he has changed in that area. In fact, it was noticed the last time we were around them that he didn't say much and actually gave a compliment. That's all God. Trust me. I live with this man. It doesn't mean he likes this person or wants to be around them, but he wants to be more like Jesus. And that's what Jesus would do. Some say 'I forgive them' for what they did, (or didn't do) but then they are constantly bringing it up on social media and calling veiled names. Is that forgiveness?
When Jesus forgave me, He doesn't remember it anymore. When Jesus forgave you, He doesn't remember it anymore. And that is what we are called to do. Forgive (even when not asked for forgiveness), and then let it go. Include those people who hurt you. Let them get to know you better. If they stay away, it's their choice. True, there are many that would argue that point with me, but if you want to be LIKE Jesus, you want to live like Him as well.
Ok - mind is rambling and I'm not pointing fingers at anyone. Forgiveness is crucial to live a Christ-filled life. How bad do you want it?
I am mentally making plans to go on a three day fast to pray for specific family members who do not follow Jesus. My heart is broken over those I always believed would be His - but they have rejected Him for the world. I am going to be specifically praying for them. If you have someone you want prayed for, please send me their name - and I'll add to my 'list'. If YOU want on it for any reason, let me know as well. In the meantime, you are in my general prayers.
Blessings!
